May 06 / 20.40 Hexham

20.40

Good To Soft

Langley Castle An Outstanding Small Hotel Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £7736.66
  • 2m 0f 48y
  • Class 3
  • 10 runners
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Langley Castle An Outstanding Small Hotel Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

9/4 (Won)

  • Win: £3.50
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 1/811- D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Progressing well of late, winning at Doncaster (2m3f, good) and Newcastle (2m1f, heavy); nudged up another 4lb but open to further improvement and may well complete a hat-trick.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

15th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

18:20 Aintree

Fingals Hill

11st 5lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Peter Atkinson

5lb higher than when a 6l winner of this last year, beating Ike Sport; returns on the back of two solid efforts at Newcastle; chance.

6/1

2nd

1

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 3

16:00 Newcastle

Fingals Hill

12st 0lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Peter Atkinson

This race was one of the three he won last season, all of them on good or good to soft at this trip; on his last winning mark and, after his running-on second over 2m1f here last time, should go well again.

2/1

2nd

1

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 3

16:00 Newcastle

Fingals Hill

12st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Peter Atkinson

Won back to back at Aintree & Hexham (both 2m4f) last summer, rising to a career-high mark of 134; kicked off 2026 with a solid effort at Doncaster (2m4f, soft; runner-up) and he's capable of bouncing back from a lesser effort at Kelso since.

5/1

10/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: 31375- CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Dual 2m novice hurdle winner (including here); hasn't built on those wins as expected, although he might have needed the run (first for over six months) when 20l fifth of seven at Newcastle three weeks ago; one of two runners for Rebecca Menzies.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

24th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

3m 1f 71y

Class 4

12:05 Catterick

Onward Route

11st 7lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Rebecca Menzies

held up in rear, steady headway on outer from 8th, not fluent last (usual 2 out), ridden and stayed on run-in, led towards finish, won going away

12/1

4th

3

27th Sep 2023

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

14:55 Perth

Onward Route

11st 10lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Below form when tried in cheekpieces last month but quickly back on track with keeping-on fifth at Hexham (2m4f, good; behind City Derby) three weeks ago; versatile regarding ground and recent 2lb drop helps; no surprise if he features.

10/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: /1114- D

Last run: 43 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Improver of late both on the Flat and over hurdles, winning five races in total between December and March; a fourth place at Musselburgh last time (2m1f, good to soft) came in a warm contest and he's one to take seriously in these shallower waters.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

4th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 156y

Class 4

14:10 Catterick

Russian Virtue

11st 7lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: David Thompson

8-59, although his last win came in a two-runner affair at Carlisle (2m1f; 2-5 favourite; all out) in December 2023; latest Carlisle sixth (beaten 15l; 50-1) not overly inspiring; others more obvious.

10/1

6th

7

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Carlisle

Russian Virtue

11st 7lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: David Thompson

Has won six times over hurdles, the latest a two-runner affair over C&D (good to soft) in December 2023; a couple of fair runs for this yard last year but pulled up when last seen out in January (reportedly never travelling); others appeal more.

20/1

4

25th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 4

15:10 Sedgefield

Russian Virtue

11st 5lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: David Thompson

On a long losing spell and form figures of 246 this term reflect that a turnaround of sorts is required; admittedly appears well treated if that resurgence materialises, being 7lb below last winning mark.

16/1

Form: 115P0- CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Productive in 2022, winning five times from 2m to 2m4f; ended last season in a lull and needs to rediscover his spark, but returning to Hexham (3-3 here) could be just what he needs; not dismissed lightly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

12

19th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

20:20 Hexham

Well Educated

10st 12lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

Four-time winner here, two over C&D on good ground (handles soft); undoubtedly on a dangerous mark but latest two efforts have been underwhelming and he needs to turn things around; safer to look elsewhere on recent form.

33/1

9

25th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

15:20 Kelso

Well Educated

11st 4lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

Four of his seven wins have been at Hexham; latest win (May 2024) was over this C&D (good to soft) when 13lb higher; mainly disappointing since then, but on a good mark now.

14/1

11

24th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

15:08 Perth

Well Educated

11st 1lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

Didn't run badly when fifth of nine at Cartmel (2m1f, good) last month and will be fine over today's longer trip but is on the downgrade now and needs a boost from the refitted cheekpieces today.

20/1

Form: 65637- D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 9lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Veteran; last success came in December 2020; now 25lb lower but he was last of the seven finishers at Carlisle (four wins there) four weeks ago and this trip is probably on the sharp side for him as well; cheekpieces on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

1st Jun 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

16:15 Hexham

Captain Zebo

12st 2lb

J: Mr John Dixon

T: John Dixon

Goes well here as both a C&D winner and also a winner over 2m4f last time out; 3lb rise and the return to shorter will be a test for him but he's shown before that he can string a series of wins together.

