January 01 / 14.45 Musselburgh

14.45

Soft

Fitzdares Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £15609
  • 1m 7f 124y
  • Class 2
  • 11 runners
ITV
View Course
Fitzdares Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

10/1 (Won)

Form: 3/1316 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Defied huge absence to win at Perth (2m, good) in September and, after a staying-on third at Cheltenham, he won at Bangor (2m3f, soft) in November; below par at Sandown (2m, soft) since, however, and even if he returns to form he may now prefer a longer trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

9th Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 209y

Class 4

15:15 Aintree

Nayati

11st 10lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

C&D winner who is on a reduced mark and took a step back in the right direction when 9l fourth of 12 at Cartmel in August; fell at Kelso since; however, this 10yo takes on some unexposed types and his claims aren't compelling.

9/1

5th

2

9th Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 209y

Class 4

15:15 Aintree

Nayati

11st 10lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

C&D winner who is on a reduced mark and took a step back in the right direction when 9l fourth of 12 at Cartmel in August; fell at Kelso since; however, this 10yo takes on some unexposed types and his claims aren't compelling.

9/1

5

18th Sep 2024

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

17:05 Kelso

Nayati

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Hasn't won since January 2023; now 16lb lower; finished in front of Ashington and Well Educated when fourth in first-time tongue-tie (retained) over 2m1f on soft at Cartmel last time but not sure to confirm the form on today's better ground.

6/1

Form: 26-123 CD BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Two juvenile hurdle wins last season, including over C&D, and he reappeared with a handicap win at Wetherby (2m, good) in October; close second at Ayr (2m, good to soft) next time and 2m4f stretched him here most recently; with a top northern yard and could be a contender now back down in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

31st Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

14:10 Worcester

Collingham

12st 0lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Eight-time hurdle winner, the last two in claimers in the spring; his three chase starts haven't been devoid of promise but he was only sixth of nine at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last time and needs something extra.

33/1

6th

4

27th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:07 Uttoxeter

Collingham

11st 8lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Latest two wins were in claiming hurdles for another yard; last of four over fences on yard debut and then fifth of seven over hurdles; opposable.

20/1

5

7th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Worcester

Collingham

10st 8lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Latest two wins were in claiming hurdles for Archie Watson; last of four over fences on recent stable debut but didn't run at all badly; this is a warm handicap, however.

16/1

Form: 266-54 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
His reduced mark appeals on form as recent as last February but this 10yo hasn't performed to the same level on his two outings this season and needs to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

1st Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:04 Ayr

Thereisnodoubt

12st 1lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

12yo who returned to winning ways over C&D (soft) in March when last seen; he won on his reappearance two seasons ago and has gone back up just 3lb for last time; respected on his comeback.

6/1

9th

1

1st Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:04 Ayr

Thereisnodoubt

12st 1lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

12yo who returned to winning ways over C&D (soft) in March when last seen; he won on his reappearance two seasons ago and has gone back up just 3lb for last time; respected on his comeback.

6/1

1st

6

8th Mar 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:25 Ayr

Thereisnodoubt

11st 2lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

led early, headed but prominent 2nd, mistake and lost position 5th, went second again after 6th, pressed leader 2 out, pushed along and led again before last, faced challenge run-in, kept on final 110yds, won going away

9/1

Form: 14-323 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Fair efforts in Class 4 handicaps on his last three starts in the autumn (C&D latest); has had wind surgery since and wears a first-time tongue-tie; however, he's up in grade today and this could prove too competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

16th Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

17:05 Perth

Cuban Cigar

10st 2lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Stuck in a bit of a rut right now and he's at his best with some give underfoot; others preferred from 2lb out of the weights.

12/1

5th

2

13th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

16:53 Perth

Cuban Cigar

11st 3lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell

Regressive 7yo who never really got competitive when sixth over C&D (good) last month; far too well handicapped to rule out but needs to stage a revival.

