September 12 / 15.10 Worcester

15.10

Good

Vandemoortele Worcester “Shaping A Tasty Future” Maiden Hurdle (Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4901.4
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
SKY
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Vandemoortele Worcester “Shaping A Tasty Future” Maiden Hurdle (Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £20.30
  • Place: £3.90

Form: 52P5P-

Last run: 144 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on hurdling debut in France last year but placed on only one of six British starts; reported to have irregular heartbeat when pulled up on two of last three appearances; has the ability feature here if all goes to plan but others are less risky.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

15:15 Doncaster

Monte Igueldo

10st 12lb

J: James Davies

T: Gary Hanmer

All three of his wins came in autumn 2022; running creditably this season, including over 3m2f, but he could not hold his own in a valuable handicap at Ascot on latest occasion and it's likely to be the same story today unless first-time cheekpieces receive a very positive response.

40/1

8

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Monte Igueldo

10st 7lb

J: James Davies

T: Gary Hanmer

Record of 0-5 for current stable; consistent efforts at Uttoxeter (twice, in the summer) and Bangor (autumn) this season but faces a stiffer task in this field.

25/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.20

Form: U42-

Last run: 182 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful Flat-racer; not an instant success over hurdles and his tendency to race too freely remains a concern but he seemed to be getting his act together when second at Taunton (2m, soft) in March and is open to further progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

20th Jul 2024

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 3

16:00 Cartmel

Winterwatch

11st 4lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Harry Fry

Triple Flat winner who is 1-13 over hurdles; that jumps win was by 11l in a Newton Abbot handicap (2m2f, good) in May but he's 9lb higher here and was held back in a novice at Stratford (2-1) last month; others are more persuasive.

12/1

3rd

1

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 4

17:23 Stratford

Winterwatch

11st 8lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Harry Fry

Took 12 goes to get off the mark over hurdles but it was very easy under Megan Bevan in a 2m2f handicap at Newton Abbot 12 days ago when in first-time cheekpieces; that was on good ground but he can deal with it softer; strong form claims even with the penalty.

7/4

8/1

  • Place: £3.70

Form: 073-

Last run: 205 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well beaten on first two hurdling starts in France but appeared to take big step forward when third of 13 on heavy ground in February; back on a much quicker surface for today's British debut but worth keeping an eye on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

12th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 98y

Class 5

16:10 Stratford

Bahtiyar

10st 8lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Max Young

Longstanding maiden who has been making the frame on a regular basis until finishing last of five at Warwick (2m4f, good) last month; hard to fancy for win purposes.

12/1

5th

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

Form: 8-

Last run: 212 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Very useful Flat-racer for Charlie Fellowes; didn't jump well when only eighth of 11 on stable/hurdle debut at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in February and not seen again since but is in good hands and ought to be capable of better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(1)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 4

17:00 Southwell (AW)

King Ottokar

10st 2lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Nicky Henderson

midfield, dropped to rear and struggling from over 2f out

20/1

10th

1

(1)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 4

17:00 Southwell (AW)

King Ottokar

10st 2lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Nicky Henderson

midfield, dropped to rear and struggling from over 2f out

20/1

7th

11

18th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 113y

Class 4

15:40 Leicester

King Ottokar

11st 4lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

midfield

7/2

Form: 2334/2

Last run: 64 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Placed in all three bumpers in 2020; made underwhelming hurdle debut later than year but returned from long absence with very respectable second at Stratford (2m, good) two months ago and will likely be on the premises if able to build on that performance here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

12th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 4

16:45 Stratford

Donnie Azoff

11st 13lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

A sixth win over hurdles when beating three rivals with a bit in hand at Newton Abbot (2m2f, good); got off lightly with just a 1lb nudge; respected.

7/2

1st

2

12th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

2m 2f 110y

Class 4

19:00 Newton Abbot

Donnie Azoff

11st 13lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Five-time hurdle winner (2m-2m5f) on varying ground; made an encouraging return when staying on for second at Hereford (2m3f, good) last month; the drop back in trip isn't ideal but he should still have a part to play.

7/1

2nd

3

5th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

19:17 Hereford

Donnie Azoff

11st 13lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Five-time hurdle winner, including over 2m5f here in October when ridden by Isabelle Ryder, form which gives him a solid chance; beaten 35l at Fontwell (2m3f, good to soft) in November and needs to bounce back but he's won off a similar break in the past.

7/1

Form: 1/5F4-

Last run: 175 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Dual French bumper winner; didn't look anything special in three British novice/maiden hurdles last season but was given a wind op in the spring and Paul Nicholls is persisting with him; possible improver.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

26th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

13:25 Chepstow

Huflower

11st 5lb

J: Mr Freddie Gordon

T: Paul Nicholls

midfield, pushed along when not fluent 3 out, lost third and weakened before last

9/2

11

23rd Sep 2022

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Worcester

Huflower

10st 6lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

6th

3

12th Sep 2022

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:10 Worcester

Huflower

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

midfield, headway after 4th, pushed along before 3 out, ridden before 2 out, soon outpaced

9/2

Form: 6P-

Last run: 259 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Belied 200-1 odds when very respectable sixth in good-quality juvenile hurdle at Cheltenham (2m1f, good to soft) last December but was pulled up at Kempton later that month and has slipped to a lowly mark on the Flat this year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

11th Oct 2022

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

14:02 Huntingdon

Elusive Artist

10st 13lb

J: Paddy Brennan

T: Tony Carroll

always towards rear, pulled up after 4 out (trainer's rep said gelding made a respiratory noise)

20/1

6

(9)

3rd Oct 2022

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Elusive Artist

9st 4lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Tony Carroll

Not prolific but his win came on Tapeta and he has dropped a long way in the weights; no surprise to see him go well and looks the pick of Tony Carroll's three runners.

