January 10 / 12.20 Doncaster

12.20

Good To Soft

Sky Sports Racing HD Virgin “Hands And Heels” Handicap Hurdle (Conditional & Amateur Jockeys’) (REI)

  • Prize money: £3247.81
  • 3m 0f 84y
  • Class 5
  • 16 runners
SKY
View Course
Sky Sports Racing HD Virgin “Hands And Heels” Handicap Hurdle (Conditional & Amateur Jockeys’) (REI)

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.50
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 507-43

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Irish maiden point winner in March 2022; did his best work late in the day when fourth over nearly 3m at Uttoxeter (good to soft) in May on handicap debut and his rallying third of 15 over 2m6f at Taunton (soft) three weeks ago looked highly encouraging for this step back up in trip; cheekpieces are also enlisted; one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

10th Apr 2025

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

15:55 Newton Abbot

Townhill

11st 9lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: Tom Lacey

Three wins last year, the third coming over C&D (good) in June, when making all; not in the same form since but he's now 1lb below that last winning mark and could bounce back for a yard that was among the winners at Aintree on Saturday.

15/2

6th

4

10th Apr 2025

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

15:55 Newton Abbot

Townhill

11st 9lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: Tom Lacey

prominent, lost position 3 out, weakened before 2 out

15/2

Form: 2-8432 BF

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Yet to add to her Kelso bumper win (May 2022) but in reasonable form for Sandy Forster in 2m7f handicap hurdles last March-June and, following a £7,000 sale, came second at Bangor (2m7f; favourite) nearly six weeks ago on debut for new yard; now has headgear first time; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

20th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 5

14:05 Warwick

Pipers Cross

11st 9lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Emma Lavelle

Three-time winner, the latest at Fontwell (3m2f, good to soft) last May, and she hasn't been running badly this season (good to soft/soft); edging back down the weights and might not be far away.

5/1

4th

5

26th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

15:20 Plumpton

Pipers Cross

11st 2lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Emma Lavelle

Has won on soft but best form on good to soft or quicker; yard continues in fine form but Either Or had her measure at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) last month and she has no strong turnaround claims.

13/2

3rd

2

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:50 Southwell

Pipers Cross

11st 13lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Emma Lavelle

towards rear, headway before 3rd

7/1

14/1

  • Place: £8.90

Form: P53

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Second last May in her only Irish maiden point; best of three efforts over hurdles came when rallying in good style to be a remote third of five finishers in maiden at Fakenham (2m4f, soft) on latest start, with a tongue-tie added; seemed to be crying out for a longer trip that day but this opening mark seems to demand big improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

19th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 95y

Class 5

13:25 Fakenham

Little Talks

10st 13lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

11-race maiden over hurdles but has made the frame in all four starts at this track; tailed off at Fontwell recently following a four-month break but the return to this track could see her back to her best.

5/1

2nd

4

19th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 95y

Class 5

13:25 Fakenham

Little Talks

10st 13lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

11-race maiden over hurdles but has made the frame in all four starts at this track; tailed off at Fontwell recently following a four-month break but the return to this track could see her back to her best.

5/1

8

23rd Oct 2024

Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

14:30 Fontwell

Little Talks

10st 12lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

Ran game race from the front when close third of six at Fakenham (2m7f, good) in June but we haven't seen her again since and she's 0-10 over hurdles now; others appeal more.

8/1

Form: 52O84

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Irish maiden point winner last February; needs overall improvement on this handicap debut but the marked step up in trip holds possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:45 Newcastle

Faha Belle

11st 6lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

prominent

11/1

8th

5

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:45 Newcastle

Faha Belle

11st 6lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

prominent, not fluent 5th

11/1

Form: 0-6232 D BF

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
2m5f/3m winner on good to soft in autumn 2022; similar form when placed over 3m on last three outings, latest when second at Musselburgh six weeks ago under 5lb claimer; probably on the premises.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

6th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

16:30 Hexham

Rickety Gate

11st 3lb

J: Mr Harvey James

T: Nicky Richards

Back below last winning mark (Carlisle, 2m4f) but pulled up at Ayr on penultimate start, and weakened into seventh at Cartmel (2m6f; beaten over 13l) 12 days ago; others more convincing at this stage.

