April 21 / 15.23 Stratford

15.23

Good To Soft

Bet At racingtv.com Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Div I)

  • Prize money: £3511.86
  • 2m 2f 148y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
RTV
View Course
Bet At racingtv.com Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Div I)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £11.40
  • Place: £2.60

Form: 78684

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Easy to back for handicap debut at Market Rasen (2m2f, good to soft; 14-1) when unable to mount a serious challenge in fourth to a subsequent winner but he nevertheless looked the type to improve with racing; can be in the shake-up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

11th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

15:50 Ludlow

Garitsa Bay

11st 6lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Ian Williams

Won at Worcester (2m, good) last June and continued in good form in the autumn; made early mistakes when 11l fourth on chase debut at Wincanton (1m7f, good to soft) in December; off since but ran well after a 107-day break last September and he could be in the mix.

7/1

5

11th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

15:50 Ludlow

Garitsa Bay

11st 6lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Ian Williams

Won at Worcester (2m, good) last June and continued in good form in the autumn; made early mistakes when 11l fourth on chase debut at Wincanton (1m7f, good to soft) in December; off since but ran well after a 107-day break last September and he could be in the mix.

7/1

7/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 0-44P

Last run: 88 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 6yo who was quite a promising fourth to three subsequent winners at Plumpton (2m, good to soft) before Christmas; couldn't cope with heavy ground when pulled up on his handicap debut at Chepstow but goes in a tongue-tie now; capable of better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

13th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

16:18 Perth

Deerstalker

11st 12lb

J: Miss Isobel Mactaggart

T: Mrs K B Mactaggart

Last of four (beaten 26l) in this last year; arrives in better form this year, with back-to-back point wins at Overton (3m); however, there wasn't much depth to his latest win, with his main market rival departing at the first fence.

11/2

4th

1

14th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

20:00 Perth

Deerstalker

11st 12lb

J: Miss Isobel Mactaggart

T: Mrs K B Mactaggart

Fair hurdler/chaser when with Ben Pauling and a good-ground point winner for new connections this year; unseated rider at sixth fence on last month's hunter chase debut but was clear second in open point at Witton Castle (good to firm) nine days ago and has a fighting chance in this.

7/2

4th

1

14th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

20:00 Perth

Deerstalker

11st 12lb

J: Miss Isobel Mactaggart

T: Mrs K B Mactaggart

Fair hurdler/chaser when with Ben Pauling and a good-ground point winner for new connections this year; unseated rider at sixth fence on last month's hunter chase debut but was clear second in open point at Witton Castle (good to firm) nine days ago and has a fighting chance in this.

7/2

4/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 222 BF

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Won Irish point; three solid efforts under rules, including two soft-ground 2m mares' hurdles and she lost nothing in defeat to an improved one at Chepstow last month; not a slowcoach but she shouldn't have a problem with this extra distance on an easy track; close up now handicapping.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

14th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

14:33 Perth

Largy Force

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Progressive mare who has form figures of 21212 since joining Olly Murphy; edged out by a next-time-out winner (pair 19l clear) at Uttoxeter (3m, good to soft) last time and still looks well treated after a 3lb nudge.

5/4

2nd

2

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 10y

Class 4

15:45 Uttoxeter

Largy Force

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Progressive mare who has form figures of 2121 since joining Olly Murphy and she kept on well to beat a clear second at Wetherby (2m3f, soft) last month; this is a different test at this new trip but she has quite a bit of stamina in pedigree and still looks on a workable mark; respected.

7/2

1st

4

26th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 85y

Class 4

15:35 Wetherby

Largy Force

11st 12lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Progressive since joining this yard, winning at Uttoxeter (2m4f, heavy) in December before close second in warm mares' handicap at Windsor (2m4f, soft); drops back down in grade today and could play a leading role.

11/4

Form: -4F135

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Nearly always raced on testing surfaces since early last season and handled heavy ground best when off the mark at Ffos Las (2m) in February; not obviously ahead of her mark since and quicker ground is a query.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

12

7th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 2f 111y

Class 5

16:50 Exeter

My Granny Lily

10st 2lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Nigel Hawke

Won on heavy ground at Ffos Las (2m; wore cheekpieces) last season but has been out of form this term (three runs) and needs to respond very positively to a change of headgear today.

