December 29 / 12.28 Kelso

12.28

Heavy

Watch The Replay At Racing TV Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £7787.78
  • 2m 6f 151y
  • Class 3
  • 12 runners
RTV
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Watch The Replay At Racing TV Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.00
  • Place: £2.50

Form: 14-642 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Not seen to best effect on last month's chasing debut but lost out by only a head when clear second over hurdles at Musselburgh (3m, soft; unraced on heavy) 24 days ago and could still be well handicapped after a 3lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

14

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

14:12 Bangor-on-Dee

Schalke

11st 1lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Short in chasing experience for a race of this nature, having steered clear of fences since finishing fourth of six runners in a handicap in late 2022; has at least rediscovered some form over hurdles for his new yard but others are safer propositions.

12/1

4th

14

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

14:12 Bangor-on-Dee

Schalke

11st 1lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Short in chasing experience for a race of this nature, having steered clear of fences since finishing fourth of six runners in a handicap in late 2022; has at least rediscovered some form over hurdles for his new yard but others are safer propositions.

12/1

3rd

6

30th Dec 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 58y

Class 4

12:30 Haydock

Schalke

11st 8lb

J: Ben Smith

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

in rear, headway and went third before 3 out, no impression from 2 out

5/2

5/2

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 411-21

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Progressive mare who rallied well to score at Ayr (2m4f, soft) last month and has now won three of her last four; the extra emphasis on stamina here is unlikely to be a problem; major player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

21st Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 2

15:35 Ayr

Charm Offensive

11st 1lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Progressive last year, winning here three times (2m4f/2m5f, soft/heavy), and solid second at Kelso (2m6f, heavy) in December last time; has run well over today's C&D in the past and could play a leading role now back here, provided conditions suit (effective on good to soft; unraced on good).

11/2

2nd

5

29th Dec 2022

Heavy

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

12:28 Kelso

Charm Offensive

11st 8lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

in touch with leaders on inner

5/2

1st

1

29th Nov 2022

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

12:35 Ayr

Charm Offensive

12st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Progressive mare who won a C&D novice (heavy) and a mares' handicap (2m5f, soft; cheekpieces first time) here last season; good second in a Kelso handicap (2m4f, soft) on reappearance and although 3lb higher should go well again.

3/1

16/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 31-465 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Three-time C&D winner, most recently in April; not handicapped out of contention (even from 2lb out of the weights) but this is more competitive than the races she usually contests and, although she has plenty of form on soft ground, she has something to prove on heavy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

13th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:50 Punchestown

Lissen To The Lady

11st 3lb

J: Miss J Walton

T: Patrick Cronin

Seven-time hurdles winner made a satisfactory return from a long absence at Naas when sixth; didn't build on that at Clonmel last time; others preferred.

15/1

9th

5

26th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 2f 188y

17:12 Clonmel

Lissen To The Lady

11st 3lb

J: Miss J Walton

T: Patrick Cronin

Six-time winner in Britain and gained her first Irish win in game fashion over 2m4f at this venue in January 2024 on her third and final start for Marie Harding; at the veteran stage now but made a promising reappearance under Joanna Walton (aboard for all seven wins) over 2m at Naas recently; each-way prospects.

8/1

Form: 9945-7

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Made low-key seasonal/handicap debut when seventh of nine at Ayr (2m4f, soft) last month but is entitled to have benefited from that outing and is another that remains unexposed; worth a glance in the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 133y

Class 5

15:40 Kelso

Nights In Venice

11st 1lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Donald Whillans

Capitalised on a career-low mark to win at Ayr (3m, soft) four weeks ago; he's also effective on good to soft ground and a 4lb rise won't necessarily beat him, but he's inconsistent and has a good record at Ayr, so it's questionable whether he'll produce another good performance today.

9/2

1st

4

6th Mar 2026

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 5

16:53 Ayr

Nights In Venice

11st 4lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Donald Whillans

Course winner who comes here in decent nick, though he finished tired when second of seven in 3m2f Kelso handicap chase three weeks ago; he can race off a 2lb lower mark here so must still enter calculations.

