December 31 / 13.30 Uttoxeter

13.30

Good To Soft

Higgy’s 70th Birthday Bash Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3247.81
  • 2m 7f 70y
  • Class 5
  • 14 runners
SKY
View Course
Higgy’s 70th Birthday Bash Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £24.00
  • Place: £5.70

Form: 753315 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Kept on well to exploit some help from the handicapper at Market Rasen (2m7f, good to soft) this month but had to settle for fifth on his latest outing and some of the less exposed ones appeal more here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

27th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

14:50 Wetherby

Ithaka

11st 10lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Ryan Potter

Pulled up in both starts since opening his chase account in Hereford contest; still seeking first success above Class 5; cheekpieces added.

14/1

4

15th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 4

15:20 Chepstow

Ithaka

11st 11lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Ryan Potter

Perhaps found out by the 3m6f trip at Exeter and heavy ground wasn't ideal when best efforts have been on good to soft or good; again reservations on that score here, but he was running well prior to last time.

10/1

8

20th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

15:45 Exeter

Ithaka

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Ryan Potter

4l winner under Freddie Mitchell at Hereford (extended 3m1f) in January on latest outing but 8lb higher today, including 3lb out of the handicap; also not proven on worse than good to soft (had two attempts on soft) and this sort of trip is something new to him.

9/1

7/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: -F1223 C

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Placed all three starts since opening account here (2m4f, good) in June, most recently when third behind Twp Stori at Lingfield (2m7f, soft) last month; still unexposed over this trip; likely contender again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

5th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Worcester

Just Chasing May

11st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

6yo who made it 2-12 over hurdles when winning in good style here in June; up 9lb but it was even more emphatic when disposing of 11 rivals on his chase debut back here (also 2m4f, good) on Sunday; same mark today and he stays this trip; the one to beat.

11/10

7

31st Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

14:10 Worcester

Just Chasing May

11st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

6yo who made it 2-12 over hurdles when winning in good style here (2m4f, good) in June; also effective on soft/good to soft; not bred for fences but he's in good hands and is respected on his debut in this sphere.

5/1

1st

10

25th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:05 Worcester

Just Chasing May

11st 3lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Mark over a stone in excess of that for last June's Uttoxeter win (2m4f, good) is owed to some good runs in defeat since; 142-day absence won't be an issue judged on last October's effort after similar.

12/1

33/1

  • Place: £5.00

Form: 2-44F0 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful in his prime but unplaced all four starts for new stable this season, most recently when beaten about 32l at Taunton (3m, good) this month; today's slower ground is a plus but he needs a sudden revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:48 Cartmel

No Rematch

10st 12lb

J: Miss Imogen Mathias

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Arrested decline when third in first-time blinkers at Perth (3m, good) last month but this 12yo remains without a win since 2023 and it's hard to tell whether the new headgear will continue to have a positive effect.

11/1

3rd

8

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

16:40 Perth

No Rematch

10st 10lb

J: Miss Imogen Mathias

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Second of four on stable debut here last May (3m2f, good); hasn't run quite as well since but is now on a career-low mark; blinkers replace cheekpieces.

25/1

7th

11

26th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

16:50 Chepstow

No Rematch

10st 11lb

J: Miss Imogen Mathias

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Returned from layoff with quite encouraging C&D fourth (albeit well held in the end) on soft ground last month but is getting long in the tooth and today's faster ground is probably not in his favour; headgear refitted.

33/1

Form: 21-251 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Stout stayer who posted career-best performance when holding on by a short head at Lingfield (2m7f, soft; heavily backed) last month and is now 2-12 over hurdles; probably won't be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

24th May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

15:10 Fontwell

Twp Stori

11st 1lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Dual hurdle winner on slow ground; safely held on chasing debut in November and well beaten when back over hurdles in February; back from another three-month break with cheekpieces refitted; others have much less to prove.

