October 26 / 14.20 Ludlow

14.20

Good To Soft

Tom Calvert Memorial Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div I)

  • Prize money: £4901.4
  • 1m 7f 169y
  • Class 4
  • 15 runners
RTV
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Tom Calvert Memorial Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div I)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.10
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 3-

Last run: 197 days

W: 10st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
£31,000 3yo; closely related to useful Irish chaser Everlastingpromise, half-sister to winners Nada To Prada (useful bumper/hurdle) and Heavenly Promise (chase); dam 2m hurdle winner; 11-2, showed her inexperience in bumper at Southwell (2m, good to soft) in April but there was promise too in her third of 11, keeping on well to finish close up; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

15:00 Newbury

Wyenot

11st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Five-time hurdle winner with a good strike-rate, one she enhanced when prevailing in a classy small-field beginners' chase at Ludlow (3m, good); remote last of three in a Listed chase for mares at Warwick where soft ground was no good to her (fine on good to soft); has since had wind surgery and retains potential as a chaser.

3/1

Form: 2181-F C BF

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
His only blip in bumpers came in a valuable race at Newbury and he won at Southwell and this track on starts either side; 1-4 for novice at Huntingdon (2m, good) nine days ago on hurdle debut but his jumping was a big problem even before he unseated three out; some caution has to be advised even though today's opposition has limitations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

20th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 4

16:00 Warwick

Norman Fletcher

11st 8lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Has had three wins over hurdles but yet to convince on his suitability for this distance, latest when seventh of eight finishers at Haydock (2m5f, good) last month in first-time cheekpieces (retained).

10/1

7th

12

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 50y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

Norman Fletcher

10st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

All five wins have been at about 2m or 2m1f; wasn't that strong through the line over Bangor's extended 2m3f last time (good) and has further to go here; tries cheekpieces.

10/1

3rd

6

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 123y

Class 2

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Norman Fletcher

10st 8lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Hasn't fired as he can this season but he's well handicapped on form that wasn't that long ago; back from a break and hasn't had many chances over this sort of trip.

6/1

14/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: 440-7

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Useful on Flat for Andrew Balding a couple of years ago; fourth of 21 in maiden at Naas (1m7f, yielding) in February was the best of his three runs over hurdles for Henry de Bromhead, which is the best hurdles form in this field; two heavy defeats since, however, sold for £29,000 before latest when 66-1 for new yard at Worcester (2m4f; race stronger than this) four weeks ago; very mixed messages.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

23rd Oct 2024

Soft

2m 3f 29y

Class 3

15:40 Fontwell

Classic Lord

11st 3lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

raced wide, towards rear, steady headway 6th, weakened before 2 out, pulled up and dismounted run-in

10/1

17

27th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 173y

Class 2

17:20 Sandown

Classic Lord

10st 4lb

J: James Best

T: Tim Vaughan

Seems best with positive tactics; dual novice winner in late 2023 (2m1f/2m, heavy) and returned to form when second over C&D (soft) in February; however, he was put firmly in his place at Plumpton last time and others have more scope for improvement.

25/1

17

27th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 173y

Class 2

17:20 Sandown

Classic Lord

10st 4lb

J: James Best

T: Tim Vaughan

Seems best with positive tactics; dual novice winner in late 2023 (2m1f/2m, heavy) and returned to form when second over C&D (soft) in February; however, he was put firmly in his place at Plumpton last time and others have more scope for improvement.

25/1

Form: 65-5

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Some promise in his Taunton bumper (good to soft) but beaten about 30l in two 2m novice hurdles, the latest two weeks ago; the positive is that his trainer has a good record in this race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

14th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 5

15:15 Market Rasen

I Got Stung

11st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey

in touch with leaders

9/1

5th

3

14th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 5

15:15 Market Rasen

I Got Stung

11st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey

in touch with leaders, pulled up before 2 out

9/1

8th

2

24th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 5

17:40 Ludlow

I Got Stung

11st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey

Half-sister I Spy A Diva won the mares' novice on this card in 2022, and dam's brother was a C&D scorer also (all for the same connections); non-stayer of trips in excess of 2m last winter, and fate likely rests on how much he's come on during a six-month break.

