December 26 / 14.00 Newcastle

14.00

Good To Soft

Vickers.Bet Handicap Hurdle (Go North Cab On Target Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £8386.84
  • 2m 4f 62y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
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Vickers.Bet Handicap Hurdle (Go North Cab On Target Series Qualifier)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

11/1 (Won)

  • Win: £15.00
  • Place: £2.60

Form: P5-647 D

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Multiple hurdle winner (good record at Hexham) but only one success since June 2021; not disgraced on either start (after a break) this autumn and has slipped to a handy mark; likely to come good at some stage.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

16th Feb 2023

Good

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

13:00 Newcastle

Sheriff Garrett

11st 8lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Tim Easterby

pressed leader, prominent 5th, not fluent and ridden 4 out, outpaced before 2 out, 9 lengths down and beaten when left in third last

8/1

6th

12

4th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 3

15:23 Wetherby

Sheriff Garrett

11st 0lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Tim Easterby

High-mileage 9yo who exploited some help from the handicapper when holding on well to score at Newcastle (2m4f, soft) on Boxing Day; can probably cope with today's 2lb higher mark but is not one to rely upon heavily.

9/2

7/2

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 24-212

Last run: 28 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Point winner who didn't have to improve to land novice event at Kelso last month; best effort when second over an extended 3m1f at Catterick last time and drop back to this trip is not sure to suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

27th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 2f 127y

Class 3

16:05 Perth

Salvino

11st 2lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

Novice winner who has performed well in the majority of his five handicaps, beaten under 2l in three of them; steady pace was against him dropped back to 2m5f at Kelso latest.

4/1

5th

1

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

13:50 Kelso

Salvino

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

held up in rear

10/1

7th

11

5th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

14:55 Musselburgh

Salvino

10st 7lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: Sandy Thomson

midfield, in touch with leaders 5th

10/1

OUR TIP

7/4

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 121-1 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Won sole bumper start and stepped up on form of hurdle debut when successful at Exeter in March; showed he retains all that ability when upped in trip at Chepstow on reappearance and makes plenty of appeal on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

2

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Operation Manna

11st 13lb

J: Cameron Iles

T: Tom Lacey

Returned from one-year absence with good second on chase debut at Exeter (3m, heavy) in December but looked out of sorts when pulled up last month and it's hard to know what to expect from him on return to hurdling.

16/1

6

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 162y

Class 3

15:37 Wincanton

Operation Manna

10st 13lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Low-mileage 10yo who was 5-12 over hurdles; having his first race over fences when a 5l second to Isaac Des Obeaux at Exeter (3m, heavy) where he needed some driving but kept on well; this stiffer stamina test could be up his street.

15/2

4

7th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 7f 98y

Class 2

13:15 Sandown

Operation Manna

11st 5lb

J: Cameron Iles

T: Tom Lacey

Got up near the finish in this race 12 months ago (heavy) and warrants respect in his bid for a repeat win, notwithstanding a 5lb higher mark and lack of recent match practice (off since April).

13/2

Form: 1225-4

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Soft-ground hurdle winner who has run well over a similar trip to this; well beaten on final start last year (behind Sheriff Garrett) but shaped as though retaining much of his ability on seasonal/chase debut last month; can't be ruled out back over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

7th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:55 Ayr

Twoshotsoftequila

11st 4lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Won two small-field chases (3m1f/2m7f) about two years ago but was pulled up last month, after a long absence, and might need another run or two before he's of interest again.

14/1

5

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:28 Haydock

Twoshotsoftequila

11st 6lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

On the up when last seen out in the spring of 2024, bagging a pair of handicap chases (around 3m) at Catterick and Newcastle; has a 23-month absence to overcome here but yard is among the winners so he's no forlorn hope.

10/1

Form: 41514-

Last run: 307 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Point winner who has won two of last four outings over hurdles; matched best form when fourth of five at Market Rasen in February (winner and second won next time) when last seen and has place claims from 3lb lower.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

1st Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 3f 83y

Class 5

15:30 Ffos Las

Lady Tremaine

11st 9lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Donald McCain

Given break after a lacklustre performance last May and again looked out of sorts when reappearing last month; can't be supported with any confidence at present but she's now 7lb lower than when going close over C&D (heavy) on chasing debut last March.

7/1

7th

2

11th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

13:20 Catterick

Lady Tremaine

12st 0lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Donald McCain

Jumping lacked fluency last spring on first three chase starts and pulled up when last seen; however, she showed promise on her first two runs over fences and could have a part to play if back on song after a break.

10/1

Form: 232-4

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Showed a fair level of ability on all three starts last year and not far off best on handicap/seasonal debut last month (first run since having wind tweaked); that form has been franked and he may well be capable of better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

5th May 2023

Good

3m 2f 0y

Class 4

17:25 Cheltenham

Camdonian

11st 12lb

J: Mr Christopher Furness

T: Jack Teal

Definite ability for Dan Skelton before finishing held in a couple of Class 4 handicaps; no knocking the start he's made in points but he didn't exactly take Red Opium to the cleaners last time and is not overly convincing on his first run over regulation fences.

