January 01 / 13.45 Musselburgh

13.45

Soft

tote.co.uk New Year New Me Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £10562
  • 1m 7f 124y
  • Class 3
  • 12 runners
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tote.co.uk New Year New Me Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £15.40
  • Place: £3.80

Form: 4-242S CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Scored over C&D (good to soft) last February and largely consistent since; was in the process of running well when slipping up here (race won by Cuban Cigar) last time; should give his running.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

24th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

17:22 Kelso

Scots Poet

10st 7lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Ewan Whillans

Gained a first win for two years at Sedgefield (2m1f) in April and backed it up with a good second of nine in 2m Hexham handicap 15 days ago when set a lot to do; this veteran is not taken lightly eased 1lb.

7/2

2nd

5

9th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

18:15 Hexham

Scots Poet

11st 5lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Ewan Whillans

Mainly in good form this year, gaining a well-deserved win at Sedgefield last time (2m1f, good; blinkers on for fourth time); up 4lb; could go well again.

3/1

1st

6

10th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

16:45 Sedgefield

Scots Poet

11st 0lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Ewan Whillans

C&D winner (good); third on his last three starts, all at around 2m; chance but will need to raise his game to win this.

10/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 110-31 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Won off this mark at Bangor (2m3f, soft) last month but beat only one rival and faces a stiffer assignment in this much deeper field; on the plus side, has good strike-rates (4-6 over hurdles; 2-3 at 2m).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

11th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

17:47 Southwell

Ballygeary

11st 13lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mike Sowersby

Beaten 6l in his penultimate race but following run was a reminder of his inconsistency; others safer.

20/1

6th

7

27th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 3

16:20 Wetherby

Ballygeary

10st 3lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mike Sowersby

Has inconsistent form for current stable but ran encouragingly last time (2m5f) while shaping as if this return to further is worth exploring; well treated on historical data, which includes wins off higher marks in 2023 and 2024.

12/1

3rd

6

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 181y

Class 4

16:20 Doncaster

Ballygeary

11st 5lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mike Sowersby

Ex-Donald McCain; creditable third on stable debut in July (2m4f, good) but hasn't been in top form since.

33/1

14/1

  • Place: £5.20

Form: 1214 CD

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Maiden on Flat; 2-4 over hurdles, not disgraced in Listed grade most recently; won over C&D (good to soft) in November and has possibilities back here, provided she takes well to first-time visor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

18:10 Cartmel

Belle Of Annandale

11st 6lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: R Mike Smith

Very well treated on some of last year's form for Adrian Keatley and seems versatile ground-wise but has not been firing on all cylinders in recent months.

14/1

9

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

18:10 Cartmel

Belle Of Annandale

11st 6lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: R Mike Smith

Very well treated on some of last year's form for Adrian Keatley and seems versatile ground-wise but has not been firing on all cylinders in recent months.

14/1

8

15th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

15:21 Perth

Belle Of Annandale

10st 5lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: R Mike Smith

Won a 2m maiden here and a 1m7f novice at Musselburgh in 2023; bit disappointing in handicaps at up to 3m last season but well handicapped as a result.

12/1

Form: 721311 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Trained in Ireland; successful in three British races (2m/2m3f, good to soft) since August, latest at Haydock; 2-3 in handicaps; progressing well and has to be feared despite another rise in weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

16th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 77y

Class 4

17:05 Bangor-on-Dee

Park Annonciade

11st 11lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Sarah Humphrey

Less contested lead than often the case when making it seventh time lucky over fences at Huntingdon last month (2m, good), and Stratford second off 6lb higher since consolidated that form; up another 1lb here but pace rivalry could prove more the issue.

11/4

2nd

4

19th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 4

16:53 Stratford

Park Annonciade

11st 2lb

J: James Bowen

T: Sarah Humphrey

Started off for Sarah Humphrey with two disappointing hurdle runs in the autumn but has turned things around over fences since, and kept on well to win by 7l at Huntingdon (2m, good) a fortnight ago; recent 6lb rise demands more from him here, though.

9/4

1st

5

4th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

17:25 Huntingdon

Park Annonciade

11st 6lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Sarah Humphrey

All three wins over hurdles when trained in Ireland; running well at present and second of five at Plumpton (2m1f, good to soft) last month; threatening to get his head in front for this yard.

