March 08 / 14.30 Ayr

14.30

Soft

Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Handicap Hurdle (Go North Sea Pigeon Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £4224.8
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 14 runners
RTV
View Course
Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Handicap Hurdle (Go North Sea Pigeon Series Qualifier)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £2.75
  • Place: £1.20

Form: /P2533 CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
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.
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

OUR TIP

14/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 53-678 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Made quite encouraging seasonal/stable debut over 2m4f here in December; two lesser efforts have followed (2m6f/2m1f; cheekpieces refitted last time) but he's sure to appreciate today's ease in grade; a possible if first-time visor has positive effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

18:20 Hexham

Mack The Man

11st 3lb

J: Mr Kit Alexander

T: N W Alexander

Regressive and inconsistent veteran; seemingly perked up by change of headgear when close second in refitted visor at Perth (2m, good) last month and remains on a very good mark but it's not easy to predict whether he'll be in the right mood again here.

8/1

4

15th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 3

15:53 Perth

Mack The Man

11st 4lb

J: Mr Kit Alexander

T: N W Alexander

Exposed; goes well on testing ground but latest win (off 10lb higher) was on good ground at Ayr in November (2m) when returning from a break; beaten 20l when eighth over C&D last month (good to soft; blinkers replaced regular visor); visor back on today; well handicapped, but a bit to prove.

33/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 511683 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 13lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Exploited some significant help from the handicapper when winning twice on heavy ground at Hexham in November but has not quite been at the same level since; younger rivals appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

18th Mar 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:00 Wetherby

Serious Ego

11st 13lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Nicky Richards

held up in rear, no impression from 4 out

14/1

Form: F7-965

Last run: 11 days

W: 10st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Safely held in Musselburgh handicaps on first two stable starts and was probably flattered by proximity to principals when fifth of six in recent C&D novice; not the most obvious answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

25th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

14:48 Kelso

Dont Look Back

10st 7lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: William Young Jnr

Won a Flat race in 2023 but is 0-21 over hurdles; tailed off on last two starts, admittedly in a maiden last time after four months off but he does not look a solid option; tongue tied first time.

33/1

8

25th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

14:48 Kelso

Dont Look Back

10st 7lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: William Young Jnr

Won a Flat race in 2023 but is 0-21 over hurdles; tailed off on last two starts, admittedly in a maiden last time after four months off but he does not look a solid option; tongue tied first time.

33/1

4

15th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

14:18 Perth

Dont Look Back

11st 4lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: William Young Jnr

Won on the Flat in 2023 but is 0-20 over hurdles, including several chances off lowly handicap marks; difficult to enthuse over.

50/1

Form: F0P-P8

Last run: 66 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
0-7 in novice/maiden hurdles, completing only twice and showing no significant promise; makes handicap debut from a basement mark but still needs improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

14

8th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:30 Ayr

Captain Nelson

10st 2lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: R Mike Smith

0-7 in novice/maiden hurdles, completing only twice and showing no significant promise; makes handicap debut from a basement mark but still needs improvement.

50/1

8th

1

2nd Jan 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Ayr

Captain Nelson

11st 8lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: R Mike Smith

Showed no significant promise when a big-priced outsider for his three hurdling starts last spring; returns from a break today.

100/1

3

31st May 2023

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

18:20 Cartmel

Captain Nelson

11st 2lb

J: William Shanahan

T: R Mike Smith

Has a tongue tie on for first time but significant improvement needed.

50/1

Form: 6P9-69

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Four-time winner when trained in France; unplaced all six British starts for Rebecca Menzies and failed to justify strong market support when well beaten on last month's stable debut but it will be interesting to see whether his backers wade in again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

22nd Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

14:08 Catterick

Batman For Ever

11st 2lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Ex-French; last April's win was in a point and he's 0-9 under rules in Britain; third of 13 in handicap at Uttoxeter (3m, good) last June on latest outing, which gives him a place chance if he's okay after the break.

