Worcester Races & Results Tomform Saturday 1st June 2024
There were 65 Races on Saturday 1st June 2024 across 9 meetings. There was 7 races at Worcester, 7 races at Musselburgh, 7 races at Listowel, 6 races at Hexham, 8 races at Epsom, 7 races at Tramore, 8 races at Doncaster, 8 races at Stratford, 7 races at Lingfield, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.
Races & Results Saturday 1st June 2024
The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.
(7) What A Steal 20/1, Record rather mixed over hurdles and he was ultimately well held equipped with first-time cheekpieces added to tongue tie (retained here) when sixth of 7 in handicap chase at Huntingdon (23.6f) 23 days ago. Not the easiest to weigh up on the back of that. 0-6 over hurdles; lacked fluency and was well beaten on recent chasing debut.
8
2nd (8) (28/1 -40%) Camino Rocio
28
28/1(-40%)
(8) Camino Rocio 28/1, Milan gelding who was ridden more prominently than previously but fared no better than on stable debut when fifth of 10 in handicap hurdle at Ffos Las (20f) 25 days ago. Switch to chasing needs to have positive effect now. Safely held in both handicap hurdles; improvement needed on chasing debut.
11
3rd (11) (8/1 -23%) Gone In Sixty
8
8/1(-23%)
(11) Gone In Sixty 8/1, Long-standing maiden who ran well folllwing 6 months off when fifth of 10 in handicap hurdle at Market Rasen (16.6f) 3 weeks ago. Entitled to be a little sharper with that under his belt but others more appealing for win purposes. 0-19 overall but was placed here in September and ran well over hurdles last month.
3
4th (3) (16/1 -146%) Brandt
16
16/1(-146%)
(3) Brandt 16/1, Exploits mixed over hurdles but was shaping up encouragingly (looked sure to be placed) when unseating 2 out on chase debut at Uttoxeter (20.9f) 2 weeks ago. Entitled to improve for the experience and he's worth chancing to build on that. Keeping on in third before penultimate-fence unseat on recent chasing debut; shortlisted.
5
5th (5) (66/1 -65%) Caro Des Flos
66
66/1(-65%)
(5) Caro Des Flos 66/1, Veteran who registered back-to-victories at Market Rasen last winter. Mark rose considerably as a result and he's yet to feature in a couple of starts so far this spring. Need to see more before becoming of interest again. Ended 2023 in excellent form (two wins) but has looked out of sorts this spring.
10
6th (10) (9/2 +31%) Royal Sam
4.5
9/2(+31%)
(10) Royal Sam 9/2, Point winner who showed promise over hurdles and similar story over fences for new yard, shaping better than distance beaten suggests following a chance ending mistake at Stratford (22.6f) 23 days ago. Not one to write off having eased further in weights. Switched to chasing for new stable this year and not beaten far on any of four attempts.
14
7th (14) (6/1 +20%) Exclusive Getaway
6
6/1(+20%)
(14) Exclusive Getaway 6/1, Raised his game a touch third on handicap hurdle debut at Kempton (2m) in April but appeared to have no excuses when eighth of 11 at Uttoxeter (15.7f) latest. Operating from a basement mark if switch to chasing has positive effect at least. Placed off today's mark on handicap hurdle debut in April; makes chasing debut today.
2
8th (2) (9/2 +18%) Hobie
4.5
9/2(+18%)
(2) Hobie 9/2, rish point winner who landed a 2m maiden hurdle here 13 months ago and comes here having filled runners-up spot on each of his last 2 starts over fences, albeit posing no threat to winner at Warwick (3m) 3 weeks ago. Possibilities again dropped back in trip. Course winner over hurdles and runner-up in two recent chases; high on the list.
12
9th (12) (150/1 -200%) Always Force It
150
150/1(-200%)
(12) Always Force It 150/1, Shaped well in pair of handicap hurdles for Gavin Cromwell in the autumn but no show in 4 starts for present yard. Goes chasing now with a good deal to prove. Struggled to get competitive on all four hurdling starts for new stable this spring.
6
|F| (6) (8/1 +27%) Chemical Warfare
8
8/1(+27%)
(6) Chemical Warfare 8/1, Won over fences at Newcastle for Tjade Collier last May and placed over hurdles later that month. Had wind op ahead of last month's return/yard debut fourth over hurdles and no great surprise to see a better showing with that under his belt/returned to chasing. Chase winner last spring and made fairly encouraging stable debut over hurdles last month.
