July 20 / 20.25 Worcester

20.25

Good

eventmasters.co.uk Handicap Hurdle (Div I)

  • Prize money: £3406.24
  • 2m 4f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 9 runners
SKY
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eventmasters.co.uk Handicap Hurdle (Div I)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

15/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.00
  • Place: £1.30

Form: 433-74 BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Didn't live up to market expectations at Newton Abbot last month (after wind surgery); might be happier back up in trip and 3lb drop in the handicap a help; cheekpieces (no help in four previous attempts in them) return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

17th Oct 2023

Good

2m 5f 163y

Class 5

17:20 Hereford

Ranco

11st 6lb

J: Tom Buckley

T: Nigel Hawke

Doubled his hurdling tally at Worcester (2m4f, good) in July and is now only 2lb above that mark but has become inconsistent this year and others in this line-up appeal more.

16/1

6th

6

24th Sep 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 114y

Class 5

15:10 Plumpton

Ranco

11st 1lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Nigel Hawke

Would have won easier at Worcester (2m4f, good) but for some premature easing on the run-in but he went out like a light next time at Uttoxeter; usually consistent in the main and could bounce back from that.

12/1

8th

2

30th Aug 2023

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

19:50 Uttoxeter

Ranco

11st 12lb

J: Tom Buckley

T: Nigel Hawke

Generally consistent and gained a second hurdle success when overcoming premature easing at Worcester last month; 4lb higher and this looks potentially more competitive but he has to be considered again.

5/1

12/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 799-63

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Maiden; has improved since handicapping and last month's Ffos Las third was a decent effort; repeat of that gives her fair claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

12

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:05 Taunton

Nowyouvebinandunit

10st 2lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Neil Mulholland

Longstanding maiden but bang there in two 2m5f handicaps at Fontwell (good to soft; in cheekpieces) before struggling there last time on heavy (first-time visor); can be given another chance; 2lb wrong but a 3lb claimer takes over.

16/1

12

23rd Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

16:50 Fontwell

Nowyouvebinandunit

10st 5lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

0-15 over hurdles but was creditable second at Stratford (2m6f, good to soft) in March and caught the eye making headway from the rear on consecutive 2m7f starts in June/July; 1lb wrong here but could have a say.

8/1

6th

13

16th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

17:10 Uttoxeter

Nowyouvebinandunit

10st 2lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

0-14 over hurdles but hasn't been with Neil Mulholland all that long and caught the eye making smooth headway from the rear at Bangor (2m7f, good; finished fourth) last month; could have a say.

9/1

Form: 6PP3-3

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Maiden; probably took a step forward when third on last month's handicap debut (for Fergal O'Brien, backed); visor worn then replaced by cheekpieces; possibilities as he becomes this partnership's first jumps runner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

22nd Aug 2024

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

14:45 Newton Abbot

Dirk Gently

10st 8lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

prominent, not fluent 13th, soon lost position, pulled up before 15th

20/1

11th

3

18th Jul 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

20:25 Worcester

Dirk Gently

11st 4lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

13-race maiden who was a fair fourth over fences at Uttoxeter (3m, good) last month but improvement is needed to get off the mark in this.

20/1

5th

10

26th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

14:53 Worcester

Dirk Gently

11st 1lb

J: Nick Slatter

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

A maiden after 12 starts but came second in 2m4f chase here last summer (good) and also ran well when upped to 3m at Uttoxeter (good) three weeks ago; makes more appeal than some of these.

11/2

Form: 65-522 BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Two French Flat wins; improved over hurdles since handicapping and runner-up in her last two starts; not sure the latest of those, over 2m here five weeks ago, was the strongest of contests but it entitles her to respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

7th Oct 2024

Soft

2m 6f 7y

Class 4

14:42 Stratford

Only Fools

11st 1lb

J: Gearoid Harney

T: David Pipe

Looked as good as ever when clearcut winner at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good) in July and was placed off today's mark at Uttoxeter (2m4f, soft) soon afterwards; had another wind op during 82-day break; won't be far away if still in good form.

8/1

3rd

3

17th Jul 2024

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

17:15 Uttoxeter

Only Fools

11st 6lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Dual Flat winner who recorded her third hurdle win when justifying support on rain-softened ground at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good) 12 days ago; up 5lb but that latest form looks solid and all of her hurdle wins have come under Jack Tudor; respected.

5/1

1st

3

5th Jul 2024

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 5

17:45 Newton Abbot

Only Fools

11st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Two hurdle wins last season (2m5f/2m3f); often gives her running but well beaten at Worcester last month and 5lb above her most recent winning mark; would need considering if the ground were to ease.

11/2

Form: 6/11-9 CD

Last run: 57 days

W: 10st 9lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Back from a long absence when winning over C&D a year ago; followed up at Plumpton two months later but seen only once since, when tailed off at Southwell in May; could leave that behind, especially if backed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

10th Sep 2023

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

14:00 Fontwell

Boomtime Banker

11st 3lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: D J Jeffreys

Returned from long layoff with 2m4f handicap wins at Worcester and Plumpton last year (both on good ground) but, following another break, has been soundly beaten on both outings this year; needs to turn things around.

