December 07 / 13.05 Hexham

13.05

Soft

Seasons Greetings From Hexham Bookmakers Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Herring Queen Series Qual’) (GBB)

  • Prize money: £4465.72
  • 2m 0f 48y
  • Class 4
  • 8 runners
SKY
View Course
Seasons Greetings From Hexham Bookmakers Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Herring Queen Series Qual’) (GBB)

Runners: 8 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

Form: 2-1 CD

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Dead-heated in Irish point; solid second (behind useful rival) in bumper on rules debut, then went one better in C&D novice hurdle (soft), enhancing Dan Skelton's excellent strike-rate at this track; should improve further; warrants respect under 7lb penalty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

13th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

15:35 Hereford

Royale Dance

12st 2lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Noel Williams

Had rather mixed record over hurdles last season but her clearcut win at Leicester (2m4f, soft) in January was a good performance, and her Irish point dead-heat in 2021 bodes well for her prospects on this chasing debut; unraced on ground quicker than good to soft.

12/1

1

13th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

15:35 Hereford

Royale Dance

12st 2lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Noel Williams

Had rather mixed record over hurdles last season but her clearcut win at Leicester (2m4f, soft) in January was a good performance, and her Irish point dead-heat in 2021 bodes well for her prospects on this chasing debut; unraced on ground quicker than good to soft.

12/1

7

18th Apr 2024

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

14:40 Cheltenham

Royale Dance

11st 1lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Noel Williams

Won with authority under Dylan Johnston at Leicester (2m4f, soft; five ran) in January on second start for this yard but has made two backward steps since; that latest came when tried at 3m, which sees the cheekpieces go on today and she's got a bit to prove.

25/1

Form: 433-55

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Made the frame three times in Ireland and holds good claims on that form; however, has trailed home last of five in both outings for new stable; needs to improve on those efforts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

14:11 Hexham

Comedaygoday

11st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Showed promise in 2022 but was then absent until this January when pulled up in handicap at Leicester (200-1); a tongue-tie now goes on; she may be best watched for now.

66/1

10

20th Jan 2026

Soft

1m 7f 113y

Class 4

15:02 Leicester

Comedaygoday

10st 12lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

0-6 over hurdles and absent since third in mares' novice at Catterick (1m7f, soft) in December 2022; given a chance by the handicapper in the meantime but it's wise to wait for some encouraging signals from the betting.

25/1

3rd

3

28th Dec 2022

Soft

1m 7f 156y

Class 4

14:48 Catterick

Comedaygoday

11st 0lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Ex-Irish; showed promise over hurdles for Gavin Cromwell, but a bit to prove after a couple of lesser runs for current connections.

14/1

Form: 87P

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has achieved little in two bumpers and a novice hurdle, all at this venue; opposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

6th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 5

14:45 Fakenham

Comeonrita

10st 2lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Barry Brennan

led, clear after 2nd, reduced lead before 11th, headed after 3 out, soon weakened

10/1

4th

5

6th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 5

14:45 Fakenham

Comeonrita

10st 2lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Barry Brennan

led, clear after 2nd, reduced lead before 11th, headed after 3 out, soon weakened

10/1

3rd

6

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

14:29 Huntingdon

Comeonrita

10st 2lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Barry Brennan

in touch with leaders, led 4th

16/1

Form: 386-

Last run: 305 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in Wetherby bumper on debut; nowhere near that form in two subsequent runs (bumper/hurdle); something to prove on return from ten-month absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

11th Nov 2024

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 5

15:05 Carlisle

Darsis Darling

10st 4lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Has shown ability in bumper company and over hurdles; her handicap form didn't amount to much but she goes chasing off a reduced mark and this could be more her game.

16/1

7

11th Nov 2024

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 5

15:05 Carlisle

Darsis Darling

10st 4lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Has shown ability in bumper company and over hurdles; her handicap form didn't amount to much but she goes chasing off a reduced mark and this could be more her game.

16/1

5th

7

15th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

19:10 Uttoxeter

Darsis Darling

11st 3lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Sue Smith

Fair third to the proficient Windtothelightning at Sedgefield (2m4f mares' novices') in January 2023, but has lost her way since (0-3) and has plenty of ground to make up on Faha Belle and Shibuya Song from Market Rasen; much safer to focus elsewhere.

