Trainer Donald McCain Runners Saturday 29th January 2022

The Trainer Donald McCain has 8 runners Saturday 29th January 2022

Todays Donald McCain Horse Racing Tips

Race 1 Cheltenham 12-15 Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) 17f

DSLR	HORSE	WGT	JOCKEY	TRAINER	1ST	LT	-%	%
50	11 Lively Citizen Consistent, prominent racer who showed greater resolution than the runner-up when doubling hurdles tally over C&D in December. No reason why he won't give another good account of himself. 2233-31	10-7	Archie Bellamy	D J Jeffreys	3.5/1	4.5/1	29
76	4 Cormier Dual winner on Flat last term who ran well to finish fourth in Welsh Champion Hurdle in October. Significant error caught him out in the Greatwood Hurdle next time and he's worth a look here. 170-240	11-6	Jonathan Burke	Brian Ellison	5/1	4.5/1		10
50	10 Byzantine Empire Made an excellent start over hurdles for present yard, gaining third success from last 4 starts at Doncaster (16.5f) latest, coming clear with runner-up. Feasible to think that won't prove his limit. 5-31211	10-12	Paddy Brennan	Fergal O'Brien	6/1	6/1		0
11	7 Kihavah Progressive over hurdles this winter, taking a marked step forward in form terms when landing a novices' handicap at Newcastle (16.2f) 11 days ago, easily. Assessor has reacted, though. 68321	11-0	Conor O'Farrell	Adrian Paul	9/1	18/1	100
34	9 Severance Useful on Flat and made an impressive winning debut over hurdles in 17f Carlisle maiden 14 months ago. 2m5f probably not his bag so far this term and mark has eased if bouncing back returned to 2m. 153-94	10-12	Kielan Woods	Ben Pauling	9/1	5/1		44
21	8 Hydroplane Progressive last term, notching up 4 victories and quickly back from a blip when regaining winning ways at Sandown (2m) 3 weeks ago, well-served by prominent tactics on the day. 3 lb higher now. 5211-P1	11-0	Tom Scudamore	Ian Williams	10/1	16/1	60
34	5 Hystery Bere Fairly useful hurdler in France who confirmed his opening mark lenient when successful on return at Fontwell (17.7f) last month. This understandably deeper but that may not prove his limit. 21213-1	11-4	Aidan Coleman	Tom Symonds	12/1	10/1		17
19	1 Masters Legacy Scored on return at Chepstow (2m) in October and filled runners-up spot on 2 of his 3 starts since, albeit no match for an easy winner latest. Mark may be about right but he should go well again. 46-1252	11-12	Micheal Nolan	Philip Hobbs	12/1	9/1		25
73	6 Glory And Honour Good second in 2m Taunton handicap hurdle last month but came down heavily at the ninth on debut over fences at Ffos Las next time and he's back up class returned to timber now. 333-02F	11-2	Stan Sheppard	Tom Lacey	16/1	12/1		25
28	3 Geromino Rattled off a novice/handicap hurdle hat-trick late prior to going down fighting behind Tommy's Oscar at Doncaster (16.5f) in December. Raced freely at Musselburgh since and had wind op since. 411127	11-9	Brian Hughes	Donald McCain	18/1	20/1	11
33	2 The Widdow Maker Looked better than ever on back of a wind op when successful on return at Wincanton (15.2f) in December. Possibly did a bit much in front at Kempton since and this mark unlikely to prove beyond him. 3110-15	11-10	Brendan Powell	Colin Tizzard	20/1	18/1		10
15	12 Ashutor Justified cramped odds in a couple of small-field handicap chases in summer 2020 for Paul Nicholls. However, hasn't been enough in 3 starts for present stable to make him of interest back over hurdles 955-P55	10-2	Sean Houlihan	Sophie Leech	66/1	80/1	21

There are 12 runners in this race.

