December 05 / 12.55 Lingfield

12.55

Soft

Sky Sports Racing HD Virgin 535 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Herring Queen Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4901.4
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 17 runners
SKY
View Course
Sky Sports Racing HD Virgin 535 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Herring Queen Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 17 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £13.20
  • Place: £3.10

Form: 5-S

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Promising fifth of 16 in a Cheltenham bumper (2m1f, good) in April; 11-1, in front travelling well when she slipped up after the fifth flight in maiden hurdle won by Magical Maggie at Uttoxeter (2m, good) in October; others have much better form but she is one to note.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

26th Mar 2024

Good To Soft

2m 5f 150y

Class 5

16:50 Taunton

Jane Du Berlais

12st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Ryan Potter

A winner over hurdles (novice) but has failed to complete in her last five appearances, the last twice over fences; getting away from soft ground could be a bonus.

11/2

7

21st Feb 2024

Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 3

14:25 Ludlow

Jane Du Berlais

10st 8lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Ryan Potter

Has won over hurdles; failed to complete in last four races but was in touch when falling four out at Wetherby (2m3f, soft; chase debut) most recently; could go well granted a clear round.

9/1

0

6

25th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 4

15:35 Wetherby

Jane Du Berlais

11st 6lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Ryan Potter

took keen hold, held up in rear

9/1

OUR TIP

5/4

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 111-2 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
3-3 in bumpers in 2021, culminating in Listed event at Cheltenham; good second in that same race last month; all starts have been on good ground, coming from the back; huge shout judged on those bumpers and her dam was a fair hurdler.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

7th Feb 2024

Good To Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 3

15:20 Ludlow

Bonttay

11st 12lb

J: Paddy Brennan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Listed bumper winner in 2021 and won two of four hurdle races last season, including on her only start in cheekpieces, which return today; reappeared with another 2m handicap win (Hereford) and, bred to be suited by at least 2m4f, she was a hot favourite when upped to that trip at Cheltenham in December, only to unseat two out when challenging; can make amends, with plenty more to offer over this sort of trip.

6/4

6/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 1-5

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
28-1 when winning a bumper at Gowran Park (2m1f, heavy; tongue tied) in February, finding plenty under pressure; failed to match that when second favourite at Aintree (2m1f, good to soft) six weeks ago on British debut but these are early days and she's from a jumping family.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

12th Feb 2024

Soft

1m 7f 195y

Class 5

16:45 Plumpton

Bombay Sapphire

12st 0lb

J: Max Kendrick

T: Nicky Henderson

prominent, disputed lead 5 out

7/1

0

1

15th Jan 2024

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

14:07 Hereford

Bombay Sapphire

12st 0lb

J: Max Kendrick

T: Nicky Henderson

Low-mileage 7yo who ran considerably better than eventual 41l defeat might suggest on seasonal debut at Fontwell (2m5f, heavy) last month, weakening out of contention only on extended run-in; with today's much reduced emphasis on stamina probably in her favour, she's one to consider.

12/1

5th

3

12th Dec 2023

Heavy

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

14:10 Fontwell

Bombay Sapphire

11st 12lb

J: Max Kendrick

T: Nicky Henderson

Heavy-ground Irish bumper winner but has been a disappointment in Britain and was pulled up on her handicap debut in April (2m5f, good to soft); still early days, however, and perhaps she needs the mud (most British runs on good to soft); also had wind surgery.

8/1

33/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fair at best in an extensive Flat career, including 1m2f wins at Brighton in October on her first two runs for Gary Moore; below form on latest outing; Flat bred and needs to raise her game to take this on hurdles debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 6f 7y

Class 5

20:50 Stratford

Parikarma

11st 6lb

J: Miss Imogen Mathias

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Has three wins over hurdles but she has been below her best since returning from a 436-day break in February; down to a career-low mark in this sphere but best watched for now.

12/1

7th

6

(6)

30th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 6

17:17 Southwell (AW)

Parikarma

10st 12lb

J: Miss Imogen Mathias

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Six-time winner with three on the Flat and three over hurdles; returned after a lengthy absence in February but she's posted two respectable efforts over hurdles since; on dangerous mark back on the Flat but she's 0-21 on AW and others are preferred.

