April 11 / 13.33 Taunton

13.33

Soft

Blackdown Motor Company Novices’ Hurdle (Novices’ Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4955.32
  • 2m 0f 104y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
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Blackdown Motor Company Novices’ Hurdle (Novices’ Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.34
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 11-122 C

Last run: 65 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Dual bumper winner who was second to useful rivals on first two hurdling starts (2m/2m3f); switches back to this code after running well on last month's Flat debut; ought to be right in the thick of things again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

18th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Ayr

Secret Squirrel

10st 6lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

Just two starts this season and down the field in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham last month; however, prior to that he was a creditable third of four in the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton (1m7f, heavy) and he was a progressive handicapper last term (various ground); not discounted.

7/1

19th

23

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Secret Squirrel

10st 5lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

Won a valuable handicap hurdle at Windsor (2m, soft) last winter and probably would have been placed in two others but for falling at the last; showed more than enough to think he retains all of his ability when third of four to Alexei in the Grade 2 Kingwell at Wincanton (1m7f, heavy) on reappearance four weeks ago; entitled to come on for that.

12/1

3rd

4

14th Feb 2026

Heavy

1m 7f 50y

Class 1

13:35 Wincanton

Secret Squirrel

11st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Hughie Morrison

Overall record of 5-12, including three wins at around 2m over hurdles (good to soft/soft); his last win was at Windsor last January but he fell at the last in a major handicap at Newbury the following month and has been on the sidelines since; has something to prove after a year off and this looks tough on the figures.

7/1

11/2

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 13-124 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Beat 16 rivals to make winning hurdle debut at Warwick (2m, soft) in November and was second in small-field Listed race at Sandown (2m, heavy) the following month; not discredited when fourth in Kempton Grade 2 (2m, soft) on latest outing and ought to play a major role.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Helnwein

11st 5lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Often gives his running in strong handicaps (second in this event 12 months ago) but losing sequence is up to 11 and he looked held when falling two out in the Plumpton race won by Indemnity last time; cheekpieces left off today; opposable off unchanged mark.

10/1

3

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Helnwein

11st 11lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Had strong handicap form even before finishing second to Alexei in the Greatwood and fifth in an Ascot handicap that could barely have worked out any better, with the four ahead of him all delivering high-profile efforts in the meantime (well in with fourth-placed Mondo Man); failed favourite backers in a lower grade at Newbury but this strong traveller might have won had he not been left in front two out (then idled); every chance should this pan out more favourably; all ground seems fine.

13/2

2nd

1

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

15:00 Newbury

Helnwein

12st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Had some very strong handicap form even before his last two runs when second to Alexei in the Greatwood and fifth in an Ascot handicap that could barely have worked out any better, with the four ahead of him all delivering high-profile efforts in the meantime; must have every chance in this lower grade; drying ground won't bother him.

13/8

11/4

  • Place: £1.40

Form: U13 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Won Plumpton maiden (2m, soft) for Anthony Charlton in February, his second hurdling start, and was creditable third in useful race at Newbury (2m, good to soft) for new stable last month; must be considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 31y

Class 3

13:15 Doncaster

Lario

11st 8lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Useful hurdler who is 1-1 over fences having won a four-runner beginners' chase at Haydock (2m4f, soft) on last month's reappearance; today's task is tougher and he has something to find, but he's unexposed over fences and at this sort of trip, and he may well have more to offer.

4/1

7th

2

11th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

13:30 Ayr

Lario

11st 13lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

disputed lead, prominent with one circuit to go, not fluent 4 out

11/2

7th

2

11th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

13:30 Ayr

Lario

11st 13lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

disputed lead, prominent with one circuit to go, not fluent 4 out

11/2

Form: 0-F607

Last run: 225 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
0-8 over hurdles for Gavin Cromwell in Ireland; certainly not devoid of ability but faces tough assignment on today's stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

25th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 3

16:36 Cartmel

Got Grey

10st 13lb

J: Leah Noreci

T: James Moffatt

Finished strongly to beat Jet Of Dreams on last summer's chasing debut but his three subsequent runs for Dan Skelton were somewhat underwhelming and he was sold for £10,000 in the autumn; makes stable debut after seven-month break; market may guide.

15/2

6th

5

19th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:16 Kempton

Got Grey

11st 2lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Won at Worcester (2m, good) on chase debut; has failed to repeat that form in two starts since, however, and was beaten in a match race on latest; others have stronger claims.

