April 16 / 14.25 Wincanton

14.25

Good To Soft

Eastbury Hotel Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £7921.5
  • 2m 5f 82y
  • Class 3
  • 14 runners
RTV
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Eastbury Hotel Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 6-2423 BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Began hurdling career with two very promising runs at start of this year (2m) but was turned over at very short odds on next outing (2m2f) and underperformed when upped to 2m5f three weeks ago; needs a boost from the first-time cheekpieces on today's handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

11

16th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 82y

Class 3

14:25 Wincanton

Buckhorn Rocco

11st 4lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Joe Tizzard

Began hurdling career with two very promising runs at start of this year (2m) but was turned over at very short odds on next outing (2m2f) and underperformed when upped to 2m5f three weeks ago; needs a boost from the first-time cheekpieces on today's handicap debut.

12/1

3rd

2

26th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 4

13:42 Exeter

Buckhorn Rocco

11st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Won soft-ground Sandown bumper last season and has made the frame on all three hurdling starts this term; turned over at very short odds when second of four here (2m2f, good) last month and moves up in trip with a point to prove, but his earlier form makes him a leading contender.

13/8

2nd

1

24th Feb 2023

Good

2m 2f 111y

Class 4

14:40 Exeter

Buckhorn Rocco

11st 5lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

raced in second, jumped right 1st, ridden just before 3 out, hit 2 out, soon no impression and held

1/4

OUR TIP

11/2

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 211203

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Started off in handicaps with two wins in January (2m/1m7f) and has been placed twice since; didn't really have race run to suit when third at Bangor (2m3f, good to soft) three weeks ago and might still have untapped potential over this sort of trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

28th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 5

18:30 Market Rasen

El Muchacho

12st 0lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mike Sowersby

Won twice on good ground (2m5f/2m3f) for this new stable last season and has been placed on last three appearances, most recently when second over C&D (good) three weeks ago; 1lb lower today and seems very likely to be in the thick of things again.

7/4

2nd

3

8th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 5

15:15 Market Rasen

El Muchacho

11st 7lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mike Sowersby

Holding form well since January's Catterick success (2m3f, good), actually achieving more on RPRs when a close third at Newcastle latest; still well treated on his 2023-24 peak form, and no ground concerns.

9/2

3rd

1

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 5

16:30 Newcastle

El Muchacho

12st 0lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mike Sowersby

Won at Catterick in January (2m3f, good) and best form since when 0.5l second at Sedgefield last time (2m5f, good); conditions suit; chance.

11/2

20/1

  • Place: £4.20

Form: 21710P

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Appeared to display huge improvement when sauntering to 12l win at Doncaster (2m, good) in December; subsequent defeat in major handicap is not viewed harshly but he looked out of sorts at Stratford last month and it's hard to know what to expect from him here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

1st Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 3

19:10 Market Rasen

Restitution

11st 10lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

took keen hold, prominent, pressed leader after 5th, hit 7th

11/1

6th

4

13th May 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 3

19:25 Warwick

Restitution

11st 7lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Displayed huge improvement when sauntering to 12l win at Doncaster (2m, good) in December and put two lesser efforts behind him when staying-on third at Wincanton (2m5f, good to soft) last month; still unexposed over this trip and may benefit from the addition of cheekpieces.

6/1

3rd

3

16th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 82y

Class 3

14:25 Wincanton

Restitution

11st 13lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Alan King

Appeared to display huge improvement when sauntering to 12l win at Doncaster (2m, good) in December; subsequent defeat in major handicap is not viewed harshly but he looked out of sorts at Stratford last month and it's hard to know what to expect from him here.

20/1

Form: 4/4994

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Always towards rear when tried in cheekpieces two starts ago and was left behind when pace lifted in home straight here (2m4f; no headgear) last month; can't be supported with much confidence today but is now 12lb lower than when very respectable fourth at Taunton (2m3f, soft) in January.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

17th May 2023

Soft

2m 2f 110y

Class 4

14:05 Newton Abbot

The Pinkn

12st 0lb

J: Daniel Sansom

T: Seamus Mullins

Has struggled to find his best since returning from nearly two years away but last month's fourth at Wincanton, when not quite seeing out 2m5f+, was a definite step in the right direction; could well be involved.

9/1

4th

8

16th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 82y

Class 3

14:25 Wincanton

The Pinkn

11st 9lb

J: Daniel Sansom

T: Seamus Mullins

Always towards rear when tried in cheekpieces two starts ago and was left behind when pace lifted in home straight here (2m4f; no headgear) last month; can't be supported with much confidence today but is now 12lb lower than when very respectable fourth at Taunton (2m3f, soft) in January.

14/1

33/1

Form: 028628

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Seemed to give pretty good account when second of four in Fontwell maiden (2m5f, soft) last month but struggled when upped to 3m for handicap debut three weeks ago and is not the obvious answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 3

17:00 Cheltenham

Way Out

10st 13lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Anthony Charlton

On a good mark if able to rediscover his peak form but his debut for this yard was disappointing and that was back in August.