16/1

Form: 7

Last run: 163 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
50-1, well beaten in a bumper at Newcastle (2m1f, good) in May; stable runs two, so the market should guide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

3rd Oct 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

17:10 Southwell

Gentle Victor

10st 13lb

J: Ben Smith

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

0-10 and aside from his third at Bangor (2m3f, good) in June, there has been little to enthuse over.

12/1

4th

12

23rd Sep 2024

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

16:15 Sedgefield

Gentle Victor

10st 3lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

No threat to the front two when third at Bangor in June (2m3f, good) and then tailed off at Worcester; remains a maiden and needs to find extra.

33/1

8th

11

26th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:40 Worcester

Gentle Victor

10st 10lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Placed for first time in seven-race hurdling career when keeping-on third at Bangor (2m3f, good) this month but was no threat to the front pair there and needs to make further progress here.

12/1

Form: 046-

Last run: 199 days

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Ran in three bumpers last season, showing some ability at Warwick (2m, good) and Fakenham (soft) on last two occasions; better should be needed to make this a winning hurdle debut but she needs a market check.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

17:30 Taunton

Lady Caro

12st 0lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Emma Lavelle

2-16 in handicaps, raised to 3m here (good) for last three outings; ridden by Cameron Johnstone-Baker last month on last two starts, runner-up before winning easily with a career best four weeks ago (Miss Tiara third); 8lb higher today but needs plenty of respect.

7/4

1st

3

24th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:45 Taunton

Lady Caro

11st 11lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Emma Lavelle

Sole win (from 22 races) in March 2025; nearly all minor honours this term, runner-up under Cameron Johnstone-Baker over C&D (good) last time; strong each-way claims again.

9/4

2nd

6

9th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

16:10 Taunton

Lady Caro

11st 4lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Emma Lavelle

Yet to score this season but she comes here in decent nick, fourth of nine over C&D in December; mark is easing so she has possibilities after a break.

14/1

7/2

Form: 43-45

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Attracted attention of the stewards on hurdling debut at Uttoxeter (2m, good to soft) in May, where he was held up a long way off the pace before keeping on well in the straight for fourth; free-going tendencies again in evidence when not so good at Newton Abbot (2m1f, soft) this month, so there are issues there as well as significant ability.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

9th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

19:15 Hereford

Damarta

12st 0lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Began 2024 with quite stylish win for Olly Murphy at Southwell (2m, good to soft) but became rather disappointing during light campaign last season and was sold for 3,400gns in February; needs to have been revitalised by subsequent change of scenery.

12/1

1

9th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

19:15 Hereford

Damarta

12st 0lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Began 2024 with quite stylish win for Olly Murphy at Southwell (2m, good to soft) but became rather disappointing during light campaign last season and was sold for 3,400gns in February; needs to have been revitalised by subsequent change of scenery.

12/1

5th

4

10th Feb 2025

Good

1m 7f 156y

Class 4

15:00 Catterick

Damarta

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

towards rear throughout

8/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
115,000euros 3yo; first foal; dam unplaced at 1m7f-2m2f over hurdles in France, half-sister to 2m4f-3m chase winner Royal Palladium out of French 2m1f-2m2f hurdle/chase winning sister to French 2m4f/3m3f Grade 1 chase winner Turgot; won the first of his three Irish points in the spring; needs a close look for stable (also runs Gentle Victor) that's going great guns.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

22nd Mar 2025

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 5

15:27 Bangor-on-Dee

Dusautior

10st 12lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Narrow C&D winner on soft last April on sole course start but not yet recaptured form since wind surgery, replacing cheekpieces with blinkers of no help on good ground last month; down the list for now.

