November 20 / 14.55 Hexham

14.55

Good

mybettingsites.com UK Bookmakers Ranked & Reviewed. Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £5518.64
  • 2m 4f 15y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
SKY
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mybettingsites.com UK Bookmakers Ranked & Reviewed. Handicap Chase

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: U6-641 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Made it 3-4 at Hexham when winning here 12 days ago (3m, good); won over today's C&D (soft) last October; solid claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

14th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

15:48 Hexham

Return Fire

11st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

midfield, lost ground 4th, detached after 5th, struggling when pulled up before 15th

10/1

2

14th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

15:48 Hexham

Return Fire

11st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Bagged a second C&D victory in November but his more recent form is less encouraging, only sixth over C&D last time; handily weighted if getting back on track, though.

10/1

6th

3

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

16:22 Hexham

Return Fire

11st 9lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell

Resumed winning ways over C&D in November and posted a respectable sixth of ten in 3m Musselburgh handicap chase following month; much respected for his in-form yard after a break.

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 244-4 BF

Last run: 25 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Placed in 3m points and also showed promise in light novice hurdle campaign last season; returned from ten-month break with encouraging fourth on last month's chase debut at Ayr (2m1f, good to soft) and this lightly raced 6yo is open to improvement; he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

6th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 14y

Class 4

16:32 Kelso

Flash Du Pistolet

11st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Stuart Coltherd

Two wins over fences, one over C&D, in March 2025 (good/good to soft); ran one of his best races since when second at Hexham (1m7f, good) last time and should go well again.

9/2

2nd

6

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 133y

Class 4

14:30 Hexham

Flash Du Pistolet

11st 5lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Stuart Coltherd

Mixed form this term but when soundly beaten at Carlisle last time he was in a competitive series final; now just 2lb higher than when readily completing a double at Kelso (2m1f, good to soft) last March so can go well if back on song; tongue-tie added to cheekpieces adopted last time.

12/1

7th

7

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 207y

Class 2

15:17 Carlisle

Flash Du Pistolet

10st 8lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Stuart Coltherd

This month last year he won successive handicap chase at 2m4f (good) and 2m1f (good to soft); hasn't recaptured that form (beaten 12l when second two runs ago) but cheekpieces are now given a go.

20/1

Form: 7/376- D

Last run: 281 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Reappears having had wind surgery and he's just 1lb above his last winning mark; however, he had a light campaign last season and was tailed off on his last two starts; others have less to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

26th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 2f 59y

Class 5

15:40 Sedgefield

Lisloran

11st 2lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Russell Ross

Won three times over fences in the 2022-23 season and well handicapped on that form; however, he struggled on his final two outings last term (hurdles/fences) and was pulled up over hurdles at Ayr on January 2 when back from an absence; others arrive with less to prove.

20/1

6

26th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 2f 59y

Class 5

15:40 Sedgefield

Lisloran

11st 2lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Russell Ross

Won three times over fences in the 2022-23 season and well handicapped on that form; however, he struggled on his final two outings last term (hurdles/fences) and was pulled up over hurdles at Ayr on January 2 when back from an absence; others arrive with less to prove.

20/1

8

2nd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 5

13:40 Ayr

Lisloran

11st 9lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Russell Ross

Returns from an absence on a handy mark and having had wind surgery, and he's won here twice over fences; however, he was tailed off on his last two starts (hurdles/fences) and his best form has come in chases.

40/1

Form: 3-P646 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
0-7 over fences but he posted fair performances last month on his first two starts for this trainer (1m7f/2m1f, soft/good to soft) and he may get closer to the target now back up in trip, having been beaten just a neck over 2m3f at Catterick last December.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

17th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 6f 125y

Class 4

17:05 Stratford

Okavango Delta

11st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Paul Robson

Absent since below-par run in December but returned from break with creditable second at Musselburgh (2m, good to soft; stays much further) in November and won when fresh last spring; has travelled from Northumberland for this race and Sean Bowen is booked; interesting.

3/1

5th

4

3rd Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 20y

Class 4

15:20 Perth

Okavango Delta

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Paul Robson

Did well for new yard last season with two wins at Musselburgh (good to soft/soft) and was back on the scoresheet at Worcester in May; absolute shocker at Warwick (also 2m4f, good) 29 days again, though, beaten 62l with no obvious excuses.

5/1

1

4th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

20:40 Warwick

Okavango Delta

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Paul Robson

Did well for new yard last season with two wins at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft/soft) and was back on the scoresheet at Worcester (2m4f, good) three weeks ago; did it well last time and a 4lb rise may not stop him.

10/11

Form: P32U-U

Last run: 193 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Unseated here on his last two starts in the spring so comes with risk attached; however, before those he was a close second of five at Newcastle (2m4f, heavy) and this lightly raced 6yo can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 5

19:38 Cartmel

Poetry Man

11st 4lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

After three successive pull-ups over fences he got back on track when close up in a 2m6f handicap hurdle here on Monday when in a first-time visor; if turned out again he'd command a level of respect.

14/1

3rd

4

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:48 Cartmel

Poetry Man

11st 7lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

Ran fairly well in 3m1f hurdle in January but was pulled up in all three subsequent chases; swaps usual cheekpieces for first-time visor; can't be supported with much confidence.