10/1

7th

5

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:48 Cartmel

Rickety Gate

11st 3lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Pulled up on soft ground at Ayr last month but this race is much less competitive and the quicker surface ought to suit him better; made the frame on his previous three outings and has each-way claims at least.

8/1

10

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

17:15 Ayr

Rickety Gate

10st 2lb

J: Ella McGarry

T: Nicky Richards

Exposed five-time winner who ran perfectly well back from an absence at Carlisle but it's never ideal being 5lb out of the weights in this competitive a handicap.

16/1

Form: 456179

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Narrow Cartmel winner off 2lb higher in August (2m6f, good to soft) but below form both starts since and stamina has not been proved beyond that, including in two runs last year over 2m7f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

15

10th Jan 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 5

12:20 Doncaster

Smart Connection

10st 8lb

J: Miss Clara Brewitt

T: Michael Chapman

Narrow Cartmel winner off 2lb higher in August (2m6f, good to soft) but below form both starts since and stamina has not been proved beyond that, including in two runs last year over 2m7f.

66/1

9th

10

26th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

14:22 Market Rasen

Smart Connection

10st 9lb

J: Miss Pippa Brown

T: Michael Chapman

Cartmel winner in August (2m6f, good to soft) and not disgraced over 2m7f here on only run since; could go well again.

50/1

7th

6

16th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 16y

Class 5

15:51 Market Rasen

Smart Connection

10st 11lb

J: Mr Lewis Saunders

T: Michael Chapman

raced wide, midfield, no impression before 3 out

16/1

Form: 346-46

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Coming down the weights but others have more pressing claims judged on her three runs in handicaps (2m, 2m5f and 2m4f); tries a new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

5th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 5

12:55 Leicester

Harkangel

10st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Tom Gretton

Won a 3m handicap hurdle at Taunton earlier this year but that effort remains a standout in her profile; struggles continued on chase debut latest and soft ground might not be what she wants.

14/1

8

5th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 5

12:55 Leicester

Harkangel

10st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Tom Gretton

Won a 3m handicap hurdle at Taunton earlier this year but that effort remains a standout in her profile; struggles continued on chase debut latest and soft ground might not be what she wants.

14/1

4th

6

18th Nov 2024

Good To Firm

2m 6f 151y

Class 5

15:10 Leicester

Harkangel

10st 6lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Tom Gretton

Won mares' handicap hurdle at Taunton in April (3m, good; 33-1) with tongue-tie and cheekpieces on for first time; poor efforts both starts since; has same headgear on chase debut.

14/1

Form: 53/385

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Three wins from 24 races over hurdles, the latest win over 3m2f at Kelso in March 2021 (12lb lower today); 556 days off before third there in October but there have been two major backward steps since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

23rd Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:32 Perth

Dequall

10st 2lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Stuart Coltherd

towards rear, struggling in rear before halfway, pulled up before 3 out

16/1

11

23rd Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:32 Perth

Dequall

10st 2lb

J: Miss Heidi Palin

T: Stuart Coltherd

Placed a few times this term but is on a four-year losing spell and out of the weights today; others preferred.

16/1

5th

7

25th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

15:50 Hexham

Dequall

10st 10lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Displayed some aptitude for chasing back in March 2022 (his last run in this sphere) and he's on a handy mark judged on hurdle form here in November 2024; however, he hasn't been at his best on his last three hurdle starts (two here) and remains without a win since March 2021.

