December 26 / 13.25 Newcastle

13.25

Good To Soft

Best Odds Guaranteed Daily At Vickers.Bet Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4901.4
  • 2m 0f 190y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
SKY
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Best Odds Guaranteed Daily At Vickers.Bet Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

13/8 (Won)

  • Win: £2.00
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 217- D

Last run: 261 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well-regarded sort who showed a similar level of form in three starts in bumpers, including in Aintree Grade 2 in April on final outing; has plenty about him physically and is one to keep a close eye on for seasonal/hurdle debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

23rd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 2

16:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Cruz Control

11st 8lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Took big step back in right direction when fifth at Aintree (3m1f, good to soft) last month, in race he won the previous two seasons; still on a workable mark and has a fighting chance here if first-time cheekpieces have any positive effect.

9/4

5th

9

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Cruz Control

11st 9lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Has failed to show his form in both outings this term but a revival looks highly likely back at Aintree on return from four-month break; 2-2 over fences at this venue, namely wins in this race for the last two years (good/good to soft); had a similar prep when winning by 5l off just 1lb lower 12 months ago; commands respect in the hat-trick attempt.

11/2

5/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 52

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
1-8 in points and stepped up on form of hurdle debut when second to a previous winner at Musselburgh last time; should give another good account if able to progress further.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

11th Sep 2025

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 4

17:35 Uttoxeter

Leading Force

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: James Owen

C&D winner in May on his second start for James Owen and was holding his form until heavy defeats in his final two races; now on a recovery mission.

8/1

3rd

2

29th Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 210y

Class 4

17:18 Fontwell

Leading Force

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: James Owen

Scored at Uttoxeter (3m, good) in May, his second start for James Owen, and ran big race when clear second to thriving opponent at Cartmel (3m1f, soft) in June; needs to bounce back from last month's duff effort at Market Rasen but still features prominently in calculations.

4/1

7

19th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

17:00 Market Rasen

Leading Force

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: James Owen

Looked a hard ride when second at Bangor (3m, good) but travelled sweeter with the blinkers back on at Cartmel (3m1f, soft) and just missed out; nudged up another 3lb but has to be respected.

8/1

OUR TIP

2/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 2 BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed ability in two of three point starts and ran well on rules/stable debut at Bangor a month ago; entitled to come on for that run and he's one to be interested in for this hurdle debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

16th Oct 2025

Good

2m 1f 33y

Class 4

13:22 Carlisle

Blue Fin

12st 0lb

J: William Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Won this last year (soft) on his reappearance and ran well in the main subsequently, finishing fourth here in March when last seen (2m3f, good to soft); can have a big say if handling conditions (unraced on good ground).

9/2

4th

4

9th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

15:30 Carlisle

Blue Fin

11st 10lb

J: William Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Won over 2m1f here on his reappearance and that was off only 3lb lower; held his form after that but the wheels came off at Haydock last time; possibilities if back on song.

10/1

10th

5

18th Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 5f 50y

Class 4

13:20 Haydock

Blue Fin

11st 11lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

in touch with leaders on inner, weakened 3 out

12/1

Form: 29-45

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has shown ability at an ordinary level in bumpers, on the Flat and over hurdles but he'll have to step up a fair way if he's to win this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(8)

2nd Jun 2023

Good To Firm

2m 1f 47y

Class 6

17:16 Carlisle

Scottish Wind

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Lucinda Russell

Placed in a bumper and made promising start to Flat career last summer but both handicap runs this year have been very disappointing; first-time cheekpieces need to revive his fortunes.

12/1

2

(3)

23rd May 2023

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 6

21:00 Ayr

Scottish Wind

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Lucinda Russell

8th

2

(4)

5th May 2023

Good To Soft

1m 4f 104y

Class 6

15:50 Musselburgh

Scottish Wind

9st 9lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Lucinda Russell

towards rear, pushed along from over 3f out, no impression from 2f out

10/1

66/1

Form: 527

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has shown ability at an ordinary level in bumpers but failed to match the pick of that form on hurdle debut; might well find one or two too good again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

19th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 5

14:50 Musselburgh

Getabeau

11st 7lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Chris Grant

towards rear

6/1

11th

7

26th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:10 Wetherby

Getabeau

11st 2lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Chris Grant

led, jumped right 1st, headed after 4 out

50/1

5th

7

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 4

13:25 Newcastle

Getabeau

11st 4lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: Chris Grant

Has shown ability at an ordinary level in bumpers but failed to match the pick of that form on hurdle debut; might well find one or two too good again.

66/1

Form: 2-5

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Promise on debut in good-ground Carlisle bumper (March) but failed to match that switched to hurdles at Kelso on soft on reappearance; no surprise to see him fare better in this discipline.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

19th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 5

15:20 Doncaster

Coniston Clouds

12st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Lots to prove regarding current form having been struggled over fences/hurdles on his three starts this season, but they've all been on good ground which might not have suited; not discounted off dangerous mark.

16/1

11th

1

14th Dec 2024

Good

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

11:42 Newcastle

Coniston Clouds

12st 0lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Nicky Richards

midfield

16/1

11th

1

14th Dec 2024

Good

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

11:42 Newcastle

Coniston Clouds

12st 0lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Nicky Richards

midfield

16/1

Form: 5

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in two points and beaten a long way on rules debut (bumper); switches to hurdles with a good deal to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

17:00 Kelso

High On The Hill

11st 7lb

J: Miss J Walton

T: James Walton

Began year with two point wins at Alnwick (maiden/restricted) and again ran well when second (beaten about 4l) behind Boley Bob at Tranwell (3m, good to soft) last month; each-way claims at least.

