August 04 / 15.20 Bangor-on-Dee

15.20

Good

Close Brothers Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5281
  • 2m 3f 123y
  • Class 4
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
Close Brothers Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.20
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 1347-3 D

Last run: 79 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Second start after a break when third at Worcester in May; repeat of that puts him firmly in the picture and wind surgery since may also have positive effect; one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

17th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

19:01 Uttoxeter

Buckos Boy

11st 12lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Jamie Snowden

Returned from layoff with comfortable win at Worcester (2m7f, good) last June and made the frame on his next three outings (twice over C&D); returns from latest absence on career-high mark but good 3lb claimer Joe Anderson is enlisted; no surprise if he features.

11/4

3

17th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

19:01 Uttoxeter

Buckos Boy

11st 12lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Jamie Snowden

Returned from layoff with comfortable win at Worcester (2m7f, good) last June and made the frame on his next three outings (twice over C&D); returns from latest absence on career-high mark but good 3lb claimer Joe Anderson is enlisted; no surprise if he features.

11/4

2nd

2

6th Sep 2024

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 2

16:30 Bangor-on-Dee

Buckos Boy

11st 11lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Returned from break with a win at Worcester (2m7f, good) in June and he's been a fair fourth off this 7lb higher mark at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good to soft/good) the last twice; has won here and could be thereabouts.

7/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 35-5F4 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Consistent and would have gone close at Southwell two starts ago but for falling; 1-17 in career and beaten favourite in five of his last six races so proving expensive to follow.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

12th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

16:40 Southwell

Presenting Pete

11st 2lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: John Mackie

towards rear, in touch with leaders 6th, outpaced when left in third 2 out, no impression approaching last, no match for first two

10/1

3rd

6

12th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

16:40 Southwell

Presenting Pete

11st 2lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: John Mackie

towards rear, in touch with leaders 6th

10/1

3

17th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 51y

Class 5

13:30 Catterick

Presenting Pete

11st 9lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: John Mackie

0-4 over fences but now 4lb lower than when clear second on chasing debut at Sedgefield (2m5f, good to soft) in October and certainly didn't run badly when fifth at Doncaster (2m3f, good) last month; drops in grade today; must be considered.

7/1

20/1

  • Place: £4.40

Form: P0-436 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Five wins last year but, apart from a Hexham fourth three starts ago, has rather struggled since the last of those, ten months ago; two heavy defeats since but perhaps cheekpieces (gained first success only time they have been tried) will perk him up.
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

Form: -32122

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Progressive and consistent in recent starts and unfortunate to be collared on the line at Market Rasen 13 days ago; only 1-18 and now 14lb above his winning mark while this represents a rise in class; often leads.
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: 0653-5

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
All wins at shorter but not beaten far at all when fifth over this trip (first attempt over it) at Aintree in May; this is slightly easier than the company he usually keeps and not discounted after wind surgery.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

15th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 5

14:50 Musselburgh

Inca Prince

12st 0lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Ruth Jefferson

Has failed to show peak form since returning from long layoff but has done enough to suggest he's interesting off current mark dropped in grade and belatedly returned to Musselburgh; dual course winner as a youngster.

7/2

3rd

7

25th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 4

15:10 Sedgefield

Inca Prince

10st 13lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Ruth Jefferson

No win since his juvenile campaign; long absence prior to two efforts this term, seeming to need July run then faring better in October; still needs to prove he retains peak ability but market support should be noted.

9/2

4th

4

25th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

15:20 Kelso

Inca Prince

11st 9lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Ruth Jefferson

Won three races in his first season over hurdles; not scored since, although fair second in a Perth handicap in September 2023 (2m, soft); had a long break after that and was well beaten on his return; should fare better this time.

10/1

Form: 4/121-

Last run: 419 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Absent since scrambling home in a Worcester handicap (five ran) 14 months ago; unlikely to fail through lack of fitness and may well have more to offer as a hurdler but not bred to stay this trip so bit to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

9

27th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 2

17:45 Market Rasen

Oslo

10st 12lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Seemingly aided by new tongue-tie since the summer, most notably when keeping on well to score at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) 11 days ago; also suited by 2m but recent 5lb rise might leave him vulnerable in this competitive race.

