February 01 / 15.20 Exeter

15.20

Good To Soft

Virgin Bet Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4084.5
  • 2m 5f 137y
  • Class 4
  • 11 runners
RTV
View Course
Virgin Bet Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Evs (Won)

  • Win: £1.91
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 2 BF

Last run: 94 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Joined Dan Skelton after winning Irish point debut in November 2020 and, following a long absence, was clear second behind useful rival on hurdle debut at Carlisle (2m4f, heavy) in October; off for another three months since but still needs to be taken very seriously here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

16:00 Chepstow

The King Of Ryhope

10st 6lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

C&D winner at a different meeting last October on his reappearance and later ran well in a 3m Grade 2 at Ascot until a costly late mistake; disappointed the final time in a strong handicap at Aintree but went off favourite that day off a 1lb higher mark and evidently failed to give his running; remains an interesting handicapper.

4/1

8th

9

13th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

The King Of Ryhope

10st 11lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Lightly raced 3m point winner whose best hurdle run came over 3m, and he tackled that trip for the first time over fences in a Grade 2 novice at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in February, travelling well into contention but making a race-losing mistake at final fence (finished 3l fourth of five); there will be a slight doubt about him if he's back on soft/heavy but he's unexposed over staying trips and could be better than his current mark.

5/1

8th

9

13th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

The King Of Ryhope

10st 11lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Lightly raced 3m point winner whose best hurdle run came over 3m, and he tackled that trip for the first time over fences in a Grade 2 novice at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in February, travelling well into contention but making a race-losing mistake at final fence (finished 3l fourth of five); there will be a slight doubt about him if he's back on soft/heavy but he's unexposed over staying trips and could be better than his current mark.

5/1

5/2

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 03

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Easily won an Irish point in early 2022 and made promising hurdle debut when keeping-on third at Ffos Las (2m4f, soft) six weeks ago; should have a lot more to offer; leading contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

13:03 Uttoxeter

Great Name That

11st 0lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Simon Hodgson

Consistent placed form over hurdles in 2022-23 but reached that level only once last season over fences; had wind surgery before and after the latter campaign, left Harry Fry and fell at the first in another chase in December; back hurdling today and he stays when on song, but it's a mixed picture.

40/1

5th

1

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

13:03 Uttoxeter

Great Name That

11st 0lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Simon Hodgson

Consistent placed form over hurdles in 2022-23 but reached that level only once last season over fences; had wind surgery before and after the latter campaign, left Harry Fry and fell at the first in another chase in December; back hurdling today and he stays when on song, but it's a mixed picture.

40/1

20/1

  • Place: £5.70

Form: 46

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won on Irish point debut in October and was very respectable fourth on hurdle debut at Ludlow (2m5f, good to soft) in December; failed to build on that performance there last month, though, and others in this line-up look much stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

30th Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

17:05 Newton Abbot

My Girl Katie

12st 0lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Grace Harris

Beat Testlight here in July but not in their rematch; bounced off the fast ground when winning well at Stratford 12 days ago to earn this 8lb higher mark; had some soft-ground form back in the day.

13/8

5

18th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

3m 3f 119y

Class 5

17:00 Stratford

My Girl Katie

10st 8lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Grace Harris

Dual point winner this spring; well beaten over hurdles on rules return in June but won comfortably when back over fences at Newton Abbot (3m2f, good) last month and ran well in defeat over that C&D a fortnight later; likely contender again.

9/4

OUR TIP

Form: 214-3 C

Last run: 87 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won soft-ground course bumper last season; slightly disappointing when third in Ffos Las maiden (2m4f, soft) on seasonal/hurdle debut in November but still has potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 1f 77y

Class 5

16:30 Bangor-on-Dee

Copper Cove

11st 7lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Dominic Elsworth

Bumper/hurdle winner who goes well on slow ground; he returned to fences at Hereford two weeks ago and looked booked for second when falling late on; has a chance off 1lb lower.

