October 22 / 17.33 Exeter

17.33

Good To Soft

South West “3 Yrs Old” “Junior” National Hunt Flat Race (Category 1 Elimination) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £2178.4
  • 1m 5f 38y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
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South West “3 Yrs Old” “Junior” National Hunt Flat Race (Category 1 Elimination) (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: NH Flat

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Son of Frankel out of an unraced half-sister to a middle-distance Listed winner and this 3yo cost 41,000gns in May; nicely bred but his yard is 0-38 in bumpers in recent seasons.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

21st Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:38 Ffos Las

Cedar Creek

11st 5lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Rebecca Curtis

Flat-bred 5yo who won good-ground junior bumper at Aintree in November 2024 and was not disgraced in Cheltenham Listed event a few weeks later; makes hurdle debut after 475-day absence and in a strong race, though.

16/1

8th

2

1st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

15:50 Cheltenham

Cedar Creek

11st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Rebecca Curtis

Finished 18l behind Gnomon at Exeter in October and put that experience to good use when edging out the newcomer Danger Nap at Aintree (good); no certainty to confirm those latter placings and Gnomon should again have his measure.

12/1

8th

2

1st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

15:50 Cheltenham

Cedar Creek

11st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Rebecca Curtis

Finished 18l behind Gnomon at Exeter in October and put that experience to good use when edging out the newcomer Danger Nap at Aintree (good); no certainty to confirm those latter placings and Gnomon should again have his measure.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Cost 47,000gns as a yearling but never ran on the Flat for Archie Watson and was sold on for 2,000gns; stable 1-41 in bumpers the last five seasons.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

16th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ffos Las

Close Combat

11st 10lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Nigel Hawke

Won 2m novice last season but safely held in first two handicaps this term (1m7f/2m), then pulled up when upped to 2m4f last month; needs to get career back on track.

16/1

4

17th Feb 2026

2m 4f 118y

Class 4

16:30 Newbury

Close Combat

11st 13lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Nigel Hawke

Exeter novice winner (2m, heavy); hasn't looked on a good mark in his two handicaps and that could still be the case, though Murray Dodd claiming 7lb will help in that respect.

20/1

1st

8

21st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

14:00 Exeter

Close Combat

10st 7lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Nigel Hawke

Never really got competitive when 150-1 for C&D maiden on last month's hurdling debut but kept on well for second against own age-group at Chepstow (2m, heavy) a fortnight later and has scope for further progress.

16/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to winners Whitcombe Rockstar (1m/1m2f; RPR 97), Emerald Fox (1m; RPR 66) and Oishin (2m/2m1f hurdle); dam 1m AW winner (RPR 74); stable 2-37 in bumpers recent seasons; others are more likely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

22nd Oct 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 38y

Class 5

17:33 Exeter

Digger One

11st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Keiran Burke

Half-brother to winners Whitcombe Rockstar (1m/1m2f; RPR 97), Emerald Fox (1m; RPR 66) and Oishin (2m/2m1f hurdle); dam 1m AW winner (RPR 74); stable 2-37 in bumpers recent seasons; others are more likely.

33/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Third foal out of a 7f winner (RPR 80) and half-sister to 1m-1m4f Flat and useful 2m-2m3f jumps winner Ultimate; leading Flat operation won this in 2021 and 2022; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 178y

Class 2

17:15 Sandown

Gnomon

10st 5lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Toby Lawes

Fairly useful Flat racer; runner-up on first three hurdle starts (all 2m) before cruising clear in four-runner Ascot maiden (2m3f, good) last month; could easily have more improvement to come in handicap hurdles; interesting.

7/2

1st

2

29th Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

13:55 Ascot

Gnomon

11st 7lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Bumper winner who then won two Flat handicaps for Ralph Beckett; he's getting there over hurdles judged on his near miss at Taunton (2m, good) and this longer trip could trigger the improvement he'll need to trouble West Hill Verde.

9/4

2nd

4

9th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

14:40 Taunton

Gnomon

11st 6lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Toby Lawes

Bumper winner who then won two handicaps on the Flat for Ralph Beckett, the latest at Haydock (1m6f, good to soft) in October; runner-up on both starts over hurdles, last time finishing 10l second at Kempton (2m, good; third has won since); contender.

