May 08 / 16.50 Worcester

16.50

Good

Download The Vickers.Bet App Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £4224.8
  • 2m 4f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
SKY
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Download The Vickers.Bet App Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.50
  • Place: £2.20

Form: 23213- D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Often leads; first handicap win over 2m3f at Fontwell in March (soft) and didn't seem inconvenienced when returned to 1m7f and close up at Wincanton later that month; in a good run of form and unlikely to be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

19th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

20:30 Huntingdon

Sambezi

11st 12lb

J: Mr Charlie Case

T: Mrs L Pomfret

Fair hurdler in his prime; returned to form when dead-heating with good hunter chaser in two-runner point in March and backed up that performance with very respectable third in Garthorpe open (3m, good; tongue-tie/cheekpieces refitted) last month; one to consider.

14/1

3

15th May 2025

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

18:10 Fontwell

Sambezi

11st 8lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Oliver Signy

Dual course winner, including at this trip (good to soft), but without a win since May 2023; inconsistent this year, a respectable run over C&D (good) in March coming in between two lesser efforts, including when favourite last time; tends to go well here but probably not the percentage call.

6/1

3

15th May 2025

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

18:10 Fontwell

Sambezi

11st 8lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Oliver Signy

Dual course winner, including at this trip (good to soft), but without a win since May 2023; inconsistent this year, a respectable run over C&D (good) in March coming in between two lesser efforts, including when favourite last time; tends to go well here but probably not the percentage call.

6/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 2P614-

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Usually leads; had run some good races at this trip before returning to 2m3f and breaking her duck at Warwick (soft); couldn't repeat the form when ridden more patiently at Wincanton last month and likely to have competition for the lead today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

2nd Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

15:17 Huntingdon

Cluain Aodha

12st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Neil King

disputed lead

13/8

13/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 31711- D

Last run: 76 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Won last three starts at about this trip on officially good ground, beating subsequent winners each time; up a further 5lb for the latest narrow win at Taunton in February but he keeps pulling out extra when needed; slight fitness query to answer and forecast rain is no plus.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

22nd Sep 2024

Good

2m 3f 164y

Class 5

14:50 Plumpton

Almost Gotaway

12st 0lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Nicky Martin

Three-time hurdle winner who returned from long absence with very encouraging third on chasing debut at Stratford (2m3f, good) in July; didn't fire at Worcester last month but still enters the equation here.

15/2

6th

7

19th Aug 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:00 Worcester

Almost Gotaway

11st 7lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Nicky Martin

Won three times over hurdles in 2022-23 campaign; made encouraging chasing debut when third at Stratford (2m3f, good) last month following a 440-day absence and good chance if he can build on that.

7/1

3rd

3

21st Jul 2024

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 4

17:10 Stratford

Almost Gotaway

11st 7lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Nicky Martin

Made good progress in low-grade handicap hurdles in 2022-23 season, winning three times; off since modest third at Worcester 13 months ago; makes chasing debut here; others look safer.

14/1

Form: 47/86-

Last run: 295 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
One standout run over hurdles in Ireland, when fourth in a big field for Limerick maiden in late 2021 (heavy); not nearly as good after, including over fences in July, and two runs in Irish points since didn't suggest a turnaround; worth market check on handicap debut for new yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

16th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 3f 83y

Class 5

15:05 Ffos Las

Highlander Casseul

11st 3lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

Tailed off when trying fences once in Ireland; mostly disappointing for this yard but was third in a 2m1f heavy-ground handicap hurdle at Fontwell in December so the ability is there; hard to trust nonetheless.

20/1

5

16th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 3f 83y

Class 5

15:05 Ffos Las

Highlander Casseul

11st 3lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

Tailed off when trying fences once in Ireland; mostly disappointing for this yard but was third in a 2m1f heavy-ground handicap hurdle at Fontwell in December so the ability is there; hard to trust nonetheless.

20/1

9th

7

11th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

17:10 Taunton

Highlander Casseul

11st 7lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

Took big step back in right direction when third of six at Fontwell (2m1f, heavy) in December but was quickly back in the doldrums on next outing; needs last month's wind op to have made a big difference.

