February 01 / 16.27 Musselburgh

16.27

Good To Soft

bet365 Handicap Hurdle (Go North Sea Pigeon Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £8977.7
  • 1m 7f 124y
  • Class 4
  • 15 runners
RTV
View Course
bet365 Handicap Hurdle (Go North Sea Pigeon Series Qualifier)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 11-855 CD

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Won this last year (good to soft) and followed up over C&D (soft) 15 days later; regressive on the Flat since and wasn't at his best over hurdles towards the end of last year, but he didn't run badly on the Flat three weeks ago and has had a wind op since; down in the weights and he's not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

18:20 Hexham

Bashful

11st 11lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Iain Jardine

Showed benefit of latest wind op when winning twice at around 2m in February (good to soft/soft); slightly disappointing on latest outing in April, though, and needs to be back in peak form to have a chance off current mark.

8/1

6th

4

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

17:05 Perth

Bashful

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Iain Jardine

in touch with leaders

5/1

6th

4

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

17:05 Perth

Bashful

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Iain Jardine

A dual 2m winner and progressive over hurdles this season but he failed to translate that form back onto the Flat at Doncaster last month; he's the sort to bounce back here though.

5/1

9/1

  • Place: £4.60

Form: P-4115 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 7yo who won at Lingfield (2m, good) in November on her second stable start and followed up over this C&D (good to soft); flopped at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) latest and hard to be confident on the back of that, but she could be in the shake-up if rediscovering her earlier promise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

7th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 4

14:45 Huntingdon

No No Fizz

11st 2lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Looked back in good nick when scoring over C&D (good) in March but ran poorly and was pulled up at Uttoxeter last month (trainer blamed the good to soft ground); has become hard to predict.

7/1

6

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

14:35 Uttoxeter

No No Fizz

11st 7lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Got back in the groove after three months off when landing a gamble at Huntingdon (2m4f, good) 17 days ago; back up 4lb in the weights but she still looks feasibly treated and has form figures of 12431 under Tom Broughton; key player.

100/30

1st

1

11th Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

16:18 Huntingdon

No No Fizz

12st 0lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

A dual 2m hurdles winner last season but she failed to take to chasing early this term before beating only one back in this sphere in 2m4f Wincanton handicap in December; she has plenty to prove after a break.

33/1

16/1

  • Place: £11.30

Form: 234/2- D

Last run: 626 days

W: 11st 7lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 11yo who races for first time since May 2023 (wind op since); however, he was a good second over C&D (good to soft) in November 2022 after an even longer absence, and a stablemate ran really well early last month following a similar layoff; well treated on best form; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Carlisle

Fostered Phil

11st 5lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: William Young Jnr

Veteran who won twice in 2025, the second by 7l over C&D (soft) in December; now 5lb higher in a stronger race.

14/1

7th

9

1st Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:04 Ayr

Fostered Phil

11st 5lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: William Young Jnr

11yo who is lightly raced for his age and won at Perth (2m4f, good) in September before 2l third at Kelso (2m5f, good); well-beaten third at Perth (2m4f) since when the soft ground may not have been ideal, and a similar surface is expected today.

9/1

Form: 1-2

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Two-time Flat winner who scored by 6l on his hurdle debut at Fontwell (2m1f, good) in August 2023 and returned from a long absence with a creditable second in a handicap at Doncaster in December (2m, good to soft; his only other hurdle start); could build on that last run; entitled to respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

31st Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

14:30 Uttoxeter

Book Of Tales

11st 6lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Charlie Longsdon

Largely consistent 5yo who bumped into a very well handicapped rival when clear second at Huntingdon (2m, good) in April; not quite in same form at Aintree the following month and not yet proven over this far but still considered.

12/1

9

31st Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

14:30 Uttoxeter

Book Of Tales

11st 6lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Charlie Longsdon

Largely consistent 5yo who bumped into a very well handicapped rival when clear second at Huntingdon (2m, good) in April; not quite in same form at Aintree the following month and not yet proven over this far but still considered.

