December 04 / 13.00 Ayr

13.00

Good To Soft

Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4629.1
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 18 runners
RTV
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Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 507-8

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

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

8

3rd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 149y

Class 4

15:35 Newcastle

Better Be Definite

11st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Rediscovered winning ways at Ayr (3m, soft; 5-1), that his second run back from a short break; the handicapper has responded with a 7lb rise, but this stablemate of Whiskey On Ice stays well and handles most ground conditions; likely to have a say in the finish.

11/4

Form: 44

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

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

4th

5

8th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 3

15:15 Kelso

Dream Boy

10st 5lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Stuart Coltherd

prominent on outer, niggled along briefly after 9th, not fluent 5 out, pushed along omitted 5 out, mistake 4 out, weakened after 2 out

8/1

4th

5

8th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 3

15:15 Kelso

Dream Boy

10st 5lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Stuart Coltherd

prominent on outer, niggled along briefly after 9th, not fluent 5 out, pushed along omitted 5 out, mistake 4 out, weakened after 2 out

8/1

5th

6

19th Nov 2024

Good

3m 0f 110y

Class 4

12:30 Carlisle

Dream Boy

11st 7lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

prominent, lost ground 8th, lost position before 10th

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 2116-2 C BF

Last run: 57 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

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

3rd

1

26th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 3

16:10 Wetherby

Esprit Du Potier

12st 0lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

He's run with credit this season on two of his three starts since returning from a long absence, returning to form when third of seven at Kelso (2m6f, good to soft) in December; his novice hurdle wins came on heavy ground and he could have more to offer now back up in trip; on the shortlist.

9/1

4th

4

1st Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

13:58 Ayr

Esprit Du Potier

11st 4lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

4-10 under rules, posting a personal best when slamming four rivals in novice hurdle at Newcastle (2m4f, heavy) in March 2024; in much deeper when down the field in Grade 1 novice at Aintree the following month, and has not been seen since; retains potential and will probably stay 3m, so he's quite an interesting candidate despite a lengthy absence.

9/2

Form: 11-3 D BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

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Form & Verdict
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No / Draw
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Time + Course Horse + Weight
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5th

1

(4)

25th Jun 2026

Good

1m 1f 35y

Class 4

20:00 Hamilton

Florida Dreams

10st 2lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Sandy Thomson

Grade 2 bumper winner in 2023; useful hurdler subsequently; he's run okay recently over about 1m3f on his first two Flat starts but will be of greater interest when tackling further in handicaps.

7/1

3rd

1

(5)

10th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 15y

Class 3

19:30 Hamilton

Florida Dreams

10st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Sandy Thomson

Grade 2 bumper winner in April 2023, who also won twice over hurdles (2m) for Nicky Richards; 22-1, lacked the pace to challenge when fifth of nine on Flat debut at Haydock (11.5f, soft; Yafreh about 1l ahead in fourth) three weeks ago; likely to be seen in a better light once handicapping.

8/1

5th

3

(2)

21st May 2026

Soft

1m 3f 140y

Class 3

14:30 Haydock

Florida Dreams

10st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Sandy Thomson

Grade 2 bumper winner at Aintree in April 2023; well beaten over hurdles on last two starts (stable debut latest) but he's shown some useful form in that code and is an interesting contender on this Flat debut.

12/1

Form:

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

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No / Draw
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Time + Course Horse + Weight
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3

17th Aug 2024

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

16:30 Perth

Golden Swift

11st 4lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

always behind, pulled up before 4 out

100/1

1

23rd Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

15:18 Hexham

Golden Swift

11st 4lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

Beaten 50l+ at huge odds in three slow-ground maiden hurdles during the winter and unseated rider on handicap debut in March; significant improvement required.

40/1

13

8th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:30 Ayr

Golden Swift

10st 2lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

Struggled to get competitive when a big-priced outsider for three maiden hurdles (twice over C&D); has more realistic chance to get competitive in this low-grade handicap but still makes only limited appeal.

50/1

Form: P

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

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Form & Verdict
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No / Draw
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Time + Course Horse + Weight
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6th

9

(7)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Golden Valour

9st 2lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran with plenty of course form to his name; third of nine over 1m here last week (winner Runninsonofagun runs in the 4.00); one of three runners for the stable.

10/1

3rd

9

(4)

13th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

15:30 Ayr

Golden Valour

8st 6lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who has won three of his 58 races on turf, the latest over this trip at Musselburgh last September (good); has been a bit disappointing this season.

