March 10 / 14.25 Warwick

14.25

Soft

Country Shows Agility Novices’ Hurdle (Novices’ Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4084.5
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
RTV
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Country Shows Agility Novices’ Hurdle (Novices’ Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

4/7

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 5-3134 D

Last run: 59 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Showed ability when trained by Gordon Elliott, winning a Cork maiden hurdle (2m, soft) last November; improved on that next time when third at Punchestown (2m1f, heavy); took a backward step at Clonmel latest but that was no easy task; changed hands since for 62,000euros; big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

21st Jun 2025

Good

2m 1f 77y

Class 4

15:55 Bangor-on-Dee

Tactical Affair

11st 3lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

The more his mark has eased this spring and summer the better he's done over fences, culminating in last month's Stratford success (2m1f, good); chance likely rests on whether he's derived sufficient confidence from that experience to defy going back up 10lb.

13/8

1st

1

18th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

15:55 Stratford

Tactical Affair

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

0-6 over fences; bounced back from poor performance when keeping on well to snatch never-dangerous second at Worcester (2m, good) 12 days ago but others here have more convincing profiles.

3/1

1st

1

18th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

15:55 Stratford

Tactical Affair

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

0-6 over fences; bounced back from poor performance when keeping on well to snatch never-dangerous second at Worcester (2m, good) 12 days ago but others here have more convincing profiles.

3/1

40/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 59

Last run: 60 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed some promise on his rules debut when 19l fifth in a Cheltenham bumper (good to soft) last October; unable to build on that at Doncaster latest; half-brother to two hurdle winners, so this may be more his forte but he's perhaps best watched this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

9th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 5

14:45 Musselburgh

The Northernlights

11st 9lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

He could do with settling better now up in trip on his handicap debut and second stable start, and he wasn't at his best last time, but there was promise previously at up to 2m and he's a half-brother to useful 2m4f/3m winner Youcantcallherthat; interesting contender.

6/1

6

9th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 5

14:45 Musselburgh

The Northernlights

11st 9lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

He could do with settling better now up in trip on his handicap debut and second stable start, and he wasn't at his best last time, but there was promise previously at up to 2m and he's a half-brother to useful 2m4f/3m winner Youcantcallherthat; interesting contender.

6/1

6th

5

6th Oct 2024

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

14:40 Kelso

The Northernlights

11st 3lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

took keen hold, held up in rear, not fluent 5th

9/1

Form: 054

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Not disgraced on his second bumper start last December; then changed hands and made a positive start over hurdles when under 6l fourth at Southwell (2m, heavy) last month; can probably improve on that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

31st Aug 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Worcester

Illico De Montave

10st 9lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Rosemary Gasson

Seems to have gone the wrong way as a hurdler (eight attempts) and was tailed off at 33-1 in a C&D handicap 11 days ago.

40/1

12

20th Aug 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:55 Worcester

Illico De Montave

10st 3lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Rosemary Gasson

Unplaced all seven hurdling starts and doesn't appeal as a winner waiting to happen.

50/1

Form: 05/P

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Poor form in bumpers and failed to complete on his hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

6th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 201y

Class 5

16:30 Leicester

Lucky Lugger

11st 12lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Matt Sheppard

On a losing run but he fared better than of late when third of eight over C&D 22 days ago; he needs considering eased 2lb.

11/2

3rd

2

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

1m 7f 201y

Class 5

15:15 Leicester

Lucky Lugger

11st 12lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Matt Sheppard

Won at Uttoxeter (2m, soft) last February but he's been pulled up in three of his last six runs and was a well-held fourth of six at Ffos Las last time; now 7lb lower than for his last win but he needs a big turnaround.

12/1

4th

1

30th Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:35 Ffos Las

Lucky Lugger

12st 0lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Matt Sheppard

Out of sorts since a couple of sound performances, including an account-opening win, last February; chance of revival depends on how well he responds to added cheekpieces.

14/1

Form: 07

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Never a threat on debut in a Newbury bumper (good to soft) last November and never seriously involved on his hurdling debut at Southwell (2m, good to soft) last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

20th Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 54y

Class 5

15:20 Warwick

Pillar Rock

11st 1lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Had few chances and although he hasn't looked ahead of his mark in two handicap hurdles he has shaped promisingly while looking the type to improve with racing; likely candidate now switched to fences.

9/2

7

20th Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 54y

Class 5

15:20 Warwick

Pillar Rock

11st 1lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Had few chances and although he hasn't looked ahead of his mark in two handicap hurdles he has shaped promisingly while looking the type to improve with racing; likely candidate now switched to fences.

9/2

6th

13

29th Oct 2024

Soft

2m 0f 11y

Class 5

14:00 Chepstow

Pillar Rock

10st 12lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Hung right in home straight and was unable to justify favouritism when fourth on seasonal/handicap debut at Bangor (2m, good) last month but that form has worked out well, and he could still have a bigger run in him.

4/1

Form: 76

Last run: 8 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Not devoid of promise on his debut in a Huntingdon bumper last month; 100-1 when making a low-key debut over hurdles at Doncaster (2m3f, soft) last week; much more needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

24th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 174y

Class 5

15:55 Ludlow

Absolutely Fine

10st 12lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Dan Skelton

Had no excuses when a beaten favourite on his handicap debut at Worcester (2m7f, good; following wind surgery) but it was a solid run and one he's entitled to build on after just five starts.