10/1

5th

3

4th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

15:10 Newton Abbot

Parikarma

11st 13lb

J: Miss Imogen Mathias

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Six-time winner with three on the Flat and three over hurdles; didn't fire at Taunton last month but her last win was over C&D (good) and she's well handicapped if she can bounce back near her best; has possibilities in change of headgear.

10/1

33/1

Form: 39

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Raced three times in Ireland, winning a 3m point on debut and third in a Tipperary bumper (2m2f) on third start; £36,000 sale in May; 12-1, jumping to her right was a feature when ninth of 11 in novice hurdle at Ffos Las (2m, good to soft) six weeks ago, so best watched this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

24th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

14:50 Chepstow

Kym Eyre

11st 7lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Evan Williams

Off the mark under rules in a 3m3f chase at Stratford in April (good to soft); returned from a three-month absence to win a 2m5f handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot in October and followed up over fences at Ffos Las two weeks later; not at her best over hurdles in hat-trick bid last month but no real surprise were she to bounce back.

5/1

4th

6

31st Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

14:05 Chepstow

Kym Eyre

10st 7lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Evan Williams

raced in third, slow jump 2nd, lost third after 4 out, weakened after 2 out

7/2

1st

3

15th Oct 2023

Soft

2m 5f 110y

Class 4

13:35 Ffos Las

Kym Eyre

11st 4lb

J: Isabel Williams

T: Evan Williams

Game winner of gruelling handicap chase at Stratford (3m3f, good to soft) in April and again looked suited by emphasis on stamina when keeping on well to reel in the long-time leader over hurdles at Newton Abbot (2m5f, soft) last month; probably needs a career best here.

11/2

Form: 3

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
28-1, put in some novicey jumps and took bit of a hold under restraint in novice hurdle at Ffos Las (2m, good to soft) six weeks ago but she ran on well late on to finish third of 11 and make it a very promising debut, catching the eye of the stewards who banned her for 40 days; hooded this time; should leave that debut form way behind her, so she's a big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

6th Feb 2024

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 3

15:50 Taunton

Manimole

11st 12lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

led, jumped right 1st, jumped right 2nd

7/2

5th

1

21st Jan 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

12:40 Lingfield

Manimole

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Twice beaten by Ooh Betty last spring but has come on leaps and bounds since then, producing career-best RPRs in winning 2m mares' hurdles at Newbury late last year (latest a Listed race); has more on her plate here but she's a no-nonsense mare who will be up there throughout.

14/1

1st

1

2nd Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 1

11:55 Newbury

Manimole

11st 3lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Splendidly tough mare who was notching her third win of a busy campaign when trouncing ten rivals in a novice over C&D (good to soft; made most of the running) three weeks ago; that was her best effort by some way and there seemed to be no fluke about it; probably again the one to beat.

7/4

Form: 22-79

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in two French bumpers; beaten 39l at Haydock and 36l at Warwick in her two bumpers for new stable, with wind surgery in between; also tongue tied last time; dam French chase winner but this 4yo appears best watched for the time being.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

8th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

16:05 Taunton

Ilary de LEcu

12st 0lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Alex Hales

Two good efforts from the front on last two starts in 2m maiden hurdles, at Stratford and Warwick (both on good to soft); has a big weight to carry on handicap debut and lack of a run since May is not ideal.

11/2

4th

8

13th May 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:25 Warwick

Ilary de LEcu

10st 11lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Alex Hales

led, took keen hold and increased tempo after 3rd, ridden when headed before 2 out, kept on until no extra run-in

14/1

Form: 20-

Last run: 235 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Sister to the Arkle winner Edwardstone; favourite when second of 11 in bumper at Southwell in March, but she was soundly beaten when 9-1 at Cheltenham (again on good) in April; still plenty of time to build on the promise of that pedigree and debut performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

22nd Apr 2023

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

15:25 Bangor-on-Dee

Nothingtochance

12st 0lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Improving mare who won Fakenham maiden (2m, soft) in pretty good style last month, her third start over hurdles; open to further progress in handicaps; shortlisted.

