May 09 / 19.50 Stratford

19.50

Good To Soft

Henley-In-Arden Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Div I)

  • Prize money: £3511.86
  • 2m 2f 148y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
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Henley-In-Arden Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Div I)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £17.90
  • Place: £4.20

Form: 33247-

Last run: 38 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Well beaten at Huntingdon on his return to hurdling last month; chance on last summer's best, however, and this is an ease in grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

24th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

16:37 Uttoxeter

Fandabidozi

11st 2lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Gary Hanmer

Two wins and a number of places to his name over hurdles; only 2l away on the AW 16 days ago when returning from a year off; handicapped to go well.

13/2

4th

6

(4)

8th May 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Fandabidozi

8st 10lb

J: Zoe Lewis

T: Gary Hanmer

Doubled his tally over hurdles when winning at Bangor last April and he was placed there on his next start; disappointing at Aintree when last seen 357 days ago and he's best watched on his return to this sphere.

16/1

3

16th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 103y

Class 4

20:05 Aintree

Fandabidozi

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gary Hanmer

Doubled hurdling tally with clearcut win at Bangor (2m, good) last month and was placed off today's mark there (good to soft) a few days later; Sean Bowen takes the ride today; likely contender again.

7/1

7/2

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 562P-

Last run: 70 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Useful on the Flat for the Charltons; promise in maiden/novice hurdles last year and perhaps found soft ground against him when pulled up on handicap hurdle debut ten weeks ago; may fare better returned to drying ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

2nd Jul 2024

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

18:10 Stratford

Amalfi Bay

11st 6lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

midfield, towards rear with one circuit to go, headway when not fluent 2 out

4/1

4th

6

12th Jun 2024

Good

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

16:43 Fontwell

Amalfi Bay

11st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

Fair Flat performer (stayed at least 1m6f); promise in maiden/novice hurdles last year and possibly found soft ground against him when pulled up on handicap hurdle debut; back on track when returned to a better surface with a close second at Stratford (2m3f, good) last month; shouldn't be far away off a small rise.

2/1

2nd

5

9th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

19:50 Stratford

Amalfi Bay

11st 1lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Anthony Honeyball

Useful on the Flat for the Charltons; promise in maiden/novice hurdles last year and perhaps found soft ground against him when pulled up on handicap hurdle debut ten weeks ago; may fare better returned to drying ground.

7/2

25/1

  • Place: £3.70

Form: PU267-

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Irish point winner; 80-1 for his handicap debut at Bangor 19 days ago where he dropped right away (finished 30l behind Silverbridge); 4lb drop in weights not enough to tempt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

1st Jul 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Worcester

The Sad Shepherd

12st 0lb

J: David Bass

T: Alastair Ralph

held up in rear, headway 4 out, no extra from last

4/1

3rd

3

28th Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

18:48 Bangor-on-Dee

The Sad Shepherd

11st 3lb

J: David Bass

T: Alastair Ralph

Irish point winner; sold out of Stuart Crawford's stable for 16,000gns in July 2023; still unexposed in handicaps and ran a promising race returning to better ground when a close third at Stratford (2m2f, good) last month; only 1lb higher here and he's not ruled out.

7/1

Form: 99/86/

Last run: 625 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Bred to be much better than he showed in seven runs for Kim Bailey, finishing out the back in three handicap hurdle runs in 2022; has undergone wind surgery since his last run 625 days ago; interesting to see if there's market support for him on stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

22nd Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 5

17:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Charming Getaway

11st 1lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

took keen hold, pressed leader

15/8

1st

9

27th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 5

16:53 Ludlow

Charming Getaway

10st 9lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

0-10 but returned to form with neck second of 16 to Brockarno at Doncaster (2m3f, good to soft) last month on his third stable start; can be thereabouts if handling the forecast soft ground.

13/2

2nd

17

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 5

13:28 Doncaster

Charming Getaway

10st 7lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

8yo maiden; made the frame at Stratford (back from long absence) last May but has largely unconvincing form otherwise.

