November 08 / 15.45 Fontwell

15.45

Good

Broadsword Confidence In Construction Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3247.81
  • 2m 1f 162y
  • Class 5
  • 14 runners
SKY
View Course
Broadsword Confidence In Construction Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

OUR TIP

5/2 (Won)

  • Win: £2.50
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 588-

Last run: 265 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Useful Flat performer for Andre Fabre; no impact in three hurdle runs last winter but all at top tracks; uninspiring return to Flat action at Ascot five weeks ago but that should have blown away any cobwebs and an opening BHA mark of 94 could prove lenient given Flat ability; check betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:20 Lingfield

Officer Of State

11st 7lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Fair hurdler who made a satisfactory chasing debut here (2m, good to soft) in December and created good impression when readily winning a competitive Windsor handicap (2m6f, soft) three weeks ago; does not look harshly treated by a 6lb rise and commands respect.

4/5

1st

12

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 6f 50y

Class 3

16:05 Windsor

Officer Of State

10st 5lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Two-time hurdle winner, the latest at Fontwell (2m1f, good to soft) in November, and ran respectably in the face of a very tough task on last month's chase debut at Lingfield (2m, good to soft); has hinted he could be suited by this sort of trip and he's not ruled out now back in a handicap.

16/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 72-684

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in a C&D handicap in April off 1lb higher; no progress since but she ran okay at Plumpton 18 days ago (second run after a wind op) and could still be capable of better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

17:30 Taunton

Lady Caro

12st 0lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Emma Lavelle

2-16 in handicaps, raised to 3m here (good) for last three outings; ridden by Cameron Johnstone-Baker last month on last two starts, runner-up before winning easily with a career best four weeks ago (Miss Tiara third); 8lb higher today but needs plenty of respect.

7/4

1st

3

24th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:45 Taunton

Lady Caro

11st 11lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Emma Lavelle

Sole win (from 22 races) in March 2025; nearly all minor honours this term, runner-up under Cameron Johnstone-Baker over C&D (good) last time; strong each-way claims again.

9/4

2nd

6

9th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

16:10 Taunton

Lady Caro

11st 4lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Emma Lavelle

Yet to score this season but she comes here in decent nick, fourth of nine over C&D in December; mark is easing so she has possibilities after a break.

14/1

3/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: /53-51

Last run: 9 days

W: 12st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Made all to beat Dreams Fled Away at Fakenham last week (2m, good); 7lb worse off with that rival but she could still have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

19th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

14:35 Warwick

Mavis Pike

11st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Well held by Chuggy on her chase debut/reappearance at Uttoxeter (2m, good) in October but she was by no means done with when coming down at the last at Fakenham (2m5f, good to soft) three weeks ago; got a 1lb nudge for that and should be competitive if it hasn't left a mark.

5/1

3

29th Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 4

15:37 Fakenham

Mavis Pike

11st 7lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Dual 2m course winner over hurdles, most recently off 2lb lower; shaped as though her chase debut was needed this month when back from a break and her pedigree suggests she may improve for this longer trip.

11/4

3

29th Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 4

15:37 Fakenham

Mavis Pike

11st 7lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Dual 2m course winner over hurdles, most recently off 2lb lower; shaped as though her chase debut was needed this month when back from a break and her pedigree suggests she may improve for this longer trip.

11/4

Form: 236-6

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Four-time Flat winner who made a promising start over hurdles when second over C&D (good) in August 2023; three runs since have been less convincing and hopes appear to rest on the forecast quicker ground having a positive effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(1)

1st Jul 2026

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 6

20:07 Epsom

Gearings Point

9st 9lb

J: George Bass

T: Sheena West

Went close at Windsor (11.5f) in May and she was winning her fifth race when landing a 1m4f Brighton classified (also good to firm) going away last Monday; 4lb penalty makes things trickier back in a handicap but she's not discounted.

4/1

1st

4

(8)

22nd Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 198y

Class 6

19:05 Brighton

Gearings Point

9st 9lb

J: George Bass

T: Sheena West

Solid effort back on turf early last month but below that level on both starts since, most recently when well beaten over C&D yesterday; nearly three years since her last win.

4/1

8th

9

(7)

21st Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 198y

Class 6

14:56 Brighton

Gearings Point

9st 2lb

J: George Bass

T: Sheena West

Close second on turf return at Windsor (11.4f, good to firm) last month and remains on a workable mark but her latest run was disappointing and it's nearly three years since her last win.

6/1

Form: P/9P5-

Last run: 253 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Not a solid option but he is still low mileage and he didn't run badly at Taunton (2m3f, soft) when last seen in February, his first run after wind surgery; the return to better ground can help; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

10th Mar 2025

Good

2m 3f 164y

Class 5

15:00 Plumpton

Spicy Nelson

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Hasn't lived up to market expectations since switched to handicap hurdles; not bred for fences but he must be thought capable of better and this isn't strong; cheekpieces tried after one run in blinkers.

