October 29 / 13.53 Newton Abbot

13.53

Good To Soft

ITUS Events, Safety And Security Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (Challenger 2m Hurdle Qual’)

  • Prize money: £5281
  • 2m 0f 167y
  • Class 4
  • 9 runners
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ITUS Events, Safety And Security Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (Challenger 2m Hurdle Qual’)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

Form: 53370- D

Last run: 196 days

W: 12st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Two wins during his novice campaign included a handicap (2m, soft); 0-5 last season but ran well at the weights behind Constitution Hill at Cheltenham in January and he threatened to take a hand in the Imperial Cup until wilting late on; returns after 196 days off but he's well treated on his best form and needs watching in market.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Spirits Bay

10st 13lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Ran okay when seventh in this last year and he reappeared with a win at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good to soft) in October; however, his subsequent form has been mixed (fences/hurdles) and Top Jimmy looks the yard's chief hope.

33/1

7th

4

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 104y

Class 3

15:25 Taunton

Spirits Bay

11st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Made a winning reappearance in Newton Abbot handicap hurdle (2m1f, good to soft) in October; switched to fences subsequently, matching his peak RPR over timber when fourth in 2m3f Exeter novice handicap (good to soft) five weeks ago; won his previous outing on heavy.

8/1

1

19th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 54y

Class 3

12:55 Warwick

Spirits Bay

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Two wins during his novice campaign included a handicap (2m, soft); 0-5 last season but ran well at the weights behind Constitution Hill at Cheltenham in January and comfortably regained the winning thread on his reappearance at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good to soft) three weeks ago; up 4lb but he's bred for fences and looks a player on debut in this sphere.

11/8

Form: /4515- D

Last run: 252 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Bumper/hurdle winner but he was a well-held fifth of nine on handicap debut at Ludlow (2m, good to soft) in February; still unexposed but he needs to find more progress after 252 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 1

15:20 Newbury

The Hardest Geezer

10st 12lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Second-season hurdler who is proving consistent; creditable fourth in competitive races won by Dance And Glance and Hot Fuss on last two starts; becoming a little exposed but again seems likely to give his running and is solid in that respect.

14/1

4th

14

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Windsor

The Hardest Geezer

10st 8lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Second-season hurdler who was runner-up on first two starts this term (2m1f/2m, good to soft; including here) before close fourth of 15 at Ascot (1m7f, soft) four weeks ago; might not be far away.

8/1

2nd

2

29th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 167y

Class 4

13:53 Newton Abbot

The Hardest Geezer

11st 11lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Bumper/hurdle winner but he was a well-held fifth of nine on handicap debut at Ludlow (2m, good to soft) in February; still unexposed but he needs to find more progress after 252 days off.

6/1

Form: 4382-0 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 10lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Ex-French filly; went close in valuable juvenile handicap at Cheltenham (2m1f, good) in April but she reappeared with a heavy defeat at Chepstow 18 days ago; looks interesting on that penultimate form but she's not easy to predict and is now 1-11 over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 3

16:52 Newton Abbot

Clotilda

11st 2lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

Winning hurdler who remains a maiden over fences after seven attempts, making the frame on all six completed attempts but without suggesting she's particularly well treated; back in trip but likely needs to find more off current mark to get her head in front.

6/1

3rd

2

26th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 3y

Class 4

16:01 Taunton

Clotilda

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Winning hurdler who has finished runner-up in four of her six races as a chaser; fell at the 14th fence when upped to 3m1f at Wincanton (soft) last month but was travelling well at the time and she still has potential in this sphere; in the mix.

5/1

Form: 46422- D

Last run: 207 days

W: 11st 8lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Veteran who finished runner-up at Chepstow (2m, soft/good) in his final two starts last season; has decent record when fresh but he's not won since April 2024 and others are more persuasive; cheekpieces removed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

17:00 Newton Abbot

Zambezi Fix

12st 0lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Bernard Llewellyn

Has been struggling for form since reappearing in October and offered little encouragement on April's return from just over two months off; has come a long way down in the weights and drops into a Class 5, but that's for good reason and he needs to turn things around.

12/1

6th

9

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 3

14:15 Chepstow

Zambezi Fix

10st 7lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Bernard Llewellyn

All three hurdle wins have come over C&D but he failed to beat a rival here in December and was tailed off again at Ffos Las in January; overall record is now 4-48 and others are preferred.

16/1

6th

4

30th Jan 2026

Heavy

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

16:00 Ffos Las

Zambezi Fix

11st 11lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Bernard Llewellyn

Veteran who is normally suited by Chepstow but failed to beat a rival back there last time; not particularly solid on his form this season.

20/1

Form: 41273-

Last run: 203 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Useful Flat performer who won a maiden hurdle (1m7f, good) last October; struggled in last three Flat runs including on stable debut last month, but that was in the Cesarewitch and this is more suitable back over hurdles; still lightly raced in this sphere and he needs watching in market.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(2)

1st Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Newbury

Vaguely Royal

8st 12lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Ian Williams

Third in his last three starts, but may not have achieved that much and remains without a win on the Flat since the end of 2023; others more compelling.

