December 02 / 14.00 Exeter

14.00

Good To Soft

British Stallion Studs EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4629.1
  • 2m 0f 161y
  • Class 4
  • 17 runners
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British Stallion Studs EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 17 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

4/6 (Won)

  • Win: £1.50
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 11-2 D BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won both his bumpers and made pleasing enough hurdling debut when second at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) last month, a mistake three out not helping his cause; should be more streetwise now and looks a strong contender for his in-form yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 200y

Class 1

15:30 Aintree

Grey Dawning

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Two Grade 1 wins, namely the 2m4f novice chase at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival (soft) and this season's Betfair Chase at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft); ran well for a long way before fading into fourth in last month's Gold Cup at Cheltenham (3m2f, good to soft); this drop back in trip could well be a positive move; effective here and respected in first-time cheekpieces.

2/1

4th

5

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Grey Dawning

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won the 2m4f novice chase at the 2024 Festival (soft) and added a second Grade 1 win in the Betfair Chase at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) this season; a mistake two out proved costly when 5l third of four to Spillane's Tower in the Grade 2 Cotswold Chase here (3m1f, soft) in January and he rallied up the hill; however, he may just lack the required class today.

12/1

3rd

1

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 1f 56y

Class 1

14:25 Cheltenham

Grey Dawning

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Top-class 9yo, successful in ten of his 18 races; better than ever on his last two starts, winning Betfair Chase at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) on reappearance with plenty in hand; has run well on both his outings at Cheltenham; again looks the one to beat.

8/13

11/4

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 212-11 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Won three-runner race on hurdling debut here (2m2f, good to firm) in October and followed up in fine style over C&D (good) last time; has double penalty to shoulder but Angus Cheleda takes off a valuable 5lb; looks sure to be thereabouts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

20th Sep 2024

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 3

15:15 Newton Abbot

Lallygag

11st 2lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

raced in second, bad mistake and lost position briefly 6th, pressed leader going best home turn, sustained duel with winner from 2 out, kept on run-in, no extra towards finish

5/2

1st

4

31st Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 2

15:55 Newton Abbot

Lallygag

11st 1lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

prominent

7/4

1st

7

8th Jul 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Worcester

Lallygag

11st 1lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

led, headed but prominent 3rd, led again 3 out, ridden before 2 out

4/1

OUR TIP

8/1

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 2/3-

Last run: 341 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Irish import who was having his second run in bumpers and was making his debut for Harry Fry on the back of wind surgery when a good third at Wincanton (1m7f, soft) on Boxing Day; off the track since but will have been well prepared for this hurdling debut; market check required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

1st Jan 2023

Soft

2m 2f 111y

Class 4

14:05 Exeter

How Will I Know

11st 6lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Harry Fry

Placed on all three starts, most recently when third of 17 here (2m, good to soft) on last month's hurdling debut; that form has recently been very well advertised by the front pair, and his pedigree gives a strong indication that today's longer trip will suit; tongue-tie added; good chance.

5/4

3rd

6

2nd Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

14:00 Exeter

How Will I Know

11st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Harry Fry

Irish import who was having his second run in bumpers and was making his debut for Harry Fry on the back of wind surgery when a good third at Wincanton (1m7f, soft) on Boxing Day; off the track since but will have been well prepared for this hurdling debut; market check required.

8/1

Form: 40-7

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Some promise in bumpers and it was a similar story on his hurdling debut at Chepstow (2m, good to soft) last month; should be a lot sharper for that first run for 328 days and it would be no surprise to see him figure for yard which also saddles How Will I Know.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

15:08 Uttoxeter

Walk On High

11st 2lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Low-mileage 9yo who completed a hurdle hat-trick when landing a Plumpton handicap (2m4f, good) in November; his winning streak came to an end at Taunton (last of five) in January but that was a Class 2 event and he travelled well to a point; returns after another break but he's out of a useful chaser and should have a future at this new discipline; needs a close look.

