December 15 / 11.25 Doncaster

11.25

Good To Soft

Polypipe Handicap Hurdle (Go North Sea Pigeon Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £4224.8
  • 2m 0f 128y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
SKY
View Course
Polypipe Handicap Hurdle (Go North Sea Pigeon Series Qualifier)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

OUR TIP

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.00
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 134-8 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 12st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Won on hurdle and stable debut at Taunton (2m, soft) in January and he landed a charity Flat race at Wincanton this autumn; disappointing in Ascot handicap hurdle (1m7f, soft) six weeks ago but this 4yo is in top hands and may be aided by the first-time tongue-tie on this drop in grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

11th May 2024

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Rare Middleton

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Won by 5l in first-time tongue-tie (retained since) at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) in December and bounced back from Plumpton defeat when beaten just a neck in big field at Cheltenham last month (2m1f, good; behind Tintintin); travelled well and was caught close home last time, and there will be less emphasis on stamina here which could be right up his street.

7/1

6th

12

11th May 2024

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Rare Middleton

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Won by 5l in first-time tongue-tie (retained since) at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) in December and bounced back from Plumpton defeat when beaten just a neck in big field at Cheltenham last month (2m1f, good; behind Tintintin); travelled well and was caught close home last time, and there will be less emphasis on stamina here which could be right up his street.

7/1

2nd

12

17th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 3

17:00 Cheltenham

Rare Middleton

11st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

pressed leader

10/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 1613-4 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Point, bumper (soft) and novice hurdle (good to soft) winner who reappeared with a fair fourth on last month's handicap debut at Ayr (2m, good to soft); that form is working out well and this unexposed 5yo could play a leading role.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

23rd Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:02 Warwick

Sleeping Satellite

11st 11lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Leads or races prominently; twice made all in the autumn (2m3f, good) and latest fifth at Kelso was a good run as he only weakened late on in a higher grade; respected in the new cheekpieces.

16/1

5th

6

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 133y

Class 2

14:40 Kelso

Sleeping Satellite

11st 1lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Twice made all in the autumn (2m3f, good) but his progress has stalled on his last two outings and he needs something extra if he's to return to winning ways today.

12/1

4th

3

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

14:10 Newcastle

Sleeping Satellite

11st 6lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Winner on good ground over 2m3f at Stratford and Catterick this season; another fair effort when third of four at Musselburgh last time (2m4f, soft) where he jumped left on occasions; return to a left-handed track should suit and he can go well (won a bumper on soft ground).

13/2

25/1

  • Place: £11.40

Form: /61F-P D

Last run: 206 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Talented hurdler/chaser earlier in career and showed when runner-up in a point-to-point in May that some spark remains; however, he has a patchy profile nowadays and was pulled up in a hunter chase at Huntingdon later in May; makes debut for new yard and others have less to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

4th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

17:25 Huntingdon

Homme Dun Soir

11st 13lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Billy Aprahamian

Has three wins over fences but after finishing last of four at Hereford last month, he exploited a lower hurdles mark when successful at Wincanton (1m7f, good) 12 days ago; needs to use that momentum back over the larger obstacles.

9/2

1st

1

23rd Mar 2026

Good

1m 7f 50y

Class 4

14:15 Wincanton

Homme Dun Soir

12st 2lb

J: Lt Billy Aprahamian

T: Billy Aprahamian

Better known as a chaser now but was third in a better race than this when reverting to hurdles at Warwick (2m, heavy; also suited by good) last month, and subsequent 32l defeat over fences came in a good-quality contest; must be considered.

3/1

4th

4

7th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 8y

Class 3

14:52 Hereford

Homme Dun Soir

11st 1lb

J: James Bowen

T: Billy Aprahamian

Seven wins in all, most recently at Market Rasen and Ludlow this time last year; didn't shape too badly over hurdles at Warwick (jumped right) last time, and this return to fences on a right-handed track should suit him; not ruled out.

7/2

Form: -47322

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Remains a maiden but was runner-up in a maiden hurdle at Perth (2m, good) in August on final run for Stuart Crawford, and he was a close second of four in a handicap at Leicester (1m7f, heavy) on last month's stable debut; this race is more competitive but he might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

2nd Jun 2026

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

17:00 Southwell

Harel Du Marais

11st 5lb

J: James Bowen

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Resumed winning ways over fences at Stratford (2m1f) in March but below par both runs since, beating just one in 2m4f Warwick handicap chase last month; needs to take a big step forward back in this sphere.

