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BUMPERS

Trainers comment during the week

this is a new A v E 😂 😂 😂

What was expected to happen and what actually happened

Trainers comments before race………..

Stop Loss 25/1 (bet365) "Stop Loss first time out, had a not too promising run in a bumper 964 days ago. In this big field, we'll be delighted if he could finish in the first half."

What actually happened………1st Stop Loss 25/1

Comments: Held up in rear, smooth headway after 3 out, went 2nd before last, kept on strongly run-in, led close home op 20/1

Ya couldn't make it up.
 
Who produces it, luckyme? And are they making any particular claims for their approach?

Lad of our forum, just puts it up for us to read and no he is not looking for anyone to join him, just a decent guy who puts it up for anyone to read.
 
Below is your full NHF trainer + sire + racecard analysis for the 2.07 Southwell NH Flat Race (Class 5, Good–Soft) based strictly on your system stack (NH Engine v3, Novice Hurdle/Chase off, NHF rules from NH Playbooks, HRR Composite v1.0, Racecard Decoder v1.4, Track Playbook logic).
This is a 4–5yo NHF, so we apply: NHF biases → Trainer DB → Sire NHF stats → Jockey record → Market shape.

✅ 1. Southwell NHF Course Template (using NH Engine v3)

Southwell NHF historical profile (aligned with Kelso/Newton Abbot NHF elements in v3):

Pace: Often steady → late sprint.

Handy/travellers: +5%

Deep hold-up: –5%

Ground (Good–Soft): Slight stamina tilt vs Good.

Stamina sires +3%

Speed sires –3%

4–5yo bumpers:

4yos tend to underperform statistically → –3%

5yos neutral to slight + (experience/physicality) → +2%

✅ 2. Trainer NHF Records (Last 730 Days)

(Sorted by strength)

⭐ Elite NHF Trainers in this race

TrainerRWPW%P%NotesDan Skelton159418926%56%TOP bumper yardBen Pauling93183119%33%Excellent with 4yo bumper typesOlly Murphy79174122%52%Strong bumper statsFergal O’Brien155206213%40%Big bumper yardKillahena/McPherson3151316%42%Quiet but outperforming

Outliers:

Sarah Hollinshead (0–3) → –10% trainer penalty

Matt Crawley (1–4) small sample → neutral

✅ 3. Sire NHF Progeny Data (Last 730 Days)

(Interpreting only NHF-relevant columns)

⭐ Strong NHF Sires

SireRWPW%P%NotesCastle du Berlais42350%75%Elite bumper influenceGoliath du Berlais42350%75%France’s strongest young NH sireSoldier of Fortune69112216%32%Reliable stamina & bumper sireFrontiersman18156%28%Solid but not eliteOcovango16146%25%Fair, not top-class bumper sireJack Hobbsmoderate bumper sire

✅ 1. Southwell NHF Course Template (using NH Engine v3)

Southwell NHF historical profile (aligned with Kelso/Newton Abbot NHF elements in v3):

Pace: Often steady → late sprint.

Handy/travellers: +5%

Deep hold-up: –5%

Ground (Good–Soft): Slight stamina tilt vs Good.

Stamina sires +3%

Speed sires –3%

4–5yo bumpers:

4yos tend to underperform statistically → –3%

5yos neutral to slight + (experience/physicality) → +2%

✅ 2. Trainer NHF Records (Last 730 Days)

(Sorted by strength)

⭐ Elite NHF Trainers in this race

TrainerRWPW%P%NotesDan Skelton159418926%56%TOP bumper yardBen Pauling93183119%33%Excellent with 4yo bumper typesOlly Murphy79174122%52%Strong bumper statsFergal O’Brien155206213%40%Big bumper yardKillahena/McPherson3151316%42%Quiet but outperforming

Outliers:

Sarah Hollinshead (0–3) → –10% trainer penalty

Matt Crawley (1–4) small sample → neutral

✅ 3. Sire NHF Progeny Data (Last 730 Days)

(Interpreting only NHF-relevant columns)

⭐ Strong NHF Sires

SireRWPW%P%NotesCastle du Berlais42350%75%Elite bumper influenceGoliath du Berlais42350%75%France’s strongest young NH sireSoldier of Fortune69112216%32%Reliable stamina & bumper sireFrontiersman18156%28%Solid but not eliteOcovango16146%25%Fair, not top-class bumper sireJack Hobbsmoderate bumper sire

Weak NHF sire:

Desinvolte → 0 wins in all NHF stats → severe negative.

✅ 4. Runner-by-Runner Composite Evaluation⭐⭐ TOP TIER (Likely Winning Group)9 – VANGO CAN GO (2/1) – Skelton / Ocovango

Trainer: 26% W, 56% P (elite)
Jockey: 30% W at track
Sire: Ocovango (fair, not elite – mild neutral)
Positioning: Skelton bumper types usually handy → +5%

✔ Positives

Best NHF trainer in race

Yard fires winners first time repeatedly

Market support (2/1) = positive for Skelton bumper

4yo but large/strong type typically from yard → reduces the –3% age penalty

✖ Negatives

Sire is not a strong bumper influence

Could be short enough

Projected Rank: 1st or 2nd7 – MY MATE AJ (9/2) – Pauling / Soldier of Fortune

Trainer: 19% W, strong with 4yos
Sire: Very strong bumper sire
Pedigree: NHF specialist influence
Jockey: Ben Jones (fair)

✔ Positives

One of the top three bumper sires

Trainer is major bumper force

4yo from a very good NH bumper sire

Ideal profile for Southwell (travels strongly)

✖ Negatives

Pauling 3–5yo debutants sometimes need run (small negative)

Projected Rank: 1st–3rd2 – EUSTACE GRENIER (9/1) – Murphy / Castle du Berlais

Trainer: 22% W, 52% P – outstanding bumper figures
Jockey: Lewis Stones (claims 3) → neutral
Sire: Best bumper record in field (50% W, 75% P)

✔ Positives

SIRE is top NHF influence

Trainer excellent with bumper debutants

4yo but French-bred often forward early

✖ Negatives

Jockey less proven in NHF

Price suggests not first string yard runner

Projected Rank: 2nd–4th

1 – COLINS LEGACY (17/2) – Fergal O’Brien / Telescope

Trainer: 40% P – very strong bumper operation
Jockey: Harrison → decent
Sire: Telescope very solid (16% W)

✔ Positives

Yard sends “ready” bumper horses routinely

Sire is sound for NHF

5yo → +2% physical maturity

Distance/stamina stats excellent

✖ Negatives

O’Brien 5yo debutants can be quirky

Not always the yard’s most profitable angle first time

Projected Rank: 2nd–5th ⭐⭐ MIDDLE TIER (Place possibilities) 10 – GIDGE (2/1 joint fav) – O’Brien / Soldier of Fortune

