June 07 / 17.25 Worcester

17.25

Good

Give Us A Cheer Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5281
  • 2m 7f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 9 runners
SKY
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Give Us A Cheer Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Form: 401-11 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 12st 0lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Capitalised on a rival's late error over C&D latest (good) to complete the hat-trick; now back on his highest mark since March 2022, and beaten 5l and 8l in the last two renewals of this race (25l ahead of Spitalfield last year), but demands consideration in his present mood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

22nd May 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:41 Worcester

Im A Starman

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mark Rimell

Grand veteran with eight wins over hurdles, including two over C&D last summer; down to his last winning mark and should be sharper for his fifth at Hereford last month following a five-month layoff, but you have to think that one of his younger rivals should have his measure.

12/1

5th

4

16th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

18:30 Hereford

Im A Starman

11st 6lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Mark Rimell

Registered a four-timer last April-June (3m1f/2m7f, good/good to soft); very in and out since and he's now a 13yo but he finished on the heels of the principals off today's mark at Warwick in November when last seen; more to prove after the break.

4/1

3

19th Nov 2025

Soft

3m 1f 5y

Class 4

15:10 Warwick

Im A Starman

11st 9lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Mark Rimell

Secured the second leg of a four-timer with wide-margin win over C&D (good) in May; now just 2lb above his last winning mark but generally well beaten since (the exception in a four-runner race) and he was tailed off last time; others look more likely.

16/1

Form: 17F74- D

Last run: 134 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Almost 5l too good for I'm A Starman when off the mark at Ffos Las over a year ago (3m, good); inconsistent since, including when failing to take a cut at these brush hurdles in this race last term (beaten 33l).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

3rd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

3m 2f 0y

Class 5

18:55 Warwick

Spitalfield

11st 8lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Ended string of heavy defeats when third in first-time cheekpieces here (3m1f, good; handes soft) last month but didn't find much in the closing stages, and it's hard to tell whether he'll build on that performance.

11/2

3rd

1

4th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 5y

Class 5

15:50 Warwick

Spitalfield

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Only 1-24 and that win was nearly two years ago; he was in no form earlier this year and plenty depends on whether cheekpieces can trigger something; he's dropped to a good mark.

9/2

8th

9

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 4

15:50 Haydock

Spitalfield

11st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Sole win came off just 1lb higher in May 2024; some creditable efforts subsequently but his hurdling has often held him back and he's been tailed off all three starts since January.

16/1

Form: 3590-4

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Still to add to April 2022's Perth maiden success for Olly Murphy (2m4f, good to soft), and this would be a bit better race than the Warwick 0-100 in which I'm A Starman beat him 31l last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

7th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:20 Worcester

Sporty Jim

11st 0lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Rob Summers

Maiden hurdle winner in 2022 for Olly Murphy; recently beaten in staying handicaps won by I'm A Starman (runs earlier) at Warwick and Worcester and ran respectably in the latter when ahead of Faded Fantasy; every chance.

4/1

3rd

11

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:25 Worcester

Sporty Jim

10st 5lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Rob Summers

Still to add to April 2022's Perth maiden success for Olly Murphy (2m4f, good to soft), and this would be a bit better race than the Warwick 0-100 in which I'm A Starman beat him 31l last time.

20/1

4th

5

5th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 5

15:50 Warwick

Sporty Jim

11st 4lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Rob Summers

Rediscovered some form and made the frame on consecutive appearances in the autumn (once over C&D) but began this year with two disappointing runs and has it all to prove again now.

16/1

Form: 40481-

Last run: 72 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
March's Southwell handicap win (good) took his record in 2m4f hurdles there to 2-3 versus 0-27 across all other career starts, though one of his nearest misses was recorded off today's mark on this card last year (2m4f); rather mixed record over staying trips.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

14th Jan 2026

Good

3m 0f 57y

Class 4

14:40 Newbury

Faded Fantasy

11st 2lb

J: Mr J J Murphy-Knight

T: Christian Williams

Ran creditably at Hereford (3m1f) last time, bouncing back from two poor efforts, but this looks a tougher assignment; still seeking first handicap success above Class 5.

20/1

9th

11

11th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

17:10 Chepstow

Faded Fantasy

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Christian Williams

Dual hurdle winner on good ground this summer (2m7f/3m2f); last month's chasing defeat is probably best overlooked (didn't jump well enough) but he has high mileage for his age and might be vulnerable in this grade.

