January 04 / 13.00 Hereford

13.00

Soft

Cazoo Conditional Jockeys’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £4330.42
  • 2m 3f 147y
  • Class 5
  • 16 runners
SKY
View Course
Cazoo Conditional Jockeys’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

OUR TIP

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.70
  • Place: £2.40

Form: 376603

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Maiden; well beaten on handicap debut in October but much better when close third at Hexham the following month (2m4f, soft) off this mark; could be firmly involved if building on that; often races freely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:37 Perth

Maillot Blanc

12st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Won this race last term and better form this spring, all on good ground; dead-heated for first at Kelso (2m5f) last time, which has pushed him up 3lb to his highest mark since 2024 but he looks much more likely than most of these to give his running; should be thereabouts.

11/2

1st

4

6th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

16:00 Kelso

Maillot Blanc

11st 12lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

Won a 3m Perth handicap last term (good); comes into the reckoning following two sound runs last month when third over 2m6f here (good; form sound) and when second over 3m at Perth (good).

4/1

2nd

4

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:12 Perth

Maillot Blanc

11st 6lb

J: Miss Jesika Rennie

T: N W Alexander

C&D winner off 3lb lower last June (good); clear of the remainder when 3.5l third in a decent race at Kelso last time (2m5f, good; winner went on to win 2m Scottish Champion Hurdle); has won on soft; interesting contender.

9/2

14/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 45-P37

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Maiden; no seeming aptitude for chasing in five starts last year; plenty to prove on that basis but some of his novice hurdle form from the end of 2021 puts him on a favourable mark if he retains that ability.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

6th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 201y

Class 5

17:03 Leicester

Calidad

11st 12lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Christopher Mark Clarke

2023 maiden point winner who has yet to add to that success, though has shown ability over hurdles and fences; pulled up on last month's return from a long absence and although entitled to have come on for the outing, a career best will be needed to figure here.

50/1

8th

4

31st May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

20:40 Stratford

Calidad

11st 12lb

J: Mr Peter Mason

T: Christopher Mark Clarke

Not seen under rules since well beaten in low-grade Lingfield handicap in November and was pulled up in a restricted point last month.

100/1

10th

8

30th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:30 Lingfield

Calidad

10st 9lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Lawney Hill

Made it 0-14 under rules when an early faller at Fakenham last Tuesday; however, he's operating off a much-reduced mark and showed spark when winning a point in April; possible contender.

11/2

3/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: -51312 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
In fine form and only narrowly beaten at Market Rasen (2m4f, good to soft) nine days ago; tongue-strap added to the cheekpieces worn there and has leading claims off the same mark (goes up 4lb in future).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

28th Jun 2024

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

16:47 Cartmel

Fazayte

11st 12lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: Ryan Potter

A fair 19f hurdles/chase winner last autumn who comes here on the back of a solid third of seven in 21f handicap chase at Market Rasen two weeks ago; shortlisted with tongue-tie refitted.

8/1

3rd

4

14th Jun 2024

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 4

18:25 Market Rasen

Fazayte

11st 10lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Ryan Potter

Sits 4lb higher than when scoring at Sedgefield (2m3f, soft) last November, a form line given a boost by Neigh Botha at Southwell on Tuesday; turned in a solid effort on return to jumps action at Stratford (third) a fortnight ago and could have more to offer; probable contender.

9/2

3rd

4

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 205y

Class 4

18:28 Stratford

Fazayte

11st 7lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Ryan Potter

Won over hurdles and fences last season and probably still on a fair mark; however, two tailed-off runs on the Flat since April cast some doubts over his wellbeing.

9/2

12/1

  • Place: £4.40

Form: 6-75

Last run: 14 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Has yet to be placed and beaten more than 30l in both outings this season; still worth a glance in the betting ahead of this handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

23rd Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

16:15 Fontwell

Leading Swoop

11st 10lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

Course regular who kept on well to win by over 5l over C&D (good) in March and won't mind if the ground is much slower today; absent since well-held third behind Ballintara at Plumpton in April, though, and needs to be in peak form to overcome current mark; cheekpieces replace blinkers.