12/1

11

21st Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 4f 110y

Class 5

13:20 Leicester

My Granny Lily

10st 2lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Nigel Hawke

Won on heavy ground at Ffos Las (2m) last February but struggled on her two outings in the autumn and needs to get back on track.

14/1

11

21st Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 4f 110y

Class 5

13:20 Leicester

My Granny Lily

10st 2lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Nigel Hawke

Won on heavy ground at Ffos Las (2m) last February but struggled on her two outings in the autumn and needs to get back on track.

14/1

Form: 377

Last run: 99 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Varying promise in qualifying runs but he showed definite ability on debut at Plumpton in November (2m4f, good to soft) when hopping round neatly until a mistake four out set him back; has had wind surgery since last seen in January and looks a likely type now handicapping.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

16th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

13:28 Market Rasen

Avada Kedavra

11st 8lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: David Bridgwater

Ended 2025 with two wins, the latter in four-runner contest at Plumpton (3m1f, good to soft); 5lb higher in a much deeper race here but evidently in very good nick.

6/1

Form: -65655

Last run: 84 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Maiden who has been vulnerable in handicaps so far but he hasn't been far away in two starts since wind surgery and the return to this intermediate trip could suit; does need an extra push, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

22nd Mar 2025

Good

2m 3f 123y

Class 5

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Rhodia

10st 3lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah Hollinshead

Has placed form but he's 0-16 under rules (12 defeats over hurdles) and latest run wasn't his best; now goes in cheekpieces.

10/1

6th

8

6th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

12:40 Huntingdon

Rhodia

10st 7lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Sarah Hollinshead

Fell at first flight at Doncaster a fortnight ago and now 0-11 over hurdles, but shaped well when third at Market Rasen (2m4f, good to soft) on Boxing Day and that performance makes him a player here.

5/1

6th

8

6th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

12:40 Huntingdon

Rhodia

10st 7lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Sarah Hollinshead

Fell at first flight at Doncaster a fortnight ago and now 0-11 over hurdles, but shaped well when third at Market Rasen (2m4f, good to soft) on Boxing Day and that performance makes him a player here.

5/1

Form: U625F

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Won 1m claimer in Ireland last May and has run creditably over hurdles since, despite pedigree raising queries about stamina; came to grief on debut for new yard three weeks ago, though, and probably needs a bit more off this opening mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

12

26th Nov 2024

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

15:10 Southwell

Secret Sauce

10st 13lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Anthony Charlton

Subject of a gamble when runner-up at Hereford (2m, good to soft) in January, but hasn't matched that effort since including on his first start back with his former trainer (following a second wind operation) at Fakenham (2m, good) last month; others preferred.

14/1

11th

12

26th Nov 2024

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

15:10 Southwell

Secret Sauce

10st 13lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Anthony Charlton

Subject of a gamble when runner-up at Hereford (2m, good to soft) in January, but hasn't matched that effort since including on his first start back with his former trainer (following a second wind operation) at Fakenham (2m, good) last month; others preferred.

14/1

6th

5

30th Oct 2024

Good

2m 0f 3y

Class 5

15:50 Fakenham

Secret Sauce

11st 2lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Anthony Charlton

Won a 1m claimer on soft at Gowran in May 2023; best run over hurdles when runner-up in a Hereford novice for this yard in January (2m, good to soft); not done as well for two different trainers over hurdles and on the Flat since; on a good mark and interesting back with Tony Charlton having had wind surgery.

14/1

Form: 560

Last run: 151 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Useful jumps pedigree and he showed promise when fifth of 15 in a Ballinrobe maiden hurdle (2m, good) on debut last spring; lesser efforts in Britain since but of more interest now handicapping for another new trainer; the betting might be helpful.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

2nd Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:15 Southwell

Camino Rocio

12st 6lb

J: Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell

T: E M Rees

Has proved consistent in points this winter and looks likely to give his running in this hunter chase debut; however, faces a difficult task on rules form, as ratings reflect.

7/1

1

19th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

17:00 Market Rasen

Camino Rocio

12st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Won five handicap chases in the space of six starts during the winter; that came a cost mark-wise and he was twice well held before suffering same fate back over hurdles last time (2m7f novice; tried blinkers); bit to prove now.

