November 08 / 16.30 Lingfield

16.30

Good To Soft

Sharon Knapp Memorial Cup Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £10238.48
  • 2m 7f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 15 runners
SKY
View Course
Sharon Knapp Memorial Cup Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

33/1 (Won)

  • Win: £26.30
  • Place: £4.80

Form: 3/P0-8

Last run: 80 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Won on the Flat and over hurdles in 2020 when trained in Ireland; not solid on recent form and is best watched returned to this code on second run for new stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

18th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

14:25 Uttoxeter

Lynwood Gold

11st 2lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Brian Barr

Sprang a surprise on just his second run for this yard when coming 6l clear at Lingfield (2m7f, soft) and was running well (though wouldn't have won) when falling late on at Exeter (good); something has clicked and he could outrun his odds.

33/1

2

12th Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 25y

Class 2

16:00 Exeter

Lynwood Gold

11st 9lb

J: Bradley Roberts

T: Brian Barr

in touch with leaders, nudged along from 6th, ridden before 3 out, keeping on but held when fell last

6/1

11/2

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 322-3U

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Has been switched to chasing this season and the latest attempt ended early (slowed dramatically approaching the first fence and unseated rider); consistent hurdler and went close off this mark at Market Rasen (2m7f, good to soft) on last start in this sphere; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

17th Aug 2024

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

18:20 Market Rasen

Royal Pretender

12st 0lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

His first win since 2021 when staying on to collect by 5l at Stratford (2m6f, good) a month ago, for which he's back up 5lb; that might not prevent him from doubling up if he can replicate the form.

11/4

1st

5

21st Jul 2024

Good

2m 6f 7y

Class 4

13:50 Stratford

Royal Pretender

11st 9lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Third over 2m7f at Uttoxeter in June (good) but was well held in the end and remains without a win since 2021.

8/1

13/2

  • Place: £2.40

Form: F312P- CD

Last run: 213 days

W: 12st 1lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Absent since pulled up in the Grand National; very well handicapped on the pick of his chase form, and showed he's still a useful hurdler when beating Emitom over C&D (heavy) in January; creditable second in the Rendlesham next time; major player back in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

31st Dec 2024

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:20 Warwick

Top Ville Ben

12st 0lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Jennie Candlish

led, headed 13th, weakened after 4 out

7/2

3rd

1

31st Dec 2024

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:20 Warwick

Top Ville Ben

12st 0lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Jennie Candlish

led, headed 13th, weakened after 4 out

7/2

5th

2

9th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:30 Lingfield

Top Ville Ben

11st 12lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Jennie Candlish

Mostly struggled last season, best effort when a close second of four at Aintree (2m4f, soft) on Boxing Day but form slumped after and well held in a Class 2 at Uttoxeter (3m) in May on final start for Philip Kirby; on a good mark but needs the change of scenery to have revived him.

8/1

Form: 232PP- C

Last run: 213 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Losing spell goes back to his success in the 2020 Rendlesham and current mark reflects a decline in his form (pulled up last two appearances); however, he's better off with Top Ville Ben on C&D running in January and is attractively treated given his peak ability; not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

7th Nov 2024

Good

3m 0f 52y

Class 2

14:52 Newbury

Emitom

11st 7lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

raced in last, headway before 3 out, went second 2 out, switched right before last, not fluent when challenging last, stayed on but just held

3/1

2nd

2

7th Nov 2024

Good

3m 0f 52y

Class 2

14:52 Newbury

Emitom

11st 7lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

raced in last, headway before 3 out, went second 2 out, switched right before last, not fluent when challenging last, stayed on but just held

3/1

5th

15

14th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:10 Cheltenham

Emitom

10st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Two wins and two seconds from his five races for current yard; both the wins were at Newbury, including in clearcut style from Kyntara on heavy going last time out; back up another 5lb but he was fourth in the Grade 1 Stayers' on his only visit to the Festival, admittedly in 2020, but a case can be made for this resurgent 10yo.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: 115-09

Last run: 16 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Has a question mark over current form, having been soundly beaten in a couple of Class 2 events this term; however, completed a four-timer at Class 3 level (on soft ground) last season and could well revive off a workable mark returned to this grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

13:50 Uttoxeter

West To The Bridge

11st 9lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Grand servant to the yard with 11 hurdles wins; did what he's been doing for years by bouncing back to exploit a falling mark on his favoured testing ground at Chepstow (2m3f, soft) in January; most tenacious and impossible to dismiss off 3lb higher.

10/1

1st

1

27th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 3

14:02 Chepstow

West To The Bridge

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Long in the tooth now and not the force of old but was nudged up only 1lb for last month's clear second in refitted cheekpieces at Ludlow (2m5f, good to soft) and ought to be better suited by this slower ground.

10/1

Form: 2/7PF-

Last run: 292 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
2m3f winner as a novice hurdler in the 2020-21 campaign; poor record last season, failing to show his form twice over fences then an early faller on the return to hurdling; represents major stable and may turn things around this term; not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

24th Nov 2022

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

14:35 Lingfield

Henry Gondoff

11st 12lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Soundly beaten on both chasing starts last winter and was tailed off over hurdles here on recent seasonal debut; has slipped to a tempting mark but others are much less risky.