Race 2 Doncaster 12-25 Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) 19f

DSLR	HORSE	WGT	JOCKEY	TRAINER	1ST	LT	-%	%
31	2 Gala De Corton Runner-up twice in novices prior to improving again to make a winning handicap debut over 2m here a month ago. Up 6 lb but surprise if this lightly-raced sort from top yard has reached his limit. 06-4221	11-12	Angus Cheleda	Paul Nicholls	5/1	4.5/1		10
28	8 Kavanaghs Cross Some good placed efforts in handicaps prior to getting off mark in a 2m Kelso maiden last month. Backed that up with a fine second in Musselburgh handicap since. Should give another good account. 322312	11-7	Niall Houlihan	Iain Jardine	6.5/1	10/1	54
65	5 Jay Jay Reilly Gradual progress in bumpers last term and struck at second attempt over hurdles when making all in 2m Kempton novice in November. Only third at Taunton since but retains potential now handicapping. 473-213	11-10	Harry Skelton	Dan Skelton	7/1	6/1		14
56	9 Romeo Brown Knocked on the door last term and put it all together at second time of asking for new yard at Hexham (2m) in November. Fair fourth at Wetherby (2m again) since. Return to longer trip a help. Player. 32-8814	11-6	Thomas Willmott	Sue Smith	8/1	10/1	25
19	6 Grangeclare Glory Fairly useful hurdler who ran up to his best when third of 9 in 19f Taunton novice 19 days ago. Ought to be competitive back in a handicap. 3P-1253	11-9	Fergus Gillard	David Pipe	8.5/1	7.5/1		12
18	11 Inishbiggle Improved to gain a second career success in C&D handicap 18 days ago. 5 lb rise demands a bit more again but unexposed profile provides hope for better still. 46-1561	11-2	Kevin Brogan	Gary Hanmer	8.5/1	4/1		53
34	4 Creative Control Winner of Sedgefield maiden and C&D handicap before Xmas. Could only manage third at Sedgefield on Boxing Day but no surprise if he resumes his progression with Peter Kavanagh taking handy 7 lb off. 753113	11-10	Peter Kavanagh	Donald McCain	9/1	9/1		0
31	3 Ted's Friend Proved a different proposition second time up over hurdles when scoring at Plumpton (20.5f) in November. Found litfe tougher under a penalty over C&D since but is unexposed now handicapping. 31-2515	11-11	Max Kendrick	Fergal O'Brien	11/1	14/1	27
30	1 Le Musee Four-time Flat winner in 2020. Better effort in handicap hurdles since returning from an absence when 6 lengths fourth over 3m at Taunton. Back down in trip. 1P00/84	11-13	Kieren Buckley	Nigel Hawke	12/1	16/1	33
42	13 Headscarf Lil In the form of his life at present, winning around 2½m at Carlisle in October and Newcastle in December. Respected despite a further 7 lb rise. 365131	10-12	Sean Quinlan	Nicky Richards	12/1	14/1	17
143	10 Hurricane Ali Firmly on the up over hurdles last spring, winning 3 times. Also recorded a pair of good placed efforts when last seen at the end of the summer and claims if ready to roll on return. 12-1123	11-4	James Bowen	John Mackie	14/1	22/1	57
67	14 Black Ebony Fair maiden who hasn't stood much racing thus far but made a good return to action when second in 20.5f Southwell handicap in November. Needs to show he can string good runs together now. 248/26-2	10-12	Thomas Dowson	Philip Kirby	16/1	28/1	75
39	7 Quest For Life Dual scorer early in 2021. Back on song when third in Wetherby handicap in November but failed to back it up at Ayr since. Others are preferred. 143-639	11-8	Tom Midgley	Mark Walford	33/1	40/1	21
57	16 Walk In The Wild Maiden hurdler who offered little in handicaps in November/December. A subsequent wind op needs to have made a big difference. 4035-5P	10-6	Tom Bellamy	Oliver Sherwood	50/1	50/1		0
7	15 Near Kettering Bagged handicap hurdles at Market Rasen and Carlisle in 2021. More miss than hit subsequently, never threatening at Haydock last weekend. Best to look elsewhere unless betting vibes strong. 15F596	10-10	Jonathan England	Sam England	66/1	100/1	52
34	12 Lord Condi Dual 3m Perth scorer for Iain Jardine in 2021 but never a threat in 2 runs for new yard last month. 184179	11-1	Craig Nichol	Danny Brooke	66/1	150/1	127

There are 16 runners in this race.

