October 28 / 13.20 Uttoxeter

13.20

Good

Roy Couchman Memorial Mares’ Maiden Hurdle (Herring Queen Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4901.4
  • 1m 7f 168y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
SKY
View Course
Roy Couchman Memorial Mares’ Maiden Hurdle (Herring Queen Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.00
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 10-1 D

Last run: 167 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Three bumper outings in the spring; midfield finish in a Grade 2 at Aintree sandwiched between Southwell and Bangor wins (made all in the second); should have a future over hurdles and certainly considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

15th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Aintree

Magical Maggie

11st 11lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Very closely matched with Masked Dance on their two Ludlow encounters in February, over 2m5f (soft) and 3m (good to soft); she's fine after a break and should have a part to play.

7/1

3rd

3

26th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 174y

Class 3

14:42 Ludlow

Magical Maggie

11st 9lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Three-time course winner, most recently when fending off Masked Dance over 2m5f (soft) three weeks ago; unraced beyond that trip but remains well handicapped on older form; will be a tough nut to crack if her stamina holds out.

3/1

1st

6

4th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

15:33 Ludlow

Magical Maggie

11st 7lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Dual 2m course winner in 2023 (both times on soft); returned from long absence with quite encouraging run over that trip here (good to soft) two months ago and has slipped to a good mark but her stamina for 2m5f must be taken on trust.

10/1

6/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 9/18- D

Last run: 197 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Ability in Irish points and looked good when beating subsequent winners in a Newcastle bumper on British debut in March; well beaten the following month but enters the argument now hurdling on the winning effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

27th Oct 2024

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:52 Wincanton

I Am Gonna Be

11st 12lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Charlie Longsdon

pressed leaders, raced in third after 3rd, mistake 4 out

10/1

1

24th Sep 2024

Good

2m 3f 0y

Class 5

16:05 Warwick

I Am Gonna Be

12st 0lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Has mixed record over fences since last autumn but was a respectable fifth in a much stronger race than this when back over hurdles at Worcester (2m4f, good) last month and is another 3lb lower here; seems best suited by good/good to soft ground; big player.

7/1

5th

10

28th Aug 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

19:40 Worcester

I Am Gonna Be

10st 11lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Bumper/hurdle winner; very mixed over fences since joining this yard and now returns from a third wind operation; risky.

10/1

33/1

  • Place: £5.60

Form: 7-

Last run: 202 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
No threat but not disgraced in a Bangor bumper in April; may improve now hurdling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

29th Feb 2024

Soft

1m 7f 169y

Class 5

14:30 Ludlow

Lady Alex

11st 8lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Henry Daly

Best of four runs came on good ground when third in a Uttoxeter maiden in October 2022; two modest runs (soft) either side of wind surgery since returning from an absence but this is her handicap debut and the yard is going very well.

8/1

1

3rd Feb 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:00 Wetherby

Lady Alex

11st 0lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Henry Daly

Tailed off here (2m3f, soft) on Boxing Day on first encounter with slow ground; however, that was her first run after an absence and she's had wind surgery since; promising third on hurdle debut at Uttoxeter (2m, good) in October 2022 and she's not written off.

12/1

Form: 3977-

Last run: 236 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Close third on her bumper debut last December; tough tasks the next twice but then well beaten at Huntingdon in March; first hurdle start.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

6th Feb 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

16:35 Market Rasen

Chic Avenue

11st 2lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Pam Sly

prominent, led after 1st, pecked on landing 7th, headed 11th, bad mistake and pulled up quickly 12th

12/1

6th

7

20th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 5

15:10 Leicester

Chic Avenue

11st 3lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Pam Sly

took keen hold, prominent

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: 4

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Looked very much in need of the experience when fourth in a Warwick maiden hurdle this month (not fluent and flashed tail) so it was to her credit that she stayed on to finish fourth; may need further in time but normal improvement should see her firmly involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

24th Sep 2024

Good

2m 3f 0y

Class 5

16:05 Warwick

Valentine Getaway

10st 11lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Ran well in defeat behind a progressive mare at Huntingdon (3m1f, good) in May but her form has dipped in the meantime and she's now 0-13 over hurdles.

