February 09 / 15.55 Bangor-on-Dee

15.55

Soft

Overton Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4224.8
  • 2m 7f 32y
  • Class 4
  • 9 runners
SKY
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Overton Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Form: 4-3122

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Belatedly got off the mark at Southwell in November and runner-up since in 3m handicaps at Doncaster and Wetherby; he can go well again despite taking a 3lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

22nd Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 25y

Class 4

16:47 Exeter

Stratton Oakmont

11st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Kayley Woollacott

Won this race two years ago; as good as ever (after a wind operation) when scoring by over 9l over C&D in November (good) but hasn't offered a great deal since, beaten 22l in staying handicaps at Doncaster and Ascot; others preferred.

14/1

11th

15

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Stratton Oakmont

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Kayley Woollacott

Showed the benefit of a wind op and looked as good as ever when scoring by over 9l on seasonal debut at Exeter (2m7f, good) in November; also suited by soft/heavy ground but disappointed when last in action and will probably find younger rivals better handicapped here.

14/1

4th

3

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell

Stratton Oakmont

11st 12lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Kayley Woollacott

Weakened quickly and was pulled up on consecutive outings during the winter but looked back in much better nick when respectable sixth at Newbury (3m, good to soft) last month; another 2lb lower here; contender if able to build on that recent effort.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: F445-

Last run: 330 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in a point and he also showed promise in three runs over hurdles last term before coming in only fifth in 2m4f Hexham novice 11 months ago; has since had a wind op and remains with potential now going handicapping.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

15th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

14:30 Newcastle

Home Sweet Highway

12st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

led, soon went clear, mistake 11th, good jump 14th

13/8

1

15th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

14:30 Newcastle

Home Sweet Highway

12st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

This is much easier than the three 0-120 novice handicaps he's contested over fences so far, but mistakes have been as much the issue as race class, as was again the case at Carlisle latest; down 3lb more.

13/8

3rd

5

24th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 34y

Class 4

14:55 Carlisle

Home Sweet Highway

10st 10lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Point runner-up (3m, soft) who won a handicap hurdle at Bangor (2m7f, good) in June; he's well treated on that form and things may click over fences at some stage, but there have been jumping errors and heavy defeats on his first two chase starts.

12/1

Form: 344

Last run: 16 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Son of Soldier Of Fortune who was second in an Irish point and has filled the frame on all his three runs in this sphere, coming in a solid fourth of ten in 2m3f Catterick novice 16 days ago; very much considered stepped up in trip on his handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

9th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

15:20 Chepstow

Chatshow Tv

11st 12lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Warren Greatrex

0-7 but signed off over hurdles with a second of 15 here in October (2m3f, soft) when fitted with a hood that was retained when again making the frame on chase debut at Warwick (3m1f, good to soft); beaten a shade over 10l in the latter but he made up his ground quickly before weakening and the run can be upgraded; headgear left off here but perhaps it's unwise to read much into that.

5/2

4

9th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

15:20 Chepstow

Chatshow Tv

11st 12lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Warren Greatrex

0-7 but signed off over hurdles with a second of 15 here in October (2m3f, soft) when fitted with a hood that was retained when again making the frame on chase debut at Warwick (3m1f, good to soft); beaten a shade over 10l in the latter but he made up his ground quickly before weakening and the run can be upgraded; headgear left off here but perhaps it's unwise to read much into that.

5/2

3rd

2

20th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 100y

Class 4

15:15 Warwick

Chatshow Tv

11st 12lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Can be keen and that was again the case when hooded at Chepstow in October (2m3f, soft) but still ran well to be second in that handicap hurdle; retains potential and fences could be the making of him.

4/1

Form: 344

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Thrice-raced Martaline gelding who took his form up a notch when fourth of nine in 23.5f Ascot handicap hurdle in December, despite going freely in a first-time tongue strap; that race has already thrown up two winners so he's a player off an unchanged mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

25th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 0y

Class 4

13:30 Warwick

Zonda

11st 6lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

prominent

3/1

15

25th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 0y

Class 4

13:30 Warwick

Zonda

11st 6lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

prominent

3/1

2nd

6

10th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:00 Warwick

Zonda

11st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Unexposed 6yo who bumped into a revitalised opponent when clear second on handicap debut at Wincanton (2m5f, heavy) three weeks ago; could still be on a good mark despite going up 4lb; strongly respected.

5/2

Form: 264-61 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Cheekpieces fitted when cosily getting off the mark over hurdles in 3m Warwick handicap 27 days ago; up 4lb but she's not taken lightly with the headgear again applied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:50 Southwell

Perculator

11st 7lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

in touch with leaders, lost ground after 2nd

16/1

6

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:50 Southwell

Perculator

11st 7lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Placed on consecutive outings after her narrow win at Wetherby (2m5f, good) in November but looked out of sorts on her last two outings and needs to have been refreshed by a 12-week break.

