January 29 / 15.32 Exeter

15.32

Heavy

Haldon Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £7393.4
  • 2m 7f 25y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
RTV
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Haldon Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

Form: 22152- D

Last run: 308 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Thorough stayer who had a very solid campaign last season, nearly all in handicaps, and a right slog in the mud should be right up her street if she's fit enough for this reappearance; stable has had recent winners.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

17:45 Ffos Las

Gaye Legacy

11st 11lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Tom Symonds

Dual hurdle winner last season (2m7f/3m) and returned from ten-month break with two good efforts in February, latterly when second to Felicie Du Maquis at Ludlow (3m, soft); will probably be in the shake-up again.

5/1

2

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

17:45 Ffos Las

Gaye Legacy

11st 11lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Tom Symonds

never going well, in touch with leaders, nudged along from 6th, weakened before 2 out, soon pulled up

5/1

2nd

2

27th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 174y

Class 3

15:45 Ludlow

Gaye Legacy

11st 13lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Tom Symonds

Very solid campaign last season, winning twice (2m7f/3m, good to soft/soft), and she was a fair fourth in a tough handicap at Sandown (2m7f, heavy) on this month's belated reappearance; drops back down in grade today and could play a leading role.

7/2

OUR TIP

Form: 8-34P5 CD

Last run: 30 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
His last four wins were at Exeter and last season's two came in handicap hurdles early in the year, latterly when drawing clear over 2m7f on heavy off the same mark as today; lost his unbeaten Exeter record on first two starts this term and underperformed at two other tracks since, which sees cheekpieces (last worn in May 2023) return, but he cannot be dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

26th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

19:39 Plumpton

Striking A Pose

11st 1lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Recorded his sixth hurdle win when making all off a reduced mark at Newton Abbot (3m2f, good) in April, and his follow-up bid off this mark was respectable back there 20 days ago; capable off this mark but not without risk.

9/2

4th

1

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

16:20 Newton Abbot

Striking A Pose

11st 12lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Recorded his sixth hurdle win when making all off a reduced mark over C&D (good; 4-1) three weeks ago; back up 4lb but remains well treated on old form and is versatile ground-wise; key player.

5/2

1st

2

14th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 5

16:17 Newton Abbot

Striking A Pose

11st 13lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Five-time hurdle winner who hasn't looked like adding to that on recent efforts, although latest was more encouraging over C&D; well treated on past form but needs to step up.

10/1

Form: 51-36P D

Last run: 54 days

W: 11st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Disqualified winner last January and edged home in front over fences at Chepstow last April off 3lb higher; the last time he scored away from Chepstow was four years ago and he's taken three backward steps (two over fences; tried 3m7f here last time) this season, but he's fine under these conditions if back on song.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

27th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 4

15:47 Chepstow

Bells Of Peterboro

12st 2lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Tim Vaughan

Not one to rely upon heavily and doesn't always look wildly enthusiastic but didn't run badly when fourth at Uttoxeter (3m heavy) last month and this track suits him well; on a good mark; can't be ruled out.

14/1

7th

6

28th Oct 2025

Soft

3m 1f 60y

Class 4

14:58 Ffos Las

Bells Of Peterboro

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Tim Vaughan

Best run during a fairly light campaign last season when second to progressive rival at Lingfield (2m7f, heavy) in February; contender if judged on that and Sean Bowen is booked today but this 10yo has not been seen since a lesser effort in March and he's too inconsistent to rely upon.

7/1

7th

6

28th Oct 2025

Soft

3m 1f 60y

Class 4

14:58 Ffos Las

Bells Of Peterboro

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Tim Vaughan

Best run during a fairly light campaign last season when second to progressive rival at Lingfield (2m7f, heavy) in February; contender if judged on that and Sean Bowen is booked today but this 10yo has not been seen since a lesser effort in March and he's too inconsistent to rely upon.

7/1

Form: 4-787F D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 13lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Ffos Las (3m, heavy) in December 2023 brought his only win since 2018; 4lb lower today and a player on most of last season's form, but this campaign has not gone well and this 12yo does not look the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

22nd Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

14:32 Chepstow

Ballymagroarty Boy

10st 2lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Nigel Hawke

Now 3lb lower than for Ffos Las win (3m, heavy) in December 2023 but this season was a major struggle even before he clipped heels and fell early on latest outing; overall score is 2-40, with 32 of those races over hurdles.

33/1

Form: 621P-F D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Soundly beaten when second in two handicap chases over about 3m on heavy going last winter, subsequently awarded the race on second occasion when Bells Of Peterboro was disqualified; pulled up on final start for Harry Fry and, after wind surgery, fell at the first six weeks ago on debut for new yard; switched to hurdling from chasing today and needs overall improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

13:03 Uttoxeter

Great Name That

11st 0lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Simon Hodgson

Consistent placed form over hurdles in 2022-23 but reached that level only once last season over fences; had wind surgery before and after the latter campaign, left Harry Fry and fell at the first in another chase in December; back hurdling today and he stays when on song, but it's a mixed picture.