7/1

5th

4

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 2

15:15 Taunton

Walk On High

10st 12lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Harry Fry

Low-mileage and consistent 9yo; odds-on in winning two minor races last spring (heavy/good) and back from 170 days off to take a Plumpton handicap (2m4f, good) without too much fuss; only 5lb higher and subsequent break might be a good thing.

5/4

1st

1

17th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

17:55 Uttoxeter

Walk On High

11st 10lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Harry Fry

Easy Newton Abbot maiden winner in the returning hood latest (2m3f, heavy), running back up to his previous best form level; more on under a penalty, but player assuming good ground is coped with.

6/5

100/1

Form: 7-0

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
From the family of Thistlecrack but has made no impact in a bumper and novice hurdle; stable has stronger claims with King Of Lombardy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

6th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 30y

Class 5

14:20 Wincanton

Robinsville

11st 3lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

in touch with leaders

13/2

8

18th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 3y

Class 4

15:35 Taunton

Robinsville

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

0-5 over fences and 0-16 overall but may have benefited from latest wind op when keeping on well for third behind Safe Destination over C&D (good to soft) last month; 2lb out of the weights today but still considered.

11/2

3rd

10

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 3y

Class 5

15:50 Taunton

Robinsville

10st 10lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

in touch with leaders

14/1

Form: 22-P

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Point winner who finished runner-up in two bumpers; 50-1 when pulled up on hurdling debut at Worcester (2m4f, soft) in October; hard to make a case for on that evidence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

6th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 5

14:00 Plumpton

Hilltown

10st 2lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Seamus Mullins

Won over C&D in April 2023 and a chase here in April 2024; however, he's struggled this season following a long absence, including at this course on three occasions; 4lb out of the handicap; major turnaround needed.

14/1

5

9th Mar 2026

Good

3m 1f 157y

Class 5

16:00 Plumpton

Hilltown

10st 6lb

J: Ben Smith

T: Seamus Mullins

Returned from a long layoff with some disappointing efforts this season but took a step back in the right direction over hurdles at Fontwell (3m2f, soft) in January, where he put in a good front-running shift before tiring; now 1lb lower than when winning comfortably by 13l over C&D (good) in April 2024 and enters calculations; cheekpieces (worn for last two races) removed.

7/1

Form: 46

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 7lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Behind a couple of these when fourth over C&D last month and didn't progress back here last time; hard to recommend.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

19th Nov 2024

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 5

13:55 Fakenham

Caitlins Court

10st 6lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Jimmy Frost

jumped right on occasions, took keen hold, in touch with leaders, mistake 1st, headway and went second after 9th, disputed lead 11th, led clearly when hit 4 out, headed last, soon no extra

11/1

2nd

5

19th Nov 2024

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 5

13:55 Fakenham

Caitlins Court

10st 6lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Jimmy Frost

jumped right on occasions, took keen hold, in touch with leaders, mistake 1st, headway and went second after 9th, disputed lead 11th, led clearly when hit 4 out, headed last, soon no extra

11/1

Form: 4-2

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Chased home Lallygag at a respectful distance over C&D last month; promising type but hard to envisage him turning the tables.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

5

22nd Jan 2024

Good

2m 4f 114y

Class 5

15:55 Plumpton

King Of Lombardy

11st 7lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Not yet fully exposed after only six hurdle starts but was safely held in his first three handicaps (2m3f-2m5f) and needs to find some improvement from somewhere.

12/1

6th

3

30th Nov 2023

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

15:10 Taunton

King Of Lombardy

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

midfield, in touch with leaders before 4 out

12/1

Form: 8

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Hinted at ability when midfield on debut in novice hurdle at Warwick (2m, soft) 16 days ago; represents strong yard but is probably one for further down the line.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

17th Feb 2024

Soft

3m 0f 150y

Class 4

15:42 Wincanton

Pride Rock

10st 12lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo O’Neill

There's stamina in his pedigree and he showed marked improvement when upped to 3m for second of 15 on handicap debut at Ffos Las (soft); that was last January and he's unraced since; needed some riding, including as he wandered under pressure and was awkward at the penultimate flight, and cheekpieces go on today; off an unchanged mark, he's on the shortlist.