7/4

1st

8

17th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 3y

Class 4

14:20 Fakenham

Nothingtochance

10st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Sister to Edwardstone; close up on bumper debut round Southwell's sharp track and she ran better than the bare result on return from break behind a long odds-on shot at Exeter in February (2m, good to soft); of interest for yard that is 7-24 with hurdlers here in last five years.

6/4

2nd

10

1st Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

14:10 Exeter

Nothingtochance

11st 6lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

held up in rear, mistake 4th, some headway after 4 out, ridden after 3 out

10/1

Form: 10-11 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Three bumpers in the spring, sole defeat in a Grade 2 (good to soft, her only run away from good ground); smooth winner of a maiden at Uttoxeter (2m) under Jay Tidball in October on hurdling debut and she's promising, for sure, but today's opposition should cause far more problems.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

15th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Aintree

Magical Maggie

11st 11lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Very closely matched with Masked Dance on their two Ludlow encounters in February, over 2m5f (soft) and 3m (good to soft); she's fine after a break and should have a part to play.

7/1

3rd

3

26th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 174y

Class 3

14:42 Ludlow

Magical Maggie

11st 9lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Three-time course winner, most recently when fending off Masked Dance over 2m5f (soft) three weeks ago; unraced beyond that trip but remains well handicapped on older form; will be a tough nut to crack if her stamina holds out.

3/1

1st

6

4th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

15:33 Ludlow

Magical Maggie

11st 7lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Dual 2m course winner in 2023 (both times on soft); returned from long absence with quite encouraging run over that trip here (good to soft) two months ago and has slipped to a good mark but her stamina for 2m5f must be taken on trust.

10/1

100/1

Form: 6

Last run: 66 days

W: 10st 3lb

3 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Behind in two 1m Flat maidens in Ireland and same again when hooded on hurdling debut at Fontwell (2m1f, good).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

29th Mar 2025

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 4

16:15 Stratford

Inspiratrice

11st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Nicky Martin

Hurdle winner in 2022 (2m, good to soft) who comes into it on the pick of her chase form, a close second at Exeter (2m1f, soft) in late 2023; has to show that drying ground suits but she's entitled to have a say after needing her comeback run following an absence.

10/1

Form:

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Sole Flat win was debut (May 2021) and she showed modest form this year; 125-1, remote in maiden hurdle at Chepstow (2m3f) six weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

6

5th Dec 2022

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

12:55 Lingfield

Far Too Beautiful

11st 4lb

J: Tom Scudamore

T: Michael Attwater

Sole Flat win was debut (May 2021) and she showed modest form this year; 125-1, remote in maiden hurdle at Chepstow (2m3f) six weeks ago.

100/1

13th

16

25th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

12:55 Chepstow

Far Too Beautiful

10st 9lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Michael Attwater

towards rear, jumped right and hit 5th, struggling 7th, weakened after 3 out

100/1

5th

5

(9)

4th Oct 2022

Soft

1m 3f 198y

Class 6

15:53 Brighton

Far Too Beautiful

9st 13lb

J: Oliver Searle

T: Michael Attwater

midfield, pushed along and switched to near side over 2f out, ridden and hung right over 1f out, no impression final 110yds

10/1

Form: P

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed ability in Irish points but fell on last two occasions; 11-1, pulled up on British/hurdles debut at Hereford (2m3f) three weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

12th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

20:40 Worcester

Well Vicky

10st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Alastair Ralph

Ran very poorly on chasing debut in December and now reverts to hurdling after a 191-day break; on a good mark (even from 2lb out of the weights) but is not the force of old and others have much less to prove.

16/1

6

3rd Dec 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

12:45 Southwell

Well Vicky

11st 0lb

J: David Noonan

T: Alastair Ralph

Won three handicap hurdles on the trot on good/good to soft in February 2023; mainly disappointing since; hard to know what to expect now going over fences for the first time (fell in two of her three starts pointing in Ireland).

13/2

6

3rd Dec 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

12:45 Southwell

Well Vicky

11st 0lb

J: David Noonan

T: Alastair Ralph

Won three handicap hurdles on the trot on good/good to soft in February 2023; mainly disappointing since; hard to know what to expect now going over fences for the first time (fell in two of her three starts pointing in Ireland).