4
|F| (4) (66/1 +0%) Phil Healy
66
66/1(+0%)
(4) Phil Healy 66/1, Bits and pieces of form for Graeme McPherson back in 2021 but has been operating below best in 2 starts since returning from a lengthy absence over hurdles. Others make greater appeal now attentions switch to chasing. Returned from mammoth absence with two down-the-field hurdle runs; chase debut today.
9
|U| (9) (9/1 -50%) Bensini
9
9/1(-50%)
(9) Bensini 9/1, Hurdles winner who has made a good start in this sphere, again finding only one too good at Southwell (20.4f) in October. Excuses on account of the ground later that month and conditions here rate more suitable. Possibilities back from a break. Course winner over hurdles last summer and made good start to chasing career; good chance.
1
10th (1) (9/2 +59%) Gieves
4.5
9/2(+59%)
(1) Gieves 9/2, Responded well to fitting of a hood when opening his account over hurdles in maiden company here (2m) last summer. Excuses on 2 of his 3 starts since in that sphere since returning from a break and not discounted now chasing with cheekpieces enlisted. Has not progresses from his maiden hurdle win in September; chasing debut today.
13
11th (13) (25/1 -108%) Bahio Boum
25
25/1(-108%)
(13) Bahio Boum 25/1, Shaped with encouragement when third of 8 in bumper here on debut in September. No impact over hurdles, including on handicap debut/following a break recently but it remains early days and market confidence behind him now chasing would look significant. With top stable and remains unexposed but made underwhelming handicap hurdle debut in May.
12:40 Worcester Handicap Chase (Class 5)
20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
HOBIE was well beaten into second over 3m at Warwick last month, but the handicapper has dropped him 1lb for that display. With Harry Cobden booked and the drop in trip a good move, he could be the one to beat. Chemical Warfare could only manage fourth over the smaller obstacles at Southwell last time and he is an interesting contender back in this sphere on only his second start for the David Pipe stable. Gieves completes the shortlist.
BRANDT's exploits over hurdles were mixed but he was shaping encouragingly (looked sure to be placed) when unseating 2 out on chase debut at Uttoxeter 2 weeks ago and he could just be worth chancing to build on that effort given his low-mileage profile in this sphere. Royal Sam remains with unfinished business as a chaser and he's feared, along with chase-debutant Gieves and Chemical Warfare.
He has been absent for 226 days but BENSINI won over hurdles here when fresh last summer and gets the nod.
(2) Kennack Bay 13/2, Maiden hurdler who looked set to make a winning chase debut when falling 2 out at Newton Abbot (25.7f) 2 years ago. Still in front when unseating 2 out at Huntingdon (23.6f) on his sole outing since and he needs considering from same mark provided his jumping holds up. In front before coming to grief at penultimate fence in both chases; must be considered.
3
2nd (3) (4/1 +50%) Just In A Bit
4
4/1(+50%)
(3) Just In A Bit 4/1, Placed both starts between the flags and he's shaped with promise in handful of starts over hurdles, again failing to see things out when fourth of 14 in handicap at Exeter (23f) 6 weeks ago. Appeals as being on a workable mark and not discounted now sent chasing. Safely held when making the frame in two handicap hurdles this spring; chase debut today.
4
3rd (4) (33/1 +34%) Song Of Earth
33
33/1(+34%)
(4) Song Of Earth 33/1, A three-time winner for Margaret Mullins in Ireland but he's been well below that level in 6 starts for new yard. Has struggled since joining current stable in 2022.
12
4th (12) (4/1 +11%) Ballinoulart
4
4/1(+11%)
(12) Ballinoulart 4/1, Offered little in trio of starts over hurdles but proving consistent over larger obstacles, again making the places back from 4 months off when third at Uttoxeter (20.9f) 2 weeks ago. May be sharper with that run under his belt and visor goes on now. 0-7 over fences but yet to finish outside of the frame; probably won't be far away.
10
5th (10) (33/1 -32%) Play By The Rules
33
33/1(-32%)
(10) Play By The Rules 33/1, Failed to fire over hurdles last term and fared no better for switch to chasing when fourth of 6 in handicap at Huntingdon (19.9f) 11 days ago. Needs to step up plenty on that. Became disappointing over hurdles last season and was safely held on recent chase debut.
13
6th (13) (25/1 -56%) Kooky
25
25/1(-56%)
(13) Kooky 25/1, Reached the frame in first 2 hurdles but has failed to kick on since sent into handicaps and was pulled up on chase debut following a wind op at Hereford in April. Now tried in cheekpieces. Well beaten in all three handicap hurdles and again disappointed on his chasing debut.
