November 04 / 17.08 Exeter

17.08

Good

Betway Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3430.98
  • 2m 0f 161y
  • Class 5
  • 15 runners
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Betway Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 178414 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Not the easiest of rides but Kai Lenihan was aboard when winning at Warwick (2m, good) and it wasn't a bad run here over 2m2f (good to firm); has less to prove than most of these.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

18th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 5

13:15 Stratford

Gerard Mentor

10st 9lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Has been chasing, not beaten far when third at Worcester (2m, good) in September but rather disappointing over the same C&D last time; has four wins to his name over hurdles; not ruled out.

6/1

5th

11

26th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

13:37 Worcester

Gerard Mentor

10st 9lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

C&D winner just over a year ago and signs of a revival with two better runs returned here of late, including when not far behind Rocks Up Late and Alshadhian last month; player if reproducing those efforts on better terms.

7/1

33/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 4P-696 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Won two good-ground handicaps when with Caroline Bailey in the spring of 2021; more encouraging signs last time behind Gerard Mentor and possibilities if building on that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

26th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 166y

Class 4

19:09 Plumpton

Begin The Luck

12st 0lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Daisy Hitchins

Largely reliable veteran and a three-time winner since December, latterly over C&D in April; touched off at Fontwell 20 days ago, with I Shut That d'Or about 5l back in third; nudged up 1lb but likely to make his presence felt again.

2/1

2nd

2

6th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

19:42 Fontwell

Begin The Luck

11st 13lb

J: Robbie David

T: Daisy Hitchins

Veteran who has won three times over fences since December including at Plumpton (2m4f, good) 17 days ago; that was in a small field and his main rival made a bad mistake at the last but he still looks feasibly treated and is versatile ground-wise; respected.

5/1

1st

2

19th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 166y

Class 5

14:17 Plumpton

Begin The Luck

11st 7lb

J: Robbie David

T: Daisy Hitchins

Reliable sort who scored at Leicester (2m4f) in March; not discredited when fifth in 2m5f handicap chase at Newton Abbot 15 days ago so ought to be in the shake-up eased 1lb.

3/1

12/1

  • Place: £4.70

Form: -37845

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Showed something in a bumper but no closer than 28l in four runs over hurdles and goes handicapping with a lot to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

20th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 5

15:00 Warwick

Testflight

11st 4lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Sue Gardner

1-28 under rules, his win coming over fences off this mark at Newton Abbot (3m2f, good) last July; has been off since October and needs to hit the ground running.

8/1

7

21st Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 7f 25y

Class 5

16:00 Exeter

Testflight

10st 2lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Sue Gardner

Usually gives his running, over hurdles and fences; close third in the latter discipline at the weekend.

6/1

4

18th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

14:54 Newton Abbot

Testflight

11st 3lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Sue Gardner

Rallied well to win small-field C&D (good) chase off today's mark in July and reverts to fences after perfectly respectable hurdle run from out of the weights here last month; likely contender.

11/2

Form: 353P-

Last run: 230 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Similar form in three maiden/novice hurdles at about 2m, which offers hope off this sort of mark; didn't give his running on handicap debut in March.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

12

22nd Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:17 Chepstow

Mini Yeats

10st 11lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Gave good account when fourth at Taunton (2m, good) in December, his second start for Tim Vaughan, but last month's Ffos Las run was a backward step and he's now 0-13 over hurdles; cheekpieces removed; tongue-tie added.

16/1

8th

22

11th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

14:58 Ffos Las

Mini Yeats

10st 5lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Maiden but has hit the frame and was beaten under 5l at Taunton last time (2m, good) when shaping as though a stiffer stamina test was needed.

13/2

8th

22

11th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

14:58 Ffos Las

Mini Yeats

10st 5lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Maiden but has hit the frame and was beaten under 5l at Taunton last time (2m, good) when shaping as though a stiffer stamina test was needed.

13/2

OUR TIP

Form: 41-121 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 12st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
After a productive period on the Flat and over hurdles in Jersey he won his first hurdle in Britain at Stratford when getting up late in the day under Thomasina Eyston; only 2lb higher for this but on a far stiffer track; likes the ground good or quicker.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(7)

22nd May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:08 Bath

Man Of The Sea

9st 6lb

J: David Probert

T: Neil Mulholland

Veteran whose two 2025 wins were at this track over 1m6f and 1m5f; placed twice over hurdles last November but last week's run in that sphere (after a Flat reappearance here) was disappointing and dents his appeal.

8/1

4th

1

12th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

16:45 Hereford

Man Of The Sea

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Neil Mulholland

In good form without winning (runner-up over 2m3f at Taunton) before Christmas and should be sharper for a recent fifth on the Flat at Bath; this veteran needs considering.