6/1

5th

7

20th Jul 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

20:25 Worcester

Boomtime Banker

10st 9lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: D J Jeffreys

Back from a long absence when winning over C&D a year ago; followed up at Plumpton two months later but seen only once since, when tailed off at Southwell in May; could leave that behind, especially if backed.

10/1

9th

8

24th May 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

20:50 Southwell

Boomtime Banker

10st 10lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: D J Jeffreys

prominent, led after 1st, disputed lead 3rd, ridden and headed before 2 out, soon weakened quickly

11/4

OUR TIP

Form: 567-

Last run: 139 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Tailed off at Royal Ascot last month (after wind surgery) and three novice hurdle efforts were not exactly spellbinding; recorded a Flat RPR of 98 when winning at Wolverhampton last October (final start for the Johnstons) so this opening handicap hurdle mark really shouldn't tax him unduly; blinkers on and the risk may be rewarded.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:13 Cartmel

Achnamara

11st 8lb

J: Ian Power

T: Philip Kirby

Didn't run badly in a low-grade Flat marathon last month but he ended the last jumps season with two disappointing runs (both 2m4f) and has a bit more to prove than some of these.

14/1

3rd

8

(1)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 139y

Class 6

16:32 Pontefract

Achnamara

9st 0lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Philip Kirby

Well beaten over hurdles on his last two starts but hasn't run badly on his last two Flat outings (1m4f/2m, AW) and his trainer has won two of the last six runnings of this race; not discounted.

14/1

9th

3

11th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:07 Newcastle

Achnamara

11st 11lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Philip Kirby

Scored twice over hurdles (at about 2m4f) in 2024-25 but has failed to fire this term and beat just two in 2m4f Sedgefield handicap hurdle ten days ago; others appeal more.

25/1

Form: 2312-3

Last run: 30 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Shaped as if the run was needed when third at Stratford, on return from nine months off; most consistent last year and every reason to expect him to put in a good shift again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

3

19th Aug 2023

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 5

20:00 Market Rasen

Genever Dragon

11st 7lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

No issues with trip or good ground judged on such as last September's Kelso win; ordinary strike-rate of 2-17 over hurdles but most consistent if last month's Worcester 55l seventh is overlooked (lost a shoe).

12/1

7th

1

20th Jul 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

20:25 Worcester

Genever Dragon

12st 0lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Shaped as if the run was needed when third at Stratford, on return from nine months off; most consistent last year and every reason to expect him to put in a good shift again.

5/1

2

21st Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:09 Worcester

Genever Dragon

12st 0lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Placed six consecutive times (twice on the Flat) last summer/autumn, most notably when winning off 3lb lower at Kelso (2m2f, good) on penultimate appearance; respectable return to action at Stratford yesterday.

13/2

Form: /03-98

Last run: 43 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Not much to show for her efforts so far; slight improvement at Newton Abbot latest and longer trip a help but deal of improvement needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:05 Taunton

Emberscombe

10st 2lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Joe Tickle

Dual point winner who is 0-13 under rules; 80-1 when pulled up in latest handicap; 7lb out of the weights.

100/1

11

25th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

14:33 Worcester

Emberscombe

10st 4lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Joe Tickle

Best caught at this time of year, having won points on Exmoor in late May 2024 (good) and again 24 days ago (good to firm); reproduction of the form of her Cheltenham hunter chase run won't suffice, however.

10/1

5th

4

2nd May 2025

Good

3m 1f 56y

Class 4

18:55 Cheltenham

Emberscombe

11st 8lb

J: Mr James Shaw

T: Miss D Kenealy

prominent, awkward jump 13th, weakened before 2 out

33/1

Form: P-5646

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Placed once from 13 starts for this yard; well beaten over fences in latest three starts; 10lb out of the handicap on return to hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

12

20th Jul 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

20:25 Worcester

Chain Smoker

10st 2lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Georgie Howell

Placed once from 13 starts for this yard; well beaten over fences in latest three starts; 10lb out of the handicap on return to hurdles.

66/1

6th

11

21st Jun 2023

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

14:10 Worcester

Chain Smoker

10st 2lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Georgie Howell

Placed once from 12 attempts for this stable; twice well beaten at Ffos Las recently; 10lb out of the handicap.

50/1

Non-runners

Blazing Court, Jacks Orchard, Ulysses

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £34.40
Straight Forecast £34.25
Tricast £299.63
Trifecta £239.00

Selections

POSTDATA:

Only Fools

RP RATINGS:

Ranco

The Times:

Genever Dragon

D Express:

Jacks Orchard

SPOTLIGHT:

Achnamara

Telegraph:

Boomtime Banker

Daily Mail:

Only Fools

Daily Mirror:

Only Fools

The Sun:

Only Fools

The Star:

Only Fools

Daily Record:

Only Fools

WEST COUNTRY:

Ranco

The Guardian:

Genever Dragon