July 14 / 14.30 Stratford

14.30

Good

Barbara Shepherd 80th Birthday Celebration Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £4039.96
  • 2m 6f 125y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
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Barbara Shepherd 80th Birthday Celebration Handicap Chase

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.20
  • Place: £2.50

Form: 0PP-48 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent in the last 12 months and ran poorly on latest outing; difficult to support with confidence but is attractively handicapped, having slipped to a stone below last winning mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

14th Jul 2024

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 5

14:30 Stratford

Aviewtosea

11st 9lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

in touch with leaders, not fluent 4 out, soon lost ground, rallied and headway before 2 out, pushed along when joined leader last, soon led, ridden and kept on run-in

12/1

8th

8

28th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 4

17:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Aviewtosea

11st 6lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Pulled up in his final two runs last year but he got back on track with fourth of ten on reappearance at Warwick (3m, good) last month; was only beaten around 5l in that race and has claims if he can build on that; cheekpieces reapplied.

8/1

4th

1

30th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:40 Warwick

Aviewtosea

12st 0lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Triple chase winner at up to 3m, all on good; well below par in all three starts since finishing a close third at Stratford last October; sliding in the handicap and now drops in grade, so can't rule out a revival.

12/1

12/1

  • Place: £5.40

Form: 511-54

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Maiden prior to winning a couple of five-runner races at Fakenham (2m5f) in April for previous yard; not in the same form for new stable since and doesn't look the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

3rd Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

17:02 Hexham

Ingennio

11st 12lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Dual chase winner in 2024; returned from one-year absence with low-key hurdle run for new stable in July but shaped with a lot more promise at Perth last month and should now be at concert pitch for this return to fences.

10/1

3

8th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:10 Perth

Ingennio

11st 6lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Made a low-key stable debut over hurdles after a year off and he's likely to be back chasing (dual winner) sooner rather than later.

14/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 5P-312 BF

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
In great form (over 2m5f) last month, opening his chase account at Market Rasen then clear second at Cartmel where he jumped soundly in front; may have more to offer over fences; likely player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

17th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

18:12 Worcester

Unwanted Attention

10st 12lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Won well off 4lb lower last summer for a different yard (2m5f, good); disappointing favourite on stable debut at Cartmel (2m5f) and soft ground was no excuse.

4/1

OUR TIP

Form: 0/54-2

Last run: 36 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Shaped very well at Bangor (2m4f) last month on return from lengthy break, posting her best chase effort (third attempt); remains well treated on best hurdles form and warrants respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

14th Jul 2024

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 5

14:30 Stratford

Gentle Connections

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

towards rear, struggling before 4 out, no telling impression

5/2

2nd

3

8th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 72y

Class 5

16:35 Bangor-on-Dee

Gentle Connections

11st 12lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

towards rear

8/1

4th

4

13th May 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

18:55 Warwick

Gentle Connections

11st 2lb

J: Bridget Andrews

T: Dan Skelton

prominent, briefly led 7th, lost third 4 out, soon ridden, weakened before 2 out

6/1

Form: O9-455

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Hinted at a revival in Hexham contest (2m4f; third chase attempt) three weeks ago and has possibilities provided he builds on that effort; recorded sole hurdles win off a 10lb higher mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

28th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 5

18:30 Market Rasen

Play By The Rules

10st 6lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

Returned from long absence with a promising stable debut at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) in March, when he travelled strongly for a long way, and he was unlucky to be brought down fairly early on at Hexham this month; remains well handicapped on old form; might be the answer.

11/4

12

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 5

19:15 Hexham

Play By The Rules

10st 3lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Adam Nicol

Ex-Nigel Hawke; fair fifth after a long break on stable debut at Newcastle last time (2m4f, good to soft; 3-1); should come on for that; one with a chance.

5/1

Form: 2222-1

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Maiden prior to winning Larkhill point (3m) and Newton Abbot chase (2m5f) the last twice; raised 8lb but looks open to further improvement over fences; one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

18th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

16:15 Newton Abbot

Coconut Twist

11st 8lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Daisy Hitchins

Won three times in early part of year and was back in good nick when close fourth (hampered close home) over C&D (good) last month but may find others better handicapped in this stronger race; cheekpieces refitted.

16/1

2

29th Sep 2025

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

16:50 Newton Abbot

Coconut Twist

11st 12lb

J: Robbie David

T: Daisy Hitchins

Won three times in early part of this year, most recently here (3m2f, good) in April, but seemed to have gone off the boil on last two outings in May/June and current mark demands a career-best performance.

5/1

15

29th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

13:30 Uttoxeter

Coconut Twist

10st 5lb

J: Mr Robbie David

T: Daisy Hitchins

Ridden by Robbie David on last eight outings; won four of his 15 races last season, with a stack of place returns as well; latest win was off a 5lb lower mark at Newton Abbot (3m2f, good) in April, followed by a creditable second there but he was pulled up at Southwell five weeks ago; has bounced back before but this is a tough race in which to do it.