20/1

Form: 5857-5

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Winless since autumn 2022 and hasn't been convincing over stayers' trips latterly, including in debuted cheekpieces (retained) over this C&D latest; further 3lb drop is unpersuasive.
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

OUR TIP

Form: 44217-

Last run: 90 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Didn't settle but still recorded an easy Wincanton win under Harry Cobden in January (2m4f, heavy); contested lead and 11lb rise found him out latest, and at least one of those will be an issue again here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

25th Jul 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

16:23 Uttoxeter

Gentleman Jacques

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Made all to win by 12l at Wincanton (2m4f, heavy) in January, despite racing too freely, but was hit quite hard by the handicapper for that and was safely held on both subsequent outings (2m5f/2m7f).

14/1

6th

3

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:25 Worcester

Gentleman Jacques

11st 13lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Didn't settle but still recorded an easy Wincanton win under Harry Cobden in January (2m4f, heavy); contested lead and 11lb rise found him out latest, and at least one of those will be an issue again here.

8/1

7th

11

9th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:50 Warwick

Gentleman Jacques

11st 3lb

J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker

T: Emma Lavelle

Made it 14th-time lucky under rules with a powerful front-running display at Wincanton (2m4f, heavy) in January, winning by 12l; rider's 10lb claim useful in view of his 11lb higher mark, but whether things will work out so favourably this time remains to be seen.

7/2

Form: 6243-5

Last run: 32 days

W: 12st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Possible to say he's been temptingly handicapped for a while now, but dropping into a 0-110 here for just the second time; some hope if getting a less contested lead than last time (C&D), which isn't a given.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

25th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

15:47 Uttoxeter

Shantou Express

11st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Five-time hurdle winner; seemed to respond well to first-time cheekpieces (retained) when very respectable third at Stratford (2m6f, good to firm) this month but has become too inconsistent to rely upon.

12/1

3rd

5

1st Jul 2025

Good To Firm

2m 6f 7y

Class 4

19:48 Stratford

Shantou Express

11st 8lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

5-32 over hurdles (2m-3m2f), including on good to firm; first run back from a break in April was encouraging but he's gone backwards since and has to be forgiven a poor effort latest; on a fair mark if first-time cheekpieces help.

14/1

7th

1

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:25 Worcester

Shantou Express

12st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Possible to say he's been temptingly handicapped for a while now, but dropping into a 0-110 here for just the second time; some hope if getting a less contested lead than last time (C&D), which isn't a given.

12/1

Form: /5717- D

Last run: 321 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Just got the better of a protracted duel at Perth last July (3m, good), and may still have been feeling that effort 17 days later; absent since, but couldn't be sure he's handicapped out of further gains.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

13th Oct 2025

Good

3m 1f 44y

Class 5

16:45 Hereford

Captains Pick

11st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Won in July off 7lb higher (3m, good; first-time tongue-tie) but hasn't approached level in his subsequent races; not easily trusted.

8/1

10

20th Aug 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:55 Worcester

Captains Pick

10st 12lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

4lb below his winning mark and the fourth over C&D in July was more encouraging; brought down mid-race at Uttoxeter latest.

16/1

14

25th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

15:47 Uttoxeter

Captains Pick

10st 7lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Returned from layoff with two poor performances last month but his fourth behind Red Panda at Worcester (2m7f, good) three weeks ago was much more encouraging and he's now 4lb lower than for last year's 3m Perth win; big player if first-time cheekpieces help him to build on that recent effort.

14/1

Form: 65006-

Last run: 319 days

W: 10st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
0-25 in Irish points, though his last-time Quakerstown third (3m, yielding) was one of the better efforts; well held at usually big prices over hurdles last summer; British/stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:25 Worcester

And Still I Rise

10st 9lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Max Comley

0-25 in Irish points, though his last-time Quakerstown third (3m, yielding) was one of the better efforts; well held at usually big prices over hurdles last summer; British/stable debut.

25/1

6th

18

23rd Jul 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 0y

19:53 Ballinrobe

And Still I Rise

10st 11lb

T: John F O’Neill

Second reserve; best hurdle effort came at Cork last time and has to build on that on handicap debut.

Non-runners

Climate Precedent, Tropical Speed

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £13.82
Tricast £61.98

Selections

The Times:

I'm A Starman

RP RATINGS:

Faded Fantasy

SPOTLIGHT:

Tropical Speed

Telegraph:

Captain's Pick

TOPSPEED:

Zacony Rebel

POSTDATA:

Shantou Express

The Sun:

Tropical Speed

D Express:

Captain's Pick

The Star:

Faded Fantasy

Daily Record:

Faded Fantasy

The Guardian:

I'm A Starman

Daily Mail:

I'm A Starman

Daily Mirror:

I'm A Starman