February 25 / 13.50 Wincanton

13.50

Soft

Happy 18th Birthday James Dunford Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £5446
  • 1m 7f 50y
  • Class 4
  • 18 runners
RTV
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Happy 18th Birthday James Dunford Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

12/1

  • Place: £4.30

Form: 5-3046

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Clear ability in bumpers and she was far from disgraced on second start in this sphere when staying-on sixth of 16 in mares' maiden at Kempton (2m, good to soft) three weeks ago; contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

13

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Ajs Diamond

10st 6lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Gordon

It was against her own sex when breezing clear from off the pace at Warwick (2m, good) but, still lightly raced, she could be worthy of her 11lb rise in the weights; up in class but this race could be run to suit her style and she's of some interest.

9/1

1st

5

26th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:58 Warwick

Ajs Diamond

11st 6lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Placed in two bumpers (including on good ground) and has also shown promise over hurdles, finishing third of 18 in Wincanton maiden (1m7f, good to soft) last time; it's possible she will improve for a longer trip but this unexposed 6yo is still entitled to respect on today's handicap debut.

13/8

3rd

16

25th Feb 2026

Soft

1m 7f 50y

Class 4

13:50 Wincanton

Ajs Diamond

11st 0lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Clear ability in bumpers and she was far from disgraced on second start in this sphere when staying-on sixth of 16 in mares' maiden at Kempton (2m, good to soft) three weeks ago; contender.

12/1

Form: 42/35

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Came back from two-year absence with encouraging third in Chepstow novice (good to soft) in December; 7-4 from 3-1 but he took a big step backwards when tailed-off last of five finishers at Lingfield (also about 2m3f, heavy) three weeks ago; new tongue-tie/drop in trip might help and he's not confidently ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

1st Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 82y

Class 4

14:50 Wincanton

Matthias

11st 9lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

Returned from two-year absence with some promising runs during the winter including when fifth of 18 in a maiden here (1m7f, good to soft; tongue tied) in February; now goes handicapping off what looks a fair mark and she has a high-class 2m5f winner on her dam's side; respected at this new trip.

4/1

5th

10

25th Feb 2026

Soft

1m 7f 50y

Class 4

13:50 Wincanton

Matthias

11st 7lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

Came back from two-year absence with encouraging third in Chepstow novice (good to soft) in December; 7-4 from 3-1 but he took a big step backwards when tailed-off last of five finishers at Lingfield (also about 2m3f, heavy) three weeks ago; new tongue-tie/drop in trip might help and he's not confidently ruled out.

12/1

Form: 172 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a farcical five-runner bumper at Ascot in November; first-time hood when running moderately over hurdles at Newbury the following month but did better with that aid removed when an admittedly well-held second at Huntingdon (2m, soft) last month; winner was set to run a big race until falling in Grade 2 on Saturday and this one's best days are ahead of him; player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Kempton

Loustic Du Chatel

11st 6lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Henrietta C Knight

Allowed too much rope in winning his sole bumper attempt but was eventually swallowed up, having again established a clear lead, in latest hurdles start (1m7f); style of racing aside, holds a leading chance on peak figures; this track seems likely to suit.

11/10

6th

9

25th Feb 2026

Soft

1m 7f 50y

Class 4

13:50 Wincanton

Loustic Du Chatel

11st 7lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Henrietta C Knight

Won a farcical five-runner bumper at Ascot in November; first-time hood when running moderately over hurdles at Newbury the following month but did better with that aid removed when an admittedly well-held second at Huntingdon (2m, soft) last month; winner was set to run a big race until falling in Grade 2 on Saturday and this one's best days are ahead of him; player.

6/1

2nd

10

22nd Jan 2026

Soft

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

12:58 Huntingdon

Loustic Du Chatel

11st 8lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Henrietta C Knight

Form of November's Ascot bumper win needs treating with caution (rider gifted the softest of leads), and have to hope his high head carriage on hurdling debut was owed to either greenness or a resentment of the now-removed hood; present attainment level thus still unclear.

20/1

Form: 32-5

Last run: 96 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed promise in two junior bumpers in 2024 but ran out of puff on his return from 335-day break at Ascot in November; brother to useful hurdler Secret Squirrel from the family of Champion Hurdle runner-up Marble Arch so should have a future at this game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

17

25th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:45 Sandown

Secret Sniper

10st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Hughie Morrison

No match for Minella Yoga at Taunton, taking record to 0-6; however, he's related to several winners for his connections and may have potential off his opening mark; one to consider.

