July 25 / 15.12 Uttoxeter

15.12

Good

Julie Busst Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3247.81
  • 1m 7f 168y
  • Class 5
  • 15 runners
SKY
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Julie Busst Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 5312-1 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Was defying a 214-day absence when making all at Worcester (2m, good) last month (runner-up won next time); conditions are likely to be ideal and respected from a 4lb higher mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

23rd Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:08 Worcester

Ez Tiger

11st 13lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Alex Hales

A dual hurdles winner (including over C&D) last season; shaped well on his return when runner-up over C&D in June but failed to beat a rival back here last time; the sort to bounce back though.

20/1

7th

6

22nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:00 Worcester

Ez Tiger

11st 6lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Alex Hales

Two of his five wins over hurdles have been over C&D; has a decent record fresh and made a solid return when runner-up over C&D (good) last month; 5lb higher than his last winning mark though and a career-best is required.

4/1

2nd

6

17th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Worcester

Ez Tiger

10st 12lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Alex Hales

Made all in this race a year ago, after a seven-month break, and showed career-best form when scoring at Plumpton (2m, good to soft) in the autumn; returns from latest break on a tough mark but no surprise if he gives this a good shot.

5/1

Form: 7F-PP6 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
In front when falling at the last over fences at Chepstow (2m, good) in April, but was pulled up in his next two starts and well beaten back over hurdles at Bangor (2m1f, good) three weeks ago; cheekpieces given a go but has plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

15th Aug 2026

Good

2m 1f 43y

Class 4

18:34 Market Rasen

Gower Prince

11st 7lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

First start for this stable when runner-up over C&D and had the hood back on then; no match for the winner at Newton Abbot but that was behind a Skelton hotpot; respected.

13/2

2nd

4

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

15:15 Newton Abbot

Gower Prince

11st 4lb

J: James Bowen

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Back to near best on first start for this stable when runner-up at Market Rasen (2m1f, good) with the hood back on; remains well treated on past form after 3lb rise and holds strong claims if able to repeat the effort.

2/1

OUR TIP

Form: 61P-46 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Off the mark under rules at Kempton (2m, good) in May, but has blown hot and cold in three starts since; others are more convincing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

28th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 178y

Class 4

18:05 Sedgefield

Fine Point

11st 1lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

Off the mark for this yard off a 6lb lower mark at Hexham in May (2m, good); not disgraced when third stepped up to 2m4f next time; a possible.

13/2

4

15th Aug 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 5

20:04 Market Rasen

Fine Point

11st 7lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Adam Nicol

The booking of Patrick Mullins was a likely factor in him going off 6-4f last time at Hexham where he raced freely and didn't last home over 2m4f; had made steady progress for this yard and, back over shorter with Joshua Thompson taking off 5lb, he should be involved.

11/2

3rd

1

6th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

16:30 Hexham

Fine Point

12st 0lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: Adam Nicol

Steady progress since joining this trainer, resuming winning ways over 2m here (good; 7-2, with Malangen third) latest; raised 7lb since, and tackles 2m4f for the first time; noteworthy that Patrick Mullins travels over from Ireland to ride.

15/8

Form: 9-4213 D BF

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Has improved since handicapping, including a win at Stratford (2m, good; first-time tongue-tie) last month; may not have quite seen out the trip when third of seven there (2m3f, good to firm) 12 days ago, but very much of interest back at this distance; 1lb well in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

14

29th Aug 2026

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 3

15:53 Cartmel

Al Mootamarid

10st 3lb

J: James Turner

T: Ryan Hatch

Close third at Worcester (2m, good) on both starts since returned to hurdling in June; not yet fully exposed over hurdles, but moves up from Class 5 today and the forecast rain may not be in his favour.

10/1

3rd

4

1st Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:55 Worcester

Al Mootamarid

11st 13lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Dom Elsworth & Ryan Hatch

A fair 1m2f scorer on the Flat who got off the mark in this sphere in 2m Stratford handicap last June; back from ten months off with a promising third of eight over C&D two weeks ago, finishing well having suffered a poor run from two out; very much one to consider.

6/1

3rd

3

17th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:47 Worcester

Al Mootamarid

11st 11lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Dom Elsworth & Ryan Hatch

Won with tongue-tie added in a Stratford handicap (2m, good) last June but he's been well held over hurdles and on the Flat in last two starts; may have needed his reappearance run at Chester last month but his form is patchy and he's still 6lb higher than for his hurdle win; others preferred.

