January 18 / 15.35 Plumpton

15.35

Heavy

Strong Flavours Catering Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £6627.65
  • 3m 0f 217y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
SKY
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Strong Flavours Catering Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 31-331 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Third on his first two starts of the season before taking a step forward to win at Fontwell (3m2f, good to soft) on Boxing Day; just 3lb higher here and he won a bumper on heavy ground; firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

19th Feb 2026

3m 3f 9y

Class 4

14:33 Sedgefield

Spike Jones

11st 12lb

J: Mr Sam Burton

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Two sound runs in the autumn but fell at Cheltenham in January and hasn't run quite as well since; this a significant drop in grade and with the ground in his favour, is one with a chance.

4/1

4th

10

31st Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 103y

Class 1

15:10 Sandown

Spike Jones

10st 3lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Samuel Drinkwater

2-4 on heavy going, admittedly all in 2021 or 2023; ridden last five starts by Benjamin Macey; fell in the early stages on penultimate start and below form on latest, having registered two good places earlier this term; others preferred.

20/1

7th

16

18th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Windsor

Spike Jones

10st 2lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Fell in the early stages at Cheltenham last time; couple of good efforts otherwise this term but is more exposed than some of these rivals and 3lb higher than when midfield in this race 12 months ago.

20/1

Form: 40-535

Last run: 19 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
0-13 but has produced fair efforts the last twice, finishing third at Ascot (3m, good to soft) then fifth at Haydock (3m, soft); his best performance in Ireland came over 3m on heavy ground and he should relish today's conditions; he's one to consider for trainer who won this last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 118y

Class 3

13:15 Ascot

Golden Cosmos

10st 6lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

0-10 in Ireland and 0-7 in Britain; pulled up over C&D in December but that was after a 662-day absence and he was an always-prominent third of 17 to Blue Hop at Doncaster (3m) three weeks ago, so needs a second look.

14/1

3rd

14

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 4

14:38 Doncaster

Golden Cosmos

11st 4lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

midfield

20/1

3rd

14

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 4

14:38 Doncaster

Golden Cosmos

11st 4lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

midfield

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 23F-43

Last run: 17 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 7yo who was suited by the step up in trip when third at Fakenham (2m7f, good to soft) on New Year's Day; effective on heavy ground and a first win could be imminent.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

31st Mar 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

14:09 Market Rasen

Gerico Ville

11st 3lb

J: Miss Molly Landau

T: Chris Gordon

Closely matched with Everything'sontick who beat him by a neck at Plumpton two runs back (3m1f, soft) when both would have been beaten had the leader stood up at the last; well beaten last time but was badly hampered; visor replaces cheekpieces; not out of it.

11/2

3rd

6

10th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 5f 54y

Class 3

16:10 Warwick

Gerico Ville

11st 7lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

in touch with leaders, mistake then badly hampered by faller 4 out, awkward jump 3 out, not fluent 2 out, soon no impression

11/2

2nd

5

26th Feb 2024

Soft

3m 1f 152y

Class 4

15:20 Plumpton

Gerico Ville

11st 9lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: Chris Gordon

in touch with leaders on outer

5/2

Form: 4113-2 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Progressive for Stuart Edmunds last season at up to 3m3f and she was a solid second in first-time cheekpieces (retained) here (2m4f, soft) last month on her stable/seasonal debut; she could build on that now back up in trip and is a likely player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

29th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

16:15 Ludlow

Midnight Mary

11st 5lb

J: Bryony Frost

T: Lucy Wadham

Likeable mare with a consistent profile but her only chase win came off a 12lb lower mark and she's gone up 5lb for performing above herself in the face of a stiff task in a Listed race for mares last time (2m4f; fine at 3m and on soft); possibly flattered by that and opposable off current mark.

7/1

Form: P4P-57

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 6lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Continues to drop down the weights and he hasn't run badly on his two starts this season; however, this 10yo has a modest 1-17 strike-rate and needs something extra if he's to come out on top here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

16th Mar 2023

Heavy

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

16:30 Hexham

Mr Harp

12st 2lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Thomas Gallagher

Cashed in a career-low mark at Ffos Las in January (3m) on soft ground still not thought soft enough by connections; still 8lb below a winning mark despite a re-raise, and will find this course no less to his liking.

7/2

1st

2

23rd Jan 2023

Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

16:30 Ffos Las

Mr Harp

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Thomas Gallagher

Just one win in 17 rules starts; not disgraced in two handicaps this season at about 3m, beaten in the region of 10l on both occasions; has each-way claims.

10/1

Form: P4-111

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Returned from a break in November and made it 3-3 for the season when scoring at Uttoxeter (2m7f, heavy) on New Year's Eve; this lightly raced 6yo has gone up just 4lb for last time and has strong claims once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

10

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 25y

Class 5

14:20 Exeter

Shot Boii

11st 5lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Seemingly back in good nick when second over fences in December but two lacklustre efforts have followed and it's hard to predict whether this first hurdle run since 2023 will rekindle his enthusiasm.

