January 24 / 13.35 Exeter

13.35

Soft

Start Your Racing TV Free Trial Now Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £4488.85
  • 2m 2f 111y
  • Class 4
  • 15 runners
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Start Your Racing TV Free Trial Now Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 4-615

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Built upon promising hurdle debut when narrow winner at Leicester (1m7f, good to soft) last month; didn't get home when encountering heavy ground over that C&D four weeks ago but certainly didn't run badly, and could easily have more improvement to come in handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

10th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 11y

Class 4

13:25 Chepstow

Mount Tempest

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Has a somewhat mixed record this season but doubled his hurdling tally with comfortable success in Warwick handicap (2m, soft) last month and will be a very tough nut to crack if in similar form again here.

8/11

1st

6

22nd Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:25 Warwick

Mount Tempest

11st 8lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

took keen hold, prominent

5/1

7th

11

31st Jan 2023

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

14:50 Ffos Las

Mount Tempest

11st 4lb

J: Bridget Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

The form of his novice win at Leicester has been franked (1m7f, good to soft) and when fifth on her return he was penalised on heavy ground; not thrown in for his handicap debut but there's potential to improve some more.

7/1

Abandoned

Form: 69/635 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Seemed to find 2m7f on heavy ground too taxing here a fortnight ago but his third at Ffos Las (2m4f, soft) two starts ago was a good effort and he's now 4lb lower; sports first-time cheekpieces; can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

9th Apr 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

14:50 Ffos Las

Kepagge

11st 3lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Not the force of old but won off much reduced mark in first-time visor over this C&D (good) in March and ran at least as well at Exeter three weeks later; handles the mud and high on the list.

6/1

2nd

1

26th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 2f 111y

Class 4

13:07 Exeter

Kepagge

12st 0lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: David Pipe

Missed last season and is no longer the force of old but won off much reduced mark in first-time visor at Exeter (2m4f, good) three weeks ago and might be seen to even better effect on the forecast slower ground here.

7/2

1st

1

5th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ffos Las

Kepagge

12st 2lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: David Pipe

prominent

14/1

Abandoned

Form: 114-61 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Developed into useful Flat-racer last year and took hurdling form to new level when scoring at Leicester (1m7f, soft) last month; his tendency to race too freely is a worry but he could have a lot more to offer in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(1)

5th Sep 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Goodwood

Aggagio

9st 2lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Gary Moore

Respectable record at Goodwood includes four wins, notably this contest in 2022 (soft); outstayed over 2m4f when behind Temporize at the Glorious festival then ran creditably back at 2m here later in August; solid claims.

11/2

2nd

2

(5)

25th Aug 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

18:05 Goodwood

Aggagio

10st 1lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Gary Moore

led, increased tempo over 2f out, keeping on over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra final 110yds

7/2

6th

9

4th Aug 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 97y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Aggagio

8st 10lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Gary Moore

Can make the running and suited by soft ground; has won on four of his seven visits to this track, and on his penultimate visit he chased home the subsequent Ascot Gold Cup winner; only fifth last time but he made up a lot of ground after starting slowly and it's best to put a line through that; this trip could suit him.

10/1

Form: 18/UP-

Last run: 445 days

W: 11st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Looked promising when winning two novice hurdles in autumn 2020 but failed to complete two chases in autumn 2011 and has been absent since; given another wind op (his third) in September and now reverts to hurdling; on a tempting mark but current ability is hard to gauge.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

6th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 4

15:10 Wetherby

On The Wild Side

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Dr Richard Newland

prominent, not fluent 2nd

5/1

6th

6

13th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

16:00 Taunton

On The Wild Side

11st 8lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Dr Richard Newland

Failed to complete two chases in autumn 2021 and, following a long absence, was well-beaten 50-1 shot when back over hurdles last month; that run might have brought him on but his current ability is hard gauge.

20/1

12th

9

3rd Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

16:05 Chepstow

On The Wild Side

11st 8lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Dr Richard Newland

Won two Hexham novice hurdles in October 2020; only three runs since, with lengthy absences (wind surgery both times) either side of his two non-completions over fences in autumn 2021; now a 10yo and he's back hurdling off a 7lb lower mark, with stable among the winners.

16/1

Form: 245-2F

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on seasonal debut at Plumpton (2m4f, good to soft) in November and was in contention for a place before penultimate-flight fall there last month; needs to find something extra here but not yet fully exposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

18th Feb 2023

Good

2m 5f 82y

Class 4

17:20 Wincanton

Super Duper Sam

11st 13lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Neil Mulholland

prominent, ridden before 2 out, weakened approaching last

16/1

9th

12

3rd Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

16:05 Chepstow

Super Duper Sam

11st 5lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Neil Mulholland

Won his only bumper; 0-6 over hurdles and he fell two out when disputing third in a handicap at Plumpton (2m4f, soft) on latest outing; arguably set to show his best form that day, so he needs improvement.

