February 27 / 15.50 Ayr

15.50

Good To Soft

Virgin Bet Fives Handicap Hurdle (Go North Cab On Target Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £4752.9
  • 2m 4f 100y
  • Class 4
  • 15 runners
RTV
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Virgin Bet Fives Handicap Hurdle (Go North Cab On Target Series Qualifier)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £12.00
  • Place: £3.20

Form: 481261 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Two wins this season, the latter gained by 5l at Musselburgh (2m4f, good; refitted tongue-tie) three weeks ago; recent 6lb rise does not look excessive and this left-handed track should also suit; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

16th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 218y

Class 5

15:42 Carlisle

Coral Blue

11st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Daragh Bourke

10yo who is a five-time hurdle winner and ran well when second at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft) in February; however, his campaign concluded with two lesser performances and he returns from some time off today.

20/1

7th

9

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

17:12 Carlisle

Coral Blue

10st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Daragh Bourke

Without a victory since early 2023 but he comes here in good order, ridden too aggressively when a fading sixth in 2m4f Hexham handicap 25 days ago; considered with cheekpieces refitted.

12/1

7th

9

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

17:12 Carlisle

Coral Blue

10st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Daragh Bourke

Without a victory since early 2023 but he comes here in good order, ridden too aggressively when a fading sixth in 2m4f Hexham handicap 25 days ago; considered with cheekpieces refitted.

12/1

8/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: -28245 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 12st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Five-time hurdler winner; looked as good as ever when going close at Wetherby (2m5f, good to soft) on Boxing Day and is now 1lb below that mark but will need to better his last couple of efforts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

22nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 3

16:12 Kelso

Fostersisland

11st 6lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Micky Hammond

Good servant to connections over the years (six hurdle wins); on the downgrade now, though, and was just a respectable fifth in first-time cheekpieces (retained) at regular haunt Wetherby (2m5f, good) last month.

10/1

3rd

3

22nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 3

16:12 Kelso

Fostersisland

11st 6lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Micky Hammond

prominent, no extra run-in

10/1

5th

3

28th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 56y

Class 4

15:32 Wetherby

Fostersisland

11st 11lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Micky Hammond

Has often run well here and he's well treated on course form as recent as November; however, his subsequent form has been patchy and this 10yo needs to raise his game in first-time cheekpieces.

20/1

14/1

  • Place: £4.00

Form: 1/52U/ BF

Last run: 733 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Unexposed 8yo who was second on handicap debut at Bangor (2m3f, heavy) for Tom George in January 2021; not seen since unseating rider the following month but market support will make him of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

7

15th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 2

15:35 Cheltenham

Big Bresil

10st 6lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: B F Brookhouse

Lightly raced 8yo; looked held when unseating two out at Doncaster in February 2021 on his only attempt at 3m; unraced beyond 2m4f otherwise, over which he was third of 15 at Ayr in February but pulled up at Ffos Las (soft ground should not have been an issue) in April; others look more solid.

14/1

5

9th Apr 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

14:50 Ffos Las

Big Bresil

11st 5lb

J: Chris Ward

T: B F Brookhouse

Lightly raced 8yo; ran well after two years off when third of 15 at Ayr (2m4f, good to soft; 10-1) in February, giving the impression the run was just needed; big player if building on that from an unchanged mark.

5/1

3rd

2

27th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

15:50 Ayr

Big Bresil

12st 0lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: B F Brookhouse

in touch with leaders, pushed along 2 out, ridden and not fluent last, no extra run-in

14/1

Form: 7-7313 D BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Off the mark over hurdles on third start for Rebecca Menzies, with cosy success at Sedgefield (2m4f, soft) last month; also suited by much quicker ground but was safely held off today's mark at Sedgefield (2m5f, good to soft) on latest outing and needs to kick on again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(8)

20th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 6

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Socks Off

9st 0lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Kevin Frost

AW bumper/minor hurdle winner; in fair form over hurdles last spring but makes his stable debut after eight months off and his last Flat run was back in April 2023.

20/1

4

20th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

20:58 Hexham

Socks Off

11st 12lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Michael & David Easterby

2-29 under rules and no win since the start of 2023; third on good ground at Newcastle (2m1f) and Carlisle (2m3f) in his last two starts, though, and each-way possibilities again.

5/1

4

20th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

20:58 Hexham

Socks Off

11st 12lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Michael & David Easterby

2-29 under rules and no win since the start of 2023; third on good ground at Newcastle (2m1f) and Carlisle (2m3f) in his last two starts, though, and each-way possibilities again.

