April 07 / 14.10 Exeter

14.10

Good

Happy Birthday Fiona Walker Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3300.62
  • 2m 5f 137y
  • Class 5
  • 13 runners
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Happy Birthday Fiona Walker Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 74632P

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Returned from break with two good efforts over 2m7f here last month; didn't jump remotely well enough to give himself a chance at Chepstow; back here and provided he organises himself at the hurdles, he's a likely contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

9th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 5y

Class 5

18:37 Warwick

Blue In The West

12st 0lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Ben Lund

Scored at the 25th attempt at Exeter (2m5f, good) last month and ran well off 6lb higher when runner-up back there under identical conditions ten days later; this hold-up performer could go well again but his overall record makes him a risky proposition for win purposes.

2/1

2nd

6

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

2m 5f 137y

Class 4

18:40 Exeter

Blue In The West

10st 7lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Ben Lund

Confirmed earlier promise here when getting off the mark in handicap over C&D ten days ago; up 6lb but had something to spare there so merits serious consideration.

15/8

12/1

  • Place: £8.70

Form: -777P9

Last run: 17 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Nicely bred but hasn't raised his modest profile in two handicaps at about 3m the last twice; cheekpieces need to do something.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

7th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

15:15 Huntingdon

Greedy Smith

11st 13lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

0-6 over hurdles but responded well to first-time cheekpieces and belied 33-1 odds when second of 13 at Exeter (2m5f, good) last month; leading contender over this longer trip if the new headgear continues to help.

11/8

2nd

1

7th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

14:10 Exeter

Greedy Smith

12st 0lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Nicely bred but hasn't raised his modest profile in two handicaps at about 3m the last twice; cheekpieces need to do something.

12/1

9th

3

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 5

14:45 Bangor-on-Dee

Greedy Smith

11st 13lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Hard to make a solid case but the ground was soft when pulled up on his handicap debut at Doncaster where he was upped to 3m from 2m; also has questions to answer on this drier ground but this well-related 6yo could yet turn a corner.

10/1

20/1

  • Place: £7.00

Form: 52-480

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Interesting on some of last year's form on good ground but nothing in two handicaps (on soft and good) since returning from a long break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

13th Jun 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

20:17 Uttoxeter

Edna E Mode

11st 0lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Robert Stephens

0-18 under rules but ran her usual solid race when third of ten at Worcester (2m7f, good) 16 days ago in a returning visor (retained); looks sure to give another good account but doesn't appeal for win purposes.

6/1

3rd

6

28th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:00 Worcester

Edna E Mode

11st 2lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Robert Stephens

Has placed form but she's now 0-17 after finishing well behind Son Of Tyran at Ludlow.

16/1

7th

3

10th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 174y

Class 5

14:52 Ludlow

Edna E Mode

11st 5lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Robert Stephens

Runner-up over 2m5f here last April and returned to that sort of form when third over that trip at Exeter (good); she was beaten nearly 7l and is off the same mark here, but perhaps this longer trip is what she needs.

10/1

Form: /32360

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
0-4 over hurdles for Barry Brennan; 25-1 and tailed off on stable debut over 2m7f here three weeks ago; that was after 256 days off but she has a lot to prove; cheekpieces added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

19th Jun 2026

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 5

14:05 Market Rasen

Klervia

10st 9lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Ever more temptingly handicapped, and still doing some okay late work behind the uncontainable Beorma over Southwell's 2m4f last time; previous tribulations in two Cornish points and one other staying hurdle temper enthusiasm ahead of this step back up in trip, however.

16/1

3rd

3

2nd Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

17:30 Southwell

Klervia

11st 0lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Remains winless and she underwent wind surgery before a below-par fifth of eight in 2m Huntingdon handicap two weeks ago; others are preferred.

8/1

Form: 06/P45

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
No wins in 13 but ran okay two weeks ago at Wincanton (2m4f, good), finishing under 8l behind the winner who comfortably followed up last week at Ludlow; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

15:00 Newton Abbot

Vengeance

10st 2lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Jimmy Frost

0-12 over hurdles and, while there have been hints of encouragement off a sliding mark, he hasn't looked like capitalising and now faces a stiff task from out of the weights on chase debut.

