May 05 / 14.05 Warwick

14.05

Good

racingtv.com Mares’ Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £3812.2
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 9 runners
RTV
View Course
racingtv.com Mares’ Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

OUR TIP

2/5 (Won)

  • Win: £1.40
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 413- D

Last run: 79 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Joined Dan Skelton after making all for ready success in good-ground Fairyhouse bumper last October and was creditable third in good-ground Ascot bumper in February on stable debut; commands respect on hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

11th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

20:53 Worcester

Belle Le Grand

12st 1lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Easily resumed winning ways at Newton Abbot (2m1f) in May and not discredited off a 7lb higher mark when sixth of ten in 2m1f handicap at Cartmel 19 days ago; not out of things back up in trip.

100/30

6th

5

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 3

14:10 Cartmel

Belle Le Grand

11st 3lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Back on the up (in first-time cheekpieces) when easily landing a gamble in 2m1f handicap at Newton Abbot 17 days ago; up 7lb but runner-up has gone in since so this C&D winner merits serious consideration in retained headgear.

11/4

1st

2

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

15:50 Newton Abbot

Belle Le Grand

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won two novice hurdles on good ground last May (2m/2m1f); no impact at 12-1 or bigger in five handicaps but she rallied to finish a respectable sixth of 15 at Kelso (2m, good to soft) in March; continues to drop down the weights and could be dangerous if first-time cheekpieces work.

7/2

20/1

  • Place: £3.70

Form: 1070- D

Last run: 47 days

W: 10st 10lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won good-ground Doncaster bumper in December on debut but all three subsequent bumper runs were disappointing and her tendency to race far too freely remains a serious concern before this hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

1st Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

14:20 Worcester

Merely A Detail

11st 6lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Toby Bulgin

Fair bumper winner; yet to add to that over hurdles but she has made the frame on all her six runs, a non-staying fourth in 2m4f Fakenham novice in May on latest; needs considering back in trip for her chasing debut.

10/1

4th

6

4th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 3

15:28 Fakenham

Merely A Detail

11st 6lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Toby Bulgin

Good-ground bumper winner who has made the frame on all five hurdling starts, most recently when third of 13 (just behind Lady Kara) in Stratford maiden (2m, good) a fortnight ago; her tendency to race too freely remains a nagging concern but she's a contender if her stamina holds out over this new trip.

8/1

3rd

7

19th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 4

13:58 Stratford

Merely A Detail

11st 4lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Toby Bulgin

Good-ground bumper winner who has made the frame on all four hurdling starts; managed only fourth of six on handicap debut at Fakenham (2m, soft) in December but the forecast faster ground here ought to suit better; shortlisted.

9/2

12/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 566-

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
From a family the trainer knows well and displayed significant promise in all three bumpers, perhaps most notably when sixth of 13 here (soft) in February; considered each-way on this hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

31st Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Worcester

Sharp Glance

11st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Untested beyond 2m1f and her form dipped at Market Rasen last time but she was progressive previously, winning on handicap debut at Bangor (2m, good) two starts ago; retains potential and no surprise if she bounces back.

8/1

2

19th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 4

16:25 Market Rasen

Sharp Glance

11st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Novice winner who didn't have too much trouble in defying a 5lb lower mark at Bangor (2m, good); whether she'd want soft ground is questionable but good to soft would be okay.

5/1

1st

1

4th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

19:05 Bangor-on-Dee

Sharp Glance

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Just did enough to justify short odds at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good) in May but found a 40-1 outsider too strong when warm favourite to follow up in modest race at Hexham (2m, good to soft) last month; may still have potential but will need to up her game to overcome top weight on handicap debut.

5/2

Form: 2-

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 10lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in low-grade AW handicap in March (1m4f; RPR 60) and appeared to take pretty well to hurdling when second of three behind easy 1-25 winner at Huntingdon (2m, good) last month; however, it's very tricky to weigh up what she achieved on that hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

14:35 Cartmel

Alvesta

10st 11lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: James Moffatt

Came from off the pace to win C&D (good) selling handicap for George Bewley in May, her tenth hurdling start, and also ran well when third here (2m6f, good) on last month's stable debut; this drop back in trip is probably the right move; ought to make her presence felt.

11/4

3rd

9

26th Jun 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:48 Cartmel

Alvesta

10st 8lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: James Moffatt

Having her 32nd career start when finally off the mark in a selling handicap over 2m1f here recently (good); only 4lb higher and new trainer James Moffatt has booked Brian Hughes; has to be of interest despite blatant stamina reservations.

8/1

Form: 5-

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 10lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has good Flat pedigree but was well beaten on last summer's Flat debut and showed only minor promise over hurdles for new stable last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 70y

Class 5

18:20 Stratford

Burgeon

11st 2lb

J: Nick Slatter

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Has shown little in four hurdle starts, including on handicap debut when pulled up at Warwick (2m5f, good) 26 days ago; sports first-time tongue-tie and cheekpieces, and they need to have an impact.

