March 09 / 17.00 Wincanton

17.00

Good

Salisbury Hospice Open Maiden National Hunt Flat Race (Category 3 Elimination) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £2178.4
  • 1m 7f 50y
  • Class 5
  • 9 runners
RTV
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Salisbury Hospice Open Maiden National Hunt Flat Race (Category 3 Elimination) (GBB Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: NH Flat

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

OUR TIP

9/4 (Won)

  • Win: £2.63
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 22 BF

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on Irish point debut a year ago and in 13-runner bumpers at Chepstow (good to soft) and Doncaster (good) this season; a very obvious contender here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 2

16:40 Sandown

Go West

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

Didn't jump well enough when well beaten in Kempton Grade 2 novice in February last time but had doubled his chasing tally with ready success at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks earlier, and will be dangerous if back in similar form.

7/2

4th

1

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 1

14:25 Kempton

Go West

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

5-9 over jumps; posted a personal best when winning novice handicap at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago, seeing off several challengers from four out; goes well with positive tactics; should be involved again.

11/4

1st

2

1st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 3

13:25 Musselburgh

Go West

11st 8lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

Form dipped last time (unable to lead) but otherwise a largely progressive sort; penultimate effort has been boosted by the winner since; may well rebound, especially if he returns to dominating (all wins from the front); shortlisted.

4/1

9/4

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 54

Last run: 73 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bettered underwhelming debut and was prominent for a long way when fourth of 17 over C&D (good to soft) on Boxing Day; that form has worked out well and this race looks easier; good chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

10th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 164y

Class 4

14:45 Plumpton

Bentleys Return

11st 8lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Lightly raced 7yo who was an encouraging second on his chase and seasonal debut over C&D (good to soft) in December, albeit no match for the winner Theonlywayiswessex; disappointing at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft) since but perhaps the first-time cheekpieces will prompt a return to form.

5/1

2nd

3

10th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 164y

Class 4

14:45 Plumpton

Bentleys Return

11st 8lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Lightly raced 7yo who was an encouraging second on his chase and seasonal debut over C&D (good to soft) in December, albeit no match for the winner Theonlywayiswessex; disappointing at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft) since but perhaps the first-time cheekpieces will prompt a return to form.

5/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 5

Last run: 117 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to fairly useful hurdler A Distant Place; dam French Flat winner, half-sister to a French Grade 1 chase winner; showed his inexperience but also some significant ability when keeping-on fifth in above-average race at Uttoxeter (good) in November; can improve; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Pic Roc

11st 11lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Soundly beaten when just 17-2 at last year's Festival (2m4f); finally opened his chase account in November, before staying-on fifth in major handicap at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft) where he was badly hindered at the unsatisfactory start; 13l win at Sandown (3m, soft; made most) on latest outing confirmed he's got his act together, which earned a 7lb rise but he needs respect.

16/1

1st

3

31st Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 42y

Class 2

15:42 Sandown

Pic Roc

10st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Opened his chase account on reappearance, then did well to finish fifth in major handicap at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft) having badly hindered at the unsatisfactory start; lost chance with bad mistake four out when beaten favourite at Ascot since; remains of interest, assuming he puts in an error-free round.

9/2

1st

2

2nd Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 3

13:48 Huntingdon

Pic Roc

11st 5lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

Has the best hurdles form in this field and his good efforts (twice runner-up) over fences last season were even better; however, he was below form in first-time cheekpieces on penultimate outing and failed to complete on starts either side, the latest 11 days ago; that dents his case today (in returning cheekpieces) but he is the standout on form.

10/11

Form: 7

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Out of a fairly useful 1m2f Flat winner; stayed on for respectable seventh of 18 against own sex here (good to soft) last month but needs to improve to land a telling blow today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

24th Mar 2026

Good

2m 2f 40y

Class 5

16:45 Taunton

Ryders Rock

10st 11lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Made a winning chasing debut at Newton Abbot (2m5f) in May; failed to stay 3m1f when fourth there subsequently but shaped encouragingly reverted to hurdles after seven months off when third in 2m2f Exeter handicap 18 days ago; merits serious consideration back in this sphere.

7/2

3rd

8

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 2f 111y

Class 5

17:18 Exeter

Ryders Rock

10st 12lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Has switched to fences this term, winning in May but regressing in two summer starts; only 1-18 over hurdles and she has never won away from Newton Abbot.

12/1

4th

4

21st Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

15:20 Newton Abbot

Ryders Rock

11st 4lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Battled on from unlikely position to score by 8l here (2m5f, good) on chasing debut in May, an eventful race in which the clear leader fell two out, but it's wise to treat that piece of form with a degree of caution; only fourth of six at Fontwell (2m3f, good) last time; tries a new trip today.

7/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
£25,000 3yo; fourth foal; half-brother to useful chaser Shanty Alley; dam 2m3f-3m hurdle winner, half-sister to two hurdle winners; stable has good strike-rate in bumpers (17%); can't be ignored.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

30th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 141y

Class 3

17:05 Ascot

Court In The Act

12st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Bumper winner and two hurdle victories include a 2m handicap on good ground; latest Kempton run (2m5f, good to soft) hinted at some stamina limitations over this far but that was a competitive race and today's forecast drier ground should be favourable; every chance.