Trainer: as above
Sire: Very good
Form: Has run twice (2 & 244 days) – experience positive
But… 5yo mare in NHF = disadvantage

Big Negative:

Mares strongly underperform in mixed-sex bumpers
→ –10% structural penalty

Projected Rank: 4th–6th

(Lay angle at the prices)

4 – GRANITE SANDS (16/1)

Form: 4th (decent)
Sire: Strong (Goliath du Berlais)
Trainer: Overperforming small yard

✔ Positives

One run already (experience counts)

Sire red-hot for bumpers

Trainer figures excellent

✖ Negatives

Amateur jockey (5lb) – neutral/negative

Market weak (16/1)

Projected Rank: 4th–6th❌ BOTTOM TIER (Unlikely Contenders) 5 – ICONIC JACK (10/1)

Sire mediocre, trainer average → needs big improvement.

3 – GOOD BOY GRIFF (28/1)

Hanmer 0/11 in bumpers → strong negative.

8 – PRESENTANDCORRECT (25/1)

Trainer poor bumper record.

11 – POTTERS ANGELTIERS (25/1)

Sire OK, trainer sample tiny; mare → –10%.

6 – LA VISH (80/1)

Zero sire NHF success → strongest negative in field.

🎯 5. OVERALL RANKING (Final Composite)

Integrating:

Trainer Strength

Sire NHF Power

Age biases

Pace suitability

HRB baseline

Experience

Market logic

🥇 1st – VANGO CAN GO 🥈 2nd – MY MATE AJ 🥉 3rd – EUSTACE GRENIER 4th – COLINS LEGACY 5th – GIDGE 6th – GRANITE SANDS

Rest: no appeal

💡 Best Value Bet Eustace Grenier (9/1) – best sire + elite trainer + French NHF profile. 🔥 Lay Candidate Gidge (2/1) – mare in mixed-sex bumper + questionable value.

I did a dam performance so a slight upgrade to granite Sands at a nice price
 
STALLION + CONDITIONS ANALYSIS (Heavy ground relevance highlighted)

We break down each horse’s sire record over the last 730 days across:

Distance (2m bumper relevant)

Horse age (4–5yo)

Track stats (Uttoxeter-like left-handed)

Going (HEAVY) ← most important today

Class (Class 5 relevant)

Surface (NH turf)

🐎 1. Crystal Force (IRE) — Crystal Ocean
Stallion Profile Highlights

Distance: 0 wins from 11 (but 4 places – 36% place rate)

Age: 5% win / 24% place (moderate)

Track: 0 from 1

Going (Heavy proxy = Soft/Heavy): 1 win, 6 places (43% place rate)

Class 5: 0 wins, 3 places (50% place rate)

Interpretation

Crystal Ocean progeny stay very well, often place on soft/heavy, but aren’t explosive winners. Good for grinding on, poor for speed. This is a positive stamina sire for heavy, but win percentages remain low.

Impact: mild upgrade (stamina yes, limited class).

🐎 2. Eastern Fire (IRE) — Poet’s Word
Stallion Profile

Distance: 6% win / 47% place (solid)

Age: 9% win / 40% place

Track: 0 wins / 3 places from 4 (75% place!)

Going (Heavy proxy): 0 wins, 6 places from 10 (60% place rate)

Class 5: 0 wins, 4 places (33%)

Interpretation

Poet’s Word progeny love wet ground and place frequently, but win strike rates are surprisingly low across all categories. Ideal for staying-on late, less ideal for a 4-runner tactical race.

Impact: small downgrade (huge placer, poor winner profile).

🐎 3. Laraktar (FR) — Karaktar
Stallion Profile

Sample size tiny, but:

Distance: 0/2

Age: 0/3

Track: 0/0

Going: 0/0

Class: 0/3

Surface: 0/3

Interpretation

Tiny data set = no meaningful sire guidance. But Karaktar is a French AQPS sire, and French sires massively outperform on heavy UK bumpers (historical trend, not shown in the 2-runner sample).

Impact: neutral → small positive inferred (French sire + Murphy yard).

🐎 5. Rathkenny (IRE) — Masked Marvel
Stallion Profile (exceptionally strong)

Distance: 33% wins / 47% placed (excellent)

Age (5yo): 15% wins

Track: 50% wins, 100% places (insane stat, small sample)

Going (Soft/Heavy): 33% wins, 29% place

Class (5): 36% wins / 57% placed (elite level)

Surface: 36% wins / 57% placed

Interpretation

This is the monster sire in the field.
Masked Marvel progeny are:

absolute weapons in soft/heavy

high win-rate (not just places)

very strong at this distance, age, and class

proven staying types who power through deep ground

Impact: MAJOR UPGRADE.
Rathkenny becomes a far bigger danger — possibly the best heavy-ground sire profile in the whole UK bumper scene.

🔥 REVISED RANKINGS (after stallion integration)

This changes the race more than any trainer stat did.

1st — Laraktar (FR)

Still the top pick due to:

Olly Murphy’s massive Uttoxeter/NH-flat strike rates

French-bred heavy-ground advantage

Tactical superiority in 4-runner bumpers

Stable form & debutant profile

2nd — Rathkenny (IRE) 🔼 BIG MOVER

After applying Masked Marvel’s stallion statistics:
Rathkenny now has the best ground, class, stamina, and distance profile in the field.
Trainer’s November stats here are excellent (33% win).
A HUGE threat — now nearly co-favourite on raw profile.

3rd — Eastern Fire (IRE)

Poet’s Word = placer, not winner in bumpers.
Skelton gives him a floor, but sire numbers are anti-win on heavy.
Has a chance; unlikely to win unless others underperform.

4th — Crystal Force (IRE)

Crystal Ocean stamina helps, but lacks class and trainer power.

🎯 BEST BETS — UPDATED
⭐ WIN BET (Primary)

Laraktar (FR)
Trainer form + French sire angle + race shape advantage.

⭐ WIN BET (Secondary / Danger)

Rathkenny (IRE)
The BEST heavy-ground sire in the field by miles.
Trainer has a strong November/Uttoxeter micro-angle.
Now a legitimate winning threat.

⭐ LAY / AVOID FOR WIN

Eastern Fire (IRE)
Strong placer profile, weak winner profile on heavy.

⭐ FORECAST

Laraktar → Rathkenny
(reverse for saver)
 
Nice, let’s bolt the Cheltenham/soft Listed-bumper overlays (Option B) onto your raw merged scores and see who comes out on top.

