December 26 / 13.00 Wetherby

13.00

Good To Soft

William Hill Build #yourodds Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £3703.28
  • 2m 3f 154y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
RTV
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William Hill Build #yourodds Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

11/1 (Won)

  • Win: £11.00
  • Place: £3.20

Form: 4757

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Hasn't progressed since winning point-to-point bumper on debut last November and soundly beaten on his three hurdle starts; however, he goes handicapping off a modest mark and is in top hands; watch the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

14:25 Uttoxeter

Santos Blue

11st 8lb

J: Ben Sutton

T: Olly Murphy

Did well for Dan Skelton and posted best effort for new stable when second behind easy winner at Sandown (2m7f, heavy) last time; however, likely needs a new level of form to go one better.

14/1

2nd

1

31st Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 103y

Class 1

15:10 Sandown

Santos Blue

12st 0lb

J: Ben Sutton

T: Olly Murphy

Successful six times under regular rider Ben Sutton, including on heavy going at Uttoxeter in 2024 and over 3m at Newbury last February; the latter was his final start for Dan Skelton and he's been well beaten this term on both runs for new yard; needs a career best to win this.

11/1

1st

2

8th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 3

13:50 Newbury

Santos Blue

12st 0lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: Dan Skelton

towards rear

11/1

5/2

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 9-431 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Point winner who showed improved form when scoring on his handicap debut at Southwell (2m4f, good) last month; has also shown promise on soft; had something in hand last time and a 10lb rise may not stop him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

26th Apr 2024

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

20:15 Chepstow

Sporting Mike

11st 2lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

Won on his handicap debut at Southwell (2m4f, good) in November 2022 but he's 0-10 since and has not made an impact back over hurdles (2m7f/3m) in last two runs; mark continues to fall but he needs to raise his game with cheekpieces added.

8/1

9th

9

26th Apr 2024

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

20:15 Chepstow

Sporting Mike

11st 2lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

Won on his handicap debut at Southwell (2m4f, good) in November 2022 but he's 0-10 since and has not made an impact back over hurdles (2m7f/3m) in last two runs; mark continues to fall but he needs to raise his game with cheekpieces added.

8/1

4th

8

22nd Mar 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 4

17:20 Newbury

Sporting Mike

11st 9lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

After chasing aspirations were soon aborted he didn't run too badly back over hurdles in a Class 3 at Ascot (2m7f, good to soft); of some interest on the back of that if able to build on it.

6/1

16/1

  • Place: £4.50

Form: 0-2140 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Won by 13l at Ffos Las (2m4f, good) in June and his trainer has won two of the last five runnings of this race; however, he hasn't been at his best on either outing this autumn; peak efforts are on good ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

1st Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 3

16:20 Fakenham

Watergrange Jack

11st 11lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

prominent, lost ground after 2nd, dropped to last after 4th, detached before 4 out, weakened before 2 out

9/2

5th

2

1st Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 3

16:20 Fakenham

Watergrange Jack

11st 11lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

prominent, lost ground after 2nd, dropped to last after 4th, detached before 4 out, weakened before 2 out

9/2

7

26th Oct 2024

Good

3m 2f 39y

Class 2

15:55 Kelso

Watergrange Jack

10st 7lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Unseated early last time at Perth; it was an ordinary handicap by Class 2 standards that he won at Worcester (2m4f, good) the time before but that was all very straightforward as he jumped well out in front; could catch some of these cold from a fitness perspective.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 36-313 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Won at Hexham (2m4f, good to soft) in May on second hurdles start and reappeared with solid third of 14 under a penalty here (2m5f, soft); has potential off his opening mark and could play a leading role.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

29th Jun 2025

Soft

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

14:40 Cartmel

Curley Finger

11st 11lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Failed to win during light campaign last season and dropped out very quickly after running well for a long way over C&D (good to soft; first-time visor) last month; positives can still be drawn from that recent effort but others in this field look much less risky; cheekpieces back on today.

12/1

2

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

18:40 Cartmel

Curley Finger

12st 0lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Failed to win during light campaign last season; didn't run badly when fifth of six at Doncaster (3m, good) in March and will be suited by the forecast rain here but still needs a boost from today's change of headgear.