10/1

Form: 11-U43 C BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Dual hurdle winner last season (2m1f/2m) and posted good effort when placed over fences here (2m3f, heavy) on New Year's Day; switched back to hurdling on a 1lb lower mark; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

13th Apr 2023

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 3

16:20 Taunton

Hititi

11st 5lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Robert Walford

Chasing a hat-trick after comfortable wins at Exeter and Wincanton last month; untested at 3m but stayed an extended 2m5f at stiffer Exeter well enough; doubt he's handicapped out of things just yet.

3/1

1st

6

27th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 3f 179y

Class 3

14:00 Wincanton

Hititi

11st 2lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

Sound performances over 2m5f on good ground the last twice, finishing a close second here then going one better with an easy success at Exeter; has won on soft going; in top form and commands respect.

7/4

1st

6

10th Mar 2023

Good

2m 5f 137y

Class 3

15:00 Exeter

Hititi

10st 12lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Robert Walford

Just beaten by Caspers Court (runs 2.25) at Wincanton last month, on his first attempt at this trip; 3lb higher and up in grade but this course winner still needs serious consideration and won't mind any rain.

7/2

Form: 626

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Bettered low-key rules debut when clear second in Uttoxeter maiden (2m, good to soft) last month; failed to build on that performance at Chepstow four weeks ago but should still have potential; handicap debut today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

28th Apr 2023

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

20:10 Chepstow

Ballydisco

11st 9lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Ridden by Ben Sutton on last five starts; rallied to dead-heat for first at Ffos Las (3m, heavy) last month in his second handicap but tailed off at Exeter 17 days ago; needs to resume improvement.

9/1

7th

9

11th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 25y

Class 4

15:45 Exeter

Ballydisco

11st 4lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

took keen hold, prominent, niggled along when mistake 4 out, ridden and weakened before 3 out

7/1

1st

2

22nd Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

17:00 Ffos Las

Ballydisco

12st 0lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

took keen hold, prominent, pressed leaders 8th, not fluent 9th, soon shaken up and lost ground

5/1

Form: 2216-2 C

Last run: 75 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Came good over hurdles with easy win here (2m, good to soft) last season and ran very well in defeat at Taunton (2m3f, good) on latest outing in November; today's forecast soft ground may not be ideal for her, but she still features in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

14th Jun 2023

Good

2m 2f 110y

Class 4

14:30 Newton Abbot

Tibbie Dunbar

11st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Stuart Kittow

took keen hold, prominent, headway after 6th, ridden after 3 out, not fluent 2 out, soon eased, pulled up last

9/2

2nd

7

(8)

6th May 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:45 Goodwood

Tibbie Dunbar

9st 3lb

J: Dane O’Neill

T: Stuart Kittow

Doubled her Flat tally with an AW success (2m) in January; creditable fourth at Bath (1m6f, good to soft) back in this sphere last month; has frame possibilities off same mark.

8/1

4th

7

(10)

21st Apr 2023

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Bath

Tibbie Dunbar

9st 8lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Stuart Kittow

7yo who was well held when falling at the last over hurdles last month but she scored in good style on the Flat (2m, Polytrack) on her penultimate run; 5lb higher here but conditions should be fine on this switch back to turf and she's in the mix.

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 212-13 C BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
3-6 since switched to handicap hurdles, the latest win gained here (2m, good to soft) in November; had to settle for third off today's mark at Plumpton (2m, soft) three weeks ago but remains open to further progress; cheekpices added today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

9th May 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

14:30 Ffos Las

Pilsdon Pen

12st 0lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jeremy Scott

Three wins from 1m7f-2m5f over hurdles last year, but last two efforts (in cheekpieces) not amongst his best; down in grade, but he does need to bounce back and could really do with some rain.

9/2

4th

4

26th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 2f 111y

Class 4

13:07 Exeter

Pilsdon Pen

11st 3lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jeremy Scott

Won here (2m, good to soft) on seasonal debut in November and form of subsequent third at Plumpton (2m, good) worked out well; didn't get home after travelling like the winner in first-time cheekpieces at Warwick (2m5f, soft) a fortnight ago but drops back in trip here and remains of interest.

3/1

3rd

5

12th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:35 Warwick

Pilsdon Pen

11st 10lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jeremy Scott

Returning from eight months off when winning at Exeter (2m, good to soft) in November; third off this higher mark at Plumpton last time and first-time cheekpieces need to eke out extra if he is to return to winning ways.

4/1

Form: 4114-P

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Won two juvenile hurdles in summer 2021 (good/good to firm) but, following a long absence, struggled on last month's handicap debut; not the obvious answer here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

24th Aug 2023

Good

2m 5f 135y

Class 5

18:15 Fontwell

Scrappy Jack

10st 13lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Bill Turner

Continues to operate below the level of his two 2021 Newton Abbot juvenile hurdle wins, mistakes confining him to the rear-division throughout his recent chasing debut (2m4f, good); 5lb drop is not persuasive.

14/1

7th

3

1st Aug 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

18:00 Worcester

Scrappy Jack

11st 4lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Bill Turner

Both wins in 2m1f hurdles at Newton Abbot in the summer of 2021 but his form since returning from 16 months off last December has been very ordinary; has much to prove now chasing.