50/1

OUR TIP

Form: 123/3- D BF

Last run: 305 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Absent since losing her chance with a bad blunder two out at Wetherby ten months ago (sole outing last term); useful and progressive in bumpers two seasons back, culminating in good third in Aintree Grade 2; strongly respected on that form and remains of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

3rd Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

14:20 Hexham

Miss Lamb

11st 0lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

Won C&D maiden on heavy ground in March and runner-up over C&D on both subsequent appearances (heavy/good to soft); today's faster ground may not be ideal but her handicap mark is workable and, if her useful bumper form is a guide, she may yet do better over hurdles.

15/8

2nd

5

6th May 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

18:40 Hexham

Miss Lamb

11st 1lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

novicey jumping, led

11/8

2nd

4

30th Mar 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

14:45 Hexham

Miss Lamb

11st 5lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

Off the mark at the third attempt over hurdles over C&D (heavy) a fortnight ago, which was her second start back from another absence; has the potential to be better than this opening mark in view of her useful bumper form.

5/2

Form: 4/180- D

Last run: 244 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Absent since finishing only 12th in Grade 2 bumper at Aintree in April; retains potential judged on her wide-margin win at Carlisle last December and also judged on breeding.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

31st Jan 2024

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 4

15:25 Leicester

Nells Bells

11st 6lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Donald McCain

A two-time hurdles winner last season but she returned from nine months off with a well-held fifth of seven in 2m2f Kelso handicap 33 days ago; she needs to take a big step forward.

8/1

5th

3

29th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 2f 25y

Class 4

14:28 Kelso

Nells Bells

11st 3lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

held up in rear, niggled along briefly before 4 out

5/1

1st

2

15th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 7f 149y

Class 5

13:00 Newcastle

Nells Bells

12st 0lb

J: William Maggs

T: Donald McCain

held up in last, hit 2nd, niggled along after 3rd, pushed along briefly before 7th

9/2

Form: 76-16 D

Last run: 192 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Record of 1-4 in spring bumpers, the win gained at Kelso on penultimate start; that form is not compelling; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

20th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 5

14:05 Warwick

Pipers Cross

11st 9lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Emma Lavelle

Three-time winner, the latest at Fontwell (3m2f, good to soft) last May, and she hasn't been running badly this season (good to soft/soft); edging back down the weights and might not be far away.

5/1

4th

5

26th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

15:20 Plumpton

Pipers Cross

11st 2lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Emma Lavelle

Has won on soft but best form on good to soft or quicker; yard continues in fine form but Either Or had her measure at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) last month and she has no strong turnaround claims.

13/2

3rd

2

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:50 Southwell

Pipers Cross

11st 13lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Emma Lavelle

towards rear, headway before 3rd

7/1

Form: 31-24 C

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Consistent sort in bumpers, with form figures of 3124; the win came at this venue (good to soft) and latest effort came in Cheltenham contest won by exciting prospect Queens Gamble; solid contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

15:10 Perth

Ruby Island

11st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

9yo who has been progressive during this first chasing campaign, winning twice (2m/2m4f, soft/good to soft); she's open to further improvement but it's necessary now back up in grade, and she needs to prove her stamina; soundly beaten over hurdles on sole previous run in these cheekpieces.

16/1

1st

2

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:45 Haydock

Ruby Island

11st 3lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Has taken well to fences this term, a ready win at Ayr (about 2m, soft) in November preceding solid fourth of 15 in competitive 2m4f Cheltenham handicap (good to soft) the following month; creditable third in mares' Listed company last time and every chase she can notch a second win over fences, particularly if putting her jumping to good use.

10/11

Non-runners

Comeonrita

Verdict

With further improvement on the cards ROYALE DANCE could well follow up last month’s C&D win. Miss Lamb, assuming she doesn’t repeat the bad jumping error that cost her at Wetherby, is feared most ahead of hurdles debutantes Ruby Island and Nell’s Bells.[Steve Boow]

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Royale Dance

POSTDATA:

Nell's Bells

RP Ratings:

Miss Lamb

The Times:

Ruby Island

Telegraph:

Royale Dance

Daily Mail:

Royale Dance

D Express:

Royale Dance

The Sun:

Royale Dance

The Star:

Royale Dance

Daily Record:

Royale Dance

Daily Mirror:

Nell's Bells

The Guardian:

Miss Lamb