8/1

Form: 251-18

Last run: 118 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won two Wincanton bumpers last season and made winning hurdle debut there (1m7f, good to soft) in November; flopped badly at Cheltenham the following month and not seen again since but still enters calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

12th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:50 Ffos Las

Meatloaf

11st 11lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Placed off 1lb lower at Wincanton (2m4f, soft) in January and is also suited by faster ground but weakened tamely on latest outing and has basically become a shade disappointing; sports first-time cheekpieces.

12/1

6th

2

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 181y

Class 4

16:20 Doncaster

Meatloaf

11st 11lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Paul Nicholls

Won twice in his novice season (2m/2m3f, good to soft/good); yet to win a handicap but fair third at Wincanton last time (2m4f, soft); suited by drier ground.

4/1

3rd

2

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 179y

Class 4

14:27 Wincanton

Meatloaf

11st 10lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Paul Nicholls

Not in top form in two handicaps (at about 2m) since returning from lengthy absence and wind surgery; this could be more his trip but he has questions to answer now.

10/1

Form: 12 BF

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Created pretty good impression when causing 16-1 surprise on rules debut at Fontwell (2m1f, soft) in January and also ran well when clear second at Plumpton (2m4f, soft) last month; drops back in trip; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

11th Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:02 Lingfield

Johnny Jump Up

11st 10lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

took keen hold, prominent, raced wide when hit 5th, disputed lead 7th, led 8th, pushed along 2 out (usual 3 out), went clear approaching last, ridden and kept on well run-in, readily

5/1

1st

1

11th Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:02 Lingfield

Johnny Jump Up

11st 10lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

took keen hold, prominent, raced wide when hit 5th, disputed lead 7th

5/1

100/1

Form: 8

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 10lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bought for £45,000 after winning a two-finisher 3m Irish point by a distance in February; always behind in Wincanton maiden hurdle (1m7f, soft) a fortnight ago; probably one for further down the line.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

26th Apr 2024

Good

2m 0f 11y

Class 4

18:40 Chepstow

Maryollie

10st 11lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Down

The form of her Irish point success doesn't look strong and she has achieved little in two attempts over hurdles.

66/1

11th

8

26th Apr 2024

Good

2m 0f 11y

Class 4

18:40 Chepstow

Maryollie

10st 11lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Down

The form of her Irish point success doesn't look strong and she has achieved little in two attempts over hurdles.

66/1

12

11th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

13:33 Taunton

Maryollie

10st 10lb

J: David Noonan

T: Chris Down

Bought for £45,000 after winning a two-finisher 3m Irish point by a distance in February; always behind in Wincanton maiden hurdle (1m7f, soft) a fortnight ago; probably one for further down the line.

100/1

Form: 5-25P4

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bettered inauspicious hurdling debut when fourth in Plumpton maiden (2m4f, good) ten days ago but needs to take another big step forward to pose a significant threat.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

13th Oct 2025

Good

3m 1f 44y

Class 5

16:45 Hereford

Captains Pick

11st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Won in July off 7lb higher (3m, good; first-time tongue-tie) but hasn't approached level in his subsequent races; not easily trusted.

8/1

10

20th Aug 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:55 Worcester

Captains Pick

10st 12lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

4lb below his winning mark and the fourth over C&D in July was more encouraging; brought down mid-race at Uttoxeter latest.

16/1

14

25th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

15:47 Uttoxeter

Captains Pick

10st 7lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Returned from layoff with two poor performances last month but his fourth behind Red Panda at Worcester (2m7f, good) three weeks ago was much more encouraging and he's now 4lb lower than for last year's 3m Perth win; big player if first-time cheekpieces help him to build on that recent effort.

14/1

Form: 6

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Lost his way on the Flat last summer/autumn, and was soundly beaten over C&D on recent stable/hurdle debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

26th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 16y

Class 5

14:18 Chepstow

Nobody Told Me

10st 6lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Thomas Faulkner

Stayed on for very respectable fourth at Hereford (2m3f, good) this month, his second run in a visor, but is yet to be placed after 11 hurdling starts and needs to find something extra today.

13/2

4th

8

7th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

15:25 Hereford

Nobody Told Me

10st 6lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Thomas Faulkner

Respectable fifth in similar races at Taunton and Chepstow last month but has yet to place over hurdles after ten attempts.

12/1

5th

11

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:48 Chepstow

Nobody Told Me

10st 8lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Thomas Faulkner

Didn't run badly when fifth on heavy ground at Taunton (2m3f) last week but he's 0-9 over hurdles now and needs to be perked up by a change of headgear today.

