November 29 / 14.35 Southwell

14.35

Good To Soft

Follow @vickersracing On Twitter Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4901.4
  • 1m 7f 182y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
SKY
View Course
Follow @vickersracing On Twitter Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

100/30 (Won)

  • Win: £2.50
  • Place: £1.30

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Closely related to useful hurdler/chaser Marquis Of Carabas; made virtually all to win slow-ground Irish point by 4l on debut in January, form that has been well advertised by the runner-up under rules this autumn; might need further than 2m to be seen to best effect but, nevertheless, he's a very interesting recruit for Jonjo O'Neill.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

15th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

16:25 Haydock

Red Dirt Road

11st 3lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

He can have his off days but he's 4-12 over hurdles and he ran well to be fourth in a Pertemps qualifier over C&D before dropping out in the final furlong after racing up with the pace; he was always likely to prove a sitting duck when it mattered at Cheltenham and better can be expected here.

15/2

19th

9

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Red Dirt Road

10st 10lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Two wins last winter, latterly at Sandown (extended 2m7f, heavy; by 8l making all); pulled up on next two starts, with 322 days off in between, but fourth in the Haydock qualifier last month was a big step back in the right direction; now needs to make another but he's only 1lb higher than at Sandown.

33/1

4th

4

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

15:50 Haydock

Red Dirt Road

11st 10lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Low-mileage 9yo; won at Aintree (soft) and Sandown (heavy; made all for an 8l verdict) last winter but pulled up at Uttoxeter on final start and suffered a similar fate on his Sandown reappearance a fortnight ago; needs to have come on a lot in a short time.

14/1

13/8

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 042-13 C

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Delivered on promise shown in Ireland when winning good-ground course bumper by 4l on stable debut in May and was very respectable third in mares' novice hurdle at Newbury (2m, good) this month; leading contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

11th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

16:55 Southwell

Mrs Grimley

11st 4lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Sam Allwood

Became disappointing for Ben Pauling last season and, following a wind op, made low-key stable debut last month; needs to have taken significant benefit from that recent outing.

16/1

5th

3

4th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

19:25 Uttoxeter

Mrs Grimley

11st 8lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Sam Allwood

Won heavy-ground novice hurdle for Ben Pauling in early part of 2023 but became very disappointing for that stable last season; needs combination of wind op and change of scenary to prompt a revival.

14/1

5th

3

4th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

19:25 Uttoxeter

Mrs Grimley

11st 8lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Sam Allwood

Won heavy-ground novice hurdle for Ben Pauling in early part of 2023 but became very disappointing for that stable last season; needs combination of wind op and change of scenary to prompt a revival.

14/1

OUR TIP

16/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 2-1U55 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Justified odds-on favouritism in modest Newton Abbot bumper in September but unseated rider after attempting to refuse at first flight on subsequent hurdle debut, and safely held twice since; others look stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

28th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 4f 118y

Class 4

14:13 Newbury

Bobby Socks

11st 4lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

held up in rear, headway 3 out, hung left but disputing third approaching last, weakened run-in

4/1

2nd

10

3rd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

15:50 Southwell

Bobby Socks

11st 1lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Won over C&D and at Perth (2m4f) on good ground in summer 2023, and returned from long absence with good third at Leicester (1m7f, good to soft) in November (had wind op afterwards); there's a slight concern that today's conditions might be slower than he prefers but, nevertheless, he helps to give Olly Murphy a strong hand in this race.

7/2

2nd

10

3rd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

15:50 Southwell

Bobby Socks

11st 1lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Won over C&D and at Perth (2m4f) on good ground in summer 2023, and returned from long absence with good third at Leicester (1m7f, good to soft) in November (had wind op afterwards); there's a slight concern that today's conditions might be slower than he prefers but, nevertheless, he helps to give Olly Murphy a strong hand in this race.

7/2

Form: 4934-6

Last run: 200 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
0-8 in Irish bumpers but made the frame on four occasions and evidently has ability; makes stable/hurdle debut after 200-day absence; riding arrangements suggest Daniel Deronda is the stable's main hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

17th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:50 Worcester

Shandancer

11st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Often lacks fluency over his hurdles but started off for current stable with two good efforts last spring (2m4f/2m3f); will be fine over today's longer trip and Harry Cobden is a good booking for this reappearance run.

7/1

2nd

1

18th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

18:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Shandancer

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

0-12 over hurdles and much more exposed than some of these but kept on for very respectable third on last month's stable debut at Plumpton (2m4f, good; clear winner has won twice again since) and will probably be competitive again here.

3/1

2nd

1

18th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

18:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Shandancer

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

0-12 over hurdles and much more exposed than some of these but kept on for very respectable third on last month's stable debut at Plumpton (2m4f, good; clear winner has won twice again since) and will probably be competitive again here.