9/1

3rd

5

(4)

22nd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 27y

Class 4

19:52 Pontefract

Vaguely Royal

8st 10lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Ian Williams

Comes here on the back of two third-place finishes but the latest was behind Trojan Soldier and there is no obvious reason why the placings would be reversed.

10/1

3rd

5

(7)

17th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:17 Ripon

Vaguely Royal

9st 9lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

There was some restoration of his Flat fortunes when third of five at Southwell (1m6f, AW; stays 2m) on latest start but he's without a win on the Flat since the end of 2023; has another career-low mark but it's hard to know when he will take advantage.

7/1

Form: 317-1 D

Last run: 151 days

W: 11st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo, who made it 2-4 over hurdles when keeping on well to land a novice at Stratford (2m2f, good) in May; this is tougher back in a handicap but he's open to more progress and is respected on his return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

18:00 Taunton

Public Enemy

11st 7lb

J: James Robottom

T: Anthony Honeyball

Won good-ground maiden and novice hurdles last spring but he hasn't fired in handicaps, including in a tongue-tie on his last two starts and with added cheekpieces (now swapped for a visor) at Plumpton a fortnight ago; handicapper is trying to help but others look safer.

14/1

5th

2

6th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 4

16:55 Plumpton

Public Enemy

11st 13lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

Won good-ground maiden (C&D) and novice hurdles last spring but he ran poorly on handicap debut here in between and his form at this level since hasn't borne much fruit (first-time tongue-tie latest, blinkers now added); however, he may well do better on second run back from a break with Sam Twiston-Davies taking over.

6/1

8th

2

9th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

15:10 Taunton

Public Enemy

12st 0lb

J: James Robottom

T: Anthony Honeyball

French recruit who scored twice (at around 2m) for his current yard last spring; not discredited when fourth at Newton Abbot on his return in October but he came in last of seven in 2m Exeter handicap the following month; needs to take a big step forward in a first-time tongue tie.

20/1

Form: 43492- BF

Last run: 201 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
0-9 over hurdles but she ended last season with close second behind a next-time out winner at Ayr (2m maiden) in April; left Stuart Crawford for £28,000 the following month; on workable mark back in a handicap on her return and needs close look for new yard; tongue-tie added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

18:00 Taunton

Green Sky

11st 3lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Beaten just 2l when fourth at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good) earlier in the month but Friday's heavy defeat on similar ground at Exeter (extended 2m2f) takes some explaining; swaps cheekpieces for blinkers and her yard might have better prospects with Best Night.

14/1

8th

3

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 111y

Class 5

17:40 Exeter

Green Sky

11st 13lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

9.5f Flat winner (good) when with Joseph O'Brien; 0-13 over hurdles but has been placed several times at around 2m; beaten 2l into fourth at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good) latest; drops 1lb and will have a bit to prove stamina-wise over this trip on this stiff track.

11/2

4th

2

4th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

15:10 Newton Abbot

Green Sky

12st 0lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: David Pipe

Flat winner who was a creditable fourth on Polytrack (1m5f) on her penultimate run in February; 0-12 over hurdles but she's not had many chances in handicaps and is well treated on her best form in this sphere; needs a close look back over hurdles.

9/1

Form: P6-470 D

Last run: 132 days

W: 11st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Very well treated on old form but last win was in April 2023 and he's generally struggled for current yard, including when tailed off in France in June; has something to prove on his return and others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

15:06 Uttoxeter

Lucky One

11st 2lb

J: Roisin Leech

T: Sophie Leech

Runs well now and again but a generally regressive 11yo and others appeal more.

25/1

3rd

8

29th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 167y

Class 4

13:53 Newton Abbot

Lucky One

11st 3lb

J: Roisin Leech

T: Sophie Leech

Very well treated on old form but last win was in April 2023 and he's generally struggled for current yard, including when tailed off in France in June; has something to prove on his return and others are preferred.

20/1

8

29th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 167y

Class 4

13:53 Newton Abbot

Lucky One

11st 3lb

J: Roisin Leech

T: Sophie Leech

Very well treated on old form but last win was in April 2023 and he's generally struggled for current yard, including when tailed off in France in June; has something to prove on his return and others are preferred.

20/1

25/1

Form: P34P-8

Last run: 147 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
15-race maiden under both codes and he struggled in hurdle handicaps (2m5f/2m1f) in final two runs for Anthony Charlton; 5lb out of the weights on stable debut and is best watched after 147 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Non-runners

Estate Planning

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £4.20
Straight Forecast £4.47
Tricast £56.28
Trifecta £77.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Spirits Bay

The Guardian:

Public Enemy

D Express:

Vaguely Royal

The Sun:

Public Enemy

Daily Record:

Public Enemy

RP RATINGS:

Spirits Bay

TOPSPEED:

Spirits Bay

POSTDATA:

Spirits Bay

WEST COUNTRY:

Spirits Bay

The Times:

Spirits Bay

Telegraph:

Spirits Bay

Daily Mail:

Spirits Bay

Daily Mirror:

Spirits Bay

The Star:

Spirits Bay