October 25 / 15.20 Kelso

15.20

Good

Midburn Construction Ltd Handicap Hurdle (Go North Sea Pigeon Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £4752.9
  • 2m 0f 51y
  • Class 4
  • 11 runners
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Midburn Construction Ltd Handicap Hurdle (Go North Sea Pigeon Series Qualifier)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £15.00
  • Place: £2.80

Form: 96532-

Last run: 185 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Won over hurdles in France in November 2023 (2m2f, heavy); yet to win in Britain, but creditable efforts on last two starts (over 2m3f and 2m4f); could go well, but this sharp 2m not sure to suit (well beaten previous run over C&D).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

15th Oct 2026

Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

15:05 Perth

Magnolia

11st 2lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond & Becky Smith

Won two in a row at Kelso (2m, good/soft) last autumn and returned from a four-month break with a good third over this C&D (good) three weeks ago; she's the only one of these with the benefit of a recent outing and that may prove to be a major positive.

5/1

3rd

5

23rd Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

15:22 Perth

Magnolia

11st 7lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond & Becky Smith

Dual Kelso winner (2m); twice placed (from higher marks) over C&D during the spring, and also a creditable fourth to My Chiquita at Cartmel (2m1f, good); returns from a 123-day break as the first runner for Becky Smith (now joint-trainer with Micky Hammond).

6/1

4th

6

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 3

14:10 Cartmel

Magnolia

11st 2lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

A dual 2m hurdles winner at Kelso last winter and back in good nick of late, finishing third of six at Perth (2m) nine days ago; not out of things off a 2lb lower mark.

16/1

9/4

  • Place: £1.20

Form: -2O441 C

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Back to winning ways when scoring over 2m2f here last time (fourth has won twice since); now 6lb higher; effective at this shorter trip and a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

4th Oct 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

14:20 Kelso

Heart Above

11st 1lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Dianne Sayer

Below best over C&D (good to firm) last month but could improve for that first outing in two months; he's a three-time winner at Kelso, the latest over C&D (good) in May; no surprise if he plays a leading role.

6/1

5th

5

16th Sep 2026

Good To Firm

2m 4f 189y

Class 3

17:25 Kelso

Heart Above

10st 8lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Dianne Sayer

Pulled up/well beaten at Cartmel on his two starts this summer but he won over this C&D (good) in May to further enhance his good record at Kelso; he's just 1lb above that last winning mark and could go well.

10/1

Form: 31/65- D

Last run: 316 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Showed fair form at a juvenile hurdler two seasons ago, winning at Hexham in March 2024 (2m, heavy); didn't progress in handicaps after that; has since won twice over 1m5f on the Flat at Hamilton (good/soft) but below his best on last two Flat runs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

2nd Oct 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 3

14:48 Hexham

Two Auld Pals

11st 3lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Won Class 5 C&D contest (soft) by 23l in May and close fourth off today's mark here (good) the following month but returned from break with low-key Flat run a fortnight ago and, on balance, others in this field look stronger.

9/1

7th

3

(4)

18th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:20 Ayr

Two Auld Pals

9st 13lb

J: Lexie Clarkson

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

In good form on soft/good over hurdles in May/June when last seen; reverts to the Flat on a mark 2lb lower than when winning at Hamilton (1m5f, good) last June and he's capable of having a big say.

16/1

4th

5

6th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

18:43 Hexham

Two Auld Pals

11st 9lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Handled testing conditions best, bounding clear to make it 2-3 over C&D (soft; a 23l winner) four weeks ago; the handicapper has reacted, and he's now 9lb higher moving up into a Class 4; still enters calculations though, with 10lb claimer Gregor Walkingshaw retaining the ride.

7/4

Form: /552/6 D

Last run: 98 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Won three races in his first season over hurdles; not scored since, although fair second in a Perth handicap in September 2023 (2m, soft); had a long break after that and was well beaten on his return; should fare better this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

15th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 5

14:50 Musselburgh

Inca Prince

12st 0lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Ruth Jefferson

Has failed to show peak form since returning from long layoff but has done enough to suggest he's interesting off current mark dropped in grade and belatedly returned to Musselburgh; dual course winner as a youngster.

7/2

3rd

7

25th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 4

15:10 Sedgefield

Inca Prince

10st 13lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Ruth Jefferson

No win since his juvenile campaign; long absence prior to two efforts this term, seeming to need July run then faring better in October; still needs to prove he retains peak ability but market support should be noted.

9/2

4th

4

25th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

15:20 Kelso

Inca Prince

11st 9lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Ruth Jefferson

Won three races in his first season over hurdles; not scored since, although fair second in a Perth handicap in September 2023 (2m, soft); had a long break after that and was well beaten on his return; should fare better this time.

10/1

Form: 31/5 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Irish point winner in October 2023 (3m, good to yielding); made most to win a Ludlow novice on hurdles debut in February 2024 (2m, soft); was then off for 595 days and was a fair fifth to a subsequent winner on his comeback at Perth last month (2m, good); unexposed likely improver who should go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

25th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

15:20 Kelso

Rossbridge

11st 8lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Irish point winner in October 2023 (3m, good to yielding); made most to win a Ludlow novice on hurdles debut in February 2024 (2m, soft); was then off for 595 days and was a fair fifth to a subsequent winner on his comeback at Perth last month (2m, good); unexposed likely improver who should go well.

