January 01 / 13.00 Musselburgh

13.00

Soft

Fitzdares Happy New Year Handicap Hurdle (Go North Brindisi Breeze Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £4224.8
  • 2m 7f 180y
  • Class 4
  • 11 runners
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Fitzdares Happy New Year Handicap Hurdle (Go North Brindisi Breeze Series Qualifier)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.25
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 114222 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row in May and he's been a good second on his last three starts towards the end of 2022 (3m/3m2f, good to soft); unproven on soft; every chance he'll be bang there if conditions suit.
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 3

13:50 Ayr

Brandy McQueen

11st 11lb

J: Edward Austin

T: Harriet Graham & Gary Rutherford

Front-runner who kicked off 2023 with two wins at Musselburgh (3m, soft/good) and he returned to form with a creditable seventh of 23 in the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival (3m, soft) last month; drops back down in grade off the same mark and can make another bold bid.

8/1

7th

24

16th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:10 Cheltenham

Brandy McQueen

10st 2lb

J: Edward Austin

T: Harriet Graham & Gary Rutherford

Made very good progress since upped to 3m+ last May, doing well to hold off Coltor and The Bosses Oscar at Musselburgh last month (3m, good); rare off day at Haydock since, though, and a major revival is needed.

40/1

7th

8

18th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

15:18 Haydock

Brandy McQueen

10st 10lb

J: Edward Austin

T: Harriet Graham & Gary Rutherford

Form figures of 11422211 since upped to 3m-3m2f, with those last two wins at Musselburgh (on soft/good) under Edward Austin; made all latest; up another 5lb but this steadily progressive stayer keeps pulling out more.

6/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 4-1318

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Won at Kelso (2m6f, good) in May and was back on the scoresheet two starts later when scoring at Kelso (2m, good to soft) in October; not ruled out but he comes with risks attached having been reluctant to line up when well beaten at Newcastle (2m, soft) most recently.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

24th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

15:00 Musselburgh

Lock Down Luke

11st 10lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jackie Stephen

Both hurdle wins at Kelso, over 2m6f (good) and 2m (good to soft) but his C&D second on New Year's Day was right up there with his best efforts, pulling clear with subsequent Pertemps close seventh; 5lb higher today but is more likely than not to go well.

13/2

2

19th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

15:55 Musselburgh

Lock Down Luke

11st 13lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jackie Stephen

Won twice last year and a clear runner-up over C&D (soft) on New Year's Day, behind one who has followed up; again second at Kelso (2m6f, good) on Friday and he's a contender if this doesn't come too soon.

6/1

2nd

2

17th Feb 2023

Good

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

14:05 Kelso

Lock Down Luke

11st 13lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jackie Stephen

Won twice here last year (including over C&D on good ground) and bounced back from Newcastle blip when a clear runner-up at Musselburgh (3m, soft) on New Year's Day, behind one who has followed up; solid claims.

9/2

9/2

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 25P-73

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Has won just one of his 26 starts but, following a break, he returned to form with a good third over C&D in November (good to soft; also effective on soft); has the same mark today and could be thereabouts once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

16th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 149y

Class 4

16:00 Newcastle

Lastofthecosmics

10st 8lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Iain Jardine

Slightly disappointing at Perth three weeks ago but was in good form beforehand, notably when winning at Musselburgh (3m, soft); also suited by this track and has a fighting chance if back on song.

8/1

5th

5

26th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

16:35 Perth

Lastofthecosmics

11st 6lb

J: Miss Ailsa McClung

T: Iain Jardine

Led late on to deny Red Missile in a 3m soft-ground handicap at Musselburgh in February and again finished ahead of that rival when fourth in a Class 2 on his return visit; having a solid season and likely to be in the mix.

11/2

4th

13

24th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

15:00 Musselburgh

Lastofthecosmics

10st 5lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Iain Jardine

In good form back hurdling and although just a remote third behind runner-up Lock Down Luke over C&D in January he found a late spurt to deny Red Missile close home back here last month (soft); similar effort would see him involved.