20/1

6th

13

8th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:30 Lingfield

Henry Gondoff

10st 12lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo O’Neill

prominent, reminders with one circuit to go

14/1

Form: 31/P8- D

Last run: 269 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Useful novice chaser two seasons ago, then lost his way badly in two runs last term; combination of subsequent wind surgery and return to hurdles may spark a revival; 2-3 in this sphere; first outing under the care of Syd Hosie.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

27th Oct 2024

Good

3m 2f 162y

Class 3

15:15 Wincanton

Lieutenant Rocco

10st 9lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Anthony Charlton

pressed leader, led before 12th, pressed leader when headed 15th, not fluent 17th, outpaced before 3 out, weakened after 2 out

14/1

13

11th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Lieutenant Rocco

12st 0lb

J: Mr William Biddick

T: Syd Hosie

Looked as though he might develop into a smart handicapper a few seasons back only for injury to intervene; won a Kempton handicap (2m4f, good; has won on heavy) 14 months ago but holding his form has been a challenge and he was well beaten by Espoir De Guye last time.

25/1

13

11th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Lieutenant Rocco

12st 0lb

J: Mr William Biddick

T: Syd Hosie

Looked as though he might develop into a smart handicapper a few seasons back only for injury to intervene; won a Kempton handicap (2m4f, good; has won on heavy) 14 months ago but holding his form has been a challenge and he was well beaten by Espoir De Guye last time.

25/1

Form: PP1PP-

Last run: 234 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful on his day but has become unreliable, as form figures of PP1PP last term reflect; all wins at about 2m4f and looks one to oppose back up in distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

25th Jul 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

16:23 Uttoxeter

Ballybegg

11st 11lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Kerry Lee

Dual C&D winner; went close off today's mark at Ludlow (2m5f, good) in March but this regressive 10yo was soundly beaten over fences when last in action and would appeal much more on slower ground.

25/1

3

1st Jul 2025

Good To Firm

2m 3f 98y

Class 4

20:18 Stratford

Ballybegg

12st 1lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Kerry Lee

Inconsistent 10yo who was well beaten when back over fences in May (2m6f), then unsuited by the drop back to 2m on his most recent start at Newton Abbot last month when a well-held third of six; on a good mark if the mood takes him now back up to a more suitable test.

10/1

3rd

3

13th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

19:55 Newton Abbot

Ballybegg

11st 6lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Kerry Lee

Went close over hurdles at Ludlow (2m5f, good) in March but this inconsistent and steadily regressive 10yo was well beaten when back over fences last month (2m6f); drops back to about 2m for first time since hurdle debut in 2020; has done all his winning on ground slower than good.

10/1

Form: /2P44-

Last run: 249 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Dual 2m3f hurdles winner who kept on for fourth over 3m at Newbury (soft) when last seen eight months ago; in excellent hands, still has low mileage, remains unexposed at this sort of distance and goes well fresh; interesting off reduced mark on reappearance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

27th Jan 2024

Good

2m 7f 214y

Class 3

15:50 Doncaster

Stellar Magic

10st 13lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Billy Aprahamian

Bounced back quickly from a disappointing run (in cheekpieces) to open chasing account in first-time blinkers at Wincanton (3m1f, good to soft) last month; not one to rely upon heavily but recent 4lb rise ought to be manageable if he responds well to a first-time visor.

11/2

2

26th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 30y

Class 3

13:28 Wincanton

Stellar Magic

12st 2lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Billy Aprahamian

Very respectable third on seasonal/stable debut at Huntingdon (2m7f, good to soft) last month but ought to have been suited by the soft ground when pulled up at Ludlow three weeks ago and today's headgear switch needs to perk him up.

20/1

Form: /3PP9-

Last run: 249 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

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

6th

2

23rd Sep 2024

Good

3m 3f 9y

Class 4

15:40 Sedgefield

Barbados Bucks

11st 12lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Daragh Bourke

Formerly useful for Paul Nicholls; only win for this yard came in a three-runner handicap hurdle at Carlisle (3m1f, good to soft) and there hasn't been much to shout about since then; blinkers belatedly return.

5/1

5th

1

17th Aug 2024

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

18:20 Market Rasen

Barbados Bucks

12st 0lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Daragh Bourke

Formerly useful for Paul Nicholls; sole win for this yard came in a three-runner handicap hurdle at Carlisle (3m1f, good to soft) and there hasn't been much to shout about since then (back chasing last time); visor replaces cheekpieces.

20/1

5

14th Jul 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:45 Perth

Barbados Bucks

11st 8lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Daragh Bourke

Useful staying hurdler for Paul Nicholls but his two chasing attempts for him in 2021 did not go well; safely held on both outings this season (3m/2m4f) and comes with significant risk on return to fences.

20/1

Form: /13PP- D

Last run: 213 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Lost his form badly after a successful chase debut last December and the return to hurdles made no difference on final run (Aintree Grade 3); however, has possibilities if tapping back into the progressive form he showed in the 2020-21 campaign (scored five times).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

30th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

15:13 Catterick

Bushypark

12st 0lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

12yo who is without a win since December 2023 but he ran his best race for some time when fourth at Carlisle (3m2f, soft) in November and when seventh at Ayr last time he was back up in grade; his mark continues to fall and this front-runner, who has won here, could make a bold bid.

