November 18 / 12.09 Wetherby

12.09

Soft

Dransfields CIU Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £5173.7
  • 2m 3f 154y
  • Class 3
  • 15 runners
RTV
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Dransfields CIU Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Evs (Won)

Form: 2111F- D BF

Last run: 213 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Highly progressive chaser last season and he comfortably completed a hat-trick in a Class 2 handicap at Newbury (2m4f, soft) in March; he'll be very tough to beat if transferring that ability back to hurdles, and he showed promise in this sphere earlier in his career.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:40 Perth

Heltenham

11st 13lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

All chase wins around 2m4f, including win at this meeting last year; Newbury specialist who landed fourth win at that track when bagging valuable handicap for second time on penultimate start; never won off a mark this high and drop back down to 2m also asks a question but he's impossible to rule out.

3/1

4th

4

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Heltenham

11st 9lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Back to something like his best last time, registering a second success in the Greatwood Gold Cup and taking C&D record to 4-6; won this contest in 2023 and 2024; back up the weights but commands respect kept to a scenario that suits him ideally.

9/4

1st

5

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Heltenham

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Dan Skelton

Record of 3-5 at Newbury features a success in this contest two years ago; proved no match for Twinjets in most recent course start and was a faller in last two handicap attempts (out of depth in Grade 1 since); however, holds a major chance off current mark provided he's in top form.

10/1

Form: 2

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a British point-to-point bumper (2m, good to soft) in February on his second start and he stayed on well for a clear second on last month's hurdle debut at Carlisle (2m1f, heavy); this step up in trip looks a positive move and he could have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

8th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

To Chase A Dream

10st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Paul Collins

Beaten favourite but ran creditably at Doncaster (2m3f) last time, taking form figures over hurdles to 222211142; that consistency gives him each-way possibilities back down in trip.

12/1

2nd

4

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 2

15:50 Doncaster

To Chase A Dream

11st 3lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Paul Collins

towards rear, not fluent 2nd

4/1

2nd

4

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 2

15:50 Doncaster

To Chase A Dream

11st 3lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Paul Collins

towards rear, not fluent 2nd

4/1

Form: F

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Failed to settle and had lost his position when falling three out over C&D (soft) a fortnight ago on rules debut; however, that run may have got the freshness out of him and he was an easy winner of an Irish maiden point (3m, yielding) in April; retains potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

27th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

19:15 Hexham

Le Jeune Bresil

12st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Mark Walford

Point winner; failed to complete in three of five starts over hurdles and was pulled up on chase debut at Sedgefield (2m3f, good to soft) in December; still lightly raced but he returns after another absence and has something to prove for new yard.

6/1

Form: 46

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has made the journey from Shropshire and his trainer won this last year; check the betting but he's been well beaten on both starts and he needs to be an entirely different proposition here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

26th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:52 Worcester

Gustoso

11st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Won well at Hereford (3m1f) last December; absent since creditable second at Huntingdon in February; has a modest record when fresh but market support should be noted.

7/1

5

20th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 4

14:45 Huntingdon

Gustoso

11st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Won here last April and registered his second handicap win when comfortably in front at Hereford (3m2f, good to soft) in December; the latter was his first attempt at this sort of trip but he flopped when 7-4 favourite at Wincanton five weeks ago; major player if bouncing straight back.

7/2

12

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 150y

Class 3

15:10 Wincanton

Gustoso

10st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

visibility reduced by fog

6/1

Form: 1-4

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well backed when winning on debut in Newcastle bumper (2m1f, heavy) in March and he kept on for an encouraging fourth in a maiden hurdle at Kelso (2m, soft) three weeks ago; open to plenty of improvement now up in trip and he's one to be interested in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

29th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

12:18 Kelso

Lunar Chief

11st 7lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Ruth Jefferson

didn't jump with fluency, in touch with leaders early, in rear when not fluent 4th, reminders after 4 out, rallied and went fourth 3 out, went third after 2 out, no impression before last

6/1

3rd

2

29th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

12:18 Kelso

Lunar Chief

11st 7lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Ruth Jefferson

didn't jump with fluency, in touch with leaders early, in rear when not fluent 4th, reminders after 4 out

6/1

Form: 95-537

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fair third over C&D (good) last month but needs to step up on that form if he's to pose a threat today, and he's since finished down the field at Sedgefield (2m4f, soft); others are higher on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

14th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

18:10 Uttoxeter

Magical Arthur

12st 0lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Jennie Candlish

Made good progress when headgear was added in the autumn, winning three times (2m7f-3m1f, good), but was given a break after disappointing run in January and made a low-key reappearance last month; needs to get back in the groove.

