July 02 / 14.40 Cartmel

14.40

Good To Soft

Oakmere Homes Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £21124
  • 2m 1f 46y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV
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Oakmere Homes Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

OUR TIP

Form: 056-12

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Travelled very smoothly when winning on handicap debut at Tipperary (2m, good to yielding) in May and clear second to odds-on winner in Perth novice (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago, when seemingly outstayed; today's drop back in trip looks ideal and he could have more left in the tank.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 100y

17:35 Ballinrobe

Fiveonefive

11st 7lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Cian Collins

Gained a fifth win over hurdles at Cartmel last June but has lost his way since; heavy defeats the last twice at Naas and Aintree; is at least back down to last winning mark, but needs a revival.

22/1

20th

15

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Fiveonefive

11st 4lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Cian Collins

Irish challenger who has done his winning at about 2m, mostly at Cartmel where he remains unbeaten; far from consistent and can be opposed in this highly competitive scenario back up in distance.

66/1

Form: 53-31V D BF

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Front-running tactics were adopted when he wore reapplied cheekpieces (retained) at Fakenham (2m, good) last month and he came out on top; he was ending a long losing run and today's race is more competitive, but he could have more to offer now things have clicked again; effective on good to soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(8)

29th Jun 2024

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Too Friendly

8st 7lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: James Owen

Seen far more often over hurdles; lost his way in that discipline but smooth 2m winner on the Kempton AW in March (first Flat start since 2021) and he's run well on turf since over 1m6f and 1m5f; often wears cheekpieces, which return today after he was hooded instead on penultimate start and had no headgear on latest; others are preferred for the win.

20/1

4th

4

(1)

2nd Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:40 Hamilton

Too Friendly

9st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: James Owen

Seen far more often over hurdles (winner on varied ground); lost his way in that discipline but smooth 2m winner on the Kempton AW in March (first Flat start since 2021) and close second of six to Hope You Can Run at Newmarket (1m6f) two weeks ago; often wears cheekpieces, but hooded instead on latest start and has no headgear today; may still have more to offer on Flat.

8/1

2nd

6

(1)

19th May 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Newmarket

Too Friendly

9st 3lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: James Owen

Seen far more often over hurdles (winner on varied ground); has lost his way in that discipline but he was a smooth 2m winner on the Kempton AW in March (first Flat start since 2021) and was not discredited when tenth in the Chester Cup nine days ago; first-time hood replaces cheekpieces; may still have more to offer on Flat.

4/1

Form: 2721-2 BF

Last run: 46 days

W: 10st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Two-time novice hurdle winner (2m, good/good to soft) who was a close second in a handicap at Worcester (2m, good) last time, when his jockey mistook the winning post and stopped riding briefly; a 5lb rise demands further improvement but he's lightly raced.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

4th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 1f 162y

Class 3

15:45 Fontwell

Trolley Boy

11st 4lb

J: James Bowen

T: Neil Mulholland

prominent, went second after 2 out, kept on but no match for winner

11/2

3rd

8

2nd Jul 2023

Good To Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 2

14:40 Cartmel

Trolley Boy

10st 10lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Neil Mulholland

towards rear

10/1

2nd

1

17th May 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:00 Worcester

Trolley Boy

12st 0lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Neil Mulholland

C&D winner on his hurdling debut and back from a break when landing a Ludlow novice three weeks ago; beaten in both handicap attempts but a repeat of that latest performance makes him a leading light in this.

15/8

Form: 323-26 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Creditable second at Plumpton (2m4f, good) in May and he's okay on good to soft ground; not ruled out but he was well beaten at Market Rasen (2m4f, good) last time and his losing sequence is up to 12.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

19th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 3

14:50 Cartmel

Ashington

11st 3lb

J: Miss Becky Smith

T: Mark Walford

Won this race on good ground under Becky Smith a year ago and defends his crown from a good mark but recent Flat/hurdling form has been underwhelming and conditions are not in his favour today.

33/1

9th

10

(9)

5th Jul 2025

Soft

1m 3f 39y

Class 5

19:42 Carlisle

Ashington

10st 0lb

J: Miss Becky Smith

T: Mark Walford

Better known as a jumper and yet recent efforts in that scene haven't been great, and he was only midfield over C&D last month.

20/1

7th

5

29th Jun 2025

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

16:57 Uttoxeter

Ashington

11st 8lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Stuck on a losing run and finished last in two hurdle races before finishing only sixth off his low Flat mark 13 days ago; others much preferred.

25/1

Form: 4452-1 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Second at Haydock (1m7f, good to soft) in April and went one better at Kelso (2m, good to firm) in May; he's up 4lb for last time and may be vulnerable against some unexposed rivals, but can give another good account.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

27th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 2

17:45 Market Rasen

Castel Gandolfo

11st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Won small-field C&D event in June and was not beaten far in Summer Hurdle (a race he won in 2024) here in July; needs to up his game after two lesser efforts elsewhere but the return to this track is sure to suit.

