April 15 / 16.25 Southwell

16.25

Good

Bloomfields Horseboxes Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £4409.63
  • 3m 0f 60y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
SKY
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Bloomfields Horseboxes Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.50
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 345317 D BF

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Battled well to open account at Hexham (2m7f, good to soft) last month, her tenth hurdling start, and not beaten far when seventh in a competitive series final at Musselburgh (3m, good to soft) a week later; 5lb higher now but still considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

9th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 3

16:23 Market Rasen

Uokhun

10st 13lb

J: William Maggs

T: Tim Easterby

Contested a competitive Class 2 on penultimate start and that was only eight days after winning at Hexham; did it comfortably last time at Southwell (3m, good) and she looks progressive all of a sudden; up 8lb but William Maggs takes away 5lb of that.

5/1

6th

8

9th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 3

16:23 Market Rasen

Uokhun

10st 13lb

J: William Maggs

T: Tim Easterby

Contested a competitive Class 2 on penultimate start and that was only eight days after winning at Hexham; did it comfortably last time at Southwell (3m, good) and she looks progressive all of a sudden; up 8lb but William Maggs takes away 5lb of that.

5/1

1st

7

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell

Uokhun

11st 6lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Tim Easterby

Battled well to open account at Hexham (2m7f, good to soft) last month, her tenth hurdling start, and not beaten far when seventh in a competitive series final at Musselburgh (3m, good to soft) a week later; 5lb higher now but still considered.

5/1

8/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 054832

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
0-6 over hurdles; evidently well suited by step up in trip when keeping on well for close second at Plumpton (3m1f, good) 12 days ago but that modest race was won in a slow time and others in this line-up have much more compelling form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

11

11th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

17:47 Southwell

Ballela Blaze

10st 5lb

J: David Noonan

T: Thomas Gallagher

Runner-up in his last two races but those were at about 3m and over a year ago now; fully entitled to need this.

10/1

10

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell

Ballela Blaze

10st 7lb

J: David Noonan

T: Thomas Gallagher

0-6 over hurdles; evidently well suited by step up in trip when keeping on well for close second at Plumpton (3m1f, good) 12 days ago but that modest race was won in a slow time and others in this line-up have much more compelling form.

8/1

2nd

10

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell

Ballela Blaze

10st 7lb

J: David Noonan

T: Thomas Gallagher

0-6 over hurdles; evidently well suited by step up in trip when keeping on well for close second at Plumpton (3m1f, good) 12 days ago but that modest race was won in a slow time and others in this line-up have much more compelling form.

8/1

3/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 433323 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 12st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Consistent over fences since returning from a break and seemed to respond well to first-time cheekpieces when creditable third in 0-130 contest at Newbury (2m7f, good to soft) last month; reverts to hurdling on same mark and with blinkers tried for the first time; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

10th Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 3

16:17 Chepstow

Art Of Diplomacy

11st 12lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Has gone 5-5 over fences (2m5f-3m2f) since the cheekpieces returned in June, last time prevailing in a match; tackling stronger opposition here and he's penalised accordingly, but he's in the zone and fighting fit.

4/1

1

19th Sep 2025

Soft

2m 4f 216y

Class 3

14:03 Newton Abbot

Art Of Diplomacy

11st 12lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Kept on well for ready success in Class 2 handicap at Bangor (3m, good) a fortnight ago and is now 4-4 over fences since cheekpieces were refitted in June; 2m5f on slower ground will also suit him; ought to be very hard to beat in current mood.

Evs

OUR TIP

Form: 1-3PP6 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
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.
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: -45743 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Not firing on all cylinders since returning in the autumn from a break but took step back in right direction when close third of five at Fakenham (2m7f, good) last month and remains well handicapped on last spring's form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

14th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

18:40 Uttoxeter

For Gina

11st 2lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Lucy Wadham

Won over C&D in 2023 and is well handicapped on some of last year's form; took step back in right direction when third of five at Fakenham (2m7f, good) in April but her run at Southwell a fortnight later was disappointing and she takes on a couple of in-form mares here.

10/1

5th

9

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell

For Gina

11st 6lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Lucy Wadham

Not firing on all cylinders since returning in the autumn from a break but took step back in right direction when close third of five at Fakenham (2m7f, good) last month and remains well handicapped on last spring's form.

6/1

9

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell

For Gina

11st 6lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Lucy Wadham

Not firing on all cylinders since returning in the autumn from a break but took step back in right direction when close third of five at Fakenham (2m7f, good) last month and remains well handicapped on last spring's form.

6/1

Form: 234133 C BF

Last run: 120 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Scored over fences in the autumn and a very respectable third off today's mark over C&D (good to soft) when back over hurdles in December; has fitness to prove after four-month break but won't be far away if tuned up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 107y

Class 3

15:55 Cartmel

My Gift To You

12st 0lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Resumed winning ways after six months off in 4m1f hunter chase at Warwick (good) 22 days ago; effective over this much shorter trip and this likeable front-runner is not out of things.

