January 20 / 13.50 Ayr

13.50

Soft

Start Your Racing TV Free Trial Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3247.81
  • 2m 5f 91y
  • Class 5
  • 13 runners
RTV
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Start Your Racing TV Free Trial Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

16/1 (Won)

Form: P-914P

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 12lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Scored at Sedgefield (2m4f, good to soft) in October and her subsequent Haydock fourth (3m, soft) was also a good effort but she ran no race here 18 days ago and is too inconsistent to rely upon; sports new cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

4th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 3f 9y

Class 5

15:52 Sedgefield

Topkapi Star

11st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Ewan Whillans

Course winner who scored easily at Ayr (2m5f, soft) last January and is now 1lb lower; however, she's been unable to match that level of form in the meantime and needs to raise her game this afternoon.

16/1

4th

7

18th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 100y

Class 5

12:55 Kelso

Topkapi Star

11st 1lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Ewan Whillans

5-45; wide-margin winner at Ayr (2m5f, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in January; moderate since, pulling up at Perth (2m4f, soft) on recent return from four-month break; easing mark but with clear risks attached.

10/1

8

21st Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

16:40 Perth

Topkapi Star

10st 6lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Ewan Whillans

Wide-margin winner in first-time cheekpieces at Ayr (2m5f, soft) in January but yet to build on that success; just a respectable third of five on latest outing at Hexham (2m7f, good to soft) in June; others preferred.

16/1

Form: 4-6924

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
0-7 over hurdles; chased home bang-in-form rival at Musselburgh (3m, good to soft) in November but raced too freely and was beaten about 26l when fourth over that C&D (soft) 19 days ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

14:50 Musselburgh

Anamanda

10st 9lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Went close at Kelso (2m5f, good) last April but has not made a serious impact this season; now 8lb below the Kelso mark but 0-17 as a hurdler; a hood returns, after it was last fitted in 2023.

4/1

4th

7

15th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 5

14:50 Musselburgh

Anamanda

10st 12lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Went close at Kelso (2m5f) last spring; has regressive form this term, taking record over hurdles to 0-16, but gives the impression this belated drop back to about 2m is worth exploring.

14/1

5th

5

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 5

14:50 Doncaster

Anamanda

11st 7lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Three-time French Flat winner who is 0-15 over hurdles having been below par on her three outings this term; however, she's well handicapped on last season's best efforts and is not written off.

20/1

Form: 4V-544

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Made the frame in both bumpers last season and has displayed promise in three maiden hurdles (2m-2m4f) this term; open to improvement in handicaps and features prominently in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

19th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

20:20 Hexham

Red Cadillac

11st 12lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Nicky Richards

Came good with hard-fought success on his reappearance at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) in November and has improved on that in two Ayr outings since, upped to around this trip and winning on soft last time; up 8lb which demands another career best but he has to be respected in current form.

8/1

1st

8

6th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

16:20 Ayr

Red Cadillac

11st 3lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Nicky Richards

Came good with hard-fought success on seasonal debut at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) in November, his seventh start over hurdles, and bettered that performance when clear second to a handicap blot here (2m3f, soft) the following month; no surprise if he plays another major role.

7/1

Form: 763-21

Last run: 250 days

W: 10st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Kept on well to beat Euchan Falls over fences at Perth (3m, good to soft) last May, opening his account at the 15th attempt; only 3lb higher here but this return to hurdling comes after a 250-day absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:46 Kelso

Cowboy Cooper

10st 10lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Donald Whillans

Won in good style at Ayr (3m, soft) in January and he's also effective on good to soft ground; however, this 10yo has been pulled up/soundly beaten on his last two starts and needs to get back on track.

16/1

4th

5

3rd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 4

16:05 Newcastle

Cowboy Cooper

10st 12lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald Whillans

Beat a subsequent winner when scoring at Ayr two runs back (3m, soft) but pulled up over same C&D last time; needs to bounce back.

9/1

4

10th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 5

16:05 Ayr

Cowboy Cooper

11st 7lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Donald Whillans

Won this 12 months ago (good to soft) and only his third run in the meantime when well on top again here in early January (soft); 6lb rise elevates him to a career-high mark but he should still have every chance.