16/1

4th

3

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

2m 7f 25y

Class 5

18:10 Exeter

Vengeance

11st 1lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Jimmy Frost

0-14 under rules; sliding in the weights in four starts for this trainer and those efforts suggest he'll need a further favour or two from the handicapper to break his duck.

7/1

Form: 83-587

Last run: 83 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Only minor promise in bumpers and beaten a long way in all three runs over hurdles, albeit two of those races were won by the first two home in the Supreme at Cheltenham; entitled to be far more competitive in this company on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

9th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 4

19:07 Warwick

Urban Isle

10st 6lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Hughie Morrison

0-7 under rules and a beaten co-favourite on his handicap debut when sixth of 12 finishers at Exeter (2m5f, good) last month; first-time cheekpieces now on and still lightly raced so cannot dismiss.

7/1

6th

4

7th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

14:10 Exeter

Urban Isle

11st 7lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Hughie Morrison

Only minor promise in bumpers and beaten a long way in all three runs over hurdles, albeit two of those races were won by the first two home in the Supreme at Cheltenham; entitled to be far more competitive in this company on handicap debut.

4/1

7th

9

14th Jan 2026

Good

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

12:35 Newbury

Urban Isle

11st 2lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Hughie Morrison

Placed in final bumper attempt; modest record otherwise and two hurdles efforts (80-1 both times) suggest handicaps will be his ideal scene.

100/1

Form: /6373P

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Twice third in five races since arriving from Ireland so can't be entirely dismissed despite a miserable run last time in first-time cheekpieces; tongue-tie added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

9

23rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 2f 110y

Class 5

19:15 Newton Abbot

Man Oh Man

10st 8lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: D Summersby

Went close at Exeter (2m7f, good) in April, but has very mixed record for current stable since the autumn; well beaten over 2m4f on latest outing and now 0-14 over hurdles; not the percentage call.

16/1

9th

6

28th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:05 Worcester

Man Oh Man

10st 8lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: D Summersby

In this headgear combination for his last three races and went close in the penultimate one at Exeter (2m7f, good); consistency is an issue but has a big run in him.

10/1

Form: -94643

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced and best effort yet when third of five runners in her third handicap start at Fontwell (2m5f, soft); if coping with this surface then clearly has some sort of chance; 1lb out of the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

7th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

14:10 Exeter

Dawns Desire

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Robert Walford

Lightly raced and best effort yet when third of five runners in her third handicap start at Fontwell (2m5f, soft); if coping with this surface then clearly has some sort of chance; 1lb out of the weights.

6/1

3rd

5

14th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

15:10 Fontwell

Dawns Desire

10st 10lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

Still to finish anywhere near after six starts but was well supported at Hereford a month ago despite being 5lb out of the handicap; evidently felt capable of better and does at least race off her correct mark this time.

5/1

4th

7

11th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 5f 163y

Class 5

15:30 Hereford

Dawns Desire

10st 2lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

Very moderate form in three qualifying runs and the switch to handicaps didn't spark a better effort when beaten 35l at Fontwell (about 2m5f, heavy) in December; still early days but she's 5lb wrong and not easily fancied.

20/1

Form: -066PP

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Very disappointing over hurdles given she ran so well in a Cheltenham bumper on debut; has performed below market expectations in two handicaps but both were on soft ground so she may run better under these conditions with cheekpieces added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(7)

14th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 1f 201y

Class 3

15:47 Salisbury

Noble Grace

10st 1lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Warren Greatrex

Second in a bumper but 0-6 over hurdles; well beaten in two Flat races and vulnerable once more.

100/1

7th

2

(9)

27th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 3

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Noble Grace

9st 4lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Warren Greatrex

Went close in sole bumper start at Cheltenham last April but failed to build on that in half a dozen hurdle starts since; last month's Flat debut at Wolverhampton wasn't bad (she made late headway into fourth of eight over 1m4f) but better opportunities await, probably over 1m6f+.

25/1

4th

1

(7)

27th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 3

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Noble Grace

10st 2lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Warren Greatrex

Beaten a neck in a bumper on her racecourse debut but a disappointing maiden over hurdles; tall order on her belated Flat debut.

