January 16 / 13.00 Newcastle

13.00

Good To Soft

attheraces.com/marketmovers Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4193.42
  • 2m 4f 62y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
SKY
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attheraces.com/marketmovers Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £29.40
  • Place: £3.70

Form: 77140 BF

Last run: 74 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won Irish bumper in July for David Kelly; pedigree suggests a future over hurdles and his hurdling debut at Huntingdon (2m4f, good) in October was satisfactory, but he flopped at the same track (2m, good) last month when a respiratory noise was reported; hood is now added and he needs major overall improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Ayr

The Gray Ghost

12st 0lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Versatile trip-wise as his recent run of solid form has been from 1m7f to 3m; should give his running but does look vulnerable off this high a mark in this strong a race.

10/1

4th

11

14th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Kempton

The Gray Ghost

10st 8lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Has won at about this trip but he was well beaten in this race last year and, despite a 2m1f win at Newcastle last time out, he could have his work cut out at this competitive level.

9/1

1st

3

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 3

15:20 Newcastle

The Gray Ghost

11st 11lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Won his maiden here over 2m4f; a number of good runs in handicaps and 3m looked a stretch in a Class 2 at Musselburgh last time; something to prove over quite this sharp a trip but definite chance if he copes with it.

11/2

4/5

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 33-F2 BF

Last run: 79 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Fell at the first flight in Grade 2 Persian War at Chepstow (17-2) on penultimate start and never threatened to justify evens favouritism with an underpowered display in a maiden there (again about 2m4f on good to soft) later in October; last February's third at Ascot is the best form in this field but a lot now seems to depend on the wind surgery he had in November; also now tongue tied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

7th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 4

13:50 Kempton

Juventus De Brion

11st 5lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

prominent, hung left and weakened from 2 out

9/2

6th

5

7th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 4

13:50 Kempton

Juventus De Brion

11st 5lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

prominent, hung left and weakened from 2 out

9/2

2nd

4

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

13:00 Newcastle

Juventus De Brion

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Fell at the first flight in Grade 2 Persian War at Chepstow (17-2) on penultimate start and never threatened to justify evens favouritism with an underpowered display in a maiden there (again about 2m4f on good to soft) later in October; last February's third at Ascot is the best form in this field but a lot now seems to depend on the wind surgery he had in November; also now tongue tied.

4/5

OUR TIP

5/1

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 22

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to a 2m4f hurdle winner and he's out of a half-sister to useful 2m4f/2m5f jumper Beakstown; runner-up in November in his sole bumper and promising second on hurdling debut at Southwell (2m, good to soft) last month; made some mistakes in the latter race but he should know more this time and is open to progress upped in trip; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 4

13:13 Carlisle

Benmore

11st 10lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: L J Morgan

Two wins in small-field chases this season, the second over 2m5f here last month (good to soft); up 2lb; stamina to prove on first run at this trip.

3/1

1st

1

8th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 4f 198y

Class 4

15:50 Carlisle

Benmore

11st 10lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: L J Morgan

Won three-runner chase at Leicester (2m, good) in December and probably bettered that form when second at Market Rasen (2m1f, good to soft) on Boxing Day; set to finish second again before last-fence fall at Southwell (2m, good to soft) last month and could plausibly have untapped potential over this longer trip.

4/1

5

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

13:37 Southwell

Benmore

11st 8lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: L J Morgan

Consistent sort who comes here in good form, having won at Leicester (2m, good; three ran) in December and finished runner-up at Market Rasen (2m1f, good to soft) since; contender.

2/1

Form: 552

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fifth in two bumpers but he found improvement upped in trip on hurdling debut when runner-up at Catterick (2m3f, soft) two weeks ago; that was behind an easy winner and this task is tougher in this deeper race but he's a half-brother to a fairly useful hurdler and it wouldn't be a surprise if he took another good step forward.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

13th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

13:05 Newcastle

Norahs Legacy

11st 9lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

midfield

12/1

4th

7

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

13:00 Newcastle

Norahs Legacy

11st 10lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

Fifth in two bumpers but he found improvement upped in trip on hurdling debut when runner-up at Catterick (2m3f, soft) two weeks ago; that was behind an easy winner and this task is tougher in this deeper race but he's a half-brother to a fairly useful hurdler and it wouldn't be a surprise if he took another good step forward.

16/1

4th

7

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

13:00 Newcastle

Norahs Legacy

11st 10lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

Fifth in two bumpers but he found improvement upped in trip on hurdling debut when runner-up at Catterick (2m3f, soft) two weeks ago; that was behind an easy winner and this task is tougher in this deeper race but he's a half-brother to a fairly useful hurdler and it wouldn't be a surprise if he took another good step forward.

16/1

Form: 63-74

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has shown some ability in bumpers and over hurdles but he never posed a threat when fourth at Leicester (2m4f, heavy; 150-1) last month and handicaps will be more suitable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

8th Mar 2025

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 5

16:35 Ayr

Miami Steve

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Last of four on handicap debut at Bangor (2m7f, soft) last month but didn't run badly in what may have been a warm little race, and improvement is possible from this lightly raced 6yo; has a chance.

15/2

4th

6

7th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

15:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Miami Steve

11st 2lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Has shown some ability in bumpers and over hurdles, well beaten when trying 2m4f on last two occasions but he did rally; needs improvement on this handicap debut but the extra 3f could be a plus point.