10/1

7th

11

10th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

14:00 Fontwell

Spicy Nelson

10st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Yet to play a serious part in four handicaps, despite being a short price for the latest two; interesting to see if his supporters keep the faith now blinkers are added; 8lb wrong.

8/1

7th

11

10th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

14:00 Fontwell

Spicy Nelson

10st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Yet to play a serious part in four handicaps, despite being a short price for the latest two; interesting to see if his supporters keep the faith now blinkers are added; 8lb wrong.

8/1

Form: 3755P/

Last run: 982 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Promise in points/bumpers; makes his handicap hurdle debut at a low level but he's been absent for 982 days which is an obvious negative; had a wind op during his layoff.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

12:35 Taunton

Card Dealer

11st 5lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

Seemed to need the run at Fontwell (handicap debut; back from long absence) last month, shaping better than bare result; well treated on bumper form; not ruled out.

8/1

10th

9

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

12:35 Taunton

Card Dealer

11st 5lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

Seemed to need the run at Fontwell (handicap debut; back from long absence) last month, shaping better than bare result; well treated on bumper form; not ruled out.

8/1

6th

2

8th Nov 2024

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

15:45 Fontwell

Card Dealer

11st 11lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Promise in points/bumpers; makes his handicap hurdle debut at a low level but he's been absent for 982 days which is an obvious negative; had a wind op during his layoff.

10/1

Form: P8-PP0

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
He has started at 200-1 or bigger in eight of his nine starts and has shown little; no appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

12th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 149y

Class 5

15:27 Wincanton

No Guarantee

10st 12lb

J: James Turner

T: Alexander Gibbons

Dual hurdle winner and only 2lb higher than for his win at Hereford in December; however, didn't look a natural on last month's chase debut and was pulled up.

11/1

4

18th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 8y

Class 5

16:00 Hereford

No Guarantee

11st 4lb

J: James Turner

T: Alexander Gibbons

Struck form with two 2m hurdle wins in December (Ludlow claimer and Hereford handicap) but three lesser efforts have followed, including a well-held third of five at Ludlow last month; still 4lb higher than for his last success and something to prove on this switch to chasing; reapplied cheekpieces replace a visor.

8/1

3rd

5

26th Feb 2026

Soft

1m 7f 169y

Class 5

16:27 Ludlow

No Guarantee

10st 12lb

J: James Turner

T: Alexander Gibbons

Struck form with two wins in December (C&D claimer/Hereford handicap) but two lesser efforts have followed and he was behind Aim Straight on more recent occasion; needs to kick on again.

12/1

Form: 9/PP/4

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Multiple 2m AW winner on the Flat; little joy from his first three hurdle runs but he appeared to run better at Plumpton 18 days ago (2m, good to soft); that didn't look a strong race though and others may prove better treated.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(4)

6th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 6

15:45 Lingfield (AW)

Smith

9st 5lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Lydia Richards

Veteran; seven-time C&D winner, but latest success was back in 2024 and he hasn't been at his best on the Flat this year.

33/1

9th

9

(2)

18th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 68y

Class 6

14:50 Lingfield

Smith

8st 9lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Lydia Richards

Seven wins over 2m on the AW here; getting on and lacks consisency now; hard to recommend having twice been pulled up over hurdles latterly.

16/1

7

5th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 116y

Class 5

17:10 Plumpton

Smith

10st 2lb

J: Marc Goldstein

T: Lydia Richards

Had lots of Flat racing and won eight times; has yet to offer a great deal over jumps (0-7) but soft ground was no good to him here last time; others are still far more convincing.

40/1

Form: 7336

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Came third in two modest mares' novice hurdles at Newton Abbot (2m1f, soft/good) in the spring; down the field at Exeter on her return to action last month; improvement required on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

3rd Jul 2026

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 5

15:20 Newton Abbot

Hurst Hill

11st 2lb

J: Daniel Sansom

T: Seamus Mullins

Only win came in this race 12 months ago off 1lb lower and she returns on the back of a 5l defeat three weeks ago; should run well, provided she takes to the new blinkers.

5/1

4th

5

12th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 105y

Class 5

17:50 Newton Abbot

Hurst Hill

11st 4lb

J: Daniel Sansom

T: Seamus Mullins

Got off the mark when winning at this track (2m5f, good) last July off 2lb lower; runner-up three times since and didn't get the clearest of passages last time; a return to this track may well spark her back to form.

5/1

7th

6

14th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

19:10 Fontwell

Hurst Hill

11st 0lb

J: Daniel Sansom

T: Seamus Mullins

Just 1-17 over hurdles, the win gained at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good) last summer, but she made a satisfactory reappearance last month and her current mark is workable; considered each-way.