33/1

1

5th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Worcester

Castel Gandolfo

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Had a win and two placings from three starts here (2m) in his younger days; won four-runner Market Rasen handicap (2m, good) off reduced mark in June and was not disgraced in competitive Summer Hurdle over that C&D in July; form took a dip at Cartmel last time, though, and he's untried at this trip.

10/1

1

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 3

16:30 Cartmel

Castel Gandolfo

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Won four-runner Market Rasen handicap (2m, good) off reduced mark in June and was not disgraced in competitive Summer Hurdle over that C&D last month; ran quite well on only previous visit to Cartmel (in 2023); could have a say.

12/1

Form: U28-05 CD

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
C&D winner who went close at Carlisle in February but he's struggled on his last three starts and a major turnaround is needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

14:10 Cartmel

Vocal Duke

10st 11lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: James Moffatt

Regressive 9yo but ran okay in this new headgear combination last time when rallying into fifth, finishing behind Mojo Ego and Heart Above; that's something to build on; Alan Doyle claimed 5lb that day but can't now.

8/1

9

21st Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

13:42 Cartmel

Vocal Duke

10st 11lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: James Moffatt

Regressive 9yo who is yet to add to his C&D win in June 2022; ran well for a long way when placed at Hexham (2m, good to soft) last month but was soundly beaten here a fortnight later; cheekpieces refitted today.

16/1

Form: 5P/1-2 D BF

Last run: 57 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Won a maiden hurdle at Down Royal (2m, good) last June and returned from absence with close second of 18 in Cork handicap (2m4f, yielding) in May, when clear with one who followed up; this unexposed 7yo is open to further improvement for his top Irish trainer and has leading claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

2nd Jul 2023

Good To Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 2

14:40 Cartmel

Banks Boy

11st 0lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

in rear, awkward jump 1st

9/2

2nd

1

6th May 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

15:33 Cork

Banks Boy

12st 0lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

in touch with leaders, smooth headway and prominent 3 out, went second last, ridden disputing lead run-in, kept on, went clear with winner towards finish

8/1

Form: 0P77-7 D BF

Last run: 57 days

W: 10st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Continues to drop down the weights and he's one to watch in the betting, but he's failed to threaten this year and others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

2nd Jul 2023

Good To Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 2

14:40 Cartmel

Band Of Outlaws

10st 6lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

in touch with leaders

12/1

3

20th May 2023

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

14:45 Bangor-on-Dee

Band Of Outlaws

11st 12lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Beat one rival in first four starts for this stable but was still sent off favourite at Hexham two weeks ago; didn't look very keen in finishing seventh there and cheekpieces now replaced by first-time visor; nothing like the force of old but trainer in blazing form, which counts.

6/1

7th

1

6th May 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 3

20:40 Hexham

Band Of Outlaws

12st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Ben Haslam

Useful at his best in Ireland for Joseph O'Brien but has beaten just one rival in four outings for current yard; carries obvious risks but his mark is in freefall and he's not one to give up on just yet.

12/1

Form: 42-032 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Third in this last year (good) and has run well to be placed on his last two starts (2m, good); each-way claims if conditions suit; has won on good to soft but rarely tackles a slow surface nowadays.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

25th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 3

16:43 Cartmel

Hurricane Ali

11st 4lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Seven-time hurdle winner; only his third run over fences when second here a month ago but never went a yard here on Saturday and was pulled up in this new aids combination.

12/1

2

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 4

17:05 Cartmel

Hurricane Ali

11st 12lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

9yo whose losing sequence goes all the way back to September 2022 but he returned to form when second over C&D (soft) last month and is also fine on good ground; a tongue-tie is added; possible player.

9/2

5

21st Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 3

15:45 Cartmel

Hurricane Ali

10st 8lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Seven-time hurdle winner who was useful on good ground in his prime; launched chasing career with two very respectable runs here (2m1f/2m5f) in May and was not disgraced in competitive 2m6f handicap hurdle here on Saturday (albeit finishing behind Sea The Clouds); could have a say.

7/1

Form: 1141-1 D

Last run: 46 days

W: 10st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who has posted five wins (2m-2m2f, good-soft) from his last six starts; today's assignment is tougher but he's won in style the last twice and there could still be mileage in his mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

24th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 127y

Class 3

14:40 Perth

Inferno Sacree

11st 2lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Nigel Hawke

Front-runner; having his 40th career start but a first over 3m when successful at Taunton and he followed up at Plumpton (3m1f; again good to soft); subsequent defeat, again under Murray Dodd, suggests others in here might be better treated.

