February 05 / 14.55 Musselburgh

14.55

Good To Soft

Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £13007.5
  • 2m 7f 180y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
RTV
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Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.70
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 142221 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Has form figures of 1142221 since upped to 3m-3m2f, the latest performance over C&D on New Year's Day; 2lb out of weights upped in grade but Edward Austin again takes off 5lb; steadily progressive stayer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

6th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

17:02 Kelso

Brandy McQueen

12st 6lb

J: Miss Lucy Brown

T: Miss Lucy Brown

Won a similar event at Catterick in good style in March (3m1f, good) but pulled up at Hexham last time; needs to bounce back.

6/1

1

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

17:00 Hexham

Brandy McQueen

12st 2lb

J: Miss Lucy Brown

T: Miss Lucy Brown

Quite useful in his prime and he won a point in February (3m, good to soft) before easily following up in a hunter chase at Catterick last month (3m1f, good; Lunar Contact second); strong claims.

5/2

1st

6

4th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

16:10 Catterick

Brandy McQueen

11st 12lb

J: Miss Lucy Brown

T: Miss Lucy Brown

One-time quite useful staying hurdler/chaser who won a point on second start for present connections last month (3m, good to soft); this tougher, but a contender.

13/2

12/1

  • Place: £11.20

Form: 5/P01-

Last run: 322 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish 6yo who scored at Downpatrick (2m3f) when last seen over hurdles; stayed on for third in 2m Flat handicap 11 days ago on debut for new yard; worth another go at 3m in this sphere and could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(4)

16th Jul 2024

Soft

2m 0f 32y

Class 3

16:30 Beverley

Coltor

10st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: David Pipe

Front-runner (other pace in here) who was well held at a short price in this race in 2023; was beaten some way over hurdles, when back from a break following wind surgery, for new yard in June and needs to do much better.

5/1

7th

1

13th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 3

19:25 Worcester

Coltor

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Not seen over hurdles since pulled up at 2023 Cheltenham Festival but showed some useful form on the Flat last summer; makes stable debut after nine-month break; had wind op in April; market may guide.

11/2

OUR TIP

11/1

  • Place: £8.30

Form: P-4214

Last run: 188 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Ran poorly when last seen but in decent form otherwise last spring/summer; good second off 9lb higher when favourite for the 2021 Pertemps Final and holds major claims in this qualifier provided he's on song.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

4m 1f 11y

15:40 Punchestown

The Bosses Oscar

11st 7lb

J: Miss Georgie Benson

T: Nigel Thomas Slevin

Useful hurdler for Gordon Elliott in his prime, three wins as well as second in the 2021 Pertemps Final; also runner-up to Busselton over fences at Listowel later that year; has won only once from 16 starts in points; out of sorts since second to Desertmore House at Damma House last November.

66/1

0

8

26th Dec 2023

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 0y

14:33 Down Royal

The Bosses Oscar

12st 0lb

J: Miss Georgie Benson

T: Gordon Elliott

in touch with leaders, pushed along briefly after 1st

10/1

3rd

3

7th Aug 2023

Good

2m 2f 150y

16:18 Cork

The Bosses Oscar

11st 8lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

raced in second, lost second before 3 out, outpaced before 2 out, lost third last, rallied and went third again towards finish

6/1

Form: 23-172 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Creditable second in small field at Ayr last month; has form figures of 112 over this C&D, most recently second (off 9lb lower) in this race last year; consistent sort who holds solid claims and should go well again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

2nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

15:00 Musselburgh

Wakool

11st 2lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

Second in this race in 2022, fourth in 2023 and 12th in 2024; no win since February 2023 and generally little impact since; tried a tongue-tie latest start and now reverts to his usual cheekpieces.

33/1

10th

9

2nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

15:00 Musselburgh

Wakool

11st 2lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

ran in snatches, always behind

33/1

10th

1

2nd Jan 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

15:25 Ayr

Wakool

12st 0lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

He may have needed last month's comeback run here (soundly beaten) and he continues to drop down the weights, but for good reason; last season was disappointing in the main; needs to turn things around; a tongue-tie goes on.

10/1

Form: -7P811 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Successful under Jack Hogan at Uttoxeter (2m7f) and Ludlow (3m) the last twice; creeping back up the weights but still looks favourably treated (peak chase mark was a stone higher); hat-trick looks plausible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 7f 174y

Class 4

14:35 Ludlow

Hurricane Harvey

12st 2lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Usually runs in better races; stayed on for third at Ascot (2m5f) most recently; defied a 4lb higher mark over C&D last term and looks interesting at this level returned to this scenario; 3-4 in Class 4.

