December 26 / 13.47 Huntingdon

13.47

Good To Soft

Stop Alconbury Brook Flooding Challenge Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5663.84
  • 2m 4f 145y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
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Stop Alconbury Brook Flooding Challenge Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £12.00
  • Place: £3.70

Form: 5PP/F- BF

Last run: 442 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Won a bumper and a Chepstow maiden hurdle (2m, heavy) on first two starts; failed to complete on his last three runs but was in front when falling two out at Newton Abbot when last seen 442 days ago (first run after a wind op); has since left Paul Nicholls; could be nicely handicapped and is one to take seriously; Harry Derham's first runner as a trainer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

5th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 82y

Class 4

15:15 Wincanton

Seelotmorebusiness

12st 1lb

J: Mr Rupert Wilks

T: Harry Derham

Made all over nearly this far at Huntingdon over Christmas (good to soft; RPR 120), but in trouble before the 11lb rise became an issue over C&D (good) next time; uneven hurdling profile overall.

7/1

5

18th Feb 2023

Good

2m 5f 82y

Class 3

16:17 Wincanton

Seelotmorebusiness

10st 12lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Very lightly raced 8yo who returned from long absence to win by 12l on stable debut at Huntingdon (2m4f, good to soft; made all) on Boxing Day; hiked up 11lb for that but the form has been very well advertised by the runner-up since; major player.

5/2

1st

6

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 4f 145y

Class 4

13:47 Huntingdon

Seelotmorebusiness

11st 5lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Won a bumper and a Chepstow maiden hurdle (2m, heavy) on first two starts; failed to complete on his last three runs but was in front when falling two out at Newton Abbot when last seen 442 days ago (first run after a wind op); has since left Paul Nicholls; could be nicely handicapped and is one to take seriously; Harry Derham's first runner as a trainer.

9/2

Form: 2246-1

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
2-2 in bumpers; reliable over hurdles and the addition of a tongue-tie at Taunton last month saw him find the improvement required to gain a first win in this sphere (2m3f, good; hung left on the run-in); 5lb higher in a better race today but there was a lot to like about the way he picked up after the final hurdle at Taunton and there should be more to come from him after just eight starts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 2

15:27 Plumpton

Moveit Like Minnie

10st 11lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Justified favouritism at Wincanton (2m4f, good) last time, recording a first win over hurdles since 2023; fairly consistent and looks worth a crack at this new trip so may remain competitive; whether he can follow up is a different matter.

10/1

1st

7

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 179y

Class 3

16:57 Wincanton

Moveit Like Minnie

11st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Not quite in peak form this season but has still made the frame in some good-quality contests, most recently when close fourth of 15 at Ascot (2m3f, good to soft) last month; in calmer waters here and will be suited by the faster ground; leading claims.

7/2

4th

15

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:25 Ascot

Moveit Like Minnie

10st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Largely consistent record at Ascot includes a sixth-place finish in this contest last year and placed effort in latest start; on a 13-race losing sequence but should give his running.

11/1

16/1

  • Place: £4.40

Form: 12-P54 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Won three times over hurdles last winter, kicking off with a win on Fontwell's Boxing Day card; looked to be running himself back into form when fourth at Lingfield last month (2m7f, soft) and the addition of blinkers looks a good move.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

13th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

15:35 Lingfield

Legal Rights

11st 10lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Toby Lawes

Six wins on Flat and over hurdles but ended his time with Gary Moore on a low note and little sign of a revival for new yard; limited appeal with first-time visor replacing cheekpieces and tongue-tie discarded.

12/1

8th

1

22nd Jan 2024

Good

2m 4f 114y

Class 5

15:55 Plumpton

Legal Rights

12st 0lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Toby Lawes

Became disappointing for Gary Moore last season (often racing lazily) and was safely held on stable debut at Huntingdon (3m1f, good to soft; first-time cheekpieces) in November; subsequent wind op might have helped but others look less risky.

16/1

Form: 23-8P7

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
A couple of promising efforts last season but he has made a slow start to this campaign, most recently a long way behind Poker Master over C&D three weeks ago; has much to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 4

16:14 Huntingdon

Pearly Island

11st 5lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Lucy Wadham

held up in last

9/2

1st

3

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 4

16:14 Huntingdon

Pearly Island

11st 5lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Lucy Wadham

held up in last

9/2

4th

3

1st Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 3

16:20 Fakenham

Pearly Island

11st 6lb

J: Joshua Parker

T: Lucy Wadham

in touch with leaders, lost ground and detached before 4 out, weakening when mistake 2 out

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 113-11 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Something clicked for him in February and he hasn't looked back since, winning five of his last six starts (four of them here, with this season's two wins both over C&D); latest 4lb rise asks more of him but he may be up to the task.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