10/1

6th

4

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

14:00 Newcastle

Camdonian

11st 8lb

J: David England

T: Dan Skelton

Showed a fair level of ability on all three starts last year and not far off best on handicap/seasonal debut last month (first run since having wind tweaked); that form has been franked and he may well be capable of better.

5/1

Form: 2145-P

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
2m6f maiden hurdle winner at Kelso in February but a long way below that level all three starts since, pulling up on reappearance last time; plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

31st Jan 2023

Soft

2m 6f 0y

Class 5

13:25 Newcastle

Lalochezia

11st 9lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Justin Landy

Won Kelso maiden (2m6f, good) just under a year ago but subsequent form has been very disappointing; needs the first-time cheekpieces to make a big difference today.

20/1

7

12th Jan 2023

Soft

3m 1f 71y

Class 4

15:25 Catterick

Lalochezia

11st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Justin Landy

Won a 2m6f maiden hurdle at Kelso last February but he's been well beaten or pulled up on his four subsequent outings.

6/1

7th

9

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

14:00 Newcastle

Lalochezia

10st 13lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: Justin Landy

2m6f maiden hurdle winner at Kelso in February but a long way below that level all three starts since, pulling up on reappearance last time; plenty to prove.

25/1

Form: 252-66

Last run: 51 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Dual Flat winner who is 1-16 over hurdles; not disgraced this year on the Flat or over hurdles (though below best last time) and is down in the weights/grade but the big drop in distance is the main worry.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

16th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 149y

Class 4

16:00 Newcastle

Tomorrows Angel

10st 7lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Badly out of form over hurdles during the winter and also struggled in a recent Flat marathon; very difficult to enthuse over at present.

33/1

8th

7

(10)

24th Apr 2023

Good

2m 5f 139y

Class 6

16:10 Pontefract

Tomorrows Angel

9st 3lb

J: Phil Dennis

T: Tristan Davidson

Something to prove regarding current form as she was a long way below her best over hurdles this winter; however, she's had a break and this strong stayer could prove suited by today's marathon test; not ruled out.

9/1

5th

11

14th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 4

15:55 Ayr

Tomorrows Angel

10st 7lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Has modest 1-19 strike-rate over hurdles and was always towards rear on her last three appearances; needs to turn things around.

33/1

Form: 693654 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Versatile sort who knows how to win but form has been uneven since last victory in the summer; back in trip and 4lb lower than that win but needs to show more again before he's worth a bet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

21st Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

16:35 Market Rasen

Snookered

12st 0lb

J: Edward Austin

T: Hugh Burns

held up in last, mistake and fell 7th, fatally injured

14/1

6th

4

1st Jun 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

16:15 Hexham

Snookered

11st 3lb

J: Thomas Dowson

T: Hugh Burns

Five-time hurdle winner at up to 2m4f, including on soft; was still showing ability on his final start for Brian Ellison in January 2023 but has a bit to prove now, after his recent return from a layoff (pulled up).

25/1

4

11th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

17:45 Hexham

Snookered

11st 9lb

J: Thomas Dowson

T: Hugh Burns

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, mistake 1st, prominent before 3rd, briefly led 6th

33/1

Form: 283-31 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Improved effort (first-time cheekpieces) to win at the fifth time of asking over hurdles at Doncaster latest (fifth won next time); more to do from 4lb higher mark in higher grade, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

17th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 6f 125y

Class 4

17:05 Stratford

Okavango Delta

11st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Paul Robson

Absent since below-par run in December but returned from break with creditable second at Musselburgh (2m, good to soft; stays much further) in November and won when fresh last spring; has travelled from Northumberland for this race and Sean Bowen is booked; interesting.

3/1

5th

4

3rd Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 20y

Class 4

15:20 Perth

Okavango Delta

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Paul Robson

Did well for new yard last season with two wins at Musselburgh (good to soft/soft) and was back on the scoresheet at Worcester in May; absolute shocker at Warwick (also 2m4f, good) 29 days again, though, beaten 62l with no obvious excuses.

5/1

1

4th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

20:40 Warwick

Okavango Delta

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Paul Robson

Did well for new yard last season with two wins at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft/soft) and was back on the scoresheet at Worcester (2m4f, good) three weeks ago; did it well last time and a 4lb rise may not stop him.

10/11

Non-runners

Snookered, Velasco, Okavango Delta

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £60.90
Straight Forecast £76.43
Tricast £121.69
Trifecta £286.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Operation Manna

RP Ratings:

Sheriff Garrett

TOPSPEED:

Twoshotsoftequila

Daily Mirror:

Lady Tremaine

The Times:

Operation Manna

Telegraph:

Operation Manna

The Guardian:

Operation Manna

Daily Mail:

Operation Manna

D Express:

Operation Manna

The Sun:

Operation Manna

The Star:

Operation Manna

Daily Record:

Operation Manna

POSTDATA:

Sheriff Garrett