Saturday 10 October · GB · Hurdle · Class 3
3:05 Hexham
Tackling Insights Handicap Hurdle Race
2m7½f · Going: Good · 6 runners · £8,054
Verdict — our pick: Shallow River
Shallow River tops our ratings at 130 for this 24f test at Hexham, and on good ground he gets the nod, though only narrowly ahead of Lihyan on 129. That one-pound gap is slim, so Lihyan is the chief danger, with Imperial Merlin on 127 close enough to take advantage if our pick fails to run up to his rating. Medieval Gold, on 121, looks a step further back, while Rebel Tribesman and Heather Honey have more to find on our figures. It is far from a certainty, but Shallow River's rating is the best in a compact six-runner field, so he is our selection.
Runners & best odds
Updated 00:18Best available price among the bookmakers we review — tap Bet Now to claim the bookmaker's current offer.
1. Lihyan(0)Form: 2917-4
J: William Maggs(3) · T: Rebecca Menzies · 8yo · 12st 0lb · OR 127 · trainer 0% (14d)
By Vendangeur out of Elle Est Milan (Milan) · Owner: Bill Fraser Adrian Pritchard
Lihyan was a fourth last time out and a winner three starts back, and he has run over today's trip and on this going before, with our rating of 129 ranking him second of six. The main risk is a 147-day absence, while 168 lb is a hefty burden.
2. Shallow River(0)Form: 1/6357
J: Lee Edwards · T: Dave Roberts · 10yo · 11st 9lb · OR 122 · trainer 25% (14d)
By Ocovango out of Nicola's Girl (High Roller) · Owner: D B Roberts
Shallow River steps up as our top-rated runner, having won five starts back and finished third three starts back, with a fifth two runs ago, and he has run over today's trip and going before. Carrying 163 lb after 40 days off is the one reservation, though he sits well clear on ours at 130 against an official 122.
3. Imperial Merlin(0)Form: 45P1-4
J: Sean Quinlan · T: John & Sean Quinn · 9yo · 11st 9lb · OR 122 · trainer 13% (14d)
By Kalanisi out of Silver Charmer (Charmer) · Owner: J N Blackburn
Imperial Merlin is a leading danger, a winner two starts back and fourth last time out, with experience over today's trip and going and our rating of 127 ranking him third of six. The main risk is carrying 163 lb after 40 days off.
4. Heather Honey(0)Form: 13315-
J: Peter Kavanagh · T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith · 7yo · 11st 7lb · OR 120 · trainer 0% (14d)
By Getaway out of Firth Of Malt (Flemensfirth) · Owner: Mrs S Smith
Absent for 189 days and beaten into fifth last time out, Heather Honey is hard to fancy, and she carries 161 lb off an official mark of 120. In her favour, she has won twice in her last five starts, and has run over today's trip and going before.
5. Medieval Gold(0)Form: 32-794
J: Brian Hughes · T: Patrick Neville · 6yo · 11st 0lb · OR 113 · trainer 67% (14d)
By Camelot out of Mill Springs (Shirocco) · Owner: D Mann Partner
Fourth last time out and back within 16 days, Medieval Gold has run over today's trip and going, and our 121 rating sits well clear of his official 113 off 154 lb. The risk is a patchy record, with a ninth and a seventh in his last five starts.
6. Rebel Tribesman(0)Form: 2-1213
J: Jonathan Burke · T: Jamie Snowden · 5yo · 11st 0lb · OR 113 · trainer 18% (14d)
By Crystal Ocean out of You Should Know Me (Oscar) · Owner: Oldgoldracing Walkingwiththewounded
Rebel Tribesman's form reads well, with a third last time out, a win two starts back and another four starts back, and he has run on today's going before. Still, carrying 154 lb off 113, he is hard to fancy as our fifth-ranked runner of six, even after 22 days off.
More at Hexham today
Make the price work harder
Check today's horse racing offers before you strike a bet, or plan a multiple with the Lucky 15 calculator. All of today's cards are on the racing hub.
18+ · Odds correct at the time shown and change quickly on race day — always confirm the price on the bookmaker's site. UKGC-licensed operators only. begambleaware.org