December 09 / 14.35 Bangor-on-Dee

14.35

Good To Soft

DTS Scaffolding Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £3812.2
  • 2m 0f 145y
  • Class 4
  • 17 runners
SKY
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DTS Scaffolding Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 17 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 43-25

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Finished strongly for second in a Chepstow maiden and posted the same RPR of 111 when an 11l fifth at Ascot (weakened); both those were on good to soft; has a race like this in him and is unlikely to be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Bubble Dubi

10st 12lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Has run just four times since 2023; returned from long absence to win at Aintree (2m1f, good to soft) last November but failed to repeat the form in prestigious handicaps at Newbury and Sandown; something to prove.

50/1

8

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Bubble Dubi

11st 3lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Won at Chepstow (2m, heavy) in February 2024 and this 9yo was racing for the first time since when winning at Aintree (2m1f, good to soft) in November 2025; he's a lot better than he showed at Newbury latest (2m, heavy; again failed to settle) but is hard to fancy on the back of that heavy defeat.

50/1

8th

9

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 1

15:20 Newbury

Bubble Dubi

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Missed last term but showed further progress to score readily at Aintree (2m1f, good to soft) in sole outing this season, albeit the form may not be reliable as several hurdles were omitted; on a stiffer mark and goes up sharply in class.

20/1

Form: 99-

Last run: 285 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Hooded for both his bumpers and finished down the field; can only be watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

6th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

17:48 Worcester

Haafback

10st 2lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Emma-Jane Bishop

Inconsistent but has frame possibilities provided latest effort (ran creditably) is backed up; one of only two runners who already have winning form over fences.

10/1

7th

8

6th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

17:48 Worcester

Haafback

10st 2lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Emma-Jane Bishop

Inconsistent but has frame possibilities provided latest effort (ran creditably) is backed up; one of only two runners who already have winning form over fences.

10/1

4th

6

14th Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 54y

Class 5

17:40 Warwick

Haafback

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Emma-Jane Bishop

took keen hold, led, soon clear, went further clear before 3rd, much reduced lead before 8th, headed 2 out, weakened run-in

33/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1-

Last run: 295 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Could be a good buy at £26,000 having won a Fontwell bumper (soft) that's worked out well when in the care of Anthony Honeyball; interesting hurdling debutant.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

17th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:10 Carlisle

Howlingmadmurdock

11st 12lb

J: Cameron Iles

T: Tom Lacey

in touch with leaders in centre of group, not fluent 5th

5/2

8th

3

25th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 1

14:20 Haydock

Howlingmadmurdock

11st 11lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Progressed every time in his five-race career, all on soft, including when winning his only handicap (Sandown 2m4f) and when fifth of 15 when 40-1 in Grade 1 novice at Aintree in April; there's a concern that the latter has blown his handicap mark (10lb rise) but he's so lightly raced, he's surely open to further improvement.

25/1

5th

4

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

16:40 Aintree

Howlingmadmurdock

11st 8lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Drew a long way clear of the others with a next-time-out winner when scoring on handicap debut at Sandown (2m4f) last month and is now 2-3 over hurdles; this is a big jump up in grade from 0-120 company but he could quite plausibly have a lot more improvement to come over 3m; raced only on soft ground.

20/1

Form: 48/0-8

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off in both his runs over hurdles when sent off at triple-digit odds; no appeal for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

14th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 4f 194y

Class 5

17:17 Hereford

Howyouplaythegame

10st 6lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Sam Allwood

Placed twice off higher marks at about 2m; form has dipped since reappearance and he remains a maiden; enough to prove, including stamina, over this new trip.

8/1

6

14th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 4f 194y

Class 5

17:17 Hereford

Howyouplaythegame

10st 6lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Sam Allwood

Placed twice off higher marks at about 2m; form has dipped since reappearance and he remains a maiden; enough to prove, including stamina, over this new trip.

8/1

4th

6

27th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 0f 8y

Class 5

15:10 Hereford

Howyouplaythegame

10st 9lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Sam Allwood

Below par the last twice and particularly disappointing at Taunton last month when making it 0-10; however, perhaps the first-time hood will help and a case can be made judged on his close third at Doncaster (2m, good) last November; also effective on soft ground.

10/1

Form: 0/78

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Some promise in Irish points but he's played minor roles in two novice hurdles and it could be a similar story here unless the hood makes all the difference.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

3m 3f 119y

Class 3

19:20 Stratford

Imperial Alex

12st 0lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Four-times winning chaser over around 3m; returned to his best when beaten a neck at Ffos Las (3m, good) 25 days ago with 15l back to the third; nudged up 4lb but holds claims if he gets home over this marathon trip.

7/4

2nd

4

5th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

16:18 Ffos Las

Imperial Alex

11st 9lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

In career-best form last summer over 3m on good ground; soundly beaten in his last three races, disappointingly so at Warwick last time when back on his favoured surface (good); bit to prove now.

10/1

5th

4

26th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:30 Warwick

Imperial Alex

11st 5lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

In top form over 3m on good ground last May/June, finishing second at Uttoxeter then first at Perth; soundly beaten on both runs since but those were on heavy/soft going and perhaps today's return to a better surface will trigger a revival.

