December 11 / 12.50 Ayr

12.50

Good To Soft

Coral “National Hunt” Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div II)

  • Prize money: £4356.8
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
RTV
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Coral “National Hunt” Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div II)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Form: 1/3/2

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Soft-ground bumper winner who returned from another absence with an encouraging second on hurdle debut at Kelso (2m, soft) in October; could do with settling better but he's open to improvement and could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 14y

Class 3

13:10 Kelso

Doyen Du Bar

12st 1lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Three wins last season (2m, various ground) and ran well to be placed towards the end of last year on first two starts for this yard; faded when upped to 2m5f last month and firmly in calculations now back down in trip.

7/2

3rd

6

16th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 89y

Class 2

14:05 Market Rasen

Doyen Du Bar

11st 1lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Nicky Richards

Won three small-field chases for Pauline Robson last season and was placed on first two starts for Nicky Richards this term, more recently when second at Wetherby (1m7f, soft) just after Christmas; untested beyond an extended 2m1f but is a major player if this new trip suits.

5/2

1st

1

24th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 3

15:25 Ayr

Doyen Du Bar

11st 10lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Pauline Robson

made all, went clear going easily after 3 out, nudged out run-in, comfortably

4/5

Form: 2116-2 C BF

Last run: 64 days

W: 11st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won two bumpers here (heavy/good to soft) last winter before good sixth in Grade 2 at Aintree; runner-up on hurdle debut at Kelso (2m, good to soft) in October and holds leading claims here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

26th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 3

16:10 Wetherby

Esprit Du Potier

12st 0lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

He's run with credit this season on two of his three starts since returning from a long absence, returning to form when third of seven at Kelso (2m6f, good to soft) in December; his novice hurdle wins came on heavy ground and he could have more to offer now back up in trip; on the shortlist.

9/1

4th

4

1st Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

13:58 Ayr

Esprit Du Potier

11st 4lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

4-10 under rules, posting a personal best when slamming four rivals in novice hurdle at Newcastle (2m4f, heavy) in March 2024; in much deeper when down the field in Grade 1 novice at Aintree the following month, and has not been seen since; retains potential and will probably stay 3m, so he's quite an interesting candidate despite a lengthy absence.

9/2

Form: 533-

Last run: 231 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Third in Carlisle bumper (2m1f, heavy) in March and occupied same position in good Hexham bumper (2m, soft) in April when last seen; brings potential to this hurdle debut and he's one to be interested in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

11

24th Apr 2026

Good

3m 6f 121y

Class 3

14:05 Perth

President Scottie

10st 11lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Dual hurdle winner; has been expensive to follow over fences (0-9) and fair to say that others arrive here in better form.

9/1

5th

7

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

15:52 Carlisle

President Scottie

10st 11lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Respectable third (off 12lb higher) when favourite for this race last year but was in better form at the time; last of six finishers returned to this C&D most recently, taking chase record to 0-8.

10/1

Form: 5

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won on debut in Irish maiden point (3m, soft) in March and bought for £45,000 later that month; soundly beaten fifth of seven at 18-1 on rules debut at Wetherby (2m, heavy) but that was a warm contest and it'll be interesting to see if he's stronger in the betting now down in grade; a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

15:25 Newcastle

Finn Lough

10st 12lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Won two 3m handicap chases on good to soft last season; slow to find his form this term, but good run at Musselburgh last time (2m7f, soft); chance.

11/4

2nd

5

15th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 4

16:20 Musselburgh

Finn Lough

11st 4lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Has a slight question mark over current form but a revival would put him in the picture; gained most recent win off 1lb higher last February.

12/1

Form: 2469-

Last run: 238 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on debut in bumper here last October but failed to kick on from that and he didn't jump well when soundly beaten on his hurdle debut at Kelso (2m2f, good) in April; others make greater appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

7th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

15:25 Kelso

Lucky Soldier

11st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Fair novice; generally disappointing in handicaps last season, over fences on last two occasions; back over hurdles with cheekpieces tried; others appeal more.