3/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
82,000euros yearling; fifth foal; brother to 2m3f hurdle/3m4f chase winner Jubilee Express, half-brother to 2m-2m4f hurdle/chase winner Oxygen; dam unplaced bumpers/2m4f hurdle; bred to want further in time and going up against horses with speedier pedigrees.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

17

7th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 3f 178y

Class 1

13:50 Sandown

Roi Du Risk

10st 13lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Henrietta C Knight

Second runner for Henrietta Knight; scrambled home at Leicester (1m7f, soft) just after Christmas and ran about as well as could have been expected behind Cinquenta and Gee Force Flyer at Market Rasen (2m5f, good to soft) next time; this is warmer.

33/1

3rd

1

1st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 139y

Class 4

13:17 Market Rasen

Roi Du Risk

11st 8lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Henrietta C Knight

Bumper winner who opened hurdling account at second attempt, with hard-fought success at Leicester (1m7f, soft) in December; probably needs a better performance to overcome a penalty here but his pedigree suggests the longer trip will suit.

5/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Brother to bumper/2m hurdle winner Secret Squirrel and dam also won a bumper on the AW; excellent family and Flat-orienated yard has always done well in bumpers (won this in 2018).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

17

25th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:45 Sandown

Secret Sniper

10st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Hughie Morrison

No match for Minella Yoga at Taunton, taking record to 0-6; however, he's related to several winners for his connections and may have potential off his opening mark; one to consider.

12/1

2nd

6

9th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

14:32 Taunton

Secret Sniper

11st 2lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Hughie Morrison

A fair bumper performer who shaped well when a clear second of 12 in 2m Huntingdon novice hurdle 22 days ago; this brother to the stable's useful winner Secret Squirrel has more to offer and shouldn't be underestimated.

3/1

2nd

7

18th Mar 2026

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

15:45 Huntingdon

Secret Sniper

11st 5lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

Placed in the first two of three bumpers; brother to useful hurdler Secret Squirrel and although his own hurdle debut at Wincanton (1m7f, good to soft; 9-1) three weeks ago showed significant ability, he needs to build on that.

14/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
15,000euros yearling and a half-brother to German 1m3f winner Saba Queen; dam unraced half-sister to winners Scoubidou (Italian 1m 2yo Group 3) and Sommelier (German 1m6f Listed); positive pedigree and stable has success in these races.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

11

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Sherminator

11st 4lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: Harry Fry

Has won all four completed starts over hurdles (trained by Emma Lavelle for first win); came 6l clear on handicap debut at Exeter (2m, good to soft) last time in the style of one who can keep on improving; considered under Patrick Mullins.

13/2

1st

3

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

15:10 Exeter

Sherminator

11st 12lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Juvenile hurdle winner for Emma Lavelle and had a wind op after his successful debut for this yard; hadn't been asked too many questions when falling at Cheltenham (race won by Supreme favourite Old Park Star) and he then won his novice quite nicely at Ludlow; brings potential into handicaps and plenty of it.

4/1

1st

8

4th Feb 2026

Soft

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

14:23 Ludlow

Sherminator

11st 0lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Left Emma Lavelle after winning a soft-ground juvenile hurdle at Newbury; comfortably defied a penalty at Taunton (good) and, following wind surgery and a break, hadn't been asked any serious questions when suffering a heavy fall two out at Cheltenham in December in a race won by the Supreme favourite Old Park Star; retains plenty of potential.

2/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
25,000euros 3yo; half-brother to bumper winners Petrossian and Realistic Optimism; dam unraced half-sister to bumper/useful 2m7f hurdle winner On Raglan Road; bred for the job and stable is going well so on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Star Of Guiting

10st 8lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Ewan Whillans

Won twice at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) in the winter and has had excuses since, making late headway after a slow start when eighth of 21 at Aintree four weeks ago; probably in much better heart than recent form-figures suggest, and he's an interesting each-way proposition.

25/1

9th

19

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Star Of Guiting

11st 0lb

J: William Maggs

T: Ewan Whillans

Two 1m7f Musselburgh wins this winter; bounced back from a poor run in the Imperial Cup when fifth of 14 back at Musselburgh three weeks ago but that effort suggests the handicapper is winning the argument for now.

28/1

5th

1

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 87y

Class 2

15:22 Musselburgh

Star Of Guiting

12st 0lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Pulled up in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) only 13 days ago but he went there on a hat-trick following two wins here (1m7f, good to soft) in January; this unexposed 5yo could bounce back and play a leading role now back here and returned to better ground.