11/2

Form: 836-7P D

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Grade 2 winner as a novice chaser two seasons ago; unable to take advantage of a declining mark since returned to hurdles, though best to forgive latest effort (saddle slipped); well treated granted a return to something like his best form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 7f 174y

Class 4

14:35 Ludlow

Hurricane Harvey

12st 2lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Usually runs in better races; stayed on for third at Ascot (2m5f) most recently; defied a 4lb higher mark over C&D last term and looks interesting at this level returned to this scenario; 3-4 in Class 4.

9/1

1

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 7f 174y

Class 4

14:35 Ludlow

Hurricane Harvey

12st 2lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Usually runs in better races; stayed on for third at Ascot (2m5f) most recently; defied a 4lb higher mark over C&D last term and looks interesting at this level returned to this scenario; 3-4 in Class 4.

9/1

3rd

8

24th Mar 2024

Good

2m 5f 141y

Class 3

17:05 Ascot

Hurricane Harvey

11st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Fair fourth of 12 at Newbury (3m, good to soft) in December and he's now 6lb lower; however, this 10yo has been well beaten the last twice, most recently here (2m7f, good to soft), and needs to get back on track.

25/1

Form: 511P-

Last run: 249 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Record of 2-3 over hurdles for Oliver Sherwood, the wins gained over 2m4f and 3m1f; something was possibly amiss in hat-trick attempt when last seen; sold for £75,000 since; remains open to further improvement and looks an interesting recruit for Alastair Ralph.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

8th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 129y

Class 4

15:00 Huntingdon

Guerlain De Vaux

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Kim Bailey

Lightly raced 8yo; dual hurdles winner but achieved nothing on chase debut; returns from long absence and makes debut for new yard; market helpful.

8/1

6th

2

8th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 129y

Class 4

15:00 Huntingdon

Guerlain De Vaux

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Kim Bailey

Lightly raced 8yo; dual hurdles winner but achieved nothing on chase debut; returns from long absence and makes debut for new yard; market helpful.

8/1

Form: 3F/54-

Last run: 309 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Below best in two runs back over fences last season; in the lead and sticking on when final-flight faller at Perth (3m2f) on last appearance over hurdles, and he's now 6lb lower in the weights; good chance provided he returns from layoff in top form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

22nd Mar 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 4

17:20 Newbury

Republican

11st 12lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Followed his former trainer Oliver Sherwood to Harry Derham's yard for which he made a winning start over 3m at Musselburgh (soft); didn't win with much in hand but that was his first run for 251 days and a 5lb rise is fair enough.

11/4

1st

2

1st Jan 2024

Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

15:30 Musselburgh

Republican

11st 13lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

prominent, in touch with leaders after 8th

3/1

4th

8

25th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:00 Ffos Las

Republican

11st 3lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Oliver Sherwood

Won at Hereford (2m3f, good) in February but that was a weak four-runner race and he's since been a soundly beaten fourth at Southwell (2m4f, good to soft); others have more pressing claims.

10/1

Form: 134-54

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Completed a hat-trick over fences in 2021 but this year's chase form is poor; 0-5 over hurdles in 2019 and, while he went close on one occasion, has something to prove in this competitive affair.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

28th May 2023

Good

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

16:15 Fontwell

Mister Tickle

11st 7lb

J: Jamie Moore

T: Gary Moore

Apart from his third at Huntingdon in January, he has been most disappointing in the last 18 months, showing little enthusiasm; pulled up over C&D latest (hampered) but perhaps Jamie Moore can inspire him.

12/1

3

10th May 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

18:15 Fontwell

Mister Tickle

11st 12lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary Moore

Raced with a lot more enthusiasm than has become the norm when third at Huntingdon (2m7f, good to soft) in January but was quickly back in the doldrums at Plumpton the following month and it's hard to predict the extent to which this regressive 9yo will warm to the task here.

12/1

5

16th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

16:25 Huntingdon

Mister Tickle

11st 7lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary Moore

Third over C&D in January on penultimate start but that's some way below his best form and far and away the best he's achieved this season; having a 17lb lower mark than this time last year helps somewhat and his stable has had lots of recent winners.

12/1

Non-runners

Barbados Buck's, Hurricane Harvey, Guerlain De Vaux, Republican

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £135.40
Straight Forecast £97.56
Tricast £1149.77
Trifecta £1398.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Stellar Magic

LAMBOURN:

Emitom

The Sun:

Top Ville Ben

Telegraph:

Bushypark

TOPSPEED:

Hurricane Harvey

RP Ratings:

Stellar Magic

POSTDATA:

Stellar Magic

WEST COUNTRY:

Stellar Magic

The Times:

Stellar Magic

The Guardian:

Stellar Magic

Daily Mail:

Stellar Magic

D Express:

Stellar Magic

Daily Mirror:

Stellar Magic

The Star:

Emitom

Daily Record:

Top Ville Ben