7/1

OUR TIP

Form: /345-1

Last run: 71 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Very lightly raced 7yo for whom things clicked with a win at Kelso (3m2f, good to soft) in October on his second handicap start; had something to spare from solid yardstick Brandy McQueen and he's respected up 5lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

10th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

13:40 Kelso

Cosmic Outlaw

11st 5lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Rose Dobbin

ran in snatches, held up in rear, jumped left 1st, niggled along briefly after 4th, awkward jump 7th

12/1

9

6th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

16:55 Wetherby

Cosmic Outlaw

11st 7lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Rose Dobbin

in touch with leaders, fell 3rd

16/1

7

31st Mar 2023

Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

15:55 Wetherby

Cosmic Outlaw

11st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Rose Dobbin

Below best over hurdles the last twice and pulled up most recently (albeit found to be coughing slightly afterwards); however, she won over hurdles at Kelso (3m2f, good to soft) last October and was a point winner in 2021, so could be suited by today's switch to fences.

14/1

Form: 5-5408

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Well beaten towards the end of 2022 in her first two handicaps (2m5f/2m6f); hard to fancy on that evidence but it's still early days and she hinted at staying promise in a bumper (here) and a novice hurdle; there's potential in her pedigree and she's not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

1st Jan 2023

Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

13:00 Musselburgh

Pasture Beach

10st 2lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

Well beaten towards the end of 2022 in her first two handicaps (2m5f/2m6f); hard to fancy on that evidence but it's still early days and she hinted at staying promise in a bumper (here) and a novice hurdle; there's potential in her pedigree and she's not written off.

12/1

8th

7

4th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 5

14:40 Kelso

Pasture Beach

10st 12lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

Placed in a bumper in the spring but has made underwhelming start to her hurdling career; well down the field when upped to 2m5f for handicap debut here (good) in October and needs subsequent wind op (her third) to have made a big difference.

14/1

Form: 12P655 D

Last run: 85 days

W: 10st 10lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Won off an 8lb higher mark over fences at Hexham in June and this is her first run since wind surgery, which could be a positive; however, she's been badly out of form in chases on her last four starts and she has a modest 1-15 record over hurdles; plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

25th Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 4

16:23 Hexham

Dolly Dancer

10st 11lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Maurice Barnes

led, ridden and headed after 2 out, weakened run-in

10/1

5th

3

17th Jun 2023

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

16:55 Hexham

Dolly Dancer

11st 5lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Maurice Barnes

Has become very unreliable but seemed to run well when third of four in tactical race at Kelso three weeks ago, and this dual C&D winner can't be ruled out off a career-low chase mark.

7/2

3rd

4

28th May 2023

Good To Firm

2m 5f 133y

Class 4

15:00 Kelso

Dolly Dancer

10st 8lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Maurice Barnes

Doesn't look entirely solid on recent form but shaped better than the bare result at Hexham five days ago; gained both handicap wins off higher marks and receives plenty of weight all round in this field; possibilities if anywhere near best.

5/1

Form: F05004

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Hasn't shown much across his six starts, in handicaps the last twice (here most recently); however, things may click at some point and he's one to watch in the betting now up in trip in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

10th Mar 2023

Good

2m 4f 100y

Class 5

14:35 Ayr

No Mor Isolation

11st 0lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: S R B Crawford

One of three Irish challengers in the field; holds weak claims on form and proved reluctant to race at Sedgefield most recently; however, may improve with Daryl Jacob up for first time.

16/1

12

13th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

13:50 Sedgefield

No Mor Isolation

11st 2lb

J: James Bowen

T: S R B Crawford

Trained in Northern Ireland; lightly raced but low-level form at best, beaten 27l, 29l and 55l in his three handicaps; tried cheekpieces on latest start, now has a tongue-tie and visor.

25/1

9

2nd Jan 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 100y

Class 5

13:15 Ayr

No Mor Isolation

11st 8lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

Irish-trained maiden who has finished well down the field at Musselburgh on his last two starts, most recently yesterday in first-time cheekpieces; now wears a first-time visor and has plenty to prove.