5/1

Form: 15-P62 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Dead-heated with Foster'sisland over C&D last season and looked back in good form when second at Catterick (2m3f, good) a fortnight ago; can cope with a recent 3lb rise; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

3rd May 2025

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

18:40 Hexham

Glentruan

11st 6lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Michael Flannery

took keen hold, midfield on inner

20/1

Form: 83-318

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Came good over hurdles at fifth attempt, in first-time cheekpieces at Doncaster (2m3f, good) in November; well beaten over same C&D last month but could still have further improvement to come.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

17th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 6f 125y

Class 4

17:05 Stratford

Okavango Delta

11st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Paul Robson

Absent since below-par run in December but returned from break with creditable second at Musselburgh (2m, good to soft; stays much further) in November and won when fresh last spring; has travelled from Northumberland for this race and Sean Bowen is booked; interesting.

3/1

5th

4

3rd Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 20y

Class 4

15:20 Perth

Okavango Delta

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Paul Robson

Did well for new yard last season with two wins at Musselburgh (good to soft/soft) and was back on the scoresheet at Worcester in May; absolute shocker at Warwick (also 2m4f, good) 29 days again, though, beaten 62l with no obvious excuses.

5/1

1

4th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

20:40 Warwick

Okavango Delta

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Paul Robson

Did well for new yard last season with two wins at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft/soft) and was back on the scoresheet at Worcester (2m4f, good) three weeks ago; did it well last time and a 4lb rise may not stop him.

10/11

Form: 162-4P D

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced since wide-margin win on hurdle debut in October 2021 and both chase runs this season have been very disappointing; not written off just yet but reverts to hurdling with questions to answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

15th May 2023

Soft

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

19:45 Southwell

Barony Legends

11st 12lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

in rear

7/1

5th

1

12th Apr 2023

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

17:05 Southwell

Barony Legends

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

towards rear, headway after 10th

7/1

7

6th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 56y

Class 4

14:00 Wetherby

Barony Legends

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Looked very good when winning at Lingfield (2m3f, soft) in October 2021; unable to reproduce that promise since but his recent 14l third at Bangor (2m3f, good to soft) wasn't devoid of promise and this longer trip may be a plus; continues to drop down the weights and he's an each-way possible.

11/1

Form: 1282P4 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Has rather mixed record since winning good-ground Uttoxeter maiden (2m4f) on last summer's hurdling debut but, following a wind op, ran quite well when fourth at Catterick (2m3f, good; behind Glentruan) this month and is probably still on a workable mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

27th Jul 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

16:37 Uttoxeter

Fennas Loss

10st 2lb

J: Jamie Brace

T: Stephen Allen

Might be glad to see the back of fences but it's been a long time since he showed his true form over hurdles.

50/1

7

2nd Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

14:15 Worcester

Fennas Loss

10st 10lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Stephen Allen

Started off for current stable with three heavy defeats over hurdles last summer (2m-2m4f) and was again well beaten when reappearing in a recent 2m chase here; big leap of faith required to support him.

33/1

4

18th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

14:40 Worcester

Fennas Loss

11st 2lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Stephen Allen

Started off for current stable with three heavy defeats over hurdles last summer; reverts to chasing after 284-day absence; big leap of faith required to support him.

25/1

Form: 1-PF

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Smart stayer on the Flat in his prime and made winning stable/hurdle debut at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) in December 2021; ran as though something was amiss on seasonal debut in November then fell on last month's handicap debut but remains very unexposed in this sphere and ought to be suited by today's step up in trip; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

15th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

16:35 Newcastle

Moonlight Spirit

12st 0lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Smart on the Flat in his prime but lightly raced and generally very disappointing since winning hurdle debut in December 2021; had wind surgery during 228-day absence; swaps cheekpieces for refitted blinkers; current ability hard to gauge.

20/1

Form: -46533 BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 4lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Won twice at Kelso (2m6f) towards end of last season and comes here after two very respectable thirds this winter (2m6f/3m); not ruled out each-way but others appeal more for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

13th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:50 Punchestown

Lissen To The Lady

11st 3lb

J: Miss J Walton

T: Patrick Cronin

Seven-time hurdles winner made a satisfactory return from a long absence at Naas when sixth; didn't build on that at Clonmel last time; others preferred.

15/1

9th

5

26th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 2f 188y

17:12 Clonmel

Lissen To The Lady

11st 3lb

J: Miss J Walton

T: Patrick Cronin

Six-time winner in Britain and gained her first Irish win in game fashion over 2m4f at this venue in January 2024 on her third and final start for Marie Harding; at the veteran stage now but made a promising reappearance under Joanna Walton (aboard for all seven wins) over 2m at Naas recently; each-way prospects.

