January 12 / 15.00 Wincanton

15.00

Soft

Stayers Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4220.64
  • 3m 0f 150y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
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Stayers Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.30
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 42-3

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Placed in Irish points; all three hurdle runs were under Ben Sutton, similar form in taking three minor honours; on last two occasions it was over 3m on good last February and 2m4f on soft in November; more to give, with this step back up in trip likely to suit, and he's a strong each-way contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

12th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 0f 150y

Class 4

15:00 Wincanton

Oak Creek

11st 6lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: Tom George

towards rear, steady headway after 3 out, pushed along and pressed leaders 2 out, soon led and ridden, kept on well run-in, stayed on

7/2

3rd

4

22nd Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

13:40 Ffos Las

Oak Creek

11st 4lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: Tom George

took keen hold, held up in rear, headway before 6th, not fluent when in touch with leaders 2 out, no extra when mistake last

9/4

6/4

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 2P

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bought for £100,000 after winning an Irish point (3m, heavy) last March; 10-11 and made much of the running when beaten a nose at Lingfield (2m3f, good to soft) in November, but he was pulled up at Cheltenham (3m, soft) four weeks ago; that was in a Grade 2, a disappointing show (at 5-1) nevertheless but this striking sort is surely worth another chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

29th Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 30y

Class 5

16:03 Wincanton

Illico De Cotte

12st 2lb

J: Mr Frederick Philipson-Stow

T: Will Biddick

Lightly raced gelding who did well in handicap chases last season for Dan Skelton before losing his way; beaten in two points for current yard and he'll need more here; has won on heavy.

4/1

3

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

15:15 Cheltenham

Illico De Cotte

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Scored by 8l on seasonal/chase debut at Carlisle (3m2f, good to soft) in October and was placed over 3m on next two outings; finished very weakly when upped to 3m5f at Warwick last month, which is a concern, but could plausibly still have untapped potential over marathon trips.

10/1

3

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

15:15 Cheltenham

Illico De Cotte

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Scored by 8l on seasonal/chase debut at Carlisle (3m2f, good to soft) in October and was placed over 3m on next two outings; finished very weakly when upped to 3m5f at Warwick last month, which is a concern, but could plausibly still have untapped potential over marathon trips.

10/1

33/1

  • Place: £4.40

Form: 6

Last run: 59 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second in Irish point in April 2022 before £47,000 sale; 17-2, struggling a long way out when sixth of ten in novice hurdle at Lingfield (2m3f, soft) this November, which was modest form, but this half-brother to useful hurdler West Balboa shaped as if this longer trip could help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

3rd Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 4

13:03 Huntingdon

Galloping Pride

11st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Pulled up after looking very unenthusiastic on chasing debut in June but, with a visor added, he's never been better than when runner-up on all three starts since (2m7f-3m2f handicap chases); can make the running; should not be far away.

7/2

4

3rd Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 4

13:03 Huntingdon

Galloping Pride

11st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

led, prominent when headed 14th, weakened quickly after 4 out, pulled up after 3 out

7/2

2nd

4

4th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 4

14:00 Fontwell

Galloping Pride

11st 7lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Emma Lavelle

awkward start, raced in last and pushed along early, pressed leaders but not fluent 4th, soon led, hit 14th, faced challenge when mistake 3 out, hit 2 out, headed after last, stayed on

Evs

Form: 2532-F

Last run: 65 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Jumping issues eventually got the better of him on chase debut in November on latest outing; however, ended last season firmly on the up with his second at Newbury (3m, soft) in March on handicap hurdle debut, which is the best form in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

17th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

17:12 Ffos Las

Howaya Now

11st 3lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

prominent, pressed leaders 11th, led 14th, jumped right from 4 out, kept on but headed towards finish

15/2

2nd

10

17th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

17:12 Ffos Las

Howaya Now

11st 3lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

Won 2m6f maiden hurdle at Exeter but minimal impact in handicaps since and fifth of six finishers at Wincanton recently; dam was a 3m-4m chase winner, though, so this second start over fences could offer a way forward.

