November 03 / 17.19 Ludlow

17.19

Good

Michael Oliver Memorial Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5800.29
  • 2m 5f 55y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
RTV
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Michael Oliver Memorial Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.50
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 8853-4

Last run: 179 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
He has shown clear promise in two bumpers and three 2m novice hurdles; bred to be much more effective over this trip and interesting to see how he fares in the betting after a six-month break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 3

13:10 Cheltenham

Blenkinsop

10st 11lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Henry Daly

Completed a handicap hurdle four-timer in late 2022 and showed considerable spark when third of 15 at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good to soft) in March on his second start back from a long absence; however, tailed off at Aintree next time; makes chase debut and others have more pressing claims.

25/1

18th

21

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Blenkinsop

10st 6lb

J: Hugh Nugent

T: Henry Daly

raced wide, pressed leader, prominent 2nd

25/1

18th

21

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Blenkinsop

10st 6lb

J: Hugh Nugent

T: Henry Daly

raced wide, pressed leader, prominent 2nd

25/1

8/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 6P6-23 D BF

Last run: 75 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Had a BHA rating some 31lb higher as recently as June 2021; last season was a washout but there was more promise at Worcester in July (after a wind op) when just touched off in a 2m4f handicap chase; failed to back it up at Newton Abbot in August; now back hurdling for the first time in two years (RPR of 136).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

19th Aug 2023

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

19:30 Market Rasen

Locks Corner

11st 13lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Won twice on slow ground over hurdles (2m3f/2m4f) towards the end of last year but he has a mixed record since; perked up with a fair third over C&D (good) in June but he failed to back that up at Worcester and others are preferred; cheekpieces reapplied.

12/1

6th

2

20th Jul 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

18:10 Worcester

Locks Corner

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

At least ran to his mark when 7l third at Market Rasen last time (3m, good), and the winner has completed a hat-trick since; cheekpieces deployed on all eight rules victories are still absent, however.

8/1

3rd

2

9th Jun 2023

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

15:20 Market Rasen

Locks Corner

11st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Back in the groove with two wins at the end of last year but seems to have returned to the doldrums since; well handicapped now but something to prove and cheekpieces worn in all wins under rules are missing.

9/1

7/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 213251 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Two hurdle wins this season, latterly over 3m here two weeks ago, but the wins came in fields of two and four; he has more on his plate in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

26th Jun 2026

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 4

15:50 Cartmel

Tiger Orchid

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

All good since joining Stuart Edmonds and deserved his 2m7f win over hurdles at Uttoxeter (by 4l; good); up 4lb for this return to fences but he's a three-time winner in this discipline.

9/2

1st

3

4th Jun 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

15:00 Uttoxeter

Tiger Orchid

11st 10lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Four good efforts from as many starts for current connections, though once again wasn't quite able to convert a winning opportunity at Huntingdon latest (3m1f, good to firm); fair claims off an unchanged mark, and ought to cope with any rain.

11/4

3rd

6

19th May 2026

Good To Firm

3m 1f 10y

Class 3

19:30 Huntingdon

Tiger Orchid

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Without a win since summer 2024 and not getting any younger but runner-up three consecutive times (2m7f-3m1f; once over fences) for new stable towards end of last season; probably won't be far away.

15/2

Form: 2F32-P BF

Last run: 152 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Won a 2m7f Hexham maiden hurdle in May 2021 on his rules debut; hit and miss in five runs since and although he has edged down the weights, this mark still looks high enough; has left Paul Nicholls since latest start (same owner).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

4

9th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 4

15:45 Ludlow

Grange Road

11st 6lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Gary Hanmer

Started off for Gary Hanmer with two respectable runs in this month last year, latterly when fifth in a good-quality Uttoxeter chase (2m6f, soft); has fitness to prove after 354-day absence but the handicapper has given him a good chance.

33/1

1

10th Jan 2023

Good

3m 2f 1y

Class 4

14:25 Doncaster

Grange Road

12st 0lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Gary Hanmer

Pulled up on his fencing debut for Paul Nicholls in June but he's performed with credit on both subsequent runs for current yard, fifth in 2m6f Uttoxeter handicap chase in November; no forlorn hope from a 5lb lower mark.

