October 26 / 16.05 Ludlow

16.05

Good To Soft

Vera Davies Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4901.4
  • 2m 5f 55y
  • Class 4
  • 16 runners
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Vera Davies Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

25/1 (Won)

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-sister to useful jumper Rosmuc Relay; shaped with significant promise when fourth of ten on Irish point debut in April (yielding to soft); should have a future under rules.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

23rd May 2026

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 5

16:45 Bangor-on-Dee

Victoria Milano

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Won two novice hurdles (2m3f/2m) for Alistair Ralph in 2023-24; struggled in first three runs for current yard but she showed signs of a revival when third of 12 at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last Saturday; was no match for the first two in that race but her mark continues to fall and she looks worth another try at this trip; could be dangerous.

10/1

3rd

4

16th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

19:55 Uttoxeter

Victoria Milano

11st 12lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Won two novice hurdles (2m3f/2m) for Alistair Ralph in 2023-24; rather disappointing since, including on her three starts for this yard after wind surgery last season (pulled up over fences last time); bit to prove.

8/1

5

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 4

15:55 Haydock

Victoria Milano

11st 5lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Well handicapped on some of her old hurdle form for Alastair Ralph but she looked held when falling in a 2m5f handicap hurdle here on her reappearance in January; down the field at Ludlow since and hard to know what to expect back chasing (well beaten on previous attempt).

20/1

Form: 1

Last run: 160 days

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Easily won small-field point bumper for Bradley Gibbs in March and created good impression when winning good-ground rules bumper at Aintree in May; now with Warren Greatrex; likely contender on rules debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

13

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

19:00 Downpatrick

Saunton Surf

11st 5lb

J: Mr O McGill

T: Gary McGill

Some decent form when trained in Britain; couple of fair efforts in handicap hurdles since joining this yard, including when fifth of 12 here (2m6f) last time; 99-rated hurdler should be in the mix if she takes to larger obstacles.

9/1

5th

1

29th Mar 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 185y

14:42 Downpatrick

Saunton Surf

12st 0lb

J: Mr O McGill

T: Gary McGill

Some decent form when trained in Britain; best of three runs by far for new yard came last time at Down Royal when a 7.75l fifth (behind Coppola); cheekpieces on now.

12/1

5th

2

17th Mar 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 86y

14:28 Down Royal

Saunton Surf

12st 0lb

J: Mr O McGill

T: Gary McGill

Had some decent form when trained in Britain but hard to fancy on her first two runs for this yard; dropping in grade may help.

33/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Came good in points at fourth attempt, beating 15 rivals in good-ground maiden at Buckfastleigh in March; bought for £10,000 the following month; makes rules debut today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

31st Mar 2025

Good

3m 1f 30y

Class 4

14:45 Wincanton

Melusine De Pail

11st 2lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Noel Williams

prominent, raced in third when jumped slightly left 4th

5/1

4

31st Mar 2025

Good

3m 1f 30y

Class 4

14:45 Wincanton

Melusine De Pail

11st 2lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Noel Williams

Point winner who is 0-10 under rules but has largely consistent form; wasn't helped by early mistakes last time; possibilities off current mark provided she avoids errors.

5/1

3rd

2

10th Feb 2025

Good

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

14:30 Catterick

Melusine De Pail

11st 11lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Noel Williams

midfield, pecked on landing 2nd, bad mistake and dropped to last 7th, headway before 12th, went third before 2 out, no impression run-in

7/2

Form: 8-2

Last run: 170 days

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Out of a close relative of high-class jumper Oscar Whiskey; too green to do herself justice on bumper debut in February but fared much better when close second here (good to soft) in May; enters calculations on hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

17th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 179y

Class 4

15:45 Wincanton

Time In The Sun

11st 11lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Has failed to complete in her two previous handicaps but the latest was at Ascot (2m3f, good; 28-1) and she was second in a 2m5f novice here earlier this year; wouldn't be too dismissive.

14/1

3rd

4

17th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 179y

Class 4

15:45 Wincanton

Time In The Sun

11st 11lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Has failed to complete in her two previous handicaps but the latest was at Ascot (2m3f, good; 28-1) and she was second in a 2m5f novice here earlier this year; wouldn't be too dismissive.

14/1

6

2nd Nov 2024

Good

2m 3f 58y

Class 4

12:55 Ascot

Time In The Sun

11st 4lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Henry Daly

always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out

14/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Out of a half-sister to smart jumpers Royal Regatta and Three Musketeers; bought by David Dennis for £30,000 after winning a slow-ground Irish point in May 2021.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

26th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

16:05 Ludlow

Sparkling Bird

11st 0lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: David Dennis

Out of a half-sister to smart jumpers Royal Regatta and Three Musketeers; bought by David Dennis for £30,000 after winning a slow-ground Irish point in May 2021.

