Home / November 15 / 13:15 Ayr

13:15 Ayr

Good To Soft

Virgin Bet Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £3960.75
  • 2m 3f 110y
  • Class 5
  • 15 runners
RTV
View Course
Ayr

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

OUR TIP

Form: 52/3-

Last run: 409 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict

Irish point winner; showed plenty of promise over hurdles last year but now makes his handicap debut off top weight, after 13 months off.

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

7th

11

4th Feb 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 4

16:05 Musselburgh

Whelans Bridge

11st 1lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Rose Dobbin

2021 Irish point winner but he's had just four races under rules, pulled up on handicap debut at Ayr (2m4f, soft; 33-1) in December on latest; that was after a 435-day layoff and he had wind surgery soon afterwards; also now tongue tied but he needs to build on his 2022 novice placings.

33/1

0

11

11th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 3

13:50 Ayr

Whelans Bridge

10st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Rose Dobbin

3m point winner who showed ability in his three novice hurdles last year; this is his first run since but trainer can ready one after an absence and Brian Hughes is booked on handicap debut; interesting.

9/1

3rd

7

2nd Oct 2022

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 4

15:45 Kelso

Whelans Bridge

11st 0lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Rose Dobbin

prominent, not fluent 1st, raced in second 3rd, ridden after last (usual 3 out), hung left omitted 2 out, weakened run-in

3/1

Form: 394-

Last run: 214 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict

Maiden; much improved when fourth at Newcastle in April but that's reflected in his opening mark; Brian Hughes booked but others more likely.

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

7th

9

2nd Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 5f 110y

Class 5

13:23 Ayr

Toombridge

10st 9lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Ian Duncan

towards rear

16/1

3

4th May 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

17:35 Hexham

Toombridge

11st 4lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Ian Duncan

Yet to win in nine starts; fair third of six in a novice handicap at Carlisle on chase debut (2m5f, soft) and fair effort last time at Kelso (2m5f, soft); stamina to prove back at 3m (runner-up in a point in 2022).

6/1

6th

9

15th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 5f 133y

Class 5

15:00 Kelso

Toombridge

10st 12lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Ian Duncan

Out of form over hurdles before finishing a 7.5l third to Largy Train on his switch to chasing in a handicap at Carlisle (2m5f, soft); could have his work cut out to reverse those placings but has each-way hopes.

12/1

Abandoned

Form: 513-11 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict

Progressive 6yo; unbeaten in both starts this autumn and looked to have a bit in hand when beating 18 rivals at Carlisle last month (defied mistake at the final flight); another 4lb rise might not halt his winning run.

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

1st

3

20th Oct 2024

Good

2m 5f 28y

Class 5

14:00 Sedgefield

Zwicky

11st 10lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

Has won three handicap hurdles on varied ground, two of them at this track; 3m at Hexham when switched to chasing in May/June on last two starts, staying on well for third on first occasion but there was a notable mistake in that display and he unseated next time; even with a clear round, he might now find this trip on the sharp side.

7/1

3

1st Jun 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 41y

Class 4

17:30 Hexham

Zwicky

11st 5lb

J: Thomas Dowson

T: Philip Kirby

Won two handicap hurdles over 2m4f last October (good/soft); third to Dr Shirocco (who is now 5lb worse off) over C&D on chase debut last time (good); should improve on that; interesting.

5/1

3rd

5

11th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 4

16:00 Hexham

Zwicky

11st 5lb

J: Thomas Dowson

T: Philip Kirby

held up in rear, pushed along briefly after 14th

14/1

Form: 5-763P

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict

Maiden; placed in Ireland but was pulled up on last month's British/handicap debut at Carlisle.

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

0

10

23rd Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 190y

Class 4

14:25 Newcastle

Liberty Flame

11st 4lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Placed at Kilbeggan (2m, good) on last of three hurdling starts in Ireland in the summer but was pulled up on last month's stable/handicap debut at Carlisle (2m1f, heavy) and is difficult to enthuse over after that.