I’ve only used:

The data you posted

Generic Cheltenham bumper + soft-ground logic

No external formbook, no extra HRB/HRR stuff

1️⃣ Final Scores After Cheltenham-Soft Overlays
🔢 Base raw score ➜ after overlays
Rank Horse Raw Score Cheltenham/Soft Overlay Final
1 Chicker +13.0 +3.0 +16.0
2 Saint Clovis +10.5 +2.5 +13.0
3 Bud Fox +7.0 +2.5 +9.5
4 Onlyforfrankie +6.0 +0.5 +6.5
5= Hawks Rock +2.0 +3.0 +5.0
5= Sinchi Roca +2.5 +2.5 +5.0
5= Wonder Flying +3.0 +2.0 +5.0
8 The Mad Poet +3.0 0 +3.0
9 Makingplansfor –1.0 +1.0 0.0
10= Eclat De Marvel –3.0 +1.0 –2.0
10= Lucky Diamond –2.0 0 –2.0
12= A Likeable Rogue –3.0 0 –3.0
12= Lion City –2.5 –0.5 –3.0
14 Kampari –4.0 0 –4.0
2️⃣ What the Cheltenham / Soft Overlay Actually Did
🟢 Got upgraded

CHICKER (+3)

Big boost for:

Cheltenham win in a UK2 bumper (same C&D)

Sire Frontiersman with good soft/going stats

Already unbeaten

Overlay says: handles the track, handles this level, and should stay on soft.

SAINT CLOVIS (+2.5)

Two huge Irish fields (18 & 19 runners) show big-field stamina

Irish bumper style + softish tendencies help in a soft Cheltenham Listed

He doesn’t have track experience, but his profile screams “big galloping bumper”.

BUD FOX (+2.5)

Punchestown 24-runner win → serious big-field stamina tick

Walk In The Park stallion has very solid going stats

Overlay respects him as proper Listed bumper horse, but he still has the 201-day layoff dragging his raw score a bit.

HAWKS ROCK (+3)

Massive upgrade on:

Galway 2nd of 16 (9k) → proven in a big, deep Irish bumper

Stallion Jukebox Jury with strong soft/going stats

Still let down by trainer/jockey cold stats in the raw layer, but conditions are bang right.

SINCHI ROCA (+2.5)

Heavy-ground win at Taunton + Getaway as sire = strong soft/heavy profile

Cheltenham soft is a stamina test; this overlay LOVES that Taunton heavy win.

WONDER FLYING (+2)

Ran 5th in the same Cheltenham UK2 bumper as Chicker → proven track/field

Sire Masked Marvel with very good soft/going stats

Overlay says: handled the track, will improve with softer ground / stronger test.

MAKINGPLANSFOR (+1)

2nd on good-to-soft at Newton Abbot + decent going stats for Telescope

Gets a small soft/stamina nudge.

🔴 Got downgraded (or left where they were)

LION CITY (–0.5)

Heavy run at Naas was poor

Sire Dubawi has a great flat record but not a soft/staying NH profile

Stiff, soft Cheltenham bumper looks against him on this data.

KAMPARI, A LIKEABLE ROGUE, ECLAT DE MARVEL, LUCKY DIAMOND

No proven soft/stiff/track angles or got hammered in modest races

Overlays don’t rescue them.

3️⃣ Interpreting the Final Picture
🥇 Top Tier (proper contenders)

CHICKER – Final +16

Unbeaten (2/2), including a win in the key Cheltenham UK2 trial

Massive raw score and big Cheltenham/soft boost

On your data-only model, he is clearly ahead of the favourite.

SAINT CLOVIS – Final +13

Two massive-field Irish bumper runs with great subform

Overlay loves him for a strongly-run soft Cheltenham Listed

Very live danger and big price vs score.

BUD FOX – Final +9.5

Best single piece of form in the race (24-runner Punchestown win)

Overlay boosts big-field Irish winner, but:

Raw layer still penalises the long 201-day absence

Model view: top 3, but not streets clear of Chicker/Clovis at all.

🥈 Solid Each-Way / Place Players

ONLYFORFRANKIE – +6.5

Good Roscommon win + strong Kilbeggan run

No huge Cheltenham/soft upgrade, but raw form is very solid.

HAWKS ROCK / SINCHI ROCA / WONDER FLYING – all +5

Hawks Rock: big Galway form, big-field stamina, soft-sire

Sinchi Roca: heavy-ground win + solid bumper efforts → great if it gets properly testing

Wonder Flying: back to that Cheltenham UK2 form line and now softer ground probably suits.

❌ Cold / Ignore Types (on this model)

The Mad Poet: gets Skelton uplift but no real Cheltenham/soft angle.

Makingplansfor: small positive but outgunned on class.

Lucky Diamond, Lion City, Kampari, A Likeable Rogue, Eclat de Marvel: no real conditions or class positives in the data you supplied.

4️⃣ What This Says vs. The Market (using your odds line)

Evens Bud Fox vs 9/2 Chicker

Model has Chicker clearly ahead once Cheltenham-soft overlays are applied.

Saint Clovis (11/1) comes out closer to Bud Fox than the market suggests.

Big-price dangers flagged by the overlay:

Hawks Rock (22/1) – Galway + soft-sire

Wonder Flying (28/1) – key Cheltenham form + soft-sire

Sinchi Roca (11/1) – heavy winner, stamina angle.
 
NAVAN BUMPER

✅ STEP 1 — Convert Raw Scores → A/B/C/D Grades

Using your standard thresholds:

A = Elite / standout (≥ +13)

B = Strong contenders (+8 to +12)

C = Outside place possibilities (+3 to +7)

D = Low probability (≤ +2)

Grades Assigned
Horse Score Grade
Closutton (IRE) +19 A+
Easter Bonnet (FR) +15 A
Churchfield Annie (IRE) +13 A−
Oldschool Outlaw (IRE) +12 B+
Caoimhe (IRE) +10 B
Some Pretender +7 C+
Brosna Shine +5 C
Brosna Queen +4 C
Royal Hillsborough –1 D
Louve Darc –9 D−
✅ STEP 2 — Convert Raw Scores → Percentages

Method:

Convert each score to 0–100 scale by proportional normalisation

Highest score = 100%

Others expressed relative to the top

Top score = 19 → treated as 100%

Percentage = (score / 19) × 100

Percentages
Horse Score % Chance (Raw Data Only)
Closutton 19 100%
Easter Bonnet 15 79%
Churchfield Annie 13 68%
Oldschool Outlaw 12 63%
Caoimhe 10 53%
Some Pretender 7 37%
Brosna Shine 5 26%
Brosna Queen 4 21%
Royal Hillsborough –1 0% (Fails baseline)
Louve Darc –9 0% (Fails baseline)
✅ STEP 3 — Apply NH ENGINE v3 Overlays

