October 16 / 15.42 Carlisle

15.42

Good

JJ Group Contracting Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3696.7
  • 2m 3f 218y
  • Class 5
  • 15 runners
RTV
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JJ Group Contracting Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.60
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 63F3-1 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Ran some good races in defeat last season, including over C&D (good) in April, and he got off the mark at the 15th attempt on his reappearance at Kelso (2m5f, good) 11 days ago; that was a conditionals' handicap so he escapes a penalty and has to be respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

24th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 133y

Class 4

16:12 Kelso

Looking Splendid

11st 6lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Gary Rutherford

Has taken well to fences, winning by 11l here on his chase debut (good) before finishing a clear second (again over C&D) last time; went up 9lb for his win and another 4lb for latest run but is one with a chance.

11/4

2nd

7

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 133y

Class 4

15:00 Kelso

Looking Splendid

11st 0lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Gary Rutherford

Returned from break with career-best performance this month, drawing clear to win by 11l over C&D (good) on chasing debut; 9lb higher in a higher-grade race today but could easily have more to offer over fences.

7/2

1st

5

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 133y

Class 5

15:40 Kelso

Looking Splendid

11st 8lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Gary Rutherford

Won two in a row over hurdles in October (2m5f/2m4f, good; including here) and ran pretty well when third at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) in November; unsuited by soft ground when below par at Musselburgh in December; could have a part to play if taking to fences at the first attempt.

13/2

9/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 512543 D BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
4yo who won at Perth (2m4f, good) in July and has run some good races since, most recently keeping on for third at Perth (2m, good); thereabouts if transferring his Perth form on this first hurdle run at Carlisle.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

2nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:50 Perth

Top Flight Century

11st 4lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: David Thompson

C&D winner off 6lb lower at this meeting last season when with Adam Nicol (good); has since won at Sedgefield (2m4f, good to soft) but has a bit to find with Betteryouthanme on recent Hexham form.

16/1

5th

6

21st Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

14:13 Hexham

Top Flight Century

11st 5lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: David Thompson

Ex-Adam Nicol; winner at Sedgefield on stable debut in December (2m4f, good to soft) but below par since, including on the Flat (AW) last time.

33/1

11/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 641-60 CD

Last run: 131 days

W: 11st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
10yo who was disappointing on his last two runs in May/June but he goes well fresh and it's possible he'll turn things around following a break; won over C&D (good) in April; capable of a bold show.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

6th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

16:30 Hexham

Rickety Gate

11st 3lb

J: Mr Harvey James

T: Nicky Richards

Back below last winning mark (Carlisle, 2m4f) but pulled up at Ayr on penultimate start, and weakened into seventh at Cartmel (2m6f; beaten over 13l) 12 days ago; others more convincing at this stage.

10/1

7th

5

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:48 Cartmel

Rickety Gate

11st 3lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

Pulled up on soft ground at Ayr last month but this race is much less competitive and the quicker surface ought to suit him better; made the frame on his previous three outings and has each-way claims at least.

8/1

10

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

17:15 Ayr

Rickety Gate

10st 2lb

J: Ella McGarry

T: Nicky Richards

Exposed five-time winner who ran perfectly well back from an absence at Carlisle but it's never ideal being 5lb out of the weights in this competitive a handicap.

16/1

Form: 335455 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
10yo who has produced mixed results since he won at Perth (3m, good) in July but he took a step back in the right direction with a close fifth of 11 behind Looking Splendid at Kelso recently (2m5f, good; reportedly never travelled); has run well over C&D in the past and is not ruled out each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

12th Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 4

16:26 Perth

Dalileo

10st 3lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Lisa Harrison

Course regular who looked as good as ever when keeping on strongly from off the pace for clearcut C&D (good) win ten days ago; 6lb higher in a stronger race today but can make his presence felt again.

