March 10 / 15.35 Exeter

15.35

Good

Virgin Bet Cheltenham Festival Money Back Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5809.1
  • 2m 0f 161y
  • Class 4
  • 8 runners
RTV
View Course
Virgin Bet Cheltenham Festival Money Back Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 8 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

OUR TIP

5/2 (Won)

  • Win: £2.25
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 12 D

Last run: 72 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Won sole start in Irish points and beat a subsequent winner on British/hurdling debut in November; just denied at Leicester the following month and now makes handicap debut off what looks a fair mark; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

13th May 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 3

19:25 Warwick

Red Dirt Road

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

2-4 over hurdles, the latter win gained by 12l on handicap debut at Exeter (2m, good) in March; very creditable fourth in good-quality Cheltenham novice when upped to 2m4f last month; ought to play a major role.

9/2

4th

6

19th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Cheltenham

Red Dirt Road

11st 6lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

took keen hold, led narrowly, edged right after 3 out, pushed along and headed before 2 out, ridden and rallied approaching last, weakened run-in

8/1

1st

3

10th Mar 2023

Good

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

15:35 Exeter

Red Dirt Road

11st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Won sole start in Irish points and beat a subsequent winner on British/hurdling debut in November; just denied at Leicester the following month and now makes handicap debut off what looks a fair mark; shortlisted.

5/2

6/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: P-17P2 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Two French hurdle wins and easily the pick of three efforts in Britain when second at Ffos Las a month ago, when seeming to find 2m4f just too far; repeat of that puts him in the reckoning, at least.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

26th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 2f 111y

Class 4

13:07 Exeter

Issam

11st 12lb

J: Jordan Nailor

T: Tom Symonds

Bumper and dual winner when trained in France; made quiet start to British career this season but seemingly aided by refitted tongue-tie when second on last two appearances (2m4f/2m), and there's a good chance he'll make his presence felt again today.

9/2

5

23rd Mar 2023

Good To Soft

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

15:35 Ludlow

Issam

11st 10lb

J: Jordan Nailor

T: Tom Symonds

Two French hurdle wins and has found his form in latest two British starts; probably ran into one when second at Exeter 13 days ago and not ruled out, especially on this less demanding track.

6/1

2nd

5

10th Mar 2023

Good

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

15:35 Exeter

Issam

11st 9lb

J: Jordan Nailor

T: Tom Symonds

in touch with leaders

6/1

Form: 722P13 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Consistent hurdler and followed his game Uttoxeter win with a close third at Warwick (goes well there); remains on a fair mark and should run well but others in this line-up are less exposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

11th Sep 2023

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

15:50 Newton Abbot

Opening Bid

11st 10lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Down

jumped well, disputed lead, led clearly 4th, ridden before 2 out, went clear from last, readily

100/30

5th

2

23rd Jul 2023

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 4

16:22 Stratford

Opening Bid

11st 12lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Down

Resurgent 8yo who has won three good-ground chases in a row since May, the latest by 12l over C&D; another 9lb higher today but commands respect in current mood; handles good to soft ground; not yet proven on soft.

2/1

1st

3

4th Jul 2023

Good

2m 3f 98y

Class 4

20:10 Stratford

Opening Bid

11st 13lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Down

prominent, left in second 9th, led after 2 out, soon clear, comfortably

5/2

Form: 411-2P D BF

Last run: 40 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
His Wincanton second in December reads very well but problems at Southwell the following month (2m4f+), when he lost his action; best forgiven that mishap and the earlier effort makes him very interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

10th Sep 2023

Good

2m 3f 49y

Class 3

15:38 Fontwell

Shallow River

11st 11lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Milton Harris

Unable to reel in clear leader when beaten odds-on favourite at Perth in July, his final start for Fergal O'Brien, but that was an odd tactical race and he's probably better judged on his close second at Market Rasen (2m4f, good) two starts ago; likely contender on debut for Milton Harris.

11/8

2nd

1

16th Jul 2023

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

15:40 Perth

Shallow River

12st 0lb

J: Daire Davis

T: Fergal O’Brien

Won a bumper on soft; also obliged on hurdles debut (good to soft) next time and he was back to that form when close second in handicap at Market Rasen (2m4f, good) on latest outing; good chance on that.