100/30

1st

1

11th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

17:45 Hexham

Captain Zebo

12st 0lb

J: Mr John Dixon

T: John Dixon

made virtually all, jumped badly right 5th, briefly headed 6th

16/1

1st

1

11th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

17:45 Hexham

Captain Zebo

12st 0lb

J: Mr John Dixon

T: John Dixon

made virtually all

16/1

Form: /2521- D

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Off mark at eighth attempt under rules when justifying favouritism in Taunton maiden (2m, heavy) in March; may need some improvement as he moves into handicaps but he's relatively low-mileage and commands respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

5th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

19:17 Hereford

Donnie Azoff

11st 13lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Five-time hurdle winner, including over 2m5f here in October when ridden by Isabelle Ryder, form which gives him a solid chance; beaten 35l at Fontwell (2m3f, good to soft) in November and needs to bounce back but he's won off a similar break in the past.

7/1

3

13th Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 163y

Class 4

16:15 Hereford

Donnie Azoff

11st 11lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Knows how to win and was close up in a Class 3 handicap last time at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) which was bordering on his best form; every chance.

15/8

3rd

9

11th Sep 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

18:05 Uttoxeter

Donnie Azoff

11st 3lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

C&D winner in May (2m4f, good) when back from a winter break; lesser efforts the last twice and looks the stable second string.

20/1

Form: /0P77- D

Last run: 21 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Useful at his best in Ireland for Joseph O'Brien but has beaten just one rival in four outings for current yard; carries obvious risks but his mark is in freefall and he's not one to give up on just yet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

2nd Jul 2023

Good To Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 2

14:40 Cartmel

Band Of Outlaws

10st 6lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

in touch with leaders

12/1

3

20th May 2023

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

14:45 Bangor-on-Dee

Band Of Outlaws

11st 12lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Beat one rival in first four starts for this stable but was still sent off favourite at Hexham two weeks ago; didn't look very keen in finishing seventh there and cheekpieces now replaced by first-time visor; nothing like the force of old but trainer in blazing form, which counts.

6/1

7th

1

6th May 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 3

20:40 Hexham

Band Of Outlaws

12st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Ben Haslam

Useful at his best in Ireland for Joseph O'Brien but has beaten just one rival in four outings for current yard; carries obvious risks but his mark is in freefall and he's not one to give up on just yet.

12/1

Form: 29505- D

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in a Kelso chase last autumn but has suffered heavy defeats in four runs since; falling in the weights but excuses are wearing thin.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19

16th Nov 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 50y

12:15 Navan

Gladiatorial

11st 1lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: Noel C Kelly

Looked booked for second when presented with victory by the faller of the leader at the last in a handicap chase at Sligo last month; well beaten in a handicap hurdle at the same venue last time; a long time since he won over hurdles.

25/1

Form: 21192- CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 4lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Durable 11yo with seven wins to his name, the latest at Carlisle (2m1f, good to soft; good course record) in February; again ran well there when last seen four weeks ago and he could be in the money once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

11th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

17:45 Hexham

Applaus

10st 6lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

prominent early, in touch with leaders before 3rd

25/1

11

11th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

17:45 Hexham

Applaus

10st 6lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

prominent early, in touch with leaders before 3rd, lost position and pushed along briefly 4th, reminders after 6th

25/1

6th

6

30th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

13:55 Carlisle

Applaus

11st 1lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Micky Hammond

Dual C&D winner last season (soft/good to soft), and was placed off 10lb higher on the outer track here (2m1f, soft) in November; impossible to rule out but has become unreliable and was safely held here twice last month.

25/1

Form: 64U28- D

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
May not have stayed 2m3f in the mud on his most recent outing and he comes into the reckoning on his close second to Applaus at Carlisle (2m1f, good to soft) the time before; could have a say.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

14:10 Cartmel

Vocal Duke

10st 11lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: James Moffatt

Regressive 9yo but ran okay in this new headgear combination last time when rallying into fifth, finishing behind Mojo Ego and Heart Above; that's something to build on; Alan Doyle claimed 5lb that day but can't now.

8/1

9

21st Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

13:42 Cartmel

Vocal Duke

10st 11lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: James Moffatt

Regressive 9yo who is yet to add to his C&D win in June 2022; ran well for a long way when placed at Hexham (2m, good to soft) last month but was soundly beaten here a fortnight later; cheekpieces refitted today.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £24.50
Straight Forecast £24.74
Tricast £251.83
Trifecta £229.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Fingal's Hill

LAMBOURN:

Donnie Azoff

D Express:

Russian Virtue

POSTDATA:

Onward Route

TOPSPEED:

Captain Zebo

The Guardian:

Applaus

RP RATINGS:

Fingal's Hill

The Times:

Fingal's Hill

Telegraph:

Fingal's Hill

Daily Mail:

Fingal's Hill

Daily Mirror:

Fingal's Hill

The Sun:

Fingal's Hill

The Star:

Donnie Azoff

Daily Record:

Donnie Azoff