January 26 / 16.15 Wetherby

16.15

Soft

Start Your RacingTV Free Trial Now Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3511.86
  • 3m 0f 26y
  • Class 5
  • 15 runners
RTV
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Start Your RacingTV Free Trial Now Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.50
  • Place: £1.50

Form: -31112 CD BF

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Completed a hat-trick when winning over C&D (good to soft) last month and his good form continued when 5l second of 15 at Exeter (2m5f, heavy) recently; another 3lb higher here but every chance he'll be bang there.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

26th Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 7f 70y

Class 3

13:40 Uttoxeter

The Imposter

11st 3lb

J: Tom Buckley

T: Nigel Hawke

pressed leader, led after 4th, ridden after 2 out, not fluent last, stayed on, gamely

8/11

5

12th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

14:25 Ffos Las

The Imposter

11st 6lb

J: Tom Buckley

T: Nigel Hawke

Acts on heavy ground; achieved form figures of 31112111 during his tremendously progressive 2022-23 campaign, winning at Ascot (2m7f) the final time; dead-heated with Ballydisco on similar terms over C&D in March; big player provided he continues in the same vein.

7/2

4/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: 2-4653 BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Hasn't really threatened in 2m4f handicaps at Ayr the last twice (soft/heavy) but those were still fair efforts and he suffered interference when a 16l third of 17 last time; this lightly raced 6yo is open to improvement now up in trip and could have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

29th Nov 2023

Soft

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

13:50 Wetherby

Jet Legs

11st 5lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Martin Todhunter

held up in rear, not fluent 2nd

5/2

Form: 8-2P24

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
0-14 under rules and he has an up-and-down profile; tailed off at Leicester (2m4f, heavy) last time but he was a good second there (1m7f, soft) previously and has run well at up to 3m1f in the past; not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

30th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

15:20 Musselburgh

Blended Stealth

10st 8lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

0-18 over hurdles (placed six times at up to 3m1f); each-way player if he is back to Uttoxeter form in July (stable debut) but hard to fancy on what he has shown since.

10/1

5th

9

10th Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

14:45 Hexham

Blended Stealth

10st 12lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Lizzie Quinlan

prominent, briefly led 3rd, led 3 out, headed after 2 out, soon weakened

10/1

10th

17

26th Oct 2023

Soft

2m 4f 8y

Class 5

17:05 Carlisle

Blended Stealth

10st 7lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Fair maiden hurdler for Nigel Twiston-Davies; made a promising start for his new yard when third at Uttoxeter in July but only seventh at Cartmel following month; he needs to bounce back.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 33

Last run: 19 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Hasn't threatened when third on his first two hurdle starts (2m3f/2m5f) but those were still fair efforts and this soft-ground 3m point winner should be an improver now up in trip on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

22nd Jun 2023

Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

20:40 Uttoxeter

The Gooner

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

jumped slightly right throughout, raced in second 3rd, not fluent 4th, not fluent 5th

9/2

5th

4

3rd Jun 2023

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:25 Worcester

The Gooner

11st 3lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Won his point on testing ground and conditions were also on the soft side for his three runs over hurdles, the best being a near 10-length defeat on handicap debut at Wetherby (3m) last time; unexposed under these conditions and, with cheekpieces turned to, he has to be of interest.

2/1

4th

1

26th Jan 2023

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

16:15 Wetherby

The Gooner

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Hasn't threatened when third on his first two hurdle starts (2m3f/2m5f) but those were still fair efforts and this soft-ground 3m point winner should be an improver now up in trip on handicap debut.

7/2

Form: 69/22B BF

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in the autumn in his first two handicaps (2m4f/2m5f, soft) and brought down at the fifth flight at Newcastle last time; has shaped as though this step up in trip could suit and he holds likeable claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

16th Mar 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

17:10 Hexham

Rockmann

10st 9lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Eight-race maiden; best run over hurdles when runner-up at Kelso in November (2m5f, soft); interesting on chase debut.

12/1

5th

9

26th Jan 2023

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

16:15 Wetherby

Rockmann

10st 10lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Runner-up in the autumn in his first two handicaps (2m4f/2m5f, soft) and brought down at the fifth flight at Newcastle last time; has shaped as though this step up in trip could suit and he holds likeable claims.

8/1

16

26th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

12:15 Newcastle

Rockmann

10st 10lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Mark Walford

prominent

7/2

Form: 9F/362 BF

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Having dropped down the weights he ran well when second at Catterick (3m1f, soft) on New Year's Day; he's back up 3lb and is now 0-17, but he might not be far away in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

23rd Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 7f 149y

Class 5

13:15 Newcastle

My Strong Man

10st 4lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

0-15 over hurdles; ended last season with good second at Ayr (3m, good) but struggled in a heavy-ground Flat race last month and others have more pressing claims here.