10/1

2

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

18:40 Cartmel

Curley Finger

12st 0lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Failed to win during light campaign last season; didn't run badly when fifth of six at Doncaster (3m, good) in March and will be suited by the forecast rain here but still needs a boost from today's change of headgear.

10/1

Form: 725/2P

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Went very close on the Flat in October (1m6f, soft) and fair second of five at Hexham (2m, soft) last month when back over hurdles; however, he was pulled up at Catterick 12 days later and has to bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

14

21st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 66y

Class 4

14:20 Catterick

Bollin Neil

11st 4lb

J: Mr William Easterby

T: Tim Easterby

Eight-time winner here (Flat and jumps) who has been running respectably over further at this venue since November; drop back in trip asks a question but he's impossible to rule out.

7/1

5th

3

(3)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 7f 189y

Class 6

15:10 Catterick

Bollin Neil

9st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Prolific winner who arrives seeking a hat-trick, after winning over C&D (soft) and 1m6f (good) here this month; back up a total of 7lb so this looks a tougher assignment but still has pretty strong claims.

9/4

5th

3

(3)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 7f 189y

Class 6

15:10 Catterick

Bollin Neil

9st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Prolific winner who arrives seeking a hat-trick, after winning over C&D (soft) and 1m6f (good) here this month; back up a total of 7lb so this looks a tougher assignment but still has pretty strong claims.

9/4

Form: 5-613

Last run: 36 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Soft-ground point winner who won a maiden hurdle at Stratford (2m6f, good) in October on third rules start; remains unexposed but this handicap newcomer was disappointing at Exeter (2m7f, good to soft) last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

19th Feb 2023

Good To Firm

3m 0f 52y

Class 4

15:35 Newbury

Copperfasten

11st 11lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Low-mileage 6yo who won her point on soft ground and a maiden hurdle (2m6f) on good; had no obvious excuses when beaten 15l on handicap debut at Wetherby (2m3f, good to soft) but she's undergone wind surgery since then and steps up in trip; better expected.

6/1

6th

1

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 4

13:00 Wetherby

Copperfasten

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Tim Vaughan

Soft-ground point winner who won a maiden hurdle at Stratford (2m6f, good) in October on third rules start; remains unexposed but this handicap newcomer was disappointing at Exeter (2m7f, good to soft) last time.

25/1

3rd

1

20th Nov 2022

Soft

2m 7f 25y

Class 4

13:15 Exeter

Copperfasten

11st 7lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Scored comfortably at Stratford (2m6f, good; second attempt over hurdles) last month, adding to her soft-ground point win; from a good family and looks open to further progress; shortlisted.

7/2

Form: 2223-7 BF

Last run: 57 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Made the frame in novice/maiden hurdles last term on first five starts (2m-2m4f, soft/good to soft) and was found to be lame when tailed off on handicap/seasonal debut at Carlisle in October; this lightly raced 5yo retains potential and it will be no surprise to see a good run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

17th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 133y

Class 5

14:45 Kelso

Wheres Hector

12st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Michael & David Easterby

took keen hold and jumped right on occasions, prominent, led after 1st

4/1

2nd

3

31st Mar 2023

Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 5

16:25 Wetherby

Wheres Hector

12st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Michael & David Easterby

0-9 but has run pretty well this year on his first two chase starts (2m3f/2m4f, soft/good to soft) and has shaped as though he could improve for this step up in trip; he's one to be interested in.

6/1

4

17th Mar 2023

Good

2m 7f 214y

Class 5

14:00 Doncaster

Wheres Hector

11st 11lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Michael & David Easterby

Nine-race maiden who has run creditably on both starts over fences, last time finishing second to an in-form rival at Ayr (2m4f, good to soft); shapes as though the step up to 3m will suit.

11/2

Form: 25-23F

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Good-ground bumper winner who has also shown ability over hurdles (including on good to soft); it's possible he's capable off this mark but his hurdles profile isn't overly convincing and he could do with cutting out the mistakes (early faller on handicap debut here last time).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

4th Oct 2024

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

16:05 Hexham

Grand Du Nord

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Micky Hammond

Won a bumper here in April 2021 (2m, good); yet to win over jumps and was well beaten in two handicap chases in the summer; others preferred.