6/1

Form: 5240-2 BF

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
0-22 under rules, but having been well supported he ran his best race so far when second of ten on stable debut at Worcester (2m, good to soft) last month (first and fourth have won since); up 5lb but still 1lb well in and shortlisted if building on that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

9th Sep 2025

Soft

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

16:30 Newton Abbot

Papa Barns

10st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Tried chasing twice in Ireland and was an 11l second of 18 in a 2m handicap in one of those; only had three hurdle starts for Olly Murphy and the best was the opening one when second off 3lb lower at Worcester; has to be feared in a first-time tongue-tie.

5/1

7th

5

29th Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

18:48 Fontwell

Papa Barns

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Ex-Irish 8yo; ran poorly at Uttoxeter last month and is now 0-21 over hurdles but was clear second to a progressive rival on stable debut at Worcester (2m, good to soft) two starts ago and has good claims if judged on that.

7/2

5

25th Jul 2025

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

15:12 Uttoxeter

Papa Barns

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

0-22 under rules, but having been well supported he ran his best race so far when second of ten on stable debut at Worcester (2m, good to soft) last month (first and fourth have won since); up 5lb but still 1lb well in and shortlisted if building on that.

4/1

Form: 391-84 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Sole success in 17 starts came at Hereford (2m, good) in April, but held in both outings since; others make greater appeal despite the drop back in grade; stable also runs Normandy Legend.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 466

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
1-13 on the Flat in Ireland; well held in three starts over hurdles since joining this yard, but although he may show a bit more now handicapping the stable does appear to field a stronger candidate in Papa Barns.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

19th Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

19:08 Worcester

Dynamite Defense

10st 8lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Outran 50-1 odds when third over C&D (good) last month, his third start for Sarah-Jayne Davies, but needs a better performance today and his overall profile remains unconvincing.

14/1

3rd

11

1st Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

16:25 Worcester

Dynamite Defense

10st 12lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Placed in low-grade AW handicaps for Olly Murphy earlier this year; beaten 20l over hurdles on yard debut and then unseated in his first chase; risky.

33/1

7

11th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:08 Worcester

Dynamite Defense

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Placed in two low-grade AW handicaps for Olly Murphy in February/March but was last of six when back over hurdles here (2m, good) for new stable last month and is not bred for chasing.

50/1

Form: 6-6633 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Lower in the weights than for all four wins over C&D including the last two runnings of this race, but he will need to do better than of late if he is to take advantage.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

15:12 Cartmel

Ambassador

10st 8lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

Now 9lb lower than when making all over C&D (good) last August but his form has slumped since and a revival is needed.

12/1

9th

10

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

17:00 Newton Abbot

Ambassador

10st 10lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

Won at Cartmel (2m1f) in August but form has slumped badly since and he has shown no sign of a revival in two runs since returning from a break in April.

66/1

Form: 82P-35 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Only fifth of eight on her return to hurdles at Worcester (2m, good) last month, but despite some iffy jumping she was only caught on the run-in; has dropped to a handy mark and could go well; stable also runs Gerard Mentor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

25th Jul 2025

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

15:12 Uttoxeter

Lady Gwen

11st 4lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Only fifth of eight on her return to hurdles at Worcester (2m, good) last month, but despite some iffy jumping she was only caught on the run-in; has dropped to a handy mark and could go well; stable also runs Gerard Mentor.

14/1

5th

6

18th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:20 Worcester

Lady Gwen

11st 3lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Quirky mare who returned from a layoff with a below-par chase run six weeks ago; reverts to hurdling on a tempting mark but others in this field look less risky.

8/1

Form: P20-65 D

Last run: 63 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Mainly seen over fences these days, but has won four times over hurdles; well held in both starts since returning in May, but has become well treated so shouldn't be written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

18th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 5

13:15 Stratford

Gerard Mentor

10st 9lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Has been chasing, not beaten far when third at Worcester (2m, good) in September but rather disappointing over the same C&D last time; has four wins to his name over hurdles; not ruled out.

6/1

5th

11

26th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

13:37 Worcester

Gerard Mentor

10st 9lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

C&D winner just over a year ago and signs of a revival with two better runs returned here of late, including when not far behind Rocks Up Late and Alshadhian last month; player if reproducing those efforts on better terms.

7/1

Form: 7233-2 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner and placed a few times over hurdles for Jeremy Scott, but he appeared to benefit from the tongue-tie when beaten half a length on stable debut over C&D (good) nine days ago; already due a 5lb rise for that and a major player if the aid works again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

20th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 70y

Class 5

20:06 Stratford

Diesel Line

11st 7lb

J: James Bowen

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Yet to hit top gear after three runs this year (suffered heavy fall on penultimate outings) but won twice at Uttoxeter (2m, good) last summer and is back on a good mark now; could have a say.

