April 12 / 17.40 Southwell

17.40

Good

Off The Fence On youtube.com/attheraces Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3406.24
  • 2m 4f 88y
  • Class 5
  • 16 runners
SKY
View Course
Off The Fence On youtube.com/attheraces Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

14/1 (Won)

Form: -3P95P

Last run: 38 days

W: 10st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Made quite an encouraging handicap debut at Uttoxeter (2m4f) in February; failed to progress at Huntingdon (3m1f; eventually pulled up) since but this drop back in distance may suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

17th Jun 2023

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

20:10 Uttoxeter

The Bandit

10st 13lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

No improvement since winning at Southwell (2m4f, good to soft) in April on third handicap start; kept plugging away last time at Fakenham (2m4f, good) but was only fifth of seven runners.

8/1

5th

5

4th Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 5

15:00 Fakenham

The Bandit

10st 8lb

J: Ms Laura Ward

T: Neil King

Won at Southwell (2m4f, good to soft) in April on third handicap start; of interest on that form but he's failed to replicate it the next twice.

12/1

10th

11

6th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

15:50 Uttoxeter

The Bandit

10st 13lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

held up in rear

10/1

Form: 0P46P0

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Still a maiden and looks far from solid on form (has one standout effort in seven handicap attempts); last three runs poor; opposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

21st May 2024

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

20:10 Huntingdon

Lighthouse Mill

11st 1lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: David Dennis

1-19 over hurdles, the win gained at Stratford (2m6f, good to firm) just under a year ago; back down to a workable mark now but absent since two disappointing runs towards the end of last summer.

14/1

9th

8

21st May 2024

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

20:10 Huntingdon

Lighthouse Mill

11st 1lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: David Dennis

1-19 over hurdles, the win gained at Stratford (2m6f, good to firm) just under a year ago; back down to a workable mark now but absent since two disappointing runs towards the end of last summer.

14/1

8th

1

13th Sep 2023

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

17:20 Uttoxeter

Lighthouse Mill

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: David Dennis

Came good with clearcut win at Stratford (2m6f, good to firm) in June and was very close second in quite valuable contest at Market Rasen (2m4f, good to soft) the following month; good claims if judged on that evidence but needs to bounce back from a poor run a fortnight ago.

12/1

Form: -46721

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Fortunate to open his account at Hereford (2m5f, good) last time out, having been gifted the race when the clear leader took a final-flight fall; however, has an each-way shout off unchanged mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

24th Oct 2025

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Cheltenham

Mole Court

11st 4lb

J: Mr James King

T: Ben Pauling

Won this race off today's mark in 2023 but has become very inconsistent in the meantime; arguably ran better than eventual 21l defeat suggests when third of seven at Uttoxeter (3m, good; first run after wind op) last month but it's hard to tell whether he'll be on a going day here.

16/1

3rd

5

16th Sep 2025

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 3

15:40 Uttoxeter

Mole Court

11st 1lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Useful at his best but has regressed and become very inconsistent; returned from layoff with two disappointing efforts this season and needs subsequent wind op to enable a revival; raced mainly on good/good to soft ground.

10/1

6th

1

24th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 Worcester

Mole Court

12st 0lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Became very inconsistent last season and was pulled up (stopped quickly) last month, after a break; on a good mark and might be boosted by refitted cheekpieces but it's hard to predict whether he'll be in the right mood.

10/1

Form: -48F75

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Modest maiden who has weak form claims, especially on what he's shown in handicaps; tumbling mark reflects his profile; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

27th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

20:38 Cartmel

Clean Getaway

11st 6lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

Usually saves his best for Sedgefield, where he won over fences in April (subsequent fourth was over hurdles); two visits here has produced a second place; no surprise to see him run well.

13/2

4th

5

10th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

16:45 Sedgefield

Clean Getaway

11st 0lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

Hurdle (including C&D) and chase winner here and won a chase over the equivalent trip here latest, when on the same mark; well treated if able to translate that form back to this sphere; big player.