12/1

8th

11

(8)

31st Oct 2023

Heavy

1m 7f 189y

Class 6

15:22 Catterick

My Strong Man

8st 12lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Philip Kirby

Not seen on the Flat since February 2020; had some fair hurdle form at a low level last winter (around 3m), including here, and quite possible he can do better in this sphere too; back from eight months off and would want to see market support before getting involved.

33/1

2nd

17

10th Mar 2023

Good

3m 0f 70y

Class 5

13:30 Ayr

My Strong Man

10st 3lb

J: Thomas Dowson

T: Philip Kirby

Ran big race when second off today's mark at Catterick (3m1f, soft) on New Year's Day but safely held in cheekpieces twice since and now 0-14 over hurdles.

10/1

Form: 64P-80

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 6yo who has stamina in his pedigree; however, he was tailed off at Newcastle on Boxing Day on his handicap debut and he has to be an entirely different proposition now up in trip in first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

8th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 4f 198y

Class 5

14:30 Carlisle

Get Going

10st 3lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Nine-race maiden but he went close off a reduced mark at Hexham (2m4f, heavy; 4-1) last week on only his second start over fences; that was his most convincing effort so far and has claims if he can back that up.

15/2

3rd

8

30th Mar 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

16:30 Hexham

Get Going

10st 3lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Mark Walford

Made no impact in his three handicap hurdles and he was behind when brought down at the final fence over C&D (heavy) on his recent chase debut.

14/1

11

16th Mar 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

17:10 Hexham

Get Going

10st 7lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Mark Walford

Modest hurdler who needs to improve markedly on this switch to chasing.

33/1

33/1

Form: 54-509

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Fair fifth on his stable and seasonal debut at Ayr in November but he's been well beaten on both runs this month and has to turn things around.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

14th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 5

16:30 Ayr

Wotsmyname

10st 3lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Leonard Kerr

Unplaced all 11 hurdle starts; gave good account before fading into fifth on seasonal/stable debut here (2m3f, soft) in November but last month's three runs were all disappointing and it takes a leap of faith to support him on today's chasing debut.

25/1

8th

10

26th Jan 2023

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

16:15 Wetherby

Wotsmyname

10st 10lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Leonard Kerr

Fair fifth on his stable and seasonal debut at Ayr in November but he's been well beaten on both runs this month and has to turn things around.

33/1

Form: P39-83

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Weakened when he tackled 2m7f/3m last year but he stayed on well for third over the extended 2m5f at Ayr (heavy) recently when wearing first-time cheekpieces; well worth another go at a staying trip and this lightly raced 6yo could have more to offer in the headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

8th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 4f 198y

Class 5

14:30 Carlisle

Moonacura

10st 7lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Stuart Coltherd

11-race maiden but only two starts over fences and was close second at Hexham (1m7f, heavy) last week; nudged up 3lb but he still looks feasibly treated and has form at up to 2m5f over hurdles; dangerous in another change of headgear.

9/2

2nd

3

30th Mar 2023

Heavy

1m 7f 133y

Class 5

14:10 Hexham

Moonacura

10st 4lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Stuart Coltherd

Tailed off on chase debut here (3m, heavy) a fortnight ago but he's never convinced over that trip and he ran okay for a fair way; good third over hurdles at Ayr (2m5f, heavy) in January when wearing first-time cheekpieces and perhaps the first-time blinkers will give him a boost today.

11/4

6th

10

16th Mar 2023

Heavy

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

14:30 Hexham

Moonacura

10st 11lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

midfield

14/1

Form: 3-92PF

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Pops up with the odd good run, as when second in this last year and also on reappearance at Market Rasen in November; however, she was pulled up next time and it's hard to know what to expect from this 21-race maiden.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

12

28th Apr 2023

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

19:25 Southwell

Storm Force One

10st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Peter Niven

always behind

16/1

4th

13

6th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

16:20 Wetherby

Storm Force One

10st 3lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Peter Niven

Back in better form over C&D two weeks ago (soft), staying on for third behind Fiadh; could go well again but she's 0-23 so comes with risks.

9/1

7

23rd Mar 2023

Soft

3m 3f 9y

Class 5

16:00 Sedgefield

Storm Force One

10st 2lb

J: Thomas Dowson

T: Peter Niven

Back in better form at Wetherby (3m, soft) on Tuesday, staying on for third; could go well again but she's not a compelling bet, with record now 0-23.

10/1

Form: 45867P

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Displayed some ability in bumpers but his form went the wrong way over hurdles and he was pulled up in a first-time hood at 66-1 on last month's handicap debut over C&D; wears cheekpieces this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

15

26th Jan 2023

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

16:15 Wetherby

Tommy’s Fortune

10st 6lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Tjade Collier

Displayed some ability in bumpers but his form went the wrong way over hurdles and he was pulled up in a first-time hood at 66-1 on last month's handicap debut over C&D; wears cheekpieces this time.

