March 31 / 17.35 Newcastle

17.35

Good To Soft

Virgin Bet Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3247.81
  • 2m 0f 190y
  • Class 5
  • 13 runners
SKY
View Course
Virgin Bet Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.20
  • Place: £2.10

Form: F-4P68

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
11lb lower now than on handicap debut and he's shown enough for his new yard this term not to be ruled out entirely; headgear first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

24th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

15:37 Kelso

Travis Wheatley

11st 13lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

Has done well both runs with cheekpieces, winning off a 9lb lower mark at Newcastle in January (2m1f, good to soft) before creditable third off this mark at Ayr last time (2m4f, soft); chance if as effective on this ground.

6/1

3rd

9

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

17:15 Ayr

Travis Wheatley

10st 11lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: Adam Nicol

The first-time cheekpieces appeared to make a huge difference at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft) where he jumped well in front and won unchallenged by just over 5l; 9lb higher in a higher grade but he arrives here a relative unknown quantity, especially over this far.

8/1

1st

7

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

17:35 Newcastle

Travis Wheatley

11st 8lb

J: Jack Power

T: Adam Nicol

11lb lower now than on handicap debut and he's shown enough for his new yard this term not to be ruled out entirely; headgear first time.

11/2

7/2

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 0313P3

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish; three good runs in the autumn for new yard, notably with his December win at Musselburgh (soft; probably also okay on good); flopped next time but, after wind surgery, partially revived when third at Sedgefield three weeks ago; 1-26 overall (1-19 over hurdles) but he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

30th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

19:48 Stratford

Newport

12st 0lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Iain Jardine

Comfortably doubled his hurdle score when winning at Hexham (2m, good) nine days ago, escapes a panalty for that success and Tom Midgley can claim his 3lb allowance here; another bold bid looks likely.

3/1

1st

1

21st Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

14:13 Hexham

Newport

12st 0lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Iain Jardine

Just 1-23 over hurdles but was well clear of the rest when 0.5l second to Snapaudaciaheros (2lb worse off) over C&D eight days ago; good chance.

11/2

33/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: /379P7 D

Last run: 117 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Returned from a long absence with what looked an encouraging stable debut last July but four heavy defeats have followed; tried 2m7f last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 4

17:15 Market Rasen

Nottodaybobo

11st 6lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

Has returned from a break in good form, winning back-to-back Class 5 handicaps at about 2m4f on good ground (the first here); remains on a fair mark but this is a better race and a competitive one.

12/1

1st

1

31st May 2026

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 5

17:07 Fakenham

Nottodaybobo

12st 0lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Micky Hammond

Has turned a corner since returning from a break this spring and came good for current stable with front-running win at Market Rasen (2m4f, good) three weeks ago; that form looks modest but he ought to give another good account here.

11/4

1st

2

8th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

16:52 Market Rasen

Nottodaybobo

11st 11lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

Ended 2025 in poor form but kept on well to take third of 13 at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft; refitted tongue-tie) in March, after a break, and may benefit from moving back up in trip here; contender if able to build on that recent effort.

4/1

Form: 727877 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Placed four times last June-September and he's on a handy mark on that form; however, not so good in his four starts since and the ground should not have been an excuse; tongue tied on last three outings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

27th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

18:38 Cartmel

Book Of Secrets

11st 12lb

J: Leah Noreci

T: James Moffatt

Only 7l away when fourth at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft) in March and remains on a good mark; without a win since 2023 but has possbilities; Leah Noreci is his regular partner.

6/1

Form: 000

Last run: 120 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Showed a little in UK points but not this autumn in three runs over hurdles; has had wind surgery since and this is his handicap debut, but from 10lb out of the handicap proper.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

2nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

16:25 Perth

Defying Gravity

10st 3lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Andrew Hamilton

0-8; scuppered his chance by making a final-fence mistake over C&D (The Flying Poet took full advantage) in May; unseated rider early over fences at Kelso next time and far from fluent back over hurdles at Cartmel latest; risks attached.

10/1

8th

11

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 5

19:38 Cartmel

Defying Gravity

10st 2lb

J: William Maggs

T: Andrew Hamilton

Lightly raced 6yo; in this new headgear combination when a late mistake (and some wandering) cost him a 3m chase at Perth and again he showed some quirks when ducking right and unseating at the first fence at Kelso on Sunday; capable of having a say on this return to hurdling but comes with an element of risk.