8/1

3rd

1

3rd Apr 2025

Good

3m 1f 152y

Class 5

15:40 Plumpton

Leading Swoop

12st 0lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

raced in second, niggled along briefly 12th, not fluent 14th

5/6

3rd

1

3rd Apr 2025

Good

3m 1f 152y

Class 5

15:40 Plumpton

Leading Swoop

12st 0lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

raced in second, niggled along briefly 12th, not fluent 14th, lost position 3 out, left in remote third 2 out, hung left approaching last, weakened run-in

5/6

Form: 66P222 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Won a seller (about 2m2f) last September and has been running consistently in recent starts, most recently when second at Taunton (2m, good); back up in trip but main concern is whether he will handle soft ground; chances if he does.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

21st Feb 2023

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

14:00 Taunton

Baliyad

10st 6lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Matt Sheppard

Sole hurdle win at 2m2f in September; often competitive in defeat subsequently but has been going through a lean spell this year and was beaten a long way out over 2m4f at Uttoxeter ten days ago; others preferred.

25/1

7th

8

11th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

16:30 Uttoxeter

Baliyad

10st 8lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Matt Sheppard

Sole win (28 attempts) was in a 2m2f selling handicap last September; had a run of seconds over about 2m before his form dipped behind Maillot Blanc at Hereford (2m3f; soft ground a possible excuse) on penultimate start and fell two out at Wincanton on latest (looked beaten); competitive often enough to be considered.

14/1

16

2nd Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

13:30 Wincanton

Baliyad

10st 4lb

J: Mr Ivor Herbert

T: Matt Sheppard

Sole win (27 attempts) was in a 2m2f selling handicap last September; had a run of seconds over about 2m before his form dipped at Hereford (2m3f) on latest start but it's possible that soft ground was against him; stamina has not been proved.

12/1

Form: P356-5

Last run: 57 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Maiden; two best handicap displays have come at this track (both at 2m5f+); not impossible and perhaps a tongue-strap can give him a boost.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

19th Oct 2024

Soft

2m 6f 125y

Class 5

17:20 Stratford

Doyens De Ante

10st 2lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: Max Young

Cheekpieces worked initially when winning two chases in early 2023 but he's suffered a major slump in form; others preferred.

50/1

6

8th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

15:05 Fontwell

Doyens De Ante

10st 11lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Max Young

midfield, raced wide and lost position 4 out, soon weakened, pulled up before 3 out

20/1

5th

9

27th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

3m 3f 119y

Class 5

18:55 Stratford

Doyens De Ante

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Max Young

Won two chases (3m2f/2m7f) when cheekpieces were refitted last spring but has been pulled up on all four outings this year; tried blinkers last time; usual tongue-tie his only headgear here; 2lb out of the weights.

25/1

Form: 6850

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in a bumper and three novice hurdles; tongue-strap fitted for handicap debut; a leap of faith needed; yard also runs Fazayte.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

17th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

18:12 Worcester

Unwanted Attention

10st 12lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Won well off 4lb lower last summer for a different yard (2m5f, good); disappointing favourite on stable debut at Cartmel (2m5f) and soft ground was no excuse.

4/1

Form: 924-85

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Claims on his second at Taunton last March (2m3f, soft; beaten a neck) but has trailed home in both starts this season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

28th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 4

17:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Justshortofabubble

10st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Grace Harris

Three-time chase winner (including C&D), but he's been well held over fences and hurdles in last three runs; made a mistake at a crucial stage at Southwell last time but he needs to get right back near his best on this return to fences.

8/1

8th

10

11th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

18:05 Southwell

Justshortofabubble

10st 11lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Grace Harris

held up in rear

13/2

4th

8

28th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 5

18:55 Bangor-on-Dee

Justshortofabubble

10st 11lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Grace Harris

Three chase wins last season, the latest gained at Taunton (2m7f, good to soft) in November; has 6lb lower hurdle mark but remains without a win in this discipline after 17 attempts and tends to need his first run back from a break (absent since December); others make more appeal.

