January 06 / 13.40 Newcastle

13.40

Soft

Quinnbet Acca Bonus Novices’ Hurdle (Novices’ Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4193.42
  • 2m 0f 190y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
SKY
View Course
Quinnbet Acca Bonus Novices’ Hurdle (Novices’ Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

OUR TIP

50/1 (Won)

  • Win: £20.30
  • Place: £4.00

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fair third on the middle of his three Irish maiden point starts but he was well beaten by the front two; changed hands for £3,000 last May; may be best watched on this rules debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

4th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 3

19:50 Hexham

Blazing Soldier

10st 7lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Mark Walford

Unexposed 6yo who beat Two Auld Pals to cause 16-1 surprise on rules debut at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) in January; didn't see out 2m3f on heavy ground when well-held third there the following month but remains of interest.

10/1

7th

8

4th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 3

19:50 Hexham

Blazing Soldier

10st 7lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Mark Walford

Unexposed 6yo who beat Two Auld Pals to cause 16-1 surprise on rules debut at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) in January; didn't see out 2m3f on heavy ground when well-held third there the following month but remains of interest.

10/1

Evs

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 2

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Three Flat wins last year (1m5f/2m1f), with a useful peak RPR of 82, and promising second on last month's stable and hurdle debut at Bangor (2m, heavy); leading claims on that evidence, and he's open to improvement too.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

9th May 2026

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

18:47 Hexham

Two Auld Pals

12st 0lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Not really firing on all cylinders when last seen in the winter but returns from 12-week break on a good mark and is versatile regarding ground; gained his only hurdle win over C&D; no surprise if he features.

8/1

8th

12

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Carlisle

Two Auld Pals

11st 4lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Five-time Flat winner who has a consistent profile over hurdles; handles soft ground but has a bit to find with He's Bresilian on last month's Ayr form.

10/1

3rd

3

25th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

15:20 Kelso

Two Auld Pals

11st 10lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Showed fair form at a juvenile hurdler two seasons ago, winning at Hexham in March 2024 (2m, heavy); didn't progress in handicaps after that; has since won twice over 1m5f on the Flat at Hamilton (good/soft) but below his best on last two Flat runs.

5/1

9/4

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 1

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Carries 7lb penalty against some interesting rivals and the drop in trip isn't an obvious plus; however, he was a promising third in an Irish maiden point (3m, yielding to soft) and defied early interference to win on last month's hurdle debut at Carlisle (2m3f, good to soft); likeable prospect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:30 Musselburgh

Forged Well

11st 5lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Martin Todhunter

Tailed off when back over hurdles at Sedgefield last month and something to prove after that; however, he's 2lb lower than for his ready win over fences here (2m7f, good to soft) in December and shouldn't be discounted.

9/1

6th

4

19th Feb 2026

3m 3f 9y

Class 4

14:33 Sedgefield

Forged Well

11st 9lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Martin Todhunter

Won a handicap chase at Musselburgh in December (2m7f, good to soft); shapes as though this trip will suit, is 7lb lower over hurdles and could go well.

3/1

Form: 46

Last run: 84 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
12l second in Irish maiden point (3m, yielding to soft) last April but well beaten at Cartmel (2m6f, good) the following month and tailed off when next seen at Hexham (2m4f, soft) in October; lots of improvement is needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 5

19:38 Cartmel

Poetry Man

11st 4lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

After three successive pull-ups over fences he got back on track when close up in a 2m6f handicap hurdle here on Monday when in a first-time visor; if turned out again he'd command a level of respect.

14/1

3rd

4

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:48 Cartmel

Poetry Man

11st 7lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

Ran fairly well in 3m1f hurdle in January but was pulled up in all three subsequent chases; swaps usual cheekpieces for first-time visor; can't be supported with much confidence.

33/1

3

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:45 Hexham

Poetry Man

11st 10lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

Won a 3m1f handicap chase at Catterick in December 2024 (good); some fair runs since, but plenty to prove having been pulled up on last two starts; tongue-tie now tried.

25/1

Form: P9

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Pulled up on debut at Carlisle (2m1f, heavy) in October and 39l ninth of 15 at 250-1 at Ayr (2m, soft) last month; however, that latest form is working out very well and he's an each-way possible in this modest contest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

7th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

16:42 Southwell

Lord Denning

11st 9lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Pauline Robson

Just three runs in novice hurdles and the latest was quite encouraging; beaten a long way on chase/handicap debut but went off at 6-1 and heavy ground might not have helped him.

14/1

9th

3

7th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

16:42 Southwell

Lord Denning

11st 9lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Pauline Robson

Just three runs in novice hurdles and the latest was quite encouraging; beaten a long way on chase/handicap debut but went off at 6-1 and heavy ground might not have helped him.