11
7th (11) (9/1 -13%) Est Illic
9
9/1(-13%)
(11) Est Illic 9/1, Pair of 2m wins at the end of 2020 and whilst he's drawn a blank since, did go close to ending the drought at Huntingdon (23.6f) in April, collared close home. Not disgraced when fourth at Southwell since but he may find a couple too good again. Ran game race in defeat two starts ago but others have more persuasive profiles.
5
8th (5) (10/1 +29%) Getthepot
10
10/1(+29%)
(5) Getthepot 10/1, Successful twice in handicap chases at Huntingdon in 2022 and best effort since when runner-up at Exeter (19.2f) in October. Not in quite the same form final 2 starts last year but returns with yard amongst the winners, so interesting if supported back from 166 days off. Became rather disappointing last year and has fitness to prove today.
7
|PU| (7) (9/1 -13%) Catuaba
9
9/1(-13%)
(7) Catuaba 9/1, Made a winning handicap debut over hurdles at Warwick (25f) last May but pulled up on his first chase start at Taunton when last seen out six months ago. Needs to hit the ground running. Absent since flopping badly on chase debut in November but can't be written off after that.
8
|PU| (8) (11/1 -38%) Top Of The Bay
11
11/1(-38%)
(8) Top Of The Bay 11/1, First piece of worthwhile form when third of 9 in a handicap chase at Southwell (20.4f) in April, that despite not always being the most fluent. Disappointed back over hurdles at that venue since and cheekpieces now added returned to chasing. Placed in 2m4f chase in April; up in trip with cheekpieces added here; still low mileage.
9
|PU| (9) (14/1 +79%) Blackwater
14
14/1(+79%)
(9) Blackwater 14/1, Sold cheaply after 3 starts for Gordon Elliott and having displayed a little more on yard debut early last year, he failed to build on that in 2 starts over hurdles/fences thereafter. Has good deal to prove back from over a year off. Struggled when a big-priced outsider for chase/handicap debut in March 2023; absent since.
6
|PU| (6) (17/2 +6%) Optimistic Joe
8.5
17/2(+6%)
(6) Optimistic Joe 17/2, £60,000 purchase after finishing third in a point last March and some promise in handful of starts over hurdles. Blinkers reached for on chase debut and he could yet have more to offer. 0-5 over hurdles but his Irish point debut in 2023 bodes well for his chasing prospects.
1
|PU| (1) (22/1 -83%) Easkey Lad
22
22/1(-83%)
(1) Easkey Lad 22/1, Improved to win a pair of 3m Ffos Las handicaps last summer. Mixed record thereafter but possible he needed his first start for 8 months at Bangor 2 weeks ago. Comes here back on last winning mark and better showing anticipated. Dual 3m chase winner last spring but well beaten last month, after a layoff.
14
|PU| (14) (50/1 +50%) Doyens De Ante
50
50/1(+50%)
(14) Doyens De Ante 50/1, In good form last spring, scoring at Chepstow and following up at Huntingdon. Has offered precious little since returning from 8 months off in January so can only be watched at present. Blinkers applied. Dual chase winner last spring but has looked badly out of sorts this year.
13:10 Worcester Handicap Chase (Class 5)
23f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
BALLINOULART returned from a 116-day break to hit the frame over 2m5f at Uttoxeter on his latest outing and he is 1lb lower for that performance. Alastair Ralph's six-year-old holds strong claims to get his head in front for the first time, with his main danger possibly being Top Of The Bay, who finished fourth at Southwell over hurdles last time and it would be no surprise to see him get involved back over fences. Easkey Lad is another to keep an eye on.
KENNACK BAY not for the first time was still in front when unseating 2 out on his belated return to action at Huntingdon 37 days ago and he could just be worth siding with to confirm the promise of that run from his unchanged mark. Ballinoulart has proved consistent in defeat over fences and is feared, with chase-debutants Just In A Bit and Optimistic Joe others to consider. Easkey Lad is another to bear in mind operating from his last winning mark.
Ben Pauling's KENNACK BAY can evidently be very competitive off his current mark and is selected in the hope he can avoid mishap here.
(8) Wiltshire Wonder 9/2, Wootton Bassett gelding. Half-brother to 4 winners on Flat. Better for debut when runner-up at Sedgefield last time and no surprise if there's further improvement in him. Went down narrowly when favourite at Sedgefield three weeks ago; in the mix again.
2
2nd (2) (4/1 +27%) Montana Golden
4
4/1(+27%)
(2) Montana Golden 4/1, €42,000 3-y-o, Mount Nelson gelding. Half-brother to bumper winner Cuban Court. Dam (c111/h101), 2m-21f hurdle/chase winner. Makes appeal on paper. 42,000euros 3yo; represents leading stable; newcomer to note for market confidence.