15/2

Form: 6-85

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in two slow-ground Irish points; down the field in two bumpers last spring and, following a £9,000 sale, did not show enough in novice hurdle at Fontwell (2m3f, heavy) one month ago for new yard; now tongue tied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

27th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 3

16:20 Wetherby

Jalisco Star

10st 11lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Laura Horsfall

In-form staying mare whose wins in December/February flanked second-place finishes; made the frame at Newbury most recently; may no longer be a step ahead of the assessor but still holds reasonably solid claims.

6/1

4th

7

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 57y

Class 3

16:43 Newbury

Jalisco Star

11st 3lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Laura Horsfall

2-4 since returned to hurdling in the autumn, the latter win gained in four-runner mares' race at Chepstow (2m7f, soft) a fortnight ago; evidently in very good nick but has quite a bit more on her plate here.

7/1

1st

3

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 3

15:10 Chepstow

Jalisco Star

11st 7lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Laura Horsfall

Couldn't get much going over fences but form figures of 122 since returned to hurdling at Class 4 level; up a grade here off a career-high mark, but this assured stayer has plenty in her favour otherwise.

11/4

Form: 43-03

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Minor honours in an Irish point, both his bumpers (one on soft) and when third of seven in maiden at Huntingdon (3m1f, good) six weeks ago on second run over hurdles; beaten 20l in the last named, however, and needs major improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 198y

Class 5

14:17 Carlisle

Hey Brother

11st 0lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Barry Murtagh

towards rear

33/1

5

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 198y

Class 5

14:17 Carlisle

Hey Brother

11st 0lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Barry Murtagh

towards rear

33/1

9

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 199y

Class 4

15:02 Hexham

Hey Brother

10st 5lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Barry Murtagh

Ex-Jedd O'Keefe; good second at Uttoxeter in June (3m, good); hasn't jumped well on either start for new yard; cheekpieces now tried; others stronger.

50/1

Form: 35

Last run: 6 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
It took six attempts to win an Irish point but he won that by 15l; remote third in novice at Chepstow (2m7f) in December on rules debut and he disappointingly failed to improve significantly on that when last of five here (2m5f, again on heavy) six days ago; it's too early to dismiss him but others have accomplished more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

11th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

17:10 Chepstow

Paddy De Pole

11st 12lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Paul Nicholls

3-14 over hurdles, having battled well to beat two next-time-out winners at Sedgefield (3m3f, good) last month; effectively 7lb higher here if Freddie Keighley's reduced claim is considered; still enters calculations.

7/1

4

4th Sep 2025

Good

3m 3f 9y

Class 4

18:00 Sedgefield

Paddy De Pole

11st 7lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Paul Nicholls

Completed a hat-trick when winning at Hereford in May 2024 and remained in respectable form for the rest of that year; wasn't one of his better efforts when fifth on comeback at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good) in May, however, and pulled up in a three-runner chase at Worcester (mistakes) last time; last run can probably be forgiven and this return to hurdles is a positive.

9/2

2

17th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:05 Worcester

Paddy De Pole

11st 5lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Completed a good-ground hat-trick over hurdles during the first half of last year and only 4lb higher than for the last of those wins; perhaps needed his comeback race and, given his yard, he may well do better over fences.

15/8

10/1

Form: 2-49

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second in his only bumper (soft) and again showed ability when 19l fourth of 12 in novice hurdle back at Warwick (2m3f, soft) in November; 125-1 when tailed off in the same Grade 2 novice event at Cheltenham (3m, soft) contested by Illico De Cotte; can due better in due course.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

6th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

15:30 Ffos Las

Monbari

11st 11lb

J: Jamie Brace

T: Rebecca Curtis

11-race maiden; emerged from spell in the doldrums with respectable fourth here (2m3f, heavy) in February, but was safely held over that trip on good ground at Chepstow last month; back up to 3m today; others look safer.

10/1

8th

4

6th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

15:30 Ffos Las

Monbari

11st 11lb

J: Jamie Brace

T: Rebecca Curtis

11-race maiden; emerged from spell in the doldrums with respectable fourth here (2m3f, heavy) in February, but was safely held over that trip on good ground at Chepstow last month; back up to 3m today; others look safer.