16/1

10/1

Form: P52-28 BF

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Point/hurdle winner in 2023; best chase form when runner-up twice this spring; however, well beaten in competitive field last time; chance partly depends on how well he responds to first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

18th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

16:45 Huntingdon

Hobie

11st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: David Dennis

Has only won at Worcester, going back-to-back there in late summer (2m4f hurdle/2m chase); didn't run at all well in his last two races, both over fences.

9/2

7

15th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

14:57 Worcester

Hobie

11st 8lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: David Dennis

All three of his wins under rules have been at this track, his last success over C&D (good) last month; decent fourth at Warwick (2m4f, good) 22 days ago and remains in form.

7/1

Form: 63P-1P C BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Contrasting performances over 2m1f here this season, scoring on reappearance but disappointing favourite last time; bred to stay this new trip and may rebound if taking well to first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 5

19:38 Cartmel

Dusky Days

11st 8lb

J: Leah Noreci

T: James Moffatt

After a break he's been tailed off behind Wee Alki and here on Monday faded into sixth over 2m6f; others preferred.

16/1

6th

2

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:48 Cartmel

Dusky Days

11st 11lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Made all over 2m1f here (good) last July and came second here on next two outings (2m6f/3m1f); probably needed recent reappearance run and has a big role to play if back on song.

5/1

12th

3

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

20:15 Hexham

Dusky Days

11st 8lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Three sound efforts on last three starts last summer (good/soft), winning over 2m1f at Cartmel and finishing creditable second over 3m there on final start; off for 252 days and likely to be better for the run.

12/1

Form: 75P-7P

Last run: 46 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Hurdles winner in France; holds weak claims on her British form and failed to improve for the switch to fences most recently; opposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

4th Jun 2025

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 5

15:35 Newton Abbot

Chabadatika

11st 10lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Charlton

2m1f and 2m3f hurdle winner; well beaten second at Taunton (3m, good to firm) in April but fared better here (2m5f, good) latest; not ruled out but she does have a bit to prove over his trip.

5/1

3

4th Jun 2025

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 5

15:35 Newton Abbot

Chabadatika

11st 10lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Charlton

2m1f and 2m3f hurdle winner; well beaten second at Taunton (3m, good to firm) in April but fared better here (2m5f, good) latest; not ruled out but she does have a bit to prove over his trip.

5/1

Form: /5P-62

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Dual point winner; showed promise behind an easy winner at Market Rasen (2m3f; second chase attempt) last month, while shaping as if this step back up in distance may suit; open to improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

14th Jul 2024

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 5

14:30 Stratford

Hollington

10st 9lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Tim Easterby

midfield, mistake 7th, not fluent 4 out, soon lost ground

10/1

2nd

3

21st Jun 2024

Good

2m 3f 34y

Class 5

14:40 Market Rasen

Hollington

11st 5lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Tim Easterby

prominent, went second 2 out, kept on but no match for winner

16/1

6th

3

7th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

15:18 Market Rasen

Hollington

11st 5lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Tim Easterby

Won two points last year, first over 2m4f on good, the second a two-runner race; well beaten in maiden hurdle and pulled up in a novice handicap chase on his two runs since; bit to prove.

20/1

Form: 750-P8 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Only 1-25 over hurdles; never figured at Hexham (3m) last month on the switch to fences; faces a tough task from 10lb out of weights and seems likely to struggle.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

14th Jul 2024

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 5

14:30 Stratford

Buto

10st 2lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Micky Hammond

towards rear, not fluent 7th, not fluent 12th, soon struggling and pulled up

20/1

8th

12

15th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

17:27 Hexham

Buto

10st 2lb

J: Emma Smith-Chaston

T: Micky Hammond

2m7f course winner (good) over hurdles; hard to make a strong case for on his chase debut based on any recent form in either code.

33/1

9th

11

(9)

10th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

2m 1f 27y

Class 6

20:00 Pontefract

Buto

8st 9lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Micky Hammond

Sole win came over hurdles; ran dismally in that sphere the last twice; unconvincing record on Flat and not seen under this code for two years.

20/1

Form: /887P/

Last run: 906 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Holds very weak claims on bumper/hurdles form and has been absent since January 2022; long way out of weights on handicap/chase/stable debut; best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

14th Jul 2024

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 5

14:30 Stratford

Stunsail

10st 2lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Joe Tickle

always behind, pulled up after 11th

33/1

Non-runners

We Got Your Back

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £118.40
Straight Forecast £125.49
Tricast £496.87
Trifecta £747.60

Selections

WEST COUNTRY:

Coconut Twist

SPOTLIGHT:

Gentle Connections

RP RATINGS:

Aviewtosea

The Times:

Unwanted Attention

The Star:

Hollington

Telegraph:

Coconut Twist

The Guardian:

Coconut Twist

Daily Record:

Coconut Twist

D Express:

Gentle Connections

Daily Mirror:

Gentle Connections

TOPSPEED:

Aviewtosea

POSTDATA:

Aviewtosea