9/1

5th

5

24th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

15:43 Perth

Rossbridge

11st 0lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Very unexposed 6yo who won on hurdle debut at Ludlow (2m, soft) in February 2024 but has not raced again since; watch the market for clues.

10/1

1st

6

7th Feb 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

14:20 Ludlow

Rossbridge

11st 0lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Came good in Irish points at third attempt, winning on good to yielding ground in October, and was bought for £40,000 the following month; second favourite, beaten 24l when third of four in bumper at Haydock at end of December but heavy ground may provide an excuse.

7/1

Form: 5P6040 C

Last run: 9 days

W: 10st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
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.
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

OUR TIP

Form: 66-64P CD

Last run: 133 days

W: 12st 1lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Last of his six wins over hurdles was off a 25lb higher mark at Musselburgh in January 2024 (2m4f, soft); mainly disappointing since then, including when tried over fences; best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

25th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

15:20 Kelso

Benson

12st 1lb

J: William Maggs

T: Sandy Thomson

Last of his six wins over hurdles was off a 25lb higher mark at Musselburgh in January 2024 (2m4f, soft); mainly disappointing since then, including when tried over fences; best watched for now.

14/1

9

14th Jun 2025

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 3

18:28 Hexham

Benson

10st 12lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Sandy Thomson

One-time very useful handicapper; nothing like as good these days and has finished last on last two starts, latest a four-runner C&D handicap last month; very well handicapped (dropped a further 4lb for his run last time so now 22lb below last winning mark); plenty to prove at present.

14/1

20/1

Form: 63-646 D

Last run: 140 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Won at Hexham on his hurdles debut in June 2023 (2m, good) when with Alan King; has shown some fair form for this yard but overall has a bit to prove now; first run after wind surgery.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 5

14:45 Carlisle

Hourless

11st 2lb

J: Mr John Dixon

T: John Dixon

Without a win since 2023 but beaten in the region of 8l in his last two races and has never been lower in the weights; each-way claims.

13/2

Form: 1250-5 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Won handicaps at Sedgefield (2m1f, good) and Catterick (1m7f, good to soft) last season; disappointing on last three starts (tailed off after a break over 2m4f last time); needs to bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

18th Oct 2026

Good

2m 0f 178y

Class 3

16:20 Sedgefield

Bathgate

10st 2lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

Has lost his form since a productive spell last winter, most recently failing to beat a rival over 2m5f at Sedgefield; however, has a record over 121 over C&D and is back on last winning mark; possibilities provided a revival materialises.

20/1

7th

3

23rd Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

15:22 Perth

Bathgate

11st 11lb

J: Miss Natasha Cookson

T: Philip Kirby

5-26; those wins gained at either Catterick (2m-2m4f) or Sedgefield (2m1f); went clear from the last, winning by over 4l, at Catterick in February (2m4f, soft; from 4lb lower), but ended the season on a slightly downbeat note in a 2m5f Kelso Class 2; back from a six-month break.

16/1

Form: 2314-3 D

Last run: 167 days

W: 11st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Unexposed hurdler; won twice for Nigel Twiston Davies last term, the second a three-runner race at Market Rasen; bought for £25,000 in May; worth a market check on stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

15th Oct 2026

Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

15:05 Perth

Star Of Guiting

11st 13lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Two wins at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) in January and some respectable runs in defeat in the spring; drops back down in grade in a first-time hood on his reappearance, following wind surgery, and he could have a part to play if conditions suit (best form thus far is on good to soft).

15/2

7th

13

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Star Of Guiting

10st 8lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Ewan Whillans

Won twice at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) in the winter and has had excuses since, making late headway after a slow start when eighth of 21 at Aintree four weeks ago; probably in much better heart than recent form-figures suggest, and he's an interesting each-way proposition.

25/1

9th

19

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Star Of Guiting

11st 0lb

J: William Maggs

T: Ewan Whillans

Two 1m7f Musselburgh wins this winter; bounced back from a poor run in the Imperial Cup when fifth of 14 back at Musselburgh three weeks ago but that effort suggests the handicapper is winning the argument for now.

28/1

Form: 325650 CD

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Four of his seven wins have been at Hexham; latest win (May 2024) was over this C&D (good to soft) when 13lb higher; mainly disappointing since then, but on a good mark now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

9

2nd Oct 2026

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

15:23 Hexham

Well Educated

10st 13lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

Runner-up three consecutive times here (2m-2m4f, good) in the spring; two lesser efforts followed but he can pose a threat off this mark if back on song after 76-day break.

14/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £40.40
Straight Forecast £33.97
Tricast £157.19
Trifecta £124.40

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Heart Above

SPOTLIGHT:

Rossbridge

The Times:

Star Of Guiting

Telegraph:

Rossbridge

TOPSPEED:

Heart Above

POSTDATA:

Heart Above

The Guardian:

Heart Above

Daily Mail:

Heart Above

D Express:

Heart Above

Daily Mirror:

Heart Above

The Sun:

Heart Above

The Star:

Heart Above

Daily Record:

Heart Above