3/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Promising as a 2yo but remains a maiden after 19 Flat starts and has been knocking about in run-of-the-mill handicaps this autumn; should be fine stamina-wise on today's hurdling debut but makes only limited appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

9th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

13:58 Ffos Las

Knowwhentorun

10st 13lb

J: David Noonan

T: Roger Teal

took keen hold, held up in rear, not fluent 2nd, ridden and became detached after 4 out, pulled up before 3 out

7/1

6th

4

9th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

14:30 Taunton

Knowwhentorun

11st 8lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Roger Teal

19-race maiden on Flat; comfortably held in two attempts over hurdles, modest fifth at Southwell then eighth at Plumpton; unappealing.

25/1

8th

9

20th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

1m 7f 195y

Class 4

14:00 Plumpton

Knowwhentorun

11st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Roger Teal

0-19 on the Flat; has some fairly useful form on his record but knocks about in run-of-the-mill handicaps nowadays and was soundly beaten when 50-1 for recent hurdling debut at Southwell.

100/1

Form: 524-5

Last run: 208 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Fair Flat-racer who showed aptitude for hurdling in early part of this year, most notably when second to useful rival over C&D (good to soft); not seen since underwhelming handicap debut in May but had a wind op in September and can play a significant role in this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(3)

17th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Daniel Deronda

9st 7lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Mike Sowersby

Well handicapped on old form, but is just 2-40 and his performances since joining this yard don't make him of much interest.

33/1

11th

3

(6)

28th Aug 2024

Good

1m 5f 192y

Class 6

16:25 Catterick

Daniel Deronda

9st 13lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Mike Sowersby

Winless since 2021 and he was tailed off when returned to the Flat (1m2f) on stable debut last month; mark continues to fall but he's not been competitive for some time and has plenty to prove on this big step back up in trip; cheekpieces reapplied.

25/1

11th

4

(7)

30th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

14:10 Beverley

Daniel Deronda

10st 11lb

J: Mr Jack Nicholls

T: Mike Sowersby

Winless since 2021 and he was well held on both starts over hurdles for Sarah Humphrey this summer; he needs this yard switch to spark a resurgence.

20/1

Form:

Last run: 52 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-sister to stable's low-grade hurdle winner Flight To Nowhere; well down the field when 100-1 for last month's bumper debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

26th May 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

20:40 Worcester

Bear A Hand

12st 0lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Richard Price

Lightly raced mare who made pretty good start to handicap career when third of ten at Uttoxeter (2m, soft) three weeks ago; should be okay on today's faster ground and may still have a bigger run in her; respected.

11/4

3rd

5

6th May 2023

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

18:15 Uttoxeter

Bear A Hand

11st 11lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Richard Price

Best of three runs when fourth in a Doncaster novice last time (2m3f, good); weakened late on so shouldn't be inconvenienced by the drop in trip on handicap debut; a possible

20/1

6

22nd Apr 2023

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

15:25 Bangor-on-Dee

Bear A Hand

11st 2lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Richard Price

Form: 305-94

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in a bumper last autumn and bettered low-key seasonal/hurdle debut when keeping on steadily for fourth at Uttoxeter (2m4f, soft) nine days ago, where he was given a ride that attracted the attention of the stewards; can probably improve again at some stage.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

16:50 Uttoxeter

Doyouknowwhatimean

11st 8lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Gary Hanmer

Won four times for the Skeltons but, following a good second on his stable debut here (2m4f, heavy) in December, he has been pulled up on three of his last four starts; hard to fancy.

20/1

2

18th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

16:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Doyouknowwhatimean

11st 11lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Gary Hanmer

Ex-Dan Skelton; went close on yard debut in December (2m4f, heavy) but then twice pulled up and was beaten 14l here 18 days ago (good); wouldn't be the percentage call.

11/2

4th

2

31st Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

15:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Doyouknowwhatimean

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Gary Hanmer

Ex-Dan Skelton; he has pulled up in his three of his last four races but did go close when he did get round at Uttoxeter in December (2m4f, heavy; effective on good); he's risky but also capable.

25/1

Form: 55

Last run: 148 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Not beaten far when fifth of seven on bumper debut at Kelso in May but his run at Worcester two months later was a backward step; significant improvement is needed on today's hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 5

17:05 Cartmel

Blazing Court

10st 11lb

J: Mr John Dixon

T: John Dixon

2m4f Worcester chase winner off 11lb higher in August 2024, but over a year since showing much over either type of obstacle.

33/1

4

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 5

14:57 Carlisle

Blazing Court

11st 3lb

J: Mr John Dixon

T: John Dixon

Won a chase for a different stable in summer 2024 but has looked out of sorts over fences and hurdles this season; revival needed.

