December 11 / 12.20 Ayr

12.20

Good To Soft

Coral “National Hunt” Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div I)

  • Prize money: £4356.8
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 15 runners
RTV
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Coral “National Hunt” Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div I)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

10/11 (Won)

  • Win: £1.73
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 11-3 D BF

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Smart bumper performer who won the Grade 2 at Aintree in April (2m1f, good to soft); bit disappointing when only third over C&D on hurdles debut (2m, good to soft; 6-5), but stable going well now and is an obvious contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

8th

8

9th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 3

17:42 Hexham

Florida Dreams

11st 6lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Sandy Thomson

Ex-Nicky Richards; smart bumper performer; has won two of his 17 races over hurdles, but disappointing on last two starts; makes debut for Sandy Thomson.

12/1

6th

5

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

15:30 Kelso

Florida Dreams

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Nicky Richards

Has won only one of his 13 handicaps but twice went very close at the start of the season and 3m possibly stretched his stamina at Musselburgh last time; back to a more suitable trip here and unlikely to be far away.

3/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 32 BF

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Failed to finish in two points; placed on both starts in bumpers, last time on stable debut finishing second of six at Ffos Las (2m, soft); quite interesting on hurdles debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 5f 91y

Class 2

16:05 Ayr

Phantomofthepoints

12st 0lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Fourth in this last year (good to soft) and he comfortably made all at Warwick (2m5f, heavy) in February; pulled up at Fontwell 15 days later but that was a Grade 2; could make a bold bid back in a handicap.

16/1

5th

4

22nd Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 29y

Class 1

14:50 Fontwell

Phantomofthepoints

11st 4lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Very useful handicapper who picked up a third hurdle race when comfortably landing Warwick handicap (2m5f, heavy) a fortnight ago; something to find in this company but he's in form and the type to run above himself.

9/1

1st

3

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 5f 5y

Class 3

16:10 Warwick

Phantomofthepoints

11st 5lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: David Pipe

2m/3m winner over hurdles; reappearance was encouraging but fell over fences next time and wasn't at his best back in this discipline at Haydock (3m, good to soft); nothing wrong with this mark if he can get himself back on track; ground fine.

5/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 2/3-33 BF

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Ran really well on hurdles debut (November 2022, trained by Joseph O'Brien) when third in a decent race at Punchestown (2m3f, yielding); hasn't fared as well since, last time finishing third over C&D, just over a length behind Hombre de Guerra; each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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: 85-2

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fair fifth on hurdle debut over C&D (good to soft) in February and shaped well when 5l runner-up to a subsequent winner over C&D (good to soft) last month; chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
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: 44

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won an ordinary Irish point in April (3m, soft); fair form over hurdles, last time finishing fourth to a subsequent winner over C&D (good to soft, 40-1); each-way chance.
Place /
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

Form: 963

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bought for £70,000 in February after winning two Irish points the previous month; fair form over hurdles, last time finishing third in a novice at Hexham (2m, heavy); more needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

23rd Mar 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

15:55 Carlisle

Indian Louis

10st 7lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Made all at Perth (2m4f, good) in September and runner-up over this C&D (good to soft) on two of his three starts since; this 7yo can produce another bold show.

6/1

2

17th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 210y

Class 4

16:30 Carlisle

Indian Louis

12st 0lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

Made all at Perth (2m4f, good) in September before close second of 15 over this C&D (good to soft) in October; well-beaten fourth at Musselburgh last time but faced tough task from out of the handicap in that Class 2; could make a bold bid now back down in grade off his proper mark.

7/1

4th

8

1st Jan 2025

Good

2m 4f 68y

Class 2

14:20 Musselburgh

Indian Louis

10st 2lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell

In-form front-runner who got mugged late on at Carlisle (2m4f, good to soft); however, this is competitive and he's 8lb out of the handicap.

16/1

50/1

Form: 73-7

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has shown promise in bumpers, notably when third at Ayr in March (2m, good) and last time when seventh in a decent race at Carlisle (2m1f, soft); quite interesting on jumps debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

5

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

20:15 Hexham

Adveram

11st 5lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Ian Duncan

C&D winner on heavy ground in December; has pulled up on his three starts since; tongue-tie now tried; others stronger.

33/1

8

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

13:48 Carlisle

Adveram

10st 4lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Ian Duncan

Beat Guernesey (2lb better off) by a neck at Hexham in December (2m7f, heavy) but pulled up both starts since (tried in new headgear last time); cheekpieces back on but plenty to prove at present.

25/1

6

10th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 4

15:35 Ayr

Adveram

11st 5lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Ian Duncan

Won narrowly at Hexham in December (2m7f, heavy) but a nothing run behind Shoeshine Boy here underlined his inconsistency; visor replaces cheekpieces.

14/1

OUR TIP

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bought for £15,000 at Doncaster in May having run a career-best when second in an Irish point 17 days earlier (3m, good); no easy task on rules debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 133y

Class 5

15:40 Kelso

Benefit Ben

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

Won at Musselburgh (2m7f, soft) in December and returned to form at Sedgefield (2m5f, good) a fortnight ago, when he was narrowly in front when falling two out; won over hurdles here last May and he's on the shortlist.