6/1

5th

6

(4)

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 24y

Class 5

16:15 Bath

Man Of The Sea

8st 6lb

J: Myla Coppins

T: Neil Mulholland

Has done a lot of his winning in Jersey but he scored here (1m5f, firm) in the autumn and was runner-up over hurdles at Taunton (2m3f) in his final run in 2025; returns after 141 days off but he needs watching in market back on the Flat.

3/1

Form: P68

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Hard to view any of her qualifying runs in a positive light; tongue-tie fitted for handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

21st Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

16:30 Taunton

Martha Burell

10st 2lb

J: Ben Ffrench Davis

T: Jackie Du Plessis

Moderate maiden who didn't complete when back up in trip latest; now goes further with plenty to prove, including from 6lb out of the weights.

66/1

11

20th Nov 2022

Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

16:05 Exeter

Martha Burell

10st 3lb

J: Ben Ffrench Davis

T: Jackie Du Plessis

Modest sixth in similar event over 2m here 16 days ago when making handicap debut; this longer trip needs to have positive effect.

14/1

6th

12

4th Nov 2022

Good

2m 0f 161y

Class 5

17:08 Exeter

Martha Burell

10st 2lb

J: Ben Ffrench Davis

T: Jackie Du Plessis

Hard to view any of her qualifying runs in a positive light; tongue-tie fitted for handicap debut.

33/1

Form: 61722- D BF

Last run: 201 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
0-7 over hurdles and he's a better chaser, finishing runner-up in 2m3f/2m1f handicaps earlier this year; rather watch on this return from a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

28th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 189y

Class 5

14:30 Huntingdon

Uberman

10st 12lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Katharine Davis

held up in last, bad mistake 4th, soon pulled up quickly (jockey said gelding made a bad mistake at the 4th fence and lost his action afterwards)

10/1

6th

6

2nd Feb 2023

Good

2m 0f 59y

Class 5

14:10 Fakenham

Uberman

11st 6lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

disputed lead

10/1

8

4th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 4f 194y

Class 5

16:00 Hereford

Uberman

11st 4lb

J: Mr Daniel Kyne

T: Katharine Davis

Only win came over 2m at Lingfield and fair third over that C&D in November (some way behind /Shaw's Cross); effectiveness at this trip unproven.

14/1

Form: 0013-1 D

Last run: 169 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Back with his former trainer Tony Newcombe; he won two of his last three hurdle starts for Ben Haslam and ran well on the Flat in between; up the ratings but with trip/ground fine he has a chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

10

(11)

15th May 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 137y

Class 6

19:10 Bath

Lightning Attack

9st 0lb

J: William Cox

T: Tony Newcombe

1m AW, 1m2f turf (heavy) and 2m hurdle winner (good or slower); without success for two years, during which time he has had only six starts across both codes and been well beaten.

50/1

12th

10

(11)

15th May 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 137y

Class 6

19:10 Bath

Lightning Attack

9st 0lb

J: William Cox

T: Tony Newcombe

1m AW, 1m2f turf (heavy) and 2m hurdle winner (good or slower); without success for two years, during which time he has had only six starts across both codes and been well beaten.

50/1

8th

5

(2)

28th Feb 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Lightning Attack

9st 9lb

J: William Cox

T: Tony Newcombe

Successful on Flat and over hurdles; however, has shown poor form under both codes since last win; needs to prove he retains ability.

16/1

Form: 776/

Last run: 562 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
At least 80-1 when nowhere in three minor hurdles during early 2021; has won on the Flat but that was even earlier and she's been struggling this year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(12)

4th Jan 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 6

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Scarlet Ruby

9st 4lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: John O’Shea

towards rear

16/1

4th

7

27th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

1m 7f 113y

Class 5

13:10 Leicester

Scarlet Ruby

10st 3lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: John O’Shea

Flat winner for previous stable; unconvincing record for current yard until she opened her hurdles account in mares' handicap over C&D (on fast ground) two weeks ago; leading player off 4lb higher, provided she backs up that form.

2/1

1st

7

14th Nov 2022

Good To Firm

1m 7f 113y

Class 5

14:20 Leicester

Scarlet Ruby

10st 2lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: John O’Shea

Flat winner for previous stable; very unconvincing form in that sphere and over hurdles for current yard; others preferred.

25/1

10/1

Form: 62P-17 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Snapped a losing run in a selling handicap at Newton Abbot (2m2f, good) but then made little impression at Stratford; this stiff track might not be his cup of tea (well held on a previous visit).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

7

24th Oct 2023

Good

2m 2f 111y

Class 5

14:00 Exeter

Sufi

11st 10lb

J: Mr Billy Broomfield

T: Milton Harris

2m2f winner at Stratford this summer but he's an infrequent winner and has been below that level since.

