December 29 / 14.48 Kelso

14.48

Heavy

Subscribe To Racing TV Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4901.4
  • 2m 0f 51y
  • Class 4
  • 9 runners
RTV
View Course
Subscribe To Racing TV Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £2.80
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 61-1 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Joined Sandy Thomson after wide-margin Irish bumper win in summer 2021 (good ground) and was successful in C&D maiden (good to soft) on this month's belated stable/hurdle debut; will need to pull out more to overcome his penalty today but that's possible if the slower ground suits.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

29th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

15:43 Ayr

Carcaci Castle

11st 1lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Sandy Thomson

10yo who isn't the force of old but has dropped down the weights accordingly and finished second to an improving winner at Musselburgh last month; could be a contender if backing up that performance.

15/2

5th

2

10th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 133y

Class 4

16:05 Hexham

Carcaci Castle

11st 8lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

Fair third at Kelso in December (2m1f, good to soft) but has failed to complete on both outings since, latest over 2m4f at Perth (fell four out); on a fair mark at present but a bit to prove.

14/1

5th

2

10th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 133y

Class 4

16:05 Hexham

Carcaci Castle

11st 8lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

Fair third at Kelso in December (2m1f, good to soft) but has failed to complete on both outings since, latest over 2m4f at Perth (fell four out); on a fair mark at present but a bit to prove.

14/1

8/11

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 3P-241 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Ex-French 4yo who displayed the benefit of a wind op when making all in conditional jockeys' handicap over C&D (soft) this month; escapes a penalty for that and has good chance at the weights on return to novice company.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

18th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 1

13:10 Ayr

Traprain Law

10st 4lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Running well in the main this season, winning at Wetherby (1m7f, soft) in December and good third at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft) in January last time; this two-time course winner was runner-up in this race two years ago and could again have a part to play.

4/1

3rd

6

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 2

14:20 Musselburgh

Traprain Law

10st 6lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Runner-up to progressive winner at Kelso (2m1f, soft) last month then went one better at Wetherby (1m7f, soft; by 3l); he remains 3lb lower than when third in this last year (good to soft) and could be firmly involved.

11/2

4th

8

24th Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 199y

Class 2

15:35 Cheltenham

Traprain Law

10st 2lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Behind a couple of these when seventh in last season's Grand Annual here but this dual chase winner has the benefit of a positive recent run at Kelso on good ground that would have been lively enough for him; should run well.

6/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 314/1 D

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won heavy-ground bumper at Ayr in early 2021 (beat Ahoy Senor) and rewarded an enterprising Bruce Lynn ride on hurdle debut there (2m, soft) last month, striding on with a circuit to go in race that began at a crawl; it might be wise to treat that form with a degree of caution, but he still features prominently in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

5th Feb 2024

Soft

1m 7f 207y

Class 3

14:02 Carlisle

Fortescue Wood

11st 9lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: N W Alexander

in touch with leaders, bad mistake 1st

8/1

4th

3

30th Dec 2023

Heavy

2m 2f 191y

Class 3

14:35 Haydock

Fortescue Wood

11st 5lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

towards rear, headway and in touch with leaders 7th

4/1

1st

4

27th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:45 Ayr

Fortescue Wood

12st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

took keen hold, prominent, led 2nd, clear 4th, reduced lead 4 out, went well clear from 2 out, easily

5/1

Form: 76-16 C

Last run: 214 days

W: 10st 7lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Improved to cause 25-1 surprise in good-ground course bumper in May, her third start, but the form has taken some hefty blows since and she was safely held in a stronger bumper here later in May; unraced on ground slower than good to soft; best watched on today's hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

20th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 5

14:05 Warwick

Pipers Cross

11st 9lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Emma Lavelle

Three-time winner, the latest at Fontwell (3m2f, good to soft) last May, and she hasn't been running badly this season (good to soft/soft); edging back down the weights and might not be far away.

5/1

4th

5

26th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

15:20 Plumpton

Pipers Cross

11st 2lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Emma Lavelle

Has won on soft but best form on good to soft or quicker; yard continues in fine form but Either Or had her measure at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) last month and she has no strong turnaround claims.

13/2

3rd

2

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:50 Southwell

Pipers Cross

11st 13lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Emma Lavelle

towards rear, headway before 3rd

7/1

Form: 76-56

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Not beaten that far when fifth of six on hurdle debut in October but took a backward step at Hexham last month; not the obvious answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:46 Kelso

Cowboy Cooper

10st 10lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Donald Whillans

Won in good style at Ayr (3m, soft) in January and he's also effective on good to soft ground; however, this 10yo has been pulled up/soundly beaten on his last two starts and needs to get back on track.