5/1

Form: 228/P2 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 5lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Clear signs of retaining ability in C&D event two weeks ago on second run back from lengthy layoff; however, now goes up two grades and faces a tougher task; record is only 1-14.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

8th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:30 Ayr

Cancan

11st 13lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Yet to add to her C&D maiden win in 2021 but was placed on consecutive 1m7f starts at Musselburgh last month and is 1lb lower today; probably won't be far away.

3/1

3rd

2

18th Feb 2024

Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 5

16:50 Musselburgh

Cancan

12st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Just one win from her 16 starts but she's run some good races in defeat here, most recently third to Bashful over C&D (good to soft) a fortnight ago; could be thereabouts.

6/1

3rd

7

3rd Feb 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 4

16:35 Musselburgh

Cancan

11st 4lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Returned in October from a long layoff and has been beaten 7l and about 11l in handicaps over C&D the last twice; needs to find a bit on those efforts and others are less exposed.

12/1

Form: 26-214 D BF

Last run: 54 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Had wind surgery prior to opening his account at Kelso (2m, good to soft) on hurdles debut; refitted hood possibly contributed to his defeat over C&D since; now goes in tongue-tie; still unexposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Slugger

10st 10lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: Harry Derham

midfield, smooth headway 4 out, joined leader going easily just after 2 out, not fluent but led narrowly last, soon ridden, headed and no extra final 110yds

25/1

2nd

8

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Slugger

10st 10lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: Harry Derham

midfield, smooth headway 4 out, joined leader going easily just after 2 out, not fluent but led narrowly last, soon ridden, headed and no extra final 110yds

25/1

4th

9

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

15:30 Kelso

Slugger

11st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Prominent-racer who is unbeaten in three starts for Harry Derham (1m7f-2m1f, good-soft), most recently beating five rivals at Musselburgh in January; today is a much tougher test of his credentials but this 6yo C&D winner is clearly thriving and could continue to improve for his up-and-coming yard.

14/1

Form: 5213 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Disappointing on British/hurdles debut; progressive in hood since, most recently third at Cheltenham (2m1f, soft) on handicap debut; still looks well treated on German Flat form (dual Listed winner); big player, provided removal of headgear doesn't have negative effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

1

27th Apr 2024

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:50 Sandown

Panjari

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

A useful 1m2f Flat winner in Germany (on good and good to soft) who has had a fine first season over hurdles, and in the last of his three novice wins he beat Dartmoor Pirate who was close up in Sandown's EBF Final the time before; it's all come at a cost mark-wise but there could be even more in the locker under drying conditions.

12/1

14th

1

27th Apr 2024

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:50 Sandown

Panjari

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

A useful 1m2f Flat winner in Germany (on good and good to soft) who has had a fine first season over hurdles, and in the last of his three novice wins he beat Dartmoor Pirate who was close up in Sandown's EBF Final the time before; it's all come at a cost mark-wise but there could be even more in the locker under drying conditions.

12/1

1st

1

16th Apr 2024

Heavy

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

16:15 Ffos Las

Panjari

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

travelled strongly, pressed leader, disputed lead 3rd, led narrowly 3 out, went clear run-in, easily

5/2

Form: 1U7-56 CD

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Poor effort last time; however, has a respectable record at Musselburgh and returns here off only 1lb above last winning mark; runner-up in this race last year; can't rule out a big run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

31st Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

14:10 Worcester

Collingham

12st 0lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Eight-time hurdle winner, the last two in claimers in the spring; his three chase starts haven't been devoid of promise but he was only sixth of nine at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last time and needs something extra.

33/1

6th

4

27th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:07 Uttoxeter

Collingham

11st 8lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Latest two wins were in claiming hurdles for another yard; last of four over fences on yard debut and then fifth of seven over hurdles; opposable.

20/1

5

7th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Worcester

Collingham

10st 8lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Latest two wins were in claiming hurdles for Archie Watson; last of four over fences on recent stable debut but didn't run at all badly; this is a warm handicap, however.

16/1

Form: 12-241 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Has plenty of Musselburgh form, including creditable fourth in this race last year; regained the winning thread, albeit narrowly, over C&D on latest outing; frame possibilities, despite career-high mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

16th Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

17:05 Perth

Cuban Cigar

10st 2lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Stuck in a bit of a rut right now and he's at his best with some give underfoot; others preferred from 2lb out of the weights.