20/1

12th

13

8th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

12:35 Musselburgh

High On The Hill

10st 2lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: James Walton

Showed some ability when third in Corbridge point (2m4f, soft) in April but well beaten in Hexham point (3m, good) in May and he's shown very little under rules; a long way out of the weights on handicap debut.

100/1

Form: 7-

Last run: 296 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off on debut (reportedly burst blood vessel) at Doncaster in March.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

7th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

15:08 Newcastle

Armys Dream

11st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Gillian Boanas

prominent

100/1

1

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 4

13:25 Newcastle

Armys Dream

11st 4lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Gillian Boanas

Tailed off on debut (reportedly burst blood vessel) at Doncaster in March.

100/1

Form: 98

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second to subsequent bumper winner Park Hill Dancer in point on debut just over a year ago but hasn't achieved much in two bumper starts, including after a wind op last time; may do better now hurdling, though might appreciate further.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

15th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

15:21 Perth

Artic Row

11st 6lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

Last three wins have been in 2m4f handicap chases at Ayr, although won a 2m Ayr novice handicap over hurdles in March 2023 (good); hasn't been in top form over fences on last three starts and probably best watched this time.

12/1

6

15th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

15:21 Perth

Artic Row

11st 6lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

Last three wins have been in 2m4f handicap chases at Ayr, although won a 2m Ayr novice handicap over hurdles in March 2023 (good); hasn't been in top form over fences on last three starts and probably best watched this time.

12/1

5th

1

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 203y

Class 4

17:00 Haydock

Artic Row

12st 2lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: N W Alexander

Three chase wins at Ayr (2m4f on soft/good to soft) last winter but below best there in March and at Carlisle since; Callum Pritchard takes off a helpful 5lb but adding cheekpieces acknowledges something needs to change.

8/1

Form: 56-788

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Limitations seemingly exposed in bumpers and over hurdles and he makes no appeal on these terms.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(1)

19th Nov 2023

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

15:14 Newcastle (AW)

Blame The Farrier

9st 6lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: David Thompson

Remains a maiden and he's not proved the easiest to catch right this term, only tenth over C&D 16 days ago; cheekpieces are reached for now.

16/1

10th

8

(10)

3rd Nov 2023

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Blame The Farrier

9st 7lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: David Thompson

Much better from the front over C&D last time, when having Angel Amadea just behind; that gave something to build on but this looks more competitive and he's exposed as ordinary under both codes.

8/1

2nd

1

(8)

29th Sep 2023

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Blame The Farrier

9st 10lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: David Thompson

Maiden (0-14 all codes, 0-7 Flat); has shown a modest level of form in each of his last three starts (6f-1m, turf), falling sharply in the weights as a result; tough to consider even though this is just his second AW appearance.

16/1

Form: 572

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Has improved with every start over hurdles and best effort at Ayr last time; however, he'll almost certainly have to improve again if he's to get off the mark this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 4

13:25 Newcastle

Kauto Of Gold

11st 4lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Paul Robson

Has improved with every start over hurdles and best effort at Ayr last time; however, he'll almost certainly have to improve again if he's to get off the mark this time.

8/1

2nd

2

29th Nov 2022

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:10 Ayr

Kauto Of Gold

11st 0lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Paul Robson

led, 4 lengths ahead 1st, not fluent and reduced lead 4th, good jump 5th, shaken up when mistake 3 out, pushed along and faced strong challenge before 2 out, headed 2 out, ridden approaching last

66/1

7th

10

22nd Oct 2022

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

13:40 Kelso

Kauto Of Gold

11st 3lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Paul Robson

in touch with leaders on inner, pushed along before 2 out, mistake 2 out, soon ridden and weakened

100/1

Form: 7P

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
No worthwhile form on either start (bumper/novice hurdle); makes no appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

24th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

16:55 Perth

This Is Bob

10st 7lb

J: Miss Natasha Cookson

T: Susan Corbett

Yet to win over hurdles, but good run in first-time cheekpieces (retained) when second at Musselburgh last time (2m4f, soft); shapes as though this longer trip could suit; interesting.

9/2

4th

8

24th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

16:55 Perth

This Is Bob

10st 7lb

J: Miss Natasha Cookson

T: Susan Corbett

Yet to win over hurdles, but good run in first-time cheekpieces (retained) when second at Musselburgh last time (2m4f, soft); shapes as though this longer trip could suit; interesting.

9/2

8

5th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 5

19:10 Musselburgh

This Is Bob

10st 5lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Susan Corbett

Only his second handicap when going close at Newcastle (2m1f, heavy) in February and, on this very different track, he could bounce back from his remote third at Hexham; cheekpieces added.

3/1

Non-runners

This Is Bob

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £5.30
Straight Forecast £4.85
Trifecta £13.20

Selections

The Times:

Leading Force

SPOTLIGHT:

Cruz Control

The Star:

Blue Fin

POSTDATA:

Scottish Wind

Daily Record:

Blue Fin

The Guardian:

Leading Force

Daily Mirror:

Leading Force

The Sun:

Leading Force

Telegraph:

Cruz Control

Daily Mail:

Cruz Control

D Express:

Cruz Control