December 03 / 11.53 Chepstow

11.53

Good To Soft

Happy Birthday To John Maisey Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £6219.32
  • 2m 7f 131y
  • Class 3
  • 12 runners
SKY
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Happy Birthday To John Maisey Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.34
  • Place: £1.70

Form: /444-2 BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
0-4 in bumpers and 0-4 over hurdles but yet to finish outside of the frame in any race; ran big race when clear second on last month's seasonal debut at Sandown (2m4f, heavy) and has a significant role to play if suited by today's step up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

32

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Top Of The Bill

10st 5lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

One of several who are now in the veteran stage but also in the form of their lives; 7l winner at Haydock (extended 3m1f) in November and returned there with an excellent, rallying second in the Grand National Trial (extended 3m4f, again good to soft) in February; ridden last three starts by Toby McCain-Mitchell; back up 2lb and an interesting prospect for 4m2f but this is a much stronger race.

50/1

2nd

1

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Top Of The Bill

12st 0lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

10yo who posted a career-best performance with comfortable win here (extended 3m1f, good to soft) in November, and he's also won on soft ground; not written off after just one below-par run but he was well held in the Tommy Whittle here in December and has to leave that effort miles behind.

25/1

1st

1

21st Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 177y

Class 3

15:40 Ffos Las

Top Of The Bill

12st 0lb

J: Jordan Nailor

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Took very well to fences last season, winning three times over 3m (good to soft-soft), but returned with two disappointing runs in the autumn; needs to get back on track and will have something to prove if the ground stays good (unraced on anything quicker than good to soft).

11/2

12/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 45-3P3 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Has very good 9-25 strike-rate over hurdles, albeit six of those wins were collected in sellers; returned from break with respectable third in Ffos Las handicap (3m, soft) last month and has each-way claims at least here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

29th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

12:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Paricolor

11st 11lb

J: Gearoid Harney

T: David Pipe

Without a win since late 2021 and was struggling for form when last seen; needs a major turnaround in another change of headgear.

14/1

5

29th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

12:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Paricolor

11st 11lb

J: Gearoid Harney

T: David Pipe

Without a win since late 2021 and was struggling for form when last seen; needs a major turnaround in another change of headgear.

14/1

5th

2

15th May 2024

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

15:30 Ffos Las

Paricolor

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: David Pipe

Has nine hurdle wins on his CV but last success was in December 2021 and he's been pulled up in both runs this spring; mark continues to fall and conditions are no problem but he needs a major turnaround; equipment removed.

10/1

4/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 1132-2 D BF

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Six-time point winner who came good under rules with three consecutive hurdle wins at Exeter in January/February (2m5f-2m7f, good to soft-heavy); lost out only by short head to next-time-out winner on last month's seasonal debut there (2m7f, good; front pair clear) and might still be improving.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

21st Apr 2024

Good

3m 1f 30y

Class 4

15:35 Wincanton

Raddon Top

11st 11lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Down

Has won four times at Exeter and yet he has struggled in handicap hurdles there the last twice; has won over fences but tried this discipline only once in the last 12 months and he was well beaten.

14/1

4th

6

21st Apr 2024

Good

3m 1f 30y

Class 4

15:35 Wincanton

Raddon Top

11st 11lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Down

Has won four times at Exeter and yet he has struggled in handicap hurdles there the last twice; has won over fences but tried this discipline only once in the last 12 months and he was well beaten.

14/1

5th

4

7th Apr 2024

Heavy

2m 7f 25y

Class 5

15:00 Exeter

Raddon Top

11st 13lb

J: James Turner

T: Chris Down

Four-time course winner (twice over C&D) who will be suited by today's ground; on a good mark now but was safely held when fourth here last month and needs to up his game.

16/1

Form: 22-3U2

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Suited by the return to hurdling and stuck well to his task when second at Lingfield (2m7f, soft) last month; doesn't appear to have much margin for error off his current mark but today's slightly better ground will be in his favour; probably won't be far away.
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

OUR TIP

Form: 1145-2 CD BF

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Gained the first of last season's two hurdling wins over this C&D (soft) and was runner-up over C&D (good) on last month's reappearance outing; moves up in grade today but still enters calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

25th Mar 2024

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 4

15:05 Huntingdon

Lanspark

10st 13lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Thorough stayer who has won four times over hurdles; has disappointed in two starts since scoring at Fontwell last December; back on a competitive mark but with a bit to prove.