5/2

Form: 3P080

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Listed winner on Flat in France; has not transferred that ability to hurdling, most recently tailed off at Chepstow on handicap debut; represents major connections but has something to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(4)

18th Oct 2023

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Bath

Merveillo

9st 8lb

J: Shane Kelly

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Won 1m4f Listed race (very soft) in France during 2021; wasn't beaten far in a better race than this over 2m at Haydock last spring but he's generally struggled under both codes since and was tailed off back at Haydock (1m7f, heavy) 18 days ago; lots to prove.

40/1

5th

3

(2)

30th Sep 2023

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:35 Haydock

Merveillo

10st 1lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Won 1m4f Listed race in France during 2021; wasn't beaten far in a better race than this over 2m (good) on this track in May 2022 but all at sea over hurdles since and that mark is now lower than his Flat one; no joy at Goodwood recently and has it to prove at present.

20/1

8th

6

(3)

5th Sep 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Goodwood

Merveillo

9st 5lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Listed winner on Flat in France; 0-12 in Britain, mostly over hurdles (well held off modest marks the last twice); well treated on best form in this sphere but is by no means guaranteed to reproduce it.

16/1

Form: 3-3464

Last run: 164 days

W: 10st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Doubly unappealing as he's a thoroughly exposed maiden (0-24) and lacks recent match practice having been off since October; placed on occasions but has clear limitations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

8

25th Sep 2023

Good

2m 0f 54y

Class 5

16:15 Warwick

Cheers Delboy

10st 2lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Harriet Dickin

took keen hold, midfield

14/1

4th

5

19th Aug 2023

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 5

19:00 Market Rasen

Cheers Delboy

10st 6lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Harriet Dickin

Finished a clear second behind a dual subsequent winner at Warwick (2m4f, good) in May but he was back in the doldrums with a pulled-up effort at Newton Abbot last month; has something to prove again after that and he's now 0-28 under rules; first-time visor replaces blinkers.

14/1

Form: 6521/P CD

Last run: 26 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Defied a 2lb higher mark over C&D four years ago and subsequently scored twice over fences; however, achieved nothing last month when back from long absence; needs to prove he retains ability.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

1st May 2023

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 5

15:47 Warwick

Manofthemoment

11st 9lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Caroline Fryer

Won 3m1f chase for Tom George in April 2021 but returned from long absence with two poor hurdle runs for new stable towards end of last season (both 2m4f) and needs the first-time cheekpieces to make a huge difference.

33/1

1

12th Apr 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

17:40 Southwell

Manofthemoment

12st 0lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Caroline Fryer

Defied a 2lb higher mark over C&D four years ago and subsequently scored twice over fences; however, achieved nothing last month when back from long absence; needs to prove he retains ability.

25/1

3

17th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 1y

Class 5

16:20 Fakenham

Manofthemoment

11st 13lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Caroline Fryer

Signed off for Tom George with a Plumpton staying chase win almost two years ago; starts out for new connections off 1lb lower than that day, and all just a matter of whether this proves needed.

10/1

Form: 4-872

Last run: 53 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Unexposed sort who has raced just four times; ran well in maiden hurdle at Wincanton (1m7f, good) most recently, finishing clear second behind a subsequent scorer; should be suited by this longer distance on handicap debut; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

4th Nov 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:02 Warwick

Tedwin Hills

10st 13lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Not much went to plan on his three starts for for Warren Greatrex in the spring but he looked in excellent nick when winning easily by 8l at Stratford (2m6f, good) last month; likely contender off 10lb higher mark here.

4/1

1st

8

4th Nov 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:02 Warwick

Tedwin Hills

10st 13lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Not much went to plan on his three starts for for Warren Greatrex in the spring but he looked in excellent nick when winning easily by 8l at Stratford (2m6f, good) last month; likely contender off 10lb higher mark here.

4/1

1st

8

4th Nov 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:02 Warwick

Tedwin Hills

10st 13lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Not much went to plan on his three starts for for Warren Greatrex in the spring but he looked in excellent nick when winning easily by 8l at Stratford (2m6f, good) last month; likely contender off 10lb higher mark here.