This includes:

• NH Pace Engine (bumpers template)

Navan, soft/heavy → stamina + trackers/handy types rewarded

Avoid deep hold-ups

Emmet Mullins / Elliott pace setups usually aggressive

• Trainer Database (Unified)

Mullins (WP & Emmet) +5% to +10%

Elliott +4%

Cromwell +3%

Small yards = 0%

• Jumping Ability Overlay

In bumpers → defaults to neutral unless clear traveller profile

• Race-Type Trigger Overlays (Bumpers):

Trackers/handy types +5%

Deep closers –5%

Listed mares bumper: mare strength matters — Mullins mares get +8% historical edge

• Soft/Heavy galloping track (Navan) bias:

Stamina pedigrees +7%

Poor-ground sires –5%

🔥 NH ENGINE v3 FINAL ADJUSTED SCORES

Apply overlays (cap at ±25%):

Closutton (IRE)

Base 100%

Mullins mares bumper edge +8%

Soft-ground sire +5%

Pace suitable (handy) +5%
→ 118% → capped to 125% → final = 100%
(Stays top)

Easter Bonnet (FR)

79% base

Mullins boost +8%

Doctor Dino = soft-ground monster +10%

Handy style +5%
→ 79 × 1.23 = 97%

Churchfield Annie (IRE)

68% base

Emmet Mullins bumper overlay +7%

Stamina pedigree +7%

Track/trainer record +5%
→ 68 × 1.19 = 81%

Oldschool Outlaw (IRE)

63% base

Elliott listed-bumper record +5%

Walk In The Park soft-ground +7%
→ 63 × 1.12 = 70%

Caoimhe (IRE)

53% base

Cromwell bumper record +5%

Blue Bresil → excellent on soft +6%
→ 53 × 1.11 = 59%

Some Pretender

37% base

Mullins factor +8%
→ 37 × 1.08 = 40%

Brosna Shine / Brosna Queen

C-tier → no overlays change the picture
Final ≈ 20–25%

Royal Hillsborough / Louve Darc

Remain 0% after engine filters.

🏆 FINAL NH ENGINE v3 RANKING (REAL-WORLD VERSION)
A-Tier (Win candidates)

Closutton (IRE) — 100%

Easter Bonnet (FR) — 97%

Churchfield Annie (IRE) — 81%

B-Tier (Place danger)

Oldschool Outlaw (IRE) — 70%

Caoimhe (IRE) — 59%

C-Tier (Needs luck)

Some Pretender — 40%

Brosna Shine — 25%

Brosna Queen — 21%

D-Tier (No realistic chance)

Royal Hillsborough

Louve Darc

✅ MAIN BET
Closutton (IRE) – Win

Why:

Highest raw score (19), graded A+

Perfect profile for a Listed mares’ bumper

Mullins mare + strong soft-ground sire angle

Proven winning form and pace setup ideal at Navan

NH Engine v3 → capped max rating (100%)

Win target: Closutton (IRE)
Stands out on every metric.

✅ NEXT BEST (NB)
Easter Bonnet (FR)

Why:

Unbeaten

Doctor Dino = elite soft-heavy bumper sire

Mullins again, with extremely strong 20-day form

NH Engine adjusted probability ~97% of leader

Much safer than market suggests (7/4 fair)

Next Best: Easter Bonnet (FR)

✅ BEST LONGSHOT
Oldschool Outlaw (IRE) (currently 7/2 but drifting)

Why is she a longshot?
She has big upside vs market because:

Form in a Grade 2 bumper

Walk In The Park + Elliott = massive Listed bumper upgrade

Strong stamina for soft-heavy Navan

Raw score: B+

NH Engine v3: 70% after adjustments

She stays, she handles the mud, she has proper depth.

If you want a true outsider (16/1+) the next value play is:

⭐ Churchfield Annie (10/1)

Emmet Mullins bomber

Figures extremely well on raw score

Excellent pace setup

Came out as A− tier

But your top longshot on EV:
➡️ Oldschool Outlaw (IRE)

🎯 Final Suggested Slip

WIN — Closutton (IRE)
NB — Easter Bonnet (FR)
LONGSHOT — Oldschool Outlaw (IRE)
Optional long outsider: Churchfield Annie 10/1
 
Sun 23 Nov 2025 – Punchestown 3.35
Jimmy Hayes Memorial (Pro/Am) NH Flat Race

2m1f (3717 yards)

Soft to Heavy

Right-handed

4yo+

6 runners

Win £5575

All horses OR = 0

HRB ratings supplied by you

Sire, Trainer, Dam data all provided and used

📊 FINAL COMBINED SCORING (Your Data Only)

Each horse received a score based solely on:

HRB (scaled 0–100)

Sire Win% (from “All” column)

Trainer Win% (from “All” column)

Dam Win%

Final Score = Average of the four values
(no weighting, no assumptions)

🏆 FINAL RANKING
Rank Horse Combined Score
1 Treasure Memory 28.9
2 Its Only A Game 25.2
3 Paymelater 15.35
4 Speculateur 14.4
5 Drombane 11.5
6 Boycetown 9.7
🏁 FINAL CHOICES (Strictly From Your Data)
🥇 1st Choice — TREASURE MEMORY

Why (from your data):

Highest HRB: 175

Respectable sire + trainer + dam contributions relative to field

Best overall combined score from all data sources

🥈 2nd Choice — ITS ONLY A GAME

Why (from your data):

Second-highest HRB: 157

Trainer stats moderate

Dam has 1 run only (neutral)

Combined score strong due to HRB dominance

🥉 3rd Choice — PAYMELATER

Why:

Good HRB (97) keeps him above Speculateur and Drombane in total

Sire/trainer/dam stats weak but HRB keeps him in mid-group

📌 FINAL SUMMARY STATEMENT

Based solely on the data you posted — HRB, sire win%, trainer win%, dam win%, and no external inputs — Treasure Memory is the top-rated runner for the 3.35 Punchestown bumper, followed by Its Only A Game, with Paymelater and Speculateur forming the next group, and Drombane and Boycetown ranking lowest on the combined metrics.
 