5/2

4th

6

22nd Feb 2025

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:15 Kempton

Court In The Act

11st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

in touch with leaders, headway going best 2 out

8/1

14th

10

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Windsor

Court In The Act

10st 8lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Harry Derham

Lightly raced 6yo who showed improved form when making all by 8l on his reappearance in a handicap at Market Rasen (2m, good) three months ago; has also run well on soft ground; has received a 10lb hike for last time and he's up in grade today, but he may well take it in his stride.

10/1

Form: 65

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Displayed promise on both starts for Tom Weston but significant improvement is required on today's stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

23rd Apr 2025

Good To Firm

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

18:30 Taunton

Elusive Enemy

11st 4lb

J: James Turner

T: Alexander Gibbons

Eight-race maiden who has been pulled up at big prices in both his handicaps (2m/2m1f); has lots to prove after another absence and can only be watched; equipment removed.

33/1

4

23rd Apr 2025

Good To Firm

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

18:30 Taunton

Elusive Enemy

11st 4lb

J: James Turner

T: Alexander Gibbons

Eight-race maiden who has been pulled up at big prices in both his handicaps (2m/2m1f); has lots to prove after another absence and can only be watched; equipment removed.

33/1

6

5th Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

17:15 Newton Abbot

Elusive Enemy

11st 5lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Alexander Gibbons

0-7; has shown a tendency to race freely and never got involved under patient tactics last time at Stratford (2m, good), ultimately pulling up; others appeal a lot more.

25/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fifth foal; half-brother to bumper winner Meep Meep Mag; dam unraced half-sister to useful Irish jumper Ponmeoath; stable does pretty well in bumpers (12% strike-rate); no surprise if he features.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

22nd Sep 2024

Good

2m 4f 114y

Class 5

16:50 Plumpton

Dreadpoetssociety

10st 2lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

Looked beaten when falling on chasing debut in July but ran quite well when fourth over hurdles at Fontwell (2m3f, good) two starts ago and remains lightly raced; could have a say, even from 3lb out of the weights.

14/1

13

8th Jul 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

14:00 Worcester

Dreadpoetssociety

10st 2lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

Unexposed 6yo; well beaten on handicap debut in May but last month's fourth at Fontwell (2m3f, good) was much more encouraging, and further progress is possible on this chasing debut; 3lb wrong.

14/1

4th

7

12th Jun 2024

Good

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

17:18 Fontwell

Dreadpoetssociety

10st 7lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

Showed only glimmers of promise in three novice/maiden hurdles (2m-2m1f) during the winter and finished a well-held seventh of 12 on last month's handicap debut here (2m5f, good); down 4lb and back in trip but hard to warm to.

20/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Third foal; dam third in French 2m1f hurdles, half-sister to a French Listed hurdle winner; probably best watched on debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

7th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

15:15 Newton Abbot

Barford Groover

10st 12lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Kayley Woollacott

in touch with leaders, hit 3 out, weakened 2 out

7/1

6th

6

7th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

15:15 Newton Abbot

Barford Groover

10st 12lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Kayley Woollacott

in touch with leaders, hit 3 out, weakened 2 out

7/1

4th

7

19th Apr 2025

Soft

2m 2f 110y

Class 4

13:59 Newton Abbot

Barford Groover

10st 13lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Kayley Woollacott

took keen hold, in touch with leaders

33/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Third foal; half-sister to stable's useful chaser Numitor; dam unplaced in bumpers; rare bumper runner for stable; others appeal more on paper.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

7th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

16:10 Exeter

The Pit Popsy

10st 13lb

J: Mr Henry Main

T: Heather Main

Brief hurdling career wasn't devoid of promise but her debut over fences at Hereford in November (2m, good; 28-1) was disappointing, with that also her handicap debut; best watched back from a break.

12/1

4th

5

30th Mar 2025

Good

2m 3f 58y

Class 3

14:10 Ascot

The Pit Popsy

11st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Heather Main

raced in last, outpaced before 2 out, no impression

50/1

4th

7

14th Mar 2025

Good

2m 0f 128y

Class 4

13:42 Doncaster

The Pit Popsy

11st 2lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Heather Main

Well beaten in two bumpers in March/April 2023; off since; watching brief advised on hurdles debut.

66/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £6.30
Straight Forecast £5.41
Trifecta £20.90

Selections

POSTDATA:

Go West

SPOTLIGHT:

Bentley's Return

The Times:

Pic Roc

Daily Mail:

Dreadpoetssociety

RP Ratings:

Bentley's Return

WEST COUNTRY:

Go West

Telegraph:

Go West

The Guardian:

Go West

D Express:

Go West

Daily Mirror:

Go West

The Sun:

Go West

The Star:

Go West

Daily Record:

Go West