February 20 / 15.50 Carlisle

15.50

Good To Soft

Williams Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £7921.5
  • 2m 3f 61y
  • Class 3
  • 12 runners
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Williams Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £10.00
  • Place: £2.80

Form: 53-8F4

Last run: 46 days

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
French winner who has produced fair performances in British handicaps the last twice (2m, good to soft/heavy); improvement needed today but perhaps the step up in trip will suit this lightly raced 5yo and his trainer's horses are always worth a second look at Carlisle; could be a player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

15th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Tanganyika

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Up in class and up in trip (by some way) having never gone beyond an extended 3m; however, he's got low mileage as a chaser and won eased down last time at Carlisle (good to soft); handicapper saw fit to raise him 9lb for that but if his stamina reserves can stretch this far then he might not be far away.

8/1

1st

4

17th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 3

14:50 Carlisle

Tanganyika

11st 9lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Four-time hurdle winner (heavy/good to soft; including here) who scored at Market Rasen (3m, good to soft) a fortnight ago on his third chase start; led close home having been outpaced and today's stiffer test should be right up his street; firmly in calculations up 4lb.

3/1

1st

1

4th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

15:45 Market Rasen

Tanganyika

12st 1lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

prominent, outpaced before 3 out, ridden and rallied after 2 out, good jump last, led final 110yds, kept on well

7/2

6/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 7-4212

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Easy winner on handicap debut at Musselburgh (1m7f, soft) in November and, although he was no match for the winner there since (2m4f, soft), he still ran well in second; could have more to offer; on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

3rd Feb 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 3

13:40 Musselburgh

Holmes St Georges

10st 8lb

J: Ben Bromley

T: S R B Crawford

Just 1-9 over hurdles but bounced back quickly from a disappointing December run when close second in competitive handicap here (2m4f, soft) on New Year's Day and will pose a threat if able to transfer that form to fences at the first attempt; first-time tongue-tie.

10/1

2nd

6

1st Jan 2024

Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 2

13:10 Musselburgh

Holmes St Georges

11st 1lb

J: Ben Bromley

T: S R B Crawford

in touch with leaders in centre of group

12/1

8th

4

9th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Aintree

Holmes St Georges

11st 2lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: S R B Crawford

Won at Musselburgh (1m7f, soft) last November when back from a break and has run well in defeat on his four starts since, most recently at Down Royal (3m, yielding) in May; can go well fresh and could be a player.

8/1

6/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 4-3214

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Ciaran Gethings gets off and sticks with stablemate Marsh Wren but this bumper (1m7f, heavy) and novice hurdle (2m4f, good) winner goes handicapping off a fair mark and is open to improvement; a contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

19th Oct 2023

Good

3m 0f 110y

Class 3

15:35 Carlisle

Mexico

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Stuart Edmunds

Displayed improved form when upped in trip and winning easily in a novice hurdle at Uttoxeter (2m7f, soft) in April; unexposed over staying trips and not ruled out on his chase debut, but this is a tough first assignment in this sphere and he's not bred for fences.

10/1

12th

18

15th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

14:25 Aintree

Mexico

10st 10lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Stuart Edmunds

Proved a revelation stepping up to about 3m for the first time when barely coming off the bridle to win a Uttoxeter novice event (soft) a fortnight ago; went about 14l clear at the last before being eased, so a 7lb rise in his mark looks lenient; stable won this race in 2021; considered.

10/1

1st

1

1st Apr 2023

Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

14:45 Uttoxeter

Mexico

11st 12lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Stuart Edmunds

in touch with leaders on outer, hit 6th, led going easily after 4 out, went clear after 3 out, eased run-in, easily

9/2

Form: 5221

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Returned from very long absence in November and has shown promise in maiden hurdles, finishing second twice in a row (2m/2m3f, good to soft/soft) before winning at Uttoxeter (2m, good to soft) last month; has potential off this opening mark in view of his old, very useful Flat form; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

1st Aug 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

19:05 Worcester

Astromachia

12st 0lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland

Consistent since switched to hurdles late last year, including wins in a 2m maiden and 2m2f Fontwell handicap; latest third at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) was encouraging; chance.