5/1

7

22nd Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

14:08 Catterick

Batman For Ever

11st 2lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Ex-French; last April's win was in a point and he's 0-9 under rules in Britain; third of 13 in handicap at Uttoxeter (3m, good) last June on latest outing, which gives him a place chance if he's okay after the break.

5/1

3rd

6

6th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Uttoxeter

Batman For Ever

11st 3lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Won a 2m3f chase (soft) when trained by Guillaume Macaire; unable to replicate his French form for either Rebecca Menzies or Stuart Coltherd but did win a point for the latter in April; more needed back under rules.

9/1

Form: 695644 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Dual hurdle winner when trained in Ireland but made low-key stable debut when well-held fourth at Carlisle (2m1f, heavy) last month; needs to take a good step forward here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

9th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

18:15 Hexham

Kellies Dream

10st 5lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Daragh Bourke

Two wins in Ireland, both with give in the ground; has become well handicapped after being dropped 10lb for three poor runs last season; interesting back after wind surgery.

14/1

5th

7

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

16:33 Newcastle

Kellies Dream

10st 7lb

J: Jack Power

T: Daragh Bourke

Last win (in Ireland) came off a 10lb higher mark but she seems to have been going through the motions of late, beating only one home at Carlisle (2m1f, soft; 13-2) in December; needs a revival.

20/1

Form: 28-965

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Unexposed 6yo who displayed improvement when respectable fifth in Sedgefield maiden (2m1f, soft) last month, his third hurdling start; not obviously well treated for handicap debut but open to further progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

9th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:27 Perth

River Ayr

11st 6lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

in touch with leaders on outer

9/2

4th

10

15th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

20:22 Perth

River Ayr

11st 4lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

Seven-race maiden who has not finished closer than fifth over hurdles and his effort flattened out late on in a 2m4f handicap at Perth (beaten 11l) last month; mark is falling but he needs to find more.

16/1

4th

10

15th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

20:22 Perth

River Ayr

11st 4lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

Seven-race maiden who has not finished closer than fifth over hurdles and his effort flattened out late on in a 2m4f handicap at Perth (beaten 11l) last month; mark is falling but he needs to find more.

16/1

Form: 3-9785

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Placed in Kelso bumper last spring; showed nothing more than minor promise in his three qualifying runs over hurdles there (2m, soft/heavy) and his tendency to race too freely remains a worry but he has a lowly mark for this handicap debut and is a possible improver.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

9th Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

13:57 Perth

Northern Cardinal

11st 4lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

Easily his closest finish since debut came when second of 13 over C&D (soft) in April latest, in his second handicap; had wind surgery one month ago; considered.

3/1

2nd

7

25th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

17:20 Perth

Northern Cardinal

11st 3lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Lucinda Russell

Third in a Kelso bumper on debut last April (2m, good); fairly ordinary form over hurdles, including on handicap debut at Ayr last time (2m, good to soft); improvement needed.

15/2

2nd

7

25th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

17:20 Perth

Northern Cardinal

11st 3lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Lucinda Russell

Third in a Kelso bumper on debut last April (2m, good); fairly ordinary form over hurdles, including on handicap debut at Ayr last time (2m, good to soft); improvement needed.

15/2

Form: 8P26U4

Last run: 8 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
0-9 over hurdles but ran fairly well when fourth at Wetherby (2m3f, soft) last week and has each-way claims if combination of drop back in trip and first-time tongue-tie proves beneficial here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

25th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

17:20 Perth

Lifetime Adventure

10st 8lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Andrew Hamilton

Ten-race maiden over hurdles; plenty to make up with a few of these on his below-par tenth at Ayr last time (2m, good to soft, tongue-tie on for first time); tongue-tie left off here but blinkers now tried.

14/1

11

25th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

17:20 Perth

Lifetime Adventure

10st 8lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Andrew Hamilton

Ten-race maiden over hurdles; plenty to make up with a few of these on his below-par tenth at Ayr last time (2m, good to soft, tongue-tie on for first time); tongue-tie left off here but blinkers now tried.

