July 20 / 16.35 Cartmel

16.35

Good

William Hill Cumbria Crystal Cup Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £18548.69
  • 2m 6f 31y
  • Class 3
  • 13 runners
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William Hill Cumbria Crystal Cup Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £10.20
  • Place: £3.00

Form: 116-22

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Returned from break with two seconds under Will Featherstone last month (both 3m2f, good) but needs the first-time cheekpieces to squeeze out some improvement in this more competitive race; tongue-tie refitted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

27th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

19:08 Cartmel

Sea The Clouds

12st 0lb

J: Leah Noreci

T: James Moffatt

Has plenty of form around here over hurdles and fences, and very nearly won this race 12 months ago off 1lb higher (under Charlotte Jones); ran surprisingly well when 125-1 for a Class 2 at Haydock last time; in the mix.

10/1

10th

12

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

12:45 Haydock

Sea The Clouds

10st 4lb

J: Leah Noreci

T: James Moffatt

Hurdles form (handicap winner over 2m4f-3m1f) does not look quite good enough in this higher grade and the form of his winning chase debut at Cartmel last July has been followed by heavy defeats in both starts since (ridden by this 10lb claimer on latest); others preferred.

33/1

4

25th Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 3

16:05 Cartmel

Sea The Clouds

11st 7lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: James Moffatt

For one who stays 3m2f he did well to make a winning chase debut over 2m1f here (soft; effective on soft) a month ago; Brian Hughes rides again off a 6lb higher mark and should go well if his jumping holds up.

5/2

6/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 0-3343

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Disappointing favourite when last of four in a chase two starts ago but has performed well on all three hurdling starts this season, most notably when third in valuable 3m1f handicap here (good); today's shorter trip will also suit; high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

13

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Wonderwall

12st 0lb

J: Mr R James

T: S Curling

Has run only three times since beating Its On The Line at Cheltenham last season; winner of points at Dromahane in November and 19 days ago, that recent display providing reassurance after a disappointingly lifeless Cheltenham defence; leading contender for the stable that has dominated the point-to-point scene this season.

3/1

7th

23

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Wonderwall

12st 0lb

J: Mr R James

T: S Curling

4-4 since bought for £33,000 in July 2024 and he emerged from midfield to win this last year (good to soft; effective on softer), fending off the late charge of Its On The Line; has undergone a similar preparation, arriving here fresh after winning a point in early November; there have been back-to-back winners of this race and a bold defence looks on the cards.

11/2

1st

23

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Wonderwall

12st 0lb

J: Mr R James

T: S Curling

Only three runs over regulation fences but he was third in a Grade 2 in 2022 and fourth in a good novice handicap here in late 2023; signed off for the Bowen yard last summer with respectable runs over hurdles and hasn't been overly pressed to win two small-field points in Ireland for this stable; positive jockey booking and brings each-way hopes provided a 131-day break doesn't come back to bite him.

25/1

12/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: 525-26

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Seven-time hurdle winner for John Mackie and made pleasing stable debut when second to Imperial Data over C&D on slower-than-ideal ground in May; not in same form over 2m here last month but still considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

25th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 3

16:43 Cartmel

Hurricane Ali

11st 4lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Seven-time hurdle winner; only his third run over fences when second here a month ago but never went a yard here on Saturday and was pulled up in this new aids combination.

12/1

2

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 4

17:05 Cartmel

Hurricane Ali

11st 12lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

9yo whose losing sequence goes all the way back to September 2022 but he returned to form when second over C&D (soft) last month and is also fine on good ground; a tongue-tie is added; possible player.

9/2

5

21st Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 3

15:45 Cartmel

Hurricane Ali

10st 8lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Seven-time hurdle winner who was useful on good ground in his prime; launched chasing career with two very respectable runs here (2m1f/2m5f) in May and was not disgraced in competitive 2m6f handicap hurdle here on Saturday (albeit finishing behind Sea The Clouds); could have a say.

7/1

Form: 6B2-21

Last run: 40 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Improving 6yo who was placed in big field at Punchestown festival (2m3f, good to yielding) in May won pretty comfortably by over 4l at Roscommon (2m4f, good) last month; needs to be taken very seriously.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 3

13:10 Cheltenham

West Away

11st 4lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

In front when falling four out at Wexford in July on second chase start and a final-fence blunder proved costly when second there in August last time; could do with cutting out the mistakes but the first-time cheekpieces may help in that regard; one of two for last year's winning Irish yard.

14/1

8

6th Aug 2025

Good

2m 3f 130y

18:07 Wexford

West Away

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Two hurdle wins for John McConnell at 2m4f; out of form last season; some promise when fourth on his stable/chasing debut at Kilbeggan, 3 1/2l behind today's rival Harsh; made a mistake at the last then; fell in the lead four out over C&D two weeks ago.