11/4

3rd

3

2nd Jul 2023

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

16:25 Uttoxeter

Astromachia

11st 11lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Dr Richard Newland

Reliable sort since switched to hurdles late last year, including wins in a 2m maiden and 2m2f Fontwell handicap; close third there (2m3f, good) on latest start and should be seriously involved again.

3/1

4

17th Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 3

15:10 Hexham

Astromachia

11st 5lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland

Form: 21F-66 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Two-time hurdle winner who scored over fences at Wetherby last March; however, this 10yo has been below par in chases on his two outings this season and a return to form is needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

8th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:50 Carlisle

Buster Valentine

11st 10lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Dual chase winner but not been at his best this season (last twice over hurdles); on a good mark and conditions suit; could go well.

10/1

5th

4

12th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

14:40 Market Rasen

Buster Valentine

11st 6lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Useful chaser at his best but didn't fire on either start over fences this season and was unable to land a telling blow when back over hurdles last month; needs to turn a corner.

25/1

5th

9

20th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 3

15:50 Carlisle

Buster Valentine

11st 2lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Two-time hurdle winner who scored over fences at Wetherby last March; however, this 10yo has been below par in chases on his two outings this season and a return to form is needed.

25/1

Form: 5-7465 CD

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 10lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
It's a long time since this 11yo has threatened but he ran some fair races last year and continues to drop down the weights; has won here four times (including this in 2020) and is not ruled out now back here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

1st Jun 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

16:15 Hexham

Captain Zebo

12st 2lb

J: Mr John Dixon

T: John Dixon

Goes well here as both a C&D winner and also a winner over 2m4f last time out; 3lb rise and the return to shorter will be a test for him but he's shown before that he can string a series of wins together.

100/30

1st

1

11th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

17:45 Hexham

Captain Zebo

12st 0lb

J: Mr John Dixon

T: John Dixon

made virtually all, jumped badly right 5th, briefly headed 6th

16/1

1st

1

11th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

17:45 Hexham

Captain Zebo

12st 0lb

J: Mr John Dixon

T: John Dixon

made virtually all

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 63P7-3 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 12st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Made his reappearance in the competitive Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton (2m5f, soft) last month and returned to form with a creditable third; has won on good to soft ground and has strong claims now back down in grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

31st May 2025

Good

3m 2f 83y

Class 3

19:30 Stratford

Up For Parol

11st 6lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Largely consistent 9yo who makes a quick reappearance after finishing well to take close fourth from a long way off the pace at Cartmel (3m1f, good to soft) on Monday; may not be ideally suited by the faster ground here.

7/2

2nd

2

31st May 2025

Good

3m 2f 83y

Class 3

19:30 Stratford

Up For Parol

11st 6lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Largely consistent 9yo who makes a quick reappearance after finishing well to take close fourth from a long way off the pace at Cartmel (3m1f, good to soft) on Monday; may not be ideally suited by the faster ground here.

7/2

5

26th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 2

15:30 Cartmel

Up For Parol

11st 5lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Ended a long losing run at Ffos Las (3m) in January and not disgraced when sixth of 17 in 2m7f Uttoxeter handicap last time; possibilities eased 1lb.

14/1

Form: 09721-

Last run: 346 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Good-ground bumper winner who got better with each of his four hurdle starts, finishing second at Newcastle (2m4f, good) last February then going one better there (2m, good); unexposed and brings potential to this handicap debut but has been off for nearly a year and is unproven on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

15th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

18:20 Aintree

Fingals Hill

11st 5lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Peter Atkinson

5lb higher than when a 6l winner of this last year, beating Ike Sport; returns on the back of two solid efforts at Newcastle; chance.

6/1

2nd

1

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 3

16:00 Newcastle

Fingals Hill

12st 0lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Peter Atkinson

This race was one of the three he won last season, all of them on good or good to soft at this trip; on his last winning mark and, after his running-on second over 2m1f here last time, should go well again.

2/1

2nd

1

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 3

16:00 Newcastle

Fingals Hill

12st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Peter Atkinson

Won back to back at Aintree & Hexham (both 2m4f) last summer, rising to a career-high mark of 134; kicked off 2026 with a solid effort at Doncaster (2m4f, soft; runner-up) and he's capable of bouncing back from a lesser effort at Kelso since.

