December 18 / 13.40 Plumpton

13.40

Good To Soft

Eleanor Hunnisett Memorial Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4955.32
  • 2m 4f 114y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
SKY
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Eleanor Hunnisett Memorial Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

11/4 (Won)

  • Win: £4.34
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 5-15

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fifth in what has turned out to be a good Huntingdon (soft) bumper in April and delivered on that promise when clearcut winner at Worcester (good) in May; tended to jump left and somewhat erratic when fifth on last month's hurdling debut but can do much better if more fluent over the flights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

15th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 97y

Class 3

15:50 Haydock

Fierce Warrior

11st 13lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

The furthest he's been was 3m2f when he rallied to win from Red Delta in a small field at Doncaster (soft; made most) in November; something amiss next time but he was back on song for second at Carlisle (3m, good to soft; probably effective on good) on latest outing, making it good runs on both his starts in cheekpieces; up 2lb but needs a close look.

4/1

2nd

4

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

15:52 Carlisle

Fierce Warrior

11st 9lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Flopped badly last time when bidding for a Doncaster double but had looked open to further progress and may rebound; 1-1 in cheekpieces (hurdles win last March); not written off.

5/1

5/2

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 6-5

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Shaped with significant promise when sixth of 19 in valuable Newbury bumper (soft) on debut in March and also when fifth on last month's hurdling debut at Kempton (2m5f, good); ought to build upon that performance and this race looks easier; might be the answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

14:30 Kelso

Menaggio

11st 13lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Billy Aprahamian

Seemed to be travelling well before falling four out at Southwell (2m4f, good; first run after wind op) last month and remains well handicapped but has not been firing on all cylinders for new stable this season; swaps visor for first-time cheekpieces; others have more pressing claims.

10/1

2

24th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

16:30 Southwell

Menaggio

11st 12lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Billy Aprahamian

Won a novice hurdle and two handicap chases for Alan King; no closer than 13l in five runs for this yard, the last two over hurdles; had a wind operation.

11/1

4th

2

9th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 3f 66y

Class 4

15:00 Catterick

Menaggio

11st 12lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Billy Aprahamian

Won two three-runner handicap chases at Plumpton (2m3f, good) for Alan King in 2024; mainly disappointing for present yard, including in today's headgear back over hurdles at Uttoxeter last time (2m4f, good to soft); first hurdle/chase run on slower than good to soft ground.

16/1

3/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 5423-3

Last run: 72 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in two bumpers in the spring and recovered from significant mid-race jumping error to take very respectable third on seasonal/hurdle debut at Fontwell (2m3f, good) in October; likely contender here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

10th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 164y

Class 4

14:45 Plumpton

Bentleys Return

11st 8lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Lightly raced 7yo who was an encouraging second on his chase and seasonal debut over C&D (good to soft) in December, albeit no match for the winner Theonlywayiswessex; disappointing at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft) since but perhaps the first-time cheekpieces will prompt a return to form.

5/1

2nd

3

10th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 164y

Class 4

14:45 Plumpton

Bentleys Return

11st 8lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Lightly raced 7yo who was an encouraging second on his chase and seasonal debut over C&D (good to soft) in December, albeit no match for the winner Theonlywayiswessex; disappointing at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft) since but perhaps the first-time cheekpieces will prompt a return to form.

5/1

Form: 4

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Dual point winner in early part of this year and made promising rules debut when fourth at Exeter (2m, good to soft) last month, albeit well beaten in the end; moves up in trip here; considered each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

27th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 104y

Class 2

16:30 Fontwell

Koenigsstern

10st 3lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Can be a bit in and out but he stuck to his task and just got the better of Le Galli Bier for second last time at Plumpton (2m4f, soft); however, the winner left both behind and this 9yo is off the same mark.

8/1

2nd

1

23rd Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 166y

Class 5

16:15 Plumpton

Koenigsstern

12st 0lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Rather in and out since winning at Fontwell in December 2024, but he was in the process of running one of his better races when falling at the second last at Lingfield (2m4f, heavy) 18 days ago; likely to play a part if none the worse for that experience.

4/1

4

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:20 Lingfield

Koenigsstern

10st 12lb

J: James Davies

T: Nick Gifford

Seemed to find 2m7f too taxing here last month but had arguably been fortunate to escape with just a small nudge up the weights for his clear second at Warwick (2m4f, good to soft) on New Year's Eve, and this drop back in trip looks the right move.

