November 07 / 12.40 Ludlow

12.40

Good

Michael Oliver Memorial Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £4470.3
  • 2m 5f 55y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
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Michael Oliver Memorial Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.30
  • Place: £2.90

Form: 115416

Last run: 48 days

W: 10st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Won three of his first five handicaps, from 2m to 2m2f; didn't appear to stay 2m5f at Newton Abbot last time but a late mistake was no help; can be given another chance in that respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

22nd May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:32 Worcester

Melton Mossy

11st 4lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Mrs C Williams

Multiple hurdle winner at up to 2m5f on a sound surface; 1-2 over fences; won a three-runner chase at Wincanton (1m7f, good) when last seen in March; encouraging record after a break; up 3lb and is unexposed as a chaser over this trip; player.

6/1

1st

2

23rd Mar 2026

Good

1m 7f 149y

Class 4

15:47 Wincanton

Melton Mossy

11st 5lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Mrs C Williams

5-19 over hurdles, with all wins gained on good/good to firm; well beaten on last month's chasing debut at Chepstow (2m3f, soft) but will be much better suited by today's quicker conditions and may yet have a future over fences.

6/1

6th

9

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 4

14:17 Chepstow

Melton Mossy

11st 8lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Evan Williams

5-19 over hurdles, the latest win gained at Taunton (2m3f, good to firm) in November; makes chasing debut from fairly tough mark, though, and does not have a good record on soft ground.

16/1

15/2

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 220P-2

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Some good runs last season before losing his way; made a pleasing return when second over this far at Wincanton (good) and he was 5l clear of the third; solid chance if taking to the new cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

19th May 2026

Good To Firm

3m 1f 10y

Class 3

19:30 Huntingdon

Thank You Maam

12st 1lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Georgina Nicholls

Returned from layoff with three below-par chase/hurdle runs in February/March but, having swapped cheekpieces for blinkers, fared much better on last two appearances; lost out only by a nose after making most of the running at Warwick (3m1f, good) last time; can make another bold bid.

5/1

2nd

2

23rd Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 5y

Class 3

14:30 Warwick

Thank You Maam

11st 8lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Georgina Nicholls

Back hurdling the last twice after a brief stint over fences; the first time he'd worn these aids combined when a front-running third at Wetherby (3m, good; beaten 4.25l); exposed but firmly in the mix.

5/1

3rd

2

27th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 3

16:20 Wetherby

Thank You Maam

11st 4lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Georgina Nicholls

Not solid on his chase/hurdles form this year; previously a consistent sort in this sphere and has a fighting chance off current mark back down in grade, provided he's resurgent.

7/1

3/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 3-4F81 CD

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Reportedly better for a break when running away with a C&D handicap for mares here a month ago; that came at a cost now up 10lb and remains to be seen if she can back up that improvement; clearly a contender if she does.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

8th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

16:08 Ludlow

Of Course You Can

10st 8lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Won this race readily by over 9l a year ago (good ground) and was placed over C&D on next two outings; returned from break with two down-the-field runs this summer (cheekpieces added last time) but is back on a good mark now and the return to this track is sure to suit.

11/2

12

16th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

14:10 Uttoxeter

Of Course You Can

10st 12lb

J: Harriet Tucker

T: Neil Mulholland

Always behind at Market Rasen last month, after a break; she's better than that but all her best form is on sharp right-handed tracks, and she probably doesn't want significant rain; sports new cheekpieces.

12/1

11th

10

16th Aug 2025

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

19:28 Market Rasen

Of Course You Can

10st 11lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Her only win was in a Ludlow mares' handicap in October last year (2m5f, good); fair run at Huntingdon last time (May) but likely to improve for this outing after 100-day break.

