October 24 / 16.00 Exeter

16.00

Good

Exeter “Challenger” Staying Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Stayers’ Hurdle Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £8449.6
  • 2m 7f 25y
  • Class 3
  • 10 runners
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Exeter “Challenger” Staying Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Stayers’ Hurdle Series Qualifier)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.75
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 243- BF

Last run: 297 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Unexposed 6yo who finished very strongly for second on hurdle debut at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) last November; not quite at same level on his two starts the following month and makes handicap debut after 297-day absence but still looks interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

16:20 Uttoxeter

Goshhowposh

11st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Won a Pertemps qualifier at Wincanton (3m, good to soft) on Boxing Day 2023; well handicapped on that form but he's had only four runs since and was pulled up on his comeback at Newbury last month; has something to prove and yard also runs Oh My Johnny.

20/1

7

7th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 57y

Class 3

13:35 Newbury

Goshhowposh

11st 3lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Pulled up sole start on heavy; won off this mark in a Pertemps qualifier at Wincanton (3m, good to soft) on Boxing Day 2023 but did not live up to that in his three races in 2024, in headgear on last two occasions; absent 484 days since, so assessing his revival prospects requires some guesswork.

16/1

6th

6

11th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 3

16:25 Chepstow

Goshhowposh

11st 2lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Won a Pertemps Hurdle qualifier at Wincanton (3m, good to soft) on Boxing Day but failed to go on from there, albeit in just two subsequent starts (blinkered the final time); doesn't do much in a hurry but he's a strong stayer who is bred for fences and could be in for a good season; cheekpieces added.

7/1

8/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: /3U24-

Last run: 325 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Not seen since last December but has won when fresh and his current mark is workable; ought to be suited by today's trip/ground; can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

17th Aug 2024

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

18:20 Market Rasen

Royal Pretender

12st 0lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

His first win since 2021 when staying on to collect by 5l at Stratford (2m6f, good) a month ago, for which he's back up 5lb; that might not prevent him from doubling up if he can replicate the form.

11/4

1st

5

21st Jul 2024

Good

2m 6f 7y

Class 4

13:50 Stratford

Royal Pretender

11st 9lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Third over 2m7f at Uttoxeter in June (good) but was well held in the end and remains without a win since 2021.

8/1

12/1

  • Place: £4.20

Form: 53FP-5 BF

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Good third over C&D (good; first-time cheekpieces) in Pertemps Qualifier in February but ended last season with two non-completions and ran very poorly when warm favourite for recent Warwick maiden; needs to get career back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

14th Apr 2024

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 3

15:15 Plumpton

Moka De Vassy

11st 12lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

prominent

12/1

9th

3

14th Apr 2024

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 3

15:15 Plumpton

Moka De Vassy

11st 12lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

prominent

12/1

5

21st Feb 2024

Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 3

14:35 Doncaster

Moka De Vassy

11st 11lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

in touch with leaders, jumped left 1st

7/1

Form: -1114F D

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Won three in a row in early part of this season (2m7f-3m1f) and was set to finish second off today's mark before last-flight fall at Warwick (2m5f, good) this month; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

24th Oct 2023

Good

2m 7f 25y

Class 3

16:00 Exeter

Gentleman Valley

11st 12lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

Won three in a row in early part of this season (2m7f-3m1f) and was set to finish second off today's mark before last-flight fall at Warwick (2m5f, good) this month; respected.

7/1

0

5

5th Oct 2023

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 3

15:35 Warwick

Gentleman Valley

11st 12lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

In fine form in the summer and completed his hat-trick in 2m7f Worcester handicap hurdle; posted another solid effort off a 6lb higher mark when fourth at Stratford (3m2f) last time so he's shortlisted.

5/1

4th

4

3rd Aug 2023

Good

3m 2f 83y

Class 3

17:25 Stratford

Gentleman Valley

11st 9lb

J: Dylan Whelan

T: Ben Pauling

Has his quirks but going great guns this summer and completed a hat-trick with a career-best effort at Worcester last month; has form on soft ground and no surprise if he proves up to this 6lb higher mark.

9/4

OUR TIP

Form: 2-601P D

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Bounced back to form to beat AJP Kingdom at Market Rasen (2m7f, good) in August but the form looks dubious, given that several flights were omitted and the race developed into a sprint; quickly back in the doldrums on latest outing; others look much safer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

2

25th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 118y

Class 3

14:40 Ascot

Go Chique

11st 11lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

prominent, lost position 4th, dropped to last 6th, pulled up before 7th

16/1

5th

2

24th Oct 2023

Good

2m 7f 25y

Class 3

16:00 Exeter

Go Chique

11st 12lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Bounced back to form to beat AJP Kingdom at Market Rasen (2m7f, good) in August but the form looks dubious, given that several flights were omitted and the race developed into a sprint; quickly back in the doldrums on latest outing; others look much safer.

14/1

0

1

11th Sep 2023

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 2

16:25 Newton Abbot

Go Chique

12st 0lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

led, headed and prominent 5th, weakened quickly after 3 out, soon pulled up

6/1

Form: 11235- BF

Last run: 199 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
2-5 during first season over hurdles; signed off with creditable fifth in valuable final of this Challenger Stayers' series at Haydock (3m, good to soft) in April and resumes on a 1lb lower mark; no surprise if he features.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

16th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 208y

Class 2

14:55 Cheltenham

Itso Fury

10st 13lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

midfield, headway after 8th, prominent 2 out, weakened approaching last

11/1

8th

6

16th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 208y

Class 2

14:55 Cheltenham

Itso Fury

10st 13lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Ran well in two of his four handicap hurdles last term; has contested five chases since June, getting the hang of it the last twice and winning at Wetherby (3m, good) latest; 9lb higher on this return to hurdles but one to consider.