8/1

6th

5

20th Feb 2026

Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

15:52 Ffos Las

Twp Stori

10st 13lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Mark and ground both fine, but have to hope confidence hasn't been dented by being brought down two starts back and enduring a rough race on November's chasing debut; unraced over this short since autumn 2024.

7/1

6

3rd May 2025

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

19:40 Hexham

Twp Stori

10st 9lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Won at Fontwell (3m2f, heavy) last spring and was also narrowly successful at Lingfield (2m7f, soft) in November; should appreciate the return to this sort of trip and a new headgear combination is given a go but he could do with rain.

13/2

Form: P-9066

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Never looked dangerous when sixth at Taunton (3m, good to soft) in first-time tongue-tie/cheekpieces last month and is now 0-10 over hurdles; not written off just yet but needs to up his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

10th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

16:10 Taunton

Ca Plane Pour Moi

11st 2lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

0-12 over hurdles but caught the eye at Doncater (3m, good) last month, keeping on well from the rear to finish third (just behind Skin Full); big player if able to build on that recent effort.

4/1

8

19th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 5

15:20 Doncaster

Ca Plane Pour Moi

11st 4lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Well backed into 3-1 favouritism at Uttoxeter but was soundly beaten; has never managed to threaten in a handicap and is now 0-11; needs to raise his game.

8/1

5th

10

31st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

13:30 Uttoxeter

Ca Plane Pour Moi

11st 4lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Never looked dangerous when sixth at Taunton (3m, good to soft) in first-time tongue-tie/cheekpieces last month and is now 0-10 over hurdles; not written off just yet but needs to up his game.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 5-354

Last run: 167 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Absent since respectable fourth here (2m4f, soft) on handicap debut in July but that form has been well advertised by the front pair since and this low-mileage 8yo could have untapped potential over today's trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

24th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 4

17:12 Uttoxeter

Scottish King

11st 3lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Richard Armson

Completed his hat-trick over fences at Hexham (3m, soft), albeit in a race that fell apart at the seams; he's been plying his trade in Class 5s and now has to cope with a 9lb rise, but wouldn't put it past him.

7/2

1st

1

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

14:41 Hexham

Scottish King

12st 0lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Richard Armson

Maiden hurdler but he's proving progressive over fences and landed handicaps (around 3m) at Market Rasen and Plumpton recently, showing a likeable attitude on latter occasion; up 2lb but he remains quite lightly raced and merits serious consideration in his hat-trick attempt.

3/1

1st

1

9th Mar 2026

Good

3m 1f 157y

Class 5

16:00 Plumpton

Scottish King

12st 0lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Richard Armson

Consistent since switched to chasing in the autumn and made all to score by 11l at Market Rasen (3m, soft) three weeks ago; should also be suited by this left-handed track and can make another bold bid.

2/1

Form: /3696-

Last run: 344 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Did not show a great deal in three maiden/novice hurdles (2m3f-2m5f) for Nigel Twiston-Davies last season but is worth a glance in the betting before seasonal/handicap debut; now back in the care of Robert Bevis.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

13th Jun 2025

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 5

19:20 Newton Abbot

Quite The Getaway

11st 4lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Robert Bevis

Stayed on well to open account at Fontwell (3m2f, good) last month, having been upped in trip and fitted with first-time cheekpieces; 5lb rise demands more from her here but she's evidently good nick.

4/1

5

25th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 166y

Class 5

15:33 Fontwell

Quite The Getaway

10st 11lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Robert Bevis

Yet to be placed after seven hurdling starts but wasn't beaten far on final two outings last season (2m6f/2m7f); moves up in trip again and sports first-time cheekpieces here; could have a say.

6/1

5

25th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 166y

Class 5

15:33 Fontwell

Quite The Getaway

10st 11lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Robert Bevis

Yet to be placed after seven hurdling starts but wasn't beaten far on final two outings last season (2m6f/2m7f); moves up in trip again and sports first-time cheekpieces here; could have a say.