12/1

5th

2

13th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

16:53 Perth

Cuban Cigar

11st 3lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell

Regressive 7yo who never really got competitive when sixth over C&D (good) last month; far too well handicapped to rule out but needs to stage a revival.

5/1

10

8th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

14:47 Perth

Cuban Cigar

11st 2lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell

Not really firing on all cylinders since the winter but has slipped to a very tempting mark and, with blinkers refitted, was not beaten far when fifth in recent C&D handicap fought out by Just Dottie and Mack The Man.

12/1

Form: 52-145 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish youngster who scored easily at Uttoxeter on hurdles/stable debut; sound efforts in Grade 2 and handicap at Cheltenham (2m/2m1f, good/soft) since; ties in closely with Panjari on latest effort; remains open to further progress; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

14:12 Haydock

Williethebuilder

12st 0lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Christian Williams

Won two in a row at Kempton (2m, good) in the winter before another good run when fourth at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft), where he would have been a bit closer but for late interference; soft ground may not have been ideal in the County Hurdle three weeks ago; might not be far away.

7/1

18th

13

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Williethebuilder

10st 10lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

A rare one in that he's improved since leaving Dan Skelton, winning a pair of 2m handicaps on good ground at Kempton this winter; creditable fourth of ten in the Scottish County at Musselburgh six weeks ago but it underlines that he needs to find a bit more from this career-high mark.

25/1

4th

2

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

13:43 Musselburgh

Williethebuilder

11st 7lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Christian Williams

7yo who has been with a new stable since October and has shown career-best form to win at Kempton (2m, good) on his last two starts; has shown promise on soft/good to soft; clearly thriving and could take latest 6lb rise in his stride if today's slower conditions aren't an issue.

100/30

OUR TIP

Form: /11P-P D

Last run: 57 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Versatile ground-wise; pulled up in better races at 2m2f/2m4f the last twice; could well rebound and resume his progress back down in trip/grade, being 3-3 over 2m/2m1f; not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

29th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

15:43 Ayr

Carcaci Castle

11st 1lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Sandy Thomson

10yo who isn't the force of old but has dropped down the weights accordingly and finished second to an improving winner at Musselburgh last month; could be a contender if backing up that performance.

15/2

5th

2

10th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 133y

Class 4

16:05 Hexham

Carcaci Castle

11st 8lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

Fair third at Kelso in December (2m1f, good to soft) but has failed to complete on both outings since, latest over 2m4f at Perth (fell four out); on a fair mark at present but a bit to prove.

14/1

5th

2

10th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 133y

Class 4

16:05 Hexham

Carcaci Castle

11st 8lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

Fair third at Kelso in December (2m1f, good to soft) but has failed to complete on both outings since, latest over 2m4f at Perth (fell four out); on a fair mark at present but a bit to prove.

14/1

Form: 44-113 D

Last run: 45 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft; solid record (over 2m) this term, making all twice at Kelso then good third in big field at Cheltenham; still has low mileage; up a further 5l but he's improving; sound chance back in Scotland.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

29th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 1f 14y

Class 3

14:03 Kelso

Caithness

11st 12lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

It was only his second run over fences but he jumped well when pulling clear with the favourite at Wetherby (1m7f, good to soft) and a 6lb rise seems fair; good chance.

13/8

2

29th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 1f 14y

Class 3

14:03 Kelso

Caithness

11st 12lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

It was only his second run over fences but he jumped well when pulling clear with the favourite at Wetherby (1m7f, good to soft) and a 6lb rise seems fair; good chance.

13/8

5

27th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 36y

Class 2

14:45 Wetherby

Caithness

10st 13lb

T: Lucinda Russell

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £139.40
Straight Forecast £111.59
Tricast £2468.28
Trifecta £1984.30

Selections

Telegraph:

Park Annonciade

TOPSPEED:

Caithness

D Express:

Ballygeary

The Times:

Panjari

POSTDATA:

Cuban Cigar

SPOTLIGHT:

Williethebuilder

RP RATINGS:

Collingham

Daily Mirror:

Park Annonciade

Daily Record:

Park Annonciade

THE NORTH:

Caithness

Daily Mail:

Caithness

The Sun:

Ballygeary

The Star:

Panjari

The Guardian:

Cuban Cigar