12th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 145y

Class 5

12:20 Huntingdon

Poker Master

12st 0lb

J: Tom Buckley

T: Philip McBride

led narrowly, not fluent 7th, hit 3 out, headed and lost position home turn, weakened quickly before 2 out, tailed off

5/1

5th

1

12th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 145y

Class 5

12:20 Huntingdon

Poker Master

12st 0lb

J: Tom Buckley

T: Philip McBride

led narrowly, not fluent 7th, hit 3 out, headed and lost position home turn, weakened quickly before 2 out, tailed off

5/1

8th

4

27th Oct 2024

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:52 Wincanton

Poker Master

11st 10lb

J: Tom Buckley

T: Philip McBride

didn't jump with fluency, midfield, dropped to rear 1st

14/1

16/1

Form: 25745

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Unplaced in three hurdle runs but has left the impression that there is more to come; stayed on well in a fair novice here three weeks ago (2m, good) and the return to this trip will help; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

1

12th Sep 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:00 Worcester

Izayte

12st 0lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

Positively ridden returned to 2m4f here two weeks ago (good to soft) and didn't see it out quite as well as the front two; up another 2lb but looks sure to be involved.

7/2

3rd

5

29th Aug 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

18:20 Worcester

Izayte

11st 10lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

Last four runs have been at 2m on good ground, the pick when winning off 7lb lower at Warwick in May and his recent seconds at Uttoxeter and here; clearly in good nick but he's been down the field in his two previous 2m4f races under rules.

7/2

2nd

1

1st Aug 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

20:10 Worcester

Izayte

12st 0lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

Off the mark at Warwick in May (2m, good) and better form when second of five at Uttoxeter in June (form franked by the third); creeping up the weights but should remain a force at this level.

7/4

8/1

Form: 37P-33

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Ran well in the bumper on this card 12 months ago before having his sights raised; two creditable runs in novice hurdles at Lingfield and Sandown this winter, both 2m on soft; the longer trip should suit now handicapping but quicker ground isn't sure to suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

8th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 166y

Class 4

16:15 Fontwell

Godot

11st 3lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Andy Irvine

Didn't run badly when fifth of seven here (2m5f, good to soft; usual headgear removed) 12 days ago and has become well handicapped but this season has been largely disappointing and he's not yet proven over this far.

16/1

5th

1

27th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

15:00 Fontwell

Godot

12st 0lb

J: Oscar Palmer

T: Andy Irvine

Three-time winner but arrives here in no sort of form and the new blinkers (replacing usual cheekpieces) did nothing for him two weeks ago; now goes in no headgear; risky.

12/1

5th

1

14th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

14:00 Fontwell

Godot

12st 0lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: Andy Irvine

Always tended to be all or nothing but has often run well on soft; risks involved now, having been pulled up on his last two starts, but he's capable of popping up, switched from cheekpieces to first-time blinkers under in-form Rian Corcoran.

8/1

Form: 211-70 CD

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
In good form in the spring, getting off the mark over C&D in April and following up at Southwell four days later; jumping errors have blighted his two runs back from a summer break; needs full revival in competitive race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

9th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 3

16:23 Market Rasen

Hardy Boy

11st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

C&D winner last August and his close fourth at Cheltenham three runs back was his best form yet; soft ground was no good to him on final appearance; nothing wrong with his mark.

12/1

4th

4

9th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 3

16:23 Market Rasen

Hardy Boy

11st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

C&D winner last August and his close fourth at Cheltenham three runs back was his best form yet; soft ground was no good to him on final appearance; nothing wrong with his mark.

12/1

9th

9

29th Nov 2024

Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 3

15:40 Newbury

Hardy Boy

10st 12lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Ready winner over 2m7f at Market Rasen in August and he ran at least as well in defeat at Cheltenham in October but he has his share of weight now and soft ground has not been helpful so far.

14/1

Form: 4-751 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Promise in Irish points; made a successful handicap debut over hurdles at Leicester 19 days ago (2m4f, soft), keeping on well at the finish; 3lb rise should be manageable but this sharper track and possible faster ground might not play to his strengths.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

26th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

3m 2f 34y

Class 4

16:30 Carlisle

Yellowstone Park

11st 7lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Alex Hales

Pulled up on two of his final three starts last season but nevertheless showed some good hurdle form last term and his useful half-brothers Isleofhopendreams and Mighty Thunder both showed their best form over fences; finished placed in points and he's respected on this chase debut.

13/2

2

8th Apr 2023

Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

16:15 Carlisle

Yellowstone Park

11st 8lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Alex Hales

Relatively lightly raced 7yo; off the mark in a Leicester handicap (2m4f, soft) in December and bounced back from a major blip when runner-up at Market Rasen (2m7f, soft) last month; had the run of things in front that day but unexposed as a stayer and is open to more progress; in the mix.