9/1

1

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 7f 174y

Class 4

14:35 Ludlow

Hurricane Harvey

12st 2lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Usually runs in better races; stayed on for third at Ascot (2m5f) most recently; defied a 4lb higher mark over C&D last term and looks interesting at this level returned to this scenario; 3-4 in Class 4.

9/1

3rd

8

24th Mar 2024

Good

2m 5f 141y

Class 3

17:05 Ascot

Hurricane Harvey

11st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Fair fourth of 12 at Newbury (3m, good to soft) in December and he's now 6lb lower; however, this 10yo has been well beaten the last twice, most recently here (2m7f, good to soft), and needs to get back on track.

25/1

Form: 19382F C

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
3m point winner; raced only at up to 2m4f under rules; beaten when falling two out in lower grade here on New Year's Day; something to prove in this stronger race over the longer trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

25th Jul 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:00 Worcester

Gaelik Coast

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Six wins divided between hurdles and fences but he's seemingly on the decline and ideally needs further these days; the cheekpieces are new.

20/1

5th

2

2nd Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 3y

Class 4

15:45 Fakenham

Gaelik Coast

11st 6lb

J: Abbie McCain

T: Donald McCain

No longer the force of old and may be better suited by longer trips nowadays but he won over fences here in 2020 and didn't run badly when returning here for 2m4f hurdle two months ago; too well handicapped to rule out.

8/1

4th

3

1st Apr 2024

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 4

15:07 Fakenham

Gaelik Coast

11st 10lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Donald McCain

Hurdle and chase successes on ground ranging from good to soft; winner of one course start, over fences in 2020, and well handicapped on much of his form at about 2m4f; some way off his best on last two starts, though, and blinkers worn once last winter weren't much help.

5/1

10/1

Form: 4-2122

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Stablemate of Coolbane Boy; reliable in lower grades and has performed well in two handicaps since a novice success in November; faces sterner opposition at this level but his consistency is an asset.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

27th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 2f 127y

Class 3

16:05 Perth

Salvino

11st 2lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

Novice winner who has performed well in the majority of his five handicaps, beaten under 2l in three of them; steady pace was against him dropped back to 2m5f at Kelso latest.

4/1

5th

1

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

13:50 Kelso

Salvino

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

held up in rear

10/1

7th

11

5th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

14:55 Musselburgh

Salvino

10st 7lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: Sandy Thomson

midfield, in touch with leaders 5th

10/1

13/2

Form: 5-11U8 D BF

Last run: 72 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Has a record of 3-5 in cheekpieces when completing (not his fault that he unseated rider on penultimate outing); disappointing favourite last time but this Ditcheat raider could easily bounce back and resume progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Shearer

12st 0lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: Paul Nicholls

Relinquished an unbeaten record over regulation fences when fifth in this race last year, though he did well to be only 13l off Wonderwall given that he was in the firing line throughout; it's best not to read too much into a recent odds-on defeat behind past Festival hero Unexpected Party at Haydock (2m6f) as that was probably needed after 11 months off; has no ground preferences; can run well.

20/1

3rd

1

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 54y

Class 3

16:30 Haydock

Shearer

12st 4lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: Paul Nicholls

Useful hurdler/chaser who launched hunter chase career with two wins in this month last year (2m5f/2m7f) before a creditable fifth at the Cheltenham Festival (3m2f, good to soft); returns from 11-month absence but still commands respect.

9/4

5th

18

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Shearer

12st 0lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Unbeaten over regulation fences, having won two handicaps at about 3m in 2023 and come back from a long absence to win hunter chases at Ffos Las (2m5f, heavy) and Taunton (2m7f, good to soft); Haven't Time gave him something to think about last time and this demands more of him, probably a lot more; the cheekpieces he wore for those handicap wins are back on; Paul Nicholls has won this four times.

10/1

Form: 3-F533 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Has not taken to fences in recent starts; useful and progressive novice hurdler last season, notably winning over C&D and third in the Albert Bartlett; interesting off a workable mark returned to this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

4th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

16:42 Ludlow

Bardenstown Lad

12st 6lb

J: Mr Darren Andrews

T: Warwick Ryan-Beswick

Won a point and a Fakenham hunter chase about this time last year before predictably struggling at lengthy odds in the feature hunter chases at Cheltenham and Aintree; badly let down by his jumping in calmer waters afterwards and this 11yo now has much to prove.

16/1

1

14th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

17:05 Newton Abbot

Bardenstown Lad

12st 8lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: David Loughnane

Won a point and a Fakenham hunter chase in February before making no impact in the big hunter chases at Cheltenham and Aintree (behind when unseating); found no fluency and was well held when falling at Stratford (2m6f, good); comes with risks on the back of that effort but this is a modest contest.