16/1

4th

5

3rd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 4

16:05 Newcastle

Cowboy Cooper

10st 12lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald Whillans

Beat a subsequent winner when scoring at Ayr two runs back (3m, soft) but pulled up over same C&D last time; needs to bounce back.

9/1

4

10th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 5

16:05 Ayr

Cowboy Cooper

11st 7lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Donald Whillans

Won this 12 months ago (good to soft) and only his third run in the meantime when well on top again here in early January (soft); 6lb rise elevates him to a career-high mark but he should still have every chance.

9/4

Form: 56-5

Last run: 54 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Shaped with minor promise in course bumper (good to soft) on last month's seasonal debut but needs to take a good step forward to pose a threat on today's hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

31st Jan 2023

Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

15:10 Newcastle

Gie It Laldy

11st 5lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Donald Whillans

Displayed promise in two of three bumpers but struggled on last month's hurdling debut at Kelso (2m, heavy); up in trip with tongue-tie added.

66/1

6th

5

29th Dec 2022

Heavy

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

14:48 Kelso

Gie It Laldy

11st 0lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Donald Whillans

held up in behind leaders on inner

33/1

5th

5

5th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

16:55 Kelso

Gie It Laldy

11st 0lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Donald Whillans

Some promise on debut at Ayr (2m, heavy) but didn't kick on next time when tailed off over this C&D in February; others more appealing.

25/1

Form: 55-

Last run: 317 days

W: 10st 7lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made fairly encouraging start to career when fifth in two bumpers in early 2022 (AW/heavy) but today's hurdle debut comes after a ten-month break and she's probably one for further down the line.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

28th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:25 Perth

Syltezar

10st 6lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Ewan Whillans

Ordinary efforts so far, including in handicaps over this trip on last two starts; improvement needed.

20/1

4th

3

29th Mar 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

16:10 Newcastle

Syltezar

11st 4lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Ewan Whillans

Has displayed glimpses of ability (on various ground) but she was pulled up at 28-1 on her handicap debut at Ayr (2m4f, good) three weeks ago and has to leave that form miles behind.

14/1

8

10th Mar 2023

Good

2m 4f 100y

Class 5

14:35 Ayr

Syltezar

11st 2lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Ewan Whillans

Not solid judged on her form in novice hurdles, modest fourth of six at Kelso (2m) most recently; needs to improve for the switch to handicap level.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 9

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

15th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

17:45 Aintree

Breizh River

11st 5lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Not as good as he was but has still won two of his last four races and has only raced six times for this yard; up 5lb for Kelso but couldn't dismiss.

13/2

1st

3

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 133y

Class 4

15:00 Kelso

Breizh River

11st 12lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Made all to land good prize at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft; first-time tongue-tie) in January and is also very well suited by this track but he's no longer the force of old and was unable to land a telling blow at Carlisle last month; others have more appealing profiles.

10/1

5th

3

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

16:27 Carlisle

Breizh River

11st 11lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Strike-rate over fences is 4-14; has form figures of 3312 since joining new yard, the success in notable handicap at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft); remains well treated on historical data; solid claims.

4/1

Form: 098-

Last run: 276 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Down the field at triple-digit odds in three bumpers last season; makes hurdling debut today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

26th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 5

16:35 Kelso

Izzy Bell

10st 5lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Maurice Barnes

Placed over hurdles at 250-1 at Carlisle (2m3f, good to soft) 13 months ago but has not shown much since; upped in trip for today's chasing debut; big leap of faith required to support her.

33/1

6

26th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 5

16:35 Kelso

Izzy Bell

10st 5lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Maurice Barnes

Placed over hurdles at 250-1 at Carlisle (2m3f, good to soft) 13 months ago but has not shown much since; upped in trip for today's chasing debut; big leap of faith required to support her.

33/1

14th

10

10th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

18:20 Sedgefield

Izzy Bell

10st 5lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Maurice Barnes

Placed at 250-1 at Carlisle (2m3f, good to soft) 13 months ago but has not shown a great deal since and is now 0-8 over hurdles; makes handicap debut after 134-day break.

50/1

Non-runners

Breizh River

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £5.00
Straight Forecast £4.45
Trifecta £7.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Traprain Law

Daily Mail:

Carcaci Castle

Telegraph:

Fortescue Wood

RP Ratings:

Traprain Law

POSTDATA:

Traprain Law

The Times:

Traprain Law

The Guardian:

Traprain Law

D Express:

Traprain Law

Daily Mirror:

Traprain Law

The Star:

Traprain Law

Daily Record:

Traprain Law

The Sun:

Carcaci Castle