14/1

7th

3

4th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:25 Warwick

Harel Du Marais

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Landed his fourth win over fences at Stratford in March (2m1f, soft) but his Huntingdon third was remote and some inconsistency has crept in.

10/1

3rd

4

4th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

17:25 Huntingdon

Harel Du Marais

11st 6lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Back to his best after a three-month break when landing his fourth win over fences at Stratford (2m1f, soft) last month; up 5lb but recorded back-to-back victories around this time last year so not to be taken lightly.

5/2

Form: 33321- D

Last run: 244 days

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Built upon her previous promise (on various ground) when making all in 4yo hurdle against males at Chepstow (2m, soft) in April; open to further improvement and could make a bold bid on seasonal/handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 111y

Class 5

17:40 Exeter

Imperial Jade

12st 0lb

J: David Bass

T: Charlie Longsdon

Triple winner over hurdles at up to 2m3f and goes well on a sound surface; 2lb lower than when last winning at Huntingdon 13 months ago; well below that level over fences/hurdles this season and down the field in 1m3f AW novice event in January when last seen; handy mark if revived.

12/1

8th

8

(6)

19th Jan 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 3

14:38 Kempton (AW)

Imperial Jade

9st 1lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Charlie Longsdon

Three-time winner over hurdles, but has lost her way over jumps; plenty to prove on belated Flat debut.

33/1

Form: 406

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Makes handicap debut from 2lb wrong at the weights and he needs to improve upon what he's shown on his three hurdle starts; however, he has potential off this lowly mark based on the ability shown in his light Flat career; one to watch in the betting.
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: 21424- D

Last run: 232 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Bumper (2m, good) and novice hurdle (1m7f, soft) winner who ran creditably in second at Kelso (2m, soft) in March on sole handicap start; this lightly raced 8yo could have more to offer and she could be a player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

7th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

15:10 Sedgefield

Midnight Shuffle

11st 13lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

prominent

11/2

Form: 13P3-3 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner (2m, good) who landed a novice hurdle at Ffos Las (2m, heavy) in January; has run some fair races since and she's only five so improvement is possible, but necessary if she's to win off her current mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

11th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

16:55 Southwell

Mrs Grimley

11st 4lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Sam Allwood

Became disappointing for Ben Pauling last season and, following a wind op, made low-key stable debut last month; needs to have taken significant benefit from that recent outing.

16/1

5th

3

4th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

19:25 Uttoxeter

Mrs Grimley

11st 8lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Sam Allwood

Won heavy-ground novice hurdle for Ben Pauling in early part of 2023 but became very disappointing for that stable last season; needs combination of wind op and change of scenary to prompt a revival.

14/1

5th

3

4th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

19:25 Uttoxeter

Mrs Grimley

11st 8lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Sam Allwood

Won heavy-ground novice hurdle for Ben Pauling in early part of 2023 but became very disappointing for that stable last season; needs combination of wind op and change of scenary to prompt a revival.

14/1

Form: 4/18-3 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Won at Warwick (2m, good to soft) last November on second handicap start and respectable third at Sandown (2m, soft) last month when back from an absence; could build on that latest performance now back on better ground and he's firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

21st Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Warwick

Iontach Cheval

10st 13lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Alastair Ralph

Ran fairly well over 2m here on seasonal debut in November but two very disappointing runs have followed (2m/2m7f; blinkers added last time) and it's hard to predict whether he'll be in the right mood today.

33/1

8th

2

31st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

13:30 Uttoxeter

Iontach Cheval

12st 0lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Alastair Ralph

Made quite encouraging seasonal debut last month (2m, good) but ran poorly over that trip three weeks later and also struggled on only previous attempt at 2m7f; sports first-time blinkers; risky.

12/1

8th

2

31st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

13:30 Uttoxeter

Iontach Cheval

12st 0lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Alastair Ralph

Made quite encouraging seasonal debut last month (2m, good) but ran poorly over that trip three weeks later and also struggled on only previous attempt at 2m7f; sports first-time blinkers; risky.

12/1

Form: 10434P D

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Largely consistent during his summer/autumn spell with Milton Harris, winning twice (2m/2m1f, good/good to soft); not written off but he was pulled up on last month's stable debut at Kempton (2m, good to soft).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

7th Sep 2024

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

16:12 Stratford

Call Me Rocky

11st 5lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Anthony Charlton

Very well handicapped on some of last year's form for Milton Harris and but was out of sorts during three-race spell for Syd Hosie and pulled up on recent debut for latest new trainer; headgear refitted; revival needed.