40/1

13

27th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

11:50 Wetherby

Tommy’s Fortune

10st 8lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Tjade Collier

in rear

33/1

7th

9

8th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 0f 46y

Class 4

12:42 Newcastle

Tommy’s Fortune

11st 4lb

J: Thomas Dowson

T: Tjade Collier

midfield

100/1

16/1

Form: -9P253

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 8lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Runner-up at Fontwell (2m5f, good) in October and bounced back from lesser run at Ludlow (2m5f, soft) when third at Taunton (3m, good); however, she's now 0-17 and the return to slow ground may be against her.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

28th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

17:05 Uttoxeter

Telefina

10st 2lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Adam West

disputed lead

20/1

8

20th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

17:05 Southwell

Telefina

10st 3lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Adam West

0-11 over hurdles; peak effort came when staying on for third at Taunton (3m, good) last December but has gone backwards in two starts since.

14/1

9

8th Mar 2023

Good

3m 1f 166y

Class 5

14:40 Fontwell

Telefina

10st 3lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Adam West

0-19 and it's hard to make her the percentage call but she was placed on good ground here (2m5f) and at Taunton (3m) in two of her five starts this autumn/winter; right out of form on last two outings.

20/1

Form: 3652F-

Last run: 462 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Went very close at Hexham (2m7f, good) in October 2021 but he looked held when falling two out at Carlisle later that month and this inconsistent maiden has been absent since; others have more compelling claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

9

6th Sep 2023

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:18 Hexham

Elusive Red

10st 2lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Barry Murtagh

Maiden after 20 starts; some of his best hurdle efforts have come at this track but he was tailed off here in June; chasing debut.

33/1

5th

8

25th Jun 2023

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

14:15 Hexham

Elusive Red

10st 2lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Barry Murtagh

jumped right throughout, held up in rear, headway into midfield 2 out, soon ridden, weakened before last

33/1

5th

10

23rd May 2023

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

17:50 Hexham

Elusive Red

10st 3lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Barry Murtagh

midfield

33/1

Form: 5644-5

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Disappointing when 11-4 for last month's handicap debut at Market Rasen (2m7f, good to soft), having previously shown some staying potential on soft/heavy ground; however, this unexposed 6yo could return to form when back on a deeper surface and is not ruled out in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

23rd Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

16:20 Chepstow

Imperial Hurricane

11st 11lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey

Well beaten in both handicap hurdles (2m7f/3m; cheekpieces added last time); remains unexposed and today's switch to chasing may show him in a better light, but it takes a leap of faith to support him.

20/1

3

26th Jan 2023

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

16:15 Wetherby

Imperial Hurricane

11st 11lb

J: David Bass

T: Kim Bailey

Disappointing when 11-4 for last month's handicap debut at Market Rasen (2m7f, good to soft), having previously shown some staying potential on soft/heavy ground; however, this unexposed 6yo could return to form when back on a deeper surface and is not ruled out in first-time cheekpieces.

12/1

5th

1

1st Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 7f 16y

Class 5

13:40 Market Rasen

Imperial Hurricane

12st 0lb

J: David Bass

T: Kim Bailey

Failed to threaten early this year on first four starts (2m/2m4f, soft/heavy) but showed ability and this half-brother to 2m7f hurdle winner Hi Ho Phoenix (RPR 126) could improve now up in trip on handicap debut.

3/1

Form: 3-666

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Point-to-point bumper winner who was a promising third in a rules bumper at Hexham last March; made no impact when sixth on his three hurdle starts (2m-2m4f) but he makes his handicap debut off a lowly mark in first-time cheekpieces; interesting, especially if well backed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

30th Nov 2023

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

12:17 Taunton

Top Cloud

11st 4lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Started off for Robbie Llewellyn with two wins last month (2m6f, good/2m5f, good to firm); managed only third when favourite to complete hat-trick at Huntingdon (3m1f, good to soft) 25 days ago but the ground may not have been ideal for him there and he remains of interest.

9/2

3rd

5

5th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

15:25 Huntingdon

Top Cloud

11st 3lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Robbie Llewellyn

held up in rear but in touch with leaders, headway after 9th, hit 3 out, not clear run and switched left when on turn before 2 out, went third but not fluent last, soon no extra

6/4

Non-runners

Dev Of Tara

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £31.90
Straight Forecast £33.89
Tricast £427.36
Trifecta £344.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

The Gooner

The Guardian:

The Imposter

RP Ratings:

Moonacura

Telegraph:

Jet Legs

POSTDATA:

Blended Stealth

WEST COUNTRY:

The Gooner

The Sun:

The Gooner

The Star:

The Gooner

Daily Record:

The Gooner

Daily Mail:

Moonacura

D Express:

The Imposter

Daily Mirror:

The Imposter