4/1

OUR TIP

Form: P98PP5

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish maiden; only a modest fifth over C&D last month (second start for new stable) but it was something of a step back in the right direction; dropped a further 5lb and could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

9

6th Aug 2023

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 5

16:22 Market Rasen

Coconut Tudor

10st 6lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Derek Shaw

Failed to show much for John Mackie last season and the same again in two runs for this yard; now tongue tied.

20/1

7th

7

9th Jul 2023

Good

2m 1f 43y

Class 5

16:05 Market Rasen

Coconut Tudor

10st 8lb

J: James Davies

T: Derek Shaw

Ex-Irish maiden; didn't show a great deal for John Mackie last season (four runs) and was pulled up on recent stable debut.

33/1

5

28th Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

13:58 Worcester

Coconut Tudor

11st 0lb

J: James Davies

T: Derek Shaw

Maiden; runner-up twice over hurdles in Ireland but hasn't produced a great deal in four British starts (for John Mackie), the latest in a chase; better required on stable debut if he's to figure.

20/1

Form: 222234

Last run: 102 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Still a maiden but has been consistent in the main; has form figures of 2222 in handicaps at 2m3f/2m4f; possibilities back up in distance, with Sam Twiston-Davies on board for the first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

19th Jul 2023

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Uttoxeter

Lough Carra

11st 2lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jennie Candlish

14-race maiden who has threatened a breakthrough win but doesn't appear to be improving; beaten 12l in the new visor last time at Worcester (2m4f) and this longer trip isn't sure to benefit.

8/1

3rd

4

28th Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

13:58 Worcester

Lough Carra

11st 3lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jennie Candlish

Maiden; runner-up four times over hurdles and similar efforts in two chase attempts at Huntingdon at the end of last month; visor probably needs to provoke some improvement if he's to win this; often well backed.

5/1

Form: 27962 BF

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Nearly made a winning handicap debut at Doncaster (2m3f, good; favourite) seven weeks ago, going down by only a head; open to further progress at this level and enters calculations up just 3lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

8th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

16:32 Perth

Cant Beat History

11st 10lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Henry Oliver

Progressive 9yo who returned from a break with small-field win at Warwick (3m1f, good) in April and also ran well when second to a course specialist at Market Rasen (3m, good) last month; significant rain will dent his appeal here but otherwise he may still have more improvement to come.

4/1

2nd

5

9th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 3

15:50 Market Rasen

Cant Beat History

11st 3lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Henry Oliver

took keen hold, in rear but in touch with leaders

11/8

2nd

5

9th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 3

15:50 Market Rasen

Cant Beat History

11st 3lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Henry Oliver

took keen hold, in rear but in touch with leaders

11/8

Form: -71024 CD

Last run: 242 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Sole win for Alex Hales came over C&D (good to soft) last June; absent since chase defeat in August but looks interesting back here on debut for new yard (still with same owner); inspect the market signals.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

17th Aug 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

18:05 Perth

Miss Wachit

10st 8lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Ruth Jefferson

Sole win came in first-time blinkers at Southwell (2m4f, Class 5 mares' handicap hurdle) in June 2022; a bit better since returning from further wind surgery, rallying into fourth from 8lb out of the handicap at Market Rasen (3m; cheekpieces) latest; isn't without a chance.

11/2

4th

11

20th Jul 2024

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

17:00 Market Rasen

Miss Wachit

10st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Ruth Jefferson

Stuck to task well when fourth here (2m5f, good; just behind Ribeye) last month but is effectively 7lb higher today and is yet to add to his 2022 hurdle win; often wears blinkers; cheekpieces tried today.

33/1

Form: 64-075

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Six-race maiden who has only bits of encouraging form; however, this combination of drop back in trip and first-time headgear may prompt improvement; represents notable connections and can't be written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

26th May 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

20:10 Worcester

Whenthepennydrops

11st 3lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Gradually returned to form last term after a year out, staying on for a place when falling late at Southwell and just stretched by the 2m5f trip at Ludlow latest; one of two runners for owners and may place.