Race 3 Uttoxeter 12-38 Novices/Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 16f

DSLR	HORSE	WGT	JOCKEY	TRAINER	1ST	LT	-%	%
31	2 Arizona Cardinal Irish point winner who made a very promising start over hurdles in well-run maiden at Warwick (21f) under this rider last month. Possibly amiss when pulled up 3 weeks later but can get back on track. P-13P	11-6	Ciaran Gethings	Stuart Edmunds	2.25/1	3/1	33
7	3 Charlie's Glance Well-related Newbury bumper winner who has made a promising start over hurdles, third in a Taunton novice (19f, good to soft, 2/1) last week. Should be in the mix. 19-423	11-6	James Martin	Andrew J Martin	3/1	0.91/1		70
455	4 Five Bar Brian Fairyhouse bumper winner for Willie Mullins in January 2020 and looked set to make a winning debut over hurdles/for this yard before tying up at Ayr 15 months ago. Tongue tied for reappearance. 210/2-	11-6	Henry Brooke	Oliver Greenall	4/1	11/1	175
90	1 Abegudsam €1,500 3-y-o, £58,000 4-y-o: first foal: dam unraced half-sister to fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser (stayed 4m) Mister Marker. Off mark in Irish points at second attempt (Oct 31). F1	11-6	Sean Bowen	Olly Murphy	5/1	5/1		0
310	5 Grey Skies Improved on debut effort when seventh in maiden hurdle at Cork (20f) 10 months ago. Successful between the flags recently and looks an interesting recruit for Donald McCain. Market check advised. 07-631	11-6	Theo Gillard	Donald McCain	10/1	12/1	20
74	8 Rio Silva Blue Bresil filly. Dam unraced half-sister to smart hurdler/top-class chaser (stayed 25f) Valseur Lido. Looked one for later on when fourth in a Fakenham bumper on her debut in November. 4	10-13	David England	Olly Murphy	12/1	28/1	133
50	6 Inflagrante Getaway gelding who was strong in the betting but didn't offer much immediate hope when tailed off in a Bangor bumper last month. Tough to fancy on hurdles bow. 8	11-6	Gavin Sheehan	Kim Bailey	18/1	33/1	83
58	9 Great Commission Close third in Beverley novice on second start on the Flat. Hurdles debut effort at Sedgefield (16.8f) wasn't devoid of promise but below that level for new yard since. Cheekpieces applied. 37	10-7	Page Fuller	Jo Davis	80/1	125/1	56
20	10 Snap Chap Fair maiden at best on Flat but has been let down by attitude, taking little interest on yard debut recently. Easy to look elsewhere on his hurdles bow.	10-7	Fergus Gregory	Jake Thomas	100/1	200/1	100
199	7 Unique Company Poor on Flat and over hurdles (0-20 overall) and hasn't shown much in this sphere. Returns from 6 months off and easy to look elsewhere. 726-037	11-6	Mr Philip Thomas	Mark Weatherer	125/1	150/1	20

There are 10 runners in this race.

Race 4 Uttoxeter 13:13 Novices/Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 16f

DSLR	HORSE	WGT	JOCKEY	TRAINER	1ST	LT	-%	%
23	3 Drenagh Placed in a pair of bumpers in early 2020 and has found only one too good both starts over hurdles, latterly at Chepstow (2m). Sets the standard in this sphere. 5332/22	11-6	Sean Bowen	Alastair Ralph	1.75/1	0.91/1		48
43	2 Benign Dictator Well-bred sort who improved to land a C&D bumper on first start for this yard in November. Far from disgraced in a listed event at Ascot subsequently and should make his mark over hurdles. 4F-18	11-6	Fergus Gregory	Olly Murphy	1.88/1	3/1	60
39	6 Russian Virtue Fairly useful maiden on Flat, stays 1¼m. Below form last 3 starts in that sphere but made a decent enough start over hurdles after 3 months off when second at Pumpton last month. Likely to improve. 2	11-6	Tabitha Worsley	Clare Hobson	7.5/1	12/1	60
0	8 Western Baron €30,000 3-y-o, Westerner gelding. Brother to 2 winners, including useful hurdler/fairly useful chaser Anything Will Do, and half-brother to useful hurdler/chaser Stand Up And Fight.	11-6	Tom O'Brien	Colin Tizzard	7.5/1	5/1		33
15	7 Sullivan's Brow Winning pointer who failed to see things out on his sole outing in bumpers and it was a similar story sent hurdling upped in trip at Sedgefield 15 days ago. 3-164	11-6	Theo Gillard	Donald McCain	12/1	16/1	33
79	5 Nine Nine Nine All the rage in the market but needed experience in sole bumper. Showed some ability behind a useful one on Fakenham hurdle bow but not so good at Taunton. Has since left Nigel Twiston-Davies. 6-26	11-6	William Kennedy	Sarah-Jayne Davies	16/1	25/1	56
0	1 Barnie Beetle Firebreak gelding out of a 2m hurdle winner who stayed 25f (also an 11.5f winner on Flat). Yard's newcomers usually come on for a run and probably best watched on this occasion.	11-6	Henry Brooke	Oliver Greenall	22/1	50/1	127
21	9 Mothill Fairly useful Flat winner in France (left Jean-Claude Rouget 18,000 gns in September, then gelded). Well held on Wincanton hurdle/stable debut 3 weeks ago but ought to do better in time. 6	10-7	Harry Reed	Neil Mulholland	33/1	28/1		15
15	4 Ez Tiger No great shakes in bumpers and showed only a bit before departing late on Huntingdon hurdling debut. 6-P9F	11-6	Ciaran Gethings	Alex Hales	33/1	40/1	21