6/1

Form: 2574FU

Last run: 57 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Maiden after 16 starts; runner-up here in November 2021 but chasing hasn't gone well lately; first hurdling start since last May; cheekpieces (pulled up only previous attempt in them) back on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

9th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 7y

Class 5

18:20 Stratford

Spiritus Mundi

10st 5lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Nikki Evans

Well beaten on both outings last season and now 0-13 over hurdles; 2lb out of the weights here; can't be recommended.

50/1

4th

9

9th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 7y

Class 5

18:20 Stratford

Spiritus Mundi

10st 5lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Nikki Evans

Well beaten on both outings last season and now 0-13 over hurdles; 2lb out of the weights here; can't be recommended.

50/1

11

9th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

16:02 Hereford

Spiritus Mundi

10st 6lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Nikki Evans

18-race maiden; tailed off here (2m5f, good) on seasonal debut in November and not seen again since; not the obvious answer.

66/1

Form: 05-245

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Not beaten far at Taunton on latest start (2m3f, good) and possibly still open to improvement after just six career starts; likely to need a step forward if he's to gain a first success. however.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

21st Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:30 Worcester

Land Of My Delight

11st 9lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: D J Jeffreys

midfield, pushed along after 4 out, ridden and no impression before 3 out

5/1

6th

7

23rd May 2023

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

17:30 Huntingdon

Land Of My Delight

11st 3lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: D J Jeffreys

Seven-race maiden who struggled when well backed on soft ground in January and hasn't raced again since; might be seen to better effect on good ground, though, and it will be interesting to observe his strength in the market today.

10/1

3

4th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

13:00 Hereford

Land Of My Delight

11st 11lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: D J Jeffreys

Not beaten far at Taunton on latest start (2m3f, good) and possibly still open to improvement after just six career starts; likely to need a step forward if he's to gain a first success. however.

5/1

Form: 7040-3

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Didn't show much in Ireland but put up an encouraging display when third at Fontwell (2m3f, good) on her British debut in November; can take a hand today on that basis with Thomasina Eyston taking off a valuable 8lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

29th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 5

14:37 Fakenham

Midnight Gold

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Sole win over hurdles, off this mark in June 2023; has struggled to recapture form since returning from a break this summer and looked held when unseating three out on chase debut at Fontwell (3m2f, good) last time.

7/1

4th

1

29th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 5

14:37 Fakenham

Midnight Gold

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Sole win over hurdles, off this mark in June 2023; has struggled to recapture form since returning from a break this summer and looked held when unseating three out on chase debut at Fontwell (3m2f, good) last time.

7/1

4

26th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 135y

Class 5

15:47 Fontwell

Midnight Gold

11st 9lb

T: Neil Mulholland

Form: 0667F-

Last run: 270 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner; unplaced over hurdles and fell on handicap debut when last seen nine months ago; others have more obvious credentials; blinkers back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

18:25 Taunton

Atjima

10st 8lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Victor Dartnall

Has lost her way since last March's Ffos Las win on good ground off this mark; hasn't had those conditions since but she was reluctant to line up on her reappearance and then pulled up next time.

25/1

9

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

18:25 Taunton

Atjima

10st 8lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Victor Dartnall

Has lost her way since last March's Ffos Las win on good ground off this mark; hasn't had those conditions since but she was reluctant to line up on her reappearance and then pulled up next time.

25/1

3

14th Feb 2024

Good To Soft

2m 5f 163y

Class 5

16:00 Hereford

Atjima

11st 7lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Victor Dartnall

Surprise winner at Ffos Las (2m4f, good) in March but hasn't threatened to win again and she was reluctant to line up when tailed off after a break at Taunton.