3/1

Form: 4-32PF CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
C&D (soft) novice winner two years ago; pulled up at Carlisle in October, after a break, but was still going well before falling at third-last flight here last month and remains on a workable mark; can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

25th Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

15:20 Hexham

Deluxe Range

11st 9lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

prominent, pushed along after 3 out, ridden after 2 out, soon weakened, pulled up before last

3/1

7th

2

16th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 149y

Class 4

16:00 Newcastle

Deluxe Range

11st 13lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

Ended last season with two fairly good efforts, more recently when third at Kelso (2m6f, good), but is seemingly on the downgrade now and some of the others have more appealing profiles.

7/1

3rd

2

17th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

14:15 Kelso

Deluxe Range

11st 13lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

His best form has come over 2m4f+ so it was an encouraging return from wind surgery when not far away over 2m at Hexham (heavy); these conditions won't faze him and he's considered.

9/1

OUR TIP

Form: 32

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Unexposed 5yo who has been placed on both hurdling starts, more recently when close second in Haydock maiden (3m, soft; front pair well clear) last month; should have some improvement to come in handicaps and needs to be taken very seriously.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

14th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

14:33 Perth

Inis Oirr

11st 2lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Back to form a little out of the blue to take advantage of a reduced mark over C&D (good) under Gregor Walkinshaw three weeks ago; remains well treated on old form (won 2024 Edinburgh National off 11lb higher) but not sure to be in the same mood again based on his recent record.

7/2

1st

5

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

17:15 Perth

Inis Oirr

11st 6lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Both wins have been at Musselburgh, latest a 3m7f handicap chase in February 2024 (good to soft); struggled to win since, but is well handicapped.

20/1

9th

10

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

15:52 Carlisle

Inis Oirr

10st 8lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Losing spell goes back to his success in the Edinburgh National two years ago and current mark reflects a decline in his form; not sure to repeat his autumn C&D effort (neck second).

20/1

Form: 812/34 C

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Returned from long absence with quite encouraging chase debut here in November but now reverts to hurdling after a lesser effort; runs this track very well and is on a good mark if old ability remains; handles soft ground; not proven on heavy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 170y

Class 2

14:25 Kelso

Leostar

10st 8lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

raced in second

16/1

Form: -43525 BF

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Dual 2m4f hurdle winner towards end of last season (good/good to soft) and ran well in defeat at Market Rasen (2m4f, good to soft) in October; didn't fire when favourite last time, though, and this stamina test may not bring out the best in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

23rd Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:32 Perth

Big Bad Bear

11st 6lb

J: Mr William Easterby

T: Sam England

Lightly raced in the last two years and form has deteriorated badly; big revival is required on debut for new yard.

14/1

6

23rd Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:32 Perth

Big Bad Bear

11st 6lb

J: Mr William Easterby

T: Sam England

led narrowly, headed 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out

14/1

9

6th Jun 2024

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

15:43 Uttoxeter

Big Bad Bear

11st 6lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Five-time hurdle winner from 2m-2m4f on good/soft ground for Nicky Richards; has lost his form since a good second in October 2022; makes no particular appeal on second run for new yard (pulled up first time); now tried blinkered

50/1

Form: 6/642-

Last run: 271 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced since starting hurdle career with three good-ground wins for Olly Murphy in summer 2020; returned from break with good effort at Ayr (2m5f, good to soft) in April but not seen since; sold for £3,000 in May; might be vulnerable to stronger stayers on this stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

18th May 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

15:25 Perth

Enemy Coast Ahead

11st 7lb

J: Thomas Reilly

T: Katie Scott

All of his three hurdle wins (2m/2m4f) came on good ground in the summer of 2020; very well treated on his old form but he's struggled in four runs for this yard and a big turnaround is needed.