16/1

2

21st Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 4f 110y

Class 5

13:20 Leicester

Perculator

11st 13lb

J: James Robottom

T: Mark Walford

Disappointing at Wetherby last month but in good form previously, winning there in November (2m5f, good) before two good thirds at Carlisle (good to soft/soft); could bounce back with a big performance.

9/1

Form: 43

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Placed in points and he's made the frame on both his outings over hurdles, coming in a very good third of 12 in 2m4f Leicester novice 17 days ago; he may do better still now handicapping with his stamina drawn out more so needs considering.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

26th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 136y

Class 5

14:50 Chepstow

Just In A Bit

11st 8lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Mel Rowley

Low-mileage maiden who's been second or third in handicaps on all three chase outings, absent 590 days after first of those; rallied strongly when third of seven at Leicester (2m7f, soft) one month ago, which suggests that this step back up in trip is very much in order; one to consider.

7/2

3rd

2

24th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 6f 151y

Class 5

14:50 Leicester

Just In A Bit

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Low-mileage maiden who ran well on chase debut in June 2024 (penultimate start) and may be capable of progress with Hereford reappearance under his belt; one to consider.

3/1

Form: 07/UP-

Last run: 579 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Showed promise without winning over hurdles for Nicky Henderson back in 2020 but he offered little in two chasing starts for Jonjo O'Neill 19 months ago; now reverts to hurdles after breathing surgery with plenty to prove for his new yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

11th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

16:10 Taunton

Known

11st 7lb

J: David Noonan

T: Claire Dyson

Left Jonjo O'Neill after failing to complete two chases in summer 2022 and, following a long absence, was pulled up (albeit on heavy ground) when reverted to hurdles for new stable last month; has too much to prove.

66/1

8

17th Feb 2024

Soft

3m 0f 150y

Class 4

15:42 Wincanton

Known

11st 2lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Claire Dyson

0-12 over hurdles/fences; had wind surgery in May 2021 and has accomplished little since; absent since July 2022 and has left Jonjo O'Neill, with further wind surgery in November last year; stacks to prove, including stamina.

40/1

Form: 33-5P3

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Fair maiden hurdler who returned to form when third of 12 in 3m Southwell handicap 23 days ago; form has been franked so he can make his presence felt with cheekpieces added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

30th Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

14:25 Wincanton

Duke Of Moravia

12st 0lb

J: James Turner

T: Alexander Gibbons

Won over hurdles for Henry Daly here (2m5f, soft) last April and could appreciate the return to this sphere on today's stable debut (bought for £4,000); however, he was pulled up over fences in the autumn on his last two runs and there's a question mark regarding his current form.

20/1

2

30th Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

14:25 Wincanton

Duke Of Moravia

12st 0lb

J: James Turner

T: Alexander Gibbons

Won over hurdles for Henry Daly here (2m5f, soft) last April and could appreciate the return to this sphere on today's stable debut (bought for £4,000); however, he was pulled up over fences in the autumn on his last two runs and there's a question mark regarding his current form.

20/1

1

27th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

15:00 Market Rasen

Duke Of Moravia

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Ended last season with a hurdle win at Wincanton (2m5f, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in April; pulled up on chase debut at Worcester (2m7f, soft) last month but that was without headgear and he may have needed the run; should have a future in this sphere and he needs watching in market with cheekpieces reapplied.

15/2

Form: 9-7672

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Low-mileage Fame And Glory gelding who took his form up a notch when a clear second of 11 in 3m1f Hereford handicap 25 days ago; he's in the picture with cheekpieces refitted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

21st Apr 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 83y

Class 5

13:40 Stratford

Macs Legacy

11st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Rebecca Curtis

Second to very progressive rival on handicap debut at Hereford (3m1f, good) in January and bounced back from lesser effort when third at Ffos Las (2m4f, heavy; first-time blinkers) last month; back up to a staying trip today and could still have more to offer.

11/2

3rd

6

21st Apr 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 83y

Class 5

13:40 Stratford

Macs Legacy

11st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Rebecca Curtis

Second to very progressive rival on handicap debut at Hereford (3m1f, good) in January and bounced back from lesser effort when third at Ffos Las (2m4f, heavy; first-time blinkers) last month; back up to a staying trip today and could still have more to offer.

11/2

3rd

3

31st Mar 2024

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

14:50 Ffos Las

Macs Legacy

11st 7lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Rebecca Curtis

Displayed clear improvement when second to very progressive rival on handicap debut at Hereford (3m1f, good) two starts ago but was slightly disappointing on soft ground there (2m5f) last month and conditions are a worry again here; swaps cheekpieces for first-time blinkers.

7/2

Verdict

Handicap debutants Chatshow TV (second choice), Home Sweet Highway and Just In A Bit appeal as likely improvers and must enter calculations along with in-form trio Stratton Oakmont, Mac’s Legacy and Perculator. However, there was plenty to like about ZONDA’s latest Ascot fourth and, with that form proving strong, Jonjo O’Neill’s lightly raced 6yo gets the vote.[Peter Entwistle]