25/1

0

6

19th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 1f 33y

Class 5

16:10 Carlisle

Liberty Flame

11st 11lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

held up in rear, headway into midfield 3rd

10/1

Form: 9-435

Last run: 144 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict

Point winner; has run well enough over hurdles but will need more than his fifth at Perth, when last seen in June, to win this.

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

2nd

6

2nd Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:05 Ayr

Dance Thief

11st 0lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

held up in rear

6/1

2nd

10

16th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 3

15:50 Perth

Dance Thief

10st 11lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

Came good over hurdles at ninth attempt, with clearcut win at Ayr (2m, good) in March, and might have bettered that effort when third in competitive handicap over same C&D (soft) last month; likely contender.

4/1

3rd

14

19th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

13:20 Ayr

Dance Thief

10st 3lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

Only 1-7 in points and now 1-9 under rules after a breakthrough win under Ben Smith over C&D last month; however, that was a Class 4 handicap and this is a whole lot tougher (up 4lb).

10/1

Form: 8P6P9- D

Last run: 223 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict

Four wins in France but a damp squib in five outings in Britain last season; mark has come tumbling down but need to see signs of a revival.

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

3rd

6

6th Jun 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Uttoxeter

Batman For Ever

11st 3lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Won a 2m3f chase (soft) when trained by Guillaume Macaire; unable to replicate his French form for either Rebecca Menzies or Stuart Coltherd but did win a point for the latter in April; more needed back under rules.

9/1

6th

8

8th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:30 Ayr

Batman For Ever

11st 7lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

Four-time winner when trained in France; unplaced all six British starts for Rebecca Menzies and failed to justify strong market support when well beaten on last month's stable debut but it will be interesting to see whether his backers wade in again.

6/1

9th

9

15th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 190y

Class 4

16:00 Newcastle

Batman For Ever

11st 1lb

J: Sam Coltherd

T: Stuart Coltherd

took keen hold, in touch with leaders

8/1

Form: 414454 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict

Two wins at Perth this summer/autumn and has twice run well at Carlisle recently; this will be his 15th outing of the season and likely there are a few that are far less exposed than this winner of eight of 52 hurdle starts.

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

7th

12

3rd Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 1f 33y

Class 4

15:58 Carlisle

Malangen

10st 6lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Lisa Harrison

in rear

20/1

3rd

3

28th Oct 2024

Good

2m 3f 110y

Class 5

14:55 Ayr

Malangen

11st 10lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Lisa Harrison

Nine-time hurdle winner who built up a big lead and was only headed at final flight at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) 11 days ago; 2lb lower here; no surprise if he makes another bold bid.

8/1

6th

11

17th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 1f 33y

Class 4

13:22 Carlisle

Malangen

10st 7lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Lisa Harrison

led, went clear 1st, 40 lengths ahead 5th, reduced lead 2 out, headed and weakened last

12/1

Abandoned

Form: -87641

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict

Unplaced in his first ten starts but application of cheekpieces saw him justify support at Galway (2m+) six weeks ago (hard-fought but first two finished well clear); 14lb higher for return to Britain but clearly needs to be taken seriously now that he's hit form.

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

10th

11

26th Oct 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:45 Galway

Ivane

11st 4lb

J: E Walsh

T: Ciaran Murphy

Sole win over hurdles came a year ago here over 2m (soft); stayed 3m when second at Cork in May in testing conditions but more recent form leaves him with a fair bit to find; blinkers replace cheekpieces.

12/1

10

30th Sep 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 63y

15:25 Roscommon

Ivane

11st 5lb

J: E Walsh

T: Ciaran Murphy

Sole win over hurdles came a year ago at Galway over 2m (sft); a fine second over 3m at Cork in March; below that form since but this trip suits and one to consider.

12/1

7th

21

9th Sep 2024

Soft

2m 6f 97y

17:40 Galway

Ivane

11st 6lb

T: Ciaran Murphy

in touch with leaders

Form: 86-243

Last run: 105 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict

AW winner in April but beaten three times over hurdles in the summer, including in a seller; has since been sold out of Olly Murphy's for £3,000; probably best watched on stable debut.