14/1

25/1

Form: 3735P0 D

Last run: 100 days

W: 10st 7lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Six-time winner over hurdles but not since 2021, and was badly out of form when last seen in the autumn; resumes on a tempting mark but has a lot more to prove than some.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

6th Oct 2024

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

17:00 Kelso

Iolani

10st 8lb

J: Edward Austin

T: Miss A M Slack

prominent behind clear leaders

8/1

4th

10

25th Sep 2024

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:13 Perth

Iolani

10st 6lb

J: William Maggs

T: Miss A M Slack

Well past his prime now but held on gamely to win selling handicap at Cartmel (2m1f, soft) in May and went down fighting when clear second at Kelso (2m2f, good) a week ago; big player off same mark if in similar mood here.

8/1

2nd

12

18th Sep 2024

Good

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

18:05 Kelso

Iolani

10st 5lb

J: William Maggs

T: Miss A M Slack

Prolific winning veteran (two wins on good ground here); latest success was in a Cartmel seller in May (2m1f, soft); not quite as good since (ran too free last time); wouldn't rule out.

9/1

Form: 382126 D BF

Last run: 178 days

W: 11st 8lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Dual chase winner last year (1m7f/2m4f); switches back to hurdling on a workable mark but has fitness to prove after six-month absence and would appeal more on good/good to soft ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

13th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:33 Perth

Sword Of Fate

10st 2lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Leonard Kerr

Veteran who gained four of his 14 wins here (one over C&D); ran much better than eventual 22l defeat might suggest on slower-than-ideal ground at Cartmel (2m1f good to soft) a fortnight ago; worth a second look here, even from 4lb out of the weights.

16/1

9

29th Jun 2025

Soft

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

17:40 Cartmel

Sword Of Fate

10st 7lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Leonard Kerr

Veteran who has won 14 races in his career including three over C&D; 13lb below his last winning mark but his efforts since last autumn leave plenty to be desired.

20/1

7

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

20:10 Cartmel

Sword Of Fate

10st 12lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Leonard Kerr

Veteran with three C&D wins and seven other chase victories on his CV; lurks on a dangerous mark but has been out of form this spring (cheekpieces added last time) and the ground may turn against him today.

20/1

Form: 0-57P

Last run: 66 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Not beaten far when fifth of eight on hurdle debut at Kelso (2m, soft) in October but didn't show a great deal in two subsequent C&D maidens (tongue-tie added last time); remains unexposed but needs January's wind op to have made a big difference.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

22nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

17:05 Newcastle

Skiddaw

11st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Only his second completion in a handicap when beaten 8l into fifth at Musselburgh (good to soft); that was three months ago and he'll need a bit more here you would think.

10/1

Form: 0000

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Struggled to get competitive when a big-priced outsider for three maiden hurdles (twice over C&D); has more realistic chance to get competitive in this low-grade handicap but still makes only limited appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

17th Aug 2024

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

16:30 Perth

Golden Swift

11st 4lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

always behind, pulled up before 4 out

100/1

1

23rd Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

15:18 Hexham

Golden Swift

11st 4lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

Beaten 50l+ at huge odds in three slow-ground maiden hurdles during the winter and unseated rider on handicap debut in March; significant improvement required.

40/1

13

8th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:30 Ayr

Golden Swift

10st 2lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

Struggled to get competitive when a big-priced outsider for three maiden hurdles (twice over C&D); has more realistic chance to get competitive in this low-grade handicap but still makes only limited appeal.

50/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £17.70
Straight Forecast £17.51
Tricast £156.38
Trifecta £89.50

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Cancan

SPOTLIGHT:

Northern Cardinal

Telegraph:

Kellie's Dream

The Times:

Don't Look Back

TOPSPEED:

Iolani

Daily Record:

Sword Of Fate

D Express:

Northern Cardinal

POSTDATA:

Cancan

The Guardian:

Cancan

Daily Mail:

Cancan

Daily Mirror:

Cancan

The Sun:

Cancan

The Star:

Cancan