May 08 / 13.40 Kelso

13.40

Good

Aitken Turnbull Architects Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £4752.9
  • 2m 6f 151y
  • Class 4
  • 15 runners
RTV
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Aitken Turnbull Architects Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

OUR TIP

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.60
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 114F5- C

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Won last year on first two hurdle starts including at this track (2m5f, good); no joy in last three runs but he looked dangerous when falling two out at Wetherby in March and his latest fifth at Ayr (3m, soft) was a respectable effort; now drops back in trip and he's not ruled out back at the scene of his last win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Idem

10st 9lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Another in this field who took in the Pertemps at Cheltenham, finishing a good fifth of 24 to Supremely West; should be competitive again but nothing in his record suggests he has enough in hand to win a race as hot as this.

25/1

5th

23

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Idem

10st 4lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Never-dangerous tenth in this race last year; ran creditably on three of his four starts this season, second in the Musselburgh qualifier last time, but he's an exposed 8yo who needs to show something new.

50/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 51444- C

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Won 2m course maiden (heavy) in December; finished fourth in all three runs since but he was only beaten 3l behind Kingston Bridge in a big-field handicap here (2m5f, soft) last time; rallied well in that race and he looks interesting on his step up to this trip.
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: /4212-

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Delivered on earlier promise when winning Hereford maiden (2m3f, good) in January and was not discredited when second of three on his latest outing; might have some more improvement to come in handicaps and he's respected on this step back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

10th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

18:41 Worcester

Billy Boi Blue

10st 2lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Generally fast-weakening efforts since returning from a winter break, so the recourse to wind surgery is unsurprising; mark never lower, but effectiveness down at 2m4f hasn't been tested since March 2024.

25/1

6th

2

13th Jun 2026

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 4

16:10 Hexham

Billy Boi Blue

11st 13lb

J: David Bass

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Three-time hurdles winner, most recently at Ayr (3m, good to soft) in April last year, but pulled up twice since returning from a break this spring and again ran below form when fifth of six, beaten 21l, at Huntingdon last month; best watched for now.

12/1

5th

5

19th May 2026

Good To Firm

3m 1f 10y

Class 3

19:30 Huntingdon

Billy Boi Blue

11st 8lb

J: Nick Slatter

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Pulled up on consecutive appearances towards end of last season but seemed to run well until tiring on soft ground at Ayr last time; could be better suited by the less-testing conditions here; not ruled out.

25/1

Form: /2353-

Last run: 161 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner who is 0-8 over jumps and has been held in chase handicaps in his last three runs; wasn't beaten far here (2m7f, soft) last time but this is a much deeper race and he needs to find more back over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

12

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

15:52 Carlisle

Swallows Song

10st 2lb

J: William Maggs

T: Iain Jardine

Close second at Newcastle (2m7f Class 5) last weekend but looks far from certain to go one better; out of the weights in this better race and 0-17 since debut win.

20/1

2nd

5

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

16:35 Newcastle

Swallows Song

11st 9lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Iain Jardine

Bumper winner; yet to win over jumps but fair fourth at Ayr last time (3m, soft) on first run after wind surgery; should go well again.

6/1

Form: 43130-

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Made it 3-8 over hurdles when scoring at Catterick (2m3f, heavy) in February; creditable third over 2m5f here (soft) next time but he didn't fire on his return visit three weeks ago; cheekpices are now added on this drop back in grade but he needs more progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

31st Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

14:30 Uttoxeter

Harper Valley

11st 13lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Took step back in right direction when respectable fourth at Perth (2m4f, good to soft) last month and is now 1lb below his last winning mark but still needs to build upon that recent effort here.

16/1

4

31st Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

14:30 Uttoxeter

Harper Valley

11st 13lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Took step back in right direction when respectable fourth at Perth (2m4f, good to soft) last month and is now 1lb below his last winning mark but still needs to build upon that recent effort here.

16/1

Form: 37P47- C

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Four-time hurdle winner who won by 19l over fences here (2m7f, good to soft) in October; well treated on that form but he's lost his way in last four starts and was well held back over hurdles last time; has something to prove and he needs to turn things around; cheekpieces removed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

6th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

17:02 Kelso

Brandy McQueen

12st 6lb

J: Miss Lucy Brown

T: Miss Lucy Brown

Won a similar event at Catterick in good style in March (3m1f, good) but pulled up at Hexham last time; needs to bounce back.