8/1

Form: 1645-1

Last run: 135 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Fit off the Flat and her last three wins were over hurdles, the latest when 25-1 on stable debut at Newton Abbot (2m1f; partnered by Imogen Mathias) in June; up in grade here off 7lb higher and not totally proven at the trip, but can't be discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 6f 7y

Class 5

20:50 Stratford

Parikarma

11st 6lb

J: Miss Imogen Mathias

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Has three wins over hurdles but she has been below her best since returning from a 436-day break in February; down to a career-low mark in this sphere but best watched for now.

12/1

7th

6

(6)

30th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 6

17:17 Southwell (AW)

Parikarma

10st 12lb

J: Miss Imogen Mathias

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Six-time winner with three on the Flat and three over hurdles; returned after a lengthy absence in February but she's posted two respectable efforts over hurdles since; on dangerous mark back on the Flat but she's 0-21 on AW and others are preferred.

10/1

5th

3

4th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

15:10 Newton Abbot

Parikarma

11st 13lb

J: Miss Imogen Mathias

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Six-time winner with three on the Flat and three over hurdles; didn't fire at Taunton last month but her last win was over C&D (good) and she's well handicapped if she can bounce back near her best; has possibilities in change of headgear.

10/1

Form: O6-127 BF

Last run: 112 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Southwell winner in June (2m, good) but was no match for Parikarma next time and again wasn't at his best when a beaten favourite at Perth; cheekpieces are replaced by a hood that hasn't done wonders for him previously; stamina to prove over this far.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

13

15th Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 3

16:00 Cheltenham

Shinji

10st 12lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Martin Keighley

Came good over hurdles in low-grade Southwell handicap (2m, good) in June and has remained in good nick since (2m-2m5f) but others in this line-up have stronger form and/or more potential.

25/1

14th

13

15th Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 3

16:00 Cheltenham

Shinji

10st 12lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Martin Keighley

Came good over hurdles in low-grade Southwell handicap (2m, good) in June and has remained in good nick since (2m-2m5f) but others in this line-up have stronger form and/or more potential.

25/1

5th

7

7th Nov 2024

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

12:40 Ludlow

Shinji

11st 2lb

J: Mr Freddie Keighley

T: Martin Keighley

Southwell winner in June (2m, good) but was no match for Parikarma next time and again wasn't at his best when a beaten favourite at Perth; cheekpieces are replaced by a hood that hasn't done wonders for him previously; stamina to prove over this far.

15/2

Form: P3333P D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
In fair form over hurdles this season and it was back over fences when failing to give his running at Chepstow a month ago; dropping back from 2m7f won't faze him and, back hurdling, has each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

17th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:50 Worcester

School Days Over

12st 0lb

J: Sean Grantham

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Placed twice off higher marks over C&D (good) for Fergal O'Brien last summer but was pulled up after weakening quickly on stable debut in May and needs to have taken significant benefit from that outing.

25/1

1

25th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

14:03 Uttoxeter

School Days Over

12st 0lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Bumper/chase winner but 0-10 over hurdles for Fergal O'Brien; sold for 8,000gns since last run; drops in class off a workable mark based on best form.

14/1

1

25th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

14:03 Uttoxeter

School Days Over

12st 0lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Bumper/chase winner but 0-10 over hurdles for Fergal O'Brien; sold for 8,000gns since last run; drops in class off a workable mark based on best form.

14/1

Form: -55345

Last run: 7 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Left Dan Skelton for £3,000 and as a 20-race maiden; offered little in a seller last week.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

3rd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

21:00 Warwick

Bahtiyar

10st 2lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Max Young

Only three completed when runner-up last week at Plumpton (2m4f, good) and that extended his losing sequence under rules to 36.

8/1

2nd

4

26th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 166y

Class 4

19:09 Plumpton

Bahtiyar

10st 3lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Max Young

0-35, often placed; recent respectable efforts suggest he's on a tough mark but he's versatile regarding trip and Murray Dodd can claim his full allowance on this occasion, so he should still be competitive.