25/1

5th

5

28th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 3

13:30 Perth

Enemy Coast Ahead

11st 7lb

J: Thomas Reilly

T: Katie Scott

Possible to make excuses for three outings from this yard (heavy ground in first two, hampered latest) but has been tailed off each time and urgently needs a return to something more positive.

25/1

8th

10

4th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

15:00 Kelso

Enemy Coast Ahead

10st 7lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Katie Scott

Well handicapped on form as recent as last April for Olly Murphy and heavy ground may not have suited on his first two runs for this yard; however, he's been tailed off each time and a major turnaround is required in first-time cheekpieces.

20/1

Form: 32PP-4

Last run: 51 days

W: 12st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Smart in his prime but without a win since February 2020; didn't run badly on last month's seasonal debut and has conditions to suit here but others have much more appealing profiles; cheekpieces given another try (pulled up both previous runs in them).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

7th Nov 2024

Good

3m 0f 52y

Class 2

14:52 Newbury

Emitom

11st 7lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

raced in last, headway before 3 out, went second 2 out, switched right before last, not fluent when challenging last, stayed on but just held

3/1

2nd

2

7th Nov 2024

Good

3m 0f 52y

Class 2

14:52 Newbury

Emitom

11st 7lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

raced in last, headway before 3 out, went second 2 out, switched right before last, not fluent when challenging last, stayed on but just held

3/1

5th

15

14th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:10 Cheltenham

Emitom

10st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Two wins and two seconds from his five races for current yard; both the wins were at Newbury, including in clearcut style from Kyntara on heavy going last time out; back up another 5lb but he was fourth in the Grade 1 Stayers' on his only visit to the Festival, admittedly in 2020, but a case can be made for this resurgent 10yo.

25/1

Form: 520529 BF

Last run: 90 days

W: 12st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Won at 2021 Punchestown Festival for Jessica Harrington (2m4f, yielding) but left that stable after a disappointing run in September and may find this trip-and-ground combination too taxing on first start for Ben Haslam; usual headgear is missing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

22nd May 2023

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 4

19:45 Market Rasen

Guiri

11st 11lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

led narrowly, slowed dramatically and headed 1st

8/1

3

26th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 174y

Class 4

14:40 Ludlow

Guiri

11st 9lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

held up in rear, some headway after 7th, pushed along 5 out

20/1

6th

3

21st Mar 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:25 Wetherby

Guiri

11st 12lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Ben Haslam

Ex-Irish 8yo who won at the 2021 Punchestown festival and is one to watch in the betting on his third start for this yard, but he has lots to prove having been pulled up/tailed off the last twice.

33/1

Form: 4722P-

Last run: 295 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Second in two maiden hurdles at start of this year, the latter over C&D (good); not seen since pulled up on handicap debut in March (lost action) and not proven on ground slower than good to soft but remains unexposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

14th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 5f 133y

Class 4

13:50 Kelso

Firth Of Forth

10st 9lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Rose Dobbin

He's well handicapped on hurdle form as recent as last May. when second over 2m6f here, but he failed to shine on his last two runs in that sphere and was down the field on his chase debut at Newcastle three weeks ago.

20/1

6th

6

23rd Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 4

13:05 Newcastle

Firth Of Forth

10st 8lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Rose Dobbin

held up in rear

12/1

3rd

4

29th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

14:45 Kelso

Firth Of Forth

11st 8lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Rose Dobbin

in touch with leaders, hung right and went third before 2 out, weakened before last

8/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £55.90
Straight Forecast £73.63
Tricast £829.04
Trifecta £383.80

Selections

RP Ratings:

Inis Oirr

SPOTLIGHT:

Schalke

LAMBOURN:

Emitom

TOPSPEED:

Firth Of Forth

The Sun:

Charm Offensive

D Express:

Big Bad Bear

The Star:

Lissen To The Lady

The Times:

Inis Oirr

The Guardian:

Inis Oirr

Daily Mail:

Inis Oirr

Daily Mirror:

Inis Oirr

Daily Record:

Inis Oirr

POSTDATA:

Schalke

Telegraph:

Emitom