20/1

Form: 2/6-

Last run: 358 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in two Irish points and a bumper in 2021 and, following a long absence, ran about as well as could have been expected when sixth in very good Cheltenham novice (2m4f, good) on hurdling debut a year ago; not seen again since but may still have potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

29th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 4

14:22 Bangor-on-Dee

Chancycourt

11st 12lb

J: Connor Brace

T: Fergal O’Brien

Lightly raced 8yo; twice runner-up over hurdles and, although he never threatened to beat him, his latest Worcester conqueror was Potters Charm who won so well at Cheltenham on Friday; has to be of interest off this mark now sent chasing; should stay 3m.

5/1

1st

5

29th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 4

14:22 Bangor-on-Dee

Chancycourt

11st 12lb

J: Connor Brace

T: Fergal O’Brien

Lightly raced 8yo; twice runner-up over hurdles and, although he never threatened to beat him, his latest Worcester conqueror was Potters Charm who won so well at Cheltenham on Friday; has to be of interest off this mark now sent chasing; should stay 3m.

5/1

2nd

2

27th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:10 Worcester

Chancycourt

11st 4lb

J: Connor Brace

T: Fergal O’Brien

Back to around his best on June's second of 14 at Southwell (2m4.5f, good), albeit hanging left for pressure; jumping mishaps either side of that effort have underlined his status of capable but risky.

6/1

Form: 8P7

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Placed in two point bumpers in 2022 and displayed first flicker of promise under rules when midfield in Kempton novice (2m, good to soft) last month; has a lot to find with the principals, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

14

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:40 Chepstow

Raindance Queen

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Price

T: William de Best-Turner

21-race maiden; big prices and well beaten in four starts since November including in a hurdle handicap at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) last month; out of the weights again and can only be watched.

100/1

12th

17

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:45 Newcastle

Raindance Queen

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Price

T: William de Best-Turner

18-race maiden; massive prices and well beaten in three starts since November (chase and two maiden hurdles); no reason to expect better from 5lb wrong; better to focus elsewhere.

100/1

13

31st Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

14:10 Worcester

Raindance Queen

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: William de Best-Turner

One of her better runs when 16l fourth of 13 to King Of The Story over C&D last month but this maiden is even further out of the handicap this afternoon and is hard to fancy.

40/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Seventh foal; brother to low-grade hurdle/chase winner William Philo and a point winner; dam well beaten in a bumper, half-sister to high-class Flat stayer Sergeant Cecil and useful chaser Graduation Night; seems very unlikely to meet the required standard on debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18

21st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

16:30 Exeter

Giddy Up

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Kevin Bishop

prominent

100/1

15

30th Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

14:25 Wincanton

Giddy Up

10st 2lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Kevin Bishop

Very lightly raced 6yo who is related to winners and makes his handicap/stable debut off a basement mark; however, he showed very little over hurdles last spring and was pulled in a point-to-point in November.

50/1

15

30th Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

14:25 Wincanton

Giddy Up

10st 2lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Kevin Bishop

Very lightly raced 6yo who is related to winners and makes his handicap/stable debut off a basement mark; however, he showed very little over hurdles last spring and was pulled in a point-to-point in November.

50/1

66/1

Form:

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Joined David Pipe after finishing second in slow-ground Irish point just under a year ago; tailed off over C&D when reappearing last month and can only be watched at present.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

10th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

16:10 Taunton

Skin Full

10st 7lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Low-mileage 6yo; below form when when favourite for 1m7f handicap chase in December but evidently well suited by combination of hike up in trip and return to hurdling when close second at Doncaster (3m, good) last month; must be considered.

7/4

16

19th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 5

15:20 Doncaster

Skin Full

10st 5lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

6yo who kept on well for close fourth on his handicap and chase debut at Taunton (2m2f, good to soft) in November; failed to back that up at Wincanton (1m7f, good to soft) but this 3m point runner-up could be suited by the step up in trip now back hurdling; intriguing contender.

11/2

OUR TIP

Form: 2231 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Horse

OR:

Form & Verdict
Delivered on promise shown in bumpers when scoring on last month's hurdling debut at Warwick (2m, soft), where he travelled strongly for a long way then asserted on the run-in; should have more to offer; good chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £17.30
Straight Forecast £19.15
Trifecta £56.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Lario

D Express:

Secret Squirrel

RP RATINGS:

Johnny Jump Up

TOPSPEED:

Helnwein

WEST COUNTRY:

King Of Tara

The Star:

Secret Squirrel

Daily Record:

Secret Squirrel

The Times:

Johnny Jump Up

The Guardian:

Johnny Jump Up

LAMBOURN:

Lario

Daily Mail:

Lario

Daily Mirror:

Lario

The Sun:

Lario

POSTDATA:

Helnwein

Telegraph:

Helnwein