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

3rd

3

2nd Aug 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

14:10 Perth

What Will Be

11st 10lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Olly Murphy

Returned from absence with some very disappointing hurdle runs last season but won on Flat in April and has held his form pretty well under both codes since; not yet proven over 2m4f but ran well for a long way when fourth at Uttoxeter (2m, heavy) three weeks ago and enters calculations.

13/2

4th

3

11th Jul 2023

Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

20:10 Uttoxeter

What Will Be

11st 12lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Olly Murphy

Dual AW winner on the Flat; second in a C&D selling hurdle (good to soft) in first-time blinkers (retained) on latest start; this tougher.

8/1

2nd

5

22nd Jun 2023

Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

18:35 Uttoxeter

What Will Be

11st 0lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Olly Murphy

Badly out of form over hurdles last season, after a long absence, but returned to the Flat with pretty convincing AW win in April and has made the frame on both subsequent outings; it's hard to predict whether he'll warm to the task now back over hurdles but there's no doubt he has the raw ability to be competitive in this grade; swaps cheekpieces for first-time blinkers.

11/4

Form: 456

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict

Placed in three of four Irish points in the spring; hasn't remotely threatened in three hurdle starts in Britain but may be a different tale on handicap debut with a tongue-strap fitted; market check essential.

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

4th

8

26th Sep 2024

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

16:12 Perth

Reagrove Lord

10st 6lb

J: Edward Austin

T: George Bewley

raced wide, in touch with leaders, dropped to rear before 4th, not fluent and pushed along 5th, rallied after 7th

11/2

3rd

8

9th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:22 Perth

Reagrove Lord

10st 7lb

J: Edward Austin

T: George Bewley

Still a maiden but he recorded a solid third of 11 over C&D when last seen out in June; much respected after a break off a 2lb lower mark.

16/1

Form: 6342-

Last run: 250 days

W: 10st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict

Just four career starts; beaten a long way when runner-up here in March (2m) but clearly has some ability; wind surgery since and could play a role on handicap debut over a longer trip.

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

5

28th Oct 2024

Good

2m 3f 110y

Class 5

14:55 Ayr

Beat The Retreat

11st 8lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Came good here (2m2f, soft) last December, his second handicap, but his subsequent record was very mixed and he's still 5lb above his winning mark; has fitness to prove after his break; others appeal more.

20/1

7th

10

19th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

16:30 Ayr

Beat The Retreat

10st 2lb

J: Dylan Whelan

T: N W Alexander

Inconsistent and 3lb out of the handicap today; pulled up over C&D last month after bad mistake four out; however, he won here (2m2f, soft) in December and also kept on well when third at sharp Musselburgh (2m4f, soft) in February; only five and open to improvement when back on song.

25/1

7

8th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 5

15:00 Ayr

Beat The Retreat

11st 6lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: N W Alexander

Came good over hurdles here (2m2f, soft) in December, his fifth attempt, and put a lesser effort behind him when keeping-on third at Musselburgh (2m4f, soft) last month; not yet fully exposed; enters calculations.

6/1

Form: 26P5-B

Last run: 189 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 83

Form & Verdict

Maiden; only beaten three lengths when fifth at Kelso in April but was brought down there the following month and absent since; wind surgery in September and remains relatively unexposed; one of two for yard.

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

0

7

18th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 3f 171y

Class 5

14:25 Musselburgh

Melchoir

10st 11lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Nine-race maiden who has not progressed and was pulled up at Kelso (2m5f, soft) last month on her first run after wind surgery; others are more convincing.

16/1

0

9

29th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

13:35 Kelso

Melchoir

10st 11lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Yet to win but not fully exposed and has shown ability; last seen when brought down in May and has since had a wind op, but she needs to improve if she's to land this.

14/1

10

16th May 2023

Good

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:50 Newcastle

Melchoir

10st 6lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

0-6 over hurdles; only beaten about 3l when fifth of nine at Kelso (2m2f, good) last month and was unlucky to be brought down there on Wednesday but others have more pressing claims.