16/1

5th

8

20th Nov 2022

Soft

2m 6f 108y

Class 3

13:23 Uttoxeter

Grange Road

10st 5lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Gary Hanmer

Won a maiden hurdle at Hexham in May 2021 on debut for Paul Nicholls but failed to go on from that; pulled up this June on sole chase start and was a soundly beaten fourth over hurdles at Worcester on recent stable debut; 3lb out of the handicap now back over fences and others are preferred.

25/1

Form: 643285 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
C&D winner off a 3lb higher mark 13 months ago; had a wind op in April and she has finished second on three occasions since; should run her race but others may prove better treated.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

3rd Nov 2022

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

17:19 Ludlow

Une De La Seniere

11st 7lb

J: Miss Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

C&D winner off a 3lb higher mark 13 months ago; had a wind op in April and she has finished second on three occasions since; should run her race but others may prove better treated.

16/1

5th

3

26th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

13:25 Chepstow

Une De La Seniere

11st 12lb

J: Miss Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

prominent, not fluent and pushed along 4 out, lost third before 3 out, weakened and lost fourth before last

8/1

8th

5

6th Oct 2022

Good

2m 3f 0y

Class 4

16:00 Warwick

Une De La Seniere

11st 10lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

held up in rear, ridden home turn, made no telling impression

3/1

Form: 1P66-1 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Two wins last season but struggled in handicaps; returned from six months off to win a Stratford handicap last month, in front when his closest pursuer came down at the last; 6lb rise demands more and he didn't look entirely straightforward at Stratford but the return to a right-handed track may help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

12th Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 4

16:26 Perth

Ballintubber Boy

12st 0lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Disappointed at Huntingdon (a course he likes) in May, after a break, and didn't find much at business end when last of four finishers at Worcester (2m7f, good) last month; on a good mark but arrives here with questions to answer.

8/1

4th

4

11th Jun 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 3

19:42 Worcester

Ballintubber Boy

10st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Looked rusty after seven months off when last of seven in 3m1f handicap hurdle at Huntingdon 23 days ago; this fairly useful winning hurdler can take a step forward now.

7/1

6th

3

19th May 2026

Good To Firm

3m 1f 10y

Class 3

19:30 Huntingdon

Ballintubber Boy

11st 11lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Gained the last three of his seven hurdle wins over C&D (including 2024 edition of this race); absent since two small-field seconds in October (2m5f/2m7f) but there's a good chance he'll be primed for a big run on this return to Huntingdon.

9/2

Form: 15-253

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
1-7 over hurdles, the win coming in a small-field novice at Newcastle in March; no impact in two handicap runs and although he ran creditably at Fakenham last month, he could prove vulnerable once more; accessories added now upped in distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

3rd Nov 2022

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

17:19 Ludlow

Rock Legend

10st 13lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

1-7 over hurdles, the win coming in a small-field novice at Newcastle in March; no impact in two handicap runs and although he ran creditably at Fakenham last month, he could prove vulnerable once more; accessories added now upped in distance.

7/1

3rd

1

14th Oct 2022

Good

2m 0f 3y

Class 4

14:40 Fakenham

Rock Legend

11st 7lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

raced in second, pushed along after 3 out, lost second and well held 2 out

11/4

OUR TIP

Form: 1/58-

Last run: 334 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Point winner; made a winning rules debut at Uttoxeter two years ago (2m4f, good to soft); off for a year before finishing down the field over C&D and he was then well held on his handicap debut at Chepstow one month later; returns from another 11-month absence off a reduced mark; could yet do better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

26th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 174y

Class 4

14:40 Ludlow

What About Time

11st 7lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

took keen hold, midfield, pushed along and dropped to rear before 7th, detached when pulled up before 4 out

6/1

6

12th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

14:40 Market Rasen

What About Time

11st 3lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Very lightly raced since winning hurdle debut in 2020 but battled on pretty well for second behind very progressive rival at Huntingdon (3m1f, good to soft) on Boxing Day and has each-way claims at least here.