11/10

3rd

10

1st Sep 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Worcester

Absolutely Fine

11st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

held up in rear, headway after 4 out

5/2

Form: 80

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Big prices, well beaten in a Fontwell bumper and Ludlow maiden hurdle.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

3rd Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 5

15:05 Plumpton

Bella Cavalla

10st 7lb

J: Harriet Tucker

T: Neil Mulholland

0-10 over hurdles but was in good form when last seen in the autumn, including when clear second over C&D (good to soft) two starts ago; now 1lb below that mark; major player if fully tuned up.

7/2

6

3rd Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 5

15:05 Plumpton

Bella Cavalla

10st 7lb

J: Harriet Tucker

T: Neil Mulholland

prominent, outpaced and dropped to rear 10th, lost touch 11th, pulled up before 2 out

7/2

3rd

4

18th Nov 2024

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 5

15:20 Plumpton

Bella Cavalla

10st 9lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Neil Mulholland

led

2/1

Form: 7908

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Had been going backwards since his debut until his latest effort offered a little more, despite being beaten 14l at Newbury (2m, heavy); much more needed to be competitive in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

21st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 156y

Class 5

15:20 Catterick

Platenium

11st 1lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Sam England

Won at Uttoxeter in October and good third at Newcastle later that month; however, he's been well beaten on his last two starts and needs to turn things around now in blinkers; cheekpieces were given a go last time.

14/1

Form: 80

Last run: 122 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has finished last in 2m novice hurdles at Plumpton and Newbury.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

1st Apr 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 217y

Class 5

15:00 Plumpton

Tooting

10st 2lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Neil Mulholland

Uncompetitive in three novices at about 2m; raised markedly in trip for handicap debut but she's 8lb out of the weights.

20/1

12

1st Apr 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 217y

Class 5

15:00 Plumpton

Tooting

10st 2lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Neil Mulholland

Uncompetitive in three novices at about 2m; raised markedly in trip for handicap debut but she's 8lb out of the weights.

20/1

10th

14

10th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:25 Warwick

Tooting

10st 12lb

J: Thomasina Eyston

T: Neil Mulholland

towards rear, outpaced and struggling 4th

66/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Third foal; dam placed at 2m-2m5f as hurdler, half-sister to winners Tambura (bumper/3m-3m1f hurdle), Theos Well (bumper/2m hurdle/1m4f Flat) and Bindon Mill (3m chase); trainers among the winners in recent days; check the market for clues on debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

22nd Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 3

16:02 Bangor-on-Dee

Horsesomeharry

11st 4lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

raced in second, not fluent 1st, chased clear leader when pulled up quickly after 3 out

13/2

1st

4

2nd Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 181y

Class 5

15:07 Doncaster

Horsesomeharry

11st 12lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Mixed form since he won on handicap/seasonal debut at Carlisle (2m4f, good to soft) in November but he ran well here last time (3m, good to soft) only to fade late on and he could be in the mix now back down in trip.

8/1

8th

12

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 4

14:38 Doncaster

Horsesomeharry

11st 5lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

midfield

12/1

Form: 223 BF

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Horse

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in all three of his bumpers, on good or heavy ground; pedigree suggests he should take to this discipline and, if so, it would be no surprise to see him make a competitive hurdle debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 75P

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in a bumper and a novice hurdle (2m4f, heavy); pulled up in similar conditions latest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

3rd May 2025

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 5

19:00 Uttoxeter

Westbrook Lad

11st 13lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Second in novice hurdle here (2m7f, good) but then tailed off in a handicap and fared no better on his switch to fences; absent since July and others are safer.

25/1

10th

3

3rd May 2025

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 5

19:00 Uttoxeter

Westbrook Lad

11st 13lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Second in novice hurdle here (2m7f, good) but then tailed off in a handicap and fared no better on his switch to fences; absent since July and others are safer.

25/1

1

26th Jul 2024

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 5

17:35 Uttoxeter

Westbrook Lad

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Displayed good jolt of improvement when second in novice hurdle here (2m7f, good) last month but was well beaten on subsequent handicap hurdle debut and it's hard to know what to expect from him on this chasing debut.

16/1

Form: 7

Last run: 82 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Dam a maiden in bumpers and over hurdles; 33-1 for debut in a Wincanton maiden hurdle (1m7f, soft) last December, when she was never better than midfield; should come on for that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

28th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

19:00 Market Rasen

Cher Tara

11st 6lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Daragh Bourke

Didn't run badly when fifth of eight at Kelso (2m5f, good) three weeks ago and continues to slip down the weights but has modest 2-21 strike-rate over hurdles; others appeal more.

7/1

5th

7

6th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

15:25 Kelso

Cher Tara

11st 5lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Daragh Bourke

Won a Down Royal handicap in March 2025 for Gordon Elliott (2m4f, good); best run for present yard when third at Newcastle in January (2m4f, good to soft) but hasn't fared as well since.

16/1

8th

7

11th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:07 Newcastle

Cher Tara

11st 7lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Daragh Bourke

On a losing sequence but in good form for her current yard until coming in a never-dangerous sixth in 2m4f Musselburgh handicap 22 days ago; she can bounce back off a slipping mark.

14/1

Non-runners

Doyen Quest

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £5.00
Straight Forecast £4.25
Trifecta £23.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Tactical Affair

WEST COUNTRY:

King Of Tara

The Star:

Platenium

Telegraph:

King Of Tara

Daily Mirror:

King Of Tara

RP RATINGS:

Tactical Affair

POSTDATA:

Tactical Affair

The Times:

Tactical Affair

D Express:

Tactical Affair

The Sun:

Tactical Affair

Daily Record:

Tactical Affair