33/1

11th

9

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 3

17:00 Cheltenham

Way Out

10st 13lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Anthony Charlton

On a good mark if able to rediscover his peak form but his debut for this yard was disappointing and that was back in August.

33/1

5th

5

31st Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 2

15:55 Newton Abbot

Way Out

10st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Anthony Charlton

in touch with leaders, prominent before 3rd, mistake 4 out

10/1

Form: 2-84P2

Last run: 29 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Not yet fully exposed after only seven hurdle starts and bounced back from a poor performance with creditable run in defeat in good-quality Kempton handicap (2m5f, soft) last month; likely contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

26th Aug 2024

Soft

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

16:02 Cartmel

The Bomber Liston

11st 4lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Andrew Hamilton

prominent, went second after 6th, lost position 2 out, soon weakened

12/1

7th

2

27th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 5f 82y

Class 4

14:00 Wincanton

The Bomber Liston

11st 10lb

J: Miss Lily Jones

T: Nicky Henderson

Has yet to win a handicap but he's well treated on some efforts, notably a Kempton second (2m5f, soft) 12 months ago off a 12lb higher mark; stable still not out of the woods after their recent troubles but he's hard to discount.

8/1

5th

7

1st Mar 2024

Soft

2m 4f 118y

Class 4

13:50 Newbury

The Bomber Liston

11st 10lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Nicky Henderson

Kempton second (2m5f, soft) last March was one of his peak efforts; 10lb lower today, having failed to fire in the same way this season (over fences initially); back hurdling on last three starts, best of those on second occasion; place chance but others are more convincing for the win.

14/1

Form: 2-6413 BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Made all for ready maiden win at Exeter (2m, heavy) in January and was not discredited when third under penalty at Plumpton (2m4f, soft) last month; likely to encounter quicker ground on today's handicap debut but should have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

6th Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

15:05 Ffos Las

Hermes Du Gouet

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Performed poorly in handicap chases this season, blinkered on last two outings; easily his best run over fences came in a four-runner race (3m2f, heavy) last March and he's 11lb lower today, also dropped in class, but some recent positives would have been preferable.

16/1

7th

1

6th Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

15:05 Ffos Las

Hermes Du Gouet

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

disputed lead, led clearly before 5th, headed before 4 out, soon weakened

16/1

6th

6

20th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 100y

Class 4

15:15 Warwick

Hermes Du Gouet

11st 8lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Has performed poorly in 3m1f/2m4f handicap chases this season, latterly tried in the blinkers which are retained; easily his best run over fences came in a four-runner race; others are more compelling.

16/1

Form: 5-FFPP

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Scored off today's mark on last season's handicap debut (2m3f, soft) but fell at first fence in both chases in the autumn and was pulled up on both subsequent hurdling starts (3m2f/3m1f); may benefit from today's drop back in trip but it takes a leap of faith to support him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

1st Oct 2023

Yielding

2m 6f 180y

15:35 Killarney

The Street

12st 0lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: E McNamara

Chepstow handicap hurdle winner on soft ground for Emma Lavelle; lost his way subsequently and sold for 7,000 GBP; yard debut.

25/1

2

8th May 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:50 Worcester

The Street

11st 4lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Emma Lavelle

Well treated on 2m3f Chepstow win in February 2022 (soft) but had a terrible time over fences and hurdles since back from a break in November; now goes in cheekpieces after dropping right out at Wincanton recently.

14/1

8th

12

16th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 82y

Class 3

14:25 Wincanton

The Street

11st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Emma Lavelle

Scored off today's mark on last season's handicap debut (2m3f, soft) but fell at first fence in both chases in the autumn and was pulled up on both subsequent hurdling starts (3m2f/3m1f); may benefit from today's drop back in trip but it takes a leap of faith to support him.

14/1

Form: O0-P34

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Outran 40-1 odds when close third in competitive Pertemps qualifier at Huntingdon (3m1f, good to soft) in January but wasn't in same form when well-held fourth at Kempton (2m5f, good) the following month and has become a hard horse to predict.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

5

20th Sep 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

15:15 Listowel

Scarpia

11st 4lb

J: Conor McNamara

T: E McNamara

Three-time hurdle winner for Nicky Henderson including at Worcester over 2m7f when last seen in June; this is more competitive but could run well.

14/1

1st

3

15th Jun 2023

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 3

19:20 Worcester

Scarpia

11st 6lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Has a patchy record, with sole win in handicaps (ten attempts) coming over 3m1f on good at Plumpton in January 2022; creditable placings in two of his four starts this year, including when front-running at Huntingdon on latest; faces only four rivals and has tongue tied first time.

3/1

Form: -542P6

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Promising novice last season and seemingly boosted by addition of cheekpieces when making frame in two handicaps in December (2m/2m4f) but hasn't fired on either start this year; now has a point to prove; tongue-tie added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

16:22 Hexham

Hermes Boy

11st 10lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Russell Ross

A fair winning hurdler at 2m5f but he's offered little in two runs over fences this term, pulled up at Carlisle (2m4f) 24 days ago; others are much preferred.

