September 23 / 16.25 Newbury

16.25

Heavy

Conundrum Consulting Handicap

  • Prize money: £10800
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
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Conundrum Consulting Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 269213 D

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Has form figures of 213 (all on good to soft) since returned to 7f, creditable third in Class 2 at Chepstow most recently; may still have more to offer at this distance; solid chance back down in grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(16)

26th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

16:25 Doncaster

Pearle Dor

9st 5lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Usually travels strongly; 0-6 this season, coming from the back again for creditable minor honours over 7f on heavy ground at Leicester and Newbury (yesterday) in his two starts this autumn; he's the sort who needs things to drop right but more than capable off this mark if they do.

10/1

3rd

4

(7)

25th Oct 2024

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:51 Newbury

Pearle Dor

9st 11lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

0-5 this season and beaten favourite at Leicester most recently but ran encouragingly and ties in with Executive Decision on that effort; C&D winner (off 3lb lower) on heavy ground last autumn and enters calculations.

5/1

4th

3

(9)

15th Oct 2024

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:03 Leicester

Pearle Dor

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Last win came over 7f on heavy at Newbury 13 months ago when just 3lb lower; hasn't been running badly during a light season on ground too fast; off since June and record fresh isn't the best, but he's strongly considered.

6/1

16/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: -13069 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Defied a 2lb higher mark in 3yo handicap over C&D (soft) in April; however, not in anything like the form since, including back here (good to soft) five weeks ago; major revival needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(10)

20th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 4f 0y

16:45 Leopardstown

Scholarship

8st 13lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Gerard O’Leary

midfield, keeping on when repeatedly short of room from over 1f out, ran on well and went second inside final 110yds, no match for winner

12/1

3

(5)

17th Oct 2024

Yielding

1m 2f 0y

15:35 Curragh

Scholarship

9st 9lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Gerard O’Leary

Only beaten half a length over C&D in June and bounced back from a lesser effort when runner-up over 1m4f at Listowel last month; drop back in trip on slower ground looks ideal and has to be high on the shortlist.

11/4

2nd

7

(3)

23rd Sep 2024

Good To Yielding

1m 4f 0y

16:20 Listowel

Scholarship

9st 2lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Gerard O’Leary

took keen hold, midfield, towards rear after 3f

8/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 1-4000 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Has posted three duck eggs since upped to 1m/1m2f; progressive form over 7f otherwise, most recently fourth in the Fred Darling here (soft) in April; interesting off current mark back down in trip/class.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(9)

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:50 Newmarket

Embrace

9st 3lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: George Boughey

Has raced mostly at 7f+ and was one of the first off the bridle in this race last year (soft) before reducing the deficit to about 4l behind Funny Story; retains ability for new yard but has plenty to find at the weights and she didn't run well at Ascot last week; now has cheekpieces added.

50/1

10th

2

(13)

5th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

16:10 Ascot

Embrace

9st 2lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: George Boughey

Just one win (in a Wolverhampton novice) from 11 attempts and below par in her two runs since joining George Boughey; hopes may be pinned on the addition of a tongue-strap.

20/1

7th

10

(2)

25th Aug 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Goodwood

Embrace

8st 11lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: George Boughey

Best form on soft/heavy; never dangerous in French Listed event on sole start this term (stable debut) but market support should be heeded on return from another break; good third off 3lb higher at Newbury (7f) on last handicap attempt.

16/1

5/1

Form: 4-3452 CD

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Has form on soft ground; creditable 1l second in first-time blinkers at Kempton (7f, AW) one month ago; major player off same mark in the retained headgear, especially being 1-1 here (debut win; rivals included a subsequent US Grade 1 scorer).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(10)

15th Nov 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:18 Newcastle (AW)

Razeyna

9st 10lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: William Haggas

Yet to win this year but she's tackled some stronger handicaps and she has shaped encouragingly the last twice; stiff 6f shouldn't hold any terrors and she has run well in both AW assignments; stable banging in the winners and she's of obvious interest.

3/1

5th

1

(1)

4th Nov 2023

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:02 Newmarket

Razeyna

9st 11lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

ducked right start, raced far side, towards rear

9/1

Form: 7-13

Last run: 145 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Both starts this term came over 1m in the spring, winning on AW then a tiring third on soft ground; had wind/gelding operations since; this drop back to 7f is worth exploring on handicap debut; unexposed sort from top stable and looks interesting on return to action.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(7)

25th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Pumalin Park

9st 11lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Sir Michael Stoute

Only 2lb higher than for his Salisbury win (7f, good to firm) in July; held his form since and he has the assistance of a useful claimer in the saddle; each-way shout.

9/1

6th

9

(12)

6th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 212y

Class 3

16:20 Haydock

Pumalin Park

9st 7lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Sir Michael Stoute

Hasn't really kicked on from his 7f win at Salisbury in June but has posted some fair efforts; in top hands and this lightly raced 4yo may be able to take a sizeable step forward at some stage.

7/1

4th

4

(3)

2nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

18:18 Newmarket (July)

Pumalin Park

9st 6lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Sir Michael Stoute

Recorded his second win when scoring at Salisbury (7f, good to firm) in June and was a good second at Kempton next time; didn't fire at Ripon 13 days ago but that was on slow ground and he could resume his progress here; in the mix.

5/1

Form: 215473 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Acts on any ground; better than ever this term, at the age of eight; creditable third at Goodwood (6f) most recently; made the frame in the last two runnings of this race and should go well again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(5)

10th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:00 Salisbury

Spanish Star

9st 2lb

J: David Probert

T: Patrick Chamings

Veteran who is on a two-year losing spell and whose current mark reflects a general decline in his form; last of five in latest outing and difficult to support with confidence.