11/1

1st

3

2nd Nov 2024

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

16:08 Wetherby

Itso Fury

11st 13lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Well handicapped on last season's hurdling form; well beaten on first three chase starts and there's a slight doubt about his stamina today, but he took a big step in the right direction when going close at Ludlow (2m4f, good) last time and could play a leading role if seeing out the trip.

3/1

Form: -1112P D BF

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Won three times on good ground in the spring (2m5f-2m7f) and was close second to Go Chique in unsatisfactory race on handicap debut at Market Rasen (2m7f, good) in August; reportedly not suited by slower ground when pulled up last time; limit of his ability not yet clear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

12th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

3m 2f 54y

Class 4

13:32 Chepstow

Ajp Kingdom

12st 1lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Just 1-13 over fences but comes here after two good recent runs, the latter when a clear second at Uttoxeter (3m, good); still on a workable mark and will be suited by the extra distance today; respected.

11/2

2nd

6

16th Sep 2025

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 3

15:40 Uttoxeter

Ajp Kingdom

11st 0lb

J: Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

Thorough stayer who won by 15l here (3m2f, good) last autumn and returns after a pretty good third at Worcester (2m7f, good) last month; significant rain would leave him with something to prove (unraced on ground slower than good to soft under rules) but, otherwise, he's a contender.

9/1

4

20th Aug 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:25 Worcester

Ajp Kingdom

11st 11lb

J: Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

Third at Cheltenham in April (3m4f) and similar form when a 12l second at Stratford; blew out in a first-time tongue-tie last time (replacing cheekpieces) and that's swiftly removed.

10/1

Form: 934-1P

Last run: 165 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Evidently suited by step up to 3m1f when making all in Warwick maiden (3m1f, good) in May, his fifth start over hurdles, but not seen since very poor handicap run 11 days ago; others have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

25th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

15:47 Uttoxeter

Exmoor Forest

11st 9lb

J: James Davies

T: Nigel Hawke

Placed in three consecutive chases during the winter (2m7f-3m, good to soft) but this first hurdling start since March 2024 comes after a five-month break, so his fitness must be taken on trust.

12/1

2

18th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 3y

Class 4

15:35 Taunton

Exmoor Forest

11st 10lb

J: James Davies

T: Nigel Hawke

Creditable third over C&D (good to soft) in December, after a wind op, and probably bettered that performance when filling same position at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) last month; remains on a workable mark and seems likely to be right in the thick of things again.

9/2

Form: P-32

Last run: 144 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Won Irish point in April and was placed in two subsequent hunter chases, latterly in prestigious novice race at Stratford (3m3f, good) on stable debut in June; not an easy horse to weigh up on today's handicap/hurdle debut but the booking of Harry Cobden catches the eye.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

7th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

20:00 Hereford

Brave Starlight

11st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: David Dennis

Irish point winner who ran well on his debut for this yard in a 3m3f hunter chase last spring; has been off for six months since two poor efforts last autumn.

16/1

8

7th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

20:00 Hereford

Brave Starlight

11st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: David Dennis

Irish point winner who ran well on his debut for this yard in a 3m3f hunter chase last spring; has been off for six months since two poor efforts last autumn.

16/1

7th

6

17th Nov 2023

Good

2m 7f 214y

Class 4

15:20 Doncaster

Brave Starlight

11st 5lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: David Dennis

Point winner in Ireland; respectable second in notable novice hunter chase at Stratford (3m3f, good) on debut for new yard; showed nothing over hurdles last time but may progress returned to fences.

5/1

Form: 17-6P6

Last run: 55 days

W: 10st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Not firing on all cylinders over hurdles this summer but made all in good-quality 2m Flat handicap at Ascot 18 days ago; switches back to this discipline on a good mark and could be dangerous if suited by the step up in trip (unraced beyond 2m4f).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

6th Oct 2024

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

14:05 Kelso

Oceanline

11st 9lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

raced in second

11/4

1st

5

11th Sep 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Worcester

Oceanline

11st 8lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Fit from the Flat when capitalising on a reduced mark in 2m7f handicap hurdle here 23 days ago; back up 4lb now but he's well in the mix again.

4/1

1st

11

19th Aug 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 Worcester

Oceanline

11st 6lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Sole win over hurdles at this track in July 2022 but unraced in this discipline since pulling up last October (only effort over this distance); fit from the Flat, a market watch is advised.

14/1

Non-runners

The Imposter

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £41.90
Straight Forecast £36.19
Tricast £508.01
Trifecta £556.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Goshhowposh

POSTDATA:

Oceanline

D Express:

Brave Starlight

RP RATINGS:

Itso Fury

TOPSPEED:

Gentleman Valley

Daily Mail:

The Imposter

LAMBOURN:

Go Chique

WEST COUNTRY:

Goshhowposh

The Times:

Goshhowposh

Daily Mirror:

Brave Starlight

The Guardian:

Itso Fury

Telegraph:

Gentleman Valley

The Sun:

Oceanline

The Star:

Oceanline

Daily Record:

The Imposter