5/1

Form: 2191-1 D

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
2-5 in novice hurdles last season, the wins gained over 2m/2m4f on soft/good to soft, and she won a four-runner mares' event on her handicap and seasonal debut at Exeter (2m2f, heavy) on New Year's Day; this is much tougher but she's unexposed and could have more left in the tank.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

27th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 1

14:25 Market Rasen

Marsh Wren

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Stuart Edmunds

Record of 12113 switched to fences last term, including Irish Listed win (2m6f, soft); seemed to run very well, improving nearly a stone, in Grade 2 at the Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, soft) on final outing; big player provided she backs up that form and stays this trip (second 3m attempt).

3/1

1st

3

27th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 1

14:25 Market Rasen

Marsh Wren

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Stuart Edmunds

Record of 12113 switched to fences last term, including Irish Listed win (2m6f, soft); seemed to run very well, improving nearly a stone, in Grade 2 at the Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, soft) on final outing; big player provided she backs up that form and stays this trip (second 3m attempt).

3/1

25/1

Form: 5212/0

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Tailed off at 16-1 at Huntingdon three weeks ago after a long absence and needs to show how much ability she retains; however, she's in top hands and is well treated on the form she showed in early 2021; watch the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

14th May 2023

Good

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

16:05 Ludlow

Marada

12st 0lb

J: Bridget Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

jumped left on occasions, raced slightly wide, in touch with leaders

5/1

7th

6

20th Apr 2023

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

13:30 Cheltenham

Marada

11st 6lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Triple 2m hurdle winner in 2020-21 season; returned from long absence with two heavy defeats at start of this year but last month's Chepstow seventh (2m3f, soft; race won by Dollar Bae) was more encouraging and she might get closer to the target on today's faster ground.

14/1

7th

1

19th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 3

15:15 Chepstow

Marada

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Promising novice in the 2020-21 season, winning three times and finishing second in a Grade 2 at Newbury; no impression in two runs back from a long absence this winter, undergoing wind surgery after the latest; down in the weights but there are risks attached.

20/1

Form: 25/1-3 D

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Hurdle/chase winner for Tom George who returned from a long absence with an encouraging third over hurdles on his stable debut at Haydock (2m3f, soft) in December; could build on that and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

20th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 3

15:50 Carlisle

Doctor Dex

11st 2lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Nick Kent

Hurdle/chase winner for Tom George who returned from a long absence with an encouraging third over hurdles on his stable debut at Haydock (2m3f, soft) in December; could build on that and he's one to consider.

14/1

8

4th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 3

15:23 Wetherby

Doctor Dex

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Nick Kent

Won over hurdles in France for Tom George in spring 2021 and, after a long layoff, outran 50-1 odds when placed for new yard at Haydock (2m3f, soft) in December; still very well handicapped on old form; could have a say.

6/1

3

29th Jan 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

16:10 Southwell

Doctor Dex

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Nick Kent

Chase/hurdle winner who only recently returned from a long absence and it was in a higher grade that he finished a 12l third in that Haydock race (2m3f, soft) a month ago; that was encouraging and he's on a dangerous mark.

10/1

Form: P1267P

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Two novice hurdle wins for Joseph O'Brien last year but he's struggled on his last three starts and a major turnaround is required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

11th Jul 2023

Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

20:10 Uttoxeter

Faron

12st 0lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Stuart Coltherd

Won a maiden (2m2f) and a novice hurdle (2m2f) on good to yielding in Ireland last season; has been disappointing for current yard, and although well handicapped, has plenty to prove.

8/1

3rd

7

25th Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

15:20 Hexham

Faron

11st 1lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Stuart Coltherd

raced in second, went third after 3 out, ridden after 2 out, soon outpaced, not fluent last, no match for first two

20/1

11th

6

11th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

14:25 Perth

Faron

11st 9lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Stuart Coltherd

always behind

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £86.50
Straight Forecast £73.07
Tricast £239.33
Trifecta £422.20

Selections

RP Ratings:

Up For Parol

Telegraph:

Marsh Wren

TOPSPEED:

Faron

Daily Record:

Holmes St Georges

SPOTLIGHT:

Mexico

The Times:

Captain Zebo

Daily Mirror:

Astromachia

D Express:

Marsh Wren

The Sun:

Marsh Wren

POSTDATA:

Up For Parol

LAMBOURN:

Up For Parol

The Guardian:

Up For Parol

Daily Mail:

Up For Parol

The Star:

Up For Parol