12/1

6

19th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 5

15:58 Doncaster

Dusautior

11st 5lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Won at Bangor last spring off this mark (3m, soft); hasn't been at his best in two runs following wind surgery but there's always a chance that the new blinkers could help matters.

4/1

7th

8

3rd Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 5

16:00 Carlisle

Dusautior

11st 1lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Form dipped sharply on New Year's Eve; ran well at this course (3m2f) earlier in December and that effort puts him in the picture.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 8

Last run: 175 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fourth attempt in at Irish maiden point when runner-up in April, but remote when 9-1 in a Tipperary bumper next time; sold out of Michael Griffin's for £25,000 later in May; looks stable second string to Damarta.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

6th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 4

14:15 Fakenham

Bitsnbuckles

12st 1lb

J: Tom Hutsby

T: Olly Murphy

Slightly disappointing when only fourth on his latest outing, but posted career-best form when winning readily by over 6l at Southwell (2m4f, good to soft) two starts ago and has an obvious claims if back at that level.

9/2

4th

4

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 181y

Class 4

16:20 Doncaster

Bitsnbuckles

11st 6lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Olly Murphy

Won for the second time over hurdles at Southwell last month (2m4f, good to soft); has a 7lb higher mark; each-way contender.

7/2

1st

8

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

15:52 Southwell

Bitsnbuckles

10st 13lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

Only win in 11 starts over hurdles was a Huntingdon handicap in January 2024 (2m3f, good to soft); three fair efforts when returning from over a year off in the autumn; each-way chance.

5/1

Form: 54

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Sister to stable's high-class chaser Nube Negra; fourth of seven in bumper here (good) 15 days ago was better than her first attempt but the form is still underwhelming; needs a transformation now she goes jumping.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 4

Last run: 160 days

W: 11st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fair form in his two 1m4f AW contests in January for David Simcock but took a backward step in another in March on his debut for this yard; 28-1, last of four in maiden at Aintree (2m4f, good) in May on hurdle debut, which showed some ability but he does not have solid claims yet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

14th Jul 2024

Good

2m 6f 7y

Class 5

17:00 Stratford

Deadlock

11st 4lb

J: Mr Murray Dodd

T: Alastair Ralph

prominent, struggling 7th, soon dropped to rear, weakened 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before last

16/1

9th

8

(11)

1st Jul 2024

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Deadlock

9st 4lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Alastair Ralph

Modest maiden over hurdles, best effort when staying-on fourth at Huntingdon (2m4f, good) in March on penultimate start; tailed off latest; started his career with three AW Flat runs early last year (first two for David Simcock) and did show some ability, but he does not look the percentage call.

25/1

7th

6

12th May 2024

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 5

16:38 Ludlow

Deadlock

11st 1lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

0-8; stayed on for fourth of 11 at Huntingdon (2m4f, good) last time and is still unexposed in handicaps, so he could have a say.

6/1

Form: 6P7-

Last run: 194 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a two-runner Irish point (3m, soft; sent off at 1-7) last November but poor form in his three hurdle starts for this yard; tongue tied latest but not today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

22nd Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 5f 24y

Class 4

14:13 Fakenham

Ballyrashane

10st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Made all over C&D (good) in March and doubled his chasing tally with hard-fought success at Uttoxeter (3m, good) two months ago; should also be suited by today's slower ground and helps to give Christian Williams a good hand in this race.

4/1

8

22nd Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 5f 24y

Class 4

14:13 Fakenham

Ballyrashane

10st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Made all over C&D (good) in March and doubled his chasing tally with hard-fought success at Uttoxeter (3m, good) two months ago; should also be suited by today's slower ground and helps to give Christian Williams a good hand in this race.

