December 15 / 11.55 Carlisle

11.55

Soft

Racing TV Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £3539.9
  • 2m 1f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
RTV
View Course
Racing TV Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

8/11 (Won)

  • Win: £1.58
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 1340-2

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner (good to soft) who bumped into a promising Paul Nicholls winner when second of three on last month's hurdle/seasonal debut at Exeter (2m, good); unraced on soft ground but useful pedigree provides optimism it won't be an issue; key player if handling conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Wellington Arch

11st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Justified favouritism in 2m4f event at Uttoxeter (soft) on Midlands National day, going one better than 12 months earlier and setting himself up perfectly for an attempt to win this prize for the second year running; current mark reflects his advancement; again a big player.

9/1

1st

1

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

13:50 Uttoxeter

Wellington Arch

12st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Second in this race last year off 12lb lower, he went on to win at the Aintree Festival last April; confirmed his wellbeing when second in the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury five weeks ago and should run well.

4/1

26

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Wellington Arch

10st 4lb

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Reserve; won 2m4f handicap at last season's Aintree Grand National meeting (good to soft) before third at Punchestown; disappointing when favourite on Windsor reappearance but back on his game when best of the rest behind Tutti Quanti in valuable 2m Newbury handicap (heavy) last month.

28/1

7/1

  • Place: £1.50

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won on debut in an Irish maiden point (3m, yielding) in October and sold for £30,000 last month; brings potential to today's rules debut and could be in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 3

14:20 Ayr

Throatlash

11st 9lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Front-runner; made mistakes and was under pressure when falling three out at Haydock (2m4f, soft) two months ago; however, he was 3-3 in handicap chases (1m7f-2m4f, soft/good to soft) previously and this very lightly raced 7yo may still have more to offer.

11/2

8

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 3

13:28 Haydock

Throatlash

11st 3lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Lightly raced 7yo who hasn't looked back since having wind surgery, readily completing a hat-trick over C&D four weeks ago; up another 5lb but that form has been franked so this sound-jumping front-runner rates a big player.

11/4

1st

2

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 4

12:15 Haydock

Throatlash

11st 13lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

3m point winner who made winning handicap debut at Wetherby (1m7f, soft) in November on second chase start and followed up at Aintree (2m, good to soft); this very lightly raced 7yo could be even better now up in trip.

5/2

6/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 4

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Went close on debut in four-runner Irish maiden point (3m, soft) in May and beaten just 1l when fourth of seven in a bumper at Ffos Las last month (2m, soft; 33-1), when the steady pace was against him; this stiff track could be a plus on his hurdle debut and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 5

16:05 Exeter

Tech That

11st 4lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Richard Phillips

0-6 over hurdles, having been pulled up in first-time cheekpieces (now removed) last month; could plausibly be seen to better effect now he's upped in trip and switched to fences but others have much more obvious claims.

20/1

2

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 5

13:10 Carlisle

Tech That

11st 12lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Richard Phillips

Early promise in different spheres in 2024; lightly raced and has not shown much since, the return to 2m4f, in his second handicap, not obviously helpful at Uttoxeter recently; cheekpieces now fitted; much more needed.

14/1

4th

3

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

16:18 Uttoxeter

Tech That

11st 10lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard Phillips

Showed promise in point, bumper and novice hurdle in 2024; little encouragement since, folding tamely on handicap debut at Doncaster (25-1) last month; still lightly raced but excuses are wearing thin.

10/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Displayed promise when fourth in two Irish maiden points in April 2023 but absent since and may be best watched on his rules debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

16

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

20:15 Hexham

Lord De Vinci

10st 8lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Daragh Bourke

Ten-race maiden; tried chasing without success this year and, having been pulled up Carlisle (2m3f, good to soft) when returned to hurdling last time, is perhaps best watched for now.

33/1

3

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 5

14:57 Carlisle

Lord De Vinci

11st 5lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Daragh Bourke

Chasing has not really gone to plan this year (unplaced all four attempts) but he shaped well when fourth in C&D hurdle (soft) on seasonal debut in December and is now 8lb lower; headgear removed; worth a second look.