16/1

Form: 7586P5

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Encouraging start to hurdle career when a never-nearer fifth at Ludlow (2m, good to soft) in October; has struggled on more testing surfaces since, including in two handicaps, but fair to give him another chance with the ground drying out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

3rd Oct 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

17:10 Southwell

Gentle Victor

10st 13lb

J: Ben Smith

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

0-10 and aside from his third at Bangor (2m3f, good) in June, there has been little to enthuse over.

12/1

4th

12

23rd Sep 2024

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

16:15 Sedgefield

Gentle Victor

10st 3lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

No threat to the front two when third at Bangor in June (2m3f, good) and then tailed off at Worcester; remains a maiden and needs to find extra.

33/1

8th

11

26th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:40 Worcester

Gentle Victor

10st 10lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Placed for first time in seven-race hurdling career when keeping-on third at Bangor (2m3f, good) this month but was no threat to the front pair there and needs to make further progress here.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 6714

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Successful yard debut in a 2m novice at Southwell (heavy) but was found out by the much tougher test in a novice seller at Exeter (2m2f, heavy) in March; return to a sharp track should suit but extra needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

26th May 2024

Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

17:20 Uttoxeter

Nick The Greek

11st 12lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

didn't jump with fluency, led, hit 5th, not fluent 6th, headed when not fluent 7th, weakening when not fluent 3 out, soon lost touch and pulled up

33/1

2

26th May 2024

Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

17:20 Uttoxeter

Nick The Greek

11st 12lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

led, hit 5th, not fluent 6th, headed when not fluent 7th, weakening when not fluent 3 out, soon lost touch

33/1

5th

3

4th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

16:25 Hexham

Nick The Greek

11st 6lb

J: William Maggs

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

in touch with leaders, hit 3rd

10/1

Form: 96P5-0

Last run: 343 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Fell short in three handicaps at 2m-2m5f for previous yard last spring; had wind surgery since and a tongue-tie now replaces the hood; no great appeal back from layoff unless the betting says otherwise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

10

21st Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

15:23 Stratford

Rebel Mc

10st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Donald McCain

Fell short in three handicaps at 2m-2m5f for previous yard last spring; had wind surgery since and a tongue-tie now replaces the hood; no great appeal back from layoff unless the betting says otherwise.

16/1

11th

10

21st Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

15:23 Stratford

Rebel Mc

10st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Donald McCain

midfield

16/1

11th

10

14th May 2023

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 5

16:35 Ludlow

Rebel Mc

10st 7lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Struggled after racing too freely on handicap debut in March (2m4f) and was unable to land a telling blow when fifth in first-time hood at Bangor (2m, good) last month; remains unexposed but stable's other runner Hollow Run appeals much more.

25/1

Form: 4-97PP

Last run: 73 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Saddle slipped in January but minor handicap form either side; plenty to find from 4lb out of the weights in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

17

3rd Nov 2024

Good

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

15:43 Huntingdon

Den The Diva

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Ian Williams

0-10 over hurdles for Andy Irvine, having been pulled up on consecutive outings in the spring, but ran big race when placed at Fontwell (2m3f, good) three starts ago and is worth a glance in the betting before this stable debut; 4lb wrong; unraced beyond 2m5f.

20/1

3rd

17

3rd Nov 2024

Good

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

15:43 Huntingdon

Den The Diva

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Ian Williams

0-10 over hurdles for Andy Irvine, having been pulled up on consecutive outings in the spring, but ran big race when placed at Fontwell (2m3f, good) three starts ago and is worth a glance in the betting before this stable debut; 4lb wrong; unraced beyond 2m5f.

20/1

9

12th Jun 2024

Good

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

16:43 Fontwell

Den The Diva

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Andy Irvine

Pulled up in four of her last five starts and overall she's 0-9 over hurdles; third over 2m3f here last month was a good effort but she's been pulled up again since; has plenty to prove from out of the weights.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £83.10
Straight Forecast £81.47
Tricast £492.97
Trifecta £481.50

Selections

POSTDATA:

Largy Force

SPOTLIGHT:

Avada Kedavra

WEST COUNTRY:

Deerstalker

RP RATINGS:

Rhodia

Telegraph:

Avada Kedavra

Daily Mail:

Avada Kedavra

D Express:

Deerstalker

LAMBOURN:

Largy Force

The Times:

Largy Force

The Sun:

Largy Force

The Star:

Largy Force

Daily Record:

Largy Force

Daily Mirror:

Rhodia