6/1

2nd

10

23rd Jan 2023

Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

16:30 Ffos Las

Pride Rock

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

No better than mid-division in three 2m novices but there's stamina in his pedigree and this trip should be more suitable for his handicap debut; respected, especially if strong in the betting.

5/1

13th

12

27th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:00 Wetherby

Pride Rock

11st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo O’Neill

prominent

33/1

16/1

Form: 1-6 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner who shaped with a degree of promise before fading into sixth on debut at Hereford (2m, good to soft) 17 days ago; should be more streetwise this time and yard remains in good form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

4th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

17:50 Southwell

Rocky Hill

11st 3lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

in touch with leaders

5/1

3rd

5

7th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

15:25 Ffos Las

Rocky Hill

11st 1lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Tom Lacey

Lightly raced 7yo who returned from long absence with good second on handicap debut at Hereford (2m3f, good to soft; first-time cheekpieces) in March; fell mid-race there last month but still has potential and remains very much of interest.

15/8

3rd

5

7th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

15:25 Ffos Las

Rocky Hill

11st 1lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Tom Lacey

prominent, edged left from 2 out, kept on but not pace to challenge

15/8

Form: 34/7-

Last run: 356 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Promise in bumpers but little impact on hurdling debut at Hereford (2m3f, good) last December; first run since and debut for Emma Lavelle; others more appealing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

14:05 Stratford

Auba Me Yang

11st 1lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: D J Jeffreys

Outran 40-1 odds when second at Uttoxeter (2m4f soft) in December but was generally very disappointing for Emma Lavelle last season; well beaten when 66-1 for stable debut six weeks ago and could be considered only if much stronger in the betting here; tongue-tie added.

25/1

10th

5

6th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

17:00 Ffos Las

Auba Me Yang

11st 5lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: D J Jeffreys

towards rear

16/1

10th

5

6th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

17:00 Ffos Las

Auba Me Yang

11st 5lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: D J Jeffreys

towards rear

16/1

33/1

Form: 5105/6 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Returning from 627 days off when well-beaten sixth at Hereford (2m3f, good to soft) last month (said to have made a respiratory noise); can only be watched until showing more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

29th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 4

16:25 Taunton

Little Else

11st 0lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jeremy Scott

Won consecutive handicaps in 2023, over C&D (soft) and 2m5f (heavy), and didn't look done with from a handicapping viewpoint when fourth at Newbury in January (3m, soft); likely contender down in grade.

12/1

4th

16

23rd Jan 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 4

15:10 Newbury

Little Else

10st 4lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jeremy Scott

Seemingly all the better for wind surgery when winning 3m/2m5f (soft/heavy) handicaps by neck margins; got edged out by an exposed mare at Exeter (2m5f, good to soft) since but returning to further should benefit her; she's not without hope.

14/1

100/1

Form: PU-

Last run: 255 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has failed to complete in two hurdles and a point; hood goes on; can only be watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

11th Jun 2024

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

15:15 Southwell

Pencil

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Nicky Martin

took keen hold, prominent, not fluent 3 out

8/1

5th

8

16th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

18:10 Fontwell

Pencil

10st 3lb

J: James Best

T: Nicky Martin

Could be given a chance based on his Bangor third (2m1f, soft) last October but not on any of his three subsequent starts; also has stamina to prove.

