December 11 / 13.50 Ayr

13.50

Good To Soft

Coral Racing Bet Bundles Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £7921.5
  • 2m 4f 100y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
RTV
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Coral Racing Bet Bundles Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £42.20
  • Place: £7.80

Form: /245-4 C

Last run: 215 days

W: 11st 5lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
12yo who needs to produce more than he's managed on his three runs since last October, but he's edged down the weights and is worth a second look given his good record here (three-time course winner); not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

19th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

17:00 Ayr

Better Getalong

12st 0lb

J: Miss Ella McGarry

T: Nicky Richards

disputed lead early, raced in second after 2nd, raced slightly wide with one circuit to go

14/1

OUR TIP

15/2

  • Place: £1.50

Form: P439/4 C

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Won a maiden hurdle here (2m, soft) in December 2021 and he returned from a long absence when fourth of 17 in a handicap at Navan (2m4f, soft to heavy) last month; this lightly raced 6yo could build on that latest performance and he's firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Ballycoose

10st 6lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: S R B Crawford

His first four chase starts were all at Ayr, finishing second in a good handicap at the Scottish National meeting in April on the final occasion (3m, soft); well beaten on reappearance at Punchestown last month but may have needed the run and he remains unexposed over staying trips; not discounted.

11/1

13

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Ballycoose

10st 6lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: S R B Crawford

His first four chase starts were all at Ayr, finishing second in a good handicap at the Scottish National meeting in April on the final occasion (3m, soft); well beaten on reappearance at Punchestown last month but may have needed the run and he remains unexposed over staying trips; not discounted.

11/1

7th

6

23rd Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 5f 70y

13:35 Punchestown

Ballycoose

11st 4lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: S R B Crawford

Has done all of his racing in the past 12 months at Ayr, running a cracker when second to Sharjah in a 3m Grade 2 handicap in April; no surprise should he improve for the run but not one to underestimate.

8/1

10/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 043-53 CD

Last run: 75 days

W: 10st 9lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
9yo whose form has gone the wrong way and she needs to produce more than she's managed the last twice; however, she's dropped to a dangerous mark and has plenty of good form at Ayr; not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

1st Jan 2024

Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

15:30 Musselburgh

Aurora Thunder

11st 9lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

held up in rear, headway and in touch with leaders after 8th

8/1

3rd

10

11th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 3

13:50 Ayr

Aurora Thunder

10st 9lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

9yo whose form has gone the wrong way and she needs to produce more than she's managed the last twice; however, she's dropped to a dangerous mark and has plenty of good form at Ayr; not written off.

10/1

Form: 454-53 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
He's 1lb lower than when winning at Wetherby (2m3f, soft) last December and has run some fair races since, most recently 7l third at Wetherby (2m3f, heavy) last month, could have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

14:15 Carlisle

Raffertys Return

11st 4lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Defied much higher marks twice, including over C&D, a couple of years ago; has failed to repeat the form since and ran particularly poorly last time.

16/1

10th

4

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 5

13:50 Doncaster

Raffertys Return

11st 13lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Rebecca Menzies

Five-time hurdle winner who continues to drop down the weights; however, it's a long time since this 11yo has been competitive.

33/1

7th

8

3rd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

15:35 Carlisle

Raffertys Return

11st 2lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Five-time winner, including over 2m3f here; hasn't been at his best in two runs this season and probably best watched in what looks a competitive event.

50/1

Form: 3627-2

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Having dropped down the weights he returned to form with good second on recent stable and seasonal debut at Kelso (3m2f, soft); he should be fine now back down in trip and is a likely player if this doesn't come too soon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

13:48 Carlisle

Guernesey

10st 4lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Jackie Stephen

Has won just two of his 41 races over hurdles but nearly made it three when beaten a neck by Adveram (2lb worse off) at Hexham in December (2m7f, heavy); hasn't done as well since and was a long way behind Ballin Bay last time.

20/1

5th

6

19th Feb 2026

3m 3f 9y

Class 4

14:33 Sedgefield

Guernesey

10st 11lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Jackie Stephen

Consistent sort; hasn't won since October 2022, but has run creditably on last three starts and has an each-way chance.

9/1

Form: /5453-

Last run: 273 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Regressive since start of 2022 and this 9yo left Evan Williams' yard for 17,500gns in April; this is his first run since but he's dropped to a dangerous mark and perhaps he'll have been revived by a change of scenery.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

18:20 Hexham

Mack The Man

11st 3lb

J: Mr Kit Alexander

T: N W Alexander

Regressive and inconsistent veteran; seemingly perked up by change of headgear when close second in refitted visor at Perth (2m, good) last month and remains on a very good mark but it's not easy to predict whether he'll be in the right mood again here.