7/1

4th

7

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

16:35 Newcastle

Lord De Vinci

11st 3lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Daragh Bourke

Showed some promise in points and over hurdles, but was 31l behind Hawkseye View over 2m4f here last week (cheekpieces tried); new headgear and up in trip, but plenty to find.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 0-

Last run: 262 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
His dam was a French hurdle/chase winner but he was tailed off at 40-1 in a bumper at Wetherby (2m, soft) in March on his sole start.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

14th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

14:20 Kelso

Jersey Stream

11st 0lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

in rear, lost ground after 4 out

40/1

Form: 89

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Horse

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off on both starts, more recently when 300-1 for his hurdle debut here (2m3f, soft) a fortnight ago; he'd be a shock winner today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 4

16:30 Haydock

Big Storm Brewing

11st 3lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Off the mark at the tenth attempt, at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) last month, and followed up at Musselburgh (3m, good to soft); climbing the weights but clearly progressive and unexposed over this trip.

100/30

1st

1

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

14:50 Musselburgh

Big Storm Brewing

12st 0lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Seems best away from soft ground; off the mark (tenth attempt) in a 12-runner novice handicap at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) 17 days ago, coming from the rear to justify favouritism under 7lb claimer, and the way she did it gives hope for this new trip; back up 5lb but one to note.

7/4

1st

1

3rd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:05 Newcastle

Big Storm Brewing

11st 12lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Tristan Davidson

Career best, runner-up at Doncaster (2m4f, good to soft; from 2lb lower) on penultimate start; said to have "overraced on tacky soft ground" at Ayr subsequently; this looks a suitable next objective off a two-month break; possibilities.

11/2

Form: 3

Last run: 113 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fair third of six at Cartmel (2m1f, soft) in August on sole hurdle start and he won on the Flat at Newcastle (2m, AW) in October; his stamina is a positive at today's stiff track and he's a possible contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(8)

25th Mar 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Val Bassett

10st 0lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Rebecca Menzies

Things fell ideally when winning a weak C&D handicap off a 3lb lower mark last autumn; the cheekpieces worn for the first time that day go back on tonight, but two lesser efforts since (one over hurdles) will need forgiving.

12/1

5th

4

(1)

11th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 5

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Val Bassett

9st 12lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Rebecca Menzies

in rear

11/2

Form: 8-6

Last run: 59 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up twice in a row on the Flat in the spring (1m4f/1m3f, including here) but in modest races and he's 0-13 in that code; well beaten here on both hurdle starts and others make greater appeal; a hood goes on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 87y

Class 2

15:22 Musselburgh

Vampire Slayer

10st 12lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Daragh Bourke

Won in a first-time visor (retained since) at Catterick (1m7f, soft) in January and easily made all at Sedgefield (2m1f, good to soft) next time; having gone up 9lb he was beaten 9l when third of 14 at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) last time but today's sharper track may help; could make bold bid.

14/1

3rd

6

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Carlisle

Vampire Slayer

11st 7lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Daragh Bourke

Two from two since visor went on, winning at Catterick (1m7f, soft) and Sedgefield (2m1f, good to soft; won by 13l); put up 9lb for last win but should be competitive again.

100/30

1st

4

4th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

14:42 Sedgefield

Vampire Slayer

11st 10lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Daragh Bourke

0-26 (0-9 over hurdles) prior to getting off the mark in a first-time visor at Catterick (1m7f, soft) a fortnight ago; came clear with the favourite and he's a strong candidate if the headgear maintains its effect.

5/2

Form: 94

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Point runner-up (3m, good) who took a step in the right direction when fourth of six at Market Rasen (2m4f, good to soft) recently on his second hurdle start; however, he was soundly beaten and others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:12 Perth

Monsieur Le Fuzz

11st 8lb

J: Mr Joe Wright

T: Rebecca Menzies

Won a 3m novice handicap hurdle at Ayr in March 2025 (soft; cheekpieces on for first time); best run since when second at Catterick in February (3m1f, good to soft) but well held in valuable race at Musselburgh last time; each-way chance.