13/2

Form: 8

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Dam dual point winner, half-sister to two fairly useful jumps winners; 28-1, faded into eighth of 16 in bumper at Warwick (2m, good to soft) five weeks ago; should build on that but others have accomplished far more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

10

12th Jun 2024

Good

3m 1f 166y

Class 5

15:43 Fontwell

Yesnosorry

10st 4lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

in touch with leaders, outpaced and reminders 10th

66/1

7

16th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

18:10 Fontwell

Yesnosorry

10st 5lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

prominent, weakened after 4 out, pulled up before 2 out

33/1

Form: 67

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Modest form in bumpers at Chepstow (good to soft; 9-1 from 25-1) and Uttoxeter (2m, soft; 28-1) this autumn; from a jumps family.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

14th Mar 2026

Soft

3m 1f 166y

Class 5

15:45 Fontwell

Innisfree Lass

12st 0lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Stuart Edmunds

Went chasing without success but she made a winning return to hurdles at Southwell recently (all three wins at 3m there; heavy and soft); raised 5lb but it remains to be seen if she can be as effective around here.

7/4

1st

4

18th Feb 2026

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

16:55 Southwell

Innisfree Lass

11st 8lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Won this is 2024 (first-time cheekpieces), followed up over C&D (also heavy) seven weeks later and beaten just a neck on only other start here; has been chasing since without success and finished a long way off Asa at Catterick last week (first-time blinkers) but returning cheekpieces, hurdling and this C&D are all reasons to be positive.

6/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fair stayer on Flat, with all wins on Polytrack but highest rating at 2m4f on good to soft; 322 days off before her two runs this autumn (below form) and she's probably best watched on this hurdling debut in a warm race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(3)

18th Jan 2025

Standard

2m 0f 120y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Anisoptera

9st 7lb

J: Laura Pearson

T: Brett Johnson

slowly away, towards rear

12/1

8th

4

(3)

18th Jan 2025

Standard

2m 0f 120y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Anisoptera

9st 7lb

J: Laura Pearson

T: Brett Johnson

slowly away, towards rear

12/1

Form: 3/P9

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Third in a point and a bumper; long absence before her two runs over hurdles last month and she did not show much.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

2nd Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 95y

Class 5

13:40 Fakenham

Honest Oscar

10st 4lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Andy Irvine

Placed in good Irish point in December 2019 and also in Plumpton bumper on rules debut a year later but, following another long absence, showed no significant promise in three maiden/novice hurdles in late 2022 (2m-2m3f); makes handicap debut from a lowly mark but considered only if lively in the betting.

33/1

16th

7

5th Dec 2022

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

12:55 Lingfield

Honest Oscar

11st 4lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Andy Irvine

Third in a point and a bumper; long absence before her two runs over hurdles last month and she did not show much.

100/1

9th

3

24th Nov 2022

Soft

2m 3f 110y

Class 4

15:05 Lingfield

Honest Oscar

11st 2lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Andy Irvine

Displayed some ability in a point/bumper but she returned from a long absence at Sandown (hurdle debut) recently and was pulled up at 100-1.

100/1

Form: P

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Had wind surgery before her debut, when 50-1 and failing to show much in a maiden hurdle at Hereford (2m3f, good to soft) three weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

5th Dec 2022

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

12:55 Lingfield

Big Suze

11st 4lb

J: David Bass

T: Kim Bailey

Had wind surgery before her debut, when 50-1 and failing to show much in a maiden hurdle at Hereford (2m3f, good to soft) three weeks ago.

66/1

3

15th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

14:45 Hereford

Big Suze

11st 2lb

J: Kai Lenihan

T: Kim Bailey

First foal of a 1m4f-1m7f Flat and 2m hurdle winner; has had wind surgery; sole newcomer in the field; stablemate of Flirtatious Girl; market helpful.

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £33.60
Straight Forecast £19.23
Trifecta £165.70

Selections

POSTDATA:

Bonttay

SPOTLIGHT:

Manimole

The Times:

Magical Maggie

LAMBOURN:

Bombay Sapphire

The Guardian:

Manimole

WEST COUNTRY:

Bonttay

Daily Mail:

Bonttay

D Express:

Bonttay

Daily Mirror:

Bonttay

The Sun:

Bonttay

The Star:

Bonttay

Daily Record:

Bonttay

Telegraph:

Magical Maggie