7
3rd (7) (11/1 +8%) Tuck Your Shirt In
11
11/1(+8%)
(7) Tuck Your Shirt In 11/1, Sixties Icon gelding. Dam 1¼m-17f winner on Flat. Should have enough speed for this test and can't be completely ruled out. Bred more for speed than some of these; stable has had one bumper win from just four goes.
6
4th (6) (4/1 +20%) Shadowfax Of Rohan
4
4/1(+20%)
(6) Shadowfax Of Rohan 4/1, €12,000 3-y-o, Sholokhov gelding. Dam unraced out of useful 2m-2¼m hurdle winner Star Wood. Noteworthy newcomer. Stable does very well in Worcester bumpers and this one looks a lively contender.
12
5th (12) (16/1 +0%) Lady Henrietta
16
16/1(+0%)
(12) Lady Henrietta 16/1, Only eighth at Southwell on debut and looks more one for the longer term. Green but not beaten far on debut; could improve markedly for the run.
5
6th (5) (22/1 +12%) Jaja Jimmy
22
22/1(+12%)
(5) Jaja Jimmy 22/1, Linda's Lad gelding. Dam (c94/h110), 2m-2½m hurdle winner, half-sister to fairly useful chaser (winner around 3m) Graduation Night. Wears hood. Quite a classy pedigree but wears hood for debut; yard is 0-16 in bumpers since April 2020.
11
7th (11) (9/2 -100%) Jackie Can
4.5
9/2(-100%)
(11) Jackie Can 9/2, Showed plenty when runner-up at Warwick three weeks ago, finishing to good effect. Should come on for that and she's the likeliest winner. Shaped quite well when second of six at Warwick; that looks the best form on offer.
10
8th (10) (33/1 -32%) Hettie Henigan
33
33/1(-32%)
(10) Hettie Henigan 33/1, Blue Bresil filly. Half-sister to 2 point winners. Dam bumper/fair 2½m hurdle winner. Rare NH runner for the yard and he's worth a market check. Rare bumper runner for a trainer who concentrates on the Flat; worth a market check.
3
9th (3) (33/1 +0%) Pennant Legacy
33
33/1(+0%)
(3) Pennant Legacy 33/1, Telescope gelding. Half-brother to modest hurdler Pennant Dancer. Dam unraced. Not an obvious sort on paper. Telescope half-brother to a 2m5f-2m7f hurdle winner; yard 2-19 in bumpers last five years.
9
10th (9) (11/1 +67%) Wingmann
11
11/1(+67%)
(9) Wingmann 11/1, Wings of Eagles gelding. Dam unraced sister to useful hurdler/chaser (stayed 25f) Oscar Elite. Likely to need further. Bred to be useful in the longer term but others may have more speed today.
1
11th (1) (40/1 -21%) Jaunty Galaxy
40
40/1(-21%)
(1) Jaunty Galaxy 40/1, Telescope gelding. Half-brother to fair hurdlers Jaunty Viking and Jaunty Soria. Dam unraced half-sister to useful hurdler/chaser (stayed 3m) Jaunty Flight. Worth monitoring in the betting. Home-bred; yard has done quite well with relatively few runners in bumpers in recent years.
4
12th (4) (11/1 +45%) The Beekeeper
11
11/1(+45%)
(4) The Beekeeper 11/1, Scorpion gelding. Dam, ran once in bumper, half-sister to useful hurdler/fairly useful chaser (stayed 25f) De Soto and useful bumper winner/fairly useful hurdler (stayed 3m) Caledonia. Not dismissed if the market speaks in his favour. Newcomer by Scorpion; trainer is 7-92 (8%) in bumpers in recent seasons.
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
JACKIE CAN shaped with promise when occupying the runner-up spot at Warwick and she would have learned a great deal from experience. Tom Symonds' five-year-old can find normal improvement to go one better. Wiltshire Wonder, who improved on his first start to finish second at Sedgefield last time, has to be considered, while any market confidence behind Montana Golden would also be interesting.
JACKIE CAN made a pleasing debut at Warwick three weeks ago and that's the standout piece of form of those with experience, so she's worth a chance to go one better for all that both Montana Golden and Shadowfax of Rohan are both appealing newcomers.
Several newcomers appeal on paper but JACKIE CAN shaped nicely on her debut three weeks ago and may go one better.
(10) Marco's Light 20/1, Champs Elysees mare. Easy to back, shaped as if in need of the experience when eighth of 13 in bumper (25/1) at Southwell (15.8f, good) on NH debut 25 days ago. In good hands and this should reveal more now hurdling. Showed only minor promise in a mares' bumper last month; hurdle debut today.