9/2

3rd

9

26th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 5

15:50 Ludlow

Whenthepennydrops

11st 0lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

in touch with leaders, headway 4 out, pushed along 3 out

100/30

9

12th Apr 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

17:40 Southwell

Whenthepennydrops

11st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Six-race maiden who has only bits of encouraging form; however, this combination of drop back in trip and first-time headgear may prompt improvement; represents notable connections and can't be written off.

10/1

Form: 9074

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 10lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Good-ground point winner; appeared to post her best rules effort when 150-1 fourth in Ludlow novice hurdle last month; that form may not be reliable but an opening mark of 82 isn't exactly burdensome.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

13th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

17:20 Hereford

My Virtue

10st 9lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Mel Rowley

Good-ground winner off 6lb lower last season and mostly running well this campaign over hurdles and fences; latest run in a handicap chase needs forgiving but couldn't rule out.

5/1

8

16th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Uttoxeter

My Virtue

10st 11lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Stuck to her task pretty well at Cartmel (2m5f, good) last month and has now finished second on two of her last three starts but the forecast rain is probably not helpful here; tongue-tie left off today.

14/1

2nd

8

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 5

17:35 Cartmel

My Virtue

10st 12lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Mel Rowley

Didn't really fire at Stratford last month and now 0-4 over fences but that run came just one week after a pretty good second there (2m3f, good to firm) and she's had a longer break this time; a possible.

8/1

Form: 776-6

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 6lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Only a modest sixth over C&D last month when making handicap hurdle debut; however, has the potential for a bigger effort off this mark judged on Flat form; cheekpieces added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(4)

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 6f 17y

Class 6

14:25 Yarmouth

Raqisa

9st 9lb

J: Marcelino Rodrigues

T: Lemos De Souza

Defied a 3lb higher mark two years ago in sole Yarmouth start (11.5f); lightly raced since and recent AW form is unconvincing; good chance if combination of new trip and return to this venue prompts a revival.

14/1

1

(4)

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 6f 17y

Class 6

14:25 Yarmouth

Raqisa

9st 9lb

J: Marcelino Rodrigues

T: Lemos De Souza

Defied a 3lb higher mark two years ago in sole Yarmouth start (11.5f); lightly raced since and recent AW form is unconvincing; good chance if combination of new trip and return to this venue prompts a revival.

14/1

7th

5

(4)

23rd Apr 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:50 Lingfield (AW)

Raqisa

9st 4lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Lemos De Souza

Two turf wins for former trainers; only seen twice since August 2023 and neither run has suggested she would be the answer this time.

16/1

Form: 308-7P CD

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 3lb

13 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Teenager who was under pressure when hampered on the final bend in C&D event last month (soon pulled up); defied a stone higher mark here in 2020 but still needs to prove he retains that ability.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

12th Apr 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

17:40 Southwell

Classic Tune

10st 3lb

J: David Noonan

T: Claire Dyson

Teenager who was under pressure when hampered on the final bend in C&D event last month (soon pulled up); defied a stone higher mark here in 2020 but still needs to prove he retains that ability.

33/1

12

6th Mar 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

16:10 Southwell

Classic Tune

10st 6lb

J: Cillin Leonard

T: Claire Dyson

led

25/1

7th

11

29th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

15:35 Southwell

Classic Tune

10st 9lb

J: David Noonan

T: Claire Dyson

midfield, pushed along after 1st

14/1

Non-runners

Can't Beat History, My Virtue

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £107.54
Tricast £357.68

Selections

The Times:

Can't Beat History

POSTDATA:

Mole Court

RP Ratings:

Lighthouse Mill

SPOTLIGHT:

Tedwin Hills

Daily Mail:

Miss Wachit

D Express:

Whenthepennydrops

The Guardian:

Can't Beat History

Daily Mirror:

Can't Beat History

Daily Record:

Can't Beat History

WEST COUNTRY:

Mole Court

Telegraph:

Mole Court

The Star:

Mole Court