13/2

Form: 723/3-

Last run: 323 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Placed on all three hurdling starts, twice on heavy ground in France last year and, most recently, when third on British debut at Fontwell (2m3f, good to soft) in January; possibilities if tuned up after absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

25th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:30 Sandown

In DOr

10st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

3m6f for the NH Chase at Cheltenham last March was his only attempt beyond 3m and he was below form; that was also his last run for Venetia Williams (bought for £220,000 in October at the David Maxwell dispersal) and he's been a good third this winter in 3m handicaps here and at Ascot; needs to build on that, as he's edging up the weights, but he's not fully exposed.

5/1

3rd

4

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 3

13:00 Ascot

In DOr

11st 11lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Bought for £220,000 at the David Maxwell dispersal prior to running well, only 2l behind Welcom To Cartries, at Sandown (3m, good to soft) on debut for new connections; this second-season chaser likely has further progress in him; sole attempt at Ascot resulted in a success in this race 12 months ago (good ground); big player back here.

4/1

6th

7

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

In DOr

11st 3lb

J: Mr David Maxwell

T: Venetia Williams

Ridden by his owner; major progress when switched to chasing this winter for small-field handicap wins over 3m at Taunton (good to soft) and Ascot (good); found his revised mark at Sandown (3m, heavy) a bit too much in hat-trick bid but again ran well and staying beyond 3m may be possible.

33/1

Form: 0-8

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off in Fontwell bumper on rules debut in January and in rear throughout over C&D when switched to hurdling last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

8th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 166y

Class 4

16:15 Fontwell

Vendant

10st 3lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Richard Rowe

0-8 over hurdles but returned from 11-month break with fairly good second here (2m5f, good to soft; no match for winner) 12 days ago and could plausibly still have untapped potential over this longer trip.

9/1

2nd

5

27th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

15:00 Fontwell

Vendant

10st 11lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Richard Rowe

Very nearly won over C&D last January and that was only three starts ago; feasible excuses since then as probably failed to stay 3m1f and then bled here when last seen a year ago; ability respected but there are wellbeing issues after so long out.

13/2

6

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 166y

Class 5

18:47 Fontwell

Vendant

11st 4lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Richard Rowe

held up in rear, pulled up before 6th, race voided

12/1

Form: 5

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to same connections' useful chaser Golden Boy Grey; only beaten about 11l when fifth of seven in soft-ground Sandown bumper last month but it's tricky to evaluate what he achieved there; this hurdling debut should tell us more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

10th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

18:50 Fontwell

Jack Sparrow Grey

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Well beaten on handicap hurdle debut in January but 3-3 since switched to fences with tongue-tie/cheekpieces fitted this spring, with all three wins gained over C&D on good ground; comfortably pulled 10l clear of Summer In Milan 16 days ago and his latest 11lb rise is partially offset by Freddie Mitchell's useful 5lb claim today; makes obvious appeal.

11/10

1st

3

25th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

16:43 Fontwell

Jack Sparrow Grey

11st 8lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Well beaten on handicap hurdle debut in January but 2-2 since switched to fences in cheekpieces this spring, with both wins gained over C&D on good ground; might still be improving and makes obvious appeal.

13/8

1st

3

25th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

16:43 Fontwell

Jack Sparrow Grey

11st 8lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Well beaten on handicap hurdle debut in January but 2-2 since switched to fences in cheekpieces this spring, with both wins gained over C&D on good ground; might still be improving and makes obvious appeal.

13/8

Form: 0/08

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Struggled in both bumpers and also when a big-priced outsider for last month's hurdling debut (2m3f).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

13th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

15:35 Lingfield

DAmbonnay

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Camilla Poulton

No impact in bumpers or three maiden/novice hurdles at up to 2m4f; may do better now handicapping in first-time cheekpieces, but 4lb wrong.

50/1

3

28th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 3f 49y

Class 4

15:25 Fontwell

DAmbonnay

11st 3lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Camilla Poulton

Has struggled to get competitive in two bumpers and two maiden hurdles (2m3f/2m4f); makes no appeal.