11/4

2

11th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 194y

Class 5

16:00 Hereford

Copper Cove

11st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Dominic Elsworth

Mud lover who suffered big defeats both starts over fences for Jonjo O'Neill; couldn't land a gamble on his fourth outing for this yard when second of eight over hurdles at Ffos Las (2m, heavy) last month; suitability for chasing and this trip unproven but weighted to be competitive.

3/1

Form: 50/6

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed only minor promise when well-held sixth on stable/hurdle debut at Taunton (2m3f, good to soft) in December and is probably one for further down the line.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

26th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

19:39 Plumpton

Earth King

12st 0lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Five-time winner over hurdles who had looked to be in the grip of the handicapper since winning at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) in July; however, having come back down in the weights, he stayed on well to regain the winning thread at Hereford (3m1f, good) this month; going back up 4lb is a slight concern, but this looks an inviting opportunity if he repeats that effort.

9/4

1st

3

5th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

18:47 Hereford

Earth King

11st 7lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Neil Mulholland

Four-time winner over hurdles who had looked to be in the grip of the handicapper since wining at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) in July; however, he's now back on that winning mark and his latest fourth of four at Taunton (3m, good) in a Class 3 was encouraging; respected.

6/1

4th

2

9th Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 3

16:50 Taunton

Earth King

11st 4lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Has four wins over hurdles but is 2lb above his last winning mark; returns from a break and probably needs to come down a few pounds.

9/2

Form: P

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won four-runner restricted point last April (good ground) but was pulled up (albeit on heavy ground) when 50-1 for rules debut here (2m2f) last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 25y

Class 5

14:20 Exeter

Looking For Larry

12st 0lb

J: Mr Jake Bament

T: Tim Dennis

Rewarded heavy market support when winning by 6l here (2m5f, soft) at start of 2025 but not much has gone to plan since and his two runs this year were no better than respectable; needs to up his game.

16/1

6th

4

14th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 5f 82y

Class 5

13:05 Wincanton

Looking For Larry

11st 11lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Tim Dennis

Well-backed winner at Exeter (2m5f, soft) last January, on his second run after a long absence; looked a bit of a handful in next two runs but he returned after another layoff with an encouraging effort at Exeter (2m7f, good to soft) last month; continues to edge down the weights and has possibilities if he can build on that last run.

12/1

7th

6

27th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 4

15:35 Taunton

Looking For Larry

11st 10lb

J: Mr Jake Bament

T: Tim Dennis

Landed a gamble when winning by 6l at Exeter (2m5f, soft) on New Year's Day, his second run after a long absence, but misbehaved and looked unenthusiastic on recent chasing debut; quickly switches back to hurdling here; has a point to prove.

8/1

Form: 662-U8

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in soft-ground Newton Abbot bumper last spring but didn't get very far on hurdling debut in November and was soundly beaten at Hereford (2m3f, soft) the following month; sports first-time cheekpieces here; significant improvement required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

2

23rd Jul 2023

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

15:35 Newton Abbot

Sandalwood

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

raced in second, pulled up quickly after 3 out

9/4

1st

3

7th Jul 2023

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

15:15 Newton Abbot

Sandalwood

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

pressed leader, led 3rd, headed after 3 out, led again when ridden before 2 out, clear when not fluent last, stayed on

9/4

4

31st May 2023

Good To Firm

3m 2f 0y

Class 4

17:40 Warwick

Sandalwood

11st 0lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

No match for easy winner when second at Plumpton this month, having refused to settle in first-time blinkers, but was first past the post in cheekpieces at Taunton (3m, good to soft; demoted to second) two starts ago and the cheekpieces are back on here; player if handling the forecast fast ground.

5/2

66/1

Form: 0225/P

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in two slow-ground novice hurdles in 2020 (both 2m7f) but, following a two-year absence, was pulled up in Class 5 handicap over C&D last month; current ability hard to gauge.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

7th Jun 2023

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 5

16:10 Newton Abbot

Gios Girl

11st 1lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Polly Gundry

Twice runner-up at the end of 2020 but little in four starts this year, after a very long absence; cheekpieces back in place of blinkers.