12/1

3

(3)

31st May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:40 Lingfield

Spanish Star

9st 6lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Patrick Chamings

Veteran who ran a cracker at Newbury on his seasonal debut last April when rated 18lb higher; levelled off afterwards and this year's return to action at Ascot three weeks ago was underwhelming; too low a mark to discount now though.

6/1

3

(3)

31st May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:40 Lingfield

Spanish Star

9st 6lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Patrick Chamings

Veteran who ran a cracker at Newbury on his seasonal debut last April when rated 18lb higher; levelled off afterwards and this year's return to action at Ascot three weeks ago was underwhelming; too low a mark to discount now though.

6/1

OUR TIP
7th
3 (3)
Hodler

15/2

Form: 771086 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent this season but has form figures of 121 when racing over 7f on soft going, most recently winning off 3lb lower at Chester in May; one to consider granted such ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(2)

21st May 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:40 Kempton (AW)

Hodler

9st 5lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Jim Boyle

Was having just his second start over 1m+ when running only okay at his favourite venue Epsom 29 days ago and he's towards the foot of the list in trying to capitalise on a lower AW mark here; trainer won this race last year.

14/1

7

(2)

21st May 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:40 Kempton (AW)

Hodler

9st 5lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Jim Boyle

Was having just his second start over 1m+ when running only okay at his favourite venue Epsom 29 days ago and he's towards the foot of the list in trying to capitalise on a lower AW mark here; trainer won this race last year.

14/1

6th

3

(3)

22nd Apr 2025

Good

1m 0f 113y

Class 4

17:00 Epsom

Hodler

9st 5lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Jim Boyle

Has done all his winning over 7f but gives the impression this return to further is worth exploring; suited by Epsom (dual course scorer) and has defied higher marks; possibilities back here.

8/1

Form: 2930

Last run: 56 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Not totally solid as something has looked amiss in two of his four outings; however, provided all is well he's a possible improver returned to the scene of his promising debut (7f, good).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

(5)

23rd Sep 2023

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Newbury

Chelsea Square

8st 9lb

J: Laura Pearson

T: Ralph Beckett

towards rear

20/1

16th

3

(13)

29th Jul 2023

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:45 York

Chelsea Square

9st 6lb

J: Andrea Atzeni

T: Ralph Beckett

Hasn't built on the promise of debut second at Newbury (7f, good) in May in two subsequent outings (bled and reported to have been unsuited by quick ground on first occasion) but retains potential now handicapping; yard in very good form; interesting contender.

5/1

Form: 4-3088 CD

Last run: 84 days

W: 9st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft; far from solid on 2023 form and failed to beat a rival the last twice; three-time winner at Newbury and has possibilities off current mark provided he's back on song after 84-day break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(7)

20th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Marshal Dan

9st 8lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Heather Main

steadied start, in rear

14/1

10th

9

(9)

9th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Marshal Dan

9st 4lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Heather Main

keen to post, in touch with leaders

16/1

7th

1

(16)

4th Nov 2023

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:57 Newmarket

Marshal Dan

10st 0lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Heather Main

Finished third of 15 in the 2018 running; has had a stop-start year but testing conditions suit and he looked in good form when a ready winner from Hodler at Leicester 18 days ago (7f, soft; first-time cheekpieces, retained); back up 5lb; one of the more likely ones.

8/1

Form: 793202 BF

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Acts on good to soft; novice winner last year; placed off this mark in three of his four runs since being gelded, including silver medals at this course (7f) and Chester (6f); threatening to record a first handicap success and warrants respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(8)

10th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Captain Cuddles

9st 10lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Fionn McSharry

Ex-Richard Hannon; not at his best this year and although well handicapped as a result, has plenty to find on recent efforts; tongue-tie now tried.

20/1

8th

8

(11)

17th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

15:07 Doncaster

Captain Cuddles

9st 2lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Fionn McSharry

6f novice winner for Richard Hannon in July 2022 (good to firm); has not shown a great deal lately but is on a career-low mark as a result.

40/1

11th
11 (11)
Ben Hamrash

7/1

Form: 043121 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Improving steadily; justified favouritism in three-runner event at Ffos Las (7.4f, soft) most recently; now goes into deeper waters but receives weight all round and may not have reached his ceiling yet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(8)

11th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

1m 0f 75y

Class 4

16:22 Nottingham

Ben Hamrash

9st 4lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Ed Walker

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, lost position 3f out, no impression from over 1f out, kept on

8/1

11th

11

(11)

23rd Sep 2023

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Newbury

Ben Hamrash

8st 8lb

J: Sam Hitchcott

T: Ed Walker

in touch with leaders

7/1

1st

3

(1)

16th Aug 2023

Heavy

0m 7f 80y

Class 5

18:50 Ffos Las

Ben Hamrash

9st 4lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Ed Walker

Has form figures of 312 since switched to handicaps this summer and that latest second was a close call behind Overnight Oats at Sandown (first two clear) three weeks ago over 7f on good for turf debut; 1lb better off with his old rival here and should make another bold bid.

6/4

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £45.30
Straight Forecast £42.37
Tricast £249.32
Trifecta £353.30

Selections

The Guardian:

Pearle D'or

RP RATINGS:

Hodler

SPOTLIGHT:

Razeyna

The Times:

Ben Hamrash

LAMBOURN:

Embrace

NEWMARKET:

Pumalin Park

Telegraph:

Captain Cuddles

TOPSPEED:

Spanish Star

Daily Record:

Ben Hamrash

The Sun:

Pearle D'or

The Star:

Pearle D'or

D Express:

Hodler

Daily Mirror:

Hodler

POSTDATA:

Razeyna

Daily Mail:

Razeyna