8/1

4

15th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 3

15:53 Perth

Mack The Man

11st 4lb

J: Mr Kit Alexander

T: N W Alexander

Exposed; goes well on testing ground but latest win (off 10lb higher) was on good ground at Ayr in November (2m) when returning from a break; beaten 20l when eighth over C&D last month (good to soft; blinkers replaced regular visor); visor back on today; well handicapped, but a bit to prove.

33/1

20/1

Form: 5/033/

Last run: 676 days

W: 10st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Not at very best in 2021-22 campaign and returns from a very long absence; however, he's been given a chance by the handicapper and his trainer's horses often run well when fresh; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

5

11th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 1f 71y

Class 4

15:05 Catterick

Milvale

11st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

midfield, slow jump and dropped to rear 9th

16/1

7th

12

11th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 3

13:50 Ayr

Milvale

10st 7lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

Not at very best in 2021-22 campaign and returns from a very long absence; however, he's been given a chance by the handicapper and his trainer's horses often run well when fresh; not discounted.

20/1

Form: 142-1 C

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Course bumper winner (2m, good to soft) who built upon the promise of his first two hurdle starts when winning on handicap debut at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) last month; there's stamina in his pedigree and this unexposed 5yo is open to further improvement now up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

1st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

16:15 Musselburgh

Dunnet Head

11st 3lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Defied a higher mark for previous yard but holds poor claims on his form (hurdles/fences) for new stable; enough to prove back up in distance.

16/1

7

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 4

12:50 Newcastle

Dunnet Head

10st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Out of sorts on both runs over hurdles for this stable this season, but his previous form over fences last season entitles him to respect if benefiting for recent wind surgery.

25/1

9th

13

2nd Nov 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 33y

Class 4

15:47 Carlisle

Dunnet Head

10st 12lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Tried chasing last season and signed off on a low note back over hurdles; what heightens interest is his record at this meeting when fresh, having won this two years ago and been beaten a head in the earlier 2m4f handicap last season; slightly lower in the weights this time; respected.

8/1

Form: /F261- D

Last run: 401 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Improved for the step up in trip when winning on handicap debut at Kelso last November (2m5f, good to soft; unraced on softer); absent since but this 6yo could still be on a good mark if retaining his promise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

15th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

14:30 Kelso

Pavlik

11st 3lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

Improved to make winning handicap debut here (2m5f, good to soft) in November 2022 but was not seen again until two disappointing runs this winter (2m4f/2m6f); still has low mileage but needs to get career back on track.

12/1

6

15th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

14:30 Kelso

Pavlik

11st 3lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

Improved to make winning handicap debut here (2m5f, good to soft) in November 2022 but was not seen again until two disappointing runs this winter (2m4f/2m6f); still has low mileage but needs to get career back on track.

12/1

Form: 432-67 C

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Two-time hurdle winner who is on a competitive mark on last season's chase form (including a win here), and perhaps this return to hurdles will ignite some spark following two below-par runs over fences; however, he has something to prove in view of those latest efforts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

13:30 Kelso

Grand Voyage

10st 4lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Stuart Coltherd

Following a two-month break and a spell in the doldrums this 10yo returned to form when third of 13 at Ayr (3m, soft) a fortnight ago; this C&D winner could be in the mix if backing up that latest performance.

9/1

3rd

12

29th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 4

15:13 Ayr

Grand Voyage

10st 2lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Stuart Coltherd

Two-time hurdle winner who is 5lb lower than when winning over fences here last March; however, this 10yo has been unable to threaten across his five starts since, back over hurdles on the last two occasions.

33/1

Form: 52/3-

Last run: 435 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
3m point winner who showed ability in his three novice hurdles last year; this is his first run since but trainer can ready one after an absence and Brian Hughes is booked on handicap debut; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

4th Feb 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 4

16:05 Musselburgh

Whelans Bridge

11st 1lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Rose Dobbin

2021 Irish point winner but he's had just four races under rules, pulled up on handicap debut at Ayr (2m4f, soft; 33-1) in December on latest; that was after a 435-day layoff and he had wind surgery soon afterwards; also now tongue tied but he needs to build on his 2022 novice placings.

33/1

0

11

11th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 3

13:50 Ayr

Whelans Bridge

10st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Rose Dobbin

3m point winner who showed ability in his three novice hurdles last year; this is his first run since but trainer can ready one after an absence and Brian Hughes is booked on handicap debut; interesting.

9/1

Non-runners

Voix Du Reve

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £272.10
Straight Forecast £134.01
Tricast £1101.12
Trifecta £2249.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Dunnet Head

The Guardian:

Ballycoose

RP RATINGS:

Guernesey

D Express:

Rafferty's Return

POSTDATA:

Grand Voyage

The Times:

Dunnet Head

Telegraph:

Dunnet Head

Daily Mail:

Dunnet Head

Daily Mirror:

Dunnet Head

The Sun:

Dunnet Head

Daily Record:

Dunnet Head

The Star:

Ballycoose

TOPSPEED:

Guernesey