14/1

5th

8

7th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

15:25 Kelso

Lucky Soldier

11st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Fair novice; generally disappointing in handicaps last season, over fences on last two occasions; back over hurdles with cheekpieces tried; others appeal more.

14/1

3

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 198y

Class 5

14:17 Carlisle

Lucky Soldier

11st 3lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: N W Alexander

mistake 1st, pulled up after 3rd

12/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Displayed promise in the first of his two runs in Irish maiden points, finishing third in March (3m, yielding); changed hands for £21,000 in May; has a similar profile to his trainer's recent Carlisle novice hurdle winner Forged Well and he's not dismissed on his rules debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

16:27 Carlisle

Tommy Combats

10st 12lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Martin Todhunter

Ran well stepped back up to 2m4f last time when bidding for an Ayr double; remains a consistent sort and again looks likely to give his running; each-way possibilities.

8/1

2nd

6

23rd Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 4

15:00 Ayr

Tommy Combats

10st 13lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Martin Todhunter

Runner-up over C&D in November and made it 2-8 over fences when winning in good style here (2m, soft) last month; this progressive 7yo may well take a 6lb rise in his stride.

5/2

1st

10

29th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

15:43 Ayr

Tommy Combats

10st 9lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Martin Todhunter

Took well to fences last season, winning at Hexham (1m7f, soft), and reappeared with solid second here (2m4f, soft) in November; in front rank when unseating in back straight at Newcastle last time; on the shortlist.

7/2

Form: 0-5

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off in Worcester bumper (2m, good) on sole run for Philip Hobbs but showed some promise when fifth on hurdle and stable debut at Kelso (2m, soft) in October, and his pedigree provides hope he'll improve; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

22nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

17:05 Newcastle

Skiddaw

11st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Only his second completion in a handicap when beaten 8l into fifth at Musselburgh (good to soft); that was three months ago and he'll need a bit more here you would think.

10/1

Form: 246-6

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on debut in Aintree bumper (2m1f, soft) last November and, although she's yet to progress, her sixth of ten over C&D last month (good to soft; second hurdle start) came in a race that is working out well; not ruled out each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

5th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 5

19:10 Musselburgh

Prontoanita

11st 0lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Iain Jardine

Fair bumper form but hasn't progressed over hurdles and was tailed off on her handicap debut at Kelso (2m2f, heavy); best watched for now.

8/1

7th

6

5th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 5

19:10 Musselburgh

Prontoanita

11st 0lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Iain Jardine

didn't always jump with fluency, always behind

8/1

6th

7

29th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 2f 25y

Class 4

14:28 Kelso

Prontoanita

10st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Iain Jardine

held up in last, not fluent 4th

15/2

Form: 28-

Last run: 233 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
1l second of five in course bumper on debut in March then soundly beaten in good bumper here (both 2m, good) in April; there's every chance he has a future over hurdles, but perhaps over further in view of his pedigree.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

9th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:27 Perth

River Ayr

11st 6lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

in touch with leaders on outer

9/2

4th

10

15th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

20:22 Perth

River Ayr

11st 4lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

Seven-race maiden who has not finished closer than fifth over hurdles and his effort flattened out late on in a 2m4f handicap at Perth (beaten 11l) last month; mark is falling but he needs to find more.

16/1

4th

10

15th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

20:22 Perth

River Ayr

11st 4lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

Seven-race maiden who has not finished closer than fifth over hurdles and his effort flattened out late on in a 2m4f handicap at Perth (beaten 11l) last month; mark is falling but he needs to find more.

16/1

Form: 23-546

Last run: 61 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in two bumpers late last year but she's been unable to get competitive on her first two hurdle starts and others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(7)

16th Jan 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Whozatgirl

10st 2lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Lucinda Russell

Signs of ability in bumpers; poor form over hurdles and 7f likely to be sharp enough now her attentions are switched to the Flat.

40/1

0

12

5th Jan 2024

Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 5

14:30 Musselburgh

Whozatgirl

11st 0lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Lucinda Russell

Hasn't shown much among her three hurdle starts but she has potential off this lowly opening mark in view of her placed form in bumpers towards the end of 2022; no surprise if she's in the shake-up.