25/1

9

28th Aug 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:10 Worcester

Call Me Rocky

10st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Anthony Charlton

Well treated now but lost his way badly after leaving Milton Harris and tried chasing last time; too risky.

20/1

4

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 213y

Class 4

20:30 Stratford

Call Me Rocky

11st 13lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Syd Hosie

in touch with leaders, prominent after 8th, weakened 3 out, pulled up after 2 out

8/1

Form: 5P-633 BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Just one win from 27 starts but that came at Catterick (2m3f, good) in February and he's run reasonably well in two runs this autumn; today's return to better ground may be in his favour; could be thereabouts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

9th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 4

13:50 Huntingdon

Lifetime Legend

10st 6lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

in touch with leaders

20/1

13

9th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 4

13:50 Huntingdon

Lifetime Legend

10st 6lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

in touch with leaders

20/1

Form: 54-U15 D BF

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Won at Huntingdon (2m, good to soft) in October on his second handicap start; merely fifth at Kempton (2m, good) subsequently but he can be in the mix if rediscovering his penultimate form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

24th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:30 Southwell

Jack The Savage

11st 5lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Laura Horsfall

Had dropped to a good mark and finally exploited it with a head success at Hereford (3m1f, good); that was a weak race but he's only 2lb higher and should give some less exposed rivals plenty to think about.

11/4

1st

5

7th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 119y

Class 5

13:42 Hereford

Jack The Savage

11st 8lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Laura Horsfall

Sole hurdles win came off 15lb higher mark but he's been struggling for a while and finished last of four at Fakenham last time after four months off; needs a revival.

12/1

4th

4

18th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 95y

Class 5

13:00 Fakenham

Jack The Savage

11st 4lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Laura Horsfall

Potentially well handicapped but was struggling for form when last seen and has been off since early September.

12/1

Form: 6P15-P

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Pulled up at 22-1 on stable debut at Newton Abbot (2m5f, heavy) in October; however, this French winner (2m3f, good to soft) has had a wind op since; one to watch in the betting now back on less testing ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

4

30th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

15:55 Taunton

Bonheur De Ballon

11st 7lb

J: Gearoid Harney

T: David Pipe

A French winner over this far; had wind surgery before pulling up on stable debut in a handicap and underwent the same procedure ahead of another quiet run at Doncaster two weeks ago; cheekpieces added.

20/1

13th

4

15th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 4

11:25 Doncaster

Bonheur De Ballon

11st 11lb

J: Gearoid Harney

T: David Pipe

Pulled up at 22-1 on stable debut at Newton Abbot (2m5f, heavy) in October; however, this French winner (2m3f, good to soft) has had a wind op since; one to watch in the betting now back on less testing ground.

20/1

Form: 6/416- D

Last run: 287 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Disappointing over C&D in March on final run for Harry Eustace (remains in same ownership); however, prior to that she won at Southwell (2m, good; also effective on soft) on her second handicap hurdle start and she's not ruled out on this seasonal and stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(8)

12th Aug 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 5

17:35 Kempton (AW)

At A Pinch

10st 4lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Toby Lawes

in touch with leaders, dropped to rear over 2f out, soon struggling

25/1

5th

6

6th Jun 2024

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

15:13 Uttoxeter

At A Pinch

11st 5lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Won off a 17lb higher mark in February last year and that was the last time she sported a hood, which is now joined by cheekpieces; a revival wouldn't be a complete bolt from the blue.

25/1

12th

4

16th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

18:40 Fontwell

At A Pinch

11st 7lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Mark 12lb below her last winning one is owed to a poor 2023-24 season; not convinced this longest trip to date is what she's been after.

66/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £21.80
Straight Forecast £18.03
Tricast £493.49
Trifecta £675.60

Selections

WEST COUNTRY:

Rare Middleton

SPOTLIGHT:

Iontach Cheval

The Sun:

Imperial Jade

The Times:

Sleeping Satellite

RP RATINGS:

Lifetime Legend

TOPSPEED:

Jack The Savage

Daily Mail:

Harel Du Marais

Daily Record:

Imperial Jade

Telegraph:

Rare Middleton

The Guardian:

Rare Middleton

D Express:

Sleeping Satellite

Daily Mirror:

Iontach Cheval

The Star:

Iontach Cheval

POSTDATA:

Lifetime Legend