12/1

8th

6

1st Sep 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Worcester

Valentine Getaway

11st 3lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

in touch with leaders

16/1

7th

12

8th Jul 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:20 Worcester

Valentine Getaway

11st 1lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Fell heavily mid-race on latest outing and now 0-11 over hurdles but was second to a big improver at Huntingdon (3m1f, good) two starts ago and is a contender if judged on that performance.

7/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
£1,000 3yo; half-sister to bumper/hurdle winner Bean In Trouble; belated racecourse debut and probably best watched unless supported.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

7th Jul 2024

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

13:45 Market Rasen

Bean Norty

10st 2lb

J: Aaron Anderson

T: Rebecca Menzies

Yet to show any significant promise after six hurdling starts, the last twice in handicaps for current stable (2m3f/2m7f); needs to find a good chunk of improvement from somewhere; 1lb out of the handicap.

16/1

16

15th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

19:10 Uttoxeter

Bean Norty

10st 3lb

J: John Kington

T: Rebecca Menzies

Modest for Tom Lacey and beaten 60l on first start for Rebecca Menzies at Catterick (2m3f Class 5 mares' handicap) last December; tongue-tie newly applied off a six-month absence; no obvious reason to anticipate an upturn in fortunes.

33/1

11th

14

19th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 66y

Class 5

14:30 Catterick

Bean Norty

10st 4lb

J: William Maggs

T: Rebecca Menzies

Modest form for Tom Lacey; bought for £4,000 in August; no easy task on stable debut on return from a break.

16/1

Form: 260-7

Last run: 167 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up here in a bumper on her debut last December but three heavy defeats followed; more wind surgery since finishing last at Bangor in May and tongue-strap also fitted; hurdling debut with plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

20th Nov 2022

Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

12:48 Uttoxeter

Missed Vacation

11st 0lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Warren Greatrex

Runner-up in bumper here (2m, heavy) on debut but tailed off on her four starts since, most recently here on her first hurdles start.

100/1

7th

5

28th Oct 2022

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

13:20 Uttoxeter

Missed Vacation

11st 5lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Warren Greatrex

always towards rear, hampered home turn, tailed off

66/1

Form: 7

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Not a great deal to show for three bumper runs (first two in points); hurdle debut and others far more obvious.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

28th Dec 2022

Soft

2m 3f 66y

Class 4

12:28 Catterick

Buying Money

10st 11lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Stella Barclay

Holds very weak claims on her rules form (2m); combination of first-time headgear and new trip needs to make a difference.

200/1

8th

2

20th Nov 2022

Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

12:48 Uttoxeter

Buying Money

11st 0lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Stella Barclay

Down the field at triple-figure odds on both rules starts.

100/1

Form: 73-

Last run: 218 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Two bumper runs last season; well beaten on debut but better when close third at Chepstow (led, form yet to be seriously tested), despite hanging badly in the closing stages; hood fitted on first start over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

17th May 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:05 Worcester

Black Sam Vicki

10st 11lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Close third in a Chepstow bumper last March but she's struggled at big prices in three hurdle runs since; takes a big drop back in trip but she needs considerable improvement.

16/1

9th

3

9th May 2023

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

17:25 Ludlow

Black Sam Vicki

11st 4lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Third in a Chepstow bumper but she has offered little in two runs in this sphere, pulled up in Southwell maiden (2m4f) in January; others appeal more.

66/1

11

29th Jan 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

15:35 Southwell

Black Sam Vicki

11st 3lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Close up in a Chepstow bumper but 50-1 when tailed off in a maiden for mares at Uttoxeter.