12/1

2nd

6

9th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

14:32 Taunton

Secret Sniper

11st 2lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Hughie Morrison

A fair bumper performer who shaped well when a clear second of 12 in 2m Huntingdon novice hurdle 22 days ago; this brother to the stable's useful winner Secret Squirrel has more to offer and shouldn't be underestimated.

3/1

2nd

7

18th Mar 2026

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

15:45 Huntingdon

Secret Sniper

11st 5lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

Placed in the first two of three bumpers; brother to useful hurdler Secret Squirrel and although his own hurdle debut at Wincanton (1m7f, good to soft; 9-1) three weeks ago showed significant ability, he needs to build on that.

14/1

Form: 468

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Single-figure prices but no fireworks in a bumper and novice last year; market gave up on her when 80-1 and beaten 40l at Warwick last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

6th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

14:10 Hereford

Independent Lady

11st 10lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Left behind her qualifying runs when making a winning handicap debut over C&D (good) last month, asserting in good style from a fair yardstick; 5lb rise looks manageable and another bold bid can be expected.

5/4

1st

3

18th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

15:00 Hereford

Independent Lady

11st 10lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Similar profile to Shanagolden Girl in that she's been well beaten thus far (1m7f-2m3f) but now goes into handicaps for a much respected yard; the market should be informative.

3/1

8th

17

25th Feb 2026

Soft

1m 7f 50y

Class 4

13:50 Wincanton

Independent Lady

11st 0lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Single-figure prices but no fireworks in a bumper and novice last year; market gave up on her when 80-1 and beaten 40l at Warwick last month.

50/1

Form: 767

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Attracted support before finishing down the field on his bumper debut at Fontwell in October and has been beaten over 30l in two starts over hurdles; tongue-tie added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

11

25th Feb 2026

Soft

1m 7f 50y

Class 4

13:50 Wincanton

Montrachet Fin

11st 7lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Harry Fry

Attracted support before finishing down the field on his bumper debut at Fontwell in October and has been beaten over 30l in two starts over hurdles; tongue-tie added.

66/1

7th

4

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 50y

Class 4

13:17 Wincanton

Montrachet Fin

11st 8lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

With a good stable and showed some promise when sixth (albeit well held in the end) on hurdling debut at Exeter (2m, good to soft) six weeks ago but needs to take a big step forward today.

25/1

6

26th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

16:22 Fontwell

Montrachet Fin

11st 3lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

First foal; dam unraced sister to useful 2m-2m4f hurdle/chase winner Johnbb; stable has very good 23% strike-rate in bumpers.

9/2

25/1

Form: 585

Last run: 66 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Hints of ability in three bumper starts for Ed de Giles last year; mixed messages on pedigree for hurdling but makes his debut in this sphere for a yard that has announced itself this term; market might help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

21st Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

19:12 Ffos Las

King Berry

10st 12lb

J: David Bass

T: Max Comley

Modest form in bumpers (for Ed De Giles) and well held in three 2m maiden hurdles this year, beating one at Newbury last month; tongue tied for his handicap debut with much better required.

11/1

7th

5

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

13:15 Newbury

King Berry

11st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Max Comley

Holds weak claims on bumper and hurdles form; should find handicaps more suitable shortly.

100/1

8th

6

9th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

14:40 Taunton

King Berry

11st 6lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Max Comley

Showed a little promise in bumpers for Ed de Giles; well beaten at Wincanton (1m7f, good to soft; 50-1) on hurdles debut; more needed.

25/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
2-19 on the Flat, those moderate wins coming over 1m4f (AW) and 1m2f (good to firm) last year; hurdles/stable debut on this forecast ground will be a very different ball game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

17:00 Newton Abbot

Hawa Jumeirah

10st 13lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Helen Nelmes

Dual Flat winner (1m2f/1m4f); has offered little in three runs over hurdles for this stable but may fare better now switched to handicaps with a tongue-tie added.

16/1

5th

3

6th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 4

18:12 Fontwell

Hawa Jumeirah

11st 2lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Helen Nelmes

Won twice on the Flat but nothing positive to take out of two hurdle runs for this yard.

100/1

5th

4

9th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

14:32 Taunton

Hawa Jumeirah

11st 2lb

J: Charlie Price

T: Helen Nelmes

A dual Flat scorer for Ismail Mohammed in the first half of 2025 but he offered little in three subsequent runs in that sphere for Robbie Llewellyn and again on his yard/hurdling debut at Wincanton (1m7f) in February.