5/2

1

19th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 28y

Class 5

16:40 Sedgefield

Benefit Ben

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

He's failed to shine on his three starts since his chase win at Musselburgh in December, last time tailed off over hurdles here; however, he won three times last year, including over hurdles here, and is not written off.

5/1

10th

8

19th Feb 2026

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

15:43 Sedgefield

Benefit Ben

11st 10lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Adam Nicol

Three wins, the first over this C&D on soft, last year; hasn't been at his best on last two starts but has an each-way chance.

11/2

Form: P

Last run: 53 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Gelding by Doyen who was bought for 45,000 euros as a 3yo; 50-1 when pulled up on hurdles debut at Carlisle (2m1f, heavy); probably best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

7th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

16:42 Southwell

Lord Denning

11st 9lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Pauline Robson

Just three runs in novice hurdles and the latest was quite encouraging; beaten a long way on chase/handicap debut but went off at 6-1 and heavy ground might not have helped him.

14/1

9th

3

7th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

16:42 Southwell

Lord Denning

11st 9lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Pauline Robson

Just three runs in novice hurdles and the latest was quite encouraging; beaten a long way on chase/handicap debut but went off at 6-1 and heavy ground might not have helped him.

14/1

8th

4

15th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 75y

Class 5

15:25 Newcastle

Lord Denning

11st 6lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Pauline Robson

towards rear, bad mistake and nearly lost jockey 2nd

10/1

Form: 98/U

Last run: 53 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in a bumper and on only completed start over hurdles; others stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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: 2-6658

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in a Newcastle AW bumper in January; modest efforts over hurdles (well behind Florida Dreams at Ayr last month); others stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

25/1

Form: 42-3 BF

Last run: 69 days

W: 11st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bought for 30,000gns out of Dermot Weld's yard after finishing in the frame in his three bumpers (didn't always look easy); hood tried on jumps debut; perhaps best watched this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

16:33 Newcastle

Sattam

11st 4lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Dianne Sayer

Off the mark at the tenth attempt at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) on Sunday, and in some style too, eased after surging well clear from three out; looks well in under a penalty; has a good chance of following up.

5/6

1st

8

15th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 5

14:50 Musselburgh

Sattam

10st 11lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Dianne Sayer

Maiden whose penultimate effort (in May 2024) suggests there may be an ordinary handicap in him; showed signs of retaining ability, while looking in need of the run, on belated return to action; not ruled out.

9/2

Form:

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
2,200 euros 3yo; tailed off in a C&D bumper on debut (good to soft) last month; not an obvious contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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: 8-

Last run: 238 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
31,000 euros 3yo who is a half-brother to a bumper winner; sent off at 9-2 on debut in a Kelso bumper in April (2m, good) but finished 25l eighth of 10; may do better now going jumping.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

14th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

19:30 Perth

Master Bricklayer

11st 6lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

0-8 over hurdles; placed off today's mark at Ayr (2m4f, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in February but pulled up both runs either side; not yet proven over 3m or on good ground; tricky to predict on chase debut.

5/1

3

14th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

19:30 Perth

Master Bricklayer

11st 6lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

0-8 over hurdles; placed off today's mark at Ayr (2m4f, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in February but pulled up both runs either side; not yet proven over 3m or on good ground; tricky to predict on chase debut.

5/1

8

8th Mar 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 5

16:35 Ayr

Master Bricklayer

11st 6lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: N W Alexander

Made the frame last spring in first two handicaps (2m4f, good to soft/soft) and returned to form when third in first-time cheekpieces (retained) here (2m4f, soft) last month; there's stamina in his pedigree and today's step up in trip could eke out some improvement.

11/2

Form: 237

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in her two bumpers on good/good to firm; well beaten over C&D on hurdles debut (well behind Florida Dreams); bit to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

23rd May 2024

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

14:58 Market Rasen

Snow Shepherdess

11st 4lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Iain Jardine

took keen hold, midfield, smooth headway after 3 out, outpaced before 2 out, weakened quickly approaching last

4/1

10th

4

23rd May 2024

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

14:58 Market Rasen

Snow Shepherdess

11st 4lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Iain Jardine

took keen hold, midfield, smooth headway after 3 out, outpaced before 2 out, weakened quickly approaching last

4/1

6

18th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 4

13:45 Musselburgh

Snow Shepherdess

11st 5lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Iain Jardine

Placed in both bumpers (good to firm/good) but well beaten at triple-figure odds on her two hurdle starts and others are preferred.

66/1

Non-runners

Valleyview Tommy

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £13.00
Straight Forecast £11.47
Trifecta £32.10

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Florida Dreams

SPOTLIGHT:

Hombre De Guerra

The Guardian:

Joshua Des Flos

Daily Mirror:

Hombre De Guerra

Daily Record:

Hombre De Guerra

POSTDATA:

Florida Dreams

The Times:

Florida Dreams

Telegraph:

Florida Dreams

Daily Mail:

Florida Dreams

D Express:

Florida Dreams

The Star:

Florida Dreams

The Sun:

Joshua Des Flos