There are 9 runners in this race.

Race 5 Cheltenham 13:55 Handicap Chase (Class 1) 21f

DSLR	HORSE	WGT	JOCKEY	TRAINER	1ST	LT	-%	%
30	10 Torn And Frayed Dual hurdles winner last term who has made a promising start over fences, beaten only by My Drogo in C&D novice in November. Seemed unsuited by heavy ground at Haydock since. 13-322P	10-10	Sam Twiston-Davies	Nigel	5/1	5/1		0
21	6 Farinet Ex-French chaser who lost a shoe when pulled up in similar event here on return. Resumed progress when ready winner at Sandown 3 weeks ago and likely to progress again. Big shout. 3231-P1	11-2	Miss Lucy Turner	Venetia Williams	6/1	6.5/1	8
28	9 Galahad Quest Opened his account over fences at Haydock (20f) on final start last season and has returned in good nick, finishing fifth and sixth in similar events. No forlorn hope. 31-35F6	10-11	David Noonan	Nick Williams	6/1	6/1		0
28	2 Coole Cody Tough front runner who has bagged a couple of similar events around here, including Racing Post Gold Cup last month. Not in same form here on New Year's Day but type to bounce back. 44-2F18	11-12	Adam Wedge	Evan Williams	7/1	5/1		29
28	1 Magic Saint Course winner who took a step back in right direction fitted in headgear when fourth in similar event here on New Year's Day, though again shaping as if this trip stretches him. Becoming well treated. 5P2-754	11-12	Tom Buckley	Paul Nicholls	7.5/1	8/1	7
34	8 Jacamar Useful hurdler and even better form over fences, going down only narrowly at Wincanton before going one better fitted with this headgear at Kempton, overcoming a mixed round of jumping. This tougher. 0-83221	10-12	Paddy Brennan	Milton Harris	8/1	6.5/1		19
427	3 Whatmore Proved a useful and consistent novice chaser last season and took his form to a new level when runner-up in 2 good quality handicaps at Ascot and Newcastle this term. Another bold showing expected. 4344/22-	11-5	Richard Patrick	Henry Daly	9/1	9/1		0
28	5 Spiritofthegames Regular in competitive handicaps and finished with running left when mid-field in the Paddy Power here. Easy enough to excuse next 2 starts and went close in this 2 years ago off 149. No easy ride. 83-49P9	11-2	Jack Andrews	Dan Skelton	12/1	7/1		42
12	11 Eden Du Houx Useful hurdler who opened his account over fences on the back of a wind op in 2m Ffos Las handicap in November. Good second of 4 at Chepstow 10 weeks later and not taken lightly. 4P58-12	10-9	Tom Scudamore	David Pipe	14/1	11/1		21
27	7 She'sasupermack Useful chaser who showed no ill effect from her fall when resuming winning ways in 5-runner handicap at Ayr (3m). Shorter trip no issue but career-high mark may well be. 35-31F1	10-13	Conor O'Farrell	Iain Jardine	25/1	20/1		20
28	4 Gaelik Coast Good record at Musselburgh but has struggled when tackling more competitive handicaps. Others preferred. 30-2183	11-3	Brian Hughes	Donald McCain	33/1	20/1		39

There are 11 runners in this race.