100/1

Form: 16P-6 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won Ffos Las bumper (good to soft) in October 2024 and he was back with this yard when sixth over C&D (heavy; 6-1) 11 days ago; that was his first start for 355 days so not inconceivable he builds on it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

20th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:30 Warwick

Full Force Gale

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Tom George

Bumper winner who has shown significant improvement since fitted with a tongue-tie and cheekpieces in handicaps over fences, winning over C&D (good) 16 days ago; further progress looks nailed on and he should be hard to beat.

5/6

1st

9

4th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:25 Warwick

Full Force Gale

11st 1lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Tom George

Lightly raced; first run in this headgear combination when runner-up over C&D and late mistake didn't help; up 2lb but should run well.

9/2

2nd

3

26th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

15:28 Warwick

Full Force Gale

11st 12lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Tom George

Lightly raced since winning a bumper on debut in October 2024 and has struggled to get competitive on his three hurdle starts; sent straight over fences in first-time headgear for this handicap debut and a market check is advised, but others arrive with more compelling credentials.

12/1

Form: 07

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Two starts in bumpers; beaten 50l in a good event at Newbury in November and weakened again when seventh of 11 at Exeter (also good to soft) last month; plenty of hurdlers in the family and will probably do better in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

9th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

14:40 Taunton

Governors Island

11st 6lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Harry Fry

Modest efforts in two bumpers; beaten 48l on hurdles debut at Wincanton (1m7f, good to soft; 80-1) last month; plenty to prove.

33/1

14th

5

25th Feb 2026

Soft

1m 7f 50y

Class 4

13:50 Wincanton

Governors Island

11st 7lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Two starts in bumpers; beaten 50l in a good event at Newbury in November and weakened again when seventh of 11 at Exeter (also good to soft) last month; plenty of hurdlers in the family and will probably do better in this sphere.

40/1

Form: 4-3

Last run: 285 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Soundly beaten in three Irish points last year but belied 80-1 odds when fourth of 12 in Naas bumper (good to yielding) on rules debut in December 2024; 100-30 from 2-1 for hurdles/stable debut when third of sixth at Aintree (2m1f, good; beaten 18l) in May; interesting to see what the market makes of him on this first start since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

20th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

14:50 Ffos Las

Lemon Leaf

11st 6lb

J: Tom Hutsby

T: Olly Murphy

They only jumped four hurdles when this lightly raced 6yo made a successful handicap debut over C&D, winning by just under 4l; took a 10lb hit for that but he looks progressive.

11/4

1st

3

21st Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

19:12 Ffos Las

Lemon Leaf

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Shaped well on his hurdling debut when second in 2m Aintree novice last May; well held after an absence both runs since at Wincanton and Warwick, but could still do better for leading yard now going into handicaps.

7/2

Form: 6P

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Can't be fancied judged on his two starts over hurdles, most recently when 150-1 and pulled up over C&D last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

6th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

19:12 Fontwell

Anthracite

11st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

His first effort of note when beaten just over 5l in a Wincanton handicap (1m7f, good; first-time cheekpieces) in which he rallied gamely after stumbling three out; now he's of interest.

5/1

3rd

5

12th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 50y

Class 5

17:00 Wincanton

Anthracite

10st 8lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Little worthwhile form under Flat or hurdle codes; 80-1 when well behind Victory Shout last time at Taunton; now tries cheekpieces.

33/1

8th

9

24th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

15:15 Taunton

Anthracite

10st 7lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Modest in four Flat races (2023 and 2024) but, after a big layoff, no worthwhile form in three maiden hurdles this year; at least handicap hurdle debut should help and the market can guide again.

14/1

Form: 4-322

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found
OUR TIP

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
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Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 605

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 535 BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £5.90
Straight Forecast £3.88
Trifecta £45.60

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Aguellid

SPOTLIGHT:

Loustic Du Chatel

The Star:

Tap Tap Shamie

Telegraph:

Loustic Du Chatel

TOPSPEED:

Aguellid

POSTDATA:

Aguellid

WEST COUNTRY:

Aguellid

The Times:

Aguellid

The Guardian:

Aguellid

Daily Mail:

Aguellid

D Express:

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Daily Mirror:

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The Sun:

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Daily Record:

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