33/1

3

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:45 Hexham

Poetry Man

11st 10lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

Won a 3m1f handicap chase at Catterick in December 2024 (good); some fair runs since, but plenty to prove having been pulled up on last two starts; tongue-tie now tried.

25/1

Form: 232/F- D

Last run: 403 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Well treated on his placed form from July/September 2022 but has run just once since, when a mid-race faller in October 2023; returns from another absence today and it remains to be seen how much ability he retains.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

17:00 Hexham

Kauto DAmour

10st 9lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

midfield, hit 7th

10/1

4

12th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 5

16:48 Wetherby

Kauto DAmour

11st 3lb

J: Jack Power

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Made it 0-7 over fences when pulled up at Hexham two months ago after a long absence; might be happier back hurdling but has been very lightly raced in recent seasons and it's questionable what ability he retains.

14/1

13

11th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 4f 15y

Class 4

14:50 Hexham

Kauto DAmour

10st 10lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

raced lazily, towards rear, pushed along briefly before 3rd, slow jump 4th, struggling from 9th

25/1

Form: -3F273 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Running well in the summer and he returned to form with good third at Newcastle (2m7f, good) three weeks ago; has won over C&D; on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:45 Hexham

Ribeye

12st 0lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Peter Atkinson

Two wins last season, the second off 3lb lower over C&D in October (good); hasn't been in quite such good form in 2026, but has had a break and can't be rule out.

14/1

6th

5

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 59y

Class 4

15:38 Sedgefield

Ribeye

11st 3lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Peter Atkinson

Five chase wins, the latest off 5lb lower at Hexham (3m, good) in October; creditable second to very progressive rival at Wetherby (3m, good) on next outing but form has slumped since (hurdling last time).

10/1

9

17th Feb 2026

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

15:37 Market Rasen

Ribeye

11st 3lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Peter Atkinson

Stays at least this far and was in good form over fences for most of last year, but he has a bit to prove against younger rivals on his first start over hurdles in almost three years.

14/1

Form: 222-63 C

Last run: 172 days

W: 10st 13lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
11yo who returns from a break and has been beaten on his last ten starts; however, all six of his wins have come here and he's on a handy mark on this year's best form; can go well fresh and is not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

12

14th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

15:48 Hexham

Cudgel

10st 2lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: James Walton

towards rear

20/1

Form: 74-P52 C

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 12lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
11yo who has regressed and is without a win since 2022, but he dropped down the weights and returned to form with a clear second at Sedgefield (2m5f, good) a fortnight ago; a player if backing that up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

17:05 Ludlow

The Paddy Pie

12st 6lb

J: Miss Venetia Thompson

T: W M Wanless

Eight-time chase winner at up 3m1f but he's well into the veteran stage now and has struggled in three points this year; this looks tough on these terms back over regulation fences and others are preferred.

16/1

6th

5

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 203y

Class 4

17:00 Haydock

The Paddy Pie

11st 2lb

J: Jack Power

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Looked rather gone at the game last winter so connections and rider Jack Power have done brilliantly to get his enthusiasm back at his age; he completed the hat-trick a shade cosily at Sedgefield (2m5f, good; won on soft twice in midwinter) in March and another win is on the cards.

11/4

6th

5

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 203y

Class 4

17:00 Haydock

The Paddy Pie

11st 2lb

J: Jack Power

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

in touch with leaders, outpaced 4 out, weakened after 2 out

11/4

Form: 835222 C

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Just one win from his 19 starts but that came here (1m7f, good) in June 2023 and he's run well to finish second on his last three starts (1m7f-2m5f); there's every chance he'll be thereabouts once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:45 Hexham

Kicksaftersix

11st 10lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Martin Todhunter

Three wins over C&D on good ground last season, including in this race, his mark going up 14lb as a result; won over 1m7f off his new mark here last time; up another 4lb but should again be competitive.

3/1

1st

11

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 133y

Class 4

14:30 Hexham

Kicksaftersix

10st 10lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Martin Todhunter

Won three in a row over 3m here last spring (good/good to soft); returned from an absence with encouraging sixth over hurdles at Carlisle (2m3f, good to soft) recently; however, he may well find today's trip inadequate.

10/1

6th

4

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 5

14:23 Carlisle

Kicksaftersix

11st 5lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Martin Todhunter

In excellent form over fences last spring, winning three times at Hexham (3m, good/good to soft); can cope with drop back in trip for this first hurdling start since 2022 but has fitness to prove after 294-day layoff.

9/1

Non-runners

Ex SElance

Verdict

Lightly raced 6yo FLASH DU PISTOLET was a promising fourth on last month’s chase debut at Kelso, when back from an absence, and he can build on that and come out on top today. C&D winner Ribeye was a good third at Newcastle last time and is feared most, although Return Fire, The Paddy Pie and Kicksaftersix can also have good cases made judged on recent performances.[Ben Hutton]

Selections

POSTDATA:

Return Fire

RP RATINGS:

The Paddy Pie

D Express:

Poetry Man

SPOTLIGHT:

Flash Du Pistolet

Daily Record:

Kicksaftersix

The Star:

Ribeye

Telegraph:

Return Fire

The Guardian:

Return Fire

Daily Mail:

Return Fire

Daily Mirror:

Return Fire

The Sun:

Return Fire

The Times:

The Paddy Pie