August 28 / 15.30 Cartmel

15.30

Soft

EWGA Handicap Hurdle (Div I)

  • Prize money: £3775.91
  • 2m 6f 31y
  • Class 5
  • 11 runners
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EWGA Handicap Hurdle (Div I)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

11/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.60

Form: F66U5- BF

Last run: 168 days

W: 10st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Has been in plenty of yards and only hurdle win came in a Stratford seller nearly two years ago; unplaced in three outings for Neil Mulholland last season and bought for £1,500 in May; would barely merit a second glance but represents a trainer who resumed normal service here on Saturday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 5

19:38 Cartmel

Secret Secret

11st 11lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Three course wins over 2m6f; below par in two races before finishing fifth behind Evenwood Sonofagun here on Monday; has to step up.

10/1

5th

1

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:13 Cartmel

Secret Secret

12st 0lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Gained three of his five hurdling wins over C&D; would appeal more on ground slower than good but last month's low-key reappearance run ought to have teed him up for this return to Cartmel; no surprise if he features.

4/1

9th

11

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

14:30 Kelso

Secret Secret

11st 2lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Won here in 2023 but probably better known as a Cartmel regular now (gained last two wins there); off since a poor run in November and might be of greater interest when back at Cartmel and with this outing behind him.

16/1

7/4

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 0P-611

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Unbeaten in two starts for James Owen, a Southwell hurdle (won easily) and a Worcester chase (had plenty in hand); both on officially good ground but it looked softer at Worcester; up another 10lb but no telling how much he may still have in reserve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 107y

Class 3

15:55 Cartmel

My Gift To You

12st 0lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Resumed winning ways after six months off in 4m1f hunter chase at Warwick (good) 22 days ago; effective over this much shorter trip and this likeable front-runner is not out of things.

11/2

1st

2

1st May 2026

Good

4m 0f 218y

Class 4

19:25 Warwick

My Gift To You

12st 1lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: James Owen

Highly impressive 26 finishes in the first four (eight of them wins) from 30 rules/pointing runs for the Owens, with stamina proven up to 3m6f; all-the-way hurdles winner over 3m2f here just last autumn (good), and likelier than some to run his race.

7/1

OUR TIP

7/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 8-6P21

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Much improved on latest two starts; scrambled home from 13 rivals at Market Rasen last month for a first career success; 4lb higher mark of less concern than how he'll cope with likely softer ground but still in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

20th Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

17:15 Chepstow

Coal Fire

11st 1lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Won twice over hurdles in 2023 (July and October); missed 2024 and ran over fences on both starts for new yard this year, not disgraced on first occasion but tailed off on heavy latest; has a good mark if he's straight back to his peak returned to hurdles.

9/1

4th

4

25th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 5

14:45 Leicester

Coal Fire

11st 3lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Signs of retaining ability, while seeming to need the run, at Ludlow (3m) this month on stable/seasonal debut and second chase attempt; may step up on that effort; nicely handicapped on best hurdles form.

7/1

5th

8

5th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 5

14:45 Ludlow

Coal Fire

11st 2lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Pulled up in June 2023 on sole chase start and absent since that November; however, he's on a handy mark on his best hurdle form for Peter Bowen and he's one to watch in the betting on his stable debut.

11/1

Form: P-5848

Last run: 53 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Unplaced all starts and tailed off in the latest; cheekpieces will need to provide considerable assistance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

25th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

16:33 Kelso

Blame Rose

10st 9lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Susan Corbett

Last effort of note was when winning on heavy ground at Hexham (2m4f) just over a year ago; perhaps went off too fast there last time (especially over 2m7f; good to soft) but current wellbeing looks an issue.

12/1

5

25th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

16:33 Kelso

Blame Rose

10st 9lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Susan Corbett

Last effort of note was when winning on heavy ground at Hexham (2m4f) just over a year ago; perhaps went off too fast there last time (especially over 2m7f; good to soft) but current wellbeing looks an issue.

12/1

7th

3

3rd May 2025

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

20:10 Hexham

Blame Rose

11st 6lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Susan Corbett

Won a 2m4f handicap here last April but things have fallen apart in just three runs since (form figures of U0P); showed signs of being in season when pulled up at Newcastle last month but she still has stamina to prove at this trip and both wins have been in the mud; down the list.

9/1

Form: 3495-9

Last run: 64 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Only had one behind him at Hexham in June but beaten less than ten lengths and 2m on good ground probably an inadequate test now; on a tempting mark and cheekpieces (won on the Flat only previous attempt in them) return; has a better chance than the form figures would suggest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

26th Aug 2024

Soft

3m 1f 83y

Class 5

15:27 Cartmel

Joie De Vivre

10st 13lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Martin Todhunter

Reliable 9yo who won at Sedgefield (2m5f, soft) in November and ran respectably on most recent start when a 13l fourth of nine here (2m6f, good; reapplied visor, retained) in June, shaping as though she'd be worth a try over this longer trip; needs considering off 2lb lower.

7/1

4th

6

28th Jun 2024

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:30 Cartmel

Joie De Vivre

11st 3lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Martin Todhunter

Did pretty well to score at Sedgefield (2m5f, soft) in November, having been hampered by You Some Girl's penultimate-flight fall, and is only 2lb higher here; also suited by good ground but has a point to prove after last month's poor Flat run.

8/1

9th

3

(9)

24th May 2024

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 5

19:15 Pontefract

Joie De Vivre

9st 8lb

J: David Nolan

T: Martin Todhunter

dwelt start, in rear throughout

3/1

Form: 48-513 CD

Last run: 57 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Off the mark over C&D in May (well backed) and seemed to find extended 3m1f too far when third here next time; should again run well but this is a much hotter contest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

3rd Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

16:55 Perth

Strike Of Lighting

10st 6lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: George Bewley

Now only 1lb higher than when winning at Cartmel (2m6f, good) in spring 2023 and made quite encouraging return from 575-day absence in C&D race won by Man Of Action in June, albeit looking held before falling heavily at the final flight; not ruled out.

