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Race Overview

A competitive 0–120 handicap hurdle over just short of two and a half miles, attracting a mix of recent winners and more exposed campaigners. The pace is expected to be even, which historically favours prominent racers at Hexham. This should suit the likes of Blakey Boy, who impressed over C&D recently.

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Top Contenders (by Timeform Ratings)

Blakey Boy (Timeform Adjusted Rating: 128p)

• Lightly raced and clearly progressive, he won decisively over this course and distance last time out.
• That was a notable step up on his previous form and the “p” symbol suggests further improvement is expected.
• Races prominently, which is tactically beneficial at this track.
• Craig Nichol rides; he has a 43% strike-rate on hurdling favourites.

Coniston George (125)

• Won well at Carlisle in March but was below par last time at Newcastle.
• Trainer Nicky Richards is a respected presence in northern handicaps.
• Stays this trip well, and visored again here. Market support would be telling after 40 days off.

Quick Sharpener (122)

• A fair chaser who got back on track when winning over fences at Bangor.
• Still relatively unexposed over hurdles and is another who goes forward in his races.
• Carries 5lb penalty but jockey claim helps. Handles soft ground and could feature again.

Imperial Data (126)

• Has four hurdle wins to his name and ran respectably at Kelso last time under unsuitable conditions.
• This more stamina-oriented test is expected to suit better.
• Tends to race off the pace, which is a slight negative tactically here, but has course form.

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Main Dangers

Broughshane (127)

• Fair novice hurdler who shaped with promise over fences before pulling up on latest start.
• Capable on his day and returns to hurdles here off a competitive mark. Trainer in good form.
• Better ground should suit.

Miss Maverick (118)

• Completed a hat-trick last season and wasn’t suited by patient tactics when last seen.
• Connections may revert to more aggressive tactics, which could see her bounce back.
• Worth monitoring in the market after 42 days off.

Singapore Trip (122+)

• Winner earlier in the season and rated higher than his OR suggests based on Timeform’s “+”, indicating upside.
• Recent form has tailed off but shaped better last time. Worth keeping in calculations if the market speaks positively.

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Interesting Outsiders

Pinot Rouge (126)

• Listed novice winner in her prime but hasn’t fired in recent starts.
• First-time blinkers tried, and trainer Susan Corbett has been in form.
• A lively outsider if the headgear sparks a revival. Market support would be significant after a poor 2024/25.

Mellificent

• Returns from 63-day layoff after being pulled up last time on stable debut.
• Was a fair novice when trained by the O’Neills and has undergone a breathing op.
• Not one to write off completely, but likely best watched unless support arrives.

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Trends and Trainer Notes

• The past five renewals have seen winners at SPs ranging from 14/1 to 15/8f, so a mix of profiles has succeeded.
• Prominent tactics tend to be rewarded here.
• Craig Nichol has a notable record with hurdling favourites, and his booking on Blakey Boy stands out.
• Jonjo O’Neill, trainer of Broughshane, arrives with a strong recent strike-rate and his runner is dropping back in class.

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Each-Way Angles (11 runners)

• With 3 places available, Miss Maverick and Pinot Rouge are potentially overpriced if reverting to their better form.
• Quick Sharpener, while not unexposed, is in winning form and tactically suited, making him a solid each-way player.

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Summary

Blakey Boy is unexposed, in form, and has an ideal set-up tactically for this track, making him the one to beat. Imperial Data appeals as the main danger with conditions more in his favour now, while Quick Sharpener and Coniston George are solid threats if bouncing back. Watch the market for signs of intent from Pinot Rouge and Miss Maverick, while Broughshane could go well on return to hurdles.