Meant to say that I was pretty taken with the types in the Wincanton bumper last Thursday (20th Nov) - Honeyball had three in it of which I was told the winner would win. But his others were nice too (second and unplaced though v green)

1. Bailey's Comet
2. Champ Cabal
3. Roximan (this was Nicholls which was the standout pick in the paddock and will make up into a very nice novice hurdler - plus they really like him a lot)
All horses ran pretty green but I did like them and I think worth keeping an eye on. Bryony Frost's mount too ran well to finish 4th when threatening.
 
Meant to say that I was pretty taken with the types in the Wincanton bumper last Thursday (20th Nov) - Honeyball had three in it of which I was told the winner would win. But his others were nice too (second and unplaced though v green)

1. Bailey's Comet
2. Champ Cabal
3. Roximan (this was Nicholls which was the standout pick in the paddock and will make up into a very nice novice hurdler - plus they really like him a lot)
All horses ran pretty green but I did like them and I think worth keeping an eye on. Bryony Frost's mount too ran well to finish 4th when threatening.
Surprise, surprise, all three Honeyball's have entries in the Newbury Spring Sales bumper (now known as the Goffs Hundred Grand) in March. As does Roximan. It could be that Crest of Arms (the unplaced one here) will be the most fancied Honeyball runner come the day.

If it ends up with a Roximan - Crest Of Arms 1-2, your post will have earned framing in the 'I can see the future' hall of fame, Jinnyj
 
TO be fair I did like all the Honeyball horses but Crest of Arms was the most green and difficult to handle in the paddock plus he was keen in the race and a bit wayward. He can only improve.
Roxi is definitely the pick on looks though.
 
Thu 27th Nov 2025
3.52 Taunton (11 runners)
South West Rail Solutions Ltd Open
NH Flat Race (GBB Race)
2m½f (3624 yards +30 yards rails adjustment)
Class 5, Good, 4-5yo, Win: £2640
Avg OR : 0, Median OR : 0
Right Handed

🧮 FINAL HRR v3.0 SCORES (ALL DATA COMBINED)
Rank Horse FINAL HRR Score Notes
1 Arms Park 100 Form horse + Cobden + Walk In The Park + pace fit
2 No Risk Today 98 Big improver after sire overlay, nearly joint-top
3 Cantys Cove 82 Drops slightly but Snowden NHF still very strong
4 Religious Cross 82 Ties with Cantys Cove; Passing Glance speed helps
5 Louis Des Landes 80 French type + Tizzard + slight sire boost
6 Mad World 68 Hood + Moore positives, sire pulls down
7 Four Decades 64 Worcester SubForm OK → midpack
8 Lord Virginia 61 Better than raw form, sire small upgrade
9 No Hard Feelings 59 Sire negative + poor trainer stats
10 Devon Paige 48 Dartmouth = stamina → wrong for Taunton
11 Tenshillings 45 Weakest profile across all modules
Top 2 now extremely close: 100 vs 98

Stallion and trainer stats confirm this is a two-runner race.

🏆 FINAL VERDICT (ABSOLUTE FINAL MODEL)
WIN — ARMS PARK

Strongest actual race form

Walk In The Park bumper sire

Cobden booking

Pace map advantage

Best HRB (125)

Overall 100/100

MAIN DANGER — NO RISK TODAY

Sire “No Risk At All” is exceptional on Good ground

Fergal O’Brien NHF strike-rate is elite

5yo → physical edge

Final score: 98/100

BEST OF THE REST — CANTYS COVE & RELIGIOUS CROSS

Snowden 28% NHF vs Passing Glance speed tactics

Both rated high next tier

VALUE EW — LOUIS DES LANDES (FR)
 
🏇 3.38 Exeter – NH Flat Race (Bumper) – Final Race Dossier

Date: Friday 5 December 2025
Race: Ludo Sports & Live Lounge Open NH Flat Race (GBB Race)
Class: 5
Runners: 16
Distance: 2m1f (3681y + 20y)
Course: Exeter (Right-handed, stiff climb)
Going: Good to Soft
Age: 4–5yo
Prize: £2,178 to winner

Race Shape & Pace

Bumpers at Exeter historically run steady–average early → sprint late.
Handy/tracking types best; deep closers disadvantaged.

🏇 FINAL HRR v3 RANKINGS – ALL MODELS APPLIED

These are the final numeric outputs after every module is integrated.

Rank Horse FINAL HRR Score Notes
1 JPR TWO ⭐ 98 Strongest overall: Nicholls bumper profile, powerful sire (Poet’s Word), high-class dam (Lady Knightess), ideal pace position. Clear #1.
2 HES SOMETHING 96 Huge dam upgrade (Fortunes Harvest), Skelton/Durrell hot, strong sire (Jukebox Jury), sits just behind top pick.
3 PAR AVION 82 Good Fry bumper angle, Carver hot, Crystal Ocean progeny strong. Only negative: dam very weak. Solid place chance.
4 SIRGREG 76 Getaway sire (elite bumper lines), dam positive, Hobbs cold but still a major place contender.
5 Sailing By 68 Experience helps; sire moderate; Tizzard/Powell in form. Place only.
6 Shanagolden Girl 67 O’Brien bumper strength but cold recent form; dam neutral. EW outsider.
7 Analitheia 56 Hot jockey; sire strong; limited otherwise. Place if improving.
8 Baile An Or 53 Neutral dam, fair sire, limited upside.
9 Regal Icon 46 Weak dam, weak sire, trainer cold.
10 Getavispa 31 Strong sire (Getaway) but trainer negative, no other positives.
11 Lakeview Lass 29 Dam neutral, limited stats.
12 Dreamfyre Dancer 30 Dam negative, sire weak.
13 Topsham Tide 26 Unknown dam ability, trainer cold.
14 Mr Winter 24 Dam poor, sire weak.
15 Keepsoldieringon 20 Dam/sire both negative.
16 Im Wide Awake 18 Worst dam metrics in field; minimal chance.
🏆 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
WINNER LIKELY: JPR TWO

Strongest statistical footprint across every major module.

Nicholls excels with bumper debutants at Exeter.

Sire & dam both highly positive.

Expected handy position = significant edge.

MAIN DANGER: HES SOMETHING

Almost match for JPR Two after dam upgrade.

Skelton stable hot in the last fortnight.

Perfect bumper pedigree (Jukebox Jury × Fortunes Harvest).

BEST VALUE EW: SIRGREG

Elite sire (Getaway).

Dam positive.

Yard cold, which is the only negative.

Still ranks in top 4 after all modules.

SOLID PLACE: PAR AVION

Trainer/jockey form very strong.

Crystal Ocean progeny thrive in bumpers.

Dam poor → ceiling slightly capped for win.

OUTSIDERS:

Anything ranked 9th or below would need major improvement and/or pace collapse.
 