100/1

200/1

Form: 07-00

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in all three bumpers and also on recent hurdle debut at Lingfield (2m); upped in trip with hood added today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

12th Jun 2024

Good

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

17:18 Fontwell

Vintage Icon

10st 2lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Andy Irvine

Yet to show any worthwhile form after six starts over hurdles, given wind surgery before penultimate start (3m1f) and fitted with cheekpieces latest (2m5f); has little to recommend him from out of the weights.

50/1

11

8th May 2024

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

17:10 Fontwell

Vintage Icon

10st 2lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Andy Irvine

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, not fluent 7th, bad mistake 3 out, soon dropped to rear

50/1

11

8th May 2024

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

17:10 Fontwell

Vintage Icon

10st 2lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Andy Irvine

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, not fluent 7th, bad mistake 3 out, soon dropped to rear

50/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a low-grade AW handicap for Sir Mark Prescott last year (2m; RPR 61) but ran very poorly on last month's stable debut and can only be watched on today's hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

31st Aug 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Worcester

Captain Howse

10st 5lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Karen Jewell

Sole win was an AW Flat race in 2022; easily his best show in eight appearances over hurdles was on latest start when second of six in handicap at Fontwell (near 2m6f, good) in June, giving some encouragement for this trip but he's now 4lb out of the handicap.

10/1

6

10th Jun 2025

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

20:50 Fontwell

Captain Howse

10st 2lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Karen Jewell

Arguably ran a bit better than eventual 24l defeat suggests when sixth here (3m2f, good; Trevor's Lad close second) last month and may benefit from today's drop back in trip but, overall, his hurdling record is poor.

25/1

8

25th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 166y

Class 5

15:33 Fontwell

Captain Howse

10st 2lb

J: Marc Goldstein

T: Karen Jewell

Struggled over hurdles in the 2023-24 season and, following a layoff, was pulled up at Plumpton (3m1f, good) this month; might have needed that outing and remains unexposed over this sort of trip but is not easily recommended from 8lb out of the weights.

33/1

OUR TIP

150/1

Form: 0P

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in a maiden point in April but was pulled up when 250-1 for recent hurdle debut at Exeter (2m).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

8th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

12:55 Taunton

Azolo

11st 5lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Clarke

Struggled when a big-priced outsider for first two hurdling attempts (2m/2m4f).

100/1

11th

1

18th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 114y

Class 4

13:40 Plumpton

Azolo

11st 4lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Ben Clarke

in touch with leaders

150/1

0

1

20th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

13:15 Exeter

Azolo

11st 0lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Clarke

Runner-up in British maiden point (2m4f, good to soft) in April on second start but tailed off at 150-1 on bumper debut at Chepstow (2m, good to soft) three weeks ago and is probably best watched now hurdling.

100/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a slow-ground Irish point in November 2022 but was pulled up on both subsequent starts in that sphere and it takes a leap of faith to support him on today's rules debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

4

18th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 114y

Class 4

13:40 Plumpton

Churchtown Gigi

11st 4lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Paddy Butler

in rear

66/1

Form: 6-9P

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed only glimmers of promise in his two bumpers in the spring and was pulled up when 250-1 for last month's hurdling debut (2m).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

22nd Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:17 Chepstow

No No Espresso

10st 12lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Harry Derham

Unplaced all five hurdling starts; arguably ran better than bare form suggests when fifth of 16 at Doncaster (2m3f, good to soft) last month but subsequent 2lb drop is not enough to tempt.

11/1

5th

14

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 5

13:28 Doncaster

No No Espresso

11st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Six-race maiden; needs improvement but market support should be noted on this second handicap attempt and third run for Harry Derham.

10/1

5th

14

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 5

13:28 Doncaster

No No Espresso

11st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Six-race maiden; needs improvement but market support should be noted on this second handicap attempt and third run for Harry Derham.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £15.40
Straight Forecast £15.91
Trifecta £41.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Menaggio

LAMBOURN:

Fierce Warrior

The Sun:

Bentley's Return

WEST COUNTRY:

Azolo

D Express:

In D'Or

The Guardian:

Koenigsstern

Telegraph:

Fierce Warrior

Daily Mail:

Fierce Warrior

RP RATINGS:

Menaggio

POSTDATA:

Menaggio

The Times:

Menaggio

Daily Mirror:

Menaggio

The Star:

Bentley's Return

Daily Record:

Bentley's Return