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

3rd

17

(9)

7th Oct 2023

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Pearle D’or

8st 11lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: David O’Meara

In great form (on ground softer than good) since returned to 7f, notably for wins at this track and Newbury; however, the issues are a 6lb penalty and return to forecast faster surface; future mark is 2lb lower.

16/1

1st

5

(1)

23rd Sep 2023

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Newbury

Pearle D’or

9st 8lb

J: James Doyle

T: David O’Meara

in rear

4/1

3rd

11

(7)

10th Aug 2023

Soft

0m 7f 16y

Class 2

20:30 Chepstow

Pearle D’or

8st 3lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: David O’Meara

Close second at Ascot (7f) last month and was given well-judged ride from off the pace to go one better over same C&D (again on good to soft) a fortnight later; still quite lightly raced for his age and recent 3lb rise does not look excessive.

10/1

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

(7)

23rd Sep 2023

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Newbury

Scholarship

9st 5lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Clive Cox

towards rear

16/1

9th

12

(7)

19th Aug 2023

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newbury

Scholarship

8st 10lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Clive Cox

Yard won this with 3yos in 2020 and 2021; the return to Newbury could be a plus as he won in April (7f, soft) on his sole course visit; however, he's struggled on his three starts since and a major turnaround is needed in first-time blinkers (has worn cheekpieces the last twice).

11/1

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

6

(9)

11th Nov 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Newcastle (AW)

Embrace

9st 0lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Owen Burrows

Has work to do on these terms and was never in contention when dropped to 6f at Newmarket last month (soft) but had hinted earlier that a sprint trip wouldn't be a forlorn hope and the return to Tapeta is worth a go, having won impressively at Wolverhampton (7f) on final 2yo start.

10/1

8th

4

(12)

14th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

17:00 Newmarket

Embrace

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Owen Burrows

Has her quirks - she has hung left on occasions - and her overall profile is one of inconsistency; no denying she's talented though and the ease with which she travelled through a good 7f handicap (heavy) at Newbury three weeks ago bodes well for her claims now dropping to 6f; rain would aid her cause; interesting despite looking to face an uphill task at the weights.

16/1

3rd

2

(9)

23rd Sep 2023

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Newbury

Embrace

9st 12lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Owen Burrows

took keen hold, in touch with leaders

12/1

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

5th

8

(8)

23rd Sep 2023

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Newbury

Pumalin Park

9st 3lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Sir Michael Stoute

in rear

15/2

3rd

2

(8)

1st May 2023

Heavy

1m 0f 31y

Class 5

14:44 Windsor

Pumalin Park

9st 10lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Sir Michael Stoute

Too green to do himself justice in a 7f AW novice in October but he took a good step forward when comfortably seeing off his main market rival at Lingfield 13 days ago (1m); should have more to come but it will be needed if he is to defy a penalty on very different underfoot conditions.

7/4

1st

3

(1)

18th Apr 2023

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 5

15:10 Lingfield (AW)

Pumalin Park

9st 2lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Sir Michael Stoute

Not totally disgraced on debut in a race that has thrown up a couple of winners; needs to improve on that bare form but good chance he will, though pedigree suggests he'll be suited by middle distances.

11/2

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

6th

2

(10)

15th Oct 2023

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:00 Goodwood

Spanish Star

9st 10lb

J: David Probert

T: Patrick Chamings

dwelt start, bumped soon after start, midfield

6/1

6th

1

(2)

23rd Sep 2023

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Newbury

Spanish Star

10st 2lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Patrick Chamings

held up in rear

15/2

3rd

5

(4)

27th Aug 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Goodwood

Spanish Star

9st 5lb

J: David Probert

T: Patrick Chamings

dwelt start, raced in last, waiting for room over 2f out, soon switched right, hung right but kept on inside final furlong, went third final strides

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

3rd

7

(14)

4th Nov 2023

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:57 Newmarket

Hodler

9st 10lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Jim Boyle

Acts well on soft and did really well when second of 17 to a big improver in this race last year; has tended to blow hot and cold this season but did his best work late when reunited with Ryan Sexton behind Marshal Dan at Leicester recently (7f, soft); bang there off 2lb lower than 12 months ago.

8/1

2nd

4

(4)

17th Oct 2023

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:10 Leicester

Hodler

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Jim Boyle

Scored at Chester (7f, soft) in May but he's been below par since, only fifth back at Chester (in the mud) last time; handily weighted though if getting back on track.

5/1

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

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

8th

4

(1)

7th Dec 2023

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Captain Cuddles

9st 9lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Fionn McSharry

midfield

25/1

3rd

1

(5)

25th Nov 2023

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 4

17:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Captain Cuddles

9st 11lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Fionn McSharry

prominent in chasing group

14/1

10th

9

(6)

23rd Sep 2023

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Newbury

Captain Cuddles

9st 1lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

took keen hold, prominent, led after 1f, headed under 3f out, soon dropped to rear

5/1

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