4/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
45,000gns yearling; closely related to three winners including Bircham (6f; RPR 83) and Lady Arwen (7f/1m; 83), half-brother to five further Flat winners; dam 7.5f/1m winner; yard's bumper runners always worthy of a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

20

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Trustintimes

11st 1lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Low-mileage 5yo who has form figures of 11112, all at about 2m, since racing on good ground; ran well in a Kempton handicap at Christmas when last seen; improving but goes into unknown territory trip-wise and his chance also perhaps partly depends on the weather.

14/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
32,000gns 2yo; third foal; brother to 9.4f winner Letiza (RPR 81), half-brother to 6f 2yo winner Forbidden Beauty (71); dam unraced half-sister to US 1m Grade 3 winner Chattahoochee War; likely contender if 1m5f on a stiff track is within range.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

15th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 209y

Class 4

19:30 Aintree

Uhtred Ragnarson

11st 11lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Low-mileage 5yo who returned from layoff with clear win at Warwick (2m, good) in November; absent since last-flight fall at Newbury in January but has possibilities if fully tuned up after latest break.

10/1

10

14th Jan 2026

Good

2m 0f 69y

Class 4

15:50 Newbury

Uhtred Ragnarson

11st 1lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Alan King

Won at Warwick (2m, good) in November on second handicap start, following a break; 2l third of six at Market Rasen (2m, good to soft) since; further improvement is possible from this 5yo but it's necessary today.

9/1

7

4th Nov 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:32 Warwick

Uhtred Ragnarson

11st 10lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Probably only third best on merit when close second to Mad Maxios in four-runner junior hurdle at Chepstow (2m, good) in April and was remote when last of three in C&D handicap the following month; back from a break.

12/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
34,000gns yearling; second foal; once-raced dam closely related to useful 7f 2yo winner Lady Nouf; Flat trainer 0-6 in bumpers recent seasons and this gelding goes in cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

2nd Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:15 Worcester

Vorderman

10st 13lb

J: Ben Ffrench Davis

T: Roger Teal

Got off the mark in a Fontwell juvenile last December (soft); second on his handicap debut at Plumpton (2m4f, good) in April, he fell early on next time and was pulled up following a bad error last time; still has time on his side and not out of this on this step up in trip.

14/1

7

25th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

14:58 Fontwell

Vorderman

10st 8lb

J: Ben Ffrench Davis

T: Roger Teal

Won a weak race here on hurdling debut in December; second under Ben Ffrench Davis at Plumpton (extended 2m4f, good) early last month in his first handicap but only four of five finished and he unseated early here on latest outing; early days but he probably needs some improvement.

20/1

7

25th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

14:58 Fontwell

Vorderman

10st 8lb

J: Ben Ffrench Davis

T: Roger Teal

Won a weak race here on hurdling debut in December; second under Ben Ffrench Davis at Plumpton (extended 2m4f, good) early last month in his first handicap but only four of five finished and he unseated early here on latest outing; early days but he probably needs some improvement.

20/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to top-class staying chaser Santini and winning jumpers Dusky Legend and Rockpoint; dam 1m4f Flat/2m hurdle winner; bred to have a bright future further down the line but likely vulnerable in a 1m5f bumper.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

19th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

13:20 Exeter

Widdybank

11st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Tom George

led narrowly or disputed lead, led clearly after 2nd

13/2

4th

5

19th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

13:20 Exeter

Widdybank

11st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Tom George

led narrowly or disputed lead, led clearly after 2nd

13/2

12

22nd Oct 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 38y

Class 5

17:33 Exeter

Widdybank

11st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Tom George

Half-brother to top-class staying chaser Santini and winning jumpers Dusky Legend and Rockpoint; dam 1m4f Flat/2m hurdle winner; bred to have a bright future further down the line but likely vulnerable in a 1m5f bumper.

12/1

Selections

POSTDATA:

Star Of Guiting

SPOTLIGHT:

Gnomon

LAMBOURN:

Secret Sniper

The Guardian:

Trustintimes

Telegraph:

Widdybank

The Times:

Secret Sniper

WEST COUNTRY:

Star Of Guiting

D Express:

Star Of Guiting

The Star:

Star Of Guiting

Daily Record:

Star Of Guiting

Daily Mail:

Gnomon

Daily Mirror:

Gnomon

The Sun:

Gnomon