4/1

1st

5

2nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:00 Perth

Dalileo

11st 5lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Lisa Harrison

Perth regular, with three course wins, including from 3lb higher in this last year; plugged on from an impossible position to finish a modest third over C&D (Creadan Grace fifth) 25 days ago; he's into the twilight of his career, so others make more appeal.

12/1

3rd

6

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:37 Perth

Dalileo

11st 4lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Lisa Harrison

This race in 2024 is among his three Perth wins from 23 visits; latest win was last July over C&D again from 2lb higher than today and that was his second run after a break, the same scenario which presents itself today; needs a second look but others are preferred for the win.

16/1

Form: 04267- D

Last run: 180 days

W: 11st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
10yo who is a five-time hurdle winner and ran well when second at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft) in February; however, his campaign concluded with two lesser performances and he returns from some time off today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

16th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 218y

Class 5

15:42 Carlisle

Coral Blue

11st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Daragh Bourke

10yo who is a five-time hurdle winner and ran well when second at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft) in February; however, his campaign concluded with two lesser performances and he returns from some time off today.

20/1

7th

9

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

17:12 Carlisle

Coral Blue

10st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Daragh Bourke

Without a victory since early 2023 but he comes here in good order, ridden too aggressively when a fading sixth in 2m4f Hexham handicap 25 days ago; considered with cheekpieces refitted.

12/1

7th

9

19th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

17:12 Carlisle

Coral Blue

10st 11lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Daragh Bourke

Without a victory since early 2023 but he comes here in good order, ridden too aggressively when a fading sixth in 2m4f Hexham handicap 25 days ago; considered with cheekpieces refitted.

12/1

Form: 47P-55

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Point, bumper and maiden hurdle winner who is on a reduced mark; however, he failed to shine in handicap hurdles last season and was tailed off on last month's chase debut at Perth.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

12th Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 4

16:26 Perth

Speed Davis

11st 9lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Two hurdles wins last season, the latter when upped to 2m7f at Bangor (good) in April; still unexposed over this sort of trip but was tailed off when dropped back to 2m4f last month; hard to predict.

8/1

5th

4

6th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

16:50 Worcester

Speed Davis

11st 5lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Completed a double, five months apart, when successful at Bangor (2m7f, good) in April; this is tougher off 7lb higher but may have more to offer in search of a three-timer.

5/1

OUR TIP

Form: 22123- D BF

Last run: 180 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Sent into handicaps in February and was steadily progressive, winning at Catterick (2m3f, good) in March then running well in two strong races; reappears with trainer among the winners and could have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

9th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 3f 66y

Class 4

15:00 Catterick

Born In The West

11st 4lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Has won two of his last three races, both over 3m1f here, the latest on soft ground; also won over C&D last March; on a career-high mark (up 4lb for his latest win) but should run well again despite dropping back in trip.

6/1

1st

2

30th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 1f 71y

Class 4

15:48 Catterick

Born In The West

11st 11lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Made it 2-2 here with comfortable win over C&D (good to soft) last month; unproven on soft ground, and only fifth at Market Rasen (2m7f, good to soft) a fortnight ago, but that wasn't a bad performance and he has to be respected now back at Catterick.

4/1

5th

4

16th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

13:28 Market Rasen

Born In The West

11st 9lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Sam England

Returned to peak form when moved back up in trip at Catterick (3m1f, good to soft) last month, justifying good market support in the process; current mark probably demands a career-best performance but he's not fully exposed over staying trips.

7/2

Form: U4634- D BF

Last run: 178 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Won at Lingfield (2m3f, heavy) last November for Nigel Hawke and ran well on good ground in the spring on final two outings for that yard; makes stable debut with trainer's horses in good heart; interesting contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

13:30 Kelso

Speiriuil

11st 4lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

With a new yard this season and has been better than ever since these cheekpieces went on, winning here (2m2f, good to soft) in December and following up at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft); this thriving mare is respected.