6/1

Form: 9P5-47 C

Last run: 36 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Made quite encouraging seasonal debut last month (2m, good) but ran poorly over that trip three weeks later and also struggled on only previous attempt at 2m7f; sports first-time blinkers; risky.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

21st Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Warwick

Iontach Cheval

10st 13lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Alastair Ralph

Ran fairly well over 2m here on seasonal debut in November but two very disappointing runs have followed (2m/2m7f; blinkers added last time) and it's hard to predict whether he'll be in the right mood today.

33/1

8th

2

31st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

13:30 Uttoxeter

Iontach Cheval

12st 0lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Alastair Ralph

Made quite encouraging seasonal debut last month (2m, good) but ran poorly over that trip three weeks later and also struggled on only previous attempt at 2m7f; sports first-time blinkers; risky.

12/1

8th

2

31st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

13:30 Uttoxeter

Iontach Cheval

12st 0lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Alastair Ralph

Made quite encouraging seasonal debut last month (2m, good) but ran poorly over that trip three weeks later and also struggled on only previous attempt at 2m7f; sports first-time blinkers; risky.

12/1

Form: 4P1-U7 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Finished well for narrow win at Newcastle (2m7f, heavy; first-time cheekpieces) in March and caught the eye making steady late gains on what was effectively his seasonal debut this month; may still have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

3rd Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

17:37 Hexham

Clovis Boy

11st 7lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Well treated on his hurdle win at Newcastle (2m7f, heavy) last March but he's had only five runs since and has struggled in all of them; didn't get very far on only previous run over fences and has plenty to prove back in this sphere after 204 days off; stablemate of Killybegs Jet Lady.

16/1

10th

8

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

17:00 Hexham

Clovis Boy

11st 2lb

J: Jack Power

T: Lucinda Russell

prominent, lost ground and dropped to midfield after 2nd, in rear 5th

16/1

8th

10

11th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 4

15:45 Ayr

Clovis Boy

11st 2lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Won a 3m novice handicap at Newcastle in March (2m7f, heavy; cheekpieces on for first time); headgear retained but disappointing this term; bit to prove now.

25/1

Form: 5P-F06

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Yet to build upon last season's encouraging hurdle debut and was beaten about 31l on last month's handicap debut at Ffos Las (2m4f, soft) but tries a new trip today and remains unexposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

26th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 16y

Class 5

14:18 Chepstow

Dish Of The Day

11st 2lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Nicky Martin

Disappointed when made favourite at Taunton (2m3f, heavy) last month, after a layoff, but is now 6lb lower than when placed in first-time cheekpieces at Stratford (2m2f, good to soft) just over a year ago, and can rebound on the less testing ground here.

9/2

9

3rd Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

16:45 Taunton

Dish Of The Day

10st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Nicky Martin

0-7 over hurdles; absent since placed in first-time cheekpieces at Stratford (2m2f, good to soft) last March and not sure to be suited by the slower ground here but it's interesting that Sean Bowen is booked again.

9/2

3rd

14

10th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 4

16:20 Stratford

Dish Of The Day

10st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Nicky Martin

pressed leaders, reminder after 3 out

25/1

Form: 3F57-3

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Unexposed 5yo who raced wide throughout before keeping on for third of 16 on seasonal/handicap debut at Southwell (2m4f, good to soft) four weeks ago; not bred to benefit from today's step up in trip but could be dangerous if that recent run brought him on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

26th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 136y

Class 5

14:50 Chepstow

Moor End

11st 12lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Emma-Jane Bishop

Switched to chasing this season and ran well on first four starts, before an early unseat 12 days ago; all those were over about 2m4f and two attempts at this sort of trip last term as a hurdler left his stamina unproven.

4/1

6

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Uttoxeter

Moor End

10st 13lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Emma-Jane Bishop

Has proved very consistent (1322) in Class 5 events switched to chasing this season and gained the success over C&D (good to soft); brings solid claims to this higher grade back at Uttoxeter.

