October 20 / 13.35 Carlisle

13.35

Good To Soft

Every Race Live On Racing TV Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4629.1
  • 2m 4f 8y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
RTV
View Course
Every Race Live On Racing TV Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

9/4 (Won)

  • Win: £2.10
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 11- C

Last run: 224 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won his sole point (3m, soft) and made it 3-3 with bumper wins here (2m1f, soft/good to soft) early this year; the step up in trip looks a firm plus on hurdle debut and he's a likely player for his in-form trainer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Maximilian

11st 1lb

J: William Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Missed 2024 and came up a bit short in his six races since, sent chasing for his five starts this term; shaped as if he stayed when third of five on the step up to 3m4f at Haydock last time but he needs much better than that; perhaps the subsequent wind surgery (his second) will help his cause.

25/1

3rd

2

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 3

14:45 Haydock

Maximilian

11st 11lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

A useful winning novice hurdler back in 2022/23; lightly raced since and has failed to win in four small-field events over fences this term, just a fair third of six in 23f Kelso handicap 20 days ago; has his first run beyond 3m here and needs it to spark improvement.

4/1

3rd

3

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 2

15:00 Kelso

Maximilian

11st 7lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Runner-up in Grade 1 novice hurdle at Aintree (3m, soft) in April 2023 prior to very long absence; this 10yo has been runner-up in beginners'/novice chases on his three starts this season (2m5f/3m), bumping into the classy Wendigo last time, and he could be a contender now tackling a handicap.

9/2

9/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
First-fence faller on his Irish point debut in February and made amends with a 7l win in March (3m, good to yielding), after which he was sold for £80,000; could play a leading role on his rules debut for an in-form trainer who won a division of this two years ago; wears a tongue-tie.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

23rd Mar 2025

Good

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

15:20 Carlisle

Harjo

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Charlie Longsdon

prominent on outer

12/1

4

3rd Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 91y

Class 4

16:30 Newcastle

Harjo

11st 11lb

J: David Bass

T: Charlie Longsdon

Turbulent career and was deep in the doldrums for much of 2024 but he popped up at 25-1 at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) when nearly half the fences were omitted; back up 3lb but still well treated if the mood takes; yard 5-10 here in the last five seasons.

5/1

7

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 4

15:13 Doncaster

Harjo

11st 8lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Charlie Longsdon

Pulled up on five of his six starts in 2024; showed some zest when ridden very positively in first-time blinkers (retained) at Huntingdon (2m4f, good to soft) this month but was well held in the end and remains a risky option.

20/1

OUR TIP

7/2

  • Place: £1.40

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Third on debut in Irish maiden point (3m, soft) in February and first two have both been sold for six figures since; his top trainer has a 21% strike-rate at Carlisle and he's firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

26th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:30 Warwick

Get Up Mush

10st 12lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

He's returned from an absence this season and, after three defeats on soft ground, better could have been expected on good to soft at Wincanton recently; however, he's in top hands and well handicapped on his three 2024 wins on good/good to soft (including here), and may bounce back at some stage.

4/1

6th

6

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 30y

Class 4

15:40 Wincanton

Get Up Mush

11st 11lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Dan Skelton

Nearly a stone worse on genuinely soft ground judged on peak RPRs, so there's a case to say this is his first realistic opportunity since returning from a 15-month absence over Christmas; last success came over this trip off 3lb higher, and it will be harder to excuse another sub-par effort today.

8/1

5th

2

18th Feb 2026

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

14:55 Southwell

Get Up Mush

11st 12lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Switch to fences and handicaps did the trick when he won three of his five starts in 2024; he hasn't got back to that level in two outings this term and has a question to answer at present; of interest only with market support.

10/1

Form: 5-3551

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
10yo who is lightly raced for his age and got off the mark at the 17th attempt in a recent Kelso novice; however, he now carries a penalty against several interesting rivals and is vulnerable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

22nd Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 28y

Class 5

14:05 Sedgefield

Balkalin

11st 11lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Maurice Barnes

Won off this mark over hurdles at Kelso (2m5f, good to soft) in May and he seems versatile ground-wise; however, this 11yo hasn't been at his best more recently and needs to produce a bigger run on this belated chase debut.

12/1

5th

2

3rd Oct 2023

Good

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

16:20 Sedgefield

Balkalin

11st 12lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Maurice Barnes

prominent

12/1

4th

2

12th Sep 2023

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

19:05 Kelso

Balkalin

11st 11lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Maurice Barnes

Appeared to have a bit left in the tank when scoring off 3lb lower over C&D (good to soft) in May but not much has gone to plan since and pulled up after racing too freely at Hexham on Wednesday; comes with risk.