9/1

3

16th Sep 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

16:10 Uttoxeter

Oslo

12st 0lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Posted sound effort when second at Worcester (2m4f, good) last month but has modest strike-rate in recent years and probably won't be favoured by the forecast rain here; others have more pressing claims.

8/1

2

31st Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Worcester

Oslo

11st 13lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Hasn't threatened on the Flat on last two starts but this course winner didn't run badly when mid-division in a higher grade than this over hurdles at Market Rasen (2m, good) last month and today's step back up in trip is well worth a go for one who stays 1m6f on the Flat; interesting.

11/1

Form: 35-9F8

Last run: 19 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Won four in a row for Alan King last spring but 0-6 for current yard; ran well until falling two starts ago but well beaten latest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 53487- D

Last run: 153 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Two chase wins last autumn but not much since and tailed off over hurdles on latest start in March; Brian Hughes looks elsewhere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

23rd Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

12:30 Market Rasen

Minella Plus

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

disputed lead, led after 1st

8/1

5th

6

11th Oct 2023

Good

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

14:10 Ludlow

Minella Plus

11st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Donald McCain

in touch with leaders

10/1

6th

2

6th Sep 2023

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

18:18 Hexham

Minella Plus

11st 12lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Best effort for some time when third at Bangor last month and may be able to build on that; five career wins have come in fields of six or fewer but too well handicapped now to be dismissed.

5/2

OUR TIP

Form: 375-24

Last run: 73 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Both wins gained in novice races last summer but was narrowly beaten in a Hexham handicap two starts ago and again ran well when fourth over this trip at the same track in May; has won after a break and chance may depend on effect of first-time cheekpieces.
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

Form: 3P-35P

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Close third over similar trip at Market Rasen in May, after a break, but not so good twice since; pulled up in cheekpieces latest and blinkers now tried; on a good mark now but more to prove than some of these.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

4th Aug 2023

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 4

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Let Me Be

11st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Dr Richard Newland

Close third over similar trip at Market Rasen in May, after a break, but not so good twice since; pulled up in cheekpieces latest and blinkers now tried; on a good mark now but more to prove than some of these.

12/1

2

26th Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

17:00 Southwell

Let Me Be

11st 12lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland

prominent

7/1

Form: 2-112 BF

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Two novice wins but beaten favourite on handicap debut in June; all hurdle form over 2m but won an Irish point and the handicap defeat suggested he may need a step up in trip; live claims if that's the case.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

7

4th Aug 2023

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 4

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Clody Flyer

11st 3lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Two novice wins but beaten favourite on handicap debut in June; all hurdle form over 2m but won an Irish point and the handicap defeat suggested he may need a step up in trip; live claims if that's the case.

3/1

2nd

2

26th Jun 2023

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

16:00 Southwell

Clody Flyer

11st 5lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Irish point winner; had little to beat at Kelso last month (2m, good to firm) but his earlier hurdle win has some merit (two subsequent winners behind); opening mark looks reasonable and not hard to envisage him adding another success.

5/4

1st

1

28th May 2023

Good To Firm

2m 0f 51y

Class 3

14:30 Kelso

Clody Flyer

11st 8lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

made all

1/6

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £47.50
Straight Forecast £38.59
Tricast £499.32
Trifecta £536.50

Selections

Telegraph:

Clody Flyer

SPOTLIGHT:

Bucko's Boy

D Express:

Oslo

POSTDATA:

Lighthouse Mill

TOPSPEED:

Inca Prince

Daily Mail:

Onward Route

The Sun:

Clody Flyer

Daily Record:

Clody Flyer

The Times:

Lighthouse Mill

The Guardian:

Inca Prince

RP RATINGS:

Bucko's Boy

LAMBOURN:

Bucko's Boy

Daily Mirror:

Oslo

The Star:

Oslo