14/1

Form: 408-

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Well held in three runs in maiden/novice hurdles for new yard this spring but has offered a hint of promise; should be seen to better effect in this low-grade handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

12:35 Taunton

El Vigaro

11st 8lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Matt Sheppard

Bids for a hat-trick, having won 2m events at Uttoxeter and Ludlow (beat Badlands Boy) the last twice; may improve further at this level and Ned Fox takes off a useful 5lb; shortlisted.

3/1

1st

5

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

12:35 Taunton

El Vigaro

11st 8lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Matt Sheppard

Bids for a hat-trick, having won 2m events at Uttoxeter and Ludlow (beat Badlands Boy) the last twice; may improve further at this level and Ned Fox takes off a useful 5lb; shortlisted.

3/1

1st

4

25th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 169y

Class 5

14:15 Ludlow

El Vigaro

11st 2lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Matt Sheppard

disputed lead early, prominent from 2nd, led narrowly 3rd, faced challenge 4 out, shaken up and went clear 2 out, ridden out run-in, reduced lead towards finish, always doing enough

7/4

Form: 433-

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Stepped up on his qualifying efforts when third of ten at Bangor on his handicap debut 19 days ago (2m, soft); the first two there were both progressive and the form has a solid look to it; can do better over this extra distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

3rd Mar 2025

Good

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:25 Newcastle

Silverbridge

11st 3lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Cheekpieces haven't worked the last twice and now tries blinkers; his 10l third at Bangor last April when 9lb higher is not forgotten.

9/2

5

12th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 5

16:48 Wetherby

Silverbridge

11st 3lb

J: Ben Smith

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Below par on good ground the last twice but probably needs it softer, as when third at Bangor last April; 7lb lower than then so has to enter the reckoning despite his absence.

5/1

8th

6

8th Jun 2024

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

16:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Silverbridge

10st 8lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

in touch with leaders

13/2

OUR TIP

Form: 00070-

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Of interest on his Irish form and although he's yet to fire for Sean Curran, he's dropped 19lb in five runs; blinkers now given a go; check betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

9th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

19:50 Stratford

Dixie Flyer

11st 7lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Sean Curran

Of interest on his Irish form and although he's yet to fire for Sean Curran, he's dropped 19lb in five runs; blinkers now given a go; check betting.

16/1

7th

3

9th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

19:50 Stratford

Dixie Flyer

11st 7lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Sean Curran

Of interest on his Irish form and although he's yet to fire for Sean Curran, he's dropped 19lb in five runs; blinkers now given a go; check betting.

16/1

11th

6

19th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 111y

Class 5

17:30 Exeter

Dixie Flyer

11st 11lb

J: David Bass

T: Sean Curran

Bumper winner who was in the frame four times over hurdles in Ireland but has not yet found his form for new connections since back from a layoff and continues best watched.

33/1

33/1

Form: 300P0-

Last run: 120 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Promise in bumpers on good to soft for Harriet Dickin last spring; yet to achieve much over hurdles, held back by his jumping, but getting back on a sounder surface may help and new blinkers could spark extra too.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

18th May 2024

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

17:20 Uttoxeter

James Baie

10st 2lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Max Young

Promise in bumpers for Harriet Dickin last spring; yet to achieve much over hurdles and no significance in the return of cheekpieces; 7lb out of the weights.

10/1

10

18th May 2024

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

17:20 Uttoxeter

James Baie

10st 2lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Max Young

in rear

10/1

8th

12

9th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

19:50 Stratford

James Baie

10st 2lb

J: David Noonan

T: Max Young

Promise in bumpers on good to soft for Harriet Dickin last spring; yet to achieve much over hurdles, held back by his jumping, but getting back on a sounder surface may help and new blinkers could spark extra too.

33/1

Form: 3P265-

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
0-11 but placed in three of his seven hurdle runs, notably a second of 14 at Huntingdon in February (2m3f, soft); not so good in two runs since, including tried in cheekpieces last time, and a personal best is required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

19th Feb 2026

2m 3f 189y

Class 5

13:41 Huntingdon

Ceejaybe

10st 13lb

J: James Davies

T: Jo Davis

Close third over fences at Fontwell last April but such high points have been scarce in his winless, 17-race rules career; well-beaten fifth in points on his last two starts; reverts to rules with something to prove.