13/2

8

1st Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 25y

Class 4

16:30 Exeter

What About Time

11st 5lb

J: Bradley Roberts

T: Charlie Longsdon

Handicap on last three outings, best of those when second of eight at Huntingdon (3m1f, good to soft) last time; needs better than that and his 2020 maiden win remains clearly his best form.

8/1

Form: -526U4

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in two of his six runs this year; short of his best on last three starts though and others look more persuasive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

2nd Jun 2025

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 5

14:15 Market Rasen

Iron Heart

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

0-9 over fences but twice runner-up; has another go in this discipline on the back of a comfortable win over hurdles here (2m4f, good) in a race he also won 12 months earlier; now rated 10lb lower as a chaser so has obvious claims.

4/5

1

2nd Jun 2025

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 5

14:15 Market Rasen

Iron Heart

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

0-9 over fences but twice runner-up; has another go in this discipline on the back of a comfortable win over hurdles here (2m4f, good) in a race he also won 12 months earlier; now rated 10lb lower as a chaser so has obvious claims.

4/5

1st

2

9th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

17:00 Market Rasen

Iron Heart

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

9lb lower when an easy winner of this 12 months ago but he can deal with this mark and latest close third at Ffos Las (good to soft) was commendable given he likes good ground; could very easily win this again.

13/8

Form: 4F-759 C

Last run: 127 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Runner-up twice last season, including over C&D, but his form cooled from April onwards; new headgear tried now back from a short break; others much more interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

18th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

17:05 Bangor-on-Dee

Equus Millar

10st 2lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Useful in his prime but looked badly out of sorts when pulled up on both outings this year and is 10lb out of the handicap here; needs recent wind op to have made a massive difference.

50/1

13

18th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

17:05 Bangor-on-Dee

Equus Millar

10st 2lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Useful in his prime but looked badly out of sorts when pulled up on both outings this year and is 10lb out of the handicap here; needs recent wind op to have made a massive difference.

50/1

Form: 1131-1 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Slow start to his career but he is making up for lost time in handicaps, winning four of his last five starts; returned from a year off with a tidy win at Worcester four weeks ago and still looks attractively weighted up just 3lb; has won on soft so rain shouldn't be a major issue.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

25th Sep 2023

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

16:50 Warwick

Chives

11st 13lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

took keen hold, prominent, outpaced 4 out, soon weakened

7/1

5th

2

3rd Mar 2023

Good

2m 4f 118y

Class 4

13:40 Newbury

Chives

11st 13lb

J: Sean O’Briain

T: Nicky Henderson

Had won four handicaps in five starts before failing to give his running at Ludlow in November; still looks on a competitive mark despite all that and Sean O'Briain takes off a healthy 10lb; goes well fresh.

4/1

Form: 27P85/

Last run: 578 days

W: 10st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Patchy rules record when trained by Ben Case; point form last season doesn't point to him being an obvious winner today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

5

10th Jan 2023

Good

3m 0f 84y

Class 5

12:15 Doncaster

Welshs Castle

11st 13lb

J: Mr Ivor Herbert

T: Matt Sheppard

Has won three point-to-points but only fair efforts in that sphere last year; fair run when fourth in a 2m4f handicap chase at Wincanton last time (good to soft) but others have stronger claims.

20/1

4th

5

1st Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

12:25 Wincanton

Welshs Castle

11st 5lb

J: Mr Ivor Herbert

T: Matt Sheppard

led

25/1

9

3rd Nov 2022

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

17:19 Ludlow

Welshs Castle

10st 13lb

J: Mr Ivor Herbert

T: Matt Sheppard

Patchy rules record when trained by Ben Case; point form last season doesn't point to him being an obvious winner today.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £37.30
Straight Forecast £31.11
Tricast £182.27
Trifecta £223.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Chives

POSTDATA:

Une De La Seniere

RP Ratings:

Ballintubber Boy

D Express:

Blenkinsop

TOPSPEED:

Grange Road

Daily Mail:

Lock's Corner

WEST COUNTRY:

Ballintubber Boy

The Times:

Une De La Seniere

The Guardian:

Une De La Seniere

LAMBOURN:

Chives

Telegraph:

Chives

Daily Mirror:

Chives

The Sun:

Chives

The Star:

Chives

Daily Record:

Chives