12/1

Form: 47-342

Last run: 101 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Fair efforts in the autumn across first three chase starts, finishing second last time (2m, good) despite not jumping well; on a handy mark on last season's best hurdle form; could be a contender now back in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

24th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 82y

Class 4

15:00 Wincanton

Mr Mackay

11st 8lb

J: Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Pretty consistent over fences and hurdles on good/good to soft ground this season and has slipped to a good mark; campaigned mainly at around 2m but has won over an extended 2m3f; probably won't be far away.

5/2

5th

8

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 4

17:07 Doncaster

Mr Mackay

11st 4lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Seemed in good form over fences before the turn of the year and reportedly suffered an overreach on his return to hurdling at Musselburgh; on a competitive mark.

12/1

5th

2

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 4

16:27 Musselburgh

Mr Mackay

11st 13lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Fair efforts in the autumn across first three chase starts, finishing second last time (2m, good) despite not jumping well; on a handy mark on last season's best hurdle form; could be a contender now back in this sphere.

8/1

Form: 0222

Last run: 53 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in Chepstow bumper (2m, good to soft) in October on stable debut and has filled the same position on both hurdle starts (2m1f/2m, soft); this very lightly raced 5yo is in good hands to progress and could be in the mix on his first handicap start.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 3

14:20 Ayr

Koukeo

11st 5lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Won his first two chase starts in January (2m, good/good to soft) under Jonjo O'Neill, who is back on board today; disappointing at Newbury on his last two outings but the first was a tough assignment over 2m4f and he jumped badly last time; it wouldn't be a surprise to see him bounce back.

11/1

5th

4

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 92y

Class 3

16:10 Newbury

Koukeo

11st 3lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Made encouraging start over fences with convincing victory at Windsor (2m, good) on New Year's Day, and he followed up at Haydock (2m, good to soft) two weeks later; however, the wheels came off when he went up in grade for the Greatwood here three weeks ago, and he was beaten before stamina became a factor; 5lb higher than for his second win and needs to get back on track.

9/2

7th

11

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Koukeo

10st 3lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Beaten favourite, albeit far from discredited, at Musselburgh last time when bidding to take his chase record (all over 2m) to 3-3; may still have more to offer and this return to further is worth a go (2m5f hurdles winner); steps up in class but receives weight all round; could go well.

10/1

Form: 3-3

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Two-time Flat winner who has been an encouraging third on his two hurdle starts a year apart, the latest at Market Rasen (2m, good to soft) in December; open to improvement in this code and is in with a chance on handicap hurdle debut; cheekpieces return (no positive impact on the Flat).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 5

16:31 Doncaster

Muzaffar

11st 11lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Two Flat wins at 1m3f/1m6f in 2023; missed most of 2024 and has needed two recent runs; open to improvement in his second handicap with Brian Hughes replacing a 10lb claimer; cheekpieces added latest, now discarded.

9/1

7th

12

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 4

16:27 Musselburgh

Muzaffar

11st 7lb

J: James Robottom

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Two-time Flat winner who has been an encouraging third on his two hurdle starts a year apart, the latest at Market Rasen (2m, good to soft) in December; open to improvement in this code and is in with a chance on handicap hurdle debut; cheekpieces return (no positive impact on the Flat).

7/1

7th

12

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 4

16:27 Musselburgh

Muzaffar

11st 7lb

J: James Robottom

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Two-time Flat winner who has been an encouraging third on his two hurdle starts a year apart, the latest at Market Rasen (2m, good to soft) in December; open to improvement in this code and is in with a chance on handicap hurdle debut; cheekpieces return (no positive impact on the Flat).

7/1

Form: 372474 CD

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Soundly beaten on both outings this winter (C&D latest) and his losing run is up to 15 (Flat/hurdles); however, this two-time course winner is now below his last winning mark and is capable of going well if back on song.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

16th Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

17:05 Perth

Cuban Cigar

10st 2lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Stuck in a bit of a rut right now and he's at his best with some give underfoot; others preferred from 2lb out of the weights.

12/1

5th

2

13th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

16:53 Perth

Cuban Cigar

11st 3lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell

Regressive 7yo who never really got competitive when sixth over C&D (good) last month; far too well handicapped to rule out but needs to stage a revival.