14/1

8th

4

15th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 75y

Class 5

15:25 Newcastle

Lord Denning

11st 6lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Pauline Robson

towards rear, bad mistake and nearly lost jockey 2nd

10/1

Form: 40

Last run: 69 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off at 80-1 on hurdle/stable debut at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) in October but he's had wind surgery since and showed some promise when fourth of seven in a warm bumper at Perth (2m, good) last August; Brian Hughes rides and he's one to watch in the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 133y

Class 5

15:55 Hexham

We Got Your Back

11st 4lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: L J Morgan

Has won three races over fences, the latest off this mark over C&D in October (good); has not been in top form last few starts; could bounce back.

11/2

8th

6

24th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

17:00 Southwell

We Got Your Back

11st 7lb

J: Miss Ellie Callwood

T: L J Morgan

Has only won over fences (three times) and still held some sort of chance when unseating nine days ago at Market Rasen; his hurdle form isn't so convincing, though.

20/1

5

15th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 1f 43y

Class 5

14:57 Market Rasen

We Got Your Back

11st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: L J Morgan

Has won three chases, the latest at Hexham in October; not at his best on last two runs but on a fair mark now and could go well.

7/1

Form: 7

Last run: 11 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off at 25-1 in seven-runner novice hurdle on debut at Wetherby (2m3f, soft) on Boxing Day; transformation needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

29th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 5

17:10 Wetherby

Missy Ava

10st 8lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Made debut on Boxing Day and has finished no better than seventh across her three starts; however, she makes her handicap debut off a basement mark and a closer inspection of her pedigree provides some hope she'll be capable of better than she's shown thus far; one to watch in the betting.

10/1

8th

9

25th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:00 Wetherby

Missy Ava

10st 9lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Mark Walford

Improved form when 20l seventh of 14 at Newcastle (2m1f, soft) recently on second start but needs another big step forward today.

200/1

Form: 3

Last run: 51 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Ability on the Flat but at a modest level and she was a well-beaten third of eight on hurdle debut at Sedgefield (2m1f, soft) in November; others have much greater substance to their form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(4)

18th Apr 2024

Heavy

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

17:25 Ripon

Cantalupo Bella

8st 7lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Placed in low-grade handicaps at up to 2m on the Flat, including on heavy; has not accomplished much over hurdles on last five outings but at least her fitness should be assured; needs a second look for in-form yard.

11/2

5th

5

(4)

18th Apr 2024

Heavy

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

17:25 Ripon

Cantalupo Bella

8st 7lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Placed in low-grade handicaps at up to 2m on the Flat, including on heavy; has not accomplished much over hurdles on last five outings but at least her fitness should be assured; needs a second look for in-form yard.

11/2

7th

9

19th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

16:15 Wetherby

Cantalupo Bella

10st 2lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Michael & David Easterby

Placed in low-grade handicaps at up to 2m on the Flat and ran well for a long way when upped to 3m for last month's handicap hurdle debut at Southwell (heavy); effectively 1lb higher today but might last longer on the less testing ground; dangerous to ignore.

16/1

Form: 33-

Last run: 543 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Absent since summer 2022 but showed promise back then when third in a bumper (2m, good) and a novice hurdle (2m, good); his dam was a useful hurdler and he's not discounted on today's comeback.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Konfusion

12st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Faller in the Cheltenham Festival contest won by Grand National runner Johnnywho; progressive otherwise and his record of 5-11 over fences features wins in notable handicaps at Newcastle (2m7f, good to soft) and Wetherby (3m, soft) this term; likely to go well barring mishaps.

11/1

8

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Konfusion

11st 2lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

8yo who thrived towards the end of last year, winning three times (2m7f/3m, good-soft); having gone up the weights he was third of six (beaten about 2l) behind Imperial Saint at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) in January but that was still a big performance and further improvement can't be ruled out.

16/1

3rd

3

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:00 Haydock

Konfusion

11st 0lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Front-runner who is 3-3 this season when completing, posting easy wins on last two starts at Newcastle (2m7f, good to soft) and Wetherby (3m, soft); had just three rivals to beat last time and now 9lb higher in a tougher race, but he's clearly thriving and his stable has won this race five times.

5/2

Form: 0-8

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off in a bumper and a maiden hurdle on his two runs for John McConnell; however, he impressed in a British maiden point last January and may be able to tap back into that promise at some stage; makes stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

22nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:45 Kelso

Whosmydaddy

11st 2lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Stuart Coltherd

Has rather mixed record since winning twice (2m7f/3m) for Sandy Thomson towards end of last season but ran big race before succumbing to Super Citizen at Carlisle (3m, good) a fortnight ago; a possible.