16/1

Form: 532244

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Plenty of placed efforts but 0-21 in career and well beaten latest; stamina at this trip is also unproven and others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

7th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 8y

Class 5

20:30 Hereford

Henri Le Bon

11st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Kerry Lee

Won a Uttoxeter handicap hurdle in July 2022 (2m, good to soft); lightly raced since; best run over fences when third at Stratford last May (2m1f, good) but absent since.

8/1

7

7th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 8y

Class 5

20:30 Hereford

Henri Le Bon

11st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Kerry Lee

Won a Uttoxeter handicap hurdle in July 2022 (2m, good to soft); lightly raced since; best run over fences when third at Stratford last May (2m1f, good) but absent since.

8/1

5

15th Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:50 Worcester

Henri Le Bon

11st 4lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Kerry Lee

Form: 5PFP2-

Last run: 321 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Easily his best effort over fences when second at Fontwell last February (2m5f, soft); absent since and now makes first hurdling start since March 2021.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

17th May 2023

Soft

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

15:10 Newton Abbot

Entre Deux

10st 9lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Paul Henderson

Only win came in an Irish point more than three years ago; chasing career has been mostly disappointing but much better when fourth in a bunch finish at Warwick last month; repeat of that brings him into the reckoning.

6/1

4th

10

27th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:40 Warwick

Entre Deux

10st 5lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Paul Henderson

Second of five at Fontwell (2m5f, soft) 14 months ago but has struggled on all three starts this season and is very difficult to enthuse over.

25/1

4th

4

8th Apr 2023

Heavy

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

16:35 Newton Abbot

Entre Deux

10st 8lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Paul Henderson

Generally poor, including pulling up in hurdle/chase this winter; plenty to prove.

20/1

Form: 475

Last run: 55 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
No great promise in two Irish points and well beaten in three novice hurdles; handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

16:05 Exeter

Sans Of Gold

10st 2lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jimmy Frost

Returned to racing under rules with 41l defeat at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago and is now 0-17 under all codes; 11lb wrong here; needs major help from new tongue-tie and/or blinkers.

50/1

7th

9

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:50 Wincanton

Sans Of Gold

10st 2lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jimmy Frost

No rules form to speak of for this yard; 25-1 and beaten 24l in a point for Nikki Frost when last seen nearly a year ago; out of the weights.

50/1

8

29th May 2024

Soft

2m 4f 216y

Class 5

15:28 Newton Abbot

Sans Of Gold

10st 2lb

J: Angus Cheleda

T: Jimmy Frost

Modest maiden who hasn't looked any different since sent over fences and he's 9lb out of the weights this time.

14/1

Form: 33-000

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 3lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Placed in three of four bumper starts but has been tailed off in all three attempts over hurdles; starts handicap life off a lowly mark and is worth a market glance to see if better is expected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

14th Feb 2024

Good To Soft

2m 5f 163y

Class 5

16:00 Hereford

Kimberley Eve

11st 0lb

J: James Best

T: Simon Earle

Reportedly treated for ulcers before displaying much-improved form to win a 3m Ludlow handicap by 11l (soft; 7lb lower); perhaps heavy ground didn't suit when tailed off at Exeter; better expected this time, for all that further suits her well.

6/1

7th

8

1st Jan 2024

Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 4

13:00 Exeter

Kimberley Eve

10st 5lb

J: James Best

T: Simon Earle

Placed twice in the autumn (2m7f/3m) and took form to whole new level when scoring by 11l from 7lb out of the handicap at Ludlow (3m, soft) last month, having reportedly been treated for ulcers; effectively 8lb higher here; interesting to see whether she can build on that performance.

5/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £142.40
Straight Forecast £113.99
Tricast £370.15
Trifecta £458.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Fazayte

The Times:

Maillot Blanc

Daily Mail:

Baliyad

RP Ratings:

Calidad

The Star:

Henri Le Bon

D Express:

Maillot Blanc

POSTDATA:

Fazayte

WEST COUNTRY:

Fazayte

Telegraph:

Fazayte

The Guardian:

Fazayte

Daily Record:

Fazayte

Daily Mirror:

Baliyad