2
1st (2) (3/1 -9%) Shengai Enki
3
3/1(-9%)
(2) Shengai Enki 3/1, Fair form in bumpers in Ireland and similar standard over hurdles in Britain, gaining reward for his consistency when winning 9-runner novices' handicap at Uttoxeter (23.3f) 4 weeks ago. Building up a solid profile but this tougher back in novice company. Back in novice company after winning Class 5 handicap last month; probably in the mix.
1
2nd (1) (1/2 +40%) Highlands Legacy
0.5
1/2(+40%)
(1) Highlands Legacy 1/2, Placed in a pair of bumpers earlier this term and quickly back from a spill at Carlisle when running out an emphatic winner of a Southwell maiden (15.8f) 2 months ago. Rates a lead player despite a penalty to carry. Easily won heavy-ground maiden in April; major player if handling today's faster ground.
12
3rd (12) (50/1 +24%) Olivia Kate
50
50/1(+24%)
(12) Olivia Kate 50/1, Well held both starts in bumpers and never a factor on return/hurdles bow at Ffos Las (20f) 17 days ago. Likely type for low-grade handicaps further down the line. Well down the field in both bumpers and made similarly low-key start to hurdling career.
8
4th (8) (9/2 +10%) Double Oban
4.5
9/2(+10%)
(8) Double Oban 9/2, Territories gelding. Dam, half-sister to fairly useful 2m hurdle winner Heartbreaker. Fair staying handicapper on Flat (stays 14.5f) who was acquired for 30,000 gns in the autumn. Betting should guide as to expectations now attentions switch to timber. Fair on the Flat at up to 1m6f for Hugo Palmer; changed hands for 30,000 in the autumn.
9
5th (9) (50/1 +24%) Clover Pass
50
50/1(+24%)
(9) Clover Pass 50/1, Half-sister to fairly useful hurdler but little in the way of promise herself in bumpers/over hurdles. Showed no significant promise on first two hurdling starts.
5
6th (5) (80/1 -21%) Jormungandr
80
80/1(-21%)
(5) Jormungandr 80/1, Nathaniel gelding who showed a bit when fifth on Southwell bumper debut but well beaten both starts in maiden/novice hurdles subsequently. Best watched back from 7 months off. Began hurdling career with two heavy defeats last year.
11
7th (11) (150/1 -127%) Might Do Emery
150
150/1(-127%)
(11) Might Do Emery 150/1, Unplaced sole start in point bumpers and little promise in pair of bumpers at Ludlow/Uttoxeter last summer. Best watched now hurdling. Struggled in two bumpers last spring and makes no appeal on today's hurdling debut.
7
8th (7) (50/1 +24%) Nippin N Poppin
50
50/1(+24%)
(7) Nippin N Poppin 50/1, Well beaten on debut in a bumper here in September 2022 and looked to be struggling when falling heavily on his belated return at Ludlow in January. Passed over following another 5-month absence. Well beaten on bumper debut and was behind when falling on hurdle debut.
4
9th (4) (40/1 +39%) Captain Bill
40
40/1(+39%)
(4) Captain Bill 40/1, No encouragement in a bumper/2 starts over hurdles to date. Struggled when a 250-1 outsider for his two hurdling attempts in the autumn.
6
10th (6) (40/1 -14%) Lion Ring
40
40/1(-14%)
(6) Lion Ring 40/1, Modest handicapper on Flat (stays 7f) who ran below his best when ninth of 15 in handicap at Bath (5.7f) 17 days ago. Stamina has to be a concern now attentions switch to hurdling. 1-43 on the Flat, the win gained in 5f AW handicap in October; hurdle debut today.
14:20 Worcester Maiden Hurdle
(Class 4) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Highlands Legacy didn't need to come out of first gear when recording a bloodless success at Southwell in April and he merits respect, as does the also penalised Shengai Enki, who landed a handicap at Uttoxeter last month. DOUBLE OBAN is interesting first time out for Olly Murphy, though, and gets the nod with Sean Bowen doing the steering. He won a novice race on the Flat over 1m4f at Leicester and is expected to know his job debuting over hurdles for this yard.
BACKMERSACKME wasn't at his best on his most recent start at Tipperary 17 days ago but he'd previously shaped better than the distance beaten suggests in Grade 1 company at Punchestown and he's well worth another chance to get back on track for his shrewd handler. Highlands Legacy was an easy winner at Southwell when last seen and he's the chief threat. Hurdles-debutant Double Oban and the consistent Shengai Enki are others fancied to be thereabouts.