6/1

9

23rd Jul 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 3f 100y

16:10 Wexford

West Away

11st 12lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Two-time hurdle winner for John McConnell at 2m4f; out of form last season but his stable/chasing debut at Kilbeggan last time was not devoid of promise when behind some decent rivals and he would have likely finished third but for a mistake at the last; that gives him something to build on.

8/1

Form: /53FP- D

Last run: 132 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Won on handicap debut in April 2023 but never really got going during light campaign last season (included two chase runs) still has time to turn things around but returns from break with a point to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 4

16:22 Wetherby

Imperial Merlin

12st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: John & Sean Quinn

Pulled up at Warwick in January last time but was in pretty good heart towards the end of last year and he's now 1lb lower than when winning at Haydock (3m, good) last March; also handles soft; capable of going well.

12/1

1

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 5y

Class 4

14:37 Warwick

Imperial Merlin

12st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: John & Sean Quinn

Only 1lb higher than for his Haydock win over a similar trip last March; does have a lot of weight though and was only fifth at Haydock last time, finishing just behind Gwennie May Star.

8/1

2

5th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 3

16:45 Bangor-on-Dee

Imperial Merlin

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: John & Sean Quinn

Not well handicapped but arrives here after a 3l second of eight at Uttoxeter when tried in cheekpieces (2m7f, good); no reason why he won't be involved once more.

6/1

Form: 81-819

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Won valuable series final at Kelso (2m5f, soft) in April and finished well to pip Imperial Data at Hexham (2m4f, good) last month; below form on latest outing, though, and needs on kick on again here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

29th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

12:53 Kelso

Kingston Bridge

11st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

held up in last, not fluent 6th

25/1

8th

8

29th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

12:53 Kelso

Kingston Bridge

11st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

held up in last, not fluent 6th

25/1

10th

3

8th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

13:30 Kelso

Kingston Bridge

11st 12lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

midfield

20/1

Form: 3P6-21 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Placed in major handicap chase at Doncaster (3m, good) in January and landed a good prize here (2m5f, good) three weeks ago; not sure to be seen to same effect back over hurdles but evidently in very good nick.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

25th Oct 2025

Good

3m 2f 39y

Class 2

15:55 Kelso

Charlie Uberalles

11st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Dianne Sayer

Not disgraced in the 3m1f event at Cartmel won by Olivers Travels but shaped as if he may need a drop back in trip; gained his two wins this term over 2m5f (at that venue).

14/1

4th

1

25th Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 3

16:05 Cartmel

Charlie Uberalles

12st 0lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Dianne Sayer

Never got going in Market Rasen's Summer Plate but returning here is a major positive, having previously gone back-to-back in 2m5f chases (made all on good to soft; good is fine); not handicapped out of contention by any means and probably stays this far.

8/1

4

19th Jul 2025

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 1

15:12 Market Rasen

Charlie Uberalles

11st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Dianne Sayer

Goes particularly well at Cartmel where he won three weeks ago (2m5f, good to soft) despite looking on a toughish mark; similar concerns here raised another 5lb and wouldn't want the ground to turn proper soft.

16/1

Form: 0/43F-

Last run: 169 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish 8yo; made quite encouraging stable debut in November but was safely held on next two outings (fell at final flight on latter occasion); absent since February and unraced on ground quicker than good to yielding; stable has much more obvious chance with Imperial Data.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

26th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 26y

Class 3

15:53 Wetherby

Sams Choice

11st 7lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Well-treated on Irish form in 2022-23 season and he made an encouraging stable debut here in November 2023; however, three lesser runs followed and this is his first outing since last July; plenty to prove.

16/1

12/1

Form: PP-210

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Took form to new level when coming from off the pace to win easily by 11l at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) last month but was well beaten over that C&D three weeks ago and still needs to prove he can cope with a mark this high.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

1st Nov 2024

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 3

13:15 Wetherby

Edison Kent

11st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: James Owen

didn't always jump with fluency, held up in last, outpaced before 4 out, rallied 2 out, weakened run-in

50/1

3rd

2

1st Nov 2024

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 3

13:15 Wetherby

Edison Kent

11st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: James Owen

didn't always jump with fluency, held up in last, outpaced before 4 out, rallied 2 out, weakened run-in

50/1

6th

1

8th Oct 2024

Good

3m 1f 10y

Class 4

16:00 Huntingdon

Edison Kent

12st 0lb

J: Mr Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

always behind, awkward jump 7th, weakened after 9th, tailed off

25/1

OUR TIP

12/1

Form: 6-2UU2

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Raced mainly over fences since novice hurdle win in the autumn; no match for winner when second at Worcester (2m7f, good) last month but that was still a pretty good effort, and he reverts to hurdling on a workable mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 3

17:00 Cheltenham

Way Out

10st 13lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Anthony Charlton

On a good mark if able to rediscover his peak form but his debut for this yard was disappointing and that was back in August.