6/1

1st

11

1st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 4

14:30 Musselburgh

Speiriuil

11st 7lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Adam Nicol

Has shown career-best form since wearing cheekpieces, finishing second over C&D then going one better at Kelso (2m2f, good to soft); may have more to offer in the retained headgear; shortlisted.

9/2

8th

4

16th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 218y

Class 5

15:42 Carlisle

Speiriuil

11st 11lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

Won at Lingfield (2m3f, heavy) last November for Nigel Hawke and ran well on good ground in the spring on final two outings for that yard; makes stable debut with trainer's horses in good heart; interesting contender.

8/1

Form: 0P-689

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Nothing more than minor promise among her qualifying races and beaten about 17l when ninth of 15 at 50-1 on last month's handicap debut at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good); the first-time tongue-tie needs to make a difference.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

31st Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 56y

Class 5

16:05 Wetherby

Nanny Daisy

10st 10lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Mark Walford

Brian Hughes rides but there aren't many other positives to draw on; well behind Top Flight Century when tried in a tongue-tie last time.

33/1

9

31st Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 56y

Class 5

16:05 Wetherby

Nanny Daisy

10st 10lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Mark Walford

Brian Hughes rides but there aren't many other positives to draw on; well behind Top Flight Century when tried in a tongue-tie last time.

33/1

9th

12

16th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 218y

Class 5

15:42 Carlisle

Nanny Daisy

10st 12lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Nothing more than minor promise among her qualifying races and beaten about 17l when ninth of 15 at 50-1 on last month's handicap debut at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good); the first-time tongue-tie needs to make a difference.

33/1

Form: 00/5PP

Last run: 84 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 6yo who is one to watch in the betting but pulled up on both starts for this stable and a major turnaround is necessary.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

19th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

16:30 Market Rasen

Earlofbrackenstown

10st 2lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Jessica Bedi

Only once within fewer than 20l of the winner when completing, and checked out quickly once headed on last month's stable debut.

100/1

12

16th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

19:55 Uttoxeter

Earlofbrackenstown

10st 3lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Jessica Bedi

Modest form over hurdles and in a chase for Philip Kirby; needs to take a big step forward on this stable debut.

50/1

10th

14

16th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 218y

Class 5

15:42 Carlisle

Earlofbrackenstown

10st 5lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

Lightly raced 6yo who is one to watch in the betting but pulled up on both starts for this stable and a major turnaround is necessary.

50/1

Form: /09-92

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
9yo who has been lightly raced since showing promise in novice hurdles in September 2022 but he returned to form with a close second at Hexham (2m4f, good) recently on his second start back from an absence and a repeat of that performance will put him firmly in the picture.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

15

16th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 218y

Class 5

15:42 Carlisle

Longstone Cowboy

10st 2lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Hugh Burns

9yo who has been lightly raced since showing promise in novice hurdles in September 2022 but he returned to form with a close second at Hexham (2m4f, good) recently on his second start back from an absence and a repeat of that performance will put him firmly in the picture.

7/1

2nd

10

3rd Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

14:45 Hexham

Longstone Cowboy

10st 8lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Hugh Burns

Runner-up in C&D maiden in September 2022; lightly raced and generally very disappointing since but was not disgraced at Perth last month, after a long absence, and is worth a glance in the betting.

25/1

10

8th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:10 Perth

Longstone Cowboy

10st 7lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Hugh Burns

Promising in 2022 but lengthy absences are a feature in his profile and was tailed off in two handicaps last year.

100/1

Form: -5P604 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 10st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Returned to form with 2l fourth of 11 behind Looking Splendid at Kelso (2m5f, good) 11 days ago; however, it's over two years since this 10yo last won and he's even further out of the handicap this afternoon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

25th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

15:20 Kelso

Darkest Day

10st 2lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: William Young Jnr

Hasn't the best of win records (4-43 over hurdles), last win coming over 2m2f here in September 2023; good fourth over 2m5f here last month, but tailed off last time; 10lb out of the handicap.