Southwell winner HIGHLANDS LEGACY looks the best option despite the different ground conditions, while Shengai Enki is next best.
(9) Mr Tambourine Man 12/1, Got back on track in a headgear change (visored) when second of 8 in handicap hurdle at Ffos Las (23.9f, good) 17 days ago. Needs to back it up now with visor again fitted. Perked up by change of headgear when second at Ffos Las this month.
1
2nd (1) (9/2 +55%) Halifax
4.5
9/2(+55%)
(1) Halifax 9/2, Scored at Kempton before good third of 6 in handicap hurdle at Hereford (25.5f, good to soft) 8 days ago, considerately handled when saddle slipped after 2 out. Can go well. Scored at Kempton in April and posted another good effort at Hereford last week.
3
3rd (3) (33/1 -65%) Art Approval
33
33/1(-65%)
(3) Art Approval 33/1, Fairly useful form over hurdles and fences for Fergal O'Brien and has showed that some ability remains recently for his new yard. Cheekpieces back on and he's edging down the weights. Ended last season with two fairly respectable runs but has not won since 2021.
10
4th (10) (9/2 +59%) Best Mate Dave
4.5
9/2(+59%)
(10) Best Mate Dave 9/2, Course winner last June but off for 7 months since a respectable fifth of 10 in handicap hurdle here (20f, soft). Not ruled out on the back of breathing surgery though. Won here last summer and is not yet fully exposed but has fitness to prove after layoff.
7
5th (7) (11/1 +8%) I'm A Starman
11
11/1(+8%)
(7) I'm A Starman 11/1, Veteran who gained a second victory since the turn of the year at Plumpton (25f) in March. Not disgraced since but he may have to settle for a minor role again here. Resurgent 11yo who has won twice this year; younger rivals appeal more, though.
4
6th (4) (4/1 -60%) Urban Soldier
4
4/1(-60%)
(4) Urban Soldier 4/1, Cheekpieces on for 1st time when getting off the mark in 13-runner handicap hurdle at Southwell (24.3f, good) 39 days ago. Not taken lightly despite a 7 lb rise with headgear again sported. Comfortably off the mark over hurdles in April and could easily have more to offer.
5
7th (5) (9/2 -50%) Spitalfield
4.5
9/2(-50%)
(5) Spitalfield 9/2, Opened his account in good style in 9-runner handicap hurdle at Ffos Las (23.9f, good) 17 days ago. Up 6 lb but very much one to consider. Suited by return to good ground when scoring at Ffos Las in May; further progress possible.
2
8th (2) (33/1 -32%) Throne Hall
33
33/1(-32%)
(2) Throne Hall 33/1, Useful sort at his best on Flat and fairly useful hurdler. Return to this sphere at Hereford recently contained no promise, however, so it's best to look elsewhere. Pulled up after racing far too freely on last month's hurdling return; up in trip today.
8
|F| (8) (4/1 +38%) The Turtle Said
4
4/1(+38%)
(8) The Turtle Said 4/1, Course scorer who looked the likely winner (going best) when hanging badly right and running out 2 out at Plumpton (25f, good) 48 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time now and well worth another chance. In front and going well before inexplicably running out at penultimate flight at Plumpton.
14:55 Worcester Handicap Hurdle (Class 4)
23f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
SPITALFIELD appeared to relish a return to quicker ground when winning at Ffos Las 17 days ago and, with similar conditions forecast once again, he could repeat the dose from a 6lb higher mark. Urban Soldier cruised to victory at Southwell last time out and is a leading candidate despite a subsequent 7lb hike, while others to note include Mr Tambourine Man and I'm A Starman.
A few with chances but THE TURTLE SAID looked like going in at Plumpton last time until running out 2 out and is worth forgiving that aberration off an unchanged mark. In-form Halifax rates the main danger having suffered a slipped saddle when a good recent Hereford third. Southwell-scorer Urban Soldier also needs considering along with I'm A Starman and Art Approval.
Low-mileage 7yo URBAN SOLDIER (nap) kept on strongly to get off the mark at Southwell in April and can overcome a 7lb rise.
(4) Walk Of No Shame 17/2, Bumper/novice hurdle winner last winter who added to her tally in a 3-runner handicap at Southwell (2m, soft) in December. Not disgraced next time but her 2 runs since have been very disappointing. Second in this race in 2023 but both runs this year have been disappointing.
2
2nd (2) (6/1 +25%) Hiconic
6
6/1(+25%)
(2) Hiconic 6/1, Took advantage of reduced mark when winning handicaps at Warwick and Worcester (both 2m) at the start of last summer. Shaped as if needing a recent outing at Southwell after 6 months off and should be sharper now. Well beaten last month, after a break, but her current mark is workable.