9/4

Form: /5-737

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
1-17 over hurdles; kept on well for third at Kelso (2m5f, good to soft; first-time tongue-tie) in November, his third start for Nick Alexander, but was not quite as good at Musselburgh last month; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:37 Perth

Maillot Blanc

12st 0lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Won this race last term and better form this spring, all on good ground; dead-heated for first at Kelso (2m5f) last time, which has pushed him up 3lb to his highest mark since 2024 but he looks much more likely than most of these to give his running; should be thereabouts.

11/2

1st

4

6th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

16:00 Kelso

Maillot Blanc

11st 12lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: N W Alexander

Won a 3m Perth handicap last term (good); comes into the reckoning following two sound runs last month when third over 2m6f here (good; form sound) and when second over 3m at Perth (good).

4/1

2nd

4

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:12 Perth

Maillot Blanc

11st 6lb

J: Miss Jesika Rennie

T: N W Alexander

C&D winner off 3lb lower last June (good); clear of the remainder when 3.5l third in a decent race at Kelso last time (2m5f, good; winner went on to win 2m Scottish Champion Hurdle); has won on soft; interesting contender.

9/2

Form: -2985P CD

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Well below best form on all three starts since returning from a break in November but runs this track well and has slipped to a good mark; booking of Gavin Sheehan catches the eye today; visor refitted; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

15:30 Hexham

Euchan Falls

10st 2lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: R Mike Smith

0-18 over fences and hasn't been shaping of late as though a win is imminent; 10lb out of the handicap today and hard to fancy.

50/1

7th

11

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 19y

Class 5

16:30 Newcastle

Euchan Falls

10st 2lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: R Mike Smith

0-19 over fences; ended a sequence failing to finish when a well-beaten fourth on first run back after a wind op at Ayr last time (3m, soft); 9lb out of the handicap and plenty to prove.

25/1

4th

6

6th Mar 2026

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 5

16:53 Ayr

Euchan Falls

10st 2lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: R Mike Smith

Scored over hurdles here back in 2023 but he remains winless over fences and was tongue tied when pulled up over C&D in January; needs a subsequent wind operation to spark major improvement.

25/1

Form: 780P04

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Out of form in Ireland last year and finished well down the field on stable debut in October but last month's keeping-on fourth of 16 at Newcastle (2m4f, good) was much more encouraging; considered each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

3rd Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

16:55 Perth

Billable Grant

10st 12lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Jackie Stephen

Came from off the pace to win over C&D (good to soft) in April and posted another good effort behind Luminaries at Kelso (3m, good) the following month, but didn't fire when last in action and others in this line-up have more pressing claims.

14/1

14

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

16:05 Hexham

Billable Grant

10st 9lb

J: Miss Emma J Brown

T: Jackie Stephen

Came from off the pace to win under Emma Brown at Perth (3m, good to soft) in April and posted another good effort at Kelso (3m, good) last month; should also be suited by this stiff 2m4f; enters calculations.

8/1

7

25th May 2025

Good To Firm

3m 0f 100y

Class 4

15:23 Kelso

Billable Grant

10st 4lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Jackie Stephen

None too consistent but hasn't had many chances at 3m, over which he came from off the pace to collect at Perth a month ago (good to soft); fair chance off 5lb higher if in the same mood; a different 7lb claimer rode last time.

3/1

OUR TIP

20/1

Form: 725/65

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Ran well to a point on recent handicap debut here (2m, soft) but dropped out very tamely in the straight and was beaten about 30l in the end; moves up in trip today; improvement required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

25th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

14:50 Hexham

Its Dan

11st 6lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: R Mike Smith

Following wind surgery he took a step back in the right direction when 11l second over 2m at Ayr this month; needs to build on that latest performance but it's possible the step back up in trip will be a plus.

5/1

2nd

5

7th Mar 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:35 Ayr

Its Dan

11st 10lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

Maiden hurdler who came in only eighth of 12 in 2m5f handicap here 46 days ago; has since undergone breathing surgery and needs to take a big step forward.