4/1

6

22nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:45 Kelso

Whosmydaddy

11st 2lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Stuart Coltherd

Has rather mixed record since winning twice (2m7f/3m) for Sandy Thomson towards end of last season but ran big race before succumbing to Super Citizen at Carlisle (3m, good) a fortnight ago; a possible.

4/1

2nd

2

8th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 110y

Class 5

17:00 Carlisle

Whosmydaddy

11st 13lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Stuart Coltherd

led at steady pace, increased tempo before 4 out, clear before 3 out, reduced lead before 2 out, headed inside final 110yds, kept on

4/1

Form: 3

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well-beaten third of five at 12-1 on debut at Hexham (2m, heavy) last month and she's bred to come into her own over longer trips.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

9th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

15:00 Hereford

Princess Of Mercia

11st 5lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Michael Scudamore

No more than minor promise in four runs for Lucinda Russell and took a backward step on her handicap debut a month ago at Carlisle (2m1f, soft; 28-1); wouldn't be the obvious answer to this.

25/1

7th

4

9th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

15:00 Hereford

Princess Of Mercia

11st 5lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Michael Scudamore

No more than minor promise in four runs for Lucinda Russell and took a backward step on her handicap debut a month ago at Carlisle (2m1f, soft; 28-1); wouldn't be the obvious answer to this.

25/1

2

7th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 5

15:45 Carlisle

Princess Of Mercia

11st 13lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Lucinda Russell

Blue Bresil mare who has hinted at promise in her three runs thus far, patiently ridden sixth in 2m Newcastle novice hurdle three weeks ago; she's in good hands and no surprise to see her take a big step forward now going handicapping.

9/2

14/1

Form: P

Last run: 38 days

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made early mistakes (and lost a shoe) when pulled up on hurdle and stable debut at Kelso (2m, good to soft) in November; something to prove after that but she was useful on the Flat in France and has potential in this code, if and when things click.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

14:50 Musselburgh

Anamanda

10st 9lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Went close at Kelso (2m5f, good) last April but has not made a serious impact this season; now 8lb below the Kelso mark but 0-17 as a hurdler; a hood returns, after it was last fitted in 2023.

4/1

4th

7

15th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 5

14:50 Musselburgh

Anamanda

10st 12lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Went close at Kelso (2m5f) last spring; has regressive form this term, taking record over hurdles to 0-16, but gives the impression this belated drop back to about 2m is worth exploring.

14/1

5th

5

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 5

14:50 Doncaster

Anamanda

11st 7lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Three-time French Flat winner who is 0-15 over hurdles having been below par on her three outings this term; however, she's well handicapped on last season's best efforts and is not written off.

20/1

Form: 42/94

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Displayed ability in bumpers but, following a long absence, she struggled towards the end of last year on her first two hurdle starts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

8th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 5

15:00 Ayr

Vive De Charnie

10st 4lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell

Unexposed after only four hurdling starts but was well beaten over C&D (soft; first-time tongue-tie) on last month's handicap debut.

33/1

7th

9

13th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 5

13:45 Ayr

Vive De Charnie

10st 7lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell

Second to a useful one in soft-ground Fontwell bumper two years ago but, following a long absence, has struggled in three maiden/novice hurdles (2m-2m4f) for new stable this season; makes handicap debut off a lowly mark but yard has more obvious chance with Fiveafterfour; tongue-tie added.

14/1

13th

13

6th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 4

13:40 Newcastle

Vive De Charnie

10st 9lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell

held up in last, bad mistake 4th, soon detached

33/1

Form: 7

Last run: 43 days

W: 10st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
His dam was useful over 7f on the Flat and he was well backed on his debut in a November in a juvenile hurdle at Catterick (1m7f, good to soft); however, after unseating his rider before the start he finished tailed off and is perhaps best watched until showing some promise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(2)

7th Jun 2024

Good

1m 3f 140y

Class 4

18:28 Haydock

Mad Mode

10st 2lb

J: Richard Oliver

T: Mark Walford

Well beaten in two hurdles (5-1 on debut at Catterick); dam half-sister to St Leger and Gold Cup winner Classic Cliche but probably best watched.

66/1

0

14

6th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 4

13:40 Newcastle

Mad Mode

10st 3lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Mark Walford

prominent, lost ground and weakened quickly 6th

33/1

Non-runners

Lunar Chief

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £61.50
Straight Forecast £37.34
Trifecta £283.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Two Auld Pals

Telegraph:

Forged Well

RP RATINGS:

Two Auld Pals

TOPSPEED:

Two Auld Pals

POSTDATA:

Two Auld Pals

The Times:

Two Auld Pals

The Guardian:

Two Auld Pals

Daily Mail:

Two Auld Pals

D Express:

Two Auld Pals

Daily Mirror:

Two Auld Pals

The Sun:

Two Auld Pals

The Star:

Two Auld Pals

Daily Record:

Two Auld Pals