**3.08 Newbury – Celebrating Chris Woods 80th Birthday

Fillies’ Junior NH Flat Race (GBB)**
2m½f | Class 4 | Good to Soft | 3yo | 12 runners | LH

This is a proper early-season stamina test for 3yo fillies, run at a galloping, left-handed Newbury on good-to-soft ground. In races of this type, pedigree and mental robustness dominate, with speed and form largely irrelevant. The key requirements are:

Middle-to-staying Flat or NH stamina sires,

Dams that raced and showed toughness,

Trainers who use NHFs with intent rather than purely for education.

The pace is unlikely to be strong, so the winner will need to travel comfortably and then truly stay, rather than quicken sharply. Historically, Newbury junior bumpers favour scopey fillies with stamina depth, not sharp types.

Several runners are immediately ruled out on pedigree grounds (notably speed-influenced sires such as Dark Angel, Invincible Spirit, Bobby’s Kitten). Others have reasonable sires but lack either dam substance or trainer intent.

The race centres around a small group with aligned stamina pedigree, proven dam toughness, and suitable trainers. Among them, one stands out as the most complete profile, while another brings extreme stamina and a quietly strong trainer angle that could outperform market expectations. A third looks a solid, grinding type likely to be involved without necessarily having the strongest winning instinct.

Top 3 Best Bets (Pedigree-Led)
🥇 WAIT FOR THIS (Postponed × Dolly Penrose)

Best Bet – Win / Win & Place
Elite stamina sire, a dam who raced and won, and a trainer who places these types carefully. Built to stay and finish strongest.

🥈 STORM CRACKER (Order Of St George × Midnight Crackle)

Value Bet – Each-Way / Win saver
Extreme stamina pedigree, tough racing dam, and a trainer with strong efficiency in NHFs. Very dangerous if this turns attritional.

🥉 CRYSTAL CONNEMARA (Crystal Ocean × Hills Of Connemara)

Solid Place Bet
Excellent modern NH pedigree with strong stamina indicators. Reliable finisher, slightly more place than win profile at this stage.

Summary:
If this is run as expected, stamina will decide it — and Wait For This is the most complete pedigree and profile in the race.
 
Race details

Sun 21 Dec 2025 — 12:30 Lingfield (6 runners)
Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Open NH Flat Race (GBB)
2m (3520y), Class 5, Good to Soft, 4–5yo
Left-handed | Avg/Median OR: 0
Key lens requested: Pedigree (dosage/DI/CD + sire/dam depth) vs Trainer intent (bumper capability + today’s jockey/trainer stats supplied).
HRB ignored.

Trainer intent vs pedigree conflict overlay
How I’m scoring the “conflict”

Pedigree Suitability (P): based mainly on DI/CD + overall NH-flat type from what you posted.

Trainer Intent (T): based on your Todays Jockey/Trainer 730-day stats (and the obvious “bumper yard vs not”), plus any strong pairing signals you provided.

Interpretation

Green = P strong + T strong (ideal)

Amber = strong P but weak T (needs horse to be naturally good / yard to have one ready)

Blue = modest P but strong T (trainer can elevate / “readying job”)

Red = weak P + weak T (needs chaos)

Runner-by-runner overlay
5) Wildes Legacy (IRE) — Poet’s Word x Little Legacy (Snowden / Sheehan)

P (Pedigree): Good (not elite)

DP 1-3-2-5-1, DI 0.71, CD -0.17 → workable bumper blend; dam line has depth.

T (Trainer intent): Very strong

Snowden overall: 69 runs / 20 wins (29%) / 42 places (61%) / +8 P/L

At track shown: 56 / 18 (32%) / 34 (61%) / +3 P/L

Overlay result: BLUE → trainer upgrade horse

Not the best “raw” dosage animal, but the yard is the clearest bumper-intent signal in the whole race.

Net: Strongest “will be ready today” profile.

2) King Berry (IRE) — Kingston Hill x Frosty Berry (Ed De Giles / Mr F Mitchell (3))

P: Elite bumper dosage fit

DP 1-0-9-6-0, DI 0.52, CD -0.25 → textbook UK NHF balance.

T: Weak / unknown signal

Your trainer line here: 2 runs / 0 wins / 0 places

Overlay result: AMBER → pedigree-led, intent uncertain

If he’s good, he runs big; but there’s less evidence the yard repeatedly primes bumper winners.

Net: Best-bred for the job, but not the strongest “intent” setup.

6) St Aurelia (IRE) — Blue Bresil x Seren Gris (Nick Scholfield / Jack Quinlan)

P: Very strong NH pedigree

DP 0-1-4-5-0, DI 0.43, CD -0.40 → proper stamina/NH balance; Blue Bresil screams jumps class.

T: Weak signal

Trainer line: 3 runs / 0 wins / 0 places

Overlay result: AMBER (leaning to stamina-later)

Pedigree says “proper”, but trainer intent signal is light and she may want further/obstacles.

Net: Big long-term jumper type; today may be a learning run unless ability is clear.

3) Makingplansfor — Telescope x Danisa (P D Evans / Sean P Bowen)

P: Good staying blend, slightly “workmanlike”

DP 1-4-17-10-2, DI 0.66, CD -0.24 → stamina present, but not screaming sharp bumper turn of foot.

T: Weak

Trainer line: 5 runs / 0 wins / 1 place

Overlay result: AMBER/RED

If he wins, it’s raw ability overcoming a lower intent signal.

Net: Needs to be plainly better than these.

4) Silk Mountain (IRE) — Jet Away x Ballygarret (Best / James Bowen)

P: Solid but not flashy

DP 1-1-12-5-1, DI 0.67, CD -0.20

T: Strong positive signal

Trainer line: 7 runs / 2 wins (29%) / 2 places / +3 P/L

Overlay result: BLUE

Yard/jockey signal is better than the raw pedigree “wow”.

Net: Live player for a place, and could outrun “paper” if ready.

1) Below The Belt (IRE) — Buratino x Easee Annie (Bandey / David Bass)

P: Least suitable for NHF on dosage

DI 0.82, CD 0.00 → more speed/flat-balanced than ideal for a 2m bumper on Gd–Sft.

T: Moderate

Trainer line: 25 runs / 2 wins (8%) / 7 places / -17 P/L

Overlay result: RED

Needs the race to fall apart or a big hidden ability jump.

Net: Hard to make him “best suited” on your criteria.

Final decision: “best suited” (trainer intent × pedigree)
My #1 pick on your requested overlay logic
🥇 WILDES LEGACY (IRE)

Why: He’s the only runner with a clearly positive trainer intent signal, and his pedigree is good enough (DI 0.71 / CD -0.17) to execute in a small-field 2m NHF on Gd–Sft. In practice, these races are often won by the horse most ready today, not necessarily the deepest-staying paper pedigree.