12/1

6th

10

23rd Feb 2024

Soft

2m 7f 25y

Class 4

16:10 Exeter

Lanspark

11st 2lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Returned to form with front-running win in small field at Fontwell (3m2f, soft) on Boxing Day; however, his recent profile has been patchy and he was pulled up at Plumpton (3m1f, soft) last month; this is competitive and a return to form is needed with a first-time visor replacing blinkers.

16/1

0

5

22nd Jan 2024

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

15:20 Plumpton

Lanspark

11st 12lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Robbie Llewellyn

led

7/2

Form: /11PP- CD BF

Last run: 253 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Started off in handicap hurdles with two wins, the latter off today's mark in this race last year (good to soft); pulled up on next two outings and returns from 253-day absence with questions to answer but had wind surgery in the spring and will have obvious claims if back on song.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

14th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 30y

Class 4

16:00 Wincanton

Take Your Time

11st 11lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Paul Nicholls

Triple hurdle winner who is 3-9 over fences but he's been pulled up in last three runs and latest was over C&D (heavy) two weeks ago; that was after a lengthy absence but he's now an 11yo and he needs a big turnaround.

12/1

3

29th Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 30y

Class 3

15:33 Wincanton

Take Your Time

11st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Record of 3-8 as a chaser but confined to just three races last season and wasn't anywhere near his best (including when pulled up behind Collectors Item); now an 11yo so perhaps asking a bit much for him to rediscover his peak form; has won on heavy.

5/1

2

21st Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 177y

Class 3

15:40 Ffos Las

Take Your Time

11st 5lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Paul Nicholls

3-7 over fences; ran well when third (albeit well held in the end) in valuable Haydock handicap (3m1f, soft) on seasonal debut in November but was pulled up when last in action and the forecast good ground may not be ideal for him here.

6/1

Form: UP21P- D

Last run: 281 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
1-9 over hurdles for Charlie Longsdon, the win gained in heavy-ground Uttoxeter maiden (2m7f) last December; off since pulled up in handicap in February but worth a glance in the betting before today's stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

5th Mar 2024

Heavy

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:02 Lingfield

Carlow Farmer

11st 10lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Anthony Charlton

Both wins gained at Uttoxeter; can take plenty of driving and again he raced lazily when tailed off at Fontwell on final sighting last May; goes on the ground and stays well, but others appeal more.

25/1

6th

3

18th May 2023

Good

3m 1f 166y

Class 4

20:15 Fontwell

Carlow Farmer

11st 7lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Milton Harris

raced lazily at times, in touch with leaders, not fluent 1st, reminder after 5th, pushed along before 10th, ridden and weakened after 3 out, tailed off

6/1

Form: F235-P

Last run: 217 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Pulled up when making chase/handicap debut at Punchestown festival for Willie Mullins in April and not seen again since but switches back to hurdling on workable mark for new stable (same owner); had wind op in October and now has tongue-tie fitted; blinkers (worn for last two races) removed; no surprise if he features.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

7th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

14:45 Market Rasen

Cavallino

11st 13lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

raced in second, ridden after 3 out, weakened before 2 out, soon pulled up

16/1

8th

5

3rd Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 3

11:53 Chepstow

Cavallino

11st 5lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Pulled up when making chase/handicap debut at Punchestown festival for Willie Mullins in April and not seen again since but switches back to hurdling on workable mark for new stable (same owner); had wind op in October and now has tongue-tie fitted; blinkers (worn for last two races) removed; no surprise if he features.

10/1

Form: 7P6-67 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Ended last season in poor form and was well beaten when back in action here (2m3f) last month; entitled to have benefited from that recent outing and is very well handicapped now but needs to turn a corner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

29th Oct 2024

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

15:45 Chepstow

Winds Of Fire

11st 2lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Returned to form and gamely fended off a heavily backed rival to make all at Uttoxeter (2m4f, soft; refitted visor) in July but a lesser effort followed last month and he's not easy to predict; headgear switched here.

20/1

13

29th Oct 2024

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

15:45 Chepstow

Winds Of Fire

11st 2lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Returned to form and gamely fended off a heavily backed rival to make all at Uttoxeter (2m4f, soft; refitted visor) in July but a lesser effort followed last month and he's not easy to predict; headgear switched here.