5/1

10

8th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

14:47 Perth

Cuban Cigar

11st 2lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell

Not really firing on all cylinders since the winter but has slipped to a very tempting mark and, with blinkers refitted, was not beaten far when fifth in recent C&D handicap fought out by Just Dottie and Mack The Man.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 661-13 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Ended last season with a win (2m, good to soft) and started this campaign with another (2m, good); solid third off this mark in warm race at Sandown (2m, soft) latest and he's one to consider in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

16th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 77y

Class 2

15:55 Bangor-on-Dee

Homme Public

10st 5lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Well below best during five-race campaign last season and absent since pulled up on soft ground in February; had wind surgery the following month, though, and ought to be better suited by the forecast quicker conditions here; too well handicapped to rule out; swaps visor for refitted blinkers.

9/1

5

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 78y

Class 2

13:55 Doncaster

Homme Public

10st 8lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Hasn't fired in any of his races this season but connections have tweaked the headgear and he has finished first and second in the last two renewals of this race, last year when fitted in new blinkers; daren't discount.

5/1

10th

5

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

13:50 Cheltenham

Homme Public

10st 13lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Good servant to connections over the years (eight wins; mixes hurdling and chasing) but has not fired on any of three appearances this season, and this cross-country debut is his first venture beyond about 2m4f; best suited by good/good to soft; cheekpieces the headgear of choice today.

33/1

Form: 118-82 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Won on handicap debut over C&D (good) last February and returned to form when best of the rest behind the eased-down Al Zaraqaan over C&D (soft) four weeks ago; 9lb better off with the winner and has each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(6)

1st Feb 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

16:17 Newcastle (AW)

Socialist Agenda

10st 2lb

J: Miss Ellie Mayo

T: L J Morgan

Completed an AW double last spring but hasn't been in the same form in three runs back from a break this winter; back on a winning mark but need to see more.

16/1

9

(6)

1st Feb 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

16:17 Newcastle (AW)

Socialist Agenda

10st 2lb

J: Miss Ellie Mayo

T: L J Morgan

Completed an AW double last spring but hasn't been in the same form in three runs back from a break this winter; back on a winning mark but need to see more.

16/1

8th

6

(8)

10th Jan 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Socialist Agenda

9st 3lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: L J Morgan

Completed an AW double last spring, adding to his bumper/hurdles wins; disappointing in the latest of his two runs this winter and needs to rebound.

10/1

Form: 241111 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Listed runner-up on the Flat in March and, after being beaten on his first two starts in this code, he made it 4-4 in handicap hurdles when comfortably beating Socialist Agenda over C&D (soft) four weeks ago; judged on that latest evidence a 9lb rise may not stop him today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

27th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

18:25 Stratford

Al Zaraqaan

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

5-9 over fences, the latest win gained in very strongly run race at Cartmel (2m1f, good) in May; well down the field in two competitive contests since but in calmer waters today and has a fighting chance if back on song.

5/1

13th

1

20th Jul 2024

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 1

15:15 Market Rasen

Al Zaraqaan

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Flat background; made a successful return to fences (fifth win in this discipline) at Cartmel (2m1f, good) and didn't give himself a chance at Uttoxeter by racing too freely; wouldn't be a certain stayer over this far.

12/1

12th

2

30th Jun 2024

Good

1m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:25 Uttoxeter

Al Zaraqaan

11st 12lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Returned from break with two low-key Flat runs this year but came from behind to win Cartmel chase (2m1f, good) comfortably by 6l when back over jumps last month; was probably flattered by the way that very strongly run race panned out but is now 5-7 over fences (including a C&D win).

5/1

Form: 14-824 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Second in this two years ago (soft) and is just 1lb higher than when winning at Newcastle (2m, good) this March; has run respectably in the face of tough tasks the last twice; could be in the mix now back in a handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

16th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

16:20 Perth

Voix Du Reve

11st 9lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Iain Jardine

Grade 1 chase winner when trained by Willie Mullins; dual hurdle winner at up to 2m4f since; best on a sound surface; mostly out of sorts in the past year but is slipping to a dangerous mark.