6/1

1

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

17:00 Hexham

Brandy McQueen

12st 2lb

J: Miss Lucy Brown

T: Miss Lucy Brown

Quite useful in his prime and he won a point in February (3m, good to soft) before easily following up in a hunter chase at Catterick last month (3m1f, good; Lunar Contact second); strong claims.

5/2

1st

6

4th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

16:10 Catterick

Brandy McQueen

11st 12lb

J: Miss Lucy Brown

T: Miss Lucy Brown

One-time quite useful staying hurdler/chaser who won a point on second start for present connections last month (3m, good to soft); this tougher, but a contender.

13/2

Form: /4498-

Last run: 218 days

W: 10st 7lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Won off today's mark at Perth (2m4f, good to soft) last April, but well beaten last autumn on last two starts and others make greater appeal than this 11yo; visor is removed and blinkers return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

27th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

18:15 Hexham

Kajaki

11st 2lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

It's now 12 runs since his last success in 2023 but he wasn't disgraced when sixth of ten in 2m6f Cartmel handicap in May; no forlorn hope after a break.

14/1

6th

14

26th May 2025

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:55 Cartmel

Kajaki

11st 2lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

On a losing run but this veteran comes here in decent nick, fading only late over 3m at Musselburgh in March; considered now dropped back in trip off a handy-looking mark.

16/1

6th

14

26th May 2025

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:55 Cartmel

Kajaki

11st 2lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

On a losing run but this veteran comes here in decent nick, fading only late over 3m at Musselburgh in March; considered now dropped back in trip off a handy-looking mark.

16/1

Form: 33681- C

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
6yo who has not been easy to predict but he got back on the scoresheet when beating 15 rivals in a series final here (2m5f, soft) last month; up 6lb but he kept on well last time and is open to more progress back up in trip; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

29th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

12:53 Kelso

Kingston Bridge

11st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

held up in last, not fluent 6th

25/1

8th

8

29th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

12:53 Kelso

Kingston Bridge

11st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

held up in last, not fluent 6th

25/1

10th

3

8th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

13:30 Kelso

Kingston Bridge

11st 12lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

midfield

20/1

Form: 34746- C BF

Last run: 213 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Well handicapped on his old form but last win was in November 2022 and he's come up short in small-field events here (3m2f/2m5f) in last two runs; others are more persuasive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 83y

Class 3

14:43 Cartmel

Starlyte

10st 8lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Few secrets left after 41 hurdles starts but back below her last winning mark again, and every outing so far this year has suggested that an extended run of races beyond 3m looks in order now; not without interest.

8/1

3rd

6

6th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

14:55 Kelso

Starlyte

10st 10lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Won over 2m5f here (good to soft) last March but he's 0-11 since and was a well-held fourth behind Kilmore Rock over C&D last month; now back on last winning mark but she's not easy to predict and others are preferred.

7/1

4th

10

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

14:30 Kelso

Starlyte

11st 3lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Three-time course winner, most recently in valuable series final (2m5f, good to soft) in March 2025; generally disappointing this season but kept on well for huge-odds fourth in mares' Listed race here (3m, good to soft) last month and returns to a handicap on a workable mark.

7/1

Form: 567P7- D

Last run: 95 days

W: 11st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Very useful hurdler/chaser in his prime but he struggled in final few starts in Ireland and it's been the same story so far for this yard; mark continues to fall but this 10yo needs a major revival back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

25th Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 3

16:05 Cartmel

Ilikedwayurthinkin

11st 7lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Enhanced his good record here when inheriting first place over 3m5f in May (same mark) and the drop back to 2m5f found him out when fourth to Charlie Uberalles two months ago; this race is a better fit; third 12 months ago on heavy ground.

5/1

4th

6

29th Jun 2025

Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 2

16:30 Cartmel

Ilikedwayurthinkin

11st 4lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Three-time course winner, most recently when awarded 3m5f veterans' chase here (good to soft; second past the post) last month; versatile regarding ground but would appeal more over further than 2m5f.

5/1

1st

2

26th May 2025

Good

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

16:05 Cartmel

Ilikedwayurthinkin

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Won four races last season, two over 3m1f here (good/soft), one at Ayr (3m, good) and one over 3m6f at Newcastle (good); 8lb higher than for last win but a contender.