8/1

Form: 154758

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish 5yo; unable to land a telling blow on first two starts for new stable this year (2m4f/2m1f) but wasn't beaten far on either occasion and will be suited by today's drying ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

16th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 5

15:30 Musselburgh

Minella Youngy

11st 1lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

pressed leader, led 4 out, ridden and faced challenge from 2 out, clear with one other inside final 110yds, kept on well

6/1

4th

6

5th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

15:05 Sedgefield

Minella Youngy

11st 1lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

midfield

8/1

4th

6

5th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

15:05 Sedgefield

Minella Youngy

11st 1lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

midfield

8/1

Form: 50420

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Low-mileage 6yo; needs to bounce back quickly from a disappointing run a Navan two weeks ago but was creditable second of 16 on handicap debut at Down Royal (2m1f, soft) on Boxing Day and remains one to be interested in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 120y

17:40 Fairyhouse

Cave Court

11st 5lb

J: Mr O McGill

T: Noel C Kelly

Two-time chase winner; fine effort when runner-up in a Cartmel handicap chase in June 2025 but only seen three times since and well beaten both starts in 2026, over hurdles at Haydock and in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham; needs to rediscover best.

25/1

14th

18

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Cave Court

11st 0lb

J: Mr O McGill

T: Noel C Kelly

Runner-up at Cartmel (2m5f, good to soft) last June and he's run well at up to 3m in the past; however, he was tailed off at 50-1 over hurdles at Haydock last month when back from a break and looks up against it today.

66/1

Form: 31003F D

Last run: 84 days

W: 11st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Scored at Perth (2m4f, good) in September but lost his way a bit over hurdles afterwards and fell when switched back to chasing for latest run in December; comes here with a bit to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

22nd Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 91y

Class 2

16:10 Ayr

Curious Times

10st 8lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: S R B Crawford

Has an all-or-nothing profile, mostly disappointing since winning at Perth (2m4f, good) in September; on the plus side, he should encounter ideal conditions here and can now run off a 3lb lower mark.

10/1

4

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

13:50 Kelso

Curious Times

11st 8lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

Has dropped below the mark off which he won at Perth last September and this Northern Irish challenger is one to watch in the betting, but his form has been mixed since that win and he tailed off at Ayr last time.

33/1

13th

5

27th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

15:50 Ayr

Curious Times

11st 13lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: S R B Crawford

Scored at Perth (2m4f, good) in September but lost his way a bit over hurdles afterwards and fell when switched back to chasing for latest run in December; comes here with a bit to prove.

16/1

Form: 3FU295

Last run: 92 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Went close off today's mark over fences at Kelso (2m1f, good to soft) in October and had excuses when well beaten over hurdles the following month (soft ground/breathing problem); will be fine over today's trip; could have a say.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19

16th Nov 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 50y

12:15 Navan

Gladiatorial

11st 1lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: Noel C Kelly

Looked booked for second when presented with victory by the faller of the leader at the last in a handicap chase at Sligo last month; well beaten in a handicap hurdle at the same venue last time; a long time since he won over hurdles.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: 58-561 CD

Last run: 56 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 6yo who rewarded good market support over C&D (heavy) on last month's handicap debut, drawing nicely clear of the others with a subsequent winner; moves up in grade and has much quicker ground to contend with today but still features prominently in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

16:11 Hexham

So Many Roads

11st 7lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald Whillans

Resumed winning ways at Ayr (2m4f) in January but failed to back it up when a well-held fifth in another 2m4f handicap at that track 43 days ago; others appeal more.

11/1

5th

2

10th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 5

13:35 Ayr

So Many Roads

11st 13lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald Whillans

Both wins have been here, latest when beating Velvet Vulcan by a head in a 19-runner handicap over this trip last month (soft; went clear but only just held on); should go well off this 3lb higher mark.

100/30

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £76.70
Straight Forecast £89.26
Tricast £820.49
Trifecta £601.80

Selections

The Times:

So Many Roads

POSTDATA:

Glentruan

RP Ratings:

Foster'sisland

SPOTLIGHT:

Moonlight Spirit

Daily Record:

Coral Blue

The Guardian:

So Many Roads

Daily Mail:

So Many Roads

D Express:

So Many Roads

Daily Mirror:

So Many Roads

The Sun:

So Many Roads

Telegraph:

Glentruan

The Star:

Glentruan

TOPSPEED:

Foster'sisland