16/1

Form: 813-51

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Her three wins have come on good ground and the recent rain may be a negative for her claims, but she's run some fair races on good to soft and may have more to offer for this yard, having won readily on her stable debut at Newcastle in November; major player if handling conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

12th Sep 2023

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 3

16:25 Kelso

Starlyte

10st 2lb

J: Miss Roisin Leech

T: Lucinda Russell

led

14/1

7th

5

19th Aug 2023

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

17:06 Perth

Starlyte

10st 10lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Won two hurdles at 2m4f on good ground in 2022; some fair runs at up to 3m of late; quite interesting off current mark after having wind surgery.

8/1

4th

5

16th Jul 2023

Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 4

16:50 Perth

Starlyte

11st 4lb

J: Miss Roisin Leech

T: Lucinda Russell

led, shaken up and headed before 2 out, soon lost position, weakened approaching last

11/2

Form: P4UF-P

Last run: 222 days

W: 11st 2lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Useful hurdler/chaser up to 2019 and won two points in April 2022; however, he was pulled up in a hunter chase in May last time out and this 11yo may be best watched now over hurdles for the first time since 2018.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

13th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

13:50 Sedgefield

Wonderoftheworld

11st 7lb

J: Edward Austin

T: Hannah McMahon

Formerly pretty useful (mostly as a chaser) and also won two points last April; however, pulled up at big odds in a hunter chase last May and a handicap hurdle 12 days ago.

100/1

5

1st Jan 2023

Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

13:00 Musselburgh

Wonderoftheworld

11st 2lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Hannah McMahon

Useful hurdler/chaser up to 2019 and won two points in April 2022; however, he was pulled up in a hunter chase in May last time out and this 11yo may be best watched now over hurdles for the first time since 2018.

33/1

Form: 15/26- C

Last run: 466 days

W: 10st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Absent since a below-par chase run in September 2021 but he's well handicapped on that year's chase form and has won here over hurdles; not ruled out on return but others have less to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

17th May 2023

Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

20:00 Perth

Not The Chablis

11st 7lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: N W Alexander

held up in rear on outer

10/1

8th

6

26th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

16:35 Perth

Not The Chablis

11st 4lb

J: Mr Kit Alexander

T: N W Alexander

Lightly raced in recent seasons and his last good run was when second in a handicap chase here in May 2021 (3m, soft; visor on for first time); made a quiet reappearance over hurdles in January and others look stronger.

16/1

1

18th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

16:00 Newcastle

Not The Chablis

12st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Lightly raced in recent seasons; last good run was in May 2021 when second at Perth (3m, soft; visor on for first time); others look stronger.

9/1

Form: 696-60

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Placed in bumpers and he's on a basement mark over hurdles; however, he's struggled to get competitive over hurdles (including in three handicaps) and the first-time blinkers need to make a big difference.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

19th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 5

14:50 Musselburgh

Northern Falcon

11st 0lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Pauline Robson

prominent

8/1

9

29th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 5

15:10 Sedgefield

Northern Falcon

10st 4lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Pauline Robson

Pulled hard in first-time blinkers and was in a clear lead when taking the wrong course after the fifth flight at Musselburgh last time; his claims aren't compelling on earlier hurdle form; a visor goes on this time.

16/1

11

1st Jan 2023

Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

13:00 Musselburgh

Northern Falcon

10st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Pauline Robson

Placed in bumpers and he's on a basement mark over hurdles; however, he's struggled to get competitive over hurdles (including in three handicaps) and the first-time blinkers need to make a big difference.

25/1

Non-runners

Starlyte

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £19.60
Straight Forecast £18.91
Tricast £60.17
Trifecta £74.60

Selections

RP Ratings:

Cosmic Outlaw

The Times:

Brandy McQueen

SPOTLIGHT:

Starlyte

POSTDATA:

Lastofthecosmics

D Express:

Not The Chablis

Daily Mail:

Brandy McQueen

The Sun:

Brandy McQueen

TOPSPEED:

Cosmic Outlaw

Telegraph:

Cosmic Outlaw

Daily Mirror:

Cosmic Outlaw

The Star:

Cosmic Outlaw

Daily Record:

Cosmic Outlaw