12/1

7th

5

5th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 4

14:50 Market Rasen

Diesel Line

11st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

Won twice at Uttoxeter (2m, good) last summer and was subsequently placed off higher marks than today's; made just a satisfactory reappearance here in April and fell heavily when last in action but will be a danger to all if back in prime form.

7/1

Form: 78-734 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
2lb lower than when winning narrowly at Hexham (2m, good) just over a year ago, but that his only success in 28 starts under rules; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

28th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 65y

Class 5

17:32 Sedgefield

Huit Reflets

10st 9lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Good second at Market Rasen on latest start over fences (2m1f, good); has won over 2m1f here; on a fair mark; each-way contender.

5/1

2nd

6

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 43y

Class 5

16:05 Market Rasen

Huit Reflets

10st 13lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Dual hurdle winner who scored over fences at Sedgefield (2m, good to soft) last December but he hasn't really fired in his last three runs; chase record is now 1-11 and others are more persuasive.

9/1

Form: 8/P76- D

Last run: 217 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent since winning a Wincanton novice hurdle (1m7f, good to soft) for Claire Harris in March 2023; returns from another seven months off with enough to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(5)

21st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 201y

Class 3

19:27 Salisbury

Stopherandgo

9st 7lb

J: Sean Levey

T: David Flood

A very moderate hurdler these days and tailed off in her two Flat races.

100/1

7th

1

(1)

4th Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ffos Las

Stopherandgo

9st 9lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: David Flood

A fair hurdles winner for Claire Harris in 2023 but this veteran mare offered little over hurdles and fences for Kevin Pickard last season; always behind on belated Flat debut at Kempton last month.

200/1

12th

4

(4)

8th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 3

18:38 Kempton (AW)

Stopherandgo

9st 13lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: David Flood

A fair hurdles winner for Claire Harris in 2023 but this veteran mare offered little over hurdles and fences for Kevin Pickard last season; Flat debutante.

100/1

Form: 322/85 CD

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Won twice over hurdles and once on the Flat for Philip Kirby in 2022, but missed the whole of 2024 and has shown nothing in two starts since returning for this yard last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

14:10 Cartmel

Leopolds Rock

10st 7lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Stuart Coltherd

Missed all of 2024 and has shown nothing in three starts since returning for this yard.

33/1

14

25th Jul 2025

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

15:12 Uttoxeter

Leopolds Rock

10st 13lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Stuart Coltherd

Won twice over hurdles and once on the Flat for Philip Kirby in 2022, but missed the whole of 2024 and has shown nothing in two starts since returning for this yard last month.

16/1

7

2nd Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Worcester

Leopolds Rock

11st 3lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Stuart Coltherd

Won twice over hurdles in 2022; never showed when last of eight finishers on first outing in 606 days at Perth (2m, good) last month; usual cheekpieces left off here; hard to fancy.

14/1

Form: 80-99P D

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
26lb lower than for the latest of two wins over hurdles in the spring of 2024, but for good reason; can't be supported until showing some more spark; visor removed after one use.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

23rd Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:08 Worcester

Cawthorne Banker

11st 6lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Has proved unreliable but he resumed winning ways at Uttoxeter (2m) in July and followed up with another 2m handicap win there 30 days ago, overhauling Ocean Heights late on; not taken lightly in his current mood.

5/1

1st

6

24th Jul 2026

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

14:40 Uttoxeter

Cawthorne Banker

11st 5lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Resumed winning ways (in a change of headgear) in C&D handicap 17 days ago; he's not always proved the most reliable so needs to back it up now from a 5lb higher mark.

3/1

1st

9

7th Jul 2026

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

15:30 Uttoxeter

Cawthorne Banker

11st 1lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Proven winner who had lost his way but got back on track with a near miss at Worcester (2m, good) 20 days ago; just 2lb higher but the new blinkers (replacing cheekpieces) cast some doubts.

4/1

Non-runners

Trafalgar Square, Normandy Legend

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Diesel Line

Daily Mail:

Papa Barns

RP RATINGS:

Ambassador

Telegraph:

Trafalgar Square

WEST COUNTRY:

Lady Gwen

The Sun:

Ez Tiger

TOPSPEED:

Diesel Line

The Times:

Diesel Line

The Guardian:

Diesel Line

Daily Mirror:

Diesel Line

Daily Record:

Diesel Line

D Express:

Papa Barns

The Star:

Papa Barns

POSTDATA:

Ambassador