5/6

1

22nd Jun 2023

Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

19:40 Uttoxeter

Shallow River

12st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Form: 531324

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Four creditable efforts since arriving in Britain; close second at Hereford on handicap debut and not disgraced at Sandown last month; may need a shade more to win this but entitled to consideration.
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: 815/PP D

Last run: 73 days

W: 12st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Has been pulled up in both starts this season after a long absence (too free in the first, soft ground reportedly unsuitable in the second); may yet return to form but obvious risks until he gives more positive signs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

1st Sep 2023

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 4

15:38 Fontwell

Paros

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Dr Richard Newland

raced in third and jumped slightly right throughout, not fluent 1st, weakened after 2 out

4/1

2

16th Jul 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:30 Perth

Paros

11st 12lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Dr Richard Newland

didn't jump well, led, headed before 2 out, weakening when fell last

6/5

3rd

4

28th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

14:28 Worcester

Paros

11st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Dr Richard Newland

Pulled up in all four hurdle starts last season (for Nicky Henderson) after a long absence, the latest in the Kempton race won by Elios D'Or; chase debut on first start for this yard and takes a real leap of faith.

10/1

Form: 51-646 D BF

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Only 3lb higher than when scoring in comfortable style last April but hasn't found top form in three outings this season; both wins on good but reportedly unsuited by it when beaten favourite at Catterick last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

28th May 2023

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

16:30 Uttoxeter

American Gerry

11st 2lb

J: Mr Nathan Brennan

T: Hughie Morrison

Swerved and unseated his rider at the start at Fontwell ten days ago; has not been at his best for a while but he's on a dangerous mark.

6/1

2

18th May 2023

Good

2m 3f 49y

Class 4

18:30 Fontwell

American Gerry

11st 7lb

J: Mr Nathan Brennan

T: Hughie Morrison

swerved left and unseated rider start

9/2

4th

2

21st Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 49y

Class 4

15:20 Fontwell

American Gerry

12st 1lb

J: Mr Nathan Brennan

T: Hughie Morrison

Only 3lb higher than when scoring in comfortable style at Kempton (2m) last April but hasn't found top form in just three outings this season; both wins on good but reportedly unsuited by it when beaten favourite at Catterick (2m3f) last time.

8/1

Form: 674

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Lost his way on the Flat last year and yet to be placed after three attempts over hurdles (long way behind Red Dirt Road in the second of them); better when fourth at Ffos Las latest and could be a different proposition now handicapping off 110 (recorded RPR of 92 at his peak on the Flat).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

14th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 4

15:20 Sedgefield

Thunderclap

11st 4lb

J: David Bass

T: Hughie Morrison

Fairly useful 1m2f winner on the Flat; heading in the right direction over hurdles, fourth at Ffos Las in January and a clear second at Huntingdon (both at 2m on soft) last month; that latest form puts him firmly in the picture and he's open to more progress in this sphere.

5/2

2

9th Apr 2023

Heavy

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

16:00 Ffos Las

Thunderclap

12st 0lb

J: Aidan Coleman

T: Hughie Morrison

Fairly useful 1m2f winner on the Flat; heading in the right direction over hurdles, fourth over C&D in January and second at Huntingdon (again soft) last month; leading contender on handicap debut in this sphere.

7/2

2nd

6

15th Mar 2023

Soft

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

14:30 Huntingdon

Thunderclap

11st 6lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Hughie Morrison

Fairly useful 1m2f winner on the Flat who seems to be heading in the right direction over hurdles, fourth of 15 in 2m Ffos Las novice in January; he's open to further progress after a break so holds very good claims.

3/1

Non-runners

American Gerry, Thunderclap

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £7.80
Straight Forecast £9.64
Tricast £33.30
Trifecta £32.30

Selections

RP Ratings:

Red Dirt Road

TOPSPEED:

Issam

POSTDATA:

Jilaijone

SPOTLIGHT:

Shallow River

WEST COUNTRY:

Red Dirt Road

The Times:

Red Dirt Road

Telegraph:

Red Dirt Road

The Guardian:

Red Dirt Road

Daily Mail:

Red Dirt Road

D Express:

Red Dirt Road

Daily Mirror:

Red Dirt Road

The Sun:

Red Dirt Road

Daily Record:

Red Dirt Road

The Star:

Issam