12/1

Form: 0-1

Last run: 131 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Having had wind surgery he left last November's debut miles behind when easily winning a bumper at Worcester (2m, good) in June in a first-time tongue-tie (left off today); faces tougher opposition on this first hurdle start but he brings potential and his trainer has a good record at Carlisle.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Densworth

12st 0lb

J: Miss Natasha Cookson

T: J M B Cookson

Showed the odd snippet of very useful form in 2024, winning easily at Wetherby (2m3f, good) that November on his second chase start; however, his subsequent exploits put him well down the pecking order in this line-up.

100/1

2nd

1

6th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 201y

Class 5

17:03 Leicester

Densworth

12st 6lb

J: Miss Natasha Cookson

T: J M B Cookson

Useful handicapper over hurdles and fences as recently as 2024; finished well held on final two starts for Ben Pauling, albeit in strong handicap chases, and heavy defeat on stable/point debut last month following a break leaves him with something to prove; still, he'd be the one to beat on these terms if anywhere near his best.

2/1

8th

5

11th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

15:15 Ayr

Densworth

11st 12lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Ben Pauling

Pulled up at Newbury in December and tailed off at last month's Cheltenham Festival, following wind surgery; however, he looked good when winning easily at Wetherby (2m3f, good) in November on his second chase start, and he's a contender if tapping back into that promise now back down in grade.

14/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Off the mark at the fifth attempt in Irish maiden points in February (3m, soft to heavy) and sold for £35,000 in February; in good hands for his rules career and he's one to be interested in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

20th Jul 2024

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 5

14:15 Cartmel

Hattons Gardens

11st 9lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Sandy Thomson

Irish point winner in February 2022 (3m, soft to heavy); yet to win over regulation fences, but several fair efforts including when 7l fifth of 13 at Uttoxeter last time (3m, good).

13/2

5th

5

6th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Uttoxeter

Hattons Gardens

11st 6lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

Flattered to deceive on a few occasions over hurdles and doesn't seem to see his races out; again weakened to be fourth on last month's chase debut at Southwell (2m4f, good); this longer trip may prove beneficial and he has dropped to a workable mark; each-way player.

6/1

4th

3

14th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

14:30 Southwell

Hattons Gardens

11st 7lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

Irish point winner in February 2022 (3m, soft/heavy); patchy form over hurdles; cheekpieces now on again (pulled up with an irregular heartbeat only previous time he wore them); bit to prove on chase debut.

6/1

Form: 66-

Last run: 192 days

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has displayed some ability but not enough to suggest he'll be posing a threat this afternoon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

27th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

11:50 Wetherby

Wandering West

11st 6lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Mark Walford

prominent

33/1

3

8th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

12:12 Newcastle

Wandering West

11st 9lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Mark Walford

The best of his four efforts so far came on his rules debut at Wetherby (2m3f, good to soft) in March; didn't look particularly well treated prior to his recent handicap debut at Hexham (2m4f, soft) and his performance confirmed that; drops 4lb but hard to recommend on what we have seen.

25/1

10th

5

16th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

12:23 Hexham

Wandering West

11st 12lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

He's not obviously well treated for today's handicap debut but this very lightly raced 4yo has shown some ability and it will be interesting to see how he goes in the betting.

14/1

Form: 56-

Last run: 212 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
3m point runner-up for whom 1m6f/2m looked inadequate tests when fifth/sixth in his two bumpers; goes up in trip for this hurdle debut but a few of the others may have his measure.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

6

26th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

3m 2f 34y

Class 4

16:30 Carlisle

Carlo Du Berlais

11st 0lb

J: Connor Brace

T: Fergal O’Brien

Two wins this season from his first three chase starts (3m, good to soft) and another good run when second at Worcester (2m7f, good) in August last time out; takes on some unexposed rivals and it's likely he'll need further improvement, but his chasing experience is a positive.

4/1

2nd

6

29th Aug 2023

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:15 Worcester

Carlo Du Berlais

11st 2lb

J: Connor Brace

T: Fergal O’Brien

Just three runs over hurdles and now 2-3 over fences; didn't have much in hand last time at Uttoxeter (3m, good to soft; 5lb lower) but dug deep when it mattered and runner-up Miss Antipova should go well in the opening race.

9/4

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Didn't show much across his three starts in Irish maiden points and he was bought for £6,000 in May; others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

31st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 3f 66y

Class 5

13:05 Catterick

Call Him Now

11st 0lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

in touch with leaders, prominent halfway, lost position 7th, weakened quickly after 3 out, pulled up before 2 out

10/1

7

31st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 3f 66y

Class 5

13:05 Catterick

Call Him Now

11st 0lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

in touch with leaders, prominent halfway, lost position 7th, weakened quickly after 3 out, pulled up before 2 out

10/1

13th

13

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 5

13:28 Doncaster

Call Him Now

11st 3lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Eventually faded but still showed improved form here (2m; handicap debut) last month on return from absence; may build on that effort.