10/1

8th

10

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:30 Musselburgh

Monsieur Le Fuzz

10st 10lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Following wind surgery he left this season's form well behind to finish a clear second at Catterick (3m1f, good to soft) last month; he can be involved if backing up that latest effort; a visor replaces cheekpieces.

10/1

2nd

1

24th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 71y

Class 5

16:30 Catterick

Monsieur Le Fuzz

12st 0lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Rebecca Menzies

Won a novice handicap off 1lb higher at Ayr in March last year (3m, soft; cheekpieces on for first time); hasn't run as well since, but has a chance on first run back after wind surgery.

14/1

Form: 956

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
He's yet to threaten across his three starts but showed improved form when 11l sixth of 12 over C&D (soft) last time and this brother to the useful Sam's Gunner could continue to progress; each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

14:50 Musselburgh

Sams Falcon

10st 8lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Dianne Sayer

He hasn't had a lot of racing but there have been grim results to his four handicaps; moves up from 2m4f and has headgear first time.

50/1

11th

13

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

13:35 Newcastle

Sams Falcon

10st 12lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Dianne Sayer

Hasn't had a lot of racing but was pulled up on chase debut in December and has offered nothing back over hurdles.

40/1

16

21st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 66y

Class 4

14:20 Catterick

Sams Falcon

10st 9lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Dianne Sayer

Didn't take to fences when making his handicap debut last month and was beaten over 30l back over hurdles three weeks later; still early days in this sphere but he needs to show more.

66/1

Form: 6

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
He's a brother to the fairly useful Eureka Creek but he was always behind and tailed off at 80-1 on debut in an Ayr bumper in October.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

25th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

15:08 Perth

Just Winging It

10st 5lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: R Mike Smith

Not beaten that far when seventh on handicap debut at Newcastle (2m4f, good) in March but tailed off in C&D novice the following month (first-time cheekpieces) and not seen again since; 4lb wrong here and not the most obvious answer.

25/1

7th

4

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

13:32 Perth

Just Winging It

11st 0lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

0-5 and comfortably held in a low-grade handicap at Newcastle in early March (2m4f, good); unlikely to be good enough, no matter what effect the cheekpieces have.

125/1

7th

4

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

13:32 Perth

Just Winging It

11st 0lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

0-5 and comfortably held in a low-grade handicap at Newcastle in early March (2m4f, good); unlikely to be good enough, no matter what effect the cheekpieces have.

125/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Went close on debut in Irish maiden point (3m, yielding) in February and changed hands for £80,000 later that month; makes rules debut having had wind surgery and he could have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

14th Jun 2025

Good

1m 7f 133y

Class 5

16:55 Hexham

Old But Gold

11st 1lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Martin Todhunter

Runner-up on only start pointing in Ireland in February last year (3m, yielding); modest efforts over hurdles and well beaten on chase debut at Market Rasen this month; unexposed and a possible improver; cheekpieces now tried; bit to prove.

14/1

6th

3

2nd Jun 2025

Good

2m 1f 43y

Class 5

16:00 Market Rasen

Old But Gold

11st 7lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Martin Todhunter

Finished second in a point but modest form under rules, including when 28-1 for handicap debut in March (2m3f, good to soft); has a lot to find but perhaps fences will be the making of him.

16/1

6th

3

2nd Jun 2025

Good

2m 1f 43y

Class 5

16:00 Market Rasen

Old But Gold

11st 7lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Martin Todhunter

Finished second in a point but modest form under rules, including when 28-1 for handicap debut in March (2m3f, good to soft); has a lot to find but perhaps fences will be the making of him.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £4.30
Straight Forecast £3.49
Trifecta £29.80

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Wellington Arch

SPOTLIGHT:

Tech That

The Star:

Old But Gold

POSTDATA:

Val Bassett

WEST COUNTRY:

Wellington Arch

The Times:

Wellington Arch

Telegraph:

Wellington Arch

D Express:

Wellington Arch

Daily Mirror:

Wellington Arch

The Sun:

Wellington Arch

Daily Record:

Wellington Arch