4/6

1

14th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

17:05 Newton Abbot

Bardenstown Lad

12st 8lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: David Loughnane

Won a point and a Fakenham hunter chase in February before making no impact in the big hunter chases at Cheltenham and Aintree (behind when unseating); found no fluency and was well held when falling at Stratford (2m6f, good); comes with risks on the back of that effort but this is a modest contest.

4/6

Form: 10-313 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Still has low mileage; resumed his progress upped to 3m the last twice, winning at Newbury (beat a subsequent Pertemps qualifier scorer) then creditable third at Cheltenham; could well have more to offer at this distance; appealing type.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

17th Nov 2024

Good

3m 3f 71y

Class 1

14:55 Cheltenham

Abuffalosoldier

10st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Front-runner who reappeared with a rallying second at Exeter (3m, good to soft) last month and he's back in cheekpieces today, in which he showed improved form earlier this year (including 10l win at Newbury); only seven and there's every chance this trip will be within range; one to consider.

11/2

1st

9

17th Nov 2024

Good

3m 3f 71y

Class 1

14:55 Cheltenham

Abuffalosoldier

10st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

jumped well, made all, kept on well, ridden out, collapsed after finish, heart attack

11/2

4

22nd Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 3

16:28 Exeter

Abuffalosoldier

11st 12lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Not an instant success over fences last season but won by 10l in first-time cheekpieces at Newbury (2m6f, good to soft) in January and signed off with creditable fourth in valuable novices' handicap at Ayr (3m, soft) in April; respected.

3/1

Form: 3F-2P7 C

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 4lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Triple 2m4f winner who has form over 3m; just hard to support in this good handicap having been tailed off in lower grade here on New Year's Day; more exposed than some of these rivals.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

1st Jan 2024

Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

15:30 Musselburgh

Aurora Thunder

11st 9lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

held up in rear, headway and in touch with leaders after 8th

8/1

3rd

10

11th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 3

13:50 Ayr

Aurora Thunder

10st 9lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

9yo whose form has gone the wrong way and she needs to produce more than she's managed the last twice; however, she's dropped to a dangerous mark and has plenty of good form at Ayr; not written off.

10/1

Form: P2-841 CD

Last run: 62 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Scored only narrowly here two months ago and faces a harder task off 4lb higher in this much deeper field; however, earns points for being 2-3 over C&D and can't be totally dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

10

5th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

14:55 Musselburgh

Coolbane Boy

10st 12lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

towards rear, hit 7th

13/2

1st

2

5th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

14:40 Musselburgh

Coolbane Boy

11st 12lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

Fourth of five at Hexham (2m4f, good to soft) in September last time out in September but it wasn't a bad run and he may improve for that first outing since May; won in good style over C&D (good to soft) in January and could have a part to play now back here for the first time since.

9/2

4th

4

30th Sep 2022

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 3

15:35 Hexham

Coolbane Boy

11st 5lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Sandy Thomson

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, ridden approaching last, kept on but no impression run-in

6/1

Form: 1P-47F

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Stablemate of The Bosses Oscar; towards the rear when falling four out in huge-field Pertemps qualifier at Leopardstown last time; raced only five times and still looks open to improvement in handicaps; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

10th Apr 2023

Yielding

2m 5f 155y

16:15 Fairyhouse

Jaycean

11st 3lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Gordon Elliott

midfield, in touch with leaders when ridden but weakened quickly after 3 out, dropped to rear when pulled up before 2 out

20/1

5th

1

18th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 49y

16:15 Thurles

Jaycean

11st 5lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Maiden hurdle winner last season was keeping on over this trip at Musselburgh last time when falling heavily at the last, his second consecutive departure; could still have more to offer if his confidence isn't too damaged.

16/1

6

5th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

14:55 Musselburgh

Jaycean

11st 6lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

towards rear

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £166.20
Straight Forecast £110.12
Tricast £3315.82
Trifecta £3430.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Abuffalosoldier

RP Ratings:

Coolbane Boy

WEST COUNTRY:

Shearer

TOPSPEED:

Brandy McQueen

The Times:

Bardenstown Lad

POSTDATA:

Gaelik Coast

LAMBOURN:

Abuffalosoldier

D Express:

Abuffalosoldier

The Sun:

Abuffalosoldier

The Star:

Abuffalosoldier

Telegraph:

Shearer

Daily Mirror:

Coolbane Boy

Daily Record:

Coolbane Boy