11/1

Abandoned

Form: 22-2 BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Twice runner-up in French hurdles and filled the same position here (soft) a month ago having raced keenly early doors; the easy winner that day has since run well in a handicap; should improve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

22nd Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:30 Ayr

Ivar

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

prominent on inner

Evs

Form: 57

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Beaten around 15l in a point and a Worcester novice hurdle, but a lot further than that at Exeter last month and there will be other days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

9th May 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Ffos Las

Mangrove River

11st 3lb

J: Connor Brace

T: David Brace

led

100/1

6

23rd Jan 2023

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

14:30 Ffos Las

Mangrove River

11st 10lb

J: Connor Brace

T: David Brace

Beaten in two points and down the field in two novice hurdles on good ground at about 2m; others much preferred.

100/1

Form: 565-

Last run: 289 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
According to RPRs (high 90s) he's shown similar sort of form in two bumpers and a maiden hurdle; others have achieved more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

26th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 136y

Class 5

14:50 Chepstow

Night Jet

10st 11lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Tom Symonds

Won chase debut in February 2025 and back to form with blinkers enlisted when second on last two outings, but all three of those runs were over 2m and there is plenty to prove judged on his attempts at 2m4f/3m; cheekpieces return and their previous usage includes that one win.

9/1

2nd

5

6th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 201y

Class 5

16:30 Leicester

Night Jet

10st 12lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Tom Symonds

Took a step forward in a change of headgear when second of eight in handicap over C&D 22 day ago, hindered by a blunder two out; this C&D winner is a likely player if blinkers have the same effect a second time.

9/2

2nd

8

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

1m 7f 201y

Class 5

15:15 Leicester

Night Jet

10st 12lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Tom Symonds

Opened his account when winning on chase debut over C&D (soft) last February but he's not come close to that form in four subsequent runs; overall record is now 1-21 and he needs new headgear to give him a boost.

7/1

Form: 7096

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Impossible to make a case on what he's achieved in two Wetherby novice hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

10

17th Nov 2023

Good

2m 0f 78y

Class 5

13:00 Doncaster

Out For The Count

10st 2lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Jennie Candlish

Modest maiden hurdler; unseated rider at first fence on chasing debut in September and was tailed off when fourth at Huntingdon (2m7f) last month; needs this sharp drop back in trip to show him in a much better light; 1lb wrong.

25/1

4th

8

10th Oct 2023

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

16:20 Huntingdon

Out For The Count

10st 4lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Jennie Candlish

Modest maiden hurdler who unseated rider at first fence when 33-1 for last month's chasing debut; not the most obvious answer.

20/1

0

9

19th Sep 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:10 Uttoxeter

Out For The Count

10st 2lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Jennie Candlish

held up in rear, not fluent and unseated 1st

12/1

Form: 35-

Last run: 286 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
The Chepstow bumper (soft) in which he finished third was won by a good horse but made a low-key hurdling debut back there in February; ought to be capable of better, though withdrawn three times since then with both good to soft and good ground were deemed unsuitable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

14th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 174y

Class 5

17:05 Ludlow

Realm Of Glory

11st 9lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Placed on bumper debut in 2021 but has made disappointing start to hurdling career; well down the field when upped to 2m7f in Ascot handicap six weeks ago; this race is easier but he probably still needs help from the first-time cheekpieces.

5/1

8th

9

2nd Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 118y

Class 4

16:10 Ascot

Realm Of Glory

11st 3lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

No progress since his close third in a Chepstow bumper last winter (soft) and beaten a long way out when a remote third on recent handicap debut at Fontwell (2m3f, heavy); needs major turnaround for new trip.

12/1

3rd

1

18th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 3f 49y

Class 5

15:45 Fontwell

Realm Of Glory

12st 1lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

in touch with leaders, hit 4th, not fluent 6th, pushed along and dropped to last before 7th

6/1

Form: P9

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off here 13 days ago and was well behind Ivar on his previous start; now tongue tied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

10

21st Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

15:23 Stratford

Rebel Mc

10st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Donald McCain

Fell short in three handicaps at 2m-2m5f for previous yard last spring; had wind surgery since and a tongue-tie now replaces the hood; no great appeal back from layoff unless the betting says otherwise.

16/1

11th

10

21st Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

15:23 Stratford

Rebel Mc

10st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Donald McCain

midfield

16/1

11th

10

14th May 2023

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 5

16:35 Ludlow

Rebel Mc

10st 7lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Struggled after racing too freely on handicap debut in March (2m4f) and was unable to land a telling blow when fifth in first-time hood at Bangor (2m, good) last month; remains unexposed but stable's other runner Hollow Run appeals much more.

25/1

Form: 131-5F BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
His improvement has come as a chaser, showing excellent form last season when winning two novice handicaps at about 2m4f (soft/good); didn't run at all badly in the Old Roan Chase on his return before taking a late fall at Wetherby when playing for the places; this smacks of a confidence booster but his class should see him competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

13th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

16:05 Hereford

Soldier Of Destiny

12st 2lb

J: Will Featherstone

T: Jamie Snowden

Quickly developed into useful chaser in early 2022 but has lost his way a bit since; disappointing odds-on favourite when bidding to exploit novice status over hurdles in December and reverts to this sphere after two non-completions over fences; needs good boost from first-time cheekpieces; suited by good and soft ground.