10/1

10th

15

11th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

12:50 Ayr

Whozatgirl

10st 13lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Lucinda Russell

Placed in two bumpers late last year but she's been unable to get competitive on her first two hurdle starts and others appeal more.

50/1

OUR TIP

Form: 9-7

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Hurdle debut; well beaten in both bumpers (2m, good to soft) and pedigree suggests he'll come into his own when tackling further.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

7th Mar 2025

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 5

17:10 Ayr

Bowler Jack

10st 2lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

Modest hurdler who fell on his chase debut over C&D last time; plenty to prove.

14/1

13

11th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 5

16:20 Ayr

Bowler Jack

10st 3lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

Modest efforts in bumpers and over hurdles; needs to improve for the switch to fences; looks stable second string.

33/1

13

11th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 5

16:20 Ayr

Bowler Jack

10st 3lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

midfield, fell 7th

33/1

50/1

Form: 65-0

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Failed to threaten in bumpers, finishing tailed off at 100-1 at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) last month; hard to fancy on first hurdle start.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

13

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

19:15 Hexham

Cave Hill

10st 2lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Ian Duncan

Returned to form to win this race off a 3lb higher mark last year; has been rather disappointing on his last couple of starts and more is needed for a repeat win.

20/1

9th

7

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 5

16:30 Newcastle

Cave Hill

10st 7lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Ian Duncan

Off the mark over fences when scoring at Hexham last May (2m4f, good to soft); hasn't been in such good form since; 1lb lower than his winning mark; drier ground should suit.

11/1

Form: 0-P

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off in sole bumper and pulled up at 300-1 on last month's hurdle debut at Newcastle (2m4f, soft); transformation needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

25th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

13:50 Perth

Born To Sparkle

11st 4lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: R Mike Smith

Tailed off in sole bumper and pulled up at 300-1 on all three hurdle starts; wears a first-time tongue-tie.

200/1

3

25th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

13:50 Perth

Born To Sparkle

11st 4lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: R Mike Smith

Tailed off in sole bumper and pulled up at 300-1 on all three hurdle starts; wears a first-time tongue-tie.

200/1

0

7

2nd Jan 2024

Heavy

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

12:45 Ayr

Born To Sparkle

10st 13lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: R Mike Smith

in rear, weakened and tailed off after 4 out, pulled up before 3 out

100/1

Form: 5-653

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Promising fifth on debut in Grade 3 mares' bumper at Punchestown in April and, while she hasn't gone on from that, her hurdle debut third of 19 at Down Royal (2m1f, soft) last month was a step back in the right direction; could have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

12th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 3f 98y

Class 1

14:42 Chepstow

Brucio

10st 12lb

J: Jack Andrews

T: T Ellis

Very useful hurdler without being in the same league as some of today's opposition and she wasn't overly convincing in her jumping when comfortably held in two chases earlier this year; left former Irish yard for £28,000.

20/1

4th

2

17th Mar 2025

Good

2m 3f 140y

16:12 Down Royal

Brucio

11st 9lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

124-rated hurdler won two mares' events last season on soft, the second a Listed handicap at the DRF; last of three on recent chase debut in 2m Ayr handicap where jumping novicey; may need more time to make her mark chasing.

11/2

3rd

2

24th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 3

15:25 Ayr

Brucio

11st 9lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

novicey jumping, raced in third and in touch with leaders, outpaced after 4 out, weakened 2 out

3/1

Non-runners

Rory's Story

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £11.73

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Esprit Du Potier

POSTDATA:

Doyen Du Bar

The Guardian:

President Scottie

RP RATINGS:

Esprit Du Potier

The Times:

Esprit Du Potier

Daily Mail:

Esprit Du Potier

D Express:

Esprit Du Potier

Daily Mirror:

Esprit Du Potier

The Sun:

Esprit Du Potier

Daily Record:

Esprit Du Potier

Telegraph:

Doyen Du Bar

The Star:

Doyen Du Bar