33/1

8

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 3y

Class 5

14:50 Taunton

Shot Boii

11st 4lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Runner-up at Wincanton (3m1f, soft) in December but never going after an early mistake when pulled up at Ludlow since, taking his overall chase record to 1-18; first-time blinkers replace regular visor.

11/1

6

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 5

12:32 Ludlow

Shot Boii

11st 10lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Just 1-17 over fences, and last time's 5l second at Wincanton (3m1f, soft; kept on but never threatened) owed something to the late exit of Anytrixwilldo; mark unmoved but Rian Corcoran claiming 2lb fewer this time.

15/8

Form: 5P-533

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Close third behind the progressive Shot Boii at Lingfield (2m7f, soft) in November and a case can be made on that form; however, she's inconsistent and made it 0-12 under rules when soundly beaten latest (2m7f, soft).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 4

16:30 Hexham

Gold Clermont

11st 12lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Andy Irvine

Ex-Olly Murphy; off the mark for present yard when winning five-runner handicap chase by a short head at Fontwell last time (3m2f, good); up 3lb; interesting.

9/2

1st

2

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 4

17:45 Fontwell

Gold Clermont

11st 12lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Andy Irvine

All four wins have came over fences Andy Irvine; her last success was in January 2024 but that was at this track (3m3f) and she returned to form with a creditable third over hurdles here (3m2f, soft) last month; that was only her second start since rejoining her former stable and she's in the mix back over fences.

7/1

3rd

4

14th Mar 2026

Soft

3m 1f 166y

Class 5

15:45 Fontwell

Gold Clermont

11st 10lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: Andy Irvine

All four wins have came over fences for Andy Irvine; had no joy in three starts for Olly Murphy and rejoined former stable before pulling up at Exeter (3m6f, heavy) last month; bids to exploit 10lb lower mark over hurdles; needs to show more.

5/1

Form: 6/P-17 CD

Last run: 43 days

W: 10st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Returned from an absence for a strong-staying win at 100-1 on his stable debut over C&D (good to soft) in November; tailed off at Fontwell (2m5f, good) since and it's hard to know what to expect, but his stamina will be a positive factor in the conditions, provided he handles the ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

28th Apr 2023

Good

3m 2f 54y

Class 5

17:20 Chepstow

El Hageb Rose

10st 10lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Paddy Butler

100-1 winner in a 3m1f handicap hurdle at Plumpton (3m1f, good to soft) last November off 7lb higher; reverted to lesser shows since but, wearing cheekpieces first time, he did make some late progress from right out the back when fifth of nine at Huntingdon (3m) last time on a rare run over fences; not entirely dismissed.

10/1

5th

6

28th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

13:30 Huntingdon

El Hageb Rose

11st 4lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Paddy Butler

in rear, ridden after 3 out, no chance with winner but stayed on from 2 out, never on terms

25/1

8

27th Feb 2023

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 5

14:30 Plumpton

El Hageb Rose

11st 6lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Paddy Butler

towards rear

14/1

Form: PFP2-P

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Runner-up over fences last February on his final start of the season; however, that was his only good run of the campaign and he was pulled up over hurdles at Hereford on his recent reappearance; others appeal more.
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: 4-P665

Last run: 43 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Took a step back in the right direction when fifth of eight at Fontwell (2m5f, good) last month and he's run well over 3m in the past; however, this 12-race maiden has to improve on that latest form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

11th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 7f 3y

Class 5

16:28 Taunton

Aikenbreakinheart

10st 4lb

J: James Davies

T: Richard Rowe

Won at Wincanton (3m1f, good to soft) last March on his second chase start and is now 5lb lower, but he's struggled on his three starts since and may be best watched on this first outing since December.

50/1

11

11th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 7f 3y

Class 5

16:28 Taunton

Aikenbreakinheart

10st 4lb

J: James Davies

T: Richard Rowe

Won at Wincanton (3m1f, good to soft) last March on his second chase start and is now 5lb lower, but he's struggled on his three starts since and may be best watched on this first outing since December.

50/1

Verdict

A case can be made for a few of these but top of the list is the lightly raced SHOT BOII (nap), who has thrived this season and can land the four-timer. The mare Midnight Mary could have more to offer now back up in trip, while Gerico Ville is unexposed over staying distances and is another contender, along with Fontwell winner Spike Jones and Golden Cosmos.[Ben Hutton]

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Shot Boii

The Times:

Gerico Ville

POSTDATA:

Midnight Mary

The Sun:

Spike Jones

TOPSPEED:

Golden Cosmos

RP Ratings:

Shot Boii

WEST COUNTRY:

Shot Boii

Daily Mirror:

Shot Boii

The Star:

Spike Jones

Daily Mail:

Golden Cosmos

The Guardian:

Gerico Ville

D Express:

Gerico Ville

Telegraph:

Midnight Mary

Daily Record:

Midnight Mary