20/1

7th

4

1st Sep 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:10 Worcester

Winds Of Fire

11st 12lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Returned to form and gamely fended off a heavily backed rival to make all at Uttoxeter (2m4f, soft; refitted visor) in July; not sure to be in same mood again here but good ground also suits and a 3lb rise is manageable.

8/1

Form: 41125- C

Last run: 263 days

W: 12st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Struck form and won two 2m7f chases here in this month last year; not seen since disappointing run at Cheltenham Festival in March but could be dangerous off his lower hurdle mark if fully tuned up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

22nd Feb 2026

Soft

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

15:10 Hereford

Pats Fancy

11st 11lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Rebecca Curtis

Very useful chaser at his peak (last win was in 2021); not the force he was, but handicapped accordingly; fair fourth at Ffos Las in October (3m1f, soft; cheekpieces on for first time); not so good since (pulled up in Welsh National last time); blinkers now tried.

9/1

4th

1

28th Oct 2025

Soft

3m 1f 60y

Class 4

14:58 Ffos Las

Pats Fancy

12st 2lb

J: Jamie Brace

T: Rebecca Curtis

Very useful in his prime and has conditions to suit here but returned from long absence with three disappointing runs (albeit in good-quality races) towards end of last season; eased in grade and sports first-time cheekpieces for this reappearance run; revival needed.

20/1

Form: 12/F

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Looked very promising during two-race novice hurdle campaign in 2020-21 but wasn't seen again until falling at first fence on last month's chase/handicap debut; quickly switched back to hurdling here and remains unexposed but not an easy horse to weigh up at present.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

29th Jan 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

16:10 Southwell

Bennys Oscar

11st 5lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

10

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 5f 56y

Class 3

14:10 Wetherby

Bennys Oscar

11st 2lb

J: Mr Jack Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

Point winner who looked promising when landing a novice hurdle at Warwick (2m5f, soft) in February 2021; first-fence faller at Uttoxeter last month when back from a long absence and he may have needed the run when back over hurdles at Chepstow three weeks ago (tailed off); in top hands and has a first-time tongue-tie, but nevertheless has plenty to prove.

25/1

11th

6

3rd Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 3

11:53 Chepstow

Bennys Oscar

11st 5lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Looked very promising during two-race novice hurdle campaign in 2020-21 but wasn't seen again until falling at first fence on last month's chase/handicap debut; quickly switched back to hurdling here and remains unexposed but not an easy horse to weigh up at present.

20/1

Form: 1P1-44 D BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Dual novice hurdle winner last season (3m1f/2m7f) but made just a respectable reappearance in October and was tailed off in a chase last month; needs today's headgear switch to give him a boost.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

24th May 2023

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Warwick

Grace A Vous Enki

11st 12lb

J: Bryony Frost

T: Paul Nicholls

Last season was disappointing but he took a good step back in the right direction when third at Doncaster (3m, good) in February, despite racing rather lazily, and remains on a good mark.

7/2

3rd

4

22nd Feb 2023

Good

3m 0f 84y

Class 3

14:25 Doncaster

Grace A Vous Enki

11st 6lb

J: Bryony Frost

T: Paul Nicholls

Has something to prove regarding his current form having failed to shine this season; however, this two-time novice hurdle winner (3m1f/2m7f, good to soft/good) could appreciate the return to hurdles (from fences), and he's not written off for his top stable.

6/1

5

2nd Jan 2023

Soft

3m 4f 102y

Class 3

15:00 Plumpton

Grace A Vous Enki

11st 3lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Dual chase winner in France but has performed poorly in his two runs over British fences, latterly at Ludlow in November; on his return to hurdling he slipped up during the early stages; ground will be fine and he'll probably stay the trip, but he needs to turn things around.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £45.80
Straight Forecast £41.57
Tricast £236.70
Trifecta £253.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Top Of The Bill

TOPSPEED:

Lanspark

Telegraph:

Raddon Top

Daily Mirror:

Grace A Vous Enki

RP Ratings:

Take Your Time

The Times:

Pats Fancy

WEST COUNTRY:

Top Of The Bill

Daily Mail:

Top Of The Bill

D Express:

Top Of The Bill

The Star:

Top Of The Bill

POSTDATA:

Lanspark

The Guardian:

Lanspark

The Sun:

Raddon Top

Daily Record:

Raddon Top