40/1

5th

1

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

13:03 Uttoxeter

Great Name That

11st 0lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Simon Hodgson

Consistent placed form over hurdles in 2022-23 but reached that level only once last season over fences; had wind surgery before and after the latter campaign, left Harry Fry and fell at the first in another chase in December; back hurdling today and he stays when on song, but it's a mixed picture.

40/1

Form: -7P6P6

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 13lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Smart at his best for Gordon Elliott but ended his time in Ireland looking a shadow of his former self and that has continued for new yard; way down the weights and a 10lb claimer is recruited for today's first hurdle race since 2022, but this 11yo is hard to latch on to at the moment.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

28th Oct 2025

Soft

3m 1f 60y

Class 4

14:58 Ffos Las

Diol Ker

10st 12lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Evan Williams

Very useful in Ireland in his prime but 0-7 and generally very disappointing for Evan Williams since last autumn; returns from break on another career-low mark but considered only if lively in the betting.

33/1

12

28th Oct 2025

Soft

3m 1f 60y

Class 4

14:58 Ffos Las

Diol Ker

10st 12lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Evan Williams

Very useful in Ireland in his prime but 0-7 and generally very disappointing for Evan Williams since last autumn; returns from break on another career-low mark but considered only if lively in the betting.

33/1

3

14th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 4

15:22 Newton Abbot

Diol Ker

11st 11lb

J: Osian Radford

T: Evan Williams

High-class hurdler/chaser in his prime but has struggled for a long time now and although this is a welcome drop in grade he continues with something to prove; cheekpieces discarded.

14/1

Form: 11/621

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Long time out after impressing in two bumpers (soft/heavy); getting the hang of it again over hurdles this winter, asserting strongly in the closing stages when 11-10 favourite for a novice at Hereford (extended 2m6f, soft; made most) two weeks ago after looking a hard right hanging left; better is needed on this handicap debut but he has clear potential for stamina tests.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

31st Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 103y

Class 1

15:10 Sandown

Sole Solution

10st 2lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Venetia Williams

All four wins in the mud and the latest was from the front on heavy ground at this track (2m4f) last February; made a creditable chase/seasonal debut over 3m in December but two muted performances (chase/hurdles) have followed and a big revival is needed in the first-time headgear.

14/1

5th

7

22nd Jan 2026

Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 2

15:15 Huntingdon

Sole Solution

10st 11lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Dual hurdle/bumper winner on soft/heavy ground and could be happy to see the back of fences (last two runs); he's not handicapped out of it.

10/1

Form: 221-3P CD

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Consistent last season, concluding with a C&D win (soft; acts on heavy) in March; ran respectably on reappearance but flopped at Haydock last month, whereas he probably needs to resume improvement to win this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

22nd Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 25y

Class 4

16:47 Exeter

Stratton Oakmont

11st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Kayley Woollacott

Won this race two years ago; as good as ever (after a wind operation) when scoring by over 9l over C&D in November (good) but hasn't offered a great deal since, beaten 22l in staying handicaps at Doncaster and Ascot; others preferred.

14/1

11th

15

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 123y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Stratton Oakmont

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Kayley Woollacott

Showed the benefit of a wind op and looked as good as ever when scoring by over 9l on seasonal debut at Exeter (2m7f, good) in November; also suited by soft/heavy ground but disappointed when last in action and will probably find younger rivals better handicapped here.

14/1

4th

3

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell

Stratton Oakmont

11st 12lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Kayley Woollacott

Weakened quickly and was pulled up on consecutive outings during the winter but looked back in much better nick when respectable sixth at Newbury (3m, good to soft) last month; another 2lb lower here; contender if able to build on that recent effort.

8/1

Form: 231-45 C

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 7lb

12 yo Mare

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Started last season with a win here and ended it with another at Wincanton (extended 3m, soft); good record at this track includes a head second in this race last year; acts on heavy, admittedly never winning on it but today's chief concern is that she's been out of form on both starts this term.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

9th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 3

14:20 Chepstow

Chloes Court

10st 12lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Robert Walford

12yo who is 5-36 over hurdles, the latest win at Wincanton (3m, soft) last March off 2lb lower; needs much better than she's delivered last two starts, a start to the campaign which contrasts starkly with last term but her trainer has had recent winners.

14/1

7

9th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 3

14:20 Chepstow

Chloes Court

10st 12lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Robert Walford

12yo who is 5-36 over hurdles, the latest win at Wincanton (3m, soft) last March off 2lb lower; needs much better than she's delivered last two starts, a start to the campaign which contrasts starkly with last term but her trainer has had recent winners.

14/1

Form: 1615P

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Point and bumper winner; also scored on hurdles debut when beating three rivals at Southwell (3m, good) in October, but well held since in cheekpieces at Ffos Las (2m4f, heavy) and Southwell (3m, soft); the cheekpieces are removed for this handicap debut and he needs major improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

15th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 97y

Class 3

15:50 Haydock

Holokea

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Won bumper and maiden hurdle when on good ground; scored at Ffos Las (3m1f, soft) in October and runner-up in four of his other six chases, including when mown down late on in a big field at Windsor (extended 3m4f, soft) in January; ran poorly over C&D next time and well beaten at Cheltenham Festival on latest but both those races were much warmer than this.