12/1

5th

5

(5)

5th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

15:50 Ayr

Golden Valour

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who is a C&D winner but has question marks over current form and whether he's still capable of cutting any mustard aged ten; gives classified grade a whirl.

14/1

Form: 85-2

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

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

3rd

9

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

15:30 Ayr

Hombre De Guerra

10st 4lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Hasn't got competitive this term and beaten 18l when sixth of eight on stable debut at Kelso (2m1f, good to soft) in February; however, he shaped as though this step up in trip might be a good move and his three wins, including two over fences last January (2m, soft), have all come at Ayr.

14/1

6th

3

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 14y

Class 3

13:10 Kelso

Hombre De Guerra

11st 11lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Made fine start to chasing career last term, winning twice at Ayr (2m, soft); won on good to soft over hurdles; faced tough task on reappearance in November but well beaten in C&D handicap (soft) subsequently on final run for Nick Alexander; can be in the mix on stable debut if rediscovering last season's promise; remains in same ownership.

12/1

Form: 2/3-33 BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

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1

2nd Nov 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 33y

Class 4

15:47 Carlisle

Joshua Des Flos

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Beat none other than last season's Ultima winner Myretown in a maiden hurdle in early 2024 but comfortably beaten next time and left Stuart Crawford for £10,000; he was struggling when unseating on chase debut here over a year ago for Rebecca Menzies; has since joined Sam England who fits a tongue-tie; bit risky.

20/1

1

2nd Nov 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 33y

Class 4

15:47 Carlisle

Joshua Des Flos

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Beat none other than last season's Ultima winner Myretown in a maiden hurdle in early 2024 but comfortably beaten next time and left Stuart Crawford for £10,000; he was struggling when unseating on chase debut here over a year ago for Rebecca Menzies; has since joined Sam England who fits a tongue-tie; bit risky.

20/1

Form: 43-7

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

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No / Draw
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Time + Course Horse + Weight
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6

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 3

14:20 Ayr

Marty McFly

11st 4lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Sandy Thomson

Prominent racer who made it 4-4 for 2026 (1m7f-2m4f, good to soft/good) at Carlisle last month; won by 3l last time and a 7lb rise may not stop this thriving 8yo, provided the forecast soft ground isn't an issue.

4/1

1st

4

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 207y

Class 2

15:17 Carlisle

Marty McFly

11st 3lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Sandy Thomson

Improving chaser who has won his last three, the first two at 2m4f/2m3f but last time coping fine with the sharper test of 1m7f around Catterick (good); up in grade here with a 7lb rise to deal with but he's got major momentum behind him.

9/2

1st

1

4th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 145y

Class 5

15:10 Catterick

Marty McFly

12st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Sandy Thomson

Won novice handicaps at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft) and here (2m3f, good to soft) in January; down in trip (won over 2m over hurdles) and on a career-high mark (went up 6lb for last win) but a contender.

2/1

Form: 2-6658

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

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Form & Verdict
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No / Draw
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Time + Course Horse + Weight
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4th

3

9th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:55 Perth

Paddy Elvis

11st 8lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Is 0-17 but comes here in good nick, third of 19 in 3m Down Royal handicap ten days ago; he can make his presence felt once more.

5/1

14

30th Aug 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:00 Down Royal

Paddy Elvis

11st 1lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Remains a maiden but went close at Downpatrick in May (2m6f, good) from 3lb lower; had the race at his mercy when a faller at Perth next time; failed to quicken when fourth at Downpatrick when sent off favourite this month but has a 13lb pull in the weights with the reopposing Mister Vic.

10/1

4th

6

11th Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 180y

16:48 Downpatrick

Paddy Elvis

11st 9lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

Remains a maiden but nearly put that right over C&D in May when 4lb lower and had every chance when falling at Perth next time; it wasn't a bad run back there four weeks ago and he's in the mix.

4/1

Form: 533-

Last run: 224 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

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

3rd

11

24th Apr 2026

Good

3m 6f 121y

Class 3

14:05 Perth

President Scottie

10st 11lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Dual hurdle winner; has been expensive to follow over fences (0-9) and fair to say that others arrive here in better form.

9/1

5th

7

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

15:52 Carlisle

President Scottie

10st 11lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Respectable third (off 12lb higher) when favourite for this race last year but was in better form at the time; last of six finishers returned to this C&D most recently, taking chase record to 0-8.

10/1

Form: 28-

Last run: 226 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

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Form & Verdict
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No / Draw
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Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
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4th

5

9th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:27 Perth

River Ayr

11st 6lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

in touch with leaders on outer

9/2

4th

10

15th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

20:22 Perth

River Ayr

11st 4lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

Seven-race maiden who has not finished closer than fifth over hurdles and his effort flattened out late on in a 2m4f handicap at Perth (beaten 11l) last month; mark is falling but he needs to find more.

