14:25 Ascot
Friday 19 December 2025
All12:4013:1513:5014:2515:0015:35
Ascot Shop Handicap Hurdle
- 3YO plus  |  Class 4  |  1m 7f 157y  |  17 Runners  |  Turf
Cloth number
Odds
Star rating
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Won this race in 2024 before landing a second big-field handicap of the season at Cheltenham in April (16.8f). Unable to build on a promising reappearance when pulled up on return to Cheltenham last month. 10 lb higher than when successful here last year but not totally dismissed if back on song.
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Fairly useful hurdler shaped well (having first jumps start for 13 months) when runner-up under a positive ride at Doncaster (16.6, soft) last time, only worn down late by lightly raced type but clear of remainder. This is a deeper 0-120 but he's entitled to give another good account.
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Off the mark over hurdles in a Taunton maiden in January (form worked out well). Progressed (despite doing plenty wrong) to finish runner-up in back-to-back handicaps this season, chasing home Hardy du Seuil at Windsor latterly. Still relatively lightly raced and could have more to offer.
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Useful form when 2-2 in bumpers (latterly in listed race here). Caught the eye behind a race-fit French Ship at Chepstow on hurdles debut/reappearance last season prior to a smooth success in a 2m Wetherby novice (soft) last November. Off since but very interesting now sent handicapping by top yard.
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Enjoyed a productive start to last season but found life tougher in deeper handicaps. Yet to fire this season, faring little better over the longer trip when midfield in a 2m1f handicap at Cheltenham last time. Remains to be seen if drop in class can revitalise him.
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Fairly useful 4-time winner in France. Shaped encouragingly on sole start for Moore stable when fifth in a falsely run 9-runner handicap at Newbury over 2m in March (three behind him all won next-time-out). Changed hands for £90,000 and could be better suited by this test on stable debut.
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Impressed to win on hurdles bow and solid form when fourth in listed company end of last season. Stretched by the longer trip when fifth on return at Cheltenham (21f) and typically travelled well when edged out in a 6-runner handicap at Ludlow latest. Can go well back in a big-field 2m handicap.
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Held form well last season, including fifth in this race and has again returned in fine heart, better than ever when landing a 1m7f handicap at Wincanton (soft) 15 days ago, finding plenty in first time tongue tie (retained). More to do off 4 lb higher in a stronger race.
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Bumper winner was twice successful as a novice hurdler last season and has been shaping well in handicaps, coming from too far back in a speed-favouring race to finish fourth in a strong 2m contest over C&D last time. Likely to get a sterner pace here and makes plenty of appeal down in grade.
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Betting than ever when winning impressively at Carlisle (17.2f, good to firm) on return following breathing operation. Hit the frame twice since, latterly on softer ground at Huntingdon but this is more competitive.
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Progressive form in junior hurdles in late 2024, winning at Warwick and Taunton. Reappearance fourth at Chepstow has worked out well and he improved again to make a winning handicap debut at Exeter (16.7f, soft), edging ahead on line. Has a fine strike-rate and merits consideration off 2 lb higher.
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Fairly useful on the Flat and made it two wins from last 3 starts over hurdles when successful at Leicester (15.5f, soft) last month, leading on bridle 2 out and value for more than the winning margin. More than capable of holding his own in a better race.
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Fair winner on Flat (at 14f) and went like the best horses at weight when second in a 17.7f handicap at Fontwell last month. Found longer trip/quick turnaround against him when well held in a 2½m novice handicap at Southwell next time but has a bit to find back in open company.
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Useful on Flat for Aidan O'Brien and made a winning hurdle/stable debut at Sandown in February 2024. Step back in right direction when fourth in 2m handicap at Sandown last November but ran poorly upped in trip on final start of season. Bit to prove returning from 12 months off.
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Caused a surprise when winning 7-runner maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter (19.9f, heavy, 28/1) last month when well positioned in a falsely-run race but outclassed under a penalty in a much warmer affair at Newbury next time. Drops back to 2m and has been handed a tough opening mark.
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Offered something to work with when fourth on bumper debut. Arrives on the back of three quickfire hurdle runs (again showed ability when fourth at Fontwell on penultimate start). Worth a market check but this is a stronger race than he need contest on handicap debut.
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Won 22f Fontwell novice handicap last season and advanced his form when third at this track (19.3f) last November. 2-2 on all-weather earlier this year and likely needed his comeback at Wetherby in October. Significantly down in trip and is eligible for lesser races than this.
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Forecasts
Let It Rain (7/2), The Hardest Geezer (6/1), Tashan (7/1), Non Stop (8/1), King William Rufus (8/1), Parramount (10/1), Walkadina (10/1), He's A Latchico (10/1), Dance And Glance (10/1), King Ulanda (16/1), Moab (20/1), Norman Fletcher (25/1), All In You (25/1), Peking Opera (33/1), Easter Icon (50/1), Known Warrior (50/1), Gower Spirit (50/1)
An interesting race for the grade, with plenty of pace likely. The returning LET IT RAIN appeals most, his bumper/hurdle form has plenty of substance and he's likely to prove better than his opening mark. Dance and Glance has been shaping well in higher grades and will be suited by a greater emphasis on stamina here, while strong-travelling Walkadina can be seen to better effect in a big-field 2m handicap.
Previous Winners
Prize Money
1st: £8,265.002nd: £3,803.003rd: £1,901.004th: £952.005th: £474.00
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