14/1

8

15th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

18:40 Fontwell

Ceejaybe

10st 5lb

J: James Davies

T: Jo Davis

A maiden who can pick up a race sometime soon after his rallying third over C&D 20 days ago, finishing right up behind Fortunate Fella.

4/1

8

15th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

18:40 Fontwell

Ceejaybe

10st 5lb

J: James Davies

T: Jo Davis

A maiden who can pick up a race sometime soon after his rallying third over C&D 20 days ago, finishing right up behind Fortunate Fella.

4/1

Form: 70344-

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Plugged on for fourth of 12 on his handicap debut at Taunton four weeks ago (2m, soft); the longer trip may help but he looks high in the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

13th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:35 Worcester

Basman Palace

11st 1lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Carroll Gray

Off the mark at the 13th attempt under rules at Wincanton (2m4f, good) in March, but finished a well-held fourth of seven at Taunton (3m, good to firm) last month; return to this trip should suit and one for the shortlist.

13/2

6th

5

13th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:35 Worcester

Basman Palace

11st 1lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Carroll Gray

Off the mark at the 13th attempt under rules at Wincanton (2m4f, good) in March, but finished a well-held fourth of seven at Taunton (3m, good to firm) last month; return to this trip should suit and one for the shortlist.

13/2

4th

6

9th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:25 Taunton

Basman Palace

10st 7lb

J: James Davies

T: Carroll Gray

in rear but in touch with leaders, some headway after 3 out, outpaced before 2 out, weakened approaching last

6/4

Form: /P992-

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Improved for the switch to minor handicaps and better ground when an 80-1 second at Kempton (2m, good) 17 days ago; still looked green there and could do better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

6th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

17:48 Worcester

Haafback

10st 2lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Emma-Jane Bishop

Inconsistent but has frame possibilities provided latest effort (ran creditably) is backed up; one of only two runners who already have winning form over fences.

10/1

7th

8

6th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

17:48 Worcester

Haafback

10st 2lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Emma-Jane Bishop

Inconsistent but has frame possibilities provided latest effort (ran creditably) is backed up; one of only two runners who already have winning form over fences.

10/1

4th

6

14th Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 54y

Class 5

17:40 Warwick

Haafback

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Emma-Jane Bishop

took keen hold, led, soon clear, went further clear before 3rd, much reduced lead before 8th, headed 2 out, weakened run-in

33/1

Form: 974-

Last run: 53 days

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Useful stayer on the Flat (RPR 81); modest over hurdles thus far but it would be surprising if he couldn't fare better now handicapping at a low level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

14th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

19:10 Uttoxeter

Military Tycoon

11st 12lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Came good at Fontwell (2m5f, good) in March and probably bettered that performance when close second at Newton Abbot (2m5f, heavy) in April; reportedly not suited by the sharp track at Cartmel when very disappointing favourite last month but might bounce back in new headgear here and is evidently versatile ground-wise.

6/1

8th

11

26th May 2025

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:55 Cartmel

Military Tycoon

11st 5lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Arrives on the up for his current yard, scoring at Fontwell (2m5f) in March before an excellent second of nine in 2m5f handicap at Newton Abbot the following month; he was a fair 1m6f Flat winner so merits serious consideration despite a 3lb weights rise.

7/2

8th

11

26th May 2025

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:55 Cartmel

Military Tycoon

11st 5lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Arrives on the up for his current yard, scoring at Fontwell (2m5f) in March before an excellent second of nine in 2m5f handicap at Newton Abbot the following month; he was a fair 1m6f Flat winner so merits serious consideration despite a 3lb weights rise.

7/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £127.60
Straight Forecast £124.11
Tricast £1403.21
Trifecta £1590.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Silverbridge

RP RATINGS:

Amalfi Bay

D Express:

Haafback

POSTDATA:

Fandabidozi

The Times:

Military Tycoon

TOPSPEED:

Dixie Flyer

The Guardian:

Silverbridge

Daily Mail:

Silverbridge

The Sun:

Silverbridge

Daily Record:

Silverbridge

Daily Mirror:

Haafback

WEST COUNTRY:

Amalfi Bay

The Star:

Amalfi Bay

Telegraph:

Fandabidozi