1
3rd (1) (11/4 +39%) Isabella Bee
2.75
11/4(+39%)
(1) Isabella Bee 11/4, Has improved plenty for the switch to handicaps, completing a hat-trick in 14-runner event at Taunton in November. Respectable return from a break when fifth at Warwick (2m, good) 26 days ago and interesting now stepping back up in trip. Won three in a row in the autumn and could have more improvement to come this year.
8
4th (8) (4/1 -60%) Caughtinaspell
4
4/1(-60%)
(8) Caughtinaspell 4/1, Little to get excited about in 5 outings for Michael Kennedy in Ireland but joined a yard with a good record with new recruits and she might be worth chancing after 5 months off. Confidence would be increased should the market vibes be strong. Showed only minor promise in slow-ground Irish maidens; may fare better in handicaps.
3
5th (3) (14/1 +0%) Holly Hartingo
14
14/1(+0%)
(3) Holly Hartingo 14/1, Posted a solid fifth of 11 in handicap hurdle at Kempton (3m, heavy) over Christmas but pulled up on both runs since. A 3-month break needs to have had a reviving effect. Pulled up twice at start of this year but returns from break on very good mark.
7
6th (7) (17/2 +39%) Sailing Grace
8.5
17/2(+39%)
(7) Sailing Grace 17/2, Made a winning debut at Newton Abbot in autumn 2022. Returned from an absence to finish fourth on 19f Fontwell handicap debut in March but pulled up at Taunton since. Bounce back needed. Respectable third on handicap debut (2m3f) but pulled up over 3m since.
6
7th (6) (6/1 +70%) Energy One
6
6/1(+70%)
(6) Energy One 6/1, Made a winning handicap debut at Ludlow in March 2023 but hasn't gone on from it, including refusing to race once. Well held on recent return from a 13-month absence. Drew clear to win in handicap debut in March 2023 but not much has gone to plan since.
5
8th (5) (15/2 -233%) River Gold
7.5
15/2(-233%)
(5) River Gold 15/2, Won a claiming hurdle in France last summer. Pulled up on stable debut in December. Better when second of 4 at Ludlow in January but it was still below her French form. Goes handicapping after a break. Still early days for leading yard. Won in France last summer but her first two British runs were underwhelming.
15:30 Worcester Handicap Hurdle (Class 4)
20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
RIVER GOLD bumped into a progressive rival, who has since confirmed the form by winning twice subsequently, when second over 2m at Ludlow, but this looks a good opportunity to get her head in front. The four-year-old arrives here for the powerful Nicky Henderson yard and this opening handicap mark of 110 doesn't appear out of her reach. Isabella Bee is likely to give the selection most to think about, having been eased in the ratings by the handicapper, while Caughtinaspell could be seen to better effect now handicapping.
The suggestion is CAUGHTINASPELL on her first start for Olly Murphy, with confidence increased should the betting speak in her favour. Isabella Bee shaped okay at Warwick last month and is second choice ahead of Hiconic.
With an encouraging reappearance run behind her, ISABELLA BEE might resume the good progress she made in the autumn.
(1) Thankyourluckystar 9/2, Well treated and heading back in the right direction recently, runner-up at Bangor 6 weeks ago. Should be involved once again. Latest second at Bangor was a step back in the right direction; in the mix again.
10
2nd (10) (11/2 +66%) Faded Fantasy
5.5
11/2(+66%)
(10) Faded Fantasy 11/2, Opened his account in a 20.5f Southwell maiden last June but hasn't been able to match that form since. Never the slightest threat at Ffos Las 17 days ago and hard to fancy on that evidence.
4
3rd (4) (11/10 +12%) Soir De Gala
1.1
11/10(+12%)
(4) Soir De Gala 11/10, Progressive. Had a bit in hand when stepped up to 2½m at Fakenham last time and a 7 lb higher mark doesn't look enough to stop him with further improvement likely. Cosy winner at Fakenham last month; still has untapped potential and could follow up.
3
4th (3) (12/1 -33%) Evenwood Sonofagun
12
12/1(-33%)
(3) Evenwood Sonofagun 12/1, Still a maiden and only ninth of 11 in handicap hurdle at Ludlow (2m, heavy) when last seen in February. Tongue strap goes back on. 0-19; poor run on soft last time but record on sound surface is better; may bounce back.
7
5th (7) (25/1 -178%) Captain's Pick
25
25/1(-178%)
(7) Captain's Pick 25/1, Runner-up in a bumper in Ireland last summer but hasn't achieved a great deal in a bumper and 3 starts over hurdles in Britain. Hopes rest on switch to handicaps. Opening handicap mark demands improvement but he's in good hands and it's possible.