20/1

5th

8

16th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

18:10 Fontwell

Pencil

10st 3lb

J: James Best

T: Nicky Martin

midfield, headway 10th, soon disputing fourth, weakened run-in

20/1

Form: 8

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Sent off at 50-1 when tailed off on debut at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in October; top stable looks to have a much stronger contender in Grey Dawning.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

11th Dec 2022

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

13:53 Southwell

Lord Pethers

11st 4lb

J: Bridget Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

always towards rear, awkward jump 4th, soon ridden, well behind 3 out, tailed off when pulled up 2 out

66/1

14th

8

2nd Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

14:00 Exeter

Lord Pethers

11st 0lb

J: David England

T: Dan Skelton

Sent off at 50-1 when tailed off on debut at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in October; top stable looks to have a much stronger contender in Grey Dawning.

66/1

8th

11

28th Oct 2022

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

13:55 Uttoxeter

Lord Pethers

10st 12lb

J: Bridget Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

always towards rear, lost touch 3 out, tailed off

16/1

Form: 033-00

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed ability in bumpers but hasn't been able to replicate that in two hurdling starts; hard to make a case for.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

14th Feb 2024

Good To Soft

2m 5f 163y

Class 5

16:00 Hereford

Kimberley Eve

11st 0lb

J: James Best

T: Simon Earle

Reportedly treated for ulcers before displaying much-improved form to win a 3m Ludlow handicap by 11l (soft; 7lb lower); perhaps heavy ground didn't suit when tailed off at Exeter; better expected this time, for all that further suits her well.

6/1

7th

8

1st Jan 2024

Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 4

13:00 Exeter

Kimberley Eve

10st 5lb

J: James Best

T: Simon Earle

Placed twice in the autumn (2m7f/3m) and took form to whole new level when scoring by 11l from 7lb out of the handicap at Ludlow (3m, soft) last month, having reportedly been treated for ulcers; effectively 8lb higher here; interesting to see whether she can build on that performance.

5/1

Form: 8-UP

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Sent off at big prices when no impact in three starts over hurdles; hood/cheekpieces combination needs to have a huge positive effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 50y

Class 5

13:52 Wincanton

Freddie Fleetfoot

10st 2lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Carroll Gray

Gave good account when close fourth over C&D (good; also suited by soft) in November but was below that form at Taunton last month and is now 0-16 over hurdles; 1lb wrong; others preferred.

16/1

11

18th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 5

13:15 Stratford

Freddie Fleetfoot

10st 2lb

J: Miss Thomasina Eyston

T: Carroll Gray

Made the frame twice (2m, soft/good) in spring 2024; now returns from a lengthy absence but he'll have possibilities if ready to roll.

10/1

Form: 7-P0

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 7lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Pulled up and tailed off in two starts over hurdles; readily opposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

30th Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 135y

Class 5

16:25 Fontwell

Double Or Quits

10st 2lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Alexandra Dunn

Unplaced all six hurdling starts but, following a long layoff and a wind op, shaped with more promise than eventual 43l defeat might suggest at Stratford (3m2f, good) last month; might have needed that outing and is no forlorn hope if she takes well to chasing; 3lb wrong.

33/1

5th

9

21st Jul 2024

Good

3m 2f 83y

Class 5

14:55 Stratford

Double Or Quits

10st 2lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Alexandra Dunn

Weak form claims and hasn't been seen for a year, since when she's had wind surgery; well out of the weights on her first run beyond 2m4f.

33/1

12

3rd Jul 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

16:45 Southwell

Double Or Quits

10st 2lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Alexandra Dunn

midfield, ridden after 5 out

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £3.70
Straight Forecast £2.49
Trifecta £7.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Lallygag

RP Ratings:

Grey Dawning

TOPSPEED:

Grey Dawning

The Times:

Grey Dawning

D Express:

Grey Dawning

The Sun:

Grey Dawning

Daily Record:

Grey Dawning

POSTDATA:

Lallygag

WEST COUNTRY:

Lallygag

Telegraph:

Lallygag

The Guardian:

Lallygag

Daily Mail:

Lallygag

Daily Mirror:

Lallygag

The Star:

Lallygag