100/1

Form: 63P/

Last run: 607 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Not beaten far in two AW bumpers at the start of 2021 but was pulled up on hurdling debut soon after; returns from 20 months off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

17th Nov 2022

Good

1m 7f 50y

Class 4

14:05 Wincanton

Phillipstown Ellen

11st 2lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Milton Harris

Ability in AW bumpers early in 2021 but little in two starts over hurdles, the latest after a long absence.

50/1

10th

6

28th Oct 2022

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

13:20 Uttoxeter

Phillipstown Ellen

11st 5lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Milton Harris

midfield, weakened after 6th, tailed off

33/1

Form: 1P8- D

Last run: 230 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner on her debut last November but flopped on next two starts, admittedly in stronger company; half-sister to winning hurdlers and may be able to do better on her return from seven months off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

26th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 2f 140y

Class 4

15:32 Market Rasen

Hidden Beauty

11st 12lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Soft-ground bumper winner who easily won a 16-runner novice hurdle at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) in January; soundly beaten on last month's handicap and seasonal debut at Huntingdon (2m, good) but could improve for the run and this unexposed mare may well have potential off her current mark.

5/1

8th

6

25th Nov 2023

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

14:13 Huntingdon

Hidden Beauty

11st 10lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Improved to win 16-runner Doncaster novice (2m, good to soft) in January and was not discredited when beaten odds-on favourite the following month; makes handicap debut after 291-day absence but probably still has potential; enters calculations.

11/2

Form: 2- BF

Last run: 228 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Dead-heated in an Irish point and possibly ran into an above-average rival when second in a Stratford bumper on British debut in March; tongue-strap fitted for hurdle debut and looks a likely candidate.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

13th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

15:35 Hereford

Royale Dance

12st 2lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Noel Williams

Had rather mixed record over hurdles last season but her clearcut win at Leicester (2m4f, soft) in January was a good performance, and her Irish point dead-heat in 2021 bodes well for her prospects on this chasing debut; unraced on ground quicker than good to soft.

12/1

1

13th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

15:35 Hereford

Royale Dance

12st 2lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Noel Williams

Had rather mixed record over hurdles last season but her clearcut win at Leicester (2m4f, soft) in January was a good performance, and her Irish point dead-heat in 2021 bodes well for her prospects on this chasing debut; unraced on ground quicker than good to soft.

12/1

7

18th Apr 2024

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

14:40 Cheltenham

Royale Dance

11st 1lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Noel Williams

Won with authority under Dylan Johnston at Leicester (2m4f, soft; five ran) in January on second start for this yard but has made two backward steps since; that latest came when tried at 3m, which sees the cheekpieces go on today and she's got a bit to prove.

25/1

Form: 5-

Last run: 197 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Encouraging display when fifth of 16 in a Cheltenham bumper in April (ahead of I Am Gonna Be), her only start to date; could well play a part if able to produce that ability on hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

26th Mar 2024

Good To Soft

2m 5f 150y

Class 5

16:50 Taunton

Jane Du Berlais

12st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Ryan Potter

A winner over hurdles (novice) but has failed to complete in her last five appearances, the last twice over fences; getting away from soft ground could be a bonus.

11/2

7

21st Feb 2024

Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 3

14:25 Ludlow

Jane Du Berlais

10st 8lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Ryan Potter

Has won over hurdles; failed to complete in last four races but was in touch when falling four out at Wetherby (2m3f, soft; chase debut) most recently; could go well granted a clear round.

9/1

0

6

25th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 4

15:35 Wetherby

Jane Du Berlais

11st 6lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Ryan Potter

took keen hold, held up in rear

9/1

Non-runners

Royale Dance

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £13.80
Straight Forecast £13.98
Trifecta £195.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Royale Dance

WEST COUNTRY:

Hidden Beauty

The Guardian:

I Am Gonna Be

Telegraph:

Magical Maggie

POSTDATA:

Valentine Getaway

The Star:

Hidden Beauty

The Times:

Royale Dance

D Express:

Royale Dance

Daily Mirror:

Royale Dance

The Sun:

Royale Dance

Daily Mail:

I Am Gonna Be

Daily Record:

Magical Maggie