May 16 / 20.05 Aintree

20.05

Good

Liverpool Zoes Place Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3696.7
  • 2m 0f 103y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
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Liverpool Zoes Place Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

Form: 1430-1 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 12st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Not very consistent nowadays but comfortably drew clear to win recent Ffos Las chase (2m, good; refitted cheekpieces) under Toby McCain-Mitchell and reverts to hurdling on the same mark here; must be considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

15th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 209y

Class 4

19:30 Aintree

Lively Citizen

11st 12lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: D J Jeffreys

Long in the tooth and no longer the force of old but bounced back from two poor chase runs with respectable effort over hurdles at Haydock (1m7f, good) last month and is now 5lb lower than when going close in this race a year ago; could have a say.

12/1

5th

7

15th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 3

17:35 Haydock

Lively Citizen

11st 6lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: D J Jeffreys

Very capable over fences but pulled up in that discipline on his last two starts following a break of 217 days; he did go close over hurdles at Aintree three runs ago so there's a big effort in him if he can get his act together.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: 42512- D

Last run: 213 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Scored at Market Rasen (2m, good) in September and bumped into a big improver when second over 2m2f there the following month but has fitness to prove after seven-month break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

19th Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

19:38 Worcester

Bannister

12st 0lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Nick Kent

Regressive 9yo who has modest strike-rate in recent years and returned from break with two underwhelming runs in July (2m4f/2m7f); revival needed.

12/1

10th

15

24th Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

15:50 Uttoxeter

Bannister

11st 1lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Nick Kent

Regressive 9yo who has modest strike-rate in recent years and made a low-key reappearance this month (2m4f); tries a new trip here; not the percentage call.

33/1

6th

1

5th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

13:50 Market Rasen

Bannister

12st 0lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Nick Kent

Without a win since September 2024 and needs to be at full strength to win this back from a break.

8/1

Form: 7/113- D

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Doubled hurdling tally with clearcut win at Bangor (2m, good) last month and was placed off today's mark there (good to soft) a few days later; Sean Bowen takes the ride today; likely contender again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

24th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

16:37 Uttoxeter

Fandabidozi

11st 2lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Gary Hanmer

Two wins and a number of places to his name over hurdles; only 2l away on the AW 16 days ago when returning from a year off; handicapped to go well.

13/2

4th

6

(4)

8th May 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Fandabidozi

8st 10lb

J: Zoe Lewis

T: Gary Hanmer

Doubled his tally over hurdles when winning at Bangor last April and he was placed there on his next start; disappointing at Aintree when last seen 357 days ago and he's best watched on his return to this sphere.

16/1

3

16th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 103y

Class 4

20:05 Aintree

Fandabidozi

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gary Hanmer

Doubled hurdling tally with clearcut win at Bangor (2m, good) last month and was placed off today's mark there (good to soft) a few days later; Sean Bowen takes the ride today; likely contender again.

7/1

Form: 42555-

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Largely consistent 7yo who has performed well in stronger races than this on all four appearances this year; on a workable and versatile regarding ground; can make his presence felt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(5)

2nd Sep 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

13:45 Newcastle (AW)

Ravenscraig Castle

9st 9lb

J: Cara Tuke

T: Iain Jardine

Without a win on the Flat since 2021 and he came in only ninth of 12 in 1m2f Ayr handicap 23 days ago; others appeal more.

9/1

9th

7

(5)

10th Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:15 Ayr

Ravenscraig Castle

9st 8lb

J: Cara Tuke

T: Iain Jardine

Largely consistent hurdler who returned to the Flat with respectable fourth (just behind Penelope's Sister) over C&D (good to firm) a fortnight ago; 1lb lower today and might be better suited by the slightly slower ground; each-way claims at least.

6/1

4th

4

(10)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:20 Ayr

Ravenscraig Castle

9st 7lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Overall record of 3-54 but he's been placed over hurdles in his last two runs and is well handicapped on his best Flat form in 2025; hard to rule out back in this sphere and he has won at this track.

12/1

Form: /2402-

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Well beaten when upped to 2m5f in March (raced too freely) but fared much better when clear second to very well handicapped rival at Huntingdon (2m, good) last month; still lightly raced over hurdles; shortlisted.
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: F/1/P- D

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Signed off for Donald McCain with Bangor maiden win (2m, good) in May 2023 but, following a long absence, dropped out very tamely on recent stable/handicap debut there; may yet come good for Fergal O'Brien but seems to have issues with his breathing, and others look much less risky.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

16th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 103y

Class 4

20:05 Aintree

Waspy

11st 11lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Signed off for Donald McCain with Bangor maiden win (2m, good) in May 2023 but, following a long absence, dropped out very tamely on recent stable/handicap debut there; may yet come good for Fergal O'Brien but seems to have issues with his breathing, and others look much less risky.

12/1

6

16th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 103y

Class 4

20:05 Aintree

Waspy

11st 11lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Signed off for Donald McCain with Bangor maiden win (2m, good) in May 2023 but, following a long absence, dropped out very tamely on recent stable/handicap debut there; may yet come good for Fergal O'Brien but seems to have issues with his breathing, and others look much less risky.

12/1

6

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

19:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Waspy

11st 5lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Irish point winner who was progressing for Donald McCain when the easy odds-on winner of a C&D maiden (good) nearly two years ago; absent since but has undergone wind surgery prior to this first run for Fergal O'Brien who adds a tongue-tie; market should be instructive.