13/2

1

13th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

16:05 Hereford

Soldier Of Destiny

12st 2lb

J: Will Featherstone

T: Jamie Snowden

Quickly developed into useful chaser in early 2022 but has lost his way a bit since; disappointing odds-on favourite when bidding to exploit novice status over hurdles in December and reverts to this sphere after two non-completions over fences; needs good boost from first-time cheekpieces; suited by good and soft ground.

13/2

Form: 2

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well related; no match for the winner on heavy ground at Sandown but that was a promising start and he jumped well; improvement on the cards.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

12

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Uncle Bert

11st 6lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

1-6 over fences, the success at Aintree (2m4f) on seasonal debut; seemed a non-stayer in the Welsh National before eventually falling, then ran below form at Cheltenham (2m4f); return to this venue may have a positive effect but he ideally needs assistance from the weather, having gained all wins on soft ground.

20/1

7th

5

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:15 Cheltenham

Uncle Bert

11st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Made much of the running when winning in dominant style at Aintree (2m4f, soft) in December; beaten when falling late on in the Welsh National three weeks later, lack of stamina a possible factor; back to a more suitable trip here but now off a career-high mark and others appeal more.

9/1

Abandoned

Form: 8

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Not overly competitive in two British points and finished tailed off when hooded in a Taunton novice hurdle (66-1).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

14

22nd Aug 2024

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 5

17:30 Newton Abbot

Via Dante

10st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

0-11 under rules; kept on well for second over fences at Fakenham (3m, good) in April and didn't run badly on soft ground last month, but makes only limited appeal on this return to hurdling; 1lb wrong; tongue-tie added.

16/1

6th

10

17th Jul 2024

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 5

15:40 Uttoxeter

Via Dante

10st 7lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Fell on his first two attempts over fences, but had the race at his mercy at Newton Abbot (3m2f, soft; from 3lb higher) on the second occasion; has failed to sparkle since - usually labouring in rear - although there was a glimmer of spark at Fakenham over Easter.

11/2

2nd

6

1st Apr 2024

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 5

15:42 Fakenham

Via Dante

10st 3lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: David Pipe

Unlucky not to open his account at Newton Abbot (3m2f, soft) just under a year ago and ran well when fourth at Market Rasen (3m, good to soft) on Boxing Day, after a layoff, but was struggling from fairly early stage at Chepstow in January and can't be supported with any confidence after that.

7/1

Form: 60/50-

Last run: 323 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Hasn't shown a great deal in any of his four runs and a massive step forward is required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

27th Jan 2023

Good

2m 0f 128y

Class 5

16:20 Doncaster

Volatore

10st 12lb

J: William Kennedy

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Ran well for a long way on hurdling debut in December 2021 but suffered heavy defeats on both appearances last year and needs to take a good step forward on today's handicap debut.

33/1

8th

9

11th Dec 2022

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

13:53 Southwell

Volatore

11st 4lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

led, headed and prominent when lost two places after 2nd, dropped to midfield after 4th, dropped to rear and lost touch before 2 out, tailed off

100/1

Form: 5906

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Down the field in all three bumpers and the same again on her switch to hurdling at Hereford.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

9th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 1f 119y

Class 5

14:17 Hereford

Lady Berlais

11st 6lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Dan Skelton

Made all at Fakenham (2m, soft) in December when 5lb lower; nothing since and the trip is a worry.

12/1

2

12th Feb 2024

Soft

1m 7f 195y

Class 5

16:45 Plumpton

Lady Berlais

11st 9lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Dan Skelton

took keen hold, led, headed 5 out, weakened quickly after 4 out, pulled up after 3 out

5/1

Form: 0-P

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Lost touch quite early before pulling up at Hereford last month; went off 200-1 there.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

31st Jan 2023

Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

16:00 Ffos Las

Libertarian Royale

11st 2lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Tom Symonds

No worthwhile form in a bumper and two hurdles; very opposable for now.

200/1

Verdict

Soldier Of Destiny is a better horse now than when he was last seen over hurdles but he did take a heavy fall last time. IVAR could be the answer if coming on for his pleasing run here a month ago, which seems highly likely. Bubble Dubi is the other standout contender, though Howlingmadmurdock won a decent bumper at Fontwell and also needs respecting.[Alistair Jones]

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Ivar

WEST COUNTRY:

Uncle Bert

LAMBOURN:

Soldier Of Destiny

The Times:

Uncle Bert

Telegraph:

Uncle Bert

The Star:

Uncle Bert

RP Ratings:

Ivar

TOPSPEED:

Ivar

POSTDATA:

Ivar

The Guardian:

Ivar

Daily Mail:

Ivar

D Express:

Ivar

Daily Mirror:

Ivar

The Sun:

Ivar

Daily Record:

Ivar