5/1

8th

17

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Holokea

10st 8lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

Won at Ffos Las (3m1f, soft) in October and runner-up in four of his other five chases, including when mown down late on in a big field at Windsor (extended 3m4f, soft) in January; progressive to that point but then ran poorly behind Grand Geste at Haydock on latest outing.

33/1

9

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Holokea

10st 7lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

7yo who has improved for the switch to fences this season, winning at Ffos Las (3m1f, soft) in October and finishing second on his three starts since, most recently behind Neo King in a big field at Windsor (extended 3m4f, soft); progressive and he could be in the mix once more up 3lb for last time.

10/1

Form: -24362

Last run: 2 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Strong stayer who acts on soft but has not run on heavy; won at Perth (3m2f) last April off 4lb lower; reliable and has run with credit under Chad Bament this winter but it looked very hard work for them when she eventually took a remote second of four finishers at Plumpton on Monday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

27th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

15:20 Plumpton

Fortuna Ligna

11st 13lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Anthony Honeyball

Only the two wins to her name but she's consistent and finished a respectable 11l sixth of eight in a class 2 at Kempton from out of the weights over Christmas, ridden by Chad Bament who couldn't make use of his full claim; strong stayer who's worth considering, back in class.

9/2

Form: 516/01 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Dead-heated for first here (2m) in March 2023 on handicap debut; only three starts since but scored again at this track (extended 2m5f, soft) when backed into favouritism four weeks ago and drew 6l clear under 7lb-claiming amateur; 7lb higher today and weakened badly when trying 3m last April, but that latest display encourages this second attempt at a staying trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 25y

Class 5

14:20 Exeter

Looking For Larry

12st 0lb

J: Mr Jake Bament

T: Tim Dennis

Rewarded heavy market support when winning by 6l here (2m5f, soft) at start of 2025 but not much has gone to plan since and his two runs this year were no better than respectable; needs to up his game.

16/1

6th

4

14th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 5f 82y

Class 5

13:05 Wincanton

Looking For Larry

11st 11lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Tim Dennis

Well-backed winner at Exeter (2m5f, soft) last January, on his second run after a long absence; looked a bit of a handful in next two runs but he returned after another layoff with an encouraging effort at Exeter (2m7f, good to soft) last month; continues to edge down the weights and has possibilities if he can build on that last run.

12/1

7th

6

27th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 4

15:35 Taunton

Looking For Larry

11st 10lb

J: Mr Jake Bament

T: Tim Dennis

Landed a gamble when winning by 6l at Exeter (2m5f, soft) on New Year's Day, his second run after a long absence, but misbehaved and looked unenthusiastic on recent chasing debut; quickly switches back to hurdling here; has a point to prove.

8/1

Form: U2P-73

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Dual point winner in spring 2023 but 0-12 under rules; placed last year in two handicaps over 2m7f in the mud at Lingfield, latterly six weeks ago (made most) when last seen; needs to find a bit extra but he should see it out well and this can play to his strengths.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

21st Feb 2025

Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 5

13:40 Warwick

Lucky So And So

12st 0lb

J: Miss Madison Martin

T: Nicky Martin

raced wide, disputed lead, pressed leader before 5th, weakened on turn before 2 out

5/1

Form: 13/060

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Bumper/hurdle winner for Fergal O'Brien, latterly over 3m on soft; absent 503 days before pulled up in a point last May and he's had heavy defeats under James Shaw in his three handicap hurdles since; stacks to prove on that but he did show a bit more last time and is thrown in on his old form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

19:15 Ffos Las

Imperial Storm

11st 1lb

J: Mr James Shaw

T: Sue Gardner

Badly out of form over hurdles this season and there didn't seem to be any positives from his switch to chasing for last three outings; wore tongue-tie (dispensed with now) and cheekpieces for latest; way down the weights.

40/1

9

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

19:15 Ffos Las

Imperial Storm

11st 1lb

J: Mr James Shaw

T: Sue Gardner

Badly out of form over hurdles this season and there didn't seem to be any positives from his switch to chasing for last three outings; wore tongue-tie (dispensed with now) and cheekpieces for latest; way down the weights.

40/1

4th

4

2nd Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 54y

Class 4

16:25 Exeter

Imperial Storm

10st 10lb

J: Mr James Shaw

T: Sue Gardner

prominent, not fluent 1st, lost ground 7th, not fluent 11th, soon lost ground

8/1

Verdict

Improvement from the handicap newcomer Sole Solution (second choice) stepping up further in trip could provide the winner, but the way he’s been hanging is a nagging concern. A chance is taken that joint topweight GAYE LEGACY will be firing on all cylinders for this first run in 308 days but plenty of them are in each-way contention, including Looking For Larry, Lucky So And So and Striking A Pose.[Richard Austen]