5/1

10

8th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

14:47 Perth

Cuban Cigar

11st 2lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell

Not really firing on all cylinders since the winter but has slipped to a very tempting mark and, with blinkers refitted, was not beaten far when fifth in recent C&D handicap fought out by Just Dottie and Mack The Man.

12/1

Form: 5725

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
All four starts on good ground; runner-up at Southwell (2m) in November on second hurdle outing and fair fifth in warm maiden at Kempton (2m) last time; has potential off his opening mark and could play a leading role.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 4f 15y

Class 3

18:15 Hexham

Moonshine Man

10st 5lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Henrietta C Knight

Already placed three times over fences, third of ten at Kempton (3m, good to soft) when last seen in February; faces a stiffer assignment here from 6lb out of the weights but his experience should stand him in good stead and he's not ruled out.

6/1

3rd

9

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:27 Kempton

Moonshine Man

11st 1lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Henrietta C Knight

Runner-up on chasing debut at Sedgefield (2m5f, good) in September and ended last year with two good efforts over 2m4f at Leicester (good/good to soft); current mark is workable if this new trip suits but confidence in him would be higher on good ground.

12/1

Form: 404073 CD

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Below his best on both runs this winter but didn't run badly over C&D last time and he's now 4lb lower than when winning at Perth (soft) last April; has won twice over C&D, including this race two years ago (good to soft), and he could be dangerous to discount.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

24th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

17:22 Kelso

Scots Poet

10st 7lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Ewan Whillans

Gained a first win for two years at Sedgefield (2m1f) in April and backed it up with a good second of nine in 2m Hexham handicap 15 days ago when set a lot to do; this veteran is not taken lightly eased 1lb.

7/2

2nd

5

9th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

18:15 Hexham

Scots Poet

11st 5lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Ewan Whillans

Mainly in good form this year, gaining a well-deserved win at Sedgefield last time (2m1f, good; blinkers on for fourth time); up 4lb; could go well again.

3/1

1st

6

10th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

16:45 Sedgefield

Scots Poet

11st 0lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Ewan Whillans

C&D winner (good); third on his last three starts, all at around 2m; chance but will need to raise his game to win this.

10/1

Form: FF263F BF

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Won over hurdles at Downpatrick (2m2f, good) last June and placed over fences at Sligo (2m1f, good) and Naas (2m, yielding) later last year; in touch when falling in recent Down Royal chase; has travelled from Ireland and could have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

13

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 4

16:27 Musselburgh

Rightfolksplease

11st 6lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Paul W Flynn

Won over hurdles at Downpatrick (2m2f, good) last June and placed over fences at Sligo (2m1f, good) and Naas (2m, yielding) later last year; in touch when falling in recent Down Royal chase; has travelled from Ireland and could have a part to play.

9/1

11th

13

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 4

16:27 Musselburgh

Rightfolksplease

11st 6lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Paul W Flynn

Won over hurdles at Downpatrick (2m2f, good) last June and placed over fences at Sligo (2m1f, good) and Naas (2m, yielding) later last year; in touch when falling in recent Down Royal chase; has travelled from Ireland and could have a part to play.

9/1

3

21st Jan 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 100y

15:15 Down Royal

Rightfolksplease

12st 0lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Paul W Flynn

held up in rear, headway 5th, in touch with leaders and 3 lengths down when fell 3 out (usual 5 out)

5/1

OUR TIP

Form: 21-135 D

Last run: 63 days

W: 11st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Won two novice hurdles in a row (2m/2m1f, good) last spring and returned with fair third on handicap debut at Aintree (2m1f, good) in November; however, well beaten at Doncaster (2m, good; had wind op soon afterwards) next time and needs to bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

9th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 4

19:07 Warwick

Camarrate

11st 8lb

J: William Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Scored for the first time in two years at Newcastle (2m4f, good) four weeks ago; up 4lb and should not be far away in this follow-up bid.

6/1

1st

1

11th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:07 Newcastle

Camarrate

12st 0lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Winless since May 2024 and he's not proving easy to catch right this season, a below-par sixth in 2m3f Carlisle handicap hurdle 20 days ago.

6/1

6th

6

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

14:15 Carlisle

Camarrate

11st 6lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

On a near two-year losing spell and isn't certain to confirm last-time placings with Ryebridge, who is less exposed; that said, again has an each-way squeak.