33/1

12th

16

16th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 218y

Class 5

15:42 Carlisle

Darkest Day

10st 2lb

J: William Maggs

T: William Young Jnr

Returned to form with 2l fourth of 11 behind Looking Splendid at Kelso (2m5f, good) 11 days ago; however, it's over two years since this 10yo last won and he's even further out of the handicap this afternoon.

20/1

10th

11

17th Sep 2025

Good

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

17:30 Kelso

Darkest Day

10st 2lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: William Young Jnr

Won twice here (including over C&D) in 2023 but this year's pointing form is uninspiring and he has struggled back over fences and hurdles in last three starts; mark is tumbling but he has plenty to prove.

40/1

Form: 36743-

Last run: 179 days

W: 11st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Tapped back into the promise shown on her sole French start when third in a first-time tongue-tie on handicap debut at Market Rasen (2m2f, good) in April; wind op since; the tongue-tie is left off for today's reappearance but this unexposed 4yo could be in the mix if at the top of her game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

28th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 5

18:30 Market Rasen

Livano Bello

12st 0lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Micky Hammond

Didn't fire over hurdles at Perth a fortnight ago and is now 0-13 in that sphere but he's generally pretty consistent and will be suited by the trip-and-ground combination on this chasing debut.

3/1

1

13th May 2026

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

17:25 Perth

Livano Bello

12st 0lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

Consistent but continues to seek first win (0-12); produced another decent effort when runner-up at Fakenham (2m4f, good; 11-2) five weeks ago; that form took a slight hit when third-placed Coolkatie was a well-beaten favourite at Uttoxeter subsequently.

3/1

Form: 27614-

Last run: 187 days

W: 11st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
5yo who reverted to hurdles with a win at Bangor (2m7f, good) in March and wasn't beaten far when fourth of seven there in April when last seen (2m7f, good; lost a shoe); could be a player if fully tuned up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

2

16th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 218y

Class 5

15:42 Carlisle

Kuzco

11st 13lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

5yo who reverted to hurdles with a win at Bangor (2m7f, good) in March and wasn't beaten far when fourth of seven there in April when last seen (2m7f, good; lost a shoe); could be a player if fully tuned up.

7/1

4th

4

12th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

16:34 Bangor-on-Dee

Kuzco

11st 4lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

prominent, led narrowly after 3 out, headed just after 2 out, no extra and lost two places run-in

100/30

Form: 63-354 D

Last run: 116 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
On a handy mark judged on 2024 chase win and he can also be effective over hurdles (albeit 0-11 in this sphere); however, he struggled over hurdles/fences on his last two starts in June and needs to get back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

16:57 Cartmel

Blazing Court

10st 11lb

J: Mr John Dixon

T: John Dixon

Won off 16lb higher at Worcester (2m4f, good) in August 2024 but he's lost his way and has failed to complete in his last three runs; has lots to prove and he needs a major revival on this big drop back in trip.

33/1

6

28th Jun 2026

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 5

16:55 Cartmel

Blazing Court

10st 11lb

J: Mr John Dixon

T: John Dixon

Won a Worcester handicap chase for Martin Keighley in August 2024 (2m4f, good) but has a bit to prove having been out of form on most starts for this yard (unseated rider last twice).

33/1

Non-runners

Shant Wait

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £39.50
Straight Forecast £36.14
Tricast £266.61
Trifecta £273.80

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Looking Splendid

SPOTLIGHT:

Born In The West

Telegraph:

Longstone Cowboy

The Times:

Livano Bello

The Star:

Rickety Gate

Daily Mail:

Livano Bello

TOPSPEED:

Born In The West

The Sun:

Born In The West

POSTDATA:

Looking Splendid

The Guardian:

Looking Splendid

Daily Record:

Looking Splendid

D Express:

Longstone Cowboy

Daily Mirror:

Longstone Cowboy