8/1

Form: /4P68-

Last run: 300 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
His most competitive show came in a bumper but this is only his fifth race and he goes handicapping off a lowly mark; also upped in trip and cheekpieces are enlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

26th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 5

16:35 Kelso

Derwent Dealer

10st 5lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Danny Brooke

Eight-race maiden; did not jump well enough when last of five on chasing debut at Sedgefield (3m3f, soft) in March and has since been pulled up (albeit on heavy ground) at Hexham; may fare better on the quicker surface here but still looks too risky.

16/1

2nd

7

26th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 5

16:35 Kelso

Derwent Dealer

10st 5lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Danny Brooke

Eight-race maiden; did not jump well enough when last of five on chasing debut at Sedgefield (3m3f, soft) in March and has since been pulled up (albeit on heavy ground) at Hexham; may fare better on the quicker surface here but still looks too risky.

16/1

8

22nd Apr 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

15:30 Hexham

Derwent Dealer

10st 8lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Danny Brooke

Modest form over hurdles; didn't jump particularly well when last of five on chase debut at Sedgefield last month (3m3f, soft; first run after a wind op); bit to prove.

12/1

Form: 213P44

Last run: 51 days

W: 10st 11lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Hurdle winner on good ground last May (2m4f) and June (3m2f) but not in the same form in her four runs since, all on good to soft and with wind surgery before penultimate start; just 1lb above her last winning mark but needs a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

21st Oct 2024

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 5

17:30 Plumpton

Baby Sham

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Seamus Mullins

midfield, dropped to rear 8th, detached 5 out, pulled up before 4 out

12/1

9th

12

24th Sep 2024

Good

3m 1f 166y

Class 5

15:05 Fontwell

Baby Sham

10st 2lb

J: Oscar Palmer

T: Seamus Mullins

midfield

16/1

10th

16

7th Sep 2024

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

16:12 Stratford

Baby Sham

10st 2lb

J: Oscar Palmer

T: Seamus Mullins

Won twice over hurdles in spring 2023 (2m4f/3m2f) but has lost her way in this sphere and, although she made the frame on the Flat in July, she makes only limited appeal from 11lb out of the weights here.

33/1

Form: 647643

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Handicaps on last three starts, on last two occasions taking minor honours at Market Rasen (2m7f, good to soft) and Ludlow (3m, soft); respected for that but needs to find a bit extra.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

14

10th Jan 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 5

12:20 Doncaster

Poppop

10st 9lb

J: Mr Adam O’Shea

T: John Stimpson

Handicaps on last three starts, on last two occasions taking minor honours at Market Rasen (2m7f, good to soft) and Ludlow (3m, soft); respected for that but needs to find a bit extra.

10/1

3rd

6

6th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 7f 174y

Class 5

12:20 Ludlow

Poppop

10st 4lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: John Stimpson

Has something to prove on ground this soft but having only his seventh run when finishing strongly to be close up at Market Rasen (2m7f, good to soft) three weeks ago; couldn't rule out.

11/2

4th

7

16th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 16y

Class 5

15:51 Market Rasen

Poppop

10st 9lb

J: Philip Armson

T: John Stimpson

held up in rear, jumped left 1st, headway after 3 out

25/1

Form: U62662 C

Last run: 91 days

W: 10st 4lb

13 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
13yo who has won twice over both hurdles and fences, all 3m on good or good to soft and the chase wins were both at this track (2022); this is his first run over hurdles since 2019 but runner-up in two of his last four starts, short-headed at Sedgefield (3m3f) latest, which gives him a shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

11

6th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Uttoxeter

Lough Salt

10st 2lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Peter Winks

Dual chase and hurdle winner (all 3m good or slower); still throws in an occasional competitive effort but has to shrug off three below-par recent performances.