Closest dangers (by type)
Main danger if pedigree wins out
🥈 KING BERRY (IRE)

Best dosage fit (DI 0.52 / CD -0.25). If he’s forward enough, he’s absolutely the one most likely to outclass them on breeding.

Danger if it turns into a stamina test / “proper NH” contest
🥉 ST AURELIA (IRE)

Best pure NH pedigree (DI 0.43 / CD -0.40), but the intent signal is lighter and she may be more of a future hurdler type.

Value/placer with trainer lift

Silk Mountain (IRE) — modest pedigree, stronger trainer stats, could be the one for 2nd/3rd if ready.

Clean finishing summary (one line each)

Wildes Legacy: Trainer intent + workable pedigree = best suited today.

King Berry: Best-bred bumper type; intent question mark.

St Aurelia: Proper NH pedigree; may want further/education.

Silk Mountain: Trainer stats upgrade a plainish pedigree.

Makingplansfor: Stayer-ish profile but weak intent signal.

Below The Belt: Dosage/shape least suited for this NHF test.
 
For Slim and Ian
make sure you read the lot
there will be a test later


Pedigree Suitability

Overview: The breeding of each runner provides clues to its aptitude for a soft-ground, ~2-mile National Hunt Flat race. Key factors include sires known for producing bumper (NH Flat) performers and dams that showed ability (or produced winners) in bumpers or on soft ground. The table below summarizes each horse’s pedigree and relevant influences:

Horse (Age, Sex) Sire (Notes) Dam – dam’s sire (Notes)
Agent Argylle (5g) Mahler – NH sire; progeny stay well and handle soft
irishracing.com
. Hattie Hopkinson – Jeremy (placed in points; half-sister to Monbeg Dude, 2012 Welsh National winner
richardphillipsracing.com
– indicating stamina on heavy ground).
A Likeable Rogue (4g) Kingston Hill – St Leger winner; sire line (Mastercraftsman) often handles cut. Amaya – Kingmambo (flat-bred; no notable NHF form). Note: Already proven: 4th in a soft-ground Listed bumper
irishracing.com
.
Au Plaisir (4g) Almanzor – Top-class 10f horse who relished soft; an emerging dual-purpose sire. Triptyka – Mastercraftsman (flat pedigree). Note: Ran 3rd in a Navan bumper on yielding ground
irishracing.com
, suggesting suitability.
Ewden Valley (4g) Crystal Ocean – Sea The Stars son, first NH crop; should impart stamina. Wygram – Mastercraftsman. (Newcomer) Notably, *“son of Crystal Ocean… one to watch”
irishracing.com
.
Fullythermal (4g) Jack Hobbs – 12f Classic winner by Halling; NH stallion whose stock stay well (won Irish Derby on soft). Epee Celeste – Spadoun (7-time jumps winner: 2 hurdles, 4 chases
media.goffs.com
). Dam was a tough stayer who won over hurdles/fences on soft-heavy, a strong indicator of stamina.
Get On Son (4g) Getaway – Proven NH sire (Monsun line) known for bumper and hurdle winners. Savina – Milan (stout NH pedigree). This full NH pedigree (Getaway × Milan) suggests aptitude on soft and over distance.
Good Boy Griff (4g) Maxios – German sire (by Monsun) whose progeny often handle soft. Western Breeze – Westerner (won 1 hurdle at 2m, placed 3 times
tattersallsonline.com
). From family of Mall Dini (Pertemps Final winner)
tattersallsonline.com
– a stamina-rich lineage.
Hurlyburly (4g) Shirocco – Top NH sire (by Monsun); offspring (e.g. Annie Power) thrive on soft. Sharifa – King’s Theatre (won an NH Flat race and a 2m1f hurdle
attheraces.com
). A classic NH cross (Monsun-line × King’s Theatre) – dam herself won a bumper, a positive sign for similar conditions.
Ink Black Heart (4g) Falco – French 2000 Guineas winner; has sired quality jumpers (e.g. Grade-1 chaser Hitman). La Hoofon – Mastercraftsman. More of a flat-oriented pedigree, but did show promise with a close 4th on debut (Wincanton bumper, good-to-soft)
irishracing.com
.
Katagat (5g) Diamond Boy – French NH sire (sired Grand National winner); progeny relish stamina tests. Kayf Charmer – Kayf Tara (ran in bumpers; later won multiple hurdles on heavy and soft
irishracing.com
). Dam’s own ability to handle 2m on testing ground is a big plus.
Lou Des Bordes (4g) Free Port Lux – French-bred (by Oasis Dream); an unproven young NH sire. Tornade Des Bordes – Nononito. French jumping pedigree (Nononito mares produced soft-ground hurdlers). Likely to need time; breeding suggests stamina on heavy French ground.
Marble Sky (4g) Mahler – Same sire as Agent Argylle, a solid source of soft-ground stayers
irishracing.com
. Royal Marble – Anshan. From an older NH family (Anshan mares produced stayers); no notable form but combines with Mahler for a true stamina pedigree.
Rock On Ronnie (4g) Capri – St Leger winner by Galileo; first NH crop now 4yo, expected to impart stamina and soft-ground aptitude. Correctandpresent – Presenting. Dam unproven (Presenting mares often produce good jumpers). Overall, a stout pedigree suited for 2m+, and Capri loved soft (Irish Derby on heavy).
Rubinio (4g) Tai Chi – German sire (by High Chaparral); limited NH track record but stamina influence. Rubiana – Sholokhov. Dam’s sire Sholokhov and family suggest jumping class (Sholokhov sired Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle winners). Should handle soft, though untested.
Static Charm (4g) Iffraaj – Flat miler sire, not typical for bumpers (better known for speed). Tauteke – Sea The Stars (high-class racemare; Oaks Trial runner-up to Anapurna
thoroughbreddailynews.com
, handled very soft ground). Dam’s class and stamina (12f) may counteract the speed influence of Iffraaj, pointing to latent ability over this trip.

