December 12 / 12.20 Market Rasen

12.20

Soft

Racing TV “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £3539.9
  • 2m 0f 125y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
RTV
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Racing TV “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

Form: 12 D BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

18th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 1

13:10 Ayr

Matata

12st 0lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Something to prove regarding current form although he didn't take to the National fences when pulled up mid-race in the Topham at Aintree last week; this is a lower grade than he's used to contesting and he's capable of playing a big role if back on song now returned to conventional fences.

14/1

2

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Matata

11st 13lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Better than ever when easily winning at Cheltenham (2m4f, good) on New Year's Day and on that evidence this 5lb higher mark isn't necessarily beyond him; however, two lesser runs have followed; has to get back on track.

25/1

5th

9

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Matata

11st 10lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Nearly all races at around 2m1f and the step up to 2m4f was clearly a stretch behind Jonbon in an Aintree Grade 1 last April; coped better with the trip when a convincing winner of a C&D handicap (good; has won on soft) in January but a lesser effort followed at Windsor and he aims a lot higher here.

33/1

Form: 1 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

2nd Nov 2025

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

14:55 Huntingdon

No Risk With Lou

12st 1lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Alex Hales

Three-time C&D winner, including this race last year (good ground); probably won't be favoured by any rain but didn't run badly in Class 2 event at Worcester (2m4f, good to soft) in September on latest outing and is sure to be suited by the return to this track; high on the list.

4/1

Form: 10-1 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

19

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Western Zephyr

10st 6lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

Useful 2m form for Charlie Longsdon in autumn 2024, including on this course, but his season ended badly; off to a good start for new yard when runner-up at Haydock (2m4f, soft; first-time cheekpieces, retained) last month but there's not much common ground between that run and what will be needed today.

40/1

2nd

3

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:28 Haydock

Western Zephyr

11st 9lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

Made a winning return at Carlisle (2m) in October 2024 but his form nosedived later in the season, pulled up in the Topham at Aintree last spring on his final run for Charlie Longsdon; since changed hands for £20,000 and he needs to hit the ground running for his new yard after ten months off.

25/1

Abandoned

Form: 8/6-95

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

13th May 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Warwick

Adamhill

11st 4lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Henry Oliver

Yet to be placed after ten starts under rules but ran well when ninth of 15 over C&D (good; beaten under 9l) in first-time visor last month and has possibilities off a 3lb lower mark today; tongue-tie refitted.

10/1

9th

5

27th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:40 Warwick

Adamhill

11st 5lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Henry Oliver

Made quite promising chase/handicap debut in February but his second chase run was disappointing and, following a wind op, he was tailed off over hurdles 12 days ago; needs help from the first-time visor here.

14/1

9th

4

15th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:22 Chepstow

Adamhill

11st 7lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Henry Oliver

Made promising chase/handicap debut in February but his second chase run was disappointing and he now reverts to hurdling; comes here with a point to prove but had a wind op last month and remains unexposed.

10/1

Form: 1/FP- D

Last run: 319 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

11th Mar 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

13:35 Ayr

Barnabas Collins

11st 13lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Bumper winner; 0-5 over hurdles but placed on both starts in handicaps on heavy/good to soft; should go well again but suspicion that one or two others may be better treated.

13/2

3rd

9

10th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

14:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Barnabas Collins

11st 2lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

prominent

5/1

Form:

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

10th Jan 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

14:40 Exeter

Chairman Fitz

11st 8lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Harriet Dickin

always towards rear, pulled up before 3 out

100/1

11th

4

30th Dec 2022

Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 3

13:30 Haydock

Chairman Fitz

11st 0lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Harriet Dickin

Third in a British maiden point (2m4f) in May, but tailed off at 200-1 in an Exeter bumper and 300-1 in a Ludlow novice hurdle.

100/1

15th

7

20th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

15:25 Ludlow

Chairman Fitz

11st 0lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Harriet Dickin

Fair third of seven in British maiden point (2m4f, good to firm) on debut in May but he was tailed off at 200-1 in a bumper at Exeter (2m, good) last month and is hard to fancy now going hurdling.

200/1

Form:

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

9th Mar 2023

Good

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

16:25 Wincanton

Dr Hegarty

11st 5lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

held up in rear, pushed along and became detached after 1st, reminder after 2nd, struggling when pulled up before 4th

6/1

5th

5

4th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 3

12:35 Sandown

Dr Hegarty

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Represents major stable but has the worst claims on form having been soundly beaten in 2m maiden hurdles at Chepstow and Southwell; should be more interesting when sent into handicaps.

100/1

Form: 99-

Last run: 288 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
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

Form: 48/0-8

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
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: 0-50P0

Last run: 8 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 7y

Class 5

13:58 Bangor-on-Dee

Hunsbury

10st 2lb

J: Tom Buckley

T: Tracey Leeson

0-6 over hurdles and not bred to benefit from today's step up in trip, but made the frame in two 2m5f handicaps last month and has each-way claims if his stamina holds out.

8/1

3rd

5

26th Feb 2023

Good

2m 5f 163y

Class 5

16:20 Hereford

Hunsbury

10st 4lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Tracey Leeson

Yet to be placed after eight runs but kept on for very respectable fourth (about 12l behind Mole Court) at Warwick (2m5f, good) two weeks ago and remains unexposed over this sort of trip.

7/1

4th

11

11th Feb 2023

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:23 Warwick

Hunsbury

10st 3lb

J: Mr James Turner

T: Tracey Leeson

held up in rear, some headway when mistake 3 out, went fourth before 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on but not pace to challenge

25/1

Form: 6-78

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

17th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

17:30 Hexham

Iheardupainthouses

10st 2lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Paula Smith

Pulled up when 50-1 for recent handicap debut at Market Rasen (2m, good; race won by Belvedere Blast) and effectively 1lb higher from out of the weights here.

50/1

6

1st Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

18:40 Market Rasen

Iheardupainthouses

10st 3lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Paula Smith

in touch with leaders, not fluent 3rd, not fluent 5th

16/1

9

14th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

17:35 Sedgefield

Iheardupainthouses

10st 6lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Paula Smith

Fair effort on debut in a bumper when trained by Gordon Elliott 12 months ago; third in an Irish point last October; beaten a long way in all three starts for this trainer.

50/1

Form: 90

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

4th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

16:55 Fontwell

Ipsos Pierji

10st 3lb

J: James Best

T: Nicky Martin

midfield on outer, not fluent 1st, in touch with leaders 6th

20/1

Form: 7

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

11th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

14:42 Southwell

Warners Cross

10st 11lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Clare Hobson

Has won over hurdles and finished second as a chaser; however, pretty poor in both disciplines since returning from a long absence.

40/1

5

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 5

15:10 Uttoxeter

Warners Cross

11st 3lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Clare Hobson

Runner-up on chase debut in summer 2024 but returned from long absence with two disappointing hurdle runs towards end of last year and was also well beaten when back over fences in March (2m5f; first run after wind op); upped to 3m for first time under rules; needs to prove his ability remains.

16/1

5th

5

25th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 194y

Class 5

14:30 Hereford

Warners Cross

11st 1lb

J: Mr R Sugrue

T: Clare Hobson

Runner-up on chasing debut in summer 2024 but returned from long absence with two disappointing hurdle runs towards end of last year; had wind op during latest 113-day break and now sports first-time cheekpieces; current ability hard to gauge.

20/1