13/2

Form: 78566-

Last run: 226 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
No improvement for handicapping when last seen but those runs were on soft ground and his most promising effort came on his debut, on the quickest surface he's faced; absent for 226 days but he is returning in a weak race and could yet rate higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

19th Feb 2026

2m 3f 189y

Class 5

13:41 Huntingdon

Owl Of Athens

11st 2lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Evan Williams

Won by 8l over hurdles at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good to soft) last January and on that evidence this 4lb higher mark shouldn't be beyond him; however, he's been well beaten this season on his first three chase starts.

7/1

Form: 0344-0

Last run: 183 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Snippets of form earlier in the year but he wasn't at his best when last seen in March; best watched back from six months off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

13th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:35 Worcester

Basman Palace

11st 1lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Carroll Gray

Off the mark at the 13th attempt under rules at Wincanton (2m4f, good) in March, but finished a well-held fourth of seven at Taunton (3m, good to firm) last month; return to this trip should suit and one for the shortlist.

13/2

6th

5

13th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:35 Worcester

Basman Palace

11st 1lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Carroll Gray

Off the mark at the 13th attempt under rules at Wincanton (2m4f, good) in March, but finished a well-held fourth of seven at Taunton (3m, good to firm) last month; return to this trip should suit and one for the shortlist.

13/2

4th

6

9th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:25 Taunton

Basman Palace

10st 7lb

J: James Davies

T: Carroll Gray

in rear but in touch with leaders, some headway after 3 out, outpaced before 2 out, weakened approaching last

6/4

Form: 6852

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Won twice on AW at Dundalk last winter; pick of his four hurdle runs came when second of eight behind Mavis Pike on his handicap hurdle debut at Fakenham last week (2m, good); today's stiffer test should suit and he's 3lb well in; more appealing than many.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(5)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 197y

Class 5

19:02 Doncaster

Dreams Fled Away

8st 9lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Barry Brennan

Inconsistent hurdler who's been off for five months since a poor effort here in the winter; nothing to suggest he's best caught fresh and it's tough to find any positives.

20/1

1st

4

5th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 5

16:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Dreams Fled Away

11st 5lb

J: James Best

T: Barry Brennan

Dual Dundalk winner when based in Ireland; 0-8 over hurdles, once finishing runner-up in a 2m handicap off 3lb higher; only midfield on the Flat last time; others are more convincing.

16/1

5th

14

(10)

5th Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

20:15 Newbury

Dreams Fled Away

8st 10lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Barry Brennan

Both wins were AW Flat early in 2024 over 1m4f in Ireland; downhill in Britain that spring, with pieces of modest hurdles form since; others are more enticing.

33/1

Form: 090-67

Last run: 126 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Unplaced in eight starts in Ireland; not obviously well treated starting out for a new yard after four months off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(1)

12th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

18:00 Brighton

The Cooleen

9st 1lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Mark Hoad

0-10 over hurdles and 0-5 on the AW; hard to make any sort of case on what he's shown.

50/1

9th

7

(1)

12th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

18:00 Brighton

The Cooleen

9st 1lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Mark Hoad

0-10 over hurdles and 0-5 on the AW; hard to make any sort of case on what he's shown.

50/1

10th

2

(2)

21st Mar 2025

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 6

16:55 Southwell (AW)

The Cooleen

9st 8lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Mark Hoad

in touch with leaders

33/1

Form: 068/8

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in three runs in the 2022/23 campaign; absent for 596 days prior to another heavy defeat at Uttoxeter last month; a hood is tried now handicapping at a low level and he's worth a market check.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

8th Nov 2024

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

15:45 Fontwell

Thieving Gap

10st 5lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Harriet Dickin

Well beaten in three runs in the 2022/23 campaign; absent for 596 days prior to another heavy defeat at Uttoxeter last month; a hood is tried now handicapping at a low level and he's worth a market check.

20/1

12

8th Nov 2024

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

15:45 Fontwell

Thieving Gap

10st 5lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Harriet Dickin

Well beaten in three runs in the 2022/23 campaign; absent for 596 days prior to another heavy defeat at Uttoxeter last month; a hood is tried now handicapping at a low level and he's worth a market check.

20/1

8th

8

6th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

13:50 Uttoxeter

Thieving Gap

11st 4lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Harriet Dickin

Achieved little a couple of winters ago and is best watched on return from long absence.

100/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £13.70
Straight Forecast £11.29
Tricast £61.82
Trifecta £58.80

Selections

WEST COUNTRY:

Mavis Pike

SPOTLIGHT:

Officer Of State

LAMBOURN:

Dreams Fled Away

The Guardian:

Lady Caro

POSTDATA:

Gearing's Point

Telegraph:

Mavis Pike

The Sun:

Mavis Pike

The Star:

Mavis Pike

Daily Record:

Mavis Pike

The Times:

Dreams Fled Away

Daily Mail:

Dreams Fled Away

RP RATINGS:

Officer Of State

D Express:

Officer Of State

Daily Mirror:

Officer Of State