4/1

3rd

4

21st Oct 2024

Good

3m 1f 152y

Class 5

16:55 Plumpton

Ballyrashane

10st 12lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Christian Williams

disputed lead, led clearly just after 1st, headed 2 out (usual 3 out), soon rallied, lost second last (usual 2 out), no extra final 110yds

5/2

Form: 8/04-

Last run: 208 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Reportedly bled on debut; finished last of 15 here next time and although his fourth of nine at Stratford (heavy; tongue tied) in April was better, none of that bumper form is persuasive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

1st Nov 2024

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

14:35 Uttoxeter

My Monty

11st 7lb

J: Ben Poste

T: James Evans

Came good over hurdles when trouncing three rivals here (2m7f, soft) in May and he ran to a similar level when second over same C&D the following month; now drops back in trip but he travelled smoothly on his penultimate run and still has scope for further progress; dangerous on his return.

10/1

3rd

8

1st Nov 2024

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

14:35 Uttoxeter

My Monty

11st 7lb

J: Ben Poste

T: James Evans

held up in rear, headway after 6th, challenging when pecked on landing 3 out, soon went second, kept on when lost second run-in

10/1

2nd

3

15th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

20:15 Uttoxeter

My Monty

11st 12lb

J: Ben Poste

T: James Evans

Came good over hurdles at seventh attempt, easily drawing clear to win small-field C&D (soft) race by 33l three weeks ago; it's hard to gauge what that form is worth but the forecast rain will suit him.

3/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fair Flat form to win at Ffos Las (1m, good to soft) in August 2022 but most of his other eight races were modest form; left Tom Dascombe for 5,500gns that October and not seen since; wore cheekpieces last four starts but tongue-tie (worn earlier) now returns along with a first-time hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

11

26th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

14:20 Ludlow

Larkin

11st 1lb

J: Mr Huw Edwards

T: Robert Bevis

Fair Flat form to win at Ffos Las (1m, good to soft) in August 2022 but most of his other eight races were modest form; left Tom Dascombe for 5,500gns that October and not seen since; wore cheekpieces last four starts but tongue-tie (worn earlier) now returns along with a first-time hood.

50/1

8th

2

(2)

1st Oct 2022

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Larkin

9st 9lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Tom Dascombe

unruly beforehand, reluctant to load, ducked right start and bumped rival start, led, headed and pressed leader with one circuit to go, lost second and prominent over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong

5/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
First foal; dam bumper winner, half-sister to winners Finney (bumper and 2m4f hurdle/3m chase), Our Matti (useful bumper) and Suzie Sheep (3m chase); 7-1, won a seven-runner point bumper (2m, good to soft) in April, coming from the back to lead late on; has since left Max Young; there's nothing exciting yet about that form but she needs a check in this company.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

12

26th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

13:37 Worcester

Mo Zola

10st 2lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Belinda Clarke

Point bumper winner in 2023 but has shown only modest form over hurdles/fences under rules, although latest C&D run was more encouraging; more needed again from out of the weights.

50/1

6

5th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

16:25 Worcester

Mo Zola

10st 2lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Belinda Clarke

Out of form in points this spring and well beaten in 2m4f chase here when back under rules in June; effectively only 4lb lower today; very difficult to enthuse over.

50/1

5th

9

12th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:40 Worcester

Mo Zola

10st 2lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Belinda Clarke

Unplaced all nine hurdling starts and was pulled up (albeit on heavy ground) on chasing debut; back under rules after three very uninspiring points runs this spring and 8lb out of the weights; can't be recommended.

50/1

Non-runners

Grain Trade

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £18.70
Straight Forecast £15.51
Trifecta £131.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Wyenot

WEST COUNTRY:

Norman Fletcher

TOPSPEED:

Damarta

The Guardian:

Lady Caro

RP RATINGS:

Classic Lord

The Times:

Wyenot

Telegraph:

Wyenot

D Express:

Wyenot

The Star:

Wyenot

Daily Mail:

Norman Fletcher

The Sun:

Norman Fletcher

Daily Record:

Norman Fletcher

POSTDATA:

Damarta

Daily Mirror:

Damarta