33/1

6th

7

11th Oct 2023

Good

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

14:10 Ludlow

Sufi

10st 11lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Milton Harris

towards rear, pushed along before 3 out

16/1

Form: P1/P70 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Won on fast ground for Richard Newland in spring 2011 but has shown nothing in handicaps for his current yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

3

(13)

13th Jul 2023

Good

2m 0f 109y

Class 6

14:00 Doncaster

Numero Uno

11st 2lb

J: Mr Harvey Barfoot-Saunt

T: Tracey Barfoot-Saunt

bit short of room after 1f, soon midfield

100/1

4th

3

22nd Jun 2023

Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

18:35 Uttoxeter

Numero Uno

11st 0lb

J: Mr Geoff Barfoot-Saunt

T: Tracey Barfoot-Saunt

Struggled off lowly marks in handicap hurdles last year and his recent point form doesn't offer much hope either.

50/1

11th

11

4th Nov 2022

Good

2m 0f 161y

Class 5

17:08 Exeter

Numero Uno

10st 6lb

J: Mr James Jeavons

T: Tracey Barfoot-Saunt

Won on fast ground for Richard Newland in spring 2011 but has shown nothing in handicaps for his current yard.

66/1

Form: 2266-U

Last run: 14 days

W: 12st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

10th Mar 2023

Good

2m 0f 161y

Class 5

16:40 Exeter

Girandole

10st 7lb

J: Jamie Brace

T: Mark Gillard

Twice runner-up in juvenile hurdles at the end of 2021 but unplaced in four handicap attempts, the latest at Taunton last month.

25/1

7th

8

23rd Feb 2023

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 5

16:35 Huntingdon

Girandole

10st 10lb

J: David Noonan

T: Mark Gillard

midfield

33/1

4th

4

9th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

13:58 Ffos Las

Girandole

11st 1lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: Mark Gillard

took keen hold, disputed lead, pushed along 3 out, ridden before 2 out, weakened from last

20/1

Form: 18P53P D

Last run: 4 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Wearing a first-time tongue-tie when winning over fences at Stratford in August but not a lot since (in just cheekpieces last three runs), with his third here last month a remote one; he has at least won over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

4th Nov 2022

Good

2m 0f 161y

Class 5

17:08 Exeter

The Garrison

10st 7lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Alexandra Dunn

Wearing a first-time tongue-tie when winning over fences at Stratford in August but not a lot since (in just cheekpieces last three runs), with his third here last month a remote one; he has at least won over hurdles.

25/1

8

31st Oct 2022

Good

2m 0f 8y

Class 5

16:45 Hereford

The Garrison

10st 7lb

J: Tom Scudamore

T: Alexandra Dunn

Got back in the groove with a tongue-tie added when scoring over fences at Stratford (2m1f, good) in August but he's not come close to that form in four runs since; back on last winning mark now but was beaten 23l at Exeter last time and he needs a major upturn in form.

14/1

3rd

5

18th Oct 2022

Good To Firm

2m 1f 109y

Class 5

15:45 Exeter

The Garrison

10st 6lb

J: James Davies

T: Alexandra Dunn

led, 5 lengths ahead 6th, not fluent 7th, much reduced lead 4 out, soon ridden, lost second after 2 out, weakened approaching last

12/1

Form: 257U74

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

4th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

16:35 Newton Abbot

Miss Marette

10st 4lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Down

2m hurdle winner on fast ground; returns to this discipline after being well beaten in several chases; blinkers go on; plenty to prove.

33/1

11

4th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

16:35 Newton Abbot

Miss Marette

10st 4lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Down

2m hurdle winner on fast ground; returns to this discipline after being well beaten in several chases; blinkers go on; plenty to prove.

33/1

5

22nd May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:05 Ffos Las

Miss Marette

10st 2lb

J: David Noonan

T: Chris Down

1-20 over hurdles and 0-5 as a chaser; refused to race three runs back and tailed off since then on either side of wind surgery.

20/1

Form: UU09

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
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

Non-runners

Girandole, Miss Marette, Time To Burn

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £17.00
Straight Forecast £14.05
Tricast £141.54
Trifecta £184.90

Selections

The Times:

Lightning Attack

WEST COUNTRY:

Gerard Mentor

D Express:

Man Of The Sea

Daily Mirror:

Uberman

POSTDATA:

Sufi

RP Ratings:

Begin The Luck

SPOTLIGHT:

Miss Marette

Daily Mail:

Gerard Mentor

Daily Record:

Man Of The Sea

The Guardian:

Lightning Attack

The Sun:

Lightning Attack

The Star:

Uberman

Telegraph:

Sufi