5/1

4th

6

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:35 Warwick

Bahtiyar

10st 13lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Max Young

0-30 over hurdles and fences but in the frame on last five starts, two of them here (3m1f/2m4f); deserves to find a race and he should be involved again providing this doesn't come too soon after his run on Tuesday.

7/1

Form: 6857-P D

Last run: 170 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Has been quiet of late but she's accustomed to better races than this and is 5lb lower than for last November's Ascot win over 2m7f; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

27th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

15:20 Plumpton

Midnightreflection

12st 1lb

J: Mr Charlie Case

T: Ben Case

10yo whose form had been in steady decline since winning an Ascot handicap off 11lb higher in November 2023, although recent efforts have been slightly more encouraging, including most recently when tried in blinkers (retained); undoubtedly on a good mark but still needs to find a little more.

6/1

1st

1

27th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

15:20 Plumpton

Midnightreflection

12st 1lb

J: Mr Charlie Case

T: Ben Case

10yo whose form had been in steady decline since winning an Ascot handicap off 11lb higher in November 2023, although recent efforts have been slightly more encouraging, including most recently when tried in blinkers (retained); undoubtedly on a good mark but still needs to find a little more.

6/1

4th

1

17th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

14:00 Market Rasen

Midnightreflection

12st 1lb

J: Mr Charlie Case

T: Ben Case

towards rear, headway and in touch with leaders 8th

9/1

Form: 4PP-P5 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Pulled up in two chases towards end of last season and suffered the same fate on his return to hurdles in August; however, stopped the rot when beaten 7l at Exeter four weeks ago and that 2m2f trip was on the short side; not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 118y

Class 3

13:15 Ascot

Hardy Fella

11st 6lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Visored last three starts and staged a revival on last two, winning well in seven-runner race at Market Rasen (extended 2m7f) 11 days ago; back up 5lb but he used to be capable of a bit better still.

9/1

5

4th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

15:10 Market Rasen

Hardy Fella

11st 6lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Emma Lavelle

Was out of form but off a reduced mark he pushed a progressive winner close at Wincanton 19 days ago (3m, good to soft); strong claims if he can build on that.

7/2

1st

5

4th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

15:10 Market Rasen

Hardy Fella

11st 6lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Emma Lavelle

Was out of form but off a reduced mark he pushed a progressive winner close at Wincanton 19 days ago (3m, good to soft); strong claims if he can build on that.

7/2

OUR TIP

Form: 0524-2

Last run: 161 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Winning hurdler in France (from eight attempts) and was runner-up over fences there when last seen in May; all his form is on soft or heavy ground so conditions are a grey area; has joined a top yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

7th Nov 2024

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

12:40 Ludlow

Jocata

11st 11lb

J: Mr Daniel Williams

T: Nicky Henderson

Winning hurdler in France (from eight attempts) and was runner-up over fences there when last seen in May; all his form is on soft or heavy ground so conditions are a grey area; has joined a top yard.

3/1

10th

3

7th Nov 2024

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

12:40 Ludlow

Jocata

11st 11lb

J: Mr Daniel Williams

T: Nicky Henderson

Winning hurdler in France (from eight attempts) and was runner-up over fences there when last seen in May; all his form is on soft or heavy ground so conditions are a grey area; has joined a top yard.

3/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £71.20
Straight Forecast £66.82
Tricast £132.17
Trifecta £198.30

Selections

The Times:

Of Course You Can

LAMBOURN:

Jocata

The Guardian:

Thank You Ma'am

SPOTLIGHT:

School Days Over

WEST COUNTRY:

Shinji

TOPSPEED:

Midnightreflection

Telegraph:

Jocata

Daily Record:

Jocata

D Express:

Thank You Ma'am

Daily Mirror:

Thank You Ma'am

Daily Mail:

Of Course You Can

The Star:

Of Course You Can

RP RATINGS:

School Days Over

POSTDATA:

School Days Over