5/2

Form: 3P/0P-

Last run: 233 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Won for Gavin Cromwell in Ireland at start of 2023, but left that stable after two disappointing efforts last summer and makes debut for Sandy Forster after 233 days off; others have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

16:11 Hexham

Pure Sirloin

11st 1lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Sandy Forster

Not discredited when seventh of 13 in 3m handicap at Ayr 55 days ago; needs to build on it though if he's to end a lengthy losing sequence.

25/1

Form: 12259- BF

Last run: 142 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Ended last year on a low note but he won at Southwell (3m, good) in the autumn and was a close second on next two runs including at this track (3m2f, soft); drops back in trip after 142 days off but he has a decent record when fresh and is not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

28th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 5

21:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Haveyougotmymoney

11st 8lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Paul Robson

Last season's best hurdle form included a 3m win on good ground but below that level so far this campaign; latest run was a tad more encouraging.

10/1

5th

1

9th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

16:52 Perth

Haveyougotmymoney

12st 0lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Paul Robson

disputed lead, not fluent 5th

12/1

1

21st May 2024

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:28 Hexham

Haveyougotmymoney

12st 0lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Paul Robson

Below par on last two hurdle starts but may have needed recent run; on a competitive mark on last season's best hurdle form (won over 3m on good ground) and this 6yo showed ability in a point-to-point in May 2022; interesting contender on chase debut.

8/1

Form: 2/12P- BF

Last run: 95 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Bumper and 2m4f maiden hurdle winner, both on good to soft; flopped when favourite on Wetherby handicap debut (pulled up) in February, but he still has potential after only four hurdle starts and it wouldn't be a surprise if he bounced back with a big run after a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

23rd May 2026

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 4

15:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Magic Wave

12st 0lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Won off 2lb lower at Kelso (2m5f, good) last April but he's not seen much action since and has been beaten 39l in both runs this year; has some questions to answer and he needs a big turnaround.

14/1

10th

3

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

14:30 Kelso

Magic Wave

11st 12lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Course winner (2m5f, good) a year ago; absent since disappointing run in January but his C&D (good to soft) second just after Christmas was a good effort and he'll be right in the thick of things if back on song today.

8/1

10th

6

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 50y

Class 4

15:10 Haydock

Magic Wave

11st 9lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Campaigned at Kelso (2m5f/2m6f) since last April, posting form figures of 132; edging back up the weights and now goes into a much bigger field switched back to elsewhere; not certain to remain competitive.

14/1

Form: 12431/

Last run: 611 days

W: 12st 1lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Easy win in a Newton Abbot seller (2m2f, good) for Dan Skelton in September 2022 but he's not been since then; well treated on his old handicap form but he's untried beyond 2m4f and has something to prove for new yard after a long absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

3

(16)

13th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:50 York

Percys Word

9st 10lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Jessica Bedi

prominent, led over 6f out, headed and lost ground quickly over 3f out

25/1

4th

2

(2)

23rd Jun 2024

Good

2m 2f 2y

Class 4

15:30 Pontefract

Percys Word

9st 7lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Jessica Bedi

Never figured over hurdles last month on stable debut and return from long absence; not seen on Flat since 2018; best watched.

33/1

14th

1

8th May 2024

Good

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

13:40 Kelso

Percys Word

12st 1lb

J: Aaron Anderson

T: Jessica Bedi

Easy win in a Newton Abbot seller (2m2f, good) for Dan Skelton in September 2022 but he's not been since then; well treated on his old handicap form but he's untried beyond 2m4f and has something to prove for new yard after a long absence.

16/1

Form: 65P20-

Last run: 91 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 8yo but he struggled in a Southwell handicap (2m4f, soft) when last seen in February and is a long way out of the weights here on his return; opposable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 5

14:05 Wetherby

Swift Reply

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Simon Waugh

prominent

33/1

17

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 5

14:05 Wetherby

Swift Reply

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Simon Waugh

prominent

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £44.80
Straight Forecast £34.27
Tricast £246.25
Trifecta £301.00

Selections

WEST COUNTRY:

Billy Boi Blue

SPOTLIGHT:

Kingston Bridge

The Star:

Swallows Song

The Guardian:

Haveyougotmymoney

D Express:

Magic Wave

Daily Mirror:

Idem

RP RATINGS:

Brandy McQueen

TOPSPEED:

Starlyte

POSTDATA:

Kingston Bridge

The Times:

Billy Boi Blue

Telegraph:

Billy Boi Blue

Daily Mail:

Billy Boi Blue

The Sun:

Billy Boi Blue

Daily Record:

Billy Boi Blue