16/1

7

26th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

16:25 Fontwell

Lough Salt

10st 5lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Peter Winks

in touch with leaders, not fluent 5th, lost touch from 11th, struggling when jumped left 12th

14/1

7

26th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

16:25 Fontwell

Lough Salt

10st 5lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Peter Winks

in touch with leaders, not fluent 5th, lost touch from 11th, struggling when jumped left 12th

14/1

Form: 1-48UP

Last run: 65 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Short-head winner off this mark at Ffos Las (2m6f, good to soft) last April; ran creditably next time (3m1f) but no worthwhile form in her three starts since; the last two were over fences and she was in contention for a remote minor honour on first occasion, only to unseat three out; back hurdling but others look more solid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

6th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

15:30 Huntingdon

Sadie Hill

10st 6lb

J: Mr Tom Hutsby

T: David Bridgwater

in touch with leaders

25/1

7

6th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

15:30 Huntingdon

Sadie Hill

10st 6lb

J: Mr Tom Hutsby

T: David Bridgwater

in touch with leaders

25/1

9

21st Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 4f 110y

Class 5

13:20 Leicester

Sadie Hill

10st 9lb

J: Mr Tom Hutsby

T: David Bridgwater

She's 7lb lower than when winning at Ffos Las in April 2023 for Alastair Ralph but that's her sole win from 17 rules attempts and she's been absent since tailing off at Fakenham last April; makes stable debut.

16/1

Form: /2F-37

Last run: 45 days

W: 12st 0lb

13 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
13yo who has had 18 races, winning a handicap hurdle in 2019; tailed off when last seen in June/November and this is only his second venture beyond 2m5f; the switch back from chasing looks a positive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

2

10th Jan 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 5

12:20 Doncaster

Iron Horse

12st 0lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Richard Phillips

13yo who has had 18 races, winning a handicap hurdle in 2019; tailed off when last seen in June/November and this is only his second venture beyond 2m5f; the switch back from chasing looks a positive.

25/1

Form: 0/071

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
14-1 for handicap debut at Wincanton (2m4f, soft) three weeks ago and showed much improved form to win that 11-runner race by a neck with strong finish; up 4lb and in trip, apparently now with clear potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

10th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

12:12 Uttoxeter

Im On My Way

11st 2lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Neil Mulholland

Improving mare who did it fairly easily last month at Chepstow (2m7f, good to soft; won on soft) and the second in that race has run well since; could take a further 10lb rise in her stride.

11/4

7

10th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

12:12 Uttoxeter

Im On My Way

11st 2lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Neil Mulholland

Improving mare who did it fairly easily last month at Chepstow (2m7f, good to soft; won on soft) and the second in that race has run well since; could take a further 10lb rise in her stride.

11/4

1st

1

6th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

14:55 Chepstow

Im On My Way

12st 0lb

J: Mr J W Hendrick

T: Neil Mulholland

Shrugged off a 10lb rise to win on her reappearance at Ffos Las (3m, good to soft) last month to land her third successive win in completed starts; up another 6lb but has scope and may well follow up.

11/4

Form: 4P8449 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
2-30 over hurdles, latest win in May 2022; has refound some form when twice fourth this autumn, with a lesser show 19 days ago coming on heavy going; looks vulnerable to some of his far less exposed rivals.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

11th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 194y

Class 5

12:35 Hereford

Robeam

10st 2lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Michael Mullineaux

Dual hurdle winner in 2022; placed twice on the AW this autumn but his last two Flat runs were disappointing and this chasing debut will be his 82nd career start; 3lb out of the weights; too risky.

66/1

Non-runners

Post Chaise, Reine Fee

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £14.70
Straight Forecast £13.05
Tricast £349.83
Trifecta £499.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Townhill

D Express:

Pipers Cross

Daily Mail:

I'm On My Way

WEST COUNTRY:

Faha Belle

RP RATINGS:

Harkangel

The Times:

Post Chaise

The Sun:

Poppop

POSTDATA:

Townhill

Telegraph:

Townhill

The Guardian:

Townhill

The Star:

Townhill

Daily Mirror:

Pipers Cross

Daily Record:

I'm On My Way