16/1

Form: 30P-

Last run: 325 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fair third on debut in Ayr bumper (2m, soft) in May 2021 but tailed off at Perth (2m, good) the following month and pulled up on hurdle debut at Ayr (2m3f, good to soft) last November; off since and best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

8th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 5

16:25 Haydock

Master Of The Malt

10st 9lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Daragh Bourke

0-11 and inconsistent form; one of his better efforts when third of six at Sedgefield (3m3f, soft) last time, so not totally dismissed.

14/1

3rd

6

23rd Mar 2023

Soft

3m 3f 9y

Class 5

16:00 Sedgefield

Master Of The Malt

10st 13lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Daragh Bourke

Inconsistent maiden who took his record to 0-10 with a poor effort last time; however, this new trip may well suit, judged on the way he shaped two starts ago.

12/1

10th

11

10th Mar 2023

Good

3m 0f 70y

Class 5

13:30 Ayr

Master Of The Malt

11st 1lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Daragh Bourke

0-7 over hurdles; stayed on for fourth when upped to 3m1f at Carlisle (good to soft) last month and has the services of Brian Hughes today but needs to find something extra to get a win on the board.

10/1

Form: 6/4

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well beaten at triple-figure odds in her two bumpers and makes her hurdling debut in a warm race; would be a shock winner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

11th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

19:05 Uttoxeter

Solway Primrose

10st 3lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Lisa Harrison

Very lightly raced 11yo who gained her win at Hexham (2m7f heavy) in November 2023; only 1lb higher today but absent since a lesser effort a fortnight later.

25/1

5th

10

23rd Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 7f 149y

Class 5

13:15 Newcastle

Solway Primrose

10st 3lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Lisa Harrison

Came from off the pace to open account at Hexham (2m7f, heavy) a fortnight ago, her first start since a wind op; remains very lightly raced for her age and features prominently in calculations here.

5/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Easily won a British point-to-point bumper (2m, good to soft) in April on his second start; should be suited by the step up in trip on hurdle debut and he's the sole runner here today for an in-form trainer with a very healthy 23% strike-rate at Carlisle in the last five seasons; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

22nd May 2024

Good

3m 1f 185y

Class 4

17:40 Southwell

Cedar Row

11st 9lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Point bumper winner; displayed a willing attitude when off the mark over hurdles at Warwick (2m5f, Cl4, soft) last March; perfectly entitled to have needed his February comeback at Exeter and could prove a different proposition now switched to fences; market a useful guide.

7/2

3

22nd May 2024

Good

3m 1f 185y

Class 4

17:40 Southwell

Cedar Row

11st 9lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Point bumper winner; displayed a willing attitude when off the mark over hurdles at Warwick (2m5f, Cl4, soft) last March; perfectly entitled to have needed his February comeback at Exeter and could prove a different proposition now switched to fences; market a useful guide.

7/2

5th

3

23rd Feb 2024

Soft

2m 7f 25y

Class 4

16:10 Exeter

Cedar Row

11st 11lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Improved last season with each of his four hurdle runs and won on handicap debut at Warwick (2m5f, soft) last March when last seen; absent since but this unexposed 7yo could have plenty more still to offer, especially now upped in trip, and the betting could be informative on his return.

4/1

Form: /3FP7-

Last run: 263 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Displayed ability in bumpers for Warren Greatrex but struggled on his three hurdle starts for that yard and changed hands for £11,000 in May; a transformation is needed on this stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:45 Hexham

Kicksaftersix

11st 10lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Martin Todhunter

Three wins over C&D on good ground last season, including in this race, his mark going up 14lb as a result; won over 1m7f off his new mark here last time; up another 4lb but should again be competitive.

3/1

1st

11

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 133y

Class 4

14:30 Hexham

Kicksaftersix

10st 10lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Martin Todhunter

Won three in a row over 3m here last spring (good/good to soft); returned from an absence with encouraging sixth over hurdles at Carlisle (2m3f, good to soft) recently; however, he may well find today's trip inadequate.

10/1

6th

4

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 5

14:23 Carlisle

Kicksaftersix

11st 5lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Martin Todhunter

In excellent form over fences last spring, winning three times at Hexham (3m, good/good to soft); can cope with drop back in trip for this first hurdling start since 2022 but has fitness to prove after 294-day layoff.

9/1

Non-runners

Cedar Row

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £8.00
Straight Forecast £7.71
Trifecta £16.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Maximilian

WEST COUNTRY:

Densworth

Daily Mail:

Get Up Mush

The Times:

Densworth

Daily Mirror:

Densworth

POSTDATA:

Maximilian

Telegraph:

Maximilian

The Guardian:

Maximilian

D Express:

Maximilian

The Sun:

Maximilian

The Star:

Maximilian

Daily Record:

Maximilian