25/1

15th

7

16th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 218y

Class 5

15:42 Carlisle

Blazing Court

11st 2lb

J: Mr John Dixon

T: John Dixon

On a handy mark judged on 2024 chase win and he can also be effective over hurdles (albeit 0-11 in this sphere); however, he struggled over hurdles/fences on his last two starts in June and needs to get back on track.

33/1

Form: 2492

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made the frame in two bumpers in early part of this season; only third best on merit and didn't achieve huge amount when remote second in C&D maiden hurdle 18 days ago; another minor prize is probably his best hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

2nd Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 118y

Class 4

16:10 Ascot

Charging Point

11st 5lb

J: Patrick Cowley

T: L J Morgan

Up against it behind a big improver on handicap debut at Southwell but still a promising third; although others appeared to be going better over that same C&D four weeks ago, it was he who stayed on best to win going away; has further to go today but looks a stayer in the making.

3/1

1st

5

6th Mar 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

16:10 Southwell

Charging Point

11st 5lb

J: Patrick Cowley

T: L J Morgan

Six-race maiden; made an encouraging handicap debut in C&D event on good ground last month and the winner boosted that form by following up next time; open to further progress at this level; respected.

7/2

3rd

7

8th Feb 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

16:10 Southwell

Charging Point

11st 4lb

J: Patrick Cowley

T: L J Morgan

Only third best on merit and didn't achieve huge amount when remote second in 2m course maiden in November, and well beaten over that trip here later that month; however, moves up to 2m4f for today's handicap debut and may yet deliver on promise shown in good-ground bumpers.

8/1

Form: 88-4

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Beaten about 31l when last of four finishers on recent hurdling debut at Newcastle (2m4f, good); not the obvious answer here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

16:22 Hexham

The Skiffle King

10st 2lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Made a successful chasing debut at Southwell (3m2f) for Charles and Adam Pogson but off 14 months before being pulled up there for his new yard 24 days ago; blinkers are quickly reached for.

16/1

9

17th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

13:35 Southwell

The Skiffle King

10st 8lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

jumped left on occasions, prominent, mistake and lost ground 6th, weakened before 15th, tailed off when pulled up after 4 out

11/2

1st

6

17th Dec 2023

Soft

3m 1f 185y

Class 5

12:10 Southwell

The Skiffle King

10st 2lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

First and third in good-ground handicap hurdles earlier this year before struggling under softer conditions; the ground is therefore a worry and he goes without the cheekpieces that were working well.

12/1

Form: 464-4

Last run: 172 days

W: 10st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Sprint winner on the Flat when trained in France; did well to finish fourth on British hurdling debut at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good) in June, having lost significant ground at the start, but the form is modest; ran very poorly on the Flat for new stable a fortnight ago; too risky.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(7)

16th Jan 2023

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 5

16:55 Wolverhampton (AW)

More Joy

9st 9lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

5.5f winner when trained in France; beaten a long way on her first two starts for this trainer (AW/hurdles) and refused to race on latest.

50/1

5

28th Dec 2022

1m 7f 156y

Class 4

15:25 Catterick

More Joy

11st 0lb

J: Miss Becky Smith

T: Micky Hammond

Sprint winner on the Flat when trained in France; has made the frame in three hurdle races but well beaten in two runs since joining Micky Hammond (usual hood left off last time); too much to prove for comfort.

25/1

12th

13

29th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

14:35 Southwell

More Joy

10st 11lb

J: Miss Becky Smith

T: Micky Hammond

took keen hold, led

25/1

Form: 8-

Last run: 355 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Out of a useful bumper/hurdle winner; made just a mildly encouraging bumper debut when midfield at Warwick (soft) last December and Harry Skelton rides her stablemate here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

29th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

14:35 Southwell

Blue Bubbles

10st 11lb

J: Bridget Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

took keen hold, held up in rear

16/1

Form: 99

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Beaten 80l+ in both her bumpers; cheekpieces removed after one use; makes no appeal on today's hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

29th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

14:35 Southwell

Lorraines Girl

10st 11lb

J: David Noonan

T: Olly Williams

towards rear, not fluent 1st, mistake 2nd

200/1

9th

11

28th Oct 2022

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

16:45 Uttoxeter

Lorraines Girl

10st 6lb

J: Daire Davis

T: Olly Williams

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, ridden home turn, soon weakened, tailed off

50/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £6.40
Straight Forecast £4.81
Trifecta £42.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Mrs Grimley

WEST COUNTRY:

Red Dirt Road

Daily Mail:

Doyouknowwhatimean

RP Ratings:

Mrs Grimley

TOPSPEED:

Mrs Grimley

POSTDATA:

Mrs Grimley

The Times:

Mrs Grimley

The Guardian:

Mrs Grimley

Daily Mirror:

Mrs Grimley

The Sun:

Mrs Grimley

The Star:

Mrs Grimley

Telegraph:

Red Dirt Road

D Express:

Red Dirt Road

Daily Record:

Red Dirt Road