16/1

5th

6

16th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

16:20 Perth

Voix Du Reve

11st 9lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Iain Jardine

Grade 1 chase winner when trained by Willie Mullins; dual hurdle winner at up to 2m4f since; best on a sound surface; mostly out of sorts in the past year but is slipping to a dangerous mark.

16/1

3rd

5

19th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

16:30 Ayr

Voix Du Reve

11st 6lb

J: Mr Dominic Hislop

T: Iain Jardine

Won this last year and now 8lb lower; market check advised but this 12yo has been below par on his last few runs; needs to turn things around.

25/1

Form: 323-42 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Third in this last year (good to soft) and he's been in good form of late, finishing second at Huntingdon (2m, good) most recently; also effective on soft ground; might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

2

3rd Feb 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

14:50 Musselburgh

First Impression

11st 5lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: John & Sean Quinn

Useful dual-purpose performer but he's on a tough mark over hurdles, now 8lb higher than for his last win (last February) after going up 3lb for a narrow defeat at Doncaster; should give his running but others are preferred for win purposes.

8/1

2nd

9

16th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 2

14:40 Doncaster

First Impression

10st 3lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: John Quinn

raced in second

16/1

0

2

(5)

28th Sep 2023

Good To Soft

1m 2f 5y

Class 3

15:55 Pontefract

First Impression

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John Quinn

In top form at Chester since returning from a three-month break, posting a win (1m2f, soft) then a good second (1m2f, good to soft); also effective elsewhere and he can give another good account.

11/2

Form: 11-215 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Well beaten at Newbury last time but he's back down in grade today and was progressive previously; making it three wins for 2022 when scoring at Wetherby (2m, good to soft) in October; no surprise if he bounces back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

15th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

17:45 Aintree

Parisencore

11st 8lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Made the most of a reduced mark to snap his losing run over 2m4f at Newcastle (good) and a 4lb rise should be workable if he can repeat that performance; has held his form in the past.

9/2

1st

2

11th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 19y

Class 3

14:42 Newcastle

Parisencore

11st 9lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

21 months since his last win, an authoritative one in the Perth Silver Cup (2m4f, good to firm; from 5lb higher); beaten 26l, 16l and 14l respectively in three runs since April 2025; good ground is ideal, so probably worth considering with his trainer in such fine form.

11/4

4th

1

1st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 3

13:55 Musselburgh

Parisencore

11st 13lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

On a competitive mark on best form but lacks recent match practice and needs to prove he retains peak ability; below-par fourth in two starts last year, both in the spring; absent since.

10/1

Form: 0031-2 D

Last run: 96 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Made all in a maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan (1m7f, good to yielding) in April on his fourth and final start for Jessica Harrington; 10l second in Sedgefield novice (2m4f, good) on stable debut in September; unexposed and wears a first-time tongue-tie, but improvement is needed on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

1st Jan 2023

Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

14:45 Musselburgh

Sizing Mauritius

11st 3lb

J: Danny Burton

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Made all in a maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan (1m7f, good to yielding) in April on his fourth and final start for Jessica Harrington; 10l second in Sedgefield novice (2m4f, good) on stable debut in September; unexposed and wears a first-time tongue-tie, but improvement is needed on handicap debut.

12/1

2nd

2

27th Sep 2022

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

14:45 Sedgefield

Sizing Mauritius

11st 7lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Samuel Drinkwater

led, not fluent 6th, not fluent 3 out, pushed along before 2 out, ridden when headed approaching last, no extra final 110yds

7/4

Non-runners

Parisencore

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £114.62
Tricast £1554.46

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Al Zaraqaan

Daily Mail:

First Impression

RP Ratings:

Voix Du Reve

D Express:

Sizing Mauritius

The Sun:

First Impression

Daily Record:

First Impression

LAMBOURN:

Al Zaraqaan

The Times:

Al Zaraqaan

Telegraph:

Al Zaraqaan

Daily Mirror:

Al Zaraqaan

The Star:

Al Zaraqaan

TOPSPEED:

Voix Du Reve

POSTDATA:

Voix Du Reve