25/1

10

4th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 5

17:35 Warwick

Burgeon

10st 9lb

J: Nick Slatter

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Has shown no notable form in three runs over hurdles and on sole start on the Flat; hopes pinned on the longer trip now switched to handicaps.

14/1

3

20th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

16:20 Southwell

Burgeon

10st 10lb

J: Nick Slatter

T: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Well beaten on last summer's Flat debut and showed nothing more than minor promise in two maiden hurdles (both 2m, good) for new stable this spring.

33/1

Form: 2-

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-sister to useful chaser Sir Note; belied 22-1 odds when second to stablemate of Belle Le Grand in good-ground Fakenham bumper a fortnight ago and ought to have a future over jumps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

5th Jun 2026

Good

2m 6f 90y

20:30 Clonmel

Last Note

11st 5lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Cian Collins

Runner-up in a bumper and maiden hurdle in UK; beaten a long way at Wexford on stable debut/return and has to improve hugely on that.

16/1

12th

14

16th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

14:05 Wexford

Last Note

10st 9lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Cian Collins

Best hurdle run for Nick Littmoden came in a maiden contest at Market Rasen when a clear second of eight (2m5f, good); took a heavy defeat on handicap debut at Worcester (2m4f, good); more needed on stable debut.

13/1

3

7th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 4

14:37 Huntingdon

Last Note

11st 4lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Nick Littmoden

Suffered heavy defeat on handicap debut in August and needs to bounce back from that but has each-way claims at least if judged on her clear second at Market Rasen (2m4f good) two starts ago.

6/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 10lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed some ability at up to 1m4f on the Flat for Charles Hills but signed off for him with very disappointing AW run in blinkers (now discarded) in October and makes only limited appeal on this stable/hurdle debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(6)

15th Jul 2026

Firm

1m 3f 137y

Class 6

16:31 Bath

Hope Rising

9st 11lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Jamie Snowden

Unplaced in seven Flat starts (last ran in this sphere in 2024); triple good-ground hurdle winner at up to 2m1f last summer; reluctant to race when well beaten over hurdles latest; others make more appeal.

3/1

2nd

2

28th Jun 2026

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

16:43 Uttoxeter

Hope Rising

11st 10lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Comes with some risk, having refused to race on one occasion and lost many lengths by whipping around at the start last time (ran well in the circumstances); otherwise capable of playing a big role.

5/2

2nd

3

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 3

18:50 Stratford

Hope Rising

11st 9lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Won three in her first season over hurdles last term and may not have got home when third of five at Huntingdon (2m3f, good) on her return to action 23 days ago; should be sharper for the run and holds claims.

3/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 10lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Struggled off her basement Flat mark last month and has now been unplaced all eight starts in that sphere; can only be watched on hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

17th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:10 Worcester

Aquifolia

10st 12lb

J: Harriet Tucker

T: Neil Mulholland

Just a respectable fourth of six over C&D (good) last month, her second run after a break, and now 0-9 over hurdles but has dropped another 2lb since and enters each-way calculations.

7/1

4th

4

22nd May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

20:41 Worcester

Aquifolia

11st 6lb

J: Harriet Tucker

T: Neil Mulholland

0-17 under rules and was brought down early on at Taunton (2m, good) last month; has been placed a couple of times but is hard to fancy.

13/2

5

9th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

15:40 Taunton

Aquifolia

11st 4lb

J: Harriet Tucker

T: Neil Mulholland

Still a maiden and she went in snatches when a fair sixth of 14 in 2m Worcester handicap in October; returns from a break in a refitted hood.

7/1

Form: 097-

Last run: 46 days

W: 10st 10lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Soundly beaten in both bumpers and when 125-1 for hurdling debut at Chepstow (2m, good) in March.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

5th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:05 Warwick

Pepper Queen

10st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Soundly beaten in both bumpers and when 125-1 for hurdling debut at Chepstow (2m, good) in March.

100/1

10

5th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:05 Warwick

Pepper Queen

10st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Soundly beaten in both bumpers and when 125-1 for hurdling debut at Chepstow (2m, good) in March.

100/1

7th

7

20th Mar 2025

Good

2m 0f 11y

Class 4

15:30 Chepstow

Pepper Queen

10st 4lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Beat only one home at Ludlow and none at Market Rasen, so brings no form claims from her two bumpers; same stable as Hard Dealt.

40/1

Non-runners

Rightofway

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £9.90
Straight Forecast £13.78
Trifecta £34.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Belle Le Grand

POSTDATA:

Last Note

The Sun:

Sharp Glance

The Times:

Belle Le Grand

Telegraph:

Belle Le Grand

The Guardian:

Belle Le Grand

Daily Mail:

Belle Le Grand

D Express:

Belle Le Grand

Daily Mirror:

Belle Le Grand

The Star:

Belle Le Grand

Daily Record:

Belle Le Grand