10/1

12th

11

6th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

19:18 Worcester

Magical Arthur

11st 4lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Jennie Candlish

Headgear helped last autumn, with three wins over further, latterly off a 6lb lower mark; has been off for four months since a poor one in blinkers (goes back to cheekpieces tonight) early in the year and will want a good test over this trip.

16/1

12th

11

6th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

19:18 Worcester

Magical Arthur

11st 4lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Jennie Candlish

Headgear helped last autumn, with three wins over further, latterly off a 6lb lower mark; has been off for four months since a poor one in blinkers (goes back to cheekpieces tonight) early in the year and will want a good test over this trip.

16/1

Form: 7P

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in midfield on rules debut at Hexham (2m, good to soft) in May and pulled up at Carlisle (2mf, heavy) last month; hard to fancy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

19:15 Hexham

Mademewhatiam

10st 2lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Annabelle Sowray

!6-race maiden; two fair runs at Wetherby in December (2m3f, soft); well beaten since (tried over hurdles last time); no easy task from 5lb out of the handicap.

33/1

6th

10

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

14:00 Hexham

Mademewhatiam

11st 2lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Annabelle Sowray

7yo who is a longstanding maiden and it will be a surprise if he gets anywhere close to getting off the mark today.

200/1

5th

6

15th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 5

15:20 Musselburgh

Mademewhatiam

10st 3lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Annabelle Sowray

0-14 under rules and 0-2 in points but returned from break with two respectable runs at Wetherby (both 2m3f, soft) in December and should be okay on this right-handed track; could have a say.

11/2

Form: 75

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well beaten on debut in Newcastle bumper (2m1f, good) in May and he again failed to threaten in a novice hurdle at Ludlow (2m, good to soft) last month, but he made eyecatching late headway to finish fifth of 15 and could be an each-way contender if improving for this step up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

3rd Oct 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

17:10 Southwell

Gentle Victor

10st 13lb

J: Ben Smith

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

0-10 and aside from his third at Bangor (2m3f, good) in June, there has been little to enthuse over.

12/1

4th

12

23rd Sep 2024

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

16:15 Sedgefield

Gentle Victor

10st 3lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

No threat to the front two when third at Bangor in June (2m3f, good) and then tailed off at Worcester; remains a maiden and needs to find extra.

33/1

8th

11

26th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:40 Worcester

Gentle Victor

10st 10lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Placed for first time in seven-race hurdling career when keeping-on third at Bangor (2m3f, good) this month but was no threat to the front pair there and needs to make further progress here.

12/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Ran four times in Irish maiden points and twice finished runner-up; sold for £23,000 in May 2022; absent since and may be best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

25th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

16:10 Wetherby

Nearly Wed

11st 1lb

J: Mr William Easterby

T: Tim Easterby

disputed lead, led 5th, headed 4 out, disputed lead 2 out, challenging last, no extra run-in

14/1

7th

4

26th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

11:45 Sedgefield

Nearly Wed

11st 0lb

J: Mr William Easterby

T: Tim Easterby

always behind

40/1

0

2

13th Dec 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

14:15 Hexham

Nearly Wed

11st 4lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Tim Easterby

in touch with leaders, lost ground and dropped to last 6th, weakened 2 out, pulled up before last

50/1

OUR TIP

50/1

Form: 56

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Displayed some ability when 28l sixth of 11 at Carlisle (2m1f, heavy) last month on his second start, but he needs another big step forward here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 4

12:50 Newcastle

Fat Harry

11st 2lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Eight-race maiden over hurdles, but he's thrived since switched to fences this season, winning two of his three starts and arguably unlucky not to be 3-3 after a costly mistake at the last proved his undoing at Haydock in December; the 6lb rise demands more, but he may not have reached his ceiling just yet.

5/2

3rd

9

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

20:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Fat Harry

11st 3lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Came back in good form after a three-month break with two sound runs last month, better effort when third at Catterick in a race that has worked out well (2m3f, good); didn't fare as well dropped back to 2m last time (didn't jump as well); definite contender back up in trip.