10/1

Form: 82245- D

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Won twice over about 2m in early part of last season (good to soft/good) and gave very good account when fifth in Grade 2 mares' novices' handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good) in March; eased in grade; a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

16th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 103y

Class 4

20:05 Aintree

Come On Nia

11st 10lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Andrew J Martin

Won twice over about 2m in early part of last season (good to soft/good) and gave very good account when fifth in Grade 2 mares' novices' handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good) in March; eased in grade; a possible.

14/1

7

16th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 103y

Class 4

20:05 Aintree

Come On Nia

11st 10lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Andrew J Martin

Won twice over about 2m in early part of last season (good to soft/good) and gave very good account when fifth in Grade 2 mares' novices' handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good) in March; eased in grade; a possible.

14/1

5

21st Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

16:07 Chepstow

Come On Nia

11st 5lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Andrew J Martin

Won twice over about 2m in early part of this season and gave very good account when fifth in Grade 2 mares' novices' handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good) last month; eased in grade; respected.

10/1

Form: 8P1P/ D BF

Last run: 540 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Maiden hurdle winner in October 2023; not seen over hurdles since pulled-up favourite on handicap debut the following month but has collected three Flat wins in recent weeks and could still have untapped potential in this sphere; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(1)

2nd Sep 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

13:45 Newcastle (AW)

Its A Love Thing

9st 9lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Sam England

Three-time winner (including over C&D) last spring; failed to beat a rival on his last three outings and has lots to prove after a layoff.

8/1

8th

2

(8)

30th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

17:52 Southwell (AW)

Its A Love Thing

9st 7lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Sam England

7-47 on AW but has struggled for form since finishing third at Newcastle (1m, Class 5; from 12lb higher) last November; failed to beat a rival in each of his last two starts (9.4f/1m4f) so it's difficult to have confidence.

25/1

Form: 53615- D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Low-mileage 4yo; caused 28-1 surprise at Doncaster (2m, good to soft; flights in home straight omitted) in March, his second hurdling success, but was well beaten last month and is not an easy one to predict.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

21st Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

18:25 Bangor-on-Dee

Aotano

11st 1lb

J: William Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Tiny-margin victories last season at Hereford (for Stuart Crawford) and Doncaster, but step back up to Class 4 handicap company has appeared beyond him the last twice; seemingly stable second string on bookings.

12/1

9

16th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 103y

Class 4

20:05 Aintree

Aotano

11st 7lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Low-mileage 4yo; caused 28-1 surprise at Doncaster (2m, good to soft; flights in home straight omitted) in March, his second hurdling success, but was well beaten last month and is not an easy one to predict.

16/1

9

16th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 103y

Class 4

20:05 Aintree

Aotano

11st 7lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Low-mileage 4yo; caused 28-1 surprise at Doncaster (2m, good to soft; flights in home straight omitted) in March, his second hurdling success, but was well beaten last month and is not an easy one to predict.

16/1

Form: /2815- D

Last run: 59 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Battled on gamely to open account in Class 5 handicap at Huntingdon (2m, good to soft; first-time cheekpieces) in February, her seventh hurdle run, but was well below that form last time; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

26th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

15:28 Warwick

Kingoftheswingerz

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Harriet Dickin

Won at 22-1 on chase debut at Worcester (2m4f, good) in September on first run since May; disappointing at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good to soft) in October but often runs well after a break and he could be in the mix.

9/1

2

31st Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

12:55 Uttoxeter

Kingoftheswingerz

11st 13lb

J: James Bowen

T: Harriet Dickin

Returned from break to cause 22-1 surprise on last month's chasing debut at Worcester (2m4f, good), keeping on strongly to reel in the leader on the run-in; nudged up only 2lb for that; high on the list.

6/1

Form: 384-

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful Flat racer who was placed on stable/hurdle debut at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) in February; below that form twice since but remains open to improvement on this handicap hurdle debut, and the switch to good ground ought to suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(10)

2nd Sep 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

16:15 Newcastle (AW)

Natzor

8st 10lb

J: Molly Keegan-Price

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Dual course winner (1m2f; last win October 2024); has beaten just a single rival in his last three appearances (1m2f-12.5f) and, while he has eased 11lb over that period (and is claimer ridden), it's tough to form an argument.

40/1

12th

10

(4)

8th Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

18:30 Ayr

Natzor

9st 1lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Won twice for David O'Meara on Newcastle AW (1m2f) in 2024 but 0-12 on turf; out of sorts last year, and has failed to beat a rival in last two appearances, at Newcastle and Redcar; mark is in freefall but plenty to prove.

66/1

8th

8

(4)

29th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 5

15:15 Redcar

Natzor

9st 5lb

J: William Pyle

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Dual winner over 1m2f at Newcastle in 2024 but winless since; close-up fourth there at a big price in March but has struggled in three starts since, all at Newcastle; returns to turf with a bit to prove.

50/1

Form: 44391- D

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Bounced back from very disappointing reappearance run to win readily by 5l at Hereford (2m, good) last month, opening his hurdles account at the eighth attempt; 7lb higher in a much deeper race here but further progress is possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £43.40
Straight Forecast £40.51
Tricast £457.57
Trifecta £926.50

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Lively Citizen

SPOTLIGHT:

It's A Love Thing

The Star:

Trafalgar Square

Telegraph:

Ravenscraig Castle

Daily Mirror:

Bannister

Daily Record:

Trafalgar Square

The Times:

It's A Love Thing

TOPSPEED:

Lively Citizen

POSTDATA:

Lively Citizen

The Guardian:

Lively Citizen

Daily Mail:

Lively Citizen

D Express:

Lively Citizen