33/1

11th

9

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 3

17:00 Cheltenham

Way Out

10st 13lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Anthony Charlton

On a good mark if able to rediscover his peak form but his debut for this yard was disappointing and that was back in August.

33/1

5th

5

31st Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 2

15:55 Newton Abbot

Way Out

10st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Anthony Charlton

in touch with leaders, prominent before 3rd, mistake 4 out

10/1

Form: 8PP6-5 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Dual hurdle winner in Ireland but disappointing for Donald McCain since the autumn; arguably ran better than 23l defeat suggests at Stratford (3m2f, good) last month still needs to up his game here; headgear switched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(10)

18th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 68y

Class 6

14:50 Lingfield

Lunar Power

9st 9lb

J: William Carson

T: Laura Mongan

Won his share in Ireland but has been on the downgrade for a while and has had three different trainers in the past nine months; however, he showed enough on the AW here last time to suggest he has each-way claims back up in trip and down another 2lb.

12/1

6th

2

(4)

30th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 6

18:10 Lingfield (AW)

Lunar Power

9st 8lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Laura Mongan

Losing run stretches back to May 2023 (hurdles); ended 2025 with some modest efforts for James Owen and fared little better when fifth of seven on his stable debut 11 weeks ago (2m, Polytrack); enough to prove.

16/1

5th

2

(2)

11th Feb 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 6

16:28 Kempton (AW)

Lunar Power

10st 2lb

J: Tyrese Cameron

T: Laura Mongan

Five wins (Flat and hurdles) when trained in Ireland; mixed bag for James Owen when last seen; not on a bad mark if a change of scenery piques his interest.

8/1

Form: 1-5124 CD BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
4-7 over hurdles since last summer's wind op, the latest win gained over C&D (soft) in May; two good efforts in cheekpieces at Hexham (2m4f, good) have followed; likely to be in the thick of things again here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

25th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 2

15:23 Cartmel

Imperial Data

11st 10lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Rebecca Menzies

Pulled up on soft ground this month, after a layoff, but this three-time course winner is now only 1lb higher than when holding on for narrow C&D (good) success last summer; dangerous to ignore.

20/1

4

9th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 3

17:42 Hexham

Imperial Data

11st 12lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Rebecca Menzies

Six hurdle wins, latest over 3m1f at Cartmel last August (good); high enough in the ratings at present, lacks a recent run and perhaps best watched this time.

12/1

3

25th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 2

16:18 Perth

Imperial Data

10st 10lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Rebecca Menzies

Progressive 8yo who has collected two good prizes at Cartmel (2m6f/3m1f, good) since tongue-tie was refitted in July; latest 4lb rise does not look excessive but this more conventional track may not suit quite so well.

3/1

Form: 6-2117 BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Useful Flat-racer who has improved with experience over hurdles and won two 2m2f Stratford novice races last month; not beaten far when seventh in valuable Uttoxeter handicap (2m7f, good to soft) three weeks ago and remains very much of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 3

18:50 Stratford

Juan Bermudez

11st 2lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Henry Oliver

All three wins over hurdles have been over C&D; returned to form when beaten a neck over C&D (good) last month and filled the same position at Aintree (2m1f, good) 15 days ago; is a major force around here and must come into the reckoning.

2/1

2nd

5

15th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 209y

Class 4

19:30 Aintree

Juan Bermudez

11st 10lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Henry Oliver

Gained all three hurdle wins at Stratford; returned to form with close second there (2m2f, good) last month and can probably cope with subsequent 2lb nudge but he's away from his favourite track today.

6/1

2nd

4

19th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

16:18 Stratford

Juan Bermudez

11st 13lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Henry Oliver

Gained all three hurdle wins over C&D on good ground, the latest by 7l from the front last June; ran well to a point here last month, after a layoff, and will be dangerous off this mark if that outing brought him on.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £41.70
Straight Forecast £35.90
Tricast £260.19
Trifecta £384.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Wonderwall

TOPSPEED:

Juan Bermudez

Daily Mail:

Imperial Data

The Sun:

West Away

D Express:

Imperial Merlin

Telegraph:

Way Out

Daily Record:

Sea The Clouds

The Times:

Charlie Uberalles

The Star:

Juan Bermudez

RP RATINGS:

Wonderwall

POSTDATA:

Wonderwall

The Guardian:

Wonderwall

Daily Mirror:

Wonderwall