6/1

Form: 1165-6 CD

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
After a pretty consistent spell on the Flat he was soundly beaten back over hurdles at Wetherby in December; however, he won twice over C&D during last season's juvenile campaign and is not written off now back here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(7)

1st Oct 2025

Good

1m 5f 216y

Class 6

16:38 Musselburgh

Rory The Cat

9st 3lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Went close off 8lb higher in this race (good) last year but he's generally struggled since (Flat and hurdles) and was a remote fourth of five here last time; that took his losing run to 12 and others are preferred.

15/2

4

(4)

14th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 6

15:25 Musselburgh

Rory The Cat

8st 11lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Won over 1m6f here last August off 3lb higher but below form since; showed a bit more when third of five over C&D (good) 19 days ago, however, and a further 2lb drop in the weights gives him a fighting chance.

5/2

2

(3)

26th Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 6

16:50 Musselburgh

Rory The Cat

9st 9lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Now 1lb lower than his win here over 1m6f (good) last August but he's been well beaten in three starts this summer, on this track and at Ayr; bit to prove.

10/1

Form: 215R83 D

Last run: 58 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Refused to race at Wincanton in October so not without risk; won at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good) last August and returned to form with 11l third under Anna Johnston at Wincanton (1m7f, soft) in December; the winner aside, that latest form is working out well and he could be thereabouts down 2lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 4

16:27 Musselburgh

Sergeant

11st 8lb

J: Miss Anna Johnston

T: Anthony Charlton

Refused to race at Wincanton in October so not without risk; won at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good) last August and returned to form with 11l third under Anna Johnston at Wincanton (1m7f, soft) in December; the winner aside, that latest form is working out well and he could be thereabouts down 2lb.

16/1

10

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 4

16:27 Musselburgh

Sergeant

11st 8lb

J: Miss Anna Johnston

T: Anthony Charlton

Refused to race at Wincanton in October so not without risk; won at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good) last August and returned to form with 11l third under Anna Johnston at Wincanton (1m7f, soft) in December; the winner aside, that latest form is working out well and he could be thereabouts down 2lb.

16/1

Form: 31/6-0 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner who landed a maiden hurdle at Wincanton (1m7f, good) in April 2023 for Chris Gordon; he was returning from a long absence when tailed off at 66-1 at Ascot six weeks ago (stable debut) and may have needed that run, but he needs to prove how much ability he retains.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

14th Feb 2025

Good

2m 0f 3y

Class 5

14:38 Fakenham

Diamond Egg

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Henrietta C Knight

Won maiden hurdle for Chris Gordon in spring 2023 but returned from long absence with two very disappointing handicap runs for new stable this season; drops in grade here and may be aided by the refitted tongue-tie but needs to prove some ability remains.

25/1

14

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 4

16:27 Musselburgh

Diamond Egg

11st 3lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Henrietta C Knight

Bumper winner who landed a maiden hurdle at Wincanton (1m7f, good) in April 2023 for Chris Gordon; he was returning from a long absence when tailed off at 66-1 at Ascot six weeks ago (stable debut) and may have needed that run, but he needs to prove how much ability he retains.

25/1

14

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 4

16:27 Musselburgh

Diamond Egg

11st 3lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Henrietta C Knight

Bumper winner who landed a maiden hurdle at Wincanton (1m7f, good) in April 2023 for Chris Gordon; he was returning from a long absence when tailed off at 66-1 at Ascot six weeks ago (stable debut) and may have needed that run, but he needs to prove how much ability he retains.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £65.30
Straight Forecast £46.29
Tricast £1491.91
Trifecta £1109.30

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Cuban Cigar

SPOTLIGHT:

Moonshine Man

The Guardian:

Book Of Tales

Telegraph:

Bashful

The Sun:

Koukeo

D Express:

Rightfolksplease

WEST COUNTRY:

Mr Mackay

The Times:

Muzaffar

Daily Mail:

Scots Poet

Daily Mirror:

Moonshine Man

Daily Record:

Book Of Tales

The Star:

Bashful

TOPSPEED:

Cuban Cigar

POSTDATA:

Cuban Cigar