25/1

8th

2

20th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 5f 91y

Class 5

13:50 Ayr

Its Dan

11st 13lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

midfield

20/1

Form: 32/89- D

Last run: 518 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Won twice over hurdles in 2022 and seems very versatile regarding trip/ground but has been absent since a disappointing run in summer 2023.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

21st Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:12 Cartmel

Benito

10st 3lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Well below best since returning from a long layoff this year, most recently when never-dangerous sixth behind Top Flight Century at Perth (2m4f, good) 18 days ago, and is yet to add to his C&D win in 2022.

20/1

6th

8

3rd Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:50 Perth

Benito

10st 6lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Well below best since returning from a long layoff this year, and was tailed off in plating company when tried in a visor at Cartmel (2m1f) last time; cheekpieces are refitted here; needs to prove he still has what it takes.

20/1

11

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

18:10 Cartmel

Benito

11st 0lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Won over 2m6f here in 2022 and ought to cope better than some of these if the ground softens but has not shown a great deal since returning from a long layoff this year; wore cheekpieces the last time; visor tried today.

16/1

Form: 23-7F5

Last run: 40 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Unexposed 6yo who went close in a heavy-ground bumper last season and was set to be placed before last-flight fall in Hexham maiden hurdle (2m4f, good) in November; should have some improvement to come in handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

24th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

15:37 Kelso

Helsgetaway

11st 2lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

0-8 over hurdles; sound run from the front when third to a pair of dead-heaters over C&D last time (good); one with a chance.

11/2

3rd

7

6th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

16:00 Kelso

Helsgetaway

11st 6lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Exposed; fair fourth at Ayr in November (3m, soft) and may have needed the race after a break when well beaten at Newcastle last time (2m4f, good to soft).

16/1

10th

7

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:45 Newcastle

Helsgetaway

11st 6lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Fell on chase debut at Hexham (2m4f; 3-1) in October; failed to stay 3m (ran respectably) back over hurdles at Ayr the following month; off since but 8lb lower than when first introduced to handicapping 14 months ago; stablemate of Snow Dragon.

10/1

Form: -4FF20

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Plugged on for modest second in Kelso maiden (2m5f, soft) last month but was soundly beaten when back in a handicap here (2m4f, soft) 18 days ago and is now 0-7 over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 365282

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Won for Dan Skelton at Worcester (2m4f, good) last summer and has posted some good efforts for new stable in recent months, perhaps most notably when second of 18 here (2m4f, soft) 18 days ago; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

23rd Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

16:22 Perth

Santa Clarita

10st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: William Young Jnr

Two good efforts at about 2m5f in midwinter but she's been pulled up on her latest two starts and can only watch from 6lb wrong.

33/1

13

23rd Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

16:22 Perth

Santa Clarita

10st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: William Young Jnr

Two good efforts at about 2m5f in midwinter but she's been pulled up on her latest two starts and can only watch from 6lb wrong.

33/1

Form: B-9P67

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Unplaced all six hurdling starts; ran quite a bit better than eventual 21l defeat suggests at Kelso (2m5f, good to soft) in November but took a backward step at Musselburgh last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

5th Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 5

15:25 Market Rasen

The Roc Hopper

10st 2lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Left previous yard for £1,400 in January but new trainer added a tongue-tie at Cartmel (2m6f, good) and he stayed on well for a close second; up 2lb but thereabouts with a repeat.

6/1

2nd

11

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:48 Cartmel

The Roc Hopper

10st 2lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

Unplaced all six hurdling starts for Jackie Stephen, the latest in early 2025; changed hands for £1,400 in January and has new tongue-tie fitted for this stable debut; 1lb wrong but worth a glance in the market.

25/1

12

20th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 5f 91y

Class 5

13:50 Ayr

The Roc Hopper

10st 8lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Jackie Stephen

prominent on inner

50/1

Non-runners

Didntgotwenty, Love That

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £135.47
Tricast £532.41

Selections

Telegraph:

Santa Clarita

SPOTLIGHT:

Red Cadillac

The Times:

Anamanda

The Guardian:

Helsgetaway

D Express:

It's Dan

RP RATINGS:

Euchan Falls

POSTDATA:

Topkapi Star

THE NORTH:

Red Cadillac

Daily Mail:

Santa Clarita

Daily Mirror:

Santa Clarita

The Sun:

Santa Clarita

Daily Record:

Santa Clarita

The Star:

Anamanda