10/1

7th

1

16th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 5

16:47 Chepstow

Monbari

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Rebecca Curtis

Good to see him complete last time and was only about 6l off the winner at Ffos Las (2m3f, heavy), where dropping back in trip helped; now 2lb lower than when a close second over hurdles here last April; may prefer softer ground but interesting otherwise.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fourth foal; unraced dam closely related to bumper and smart jumps winner (National second) Balthazar King, useful 2m-3m1f hurdle/chase winner Good Measure and 2m4f-3m hurdle/chase winner Wicked Spice; won in October (3m, heavy) at the sixth attempt in Irish maiden points and did so by 15l; second runner back as a trainer for Henrietta Knight, after Zettabyte in the 1.30.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

1

12th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 0f 150y

Class 4

15:00 Wincanton

Ballywalter

11st 6lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Henrietta C Knight

towards rear, not fluent and pushed along 8th, lost touch before 9th

16/1

Form: 97-284

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Taunton handicap (good; well beaten on soft time before) last time showed he probably stays 3m but none of his form poses a threat on these terms.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

6th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 30y

Class 5

14:20 Wincanton

Robinsville

11st 3lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

in touch with leaders

13/2

8

18th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 3y

Class 4

15:35 Taunton

Robinsville

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

0-5 over fences and 0-16 overall but may have benefited from latest wind op when keeping on well for third behind Safe Destination over C&D (good to soft) last month; 2lb out of the weights today but still considered.

11/2

3rd

10

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 3y

Class 5

15:50 Taunton

Robinsville

10st 10lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

in touch with leaders

14/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
12,000euros 3yo; ninth foal; closely related to 2m7f-3m1f chase winner Tothemoonandback, half-brother to a point winner; dam placed half-sister to bumper/2m3f hurdle winner No Regrets; minor honours in two Irish maiden points early in 2022.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

7

29th Jan 2024

Good To Soft

2m 5f 163y

Class 4

14:00 Hereford

Spot Of Bother

11st 5lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Archie Watson

In the frame in two Irish points in 2022; pulled up on recent hurdle debut (3m, good to soft) at Wincanton in first run since; other days.

20/1

0

10

12th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 0f 150y

Class 4

15:00 Wincanton

Spot Of Bother

11st 6lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Archie Watson

in touch with leaders, not fluent 3rd, dropped to rear and cajoled along before 6th, reminders 7th, lost touch before 9th

25/1

Form: 52-5

Last run: 235 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
12l second of 11 at Hereford (2m, soft) last January in her second bumper; lots to learn judged by her last of five in maiden hurdle at Market Rasen (2m7f, good; 14-1) last May.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

7th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 119y

Class 5

19:30 Hereford

Ellies Sister

10st 7lb

J: David Bass

T: Jamie Snowden

Showed promise in a bumper; little to show for her efforts in three maiden/novice hurdles at about 3m and 2m but should find this level more suitable and no surprise to see her involved back up in trip.

10/1

6th

7

7th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 119y

Class 5

19:30 Hereford

Ellies Sister

10st 7lb

J: David Bass

T: Jamie Snowden

Showed promise in a bumper; little to show for her efforts in three maiden/novice hurdles at about 3m and 2m but should find this level more suitable and no surprise to see her involved back up in trip.

10/1

6th

4

13th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 0f 11y

Class 4

13:10 Chepstow

Ellies Sister

11st 0lb

J: Will Featherstone

T: Jamie Snowden

No match for Casa No Mento when second in Hereford bumper last season and has struggled on both hurdling starts this term (2m7f/3m); drops in trip today.

100/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £24.50
Straight Forecast £18.72
Trifecta £276.50

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Howaya Now

POSTDATA:

Oak Creek

SPOTLIGHT:

Illico De Cotte

LAMBOURN:

Ellies Sister

Daily Record:

Ballywalter

Daily Mail:

Illico De Cotte

TOPSPEED:

Howaya Now

The Times:

Howaya Now

The Guardian:

Howaya Now

D Express:

Howaya Now

Daily Mirror:

Howaya Now

The Sun:

Howaya Now

WEST COUNTRY:

Oak Creek

Telegraph:

Oak Creek

The Star:

Oak Creek