25/1

11

13th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 145y

Class 4

13:30 Huntingdon

Sparkling Bird

11st 3lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: David Dennis

Bought for £30,000 after winning a 3m Irish point on soft/heavy in May 2021; the form could have worked out a lot better.

33/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Seventh foal; half-sister to useful jumper So Scottish and a winning jumper in France; dam French 2m1f hurdle/chase winner; with a good stable but is the only runner with no experience.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

24th Jun 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

20:57 Newton Abbot

Ann DArabie

11st 6lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Low-mileage 6yo who has taken well to fences in recent months and kept on well to beat Eightytwo Team in small-field contest at Huntingdon (2m7f, good) last month; 3m2f on a left-handed track also suits; respected.

4/1

2nd

4

26th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

16:20 Huntingdon

Ann DArabie

11st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Low-mileage 6yo who has taken well to fences in recent months and kept on well to open account in small-field C&D (good) contest 18 days ago; nudged up only 2lb for that and probably still has more improvement to come.

10/11

2nd

4

26th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

16:20 Huntingdon

Ann DArabie

11st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Low-mileage 6yo who has taken well to fences in recent months and kept on well to open account in small-field C&D (good) contest 18 days ago; nudged up only 2lb for that and probably still has more improvement to come.

10/11

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Out of a bumper-winning half-sister to useful jumper Thomas Brown; close second in seven-runner point bumper on debut in April; it's hard to gauge what that form is worth but she evidently has some ability.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

17th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

20:05 Aintree

Sammys Guarantee

11st 7lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Pick of her beaten handicap form rates a step up on that shown when victorious in a Doncaster novice previously (16.5f, good to soft), though can't say she's anything much in hand of her mark now.

14/1

6

17th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

20:05 Aintree

Sammys Guarantee

11st 7lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Pick of her beaten handicap form rates a step up on that shown when victorious in a Doncaster novice previously (16.5f, good to soft), though can't say she's anything much in hand of her mark now.

14/1

5th

4

25th Mar 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 145y

Class 4

16:35 Huntingdon

Sammys Guarantee

11st 8lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Improved to win at Doncaster (2m. good to soft) in January; stepped up on that when second on handicap debut at Hereford (2m3f, soft); fell at Chepstow only eight days ago but considered on the earlier form.

3/1

OUR TIP

Form: 00-5

Last run: 151 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed only minor promise when well-held fifth on hurdling debut at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in May; stable has more obvious chance with Saunton Surf here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

19th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 66y

Class 5

14:30 Catterick

Crimson Ruby

11st 7lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Unexposed mare; didn't show a great deal in three bumpers; well-beaten second behind an easy odds-on winner (who went on to complete a hat-trick next time) at Uttoxeter on latest start (2m, heavy); half-sister to a 2m5f winner so should improve for this longer trip on handicap debut.

12/1

2nd

6

18th Nov 2023

Heavy

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

13:37 Uttoxeter

Crimson Ruby

10st 7lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Showed only minor promise when well-held fifth here (2m4f, good) on hurdling debut in May and was in rear throughout at Ludlow (2m5f, good to soft) last month.

66/1

8th

3

26th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

16:05 Ludlow

Crimson Ruby

11st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Showed only minor promise when well-held fifth on hurdling debut at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in May; stable has more obvious chance with Saunton Surf here.

50/1

Form: 5

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in two Irish points last season but struggled on recent stable/hurdle debut (2m3f) and is probably one for further down the line.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

14th Feb 2024

Good To Soft

2m 5f 163y

Class 5

16:00 Hereford

Caught A Vibe

10st 10lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Christian Williams

Placed in Irish points; signs of progress in her last two hurdles, getting closer when beaten 18l at Fakenham (2m, soft; 3lb higher); weakened late on that day having made her ground from off the pace but today's longer trip shouldn't be an issue given pointing background.

7/1

4th

6

19th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 3y

Class 5

13:10 Fakenham

Caught A Vibe

10st 10lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Christian Williams

Struggled on first three hurdling starts but her fifth at Hereford (2m3f, good) was a lot more encouraging and her Irish point form offers hope that she can make further progress under rules; handicap debut.

10/1

Form: 10-

Last run: 196 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Out of a useful jumper and justified favouritism with 9l win on bumper debut at Warwick (good) in February; well beaten in Grade 2 Aintree bumper in April but remains a good prospect for novice hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

26th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 3y

Class 4

16:01 Taunton

Baby Sage

11st 10lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Bumper/hurdle winner; reportedly bled from the nose when pulled up on chase debut at Huntingdon (2m7f, good to soft) in November but was a well-held fifth on her return visit the following month; still early days in this sphere but she needs a transformation with cheekpieces added.