13/2

5

24th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 5

16:47 Kelso

Defying Gravity

10st 9lb

J: William Maggs

T: Andrew Hamilton

Lightly raced 6yo who advanced his form on his chasing debut (in a first-time hood) when a short-head second of eight in 3m handicap at Perth 11 days ago, looking probable winner until blundered last; up 6lb but merits serious consideration in retained headgear.

9/4

Form: 94-800

Last run: 94 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Fourth in a bumper here (good) last April but tailed off at big odds in his three hurdle races; hooded last four starts but not today; tongue-tie is enlisted for this handicap debut; market may guide again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

15th Jul 2026

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

14:48 Uttoxeter

Littletown Lad

10st 7lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Has tended to race too freely and has been well held in all three handicap starts despite attracting market support, including after wind surgery; should be capable of better and this is a modest contest but he still needs to learn to settle.

8/1

7th

10

9th Jun 2026

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

16:30 Southwell

Littletown Lad

10st 5lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Unable to justify prominence in the betting when soundly beaten in first two handicaps, the latter over C&D last month, and his tendency to race too freely remains a worry; evidently thought capable of better, though.

10/1

8th

13

11th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

16:42 Southwell

Littletown Lad

10st 9lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Best run was in a bumper; did appear to perform below expectations on handicap debut in March and he's since had wind surgery; all hope not yet lost.

10/1

Form: 34506

Last run: 43 days

W: 10st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Fair 1m2f Flat winner in Ireland last April; he hasn't yet found his level over hurdles, soundly beaten when tongue tied in handicaps on last two outings; tried cheekpieces before that and now sports blinkers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(2)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 3f 39y

Class 5

19:39 Carlisle

Junkyard Dog

10st 9lb

J: Cara Tuke

T: Iain Jardine

Won a Navan handicap for Joseph O'Brien last spring but suffered a succession of fairly hefty defeats on the Flat and over hurdles for this yard, including when beaten nearly 20l over C&D last month when back from a nine-week break; visor given a whirl.

20/1

9th

2

(12)

9th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 3f 39y

Class 5

20:12 Carlisle

Junkyard Dog

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Ex-Irish; fair hurdler; only Flat win was over 1m2f at Navan in April 2025 (good); handles soft ground; not out of it.

12/1

7th

13

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

17:35 Newcastle

Junkyard Dog

10st 6lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Iain Jardine

Fair 1m2f Flat winner in Ireland last April; he hasn't yet found his level over hurdles, soundly beaten when tongue tied in handicaps on last two outings; tried cheekpieces before that and now sports blinkers.

8/1

Form: 755

Last run: 60 days

W: 10st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
1m Flat winner in 2024; has run three times over hurdles, on second occasion showing modest form on New Year's Day on debut for this yard; not so good when hooded on soft ground next time and he refused to enter the stalls for a Flat race four weeks ago; bit to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

11th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

16:42 Southwell

Glenridding

10st 10lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Ewan Whillans

1m winner in 2024; well held in both handicaps over hurdles and tries a tongue-tie; risky.

14/1

5th

10

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

16:30 Kelso

Glenridding

10st 8lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Ewan Whillans

1m Flat winner in September 2024 when trained by the Kublers; yet to make the frame in four starts over hurdles but has time on his side; hood worn on last two starts is left off; may do better at some point.

16/1

8th

10

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

17:35 Newcastle

Glenridding

10st 13lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Ewan Whillans

1m Flat winner in 2024; has run three times over hurdles, on second occasion showing modest form on New Year's Day on debut for this yard; not so good when hooded on soft ground next time and he refused to enter the stalls for a Flat race four weeks ago; bit to prove.

8/1

Form: -P500F D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 10lb

12 yo Mare

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
12yo whose seven wins have been registered at either Market Rasen or Carlisle; latest was last April and she's now 9lb lower after a lean spell, but there were major signs of a revival on latest start before she fell (held in second at the final flight); considered but this may not be her track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

17:35 Newcastle

Lady Babs

11st 10lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Andrew Crook

12yo whose seven wins have been registered at either Market Rasen or Carlisle; latest was last April and she's now 9lb lower after a lean spell, but there were major signs of a revival on latest start before she fell (held in second at the final flight); considered but this may not be her track.

9/1

1

8th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Carlisle

Lady Babs

12st 0lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Andrew Crook

A three-time C&D scorer, including in this race 12 months ago; well below par this term, coming in last of 14 over C&D 20 days ago but this veteran mare still can't be totally dismissed from a plummeting mark.

12/1

14th

11

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Carlisle

Lady Babs

11st 4lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Andrew Crook

Veteran mare who has won seven races, three of them over C&D, but hasn't been in the best of form this season and others appeal more.