16/1

10

8th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:07 Perth

Strike Of Lighting

10st 5lb

J: Edward Austin

T: George Bewley

Registered sole win at Cartmel (2m6f) two years ago; returns from 19-month absence; the betting may prove best guide to expectations.

25/1

Form: 0P0/04

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Out of his depth in a C&D novice last month and his previous effort at Down Royal was the only time he hasn't been tailed off; hard to fashion much of a case on that basis but possibly worth a market glance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

27th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 7f 0y

16:10 Punchestown

Thats Me Finished

11st 1lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: Noel C Kelly

Hadn't shown much form over hurdles or fences until landing 2m5f Sligo handicap in August, appreciating soft ground when coming from off the pace; absent since but goes well fresh and conditions to suit off 7lb higher.

10/1

1st

17

27th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 7f 0y

16:10 Punchestown

Thats Me Finished

11st 1lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: Noel C Kelly

Hadn't shown much form over hurdles or fences until landing 2m5f Sligo handicap in August, appreciating soft ground when coming from off the pace; absent since but goes well fresh and conditions to suit off 7lb higher.

10/1

1st

18

21st Aug 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 141y

18:40 Sligo

Thats Me Finished

10st 13lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: Noel C Kelly

Third reserve; hasn't shown much form over hurdles or fences but yard is going well so not ruled out.

Form: 643-31

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Two starts for this yard; third in a C&D maiden in June and then showed plenty of grit to win narrowly at Perth this month; only 3lb higher and another well worth throwing into the ring.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

13th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:55 Perth

Prince Nino

10st 3lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Dual C&D winner in 2023 and is considerably lower in the weights now; raced lazily, tailed off, in a division of this last year (good; 5-1); missing from action since so it's tough to know how he'll fare; market check advised.

25/1

8th

9

14th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

20:30 Perth

Prince Nino

10st 4lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Went close at Newcastle in January, but hasn't performed to the same level on his four runs since and his losing sequence continues.

20/1

Form: /8/341

Last run: 40 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Third start back from a long absence when scoring over 2m4f at Uttoxeter last month; form of that race might be suspect but he may well be capable of better and he's only 4lb higher; acts on soft and in the shake-up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

3

10th Oct 2023

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

15:45 Huntingdon

Sir Canford

11st 9lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Dr Richard Newland

Kept on resolutely to open hurdling account at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in July, his third start for Richard Newland; only 1lb higher now but form has dipped alarmingly since; headgear switched in bid to perk him up.

20/1

0

4

24th Sep 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 114y

Class 5

15:10 Plumpton

Sir Canford

11st 9lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Dr Richard Newland

Ground it out at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in July on his third run back from a long absence and it could be that Cartmel never suited a month ago; only 4lb higher than for that recent win, but others may have more up their sleeves.

10/1

9th

1

28th Aug 2023

Soft

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

15:30 Cartmel

Sir Canford

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Dr Richard Newland

Third start back from a long absence when scoring over 2m4f at Uttoxeter last month; form of that race might be suspect but he may well be capable of better and he's only 4lb higher; acts on soft and in the shake-up.

10/1

Form: -43261 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Off the mark over hurdles at the 12th attempt (but only second outing for Gary Hanmer) in emphatic style at Bangor this month (2m7f, well backed); up 8lb but that's fair given the manner of her win; major player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

7th Sep 2024

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 5

17:20 Stratford

Camillas Choice

10st 2lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Gary Hanmer

held up in rear, not fluent 10th, unseated 12th

25/1

9

20th Jul 2024

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 5

14:15 Cartmel

Camillas Choice

10st 13lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Gary Hanmer

Mainly out of form since winning 2m7f handicap hurdle at Bangor in August 2023 (good); two fair runs over fences last summer (has won a point); hard to fancy.

20/1

10

28th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 5

21:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Camillas Choice

10st 12lb

J: Kai Lenihan

T: Gary Hanmer

C&D winner last August (good) on second run for this yard but no sign of that form for a while now.

14/1

Form: 33-764

Last run: 64 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Beaten ten lengths or less in latest three starts, including behind Strike Of Lightning over C&D in May; career record is 1-56, however.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

18th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 5

13:15 Stratford

Coup De Gold

10st 9lb

J: Miss Eleanor Williams

T: Evan Williams

Made the frame twice in the spring (2m4f/2m5f) but was well beaten at Cartmel three months ago with no obvious excuse; just two wins from 45 attempts over hurdles and he's fully exposed.

10/1

8

21st Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:42 Cartmel

Coup De Gold

10st 9lb

J: Miss Eleanor Williams

T: Evan Williams

Has very modest 2-44 strike-rate over hurdles but made the frame on both starts in the spring (2m4f/2m5f) and is suited by this C&D; won't mind what the weather does; probably won't be far away.

6/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £12.00
Straight Forecast £9.45
Tricast £30.43
Trifecta £51.00

Selections

The Times:

My Gift To You

Daily Mail:

Coal Fire

SPOTLIGHT:

Camilla's Choice

POSTDATA:

Secret Secret

RP RATINGS:

Coup De Gold

Daily Record:

Coal Fire

D Express:

My Gift To You

Daily Mirror:

My Gift To You

The Sun:

My Gift To You

Telegraph:

Camilla's Choice

The Star:

Secret Secret

The Guardian:

Coup De Gold