14/1

6th

3

5th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 3

16:15 Ludlow

Baby Sage

11st 12lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Five starts over hurdles, taking her form to another level when she won 11-race at Exeter (extended 2m5f, soft) two months ago in her second handicap; carried her head awkwardly before run-in and has gone up 6lb but she may well have more to give.

3/1

Form: 52

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Joined Fergal O'Brien after winning an Irish point in February and began rules career with two encouraging runs in bumpers; likely to make her mark over hurdles in due course but others in this field appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:45 Newcastle

Faha Belle

11st 6lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

prominent

11/1

8th

5

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:45 Newcastle

Faha Belle

11st 6lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

prominent, not fluent 5th

11/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Took eight attempts to win an Irish maiden point but did so on yielding ground in May, after which she changed hands for £16,000; fitted with tongue-tie for today's rules debut; market may point the way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

27th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

16:05 Market Rasen

Friars Island Lady

11st 1lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Max Comley

Won Irish point in spring 2023 but showed only minor promise in four novice/maiden hurdles (1m7f-2m5f) for Sam Thomas/Sara Bradstock since; given another wind op (his second) before this stable/handicap/chase debut; tongue-tie refitted; considered only if lively in the betting.

33/1

10

1st Jul 2025

Good To Firm

2m 0f 70y

Class 4

18:48 Stratford

Friars Island Lady

10st 11lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mrs Sara V Bradstock

Won Irish point in May 2023 but showed only minor promise during three-race hurdling career for Sam Thomas and makes debut for latest new stable after a 519-day absence; tongue-tie removed.

20/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Sister to multiple French Grade 1 hurdle winner Galop Marin; placed in all three Irish points last year and was bought for £60,000 in January; no surprise if she features on rules debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

7th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 4

14:15 Huntingdon

Kits Coty

11st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Emma Lavelle

1-10 over fences, the win gained on last season's reappearance at Ludlow (3m, good; Another Day Out second) in October; not in same form again since but now 2lb below that mark, and might be boosted by new cheekpieces.

11/4

3rd

2

30th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 11y

Class 5

14:57 Ludlow

Kits Coty

11st 10lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Emma Lavelle

Hasn't kicked on from her win over 3m here on good ground in October but she's back on that winning mark and she had hurdle form at about this trip.

7/2

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Out of an unraced half-sister to stable's very smart hurdler Younevercall; pulled up on last year's Irish point debut but returned from break with slow-ground win in January and changed hands for £72,000 soon afterwards; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

6th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

15:30 Huntingdon

Von Hallers

10st 3lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

in rear

10/1

9

6th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

15:30 Huntingdon

Von Hallers

10st 3lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

in rear

10/1

4th

16

13th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

15:38 Exeter

Von Hallers

10st 4lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Made mistakes and was pulled up on chase/handicap debut last spring but put in good front-running shift when fifth on return to hurdling at Hereford (2m3f, good) in October; going further this time should be of benefit.

8/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bought by Neil King for £15,000 after keeping-on second in good-ground Irish point on debut in May; makes rules debut in a competitive race but is another with possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

19th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 95y

Class 5

13:25 Fakenham

Little Talks

10st 13lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

11-race maiden over hurdles but has made the frame in all four starts at this track; tailed off at Fontwell recently following a four-month break but the return to this track could see her back to her best.

5/1

2nd

4

19th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 95y

Class 5

13:25 Fakenham

Little Talks

10st 13lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

11-race maiden over hurdles but has made the frame in all four starts at this track; tailed off at Fontwell recently following a four-month break but the return to this track could see her back to her best.

5/1

8

23rd Oct 2024

Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

14:30 Fontwell

Little Talks

10st 12lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

Ran game race from the front when close third of six at Fakenham (2m7f, good) in June but we haven't seen her again since and she's 0-10 over hurdles now; others appeal more.

8/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Built upon her encouraging Irish point debut when quickening clear to win by 7l on slow ground in April; bought for £40,000 in May; makes rules debut with stable enjoying a very good spell.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 123y

Class 4

17:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Star Of Hoiho

10st 12lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

towards rear, some headway when not fluent 4 out

33/1

7th

13

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 123y

Class 4

17:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Star Of Hoiho

10st 12lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

towards rear, some headway when not fluent 4 out, soon no impression

33/1

6th

10

18th Mar 2025

Good

2m 3f 154y

Class 4

15:00 Wetherby

Star Of Hoiho

11st 6lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

took keen hold, prominent, weakened from 2 out

11/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £158.11

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Baby Sage

LAMBOURN:

Saunton Surf

POSTDATA:

Faha Belle

WEST COUNTRY:

Von Hallers

The Star:

Friars Island Lady

Daily Mirror:

Saunton Surf

Daily Record:

Saunton Surf

The Guardian:

Faha Belle

The Times:

Baby Sage

Daily Mail:

Baby Sage

D Express:

Baby Sage

The Sun:

Baby Sage

Telegraph:

Von Hallers