5/1

4th

6

7th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

15:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Miami Steve

11st 2lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Has shown some ability in bumpers and over hurdles, well beaten when trying 2m4f on last two occasions but he did rally; needs improvement on this handicap debut but the extra 3f could be a plus point.

5/1

Form: 3-

Last run: 470 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Rallied for third on hurdling debut at Bangor (2m, soft) in October 2023 but was beaten 17l and he's been on the sidelines since; has lots of stamina in his pedigree but he needs plenty of progress upped in trip after a long absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

King Of Answers

11st 12lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Won two small-field handicaps at Kelso (soft/heavy) over the extended 2m7f, easily on penultimate start (made most) despite the odd jumping indiscretion; wore cheekpieces that day and again when an excellent second of 17, coming from out the back, in the NH Chase at Cheltenham (3m6f, good to soft); his jumping can be a bit sticky but he's a prime candidate for 4m.

11/2

2nd

3

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

King Of Answers

11st 10lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Twice successful in small-field handicaps at Kelso (soft/heavy) over the extended 2m7f, easily on latest start (made most) despite the odd jumping indiscretion; wore first-time cheekpieces that day, in response to his Windsor run (3m, soft) in which he got going a good deal later even than the winner Guard The Moon; up 10lb since last time but he now looks a prime candidate for serious stamina tests such as this if his jumping holds up.

12/1

1st

6

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 2

15:00 Kelso

King Of Answers

11st 2lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Won over C&D (soft) in December on second chase start; got detached before keeping on for fourth of five, beaten just over 5l, at Windsor (3m, soft) four weeks ago; this lightly raced 7yo might be just the type to benefit from the cheekpieces and he retains potential for his good yard.

5/2

Form: 33

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Third in an Irish point last April and he's filled the same position in his hurdle runs at Lingfield (2m, soft) and Windsor (2m, good to soft) this winter; not beaten far behind the two market leaders last time and has each-way claims again on this step up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 3

13:37 Bangor-on-Dee

French Emperor

11st 8lb

J: James Best

T: Nicky Martin

Came good when switched to handicaps in the autumn, winning over 2m at Worcester (good) and Cheltenham (soft), but is yet to make any further progress; flopped badly when warm favourite at Exeter (2m) a fortnight ago and has a point to prove on this first venture beyond about 2m4f under rules.

3/1

8th

4

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

15:10 Exeter

French Emperor

11st 12lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Martin

Kicked off the season with handicap wins at Worcester (good) and Cheltenham (soft); has looked in the grip of the handicapper since but this is a drop in grade, so certainly not dismissed.

6/1

3rd

4

27th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 3

14:02 Chepstow

French Emperor

11st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Martin

Won on handicap/seasonal debut at Worcester (2m, good) in October and followed up in big field at Cheltenham (2m, soft) in November; slightly disappointing when favourite at Cheltenham last month but could still have more improvement to come over today's longer trip.

5/1

Form: 6

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
8yo mare who won an Irish point (3m, heavy) last February but she was left clear when the leader fell at the last; well-held sixth at 22-1 on hurdling debut at Hexham (2m4f, soft) last month and she needs to leave that form a long way behind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

9

19th May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:20 Hexham

Worth The Walk

10st 2lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Micky Hammond

Runner-up twice at Market Rasen last season, but failed to finish on her other three starts; no easy task from 9lb out of the handicap.

16/1

10

25th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

14:41 Hexham

Worth The Walk

10st 2lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Micky Hammond

Lightly raced 9yo who arrives in good form, runner-up to Scottish King in 3m Musselburgh handicap last month; this point winner needs considering despite being 2lb out of the handicap.

7/1

Form: 757

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Failed to beat a rival in two bumpers and same story when tailed off on hurdling debut at Catterick (2m3f, good) last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

28th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

14:25 Newcastle

Frontier Force

11st 5lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Peter Niven

Has shown very little in two bumpers and two novice hurdles.

100/1

9th

10

28th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

14:25 Newcastle

Frontier Force

11st 5lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Peter Niven

Has shown very little in two bumpers and two novice hurdles.

100/1

3

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

13:00 Newcastle

Frontier Force

11st 10lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Peter Niven

Failed to beat a rival in two bumpers and same story when tailed off on hurdling debut at Catterick (2m3f, good) last month.

100/1

Form: 6P-

Last run: 369 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed nothing in two bumpers following a long absence but there had been some promise in an Irish point (April 2022) and she now returns after another wind operation with a hood added; might yet do better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

13:00 Newcastle

Alltheroadrunning

11st 3lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: James Ewart

Showed nothing in two bumpers following a long absence but there had been some promise in an Irish point (April 2022) and she now returns after another wind operation with a hood added; might yet do better.

50/1

9

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

13:00 Newcastle

Alltheroadrunning

11st 3lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: James Ewart

Showed nothing in two bumpers following a long absence but there had been some promise in an Irish point (April 2022) and she now returns after another wind operation with a hood added; might yet do better.

50/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £80.40
Straight Forecast £46.11
Trifecta £227.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Juventus De Brion

The Times:

Benmore

Telegraph:

French Emperor

Daily Record:

Benmore

Daily Mirror:

French Emperor

RP RATINGS:

Juventus De Brion

POSTDATA:

Juventus De Brion

The Guardian:

Juventus De Brion

Daily Mail:

Juventus De Brion

D Express:

Juventus De Brion

The Star:

Juventus De Brion