25/1

9th

4

28th Apr 2023

Good

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

16:45 Chepstow

Gios Girl

11st 6lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Polly Gundry

Runner-up twice over 2m7f in the mud late in 2020 and she'd be a player on that form, but she has returned from a long absence with three disappointing runs this year (2m5f-3m; cheekpieces added last time); now tries blinkers.

20/1

4

4th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

15:00 Fontwell

Gios Girl

10st 8lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Polly Gundry

Runner-up twice over 2m7f on slow ground towards end of 2020 but has returned from a long absence with three disappointing runs this year (2m5f-3m; cheekpieces added last time) and it's questionable whether today's drop in trip will suit.

16/1

Form: 08

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
With a top stable but was always towards rear when 50-1 for last month's hurdle debut at Wincanton (2m5f, good to soft); hood removed today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

31st May 2023

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 5

15:30 Newton Abbot

Imprevu Du Large

10st 2lb

J: Tom Buckley

T: Paul Nicholls

Beaten upwards of 42l in his first three hurdle runs but he ran well for a long way on his recent handicap debut at Ludlow (3m, good; 17l third); should have more to offer now switched to fences for top yard and he's an interesting contender on this drop back in trip; tongue-tie added.

4/1

3rd

5

14th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 174y

Class 5

17:05 Ludlow

Imprevu Du Large

10st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Beaten upwards of 42l in three qualifying runs at up to 2m5f (good/good to soft) this year but it's very rare for his top trainer to get one in off such a low opening mark; dangerous to ignore.

9/4

14

13th Apr 2023

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

15:10 Taunton

Imprevu Du Large

10st 2lb

J: Tom Buckley

T: Paul Nicholls

Beaten upwards of 42l in three qualifying runs at up to 2m5f (good/good to soft) this year but it's very rare for his top trainer to get one in off such a low opening mark; one of three runners from the stable and it'll be very interesting to see how he goes in the betting.

9/1

Form: 8434

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Irish point winner; made the frame in good-ground Chepstow bumper on seasonal debut in October and has also showed clear promise on first two hurdling starts, more recently when keeping on for modest fourth in Cheltenham maiden (2m4f, good to soft) last month; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

20th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

17:58 Hexham

Maxs Champ

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Winning Irish pointer; off the mark on 11th hurdle start on return to this trip to win a novice handicap at Uttoxeter last time (good); tongue-tie and blinkers were back on that day and he wears them again here; 5lb higher, but a possible.

5/2

1

20th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

17:58 Hexham

Maxs Champ

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Winning Irish pointer; off the mark on 11th hurdle start on return to this trip to win a novice handicap at Uttoxeter last time (good); tongue-tie and blinkers were back on that day and he wears them again here; 5lb higher, but a possible.

5/2

1st

1

3rd May 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

17:20 Uttoxeter

Maxs Champ

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Samuel Drinkwater

in touch with leaders, lost position after 7th, headway after 9th, led after 2 out, kept on well, ridden out

8/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
0-5 in points last year and makes no significant appeal on today's rules debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

1st Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 4

15:20 Exeter

Starwalker

11st 9lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Sue Gardner

0-5 in points last year and makes no significant appeal on today's rules debut.

100/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £4.60
Straight Forecast £3.56
Trifecta £58.00

Selections

The Times:

The King Of Ryhope

SPOTLIGHT:

Great Name That

Telegraph:

Copper Cove

RP Ratings:

Great Name That

POSTDATA:

Great Name That

WEST COUNTRY:

Great Name That

Daily Mail:

Great Name That

The Guardian:

The King Of Ryhope

D Express:

The King Of Ryhope

Daily Mirror:

The King Of Ryhope

The Star:

The King Of Ryhope

Daily Record:

The King Of Ryhope