25/1

Form: 61P69- D

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Beat two finishers in a Stratford seller for previous connections in October (2m2f, good) but not yet found his feet for new connections, including back on good ground at Warwick 11 days ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 83y

Class 5

14:33 Stratford

Floating Rock

10st 7lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Michael Gates

Course winner in 2022; had hinted at promise this season until beating only one in 2m2f handicap here in October; returns after wind surgery now.

25/1

13

30th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

15:17 Stratford

Floating Rock

10st 10lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Michael Gates

Gained two of his five hurdling wins over C&D (both in sellers) but the latest was in October 2022; ran well to a point in two recent 2m6f handicaps here (wore blinkers; doesn't today) and may benefit from this drop back in trip but younger rivals appeal more.

14/1

13

30th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

15:17 Stratford

Floating Rock

10st 10lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Michael Gates

Gained two of his five hurdling wins over C&D (both in sellers) but the latest was in October 2022; ran well to a point in two recent 2m6f handicaps here (wore blinkers; doesn't today) and may benefit from this drop back in trip but younger rivals appeal more.

14/1

Form: 34411-

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

21st Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 3

15:45 Cartmel

Horn Cape

11st 10lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Ben Haslam

Very inconsistent nowadays and needs to bounce back from tame effort in valuable handicap hurdle here three weeks ago but ran well from the front when second in C&D (good) chase in May and has claims if judged on that.

5/1

2

29th Jun 2025

Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 2

15:50 Cartmel

Horn Cape

11st 3lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Quickly switches back to hurdling after good second over fences here (2m1f, good) last month; does not have much margin for error off current mark but will cope a lot better than some of these if the ground ends up heavy.

8/1

1

24th May 2025

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 3

18:08 Cartmel

Horn Cape

11st 10lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Ben Haslam

Six-time hurdle winner on soft/heavy ground; reverts to fences on a tempting mark but was well beaten in his only previous chase (in October 2023) and there may not be enough rain about for him today.

3/1

Form: FFPP8- D

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Well treated on 2m3f Chepstow win in February 2022 (soft) but had a terrible time over fences and hurdles since back from a break in November; now goes in cheekpieces after dropping right out at Wincanton recently.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

1st Oct 2023

Yielding

2m 6f 180y

15:35 Killarney

The Street

12st 0lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: E McNamara

Chepstow handicap hurdle winner on soft ground for Emma Lavelle; lost his way subsequently and sold for 7,000 GBP; yard debut.

25/1

2

8th May 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:50 Worcester

The Street

11st 4lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Emma Lavelle

Well treated on 2m3f Chepstow win in February 2022 (soft) but had a terrible time over fences and hurdles since back from a break in November; now goes in cheekpieces after dropping right out at Wincanton recently.

14/1

8th

12

16th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 82y

Class 3

14:25 Wincanton

The Street

11st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Emma Lavelle

Scored off today's mark on last season's handicap debut (2m3f, soft) but fell at first fence in both chases in the autumn and was pulled up on both subsequent hurdling starts (3m2f/3m1f); may benefit from today's drop back in trip but it takes a leap of faith to support him.

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: 86285-

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Front-runner; didn't have the stamina for 3m on soft when making handicap debut at Newbury in March but fared much better when a close fifth at Wincanton recently (2m5f, good to soft); not far away in this lower grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 3

17:00 Cheltenham

Way Out

10st 13lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Anthony Charlton

On a good mark if able to rediscover his peak form but his debut for this yard was disappointing and that was back in August.

33/1

11th

9

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 3

17:00 Cheltenham

Way Out

10st 13lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Anthony Charlton

On a good mark if able to rediscover his peak form but his debut for this yard was disappointing and that was back in August.

33/1

5th

5

31st Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 2

15:55 Newton Abbot

Way Out

10st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Anthony Charlton

in touch with leaders, prominent before 3rd, mistake 4 out

10/1

Form: P5412- D

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
In excellent form under Harry Atkins, off the mark at Hereford (2m3f, good to soft; acts on soft) before losing his lead late in a higher grade at Cheltenham recently where he showed plenty of fight; back up 2lb but still on handy mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

30th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

20:45 Stratford

Samtara

11st 12lb

J: Mr Charlie Marshall

T: Ms Claire Hart

1-31 and not always a strong finisher under rules previously, but really dug in to wrest the prize back at Mollington latest (2m4f, good to firm); plenty to find on peak ratings but confidence restored at least.