9
6th (9) (11/1 +45%) Borderline
11
11/1(+45%)
(9) Borderline 11/1, Modest form over hurdles for Martin Keighley. Sports a tongue-tie on this first outing for a new yard after 6 months off. Check the betting. Signs of ability for previous yard; interesting runner in first-time tongue-tie.
12
7th (12) (33/1 -106%) Side Stepper
33
33/1(-106%)
(12) Side Stepper 33/1, Well held in bumper/maiden hurdles in autumn 2023. More realistic chance now handicapping after a break but would need to see market support to consider. Tailed off in three runs over hurdles; difficult to recommend from 10lb out of the weights.
8
8th (8) (22/1 -57%) Denable
22
22/1(-57%)
(8) Denable 22/1, Dual winner over hurdles in summer 2022. Also second at Kempton last May. Well held on AW Flat in April ahead of this return to hurdles. 2-12 over hurdles; not ruled out but others have more obvious claims.
6
9th (6) (50/1 -52%) Helios Allen
50
50/1(-52%)
(6) Helios Allen 50/1, Fair hurdler/chaser for Jane Williams. Off 16 months ahead of this first run for a new trainer. Can only watch. Returns from long absence for new yard; probably best watched unless attracting support.
2
10th (2) (14/1 -115%) Borodale
14
14/1(-115%)
(2) Borodale 14/1, Fortunate to open his account over hurdles at Chepstow in January, 6 lengths second when left in front last and just holding on. Well-held fifth switched to fences at Southwell since and wastes no time reverting to hurdles. Runs off same mark as when scoring at Chepstow but has since run poorly on chasing debut.
11
11th (11) (80/1 -21%) Raindance Queen
80
80/1(-21%)
(11) Raindance Queen 80/1, Placed both starts between the flags early in 2022 but has shown little in over hurdles, including a handicap Pulled up at 50-1 on handicap debut last month and would be a surprise winner.
16:05 Worcester Handicap Hurdle (Class 5)
20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Having won more cosily than the winning distance might suggest over 2m4f at Fakenham, this appears to be a good opportunity for SOIR DE GALA to follow up that success. Paul Nicholls' runner has been raised 7lb, which may not be enough to halt his progression. Thankyourluckystar chased home a subsequent winner at Bangor and his turn looks near. Denable and Borodale are also worthy of consideration.
SOIR DE GALA can take the next step up the ladder for the Paul Nicholls team. Bangor runner-up Thankyourluckystar and Neil Mulholland's Shuil Ceoil can fight it out for minor honours.
The obvious candidate is SOIR DE GALA, who had more in hand than the winning margin suggested when scoring at Fakenham last month.
Racecard Key
Ths is the racecard key.
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Meaning
TomForm top stats, gold rated
TomForm top stats silver rated
Ran similar race before
S
TomForm fatstest rated speed horse, last time out
T
Top Time speeed rated
Top Racingpost rated
At the races watchout for
At the races top pick
Top rated for thet statistic
How to use Tomform
Please Watch this short video that will help you learn how to use Tomform.com to filter out the runners and find a winner in each race.
This is the 16:15 Kempton race from the video above backed at 28/1 earlier in the day.
About U.K Horse Racing
Horse racing is a popular and historic sport in the UK, with a tradition dating back centuries. It is a multi-billion pound industry that attracts millions of spectators each year and generates significant economic activity.
There are two main types of horse racing in the UK: flat racing and jump racing. Flat racing is run on a level course and is typically shorter in distance, while jump racing involves horses jumping over obstacles and is generally longer in distance. Both types of racing are popular with spectators and bettors, and they take place at various racetracks throughout the country.
The most famous horse racing event in the UK is the Grand National, which is held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. It is a jump racing event that is known for its challenging course and has become a national institution in the UK. Other notable horse racing events in the UK include the Derby, held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, and the Royal Ascot, held at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire.
Horse racing in the UK is regulated by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), which sets rules and standards for the industry. It is responsible for the welfare of racehorses and the safety of jockeys and trainers, as well as ensuring fair and transparent racing practices.
In addition to its economic and cultural importance, horse racing in the UK also plays a significant role in the breeding and training of thoroughbred horses. Many of the world's top thoroughbreds are bred and trained in the UK, and the industry plays a vital role in the preservation and promotion of the breed.
Overall, horse racing is an integral part of British culture and a major contributor to the country's economy. It is a thrilling and exciting sport that continues to attract a loyal following and generate significant interest from spectators and bettors around the world.
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