7/2

2nd

3

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 25y

Class 5

13:30 Leicester

Moor End

11st 13lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Emma-Jane Bishop

Won on chase debut at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good to soft) in October and he's backed that up with two solid efforts, including when runner-up over C&D (good) in December; hasn't run on testing ground for a while, but he still has potential as a chaser and is only 4lb higher than for his win; respected with tongue-tie added.

2/1

Form: 820417

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Seemingly boosted by first-time cheekpieces when bouncing back to form to win by over 7l at Ffos Las (2m4f, good to soft) last month but was well beaten over that C&D ten days later; hard to predict.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:13 Cartmel

Lady Harriett

10st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Suited by this track and has the assistance of Sean Bowen but has not been at her best since returning from a break in the autumn and would appeal more on good to soft or slower ground; 2lb out of the weights.

7/1

5th

7

4th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 5y

Class 5

15:50 Warwick

Lady Harriett

10st 2lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

Won over 2m4f in late 2024; a couple of thirds in the meantime but pulled up the last twice when slow ground was no excuse.

11/2

7

18th Feb 2026

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

16:55 Southwell

Lady Harriett

10st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

First-time cheekpieces did the trick when she won at Ffos Las in November 2024 and she matched that form when third of 14 here (also about 2m4f, good to soft) last February; inconsistent and generally struggling since and pulled up after a bad mistake when blinkered for chase debut last time; handy mark, however, and the return to hurdles and cheekpieces might help.

8/1

Form: 048-81

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Struggled on last month's seasonal/stable debut but was again well backed when battling well to win from out of weights at Fontwell (2m5f, soft) three weeks ago; still has low mileage; further progress is possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

6th Sep 2025

Good To Firm

2m 6f 7y

Class 5

18:25 Stratford

All Under Control

11st 1lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Ryan Potter

Ought to have coped much better with the soft ground when well beaten at Cartmel (2m6f) ten weeks ago but was runner-up on her two previous outings (both 3m2f, good; once here) and Sean Bowen is booked today.

9/2

10th

8

27th Jun 2025

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

15:08 Cartmel

All Under Control

10st 13lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Ryan Potter

Effective on tight left-handed tracks having finished second at Stratford and Newton Abbot the last twice, not beaten far either time; those were over 3m2f but she's fine over this far.

5/1

7

4th Jun 2025

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 5

15:35 Newton Abbot

All Under Control

11st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Ryan Potter

2m5f hurdle winner (soft) last December, when with Robert Walford; form then tailed off; back in better form for this trainer last month, equalling her best RPR when a close second over C&D (good); now needs to back that up and she's a player if able to do so.

7/2

Form: 070

Last run: 40 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Irish point winner in May (3m, soft); a well-beaten outsider in three novice/maiden hurdles (2m2f-2m3f) this autumn but it won't be a surprise if she gets much more competitive on this handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

31st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

13:30 Uttoxeter

Hill Of Scarriff

10st 13lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: Dan Skelton

Irish point winner in May (3m, soft); a well-beaten outsider in three novice/maiden hurdles (2m2f-2m3f) this autumn but it won't be a surprise if she gets much more competitive on this handicap debut.

6/1

14

31st Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

13:30 Uttoxeter

Hill Of Scarriff

10st 13lb

J: Mr Ben Sutton

T: Dan Skelton

Irish point winner in May (3m, soft); a well-beaten outsider in three novice/maiden hurdles (2m2f-2m3f) this autumn but it won't be a surprise if she gets much more competitive on this handicap debut.

6/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £158.10
Straight Forecast £126.67
Tricast £2520.33
Trifecta £1764.60

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Twp Stori

WEST COUNTRY:

All Under Control

SPOTLIGHT:

Moor End

POSTDATA:

Just Chasing May

D Express:

Scottish King

Telegraph:

All Under Control

The Guardian:

All Under Control

The Star:

All Under Control

The Times:

Twp Stori

Daily Mail:

Twp Stori

Daily Mirror:

Twp Stori

The Sun:

Twp Stori

Daily Record:

Twp Stori