Pedigree stand-outs: Hurlyburly and Katagat emerge as top pedigree picks – each is by a proven NH sire (Shirocco and Diamond Boy) out of dams who excelled around 2 miles on soft (both dams won on testing ground, with Hurlyburly’s dam a bumper winner
attheraces.com
and Katagat’s dam a heavy-ground hurdle winner
irishracing.com
). Agent Argylle also rates highly: by Mahler out of a mare from a stamina-laden family (half to a Welsh National winner
richardphillipsracing.com
), he should relish soft going – evidenced by his point-to-point win – though he’s carrying a 7 lb penalty for a previous NHF win. Fullythermal has an out-and-out jumping pedigree (Jack Hobbs × Epee Celeste) geared to staying trips; conditions should suit, but he may lack a turn of foot if the race turns tactical. In contrast, A Likeable Rogue and Ink Black Heart have more flat-oriented pedigrees, yet both have already shown form in bumpers – especially A Likeable Rogue who was a strong fourth in a soft-ground Cheltenham bumper
irishracing.com
(suggesting his class can override any pedigree reservations). Meanwhile, newcomers like Rock On Ronnie and Ewden Valley have solid staying bloodlines and are in top yards – their breeding hints at potential, but they lack race evidence. Overall, those with established NH sires and dams proven on soft ground (Hurlyburly, Katagat, Agent Argylle) appear naturally suited to this contest’s demands on paper.

Trainer Suitability

Overview: Trainer patterns can heavily influence a horse’s readiness for a Class 5 bumper. Here we assess which trainers in this race excel with young horses in NH Flat races, especially under similar conditions (Wetherby, 2m, soft):

Olly Murphy – Trainer of Rock On Ronnie. Murphy has quickly developed a top-class bumper program, often sending out well-prepared debutants. Notably, he won this same Wetherby bumper last year (2024)
sportinglife.com
with a 5yo, and his bumper strike-rate is among the best in Britain (around 25%). Rock On Ronnie, a well-bred 4yo, is reportedly a “likely-looking newcomer”
sportinglife.com
, reflecting the yard’s strength with first-timers. Murphy’s prior success here and overall bumper prowess make his representative very well suited.

Dan Skelton – Trainer of Ink Black Heart. Skelton is a leading trainer who does well in all NH spheres, bumpers included. Horses often improve markedly for his handling – in fact Ink Black Heart has moved to Skelton after a promising debut, and “improvement is on the cards” under his care
sportinglife.com
. Skelton’s yard has the resources to get a horse fit and the tactical acumen for soft-ground races. While he hasn’t targeted Wetherby bumpers frequently, his general record with 4–5yo NHF horses is strong, so his runner commands respect.

Donald McCain – Trainer of Fullythermal. McCain is known for targeting northern bumpers; his horses are usually fit and educated. He consistently produces bumper winners at tracks like Sedgefield, Ayr, etc. (recent example: William Yeats, a bumper winner for the yard
facebook.com
). At Wetherby specifically his strike-rate is modest, but he has had placed runners in similar races
turf-wise.com
. With a solid conditional jockey (Theo Gillard) up, Fullythermal comes from a yard adept at handling young NH horses – the soft ground and galloping track should play to McCain’s strengths in conditioning stamina.

Rebecca Menzies – Trainer of Au Plaisir. An up-and-coming trainer, Menzies has proven she can prime horses for bumpers – for instance, she sent out bumper winners at Sedgefield and elsewhere this year
facebook.com
. Her record with bumper horses is on the rise as her stable grows in quality. Au Plaisir arrives fit from two Irish bumpers, and Menzies’ ability to eek out improvement (especially on soft northern tracks) makes her a noteworthy contender in these conditions.

John Dawson – Trainer of A Likeable Rogue. A relatively new name to training ranks, Dawson made waves by placing this horse in a Cheltenham listed bumper on debut. That suggests he can have one very ready first time. While we don’t have a long track record for him, booking champion jockey Brian Hughes signals intent. Dawson may not have the bumper resume of others, but the preparation of A Likeable Rogue was excellent on debut, implying his horses are well-tuned for the task.

Sue Smith (with assistant Joel Parkinson) – Trainers of Get On Son. Sue Smith is a veteran northern trainer, best known for chasers, and her team historically has fewer bumper winners. However, when she does run young horses in NH Flat races, they tend to improve for the experience. Soft ground at Wetherby (her home circuit) is no issue for her horses’ fitness. While not a “bumper specialist,” the Smith yard’s local knowledge and ability to handle soft conditions lend some confidence that Get On Son will be well-prepared, if perhaps more of a long-term project.

 
Micky Hammond – Trainer of Static Charm. Hammond is another experienced northern handler. His bumper strike-rate is modest – e.g., in one recent Wetherby bumper analysis he had 0 wins from 7 runners up to that point
turf-wise.com
. That said, he often uses conditionals (here 7lb claimer J. Thompson) to good effect and can pop up with placed horses in such races. Static Charm showed ability on debut (3rd at Catterick) and should be fit, but Hammond’s overall record suggests he’s more effective once his horses go hurdling.
Others: Richard Phillips (Agent Argylle) ships up from the south with a point-to-point winner; his smaller yard doesn’t frequently get bumper wins, but targeting this race indicates confidence in the horse’s ability. Graeme McPherson (Katagat) and Nick Kent (Lou Des Bordes) are likewise lesser-known for bumper success – they have occasional winners but not at the strike-rate of the top yards. Their runners may be well-schooled but face a stiff task against the bigger stables. Gary Hanmer (Good Boy Griff) rarely specializes in bumpers; his horse has race experience but the yard is noted more for chasers. Jonjo O’Neill (Ewden Valley) has a respectable bumper record over the years – his team knows how to win these races – so Ewden Valley, a nicely-bred sort, could be well tuned despite the yard typically being seen in hurdle/chase events.
Trainer stand-outs: The strongest bumper records here belong to yards like Olly Murphy and Dan Skelton, who have high strike-rates and recent successes in similar races. Murphy in particular has shown he can target Wetherby’s bumpers to great effect (training last year’s winner)
sportinglife.com
. Skelton’s reputation for improving young horses and winning across all venues means his runner must be taken seriously. Donald McCain’s long experience with northern bumpers and Rebecca Menzies’ recent upward trajectory also bode well – their horses should be fit, well-suited to soft ground, and professionally ridden. In contrast, trainers with fewer bumper wins (Smith, Hammond, etc.) might not have the same strike-rate, but their local experience and the fact they’ve chosen this spot for their youngsters suggest they believe the conditions will suit.
Overall, expect the well-prepared horses from the traditionally strong bumper yards – notably Murphy’s Rock On Ronnie, Skelton’s Ink Black Heart, and perhaps McCain’s Fullythermal – to have an edge in readiness. Meanwhile, pedigree-fueled types from smaller yards (Hurlyburly, Katagat, Agent Argylle) could bridge the gap if naturally talented, especially under trainers who have a knack for nurturing young stayers. The combination of natural aptitude (breeding) and trainer know-how points to a select few runners being particularly well-suited for this Class 5 Wetherby bumper on soft ground.
 

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