11/2

Form: 2632/1 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner who threatened over hurdles in the 2020-21 season; absent for 624 days prior to a comfortable success at Plumpton six weeks ago (2m4f, good to soft); more needed back in a handicap but that's certainly not out of the question.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

4th May 2026

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 3

16:38 Fakenham

Northern Poet

11st 4lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Pulled up three consecutive times after his two good-ground wins (3m/3m5f) in March 2025; back on a good mark now and was seemingly perked up by first-time visor when close fourth of six (just behind Enjoy d'Allen) at Plumpton (3m1f, good) last month but overall profile remains unconvincing.

12/1

4th

1

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 157y

Class 4

16:02 Plumpton

Northern Poet

12st 1lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Has five wins over fences, including over C&D, but has been pulled up on his last three starts; back on last winning mark and first-time visor now goes on but he comes with risks.

12/1

5

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 3

17:05 Doncaster

Northern Poet

11st 8lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Won this last year (good) and followed up at Warwick (3m5f, good) a week later; also effective on good to soft ground; pulled up on final two starts last season but can go well fresh and is not ruled out on his return.

8/1

Form: 4U63/4

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
No improvement for the step up in trip and switch to handicaps at Southwell last month (2m4f, soft) but that was his first start for 680 days; this should give a better indication as to where he is at present.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 4f 145y

Class 4

13:47 Huntingdon

Ewood Park

11st 5lb

J: A P Heskin

T: Olly Murphy

No improvement for the step up in trip and switch to handicaps at Southwell last month (2m4f, soft) but that was his first start for 680 days; this should give a better indication as to where he is at present.

16/1

Form: /P6/53 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
His two runs back from a long absence haven't been without hope but he looks to have stumbled into a very competitive race for the grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

14th Apr 2024

Good

2m 4f 114y

Class 5

16:25 Plumpton

Oscarsman

11st 1lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: Suzy Smith

prominent, led narrowly from 1st, headed after 4 out

12/1

9th

7

14th Apr 2024

Good

2m 4f 114y

Class 5

16:25 Plumpton

Oscarsman

11st 1lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: Suzy Smith

prominent, led narrowly from 1st, headed after 4 out

12/1

0

11

22nd Jan 2024

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

15:20 Plumpton

Oscarsman

10st 9lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Suzy Smith

always behind, pulled up before 8th

33/1

Form: 6472-8

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Finished second in a bumper here on debut and also filled that position in a handicap hurdle at Market Rasen in March; well beaten on last month's reappearance though and connections now turn to headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

20th Jul 2024

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 5

14:15 Cartmel

Urban Grit

11st 12lb

J: Mrs Izzie Hill

T: Lawney Hill

Has won four points, the latest at High Easter in April (3m, good); placed on next two outings, but beaten in fifth when unseating rider at the last having led for a long way in a Worcester handicap chase last time (fell previous run over regulation fences).

13/2

7

1st Jul 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Worcester

Urban Grit

10st 5lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Lawney Hill

led, joined 6th, headed 3 out, weakening when unseated last

5/1

10

2nd Jun 2023

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 4

20:05 Stratford

Urban Grit

11st 12lb

J: Miss Izzie Marshall

T: Alan Hill

took keen hold, towards rear

12/1

Form: 653-PU

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Signs of ability in novice company, notably when third to an odds-on favourite at Plumpton (2m4f, good to soft; beaten 7l); pulled hard before ultimately calling it a day on handicap debut at Newton Abbot in May; hampered at the start and unseated his rider on his return last month; 12-1 there and this looks a stronger race; career best is needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

10th Jun 2023

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

16:35 Bangor-on-Dee

Pumpkins Pride

11st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Maiden; failed to finish first three handicap starts but put that right when third at Doncaster in February; last month's Ludlow sixth (favourite) was less encouraging but possible he may still progress.

6/1

6th

2

14th May 2023

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 5

16:35 Ludlow

Pumpkins Pride

11st 11lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Alan King

Failed to complete his first three handicaps but fared much better when staying-on third at Doncaster (2m3f, good) in February and might have a bit more to offer over today's longer trip.

4/1

3rd

1

22nd Feb 2023

Good

2m 3f 88y

Class 5

16:10 Doncaster

Pumpkins Pride

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

prominent, not fluent 3rd

14/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £52.70
Straight Forecast £41.65
Tricast £448.12
Trifecta £768.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Moveit Like Minnie

The Times:

Godot

D Express:

Seelotmorebusiness

The Guardian:

Poker Master

RP Ratings:

Pearly Island

Daily Mail:

Godot

TOPSPEED:

Moveit Like Minnie

POSTDATA:

Moveit Like Minnie

WEST COUNTRY:

Moveit Like Minnie

Telegraph:

Moveit Like Minnie

Daily Mirror:

Moveit Like Minnie

The Star:

Seelotmorebusiness

Daily Record:

Poker Master