10/1

Form: -53443

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict

Maiden after 17 outings; was running consistently in the summer and maintained that trend when beaten little more than a length when third behind Zwicky at Carlisle last month; chances of the elusive win on that effort.

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

15

6th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

17:20 Uttoxeter

Bushmill Boy

10st 5lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

0-23 over hurdles but went very close on stable debut here (2m4f, soft) in July and also ran well when third (albeit well held) at Fontwell (2m5f, good) in August; drops back in trip with cheekpieces refitted here; no surprise if he comes good for Olly Murphy soon.

6/1

3rd

6

30th Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

18:45 Fontwell

Bushmill Boy

10st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

0-22 over hurdles but very nearly made a winning stable debut at Uttoxeter (2m4f, soft) six weeks ago and will be fine on the forecast faster ground here; one to consider.

4/1

2nd

13

17th Jul 2024

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

17:45 Uttoxeter

Bushmill Boy

10st 3lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

0-23 but surely has a race in him, and did record a respectable C&D third (soft) last November; wind surgery since claimed for £6,000 from David Thompson and starts life for Olly Murphy back on a career-low mark.

7/2

Form: 744

Last run: 168 days

W: 10st 3lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 80

Form & Verdict

Runner-up in two Irish points a year ago; disappointing in three hurdle attempts (for Neil Mulholland) in May and sold for £6,000; again finished second in an Irish point on recent stable debut and a few alarm bells will be ringing if she meets with support on handicap debut.

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

7th

10

20th Jul 2024

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 5

14:15 Cartmel

Ambush Annie

10st 11lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Runner-up on all three starts pointing in Ireland; best hurdles run when third at Ayr in January (2m4f, heavy) but modest run in a Kilbeggan mares' maiden last time (2m3f, good to yielding; rider said hung left throughout); a possible on chase debut.

6/1

8th

6

12th Jul 2024

Good

2m 3f 60y

16:25 Kilbeggan

Ambush Annie

10st 13lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Formerly with Neil Mulholland and okay efforts for current yard in Ayr handicaps last winter; good bit to find back in maiden company.

25/1

4th

14

2nd Jan 2024

Heavy

2m 4f 100y

Class 5

13:15 Ayr

Ambush Annie

10st 12lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Formerly with Neil Mulholland; finished around 15l behind Beat The Retreat when third of 14 on stable/handicap debut here (2m2f, soft) 13 days ago; improvement needed, but the step back up in trip should suit and she is now 7lb better off; shortlisted.

7/1

Form: /578P-

Last run: 472 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict

Chase winner but unplaced all eight hurdle starts; absent since July 2022 (was with Sue Smith) and 10lb out of the weights on stable debut.

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

0

13

28th Dec 2023

Good

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

14:50 Catterick

Tumbling Dice

10st 2lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: William Young Jnr

Won over C&D on New Year's Day in 2022 but it's been a long time since he's shown any worthwhile form.

100/1

11th

12

18th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 5

14:55 Musselburgh

Tumbling Dice

10st 2lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: William Young Jnr

Won at Catterick (3m1f, soft) for Sue Smith last January but he was out of sorts in final five runs for that yard and was pulled up at Kelso on his comeback last month; overall record now stands at 1-20 and he has plenty to prove from out of the weights.

40/1

0

14

29th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

13:35 Kelso

Tumbling Dice

10st 2lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: William Young Jnr

3m1f soft-ground chase winner for Sue Smith; inconsistent otherwise and well beaten over hurdles in July; off since and no appeal for new yard from 3lb out of the weights.

66/1

Terms and conditions

*Odds displayed on this page are sourced directly from online bookmakers. Please check all details before placing your bet(s). 18+ only.

Verdict

The 4lb rise for last month’s Carlisle win may not stop ZWICKY (nap), who looked safely on top at the finish. The other recent winner, Ivane, is next best while fellow Irish challenger Ambush Annie is another with claims. Support for Reagrove Lord would heighten interest in this handicap newcomer.[Jonathan Neesom]