6/1

7th

9

12th Sep 2022

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:10 Worcester

Elusive Artist

11st 2lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Tony Carroll

prominent, lost position 6th, hit 3 out, held from 2 out

14/1

Form: 940-54

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second of 17 in Cork bumper in April 2021 but generally very disappointing since switching to current stable; comes here after fairly respectable fourth at Perth (2m, good) last month but needs to up his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

23rd Sep 2024

Good

2m 0f 77y

Class 5

15:05 Sedgefield

Shuil Donn

11st 12lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Paul Collins

Lightly raced for an 8yo and hasn't offered much since a winning start for this yard over hurdles last September; goes chasing with a bit to prove.

33/1

6th

1

27th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

2m 0f 70y

Class 5

17:25 Stratford

Shuil Donn

12st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Paul Collins

in touch with leaders, prominent 3rd

12/1

Form: 9P-

Last run: 213 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Yet to show any worthwhile form on the Flat or over hurdles; makes no appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

17

7th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:30 Worcester

Tiger Print

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Price

T: William de Best-Turner

10yo who has struggled in her 11 starts, including in seven runs over hurdles; returns after more than two years off and can only be watched from out of the weights.

66/1

8

1st Mar 2023

Good

1m 7f 50y

Class 5

16:45 Wincanton

Tiger Print

10st 3lb

J: Ben Ffrench Davis

T: William de Best-Turner

Struggled to get competitive when 80-1 for handicap hurdle debut at Leicester (1m7f, good to firm) in November and needs to take a huge step forward here.

66/1

Form: 98

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Maiden pointer who has struggled at triple-digit odds on both hurdling starts this summer (2m/2m4f).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

1st Jan 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 44y

Class 5

13:45 Fakenham

Imperial Senorita

10st 4lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Max Young

Poor hurdler who was pulled up on chase debut at Sedgefield in November; cheekpieces now tried but would be a surprise winner.

50/1

7

22nd Nov 2022

Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 5

13:55 Sedgefield

Imperial Senorita

10st 2lb

J: David Noonan

T: Max Young

Modest and inconsistent maiden in Irish points; soundly beaten in maiden hurdles for new stable; weak claims on handicap/chase debut.

33/1

10th

11

12th Sep 2022

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:10 Worcester

Imperial Senorita

10st 11lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Max Young

always towards rear

100/1

Form: UU

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Modest maiden on the Flat and has unseated rider on both hurdling starts (albeit badly hampered on first occasion); tongue-tie refitted today; not the obvious answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

11th Sep 2023

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

17:00 Newton Abbot

Time To Burn

10st 2lb

J: David Noonan

T: Nigel Hawke

took keen hold, midfield

16/1

6th

6

2nd Sep 2023

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 3

14:32 Newton Abbot

Time To Burn

10st 9lb

J: David Noonan

T: Nigel Hawke

Placed for first time over hurdles when third off lowly handicap mark at Wincanton (1m7f, good) in March but faces very tough assignment on these terms.

33/1

100/1

Form: 6

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well-beaten 50-1 shot in what looked a modest C&D maiden on recent debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

15th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 3

18:55 Aintree

Bumpy Evans

11st 10lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

Front-runner who is 5-10 over fences but the handicapper is beginning to look in charge and he worryingly refused to race last week at Market Rasen; cheekpieces are soon turned to.

9/2

4

8th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 3

15:50 Market Rasen

Bumpy Evans

11st 8lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

Free-going front-runner with 5-9 strike-rate over fences; unable to justify favouritism but still ran well before weakening into third at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good) last month, after a break, and could be hard to catch here if that run has brought him on.

5/2

3rd

6

4th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 3

15:49 Newton Abbot

Bumpy Evans

11st 7lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

Front-runner who is 5-8 over fences and he found more progress when runner-up in the Durham National (3m5f, good) in October; this is a different test on his return but he still looks on a workable mark and was successful over 2m4f last spring; has worn a hood in all of his chase runs but the headgear is missing today.

9/2

OUR TIP

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won five-runner maiden point on fast ground in May but faces much tougher assignment on today's rules debut and is probably best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

10th Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

21:00 Worcester

Hold Your Fort

12st 0lb

J: Mr James Murray

T: Debra Hamer

Seven-time chase winner who developed into a useful performer last season; below form at Uttoxeter recently and tricky to weigh up over hurdles but still looks tempting, given he's 27lb lower in this sphere.

5/1

9th

7

28th Jun 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

15:27 Uttoxeter

Hold Your Fort

10st 11lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Debra Hamer

Chase record is 7-20, the most recent success in veterans' contest at Ascot (3m, good) in March; couple of sound efforts since demonstrate that he remains in form aged ten; faces a tougher assignment off current mark in this field, however.

12/1

3rd

4

4th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 2

16:03 Fakenham

Hold Your Fort

10st 9lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Debra Hamer

Made all in three-runner contest at Ascot (3m, good) in March and arguably bettered that form when close/clear second at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) last month; might be a shade vulnerable off new mark but at least we know he's in excellent nick.

5/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £66.80
Straight Forecast £43.25
Trifecta £1034.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Donnie Azoff

Daily Mail:

King Ottokar

The Times:

Winterwatch

POSTDATA:

Huflower

TOPSPEED:

Monte Igueldo

The Guardian:

Huflower

Daily Mirror:

Winterwatch

The Star:

Winterwatch

RP Ratings:

Donnie Azoff

LAMBOURN:

Donnie Azoff

Telegraph:

Donnie Azoff

Daily Express:

King Ottokar

The Sun:

King Ottokar

Daily Record:

King Ottokar