33/1

5

30th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

20:45 Stratford

Samtara

11st 12lb

J: Mr Charlie Marshall

T: Ms Claire Hart

1-31 and not always a strong finisher under rules previously, but really dug in to wrest the prize back at Mollington latest (2m4f, good to firm); plenty to find on peak ratings but confidence restored at least.

33/1

8th

7

30th May 2024

Good

3m 2f 0y

Class 4

18:10 Warwick

Samtara

11st 4lb

J: Mr Freddie Keighley

T: Martin Keighley

Not the best of strike-rates but sound run when second over fences at Huntingdon last time (2m7f, good); well handicapped at present; a possible back hurdling.

10/1

Form: 11123- D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Chancing his arm at 3m2f didn't come off last month but previously in fine form this year, winning first four starts at about 2m5f (heavy and good to soft) then running at least as well in defeat at Chepstow in March; should go well again if latest run hasn't taken the sting out of him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

8th May 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:50 Worcester

Barrier Peaks

11st 3lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Chancing his arm at 3m2f didn't come off last month but previously in fine form this year, winning first four starts at about 2m5f (heavy and good to soft) then running at least as well in defeat at Chepstow in March; should go well again if latest run hasn't taken the sting out of him.

11/2

3rd

4

8th Apr 2023

Heavy

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

14:50 Newton Abbot

Barrier Peaks

11st 9lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: David Pipe

prominent in chasing group

11/4

2nd

3

23rd Mar 2023

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

15:45 Chepstow

Barrier Peaks

11st 13lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: David Pipe

midfield

9/4

Form: 2/8F1-

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Fell two out in a better race at Chepstow (2m3f) than the maiden he won at Wincanton since (1m7f, good) where he still looked inexperienced but had something in reserve; ordinary form but he should progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 4f 205y

Class 4

20:20 Stratford

Boom Boom

10st 2lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Rob Summers

Won here over 2m1f (good) and an extended 2m3f (good to firm) last summer; subsequently lost his form in three runs; hard to gauge how he will run after a layoff but he would come into this if back on song.

7/1

6

19th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 54y

Class 5

15:40 Warwick

Boom Boom

11st 1lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Rob Summers

Won at Stratford over 2m1f (good) in June and an extended 2m3f (good to firm) in July; ran better than the margin suggests at Worcester in August; suffered a seriously heavy defeat back at Stratford last time, however, while soft ground would raise a further concern.

14/1

7

20th Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

16:50 Worcester

Boom Boom

11st 2lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Rob Summers

Has emerged from a spell in the wilderness this season and is on a hat-trick after two wins at Stratford (2m1f/2m3f); up another 5lb since last time but must be considered in current form.

7/2

Form: 78650- CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Multiple winner who hasn't been doing well since returning to hurdles after unseating over fences in August, including in a similar grade to this two starts ago; becoming well treated but looks one to watch for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

23rd Sep 2024

Good

2m 0f 77y

Class 5

15:05 Sedgefield

Dr Sanderson

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Had a break since latest 21l defeat at Cartmel, which was only three days after finishing a close third there; this mark is manageable but Cartmel suits and his record here isn't great.

8/1

4th

6

26th Aug 2024

Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 3

17:15 Cartmel

Dr Sanderson

10st 9lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Ben Haslam

prominent, mistake 2 out, weakened after last

5/2

3rd

4

24th Aug 2024

Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 5

16:35 Cartmel

Dr Sanderson

11st 9lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

prominent, raced in second from 4th, kept on run-in, not pace to challenge

7/2

Non-runners

Horn Cape, Way Out

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £53.40
Straight Forecast £44.17
Tricast £171.96
Trifecta £235.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Samtara

Telegraph:

Boom Boom

WEST COUNTRY:

Almost Gotaway

POSTDATA:

Cluain Aodha

Daily Mail:

Boom Boom

D Express:

Boom Boom

The Sun:

Boom Boom

The Star:

Boom Boom

The Times:

Almost Gotaway

RP RATINGS:

Samtara

TOPSPEED:

Samtara

The Guardian:

Samtara

Daily Mirror:

Samtara

Daily Record:

Samtara