20/1

5

17th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 210y

Class 4

16:30 Carlisle

Hermes Boy

11st 9lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Russell Ross

Won over hurdles for Jane Williams last February but struggled on final two runs for that yard and same story when back over fences at Ayr last month on his stable and seasonal debut; others have less to prove.

50/1

5

2nd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

13:10 Ayr

Hermes Boy

11st 8lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Russell Ross

Won over hurdles for Jane Williams last February; however, struggled on final two runs for that yard and he was pulled up in his sole chase in November 2023; sold for £2,000 last May; may be best watched on stable debut.

12/1

Form: 211585 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Enjoyed a mini revival and won twice towards end of last year (2m3f/2m4f) but seems to have gone off the boil again since, and was beaten about 47l when fifth here (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

19th Aug 2023

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

19:30 Market Rasen

Locks Corner

11st 13lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Won twice on slow ground over hurdles (2m3f/2m4f) towards the end of last year but he has a mixed record since; perked up with a fair third over C&D (good) in June but he failed to back that up at Worcester and others are preferred; cheekpieces reapplied.

12/1

6th

2

20th Jul 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

18:10 Worcester

Locks Corner

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

At least ran to his mark when 7l third at Market Rasen last time (3m, good), and the winner has completed a hat-trick since; cheekpieces deployed on all eight rules victories are still absent, however.

8/1

3rd

2

9th Jun 2023

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

15:20 Market Rasen

Locks Corner

11st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Back in the groove with two wins at the end of last year but seems to have returned to the doldrums since; well handicapped now but something to prove and cheekpieces worn in all wins under rules are missing.

9/1

Form: -P1866

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Well beaten on first two starts for David Pipe and was just a respectable sixth at Newbury (2m4f, good) last month; continues to slip down the weights but has more to prove than several of these.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

4

16th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 82y

Class 3

14:25 Wincanton

Poseidon

11st 12lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: David Pipe

Well beaten on first two starts for David Pipe and was just a respectable sixth at Newbury (2m4f, good) last month; continues to slip down the weights but has more to prove than several of these.

20/1

6th

4

4th Mar 2023

Good

2m 4f 118y

Class 3

14:10 Newbury

Poseidon

11st 10lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: David Pipe

Won Taunton seller on final start for Gordon Elliott but out of his depth in 2m handicaps for new yard and has some stamina queries on form at about this trip nearly two years ago; reservations for now; tongue-tie added.

40/1

6th

2

21st Feb 2023

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 2

15:30 Taunton

Poseidon

11st 12lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Easily won a C&D seller (good) in December on final run for Gordon Elliott and it was a competitive handicap at Sandown (2m, soft) in which he was tailed off on last month's stable debut; back on better ground but it's hard to be overly confident after last time.

11/1

Form: 320-45 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Returned from long absence with heavy defeat over C&D in February but last month's Newbury fifth (2m4f, good) was a lot more encouraging; needs to take another step forward today but has become well handicapped on old form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

2nd Nov 2023

Soft

2m 2f 66y

12:55 Thurles

Umndeni

11st 12lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Cian Collins

jumped left on occasions, didn't always jump with fluency, led and pushed along briefly, soon clear, reduced lead when not fluent 8th, headed after 2 out, lost second and weakened home turn

14/1

5th

10

12th Oct 2023

Soft

2m 5f 150y

16:55 Tramore

Umndeni

11st 12lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Cian Collins

Three-time hurdle winner when trained in UK where he has finished a modest 3rd on three of his four chase starts; needs a return to form.

12/1

5th

4

23rd Sep 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:55 Listowel

Umndeni

12st 0lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Cian Michael Collins

pressed leader, weakened before last (usual 2 out)

25/1

Form: 6P3415

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Came good over hurdles at ninth attempt, with easy win in modest event at Catterick (2m3f, good) in February, but was safely held under penalty at Fontwell a few days later and, on balance, others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

9th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 4

13:50 Huntingdon

Lifetime Legend

10st 6lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

in touch with leaders

20/1

13

9th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 4

13:50 Huntingdon

Lifetime Legend

10st 6lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

in touch with leaders

20/1

Non-runners

Umndeni

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £26.30
Straight Forecast £26.98
Tricast £296.97
Trifecta £731.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

El Muchacho

D Express:

Umndeni

Daily Record:

Hermes Du Gouet

WEST COUNTRY:

Hermes Boy

The Guardian:

Buckhorn Rocco

Telegraph:

The Bomber Liston

The Sun:

Lifetime Legend

LAMBOURN:

Scarpia

TOPSPEED:

The Pink'n

RP Ratings:

El Muchacho

POSTDATA:

El Muchacho

The Times:

El Muchacho

Daily Mirror:

El Muchacho

The Star:

Umndeni