5/1

3rd

9

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

20:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Fat Harry

11st 3lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Came back in good form after a three-month break with two sound runs last month, better effort when third at Catterick in a race that has worked out well (2m3f, good); didn't fare as well dropped back to 2m last time (didn't jump as well); definite contender back up in trip.

5/1

20/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won on the Flat at Doncaster (2m, soft) in April and fair efforts in that code on final two runs for Ian Williams; he could make a hurdler but a pretty useful standard is required on this jumps and stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

19th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

20:50 Hexham

Justus

11st 12lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

Took big step back in right direction and arguably ran better than bare form suggests when fifth at Wetherby (2m, good to soft) in March, but was generally very disappointing last season; others have more appealing profiles.

16/1

Form: 2324-1

Last run: 196 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Showed promise over hurdles in Britain and France for Tom George before winning a 4yo chase at Auteuil (2m1f, very soft) in May for Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm; makes stable debut with new yard going well and he could have a big say now back over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

27th Mar 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

14:35 Southwell

Jar Du Desert

11st 9lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Nick Kent

took keen hold, prominent

10/1

2nd

6

4th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 89y

Class 4

15:35 Market Rasen

Jar Du Desert

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Nick Kent

Won over fences in France; inconsistent in his eight British races and was pulled up in the latest; others safer.

10/1

8

12th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

14:30 Wetherby

Jar Du Desert

11st 2lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Nick Kent

jumped left on occasions, prominent, lost ground but in touch with leaders after 6th, weakened before 4 out, pulled up approaching last

12/1

Form: 260

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second of four on bumper debut at Warwick in May but tailed off at triple-figure odds last month on first two hurdle starts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

14

1st Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

12:40 Worcester

Exclusive Getaway

10st 8lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Placed off today's lowly mark on handicap hurdle debut at Kempton (2m, good) in April and didn't run badly in a somewhat unsatisfactory race at Uttoxeter last month; back up in trip for today's chasing debut and has possibilities if he takes well to fences.

10/1

8th

10

18th May 2024

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

20:03 Uttoxeter

Exclusive Getaway

10st 2lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Runner up in a good ground maiden bumper this time last year; hasn't built on that over hurdles but took a step in the right direction at Kempton (2m, good) latest; could be involved if able to build on that.

10/1

8th

10

18th May 2024

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

20:03 Uttoxeter

Exclusive Getaway

10st 2lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Runner up in a good ground maiden bumper this time last year; hasn't built on that over hurdles but took a step in the right direction at Kempton (2m, good) latest; could be involved if able to build on that.

10/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed ability among his five starts in Irish maiden points, twice finishing second (albeit soundly beaten); bought for £20,000 in May; nicely bred and should have a future under rules, but others are more compelling today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

24th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 4f 62y

Class 3

13:05 Newcastle

Hemicycle

11st 2lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Brian Ellison

held up in rear but in touch with leaders, weakened and lost touch 4 out, pulled up before 3 out

33/1

8th

4

11th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 3f 66y

Class 4

13:55 Catterick

Hemicycle

11st 3lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Brian Ellison

Displayed some ability in points but tailed off at 50-1 on rules debut at Wetherby (2m3f, soft) in November and a transformation is needed.

66/1

100/1

Form:

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fair third on debut in Irish maiden point (3m, heavy) in March but pulled up next time (3m, yielding) and he was tailed off at 150-1 on recent rules debut at Carlisle (2m4f, soft); hard to fancy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

3

5th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

12:45 Musselburgh

Mount Falcon

11st 2lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tim Reed

Third on debut in Irish maiden point last March but pulled up next twice and has also struggled on his two hurdle starts (big odds both times).

100/1

15th

10

18th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 3

12:09 Wetherby

Mount Falcon

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Tim Reed

Fair third on debut in Irish maiden point (3m, heavy) in March but pulled up next time (3m, yielding) and he was tailed off at 150-1 on recent rules debut at Carlisle (2m4f, soft); hard to fancy.

100/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £5.14

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Heltenham

D Express:

Lunar Chief

POSTDATA:

To Chase A Dream

Daily Record:

Jar Du Desert

The Star:

Lunar Chief

RP RATINGS:

Heltenham

The Times:

Heltenham

Telegraph:

Heltenham

The Guardian:

Heltenham

Daily Mail:

Heltenham

Daily Mirror:

Heltenham

The Sun:

Heltenham