28/1

8th

4

14th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

16:40 Newton Abbot

Scrappy Jack

11st 9lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Bill Turner

held up in rear, ridden after 3 out, no telling impression

16/1

Form: 52-342

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Triple hurdle winner who made pleasing return from seven-month absence when clear second here (2m, heavy) a fortnight ago; remains on a good mark and today's longer trip won't be a problem; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

4th May 2023

Soft

1m 6f 44y

Class 6

16:55 Salisbury

Global Agreement

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Milton Harris

Runner-up over hurdles in January but out of form in his five starts since, including on first Flat run since 2020; 0-12 overall on Flat.

25/1

13

24th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

16:00 Hexham

Global Agreement

11st 4lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Milton Harris

Not been in the best of form on the Flat and over hurdles recently; has won on heavy but this forecast better ground suits and could bounce back; tongue-tie now tried.

16/1

7th

4

(6)

7th Apr 2023

Soft

1m 3f 137y

Class 6

14:50 Bath

Global Agreement

9st 5lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Milton Harris

Well beaten over hurdles on his last three starts; however, perhaps this first run on the Flat since 2020 will trigger a revival and he ran well over jumps as recently as January (on heavy ground); not discounted.

12/1

Abandoned

Form: 5313 D BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Ex-French 4yo who caused 22-1 surprise when winning by 7l against own age-group on last month's British debut at Fontwell (2m1f, good); managed only third when favourite at Wetherby (2m, soft) just after Christmas but still ran well there; makes handicap debut today and he still has potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

30th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

13:30 Taunton

Jilaijone

11st 7lb

J: Philip Armson

T: David Pipe

Well held in Exeter handicap three weeks ago; consistent otherwise and could easily bounce back; one of the main form contenders, despite incurring 7lb penalty for December win.

3/1

1

11th Mar 2023

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 3

13:15 Sandown

Jilaijone

12st 0lb

J: Philip Armson

T: David Pipe

5th

8

10th Mar 2023

Good

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

15:35 Exeter

Jilaijone

11st 1lb

J: Philip Armson

T: David Pipe

prominent

8/1

Form: 443

Last run: 160 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Kept on well for modest third on handicap debut at Worcester (2m7f, good) in August and remains lightly raced but we haven't seen him again since and he's up in grade today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

10

5th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

15:55 Ffos Las

Mr Craftsman

11st 4lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Sue Gardner

Kept on for modest third on handicap hurdle debut at Worcester (2m7f, good) last summer and, following a break, was not disgraced when last of four behind useful rivals in Exeter novice chase (3m, good to soft) last month; has much better chance at the weights in this handicap chase and remains unexposed; interesting.

11/1

4th

3

1st Feb 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 3

13:35 Exeter

Mr Craftsman

11st 2lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Sue Gardner

took keen hold, held up in rear, not fluent 5 out, headway before 4 out, ridden and weakened after 3 out

50/1

Form: 152P6/ D

Last run: 686 days

W: 10st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Seemed to have quite a bit left in the tank when winning off today's mark on handicap hurdle debut at Chepstow (2m3f, heavy) in November 2020 but didn't kick on from that success and has been absent since two disappointing Flat runs in Summer 2021.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

21st Mar 2023

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

16:35 Wetherby

Darksideoftarnside

10st 11lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Neil Mulholland

Dropping down the weights and he's one to watch in the betting, but he was pulled up twice last month following a long absence.

20/1

10

27th Feb 2023

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 5

14:30 Plumpton

Darksideoftarnside

11st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Neil Mulholland

prominent

14/1

11

2nd Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

13:30 Wincanton

Darksideoftarnside

11st 1lb

J: Thomasina Eyston

T: Neil Mulholland

Won handicap debut in this sphere off this mark at Chepstow (extended 2m3f, heavy) in November 2020 but not quite so good afterwards; unraced since out of form in two Flat starts in 2021, so there are questions to answer.

20/1

Form: 528

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Fair Flat-racer who was second in what turned out to be a gruelling juvenile hurdle at Sandown (2m, soft) last month; found Grade 2 Finale too hot four weeks ago but is back in calmer waters for today's handicap hurdle debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(8)

7th Jun 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

21:00 Kempton (AW)

Havaila

9st 10lb

J: William Buick

T: Milton Harris

prominent, pushed along over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on

100/30

2nd

8

(8)

5th May 2023

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:55 Goodwood

Havaila

9st 5lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Milton Harris

Some promise at up to 1m6f for Sir Michael Stoute last summer; fair juvenile hurdler, getting off the mark in a match at Fakenham last month; conditions shouldn't bother him but a stretch to think he was thrown in.

12/1

1st

1

10th Apr 2023

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 4

14:57 Fakenham

Havaila

11st 2lb

J: Mitchell Bastyan

T: Milton Harris

made all, hit 3rd, went clear from 4th, mistake last, eased run-in

4/11

Verdict

His tendency to race too freely remains a nagging concern but AGGAGIO was always fending off the clear runner-up at Leicester last month and, in view of the progress he made on the Flat last year, could still be on a very good mark over hurdles. He gets the nod but this is competitive for the grade and good cases can also be made for, among others, Global Agreement (second choice), Hititi and Pilsdon Pen.[Chris Wilson]