20/1

Form: P-PFPP

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
He'll be glad to see the back of fences after producing form figures of PFPP, not that a case can be made on hurdle exploits; tongue-tie added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

20th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

15:50 Ffos Las

Alderley Charlie

10st 7lb

J: James Best

T: Polly Gundry

Form figures of PFPP over fences and, with a tongue-tie added, he never counted on his return to hurdles at Exeter; opposable.

50/1

10th

13

7th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

14:10 Exeter

Alderley Charlie

10st 2lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Polly Gundry

He'll be glad to see the back of fences after producing form figures of PFPP, not that a case can be made on hurdle exploits; tongue-tie added.

66/1

Form: /86-48

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
20-race maiden who only recently returned from a mammoth absence; beaten about 14l on both occasions and behind Vengeance last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

19:30 Taunton

Future Times

10st 5lb

J: Mr Jack Stenhouse

T: Gordon Edwards

Longstanding maiden who didn't run badly on first two starts back from a mammoth absence; out of the weights but not hard to see him hitting the frame in a weak contest, if bouncing back from a poor effort last time.

14/1

11th

11

7th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

14:10 Exeter

Future Times

10st 4lb

J: Mr Jack Stenhouse

T: Gordon Edwards

20-race maiden who only recently returned from a mammoth absence; beaten about 14l on both occasions and behind Vengeance last time.

14/1

8th

12

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

17:32 Wincanton

Future Times

10st 2lb

J: Mr Jack Stenhouse

T: Gordon Edwards

Unplaced all five hurdle starts but returned from 596-day absence with an encouraging fourth at Taunton (2m3f, good) a fortnight ago and has possibilities if that run brought him on.

6/1

Form: 565-64

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Left the Newland/Insole stable for 1,000gns last July, since when he's finished third in a point and a remote fourth on handicap debut at Taunton (2m3f; 16-1).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

18:30 Taunton

Pillar The Poet

11st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: I Chanin

Finished a remote fourth over 2m3f here in February before taking a backward step when tailed off at Exeter (extended 2m5f, good) two weeks ago when tried in a hood (retained), both times ridden by a 7lb claimer; still lightly raced but needs to step up considerably.

25/1

12th

2

7th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

14:10 Exeter

Pillar The Poet

11st 11lb

J: Mr Darren Andrews

T: I Chanin

Left the Newland/Insole stable for 1,000gns last July, since when he's finished third in a point and a remote fourth on handicap debut at Taunton (2m3f; 16-1).

15/2

4th

1

26th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

14:16 Taunton

Pillar The Poet

11st 12lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: I Chanin

The odd whiff of ability in light career; left the Newland/Insole stable for 1,000gns last July and finished third in a maiden point in November on his only start since; insubstantial claims on handicap debut but his stable won a handicap last Sunday with its first hurdles runner of the season.

12/1

Form: 23BU68

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Winning pointer; 0-13 over hurdles; has placed form to his name and cheekpieces could be an interesting addition as he did some hanging at Chepstow last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

16th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

20:47 Worcester

Locked Down Lad

10st 6lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Joe Tickle

Winning pointer; 0-14 over hurdles but has placed form and interesting that he was sent off the 7-2 favourite when pretty much tailed off here 15 days ago (after three months off); hard to trust on the back of that effort, for all that better was presumably expected.

6/1

6th

5

1st Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

16:25 Worcester

Locked Down Lad

11st 3lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Joe Tickle

Winning pointer with placed form over hurdles but he's now 0-14 and his runs earlier this year were poor.

8/1

8

7th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

14:10 Exeter

Locked Down Lad

11st 3lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Joe Tickle

Winning pointer; 0-13 over hurdles; has placed form to his name and cheekpieces could be an interesting addition as he did some hanging at Chepstow last time.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £157.00
Straight Forecast £134.66
Tricast £2985.41
Trifecta £3189.60

Selections

The Times:

Dawn's Desire

SPOTLIGHT:

Urban Isle

Daily Mail:

Greedy Smith

D Express:

Pillar The Poet

POSTDATA:

Locked Down Lad

RP RATINGS:

Blue In The West

Telegraph:

Dawn's Desire

The Guardian:

Dawn's Desire

The Sun:

Dawn's Desire

Daily Record:

Dawn's Desire

Daily Mirror:

Urban Isle

The Star:

Urban Isle