33/1

Form: 384-P

Last run: 319 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
While not the force of old, his close fourth on the Flat this month showed that he's still capable of fair form in that sphere; went the wrong way in his four-race hurdle career last February-May but needs a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

2

(11)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 4f 98y

Class 5

16:58 Newcastle (AW)

Natzor

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Dual 1m2f course winner for David O'Meara in 2024; close 100-1 fourth here (again 1m2f) in March was a standout for this yard but otherwise it's been a struggle; has quite a bit to prove.

25/1

9th

9

(7)

1st May 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

17:20 Newcastle (AW)

Natzor

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Wins for David O'Meara both came over C&D, including a division of this race two years ago; not beaten far at 100-1 here two months ago but looked flattered in a messy affair and he's generally struggled for this yard.

16/1

10th

8

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

17:35 Newcastle

Natzor

11st 5lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Lizzie Quinlan

While not the force of old, his close fourth on the Flat this month showed that he's still capable of fair form in that sphere; went the wrong way in his four-race hurdle career last February-May but needs a second look.

14/1

Form: 69P08

Last run: 38 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in two bumpers and he's struggled at massive prices in his three races over hurdles, two of them over C&D; handicap debut should offer improved prospects but he has no solid claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

17:35 Newcastle

Blazing Echo

10st 11lb

J: Dominic Hislop

T: Eloise Quayle

Well beaten in two bumpers and he's struggled at massive prices in his three races over hurdles, two of them over C&D; handicap debut should offer improved prospects but he has no solid claims.

25/1

8th

4

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 4

13:05 Newcastle

Blazing Echo

11st 7lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: Eloise Quayle

Well beaten in two bumpers and he's struggled at massive prices in two hurdle runs this year, including over C&D.

100/1

12th

1

3rd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

13:30 Carlisle

Blazing Echo

11st 5lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Eloise Quayle

Well beaten in two bumpers and pulled up on hurdles debut; best watched for now.

100/1

Form: 876

Last run: 151 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Second of five last April in his only Irish point but beaten 26l, 30l and 43l this autumn in his three runs over hurdles; absent five months before this handicap debut, for which the market may well guide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

1st Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

14:20 Worcester

Greer Hill

10st 8lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Jennie Candlish

Cut little ice in a handful of runs over hurdles but this Irish point runner-up was much improved on his chasing debut when a 28-1 winner of nine-runner handicap over C&D two weeks ago; up 5lb but open to progress, so he's a player.

7/2

1st

6

17th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

14:05 Worcester

Greer Hill

11st 0lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Jennie Candlish

0-6 over hurdles, having been well beaten in three handicaps this spring (2m1f-2m4f; cheekpieces added last time); last year's Irish point second offers a ray of hope on this chasing debut but it still takes a big leap of faith to support him.

20/1

8th

3

28th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:05 Worcester

Greer Hill

11st 3lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Jennie Candlish

Hasn't raised his modest profile in two handicaps, pulling up in both; the tongue-tie tried last time is joined by cheekpieces; risky.

33/1

Form: 3-PPP7

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Third of five in a bumper last April; triple-figure odds for all four starts over hurdles and pulled up on first three; while 35l seventh of 11 at Kelso (2m, heavy) on latest was better, with tongue-tie added to blinkers, others clearly bring more solid claims to his handicap debut today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

16:00 Kelso

Ellistrin Bay

10st 8lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Donald Whillans

Unexposed after only five hurdle runs but was pulled up on last month's handicap debut, having refused to settle; might be more relaxed without blinkers (worn for last three races) here but still looks too risky.

33/1

9

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

17:35 Newcastle

Ellistrin Bay

11st 1lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Donald Whillans

Third of five in a bumper last April; triple-figure odds for all four starts over hurdles and pulled up on first three; while 35l seventh of 11 at Kelso (2m, heavy) on latest was better, with tongue-tie added to blinkers, others clearly bring more solid claims to his handicap debut today.

16/1

Non-runners

Roarin Success

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £46.20
Straight Forecast £40.00
Tricast £501.99
Trifecta £373.70

Selections

POSTDATA:

Travis Wheatley

SPOTLIGHT:

Newport

Daily Mail:

Roarin' Success

RP RATINGS:

Book Of Secrets

D Express:

Littletown Lad

The Times:

Natzor

The Star:

Lady Babs

The Guardian:

Travis Wheatley

The Sun:

Travis Wheatley

Daily Record:

Roarin' Success

Telegraph:

Newport

Daily Mirror:

Newport

TOPSPEED:

Book Of Secrets