10/1

2nd

4

9th Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 3

16:50 Taunton

Inferno Sacree

11st 2lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Nigel Hawke

Showed improved form when stepping up to 3m to land his sixth success over hurdles, over C&D (good to soft) in February and followed up at Plumpton (3m1f, good to soft) last month; remains unexposed as a stayer and holds strong claims to land a three-timer.

4/5

1st

2

9th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

15:30 Plumpton

Inferno Sacree

11st 13lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Nigel Hawke

Front-runner who has been consistent this season and ended a long losing streak at Taunton (3m, good to soft) 11 days ago; went up 5lb for that but this track also suits him and he remains unexposed as a stayer.

11/4

Form: /2438- D

Last run: 84 days

W: 10st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
On a fair mark judged on last season's best efforts but below par in April on final run for Olly Murphy and sold for £35,000 in May; makes stable debut in a hot race and it's probably best to look elsewhere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

14

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

16:40 Aintree

Dr T J Eckleburg

10st 2lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Mrs C Williams

Runs off a mark 10lb lower than when fifth of 14 in this last year, beaten just over 13l; he's run a couple of reasonable races this season but hasn't shown enough to suggest he's the one to be on today.

33/1

3rd

5

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 2

15:40 Chepstow

Dr T J Eckleburg

10st 9lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Evan Williams

Led close home to win this race off 5lb higher a year ago (soft ground) and was seemingly perked up by cheekpieces when third on both outings last month; made up considerable ground from the rear at Sandown (1m7f, soft) on latter occasion and has strong claims here if the headgear continues to aid him.

15/8

3rd

9

31st Jan 2026

Soft

1m 7f 99y

Class 2

14:02 Sandown

Dr T J Eckleburg

10st 3lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Evan Williams

Acts on any ground; half-length second off 4lb higher in this contest 12 months ago; out of sorts this term until posting a resurgent effort, behind solid rivals, in first-time cheekpieces at Windsor most recently; enters calculations in the retained headgear.

11/2

Form: 1FPF-5 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who returned to form with creditable fifth of 15 over fences at Ballinrobe (2m7f, good) in May and he's versatile in terms of trip and ground; won in fine style at Galway (2m7f, soft) last July on his last hurdles outing and this Irish challenger is a very interesting contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

(8)

20th May 2024

Soft

1m 4f 14y

19:50 Roscommon

Hallowed Star

9st 8lb

J: W J Lee

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Triple hurdle winner is a maiden on Flat but some good runs in 2022; well beaten when last in this sphere in 2023; others make more appeal.

25/1

4th

10

(8)

20th May 2024

Soft

1m 4f 14y

19:50 Roscommon

Hallowed Star

9st 8lb

J: W J Lee

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Triple hurdle winner is a maiden on Flat but some good runs in 2022; well beaten when last in this sphere in 2023; others make more appeal.

25/1

Form: 4P-111 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Has thrived for a change of headgear and made it 3-3 in these blinkers (all over 2m on good ground) with something to spare at Hexham a fortnight ago; up in grade here but entitled to respect given his purple patch.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

4th Jun 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

15:00 Uttoxeter

Belvedere Blast

11st 4lb

J: Oakley Brown

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Five out of seven hurdles wins have been recorded in the month of June; mark and trip fine, but although once a winner after 151 days out his record following an absence is a bit mixed overall.

8/1

4

30th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 7f 149y

Class 4

15:08 Newcastle

Belvedere Blast

11st 13lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Several flights were omitted when winning at Market Rasen (2m7f, good; visor refitted) but consistent in the main and perhaps needs further than the 2m4f he ran over last time; not ruled out.

6/1

Form: -12153 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Won three times in Ireland this spring (2m1f-2m3f, soft-good to yielding); however, he's been beaten the last twice and there's a suspicion he'll be vulnerable in this competitive race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

21st Feb 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 200y

15:50 Punchestown

I Dont Get It

11st 12lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Neill McCluskey

In fine form over hurdles last May, winning twice and reaching a career-high mark off 111; weak hurdles form in recent months; best run this term over fences at Down Royal on latest.

20/1

4th

11

23rd Jan 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 100y

15:30 Down Royal

I Dont Get It

11st 0lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Neill McCluskey

In fine form over hurdles last May, winning twice (including at this venue) and reaching a career-high mark off 111; poor hurdles form in recent months and beaten 15l in seventh in a handicap chase here after Christmas; 25lb lower than current hurdles mark.

7/1

Non-runners

Belvedere Blast, I Don't Get It

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £61.49
Tricast £342.62

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Banks Boy

RP RATINGS:

Hurricane Ali

Daily Mirror:

Belvedere Blast

Daily Record:

Too Friendly

D Express:

Hallowed Star

WEST COUNTRY:

Castel Gandolfo

POSTDATA:

Ashington

The Times:

Banks Boy

The Sun:

Banks Boy

The Star:

Banks Boy

TOPSPEED:

Hurricane Ali

Telegraph:

Hurricane Ali