14/1

Form: 19-383

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Hasn't really shone across three hurdles starts but he has potential off his handicap debut mark based on his bumper form, and he may appreciate this step back up in trip; interesting, especially if well backed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Prairie Wolf

11st 6lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Northern runner who has looked as good as ever in winning two of his last three races, taking chase record to 6-18; did it quite readily at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) latest; ran respectably at Newbury in November; likely player in current form.

5/1

1st

3

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 3

15:58 Newcastle

Prairie Wolf

11st 8lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

5-17 over fences and his win at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) on Boxing Day was up there with his best efforts; ran poorly at Cheltenham four weeks later but in the mix if bouncing back.

5/1

50/1

Form: 543-28

Last run: 59 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
10yo who ran a couple of fair races in the spring and he may have needed the run here in October; however, he finished down the field in that handicap and is now 0-12; others have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

15th Feb 2023

Good

2m 3f 154y

Class 5

16:50 Wetherby

Mr Dealer

11st 9lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: Ashley Dodgson

Veteran who is still a maiden; made the frame a few times last spring; well held in handicaps here the last twice; others preferred.

33/1

10th

12

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 4

13:00 Wetherby

Mr Dealer

11st 2lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Ashley Dodgson

10yo who ran a couple of fair races in the spring and he may have needed the run here in October; however, he finished down the field in that handicap and is now 0-12; others have more pressing claims.

50/1

8

11th Dec 2022

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

15:28 Southwell

Mr Dealer

11st 2lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Ashley Dodgson

declared 3.15 Doncaster yesterday

Form: 011282 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Won on good ground in the summer on his first two starts for this yard (2m bumper and 2m4f maiden hurdle) and he was an 18l second to a useful prospect at Catterick (2m3f, soft) most recently; respected back at handicap level for a trainer who had a double at Ayr on Thursday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

27th Jul 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

16:37 Uttoxeter

Fennas Loss

10st 2lb

J: Jamie Brace

T: Stephen Allen

Might be glad to see the back of fences but it's been a long time since he showed his true form over hurdles.

50/1

7

2nd Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

14:15 Worcester

Fennas Loss

10st 10lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Stephen Allen

Started off for current stable with three heavy defeats over hurdles last summer (2m-2m4f) and was again well beaten when reappearing in a recent 2m chase here; big leap of faith required to support him.

33/1

4

18th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

14:40 Worcester

Fennas Loss

11st 2lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Stephen Allen

Started off for current stable with three heavy defeats over hurdles last summer; reverts to chasing after 284-day absence; big leap of faith required to support him.

25/1

Form: 8-3931 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Fair third on stable debut at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) in November and won at Sedgefield five days later (2m4f, soft; first win at the 11th attempt); beat just three rivals last time but was clear with the 1-3 favourite and this in-form mare could go well now back in a handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

5th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 4

16:25 Musselburgh

Maggie Barrett

11st 7lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Brian Ellison

Ex-Irish mare who has form figures of 314 for new stable, the win gained in Sedgefield maiden hurdle (2m4f); ran creditably in 2m1f handicap there last time; could go well again.

10/1

5

29th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 5

15:10 Sedgefield

Maggie Barrett

11st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Brian Ellison

Beaten about 8l into fourth of eight when back in a handicap here (2m1f, soft) a fortnight ago, but this step up in trip could suit as she won a four-runner maiden over 2m4f here (soft) in November; not discounted.

6/1

4th

2

13th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

15:20 Sedgefield

Maggie Barrett

11st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Brian Ellison

Built upon November's promising stable debut when pipping short-odds favourite in four-runner maiden here (2m4f, soft) a few days later, her eighth start over hurdles; ought to cope with today's drop back in trip and should again be very competitive in this handicap.

7/2

Non-runners

Maggie Barrett

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £55.90
Straight Forecast £46.35
Tricast £637.74
Trifecta £570.80

Selections

RP Ratings:

Curley Finger

POSTDATA:

Sporting Mike

SPOTLIGHT:

Prairie Wolf

The Star:

Maggie Barrett

TOPSPEED:

Curley Finger

The Times:

Curley Finger

The Guardian:

Curley Finger

Daily Mail:

Curley Finger

Daily Mirror:

Curley Finger

The Sun:

Curley Finger

D Express:

Prairie Wolf

WEST COUNTRY:

Sporting Mike

Telegraph:

Sporting Mike

Daily Record:

Sporting Mike