16/1

4th

10

15th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

20:22 Perth

River Ayr

11st 4lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

Seven-race maiden who has not finished closer than fifth over hurdles and his effort flattened out late on in a 2m4f handicap at Perth (beaten 11l) last month; mark is falling but he needs to find more.

16/1

Form: 17-4 BF

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
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No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
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5th

8

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:45 Hexham

Rob Roy Macgregor

10st 13lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Sandy Thomson

Bumper winner on debut (2m1f, heavy); four fair runs with cheekpieces at up to 4m this year, all with give in the ground; worth considering.

6/1

3rd

10

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 7f 199y

Class 4

15:41 Hexham

Rob Roy Macgregor

10st 2lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Sandy Thomson

0-16 since winning on debut in March 2023 and he's 5lb out of the handicap today; however, he's been hinting in chases at about 3m this year that today's extra test of stamina may be right up his street; interesting for stable that had an excellent weekend.

8/1

Form: 98/U

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
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No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
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4th

6

11th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 5

16:20 Ayr

Scalloway Bay

11st 2lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Ten-race maiden; creditable fourth on chase debut here in November (2m5f, good) but too free when well beaten at Hexham last time (2m4f, soft); needs to settle better now stepped up to 3m for the first time.

8/1

4th

6

11th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 5

16:20 Ayr

Scalloway Bay

11st 2lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

travelled strongly, midfield

8/1

9th

14

11th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 4f 15y

Class 4

14:50 Hexham

Scalloway Bay

10st 6lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

towards rear

10/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
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0

8

3rd Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

13:05 Carlisle

Time To Upgrade

11st 0lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Martin Todhunter

Fell on Irish point debut in February and was last of four finishers on second start a few days later; probably best watched on today's rules debut.

20/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
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2nd

8

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

16:27 Carlisle

Tommy Combats

10st 12lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Martin Todhunter

Ran well stepped back up to 2m4f last time when bidding for an Ayr double; remains a consistent sort and again looks likely to give his running; each-way possibilities.

8/1

2nd

6

23rd Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 4

15:00 Ayr

Tommy Combats

10st 13lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Martin Todhunter

Runner-up over C&D in November and made it 2-8 over fences when winning in good style here (2m, soft) last month; this progressive 7yo may well take a 6lb rise in his stride.

5/2

1st

10

29th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

15:43 Ayr

Tommy Combats

10st 9lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Martin Todhunter

Took well to fences last season, winning at Hexham (1m7f, soft), and reappeared with solid second here (2m4f, soft) in November; in front rank when unseating in back straight at Newcastle last time; on the shortlist.

7/2

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 7lb

5 yo Mare

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No / Draw
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Time + Course Horse + Weight
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8th

11

9th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

16:52 Perth

Midnight Alnwicky

10st 2lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Adam Nicol

took keen hold, towards rear, mistake 5th

20/1

6th

5

15th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

17:50 Perth

Midnight Alnwicky

11st 4lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Adam Nicol

Poor form so far; cheekpieces now tried; plenty to find.

66/1

Form: 35347

Last run: 11 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
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4th

5

4th Sep 2025

Good

2m 5f 28y

Class 5

17:28 Sedgefield

Rorys Story

10st 10lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Has been getting her act together over fences and the breakthrough came at Cartmel (2m1f) in July on her penultimate start; stayed on from the rear when third of eight over that C&D (also good) ten days ago; this sort of trip is probably worth exploring again.

3/1

3rd

8

25th Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

17:18 Cartmel

Rorys Story

10st 11lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

The breakthrough had been coming and he was much too good for Pittsburg over C&D (good) a month ago; 7lb higher but something appears to have clicked.

7/2

1st

6

19th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

17:10 Cartmel

Rorys Story

10st 3lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

14-race maiden; in the frame in three consecutive good-ground chases since dropped back to about 2m this season but needs to find something extra to get a win on the board here and the forecast slower ground is a worry.

11/2

Verdict

An interesting race in which the vote goes to ESPRIT DU POTIER, who won two bumpers here last season and made a promising start over hurdles with his close second at Kelso in October. Grade 2 bumper winner Florida Dreams is feared most on his second run in this sphere, although Joshua Des Flos sets a good standard on his peak hurdling form and he’s respected. Hombre De Guerra looks interesting after his eyecatching second over C&D last month, while another who could be in the mix is Dream Boy.[David Moon]