11/2

1st

2

1st May 2026

Good

4m 0f 218y

Class 4

19:25 Warwick

My Gift To You

12st 1lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: James Owen

Highly impressive 26 finishes in the first four (eight of them wins) from 30 rules/pointing runs for the Owens, with stamina proven up to 3m6f; all-the-way hurdles winner over 3m2f here just last autumn (good), and likelier than some to run his race.

7/1

Form: 5-0585

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Gave good account when fifth at Ludlow (2m5f, good to soft) in December, his second stable start, but well beaten on both appearances this year and has a lot more to prove than some of these.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

28th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Worcester

Zacony Rebel

10st 11lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Won from well out of the weights at Ludlow and off only 3lb higher he followed up at the expense of three rivals (3m, good), taking his record there to 3-5; has another 6lb rise to contend with but has won here and has to be taken seriously.

13/2

1st

5

10th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

15:27 Ludlow

Zacony Rebel

11st 1lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Veteran who bounced back with 33-1 success from well out of the weights over C&D (good) most recently, taking Ludlow record to 2-4; just no certainty to follow up, having been inconsistent for a while.

7/2

1st

8

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

15:30 Ludlow

Zacony Rebel

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Won a five-runner handicap at Huntingdon (2m7f, soft) in December but this veteran has struggled in five subsequent runs; has lots to prove and he's a long way out of the weights.

40/1

Form: -386P6

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Regressive 6yo who was pulled up on last month's chasing debut and also disappointed when back over hurdles in refitted cheekpieces a fortnight ago; upped from 2m5f and tried in first-time blinkers here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

30th Sep 2025

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

15:37 Sedgefield

Jackpot DAthou

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Henry Hogarth

Ended last season in poor form for Paul Nicholls and was safely held on stable debut in July; continues to slip down the weights but needs a revival.

14/1

4

6th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 4

15:10 Market Rasen

Jackpot DAthou

11st 7lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Henry Hogarth

Regressive 6yo who ended last season in poor form over fences and hurdles for Paul Nicholls; it takes a leap of faith to support him on this stable debut; cheekpieces refitted.

25/1

4

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell

Jackpot DAthou

11st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Regressive 6yo who was pulled up on last month's chasing debut and also disappointed when back over hurdles in refitted cheekpieces a fortnight ago; upped from 2m5f and tried in first-time blinkers here.

12/1

Form: 533-39

Last run: 88 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Weakened quickly in closing stages at Market Rasen in January and needs to prove his wellbeing but he posted a good effort when clear third on handicap debut at Wincanton (3m, good) in October and is 1lb lower now; big player if back on song.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell

Caher Roes Den

11st 8lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: B F Brookhouse

Weakened quickly in closing stages at Market Rasen in January and needs to prove his wellbeing but he posted a good effort when clear third on handicap debut at Wincanton (3m, good) in October and is 1lb lower now; big player if back on song.

7/1

6

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell

Caher Roes Den

11st 8lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: B F Brookhouse

Weakened quickly in closing stages at Market Rasen in January and needs to prove his wellbeing but he posted a good effort when clear third on handicap debut at Wincanton (3m, good) in October and is 1lb lower now; big player if back on song.

7/1

9th

4

17th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

14:00 Market Rasen

Caher Roes Den

11st 10lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: B F Brookhouse

prominent early, in touch with leaders 3rd, pressed leader 3 out

9/2

Form: PP4-6P C

Last run: 131 days

W: 11st 6lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Landed good prize at Wincanton (2m5f, heavy) in early 2024 and also has a good-ground course win on his CV; signed off for Simon Earle with poor run in December but makes stable debut from a workable mark; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

31st May 2025

Good

2m 6f 7y

Class 5

21:00 Stratford

Rare Clouds

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Dan Horsford

Seems versatile regarding ground and has slipped to a workable mark but was inconsistent for Simon Earle last year and fell quite heavily on last month's stable debut; others look safer.

20/1

4

31st May 2025

Good

2m 6f 7y

Class 5

21:00 Stratford

Rare Clouds

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Dan Horsford

Seems versatile regarding ground and has slipped to a workable mark but was inconsistent for Simon Earle last year and fell quite heavily on last month's stable debut; others look safer.

20/1

8

15th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell

Rare Clouds

11st 6lb

J: James Best

T: Dan Horsford

Landed good prize at Wincanton (2m5f, heavy) in early 2024 and also has a good-ground course win on his CV; signed off for Simon Earle with poor run in December but makes stable debut from a workable mark; not ruled out.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £46.40
Straight Forecast £60.80
Tricast £187.99
Trifecta £223.40

Selections

The Times:

My Gift To You

SPOTLIGHT:

Art Of Diplomacy

TOPSPEED:

Stratton Oakmont

D Express:

Ballela Blaze

Telegraph:

My Gift To You

Daily Mail:

My Gift To You

The Sun:

My Gift To You

The Star:

My Gift To You

Daily Record:

My Gift To You

POSTDATA:

Stratton Oakmont

RP RATINGS:

Art Of Diplomacy

The Guardian:

Art Of Diplomacy

Daily Mirror:

Art Of Diplomacy