Race 6 Uttoxeter 14:22 Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) 20f

DSLR	HORSE	WGT	JOCKEY	TRAINER	1ST	LT	-%	%
42	7 Mackelduff Progressive hurdler who readily defied a 6 lb lower mark on return/handicap debut at Aintree (20f) in October. Good third at Cheltenham and Haydock next 2 starts and remains unexposed. 43-1133	11-1	Fergus Gregory	Olly Murphy	2.75/1	2.5/1		9
24	5 Wicked West Improved model for new stable, winning maiden/novice events last year. Poor start in handicaps but bounced back to his best when placed last 2 starts. Step up in trip should suit and shortlisted. 110532	11-2	Charlie Hammond	Dr Richard Newland	4.5/1	3.33/1		26
28	8 Here Comes Henry Catching the eye in maiden/novice hurdles and duly improved when making a winning handicap bow at Fakenham on New Year's Day. More to come. 2-5661	10-5	Ciaran Gethings	Stuart Edmunds	4.5/1	5.5/1	22
9	3 Stormy Flight Fairly useful hurdler who wasn't disgraced on chase bow at Chepstow. Well backed back over hurdles when brought down at the first at Wincanton 9 days ago. C&D winner off 2 lb lower in April. 331-P7B	11-4	Rex Dingle	Jeremy Scott	4.5/1	4.5/1		0
21	2 Zambezi Fix Fairly useful ex-Irish hurdler who bettered that form over fences last term. Good second back over hurdles this season, including at Sandown 3 weeks ago, faring best of those held up. Respected. 22-F252	11-9	Ben Jones	Bernard Llewellyn	7.5/1	8/1	7
14	1 Cabot Cliffs Successful 3 times last term and has posted 2 solid efforts to make the frame in 2m handicaps at Chepstow/Ascot this winter. Beaten by more than lack of stamina upped in trip at Kempton 2 weeks ago. 102-340	11-12	Bridget Andrews	Dan Skelton	10/1	9/1		10
16	4 Hart Of Steel Added to his tally in determined style at Carlisle (20f) in October and took another step forward when making all at Bangor 16 days ago. Player. 2-U1351	11-3	Theo Gillard	Donald McCain	10/1	7/1		30
112	6 French Crusader Useful hurdler in his prime but is clearly hard to train and has offered little this season back from a long absence. First run for yard after leaving Nicky Henderson. 212/8P8	11-2	Tom O'Brien	Toby Lawes	25/1	16/1		36
118	9 Glan Y Gors On a lengthy losing run over hurdles/Flat and not easy to make a case for from just out of the weights. 448-567	10-0	Mr Philip Thomas	Mark Weatherer	66/1	100/1	52

There are 9 runners in this race.

Race 7 Cheltenham 15:40 Novices/Maiden Hurdle (Class 1) 20f

DSLR	HORSE	WGT	JOCKEY	TRAINER	1ST	LT	-%	%
28	1 Hillcrest Big chasing type who completed a hat-trick over hurdles in 7-runner listed novice over C&D (soft) 4 weeks ago, asserting near finish after finding extra. Concedes weight all round but more to come. 21-111	11-10	Richard Patrick	Henry Daly	1.38/1	0.8/1		42
38	3 Balco Coastal Useful bumper winner who looks another potentially smart novice for his yard, showing a willing attitude to make it 2-2 over hurdles at Ludlow (15.8f) last month. Can progress again up in trip. 217-11	11-5	Nico de Boinville	Nicky Henderson	2.5/1	3.5/1	40
56	5 North Lodge Well related son of Presenting who produced a professional display to see off a pair of previous winners in a close finish at Aintree (17f) in December. Will stay 2½m and open to further progress. 1	11-5	A P Heskin	Alan King	5/1	6.5/1	30
16	2 A Different Kind Promising novice who landed both starts in bumpers and maintained his 100% record over hurdles when landing 4-runner event at Catterick (19.3f) 16 days ago. Remains open to further improvement. 2-11111	11-8	Brian Hughes	Donald McCain	10/1	10/1		0
51	6 Picanha Point/bumper winner who confirmed the promise of his hurdling debut when landing a 21f maiden at Warwick in early December. More needed upped in grade here, but open to further improvement. 11/31	11-5	Daniel Hiskett	Richard Phillips	20/1	20/1		0
57	4 Harper's Brook £70,000 point winner. Third in a bumper and created a good impression when winning on his 2½m Carlisle hurdle debut in October, but failed to progress up in grade at Sandown last time. 13-14	11-5	Kielan Woods	Ben Pauling	28/1	22/1		21

There are 6 runners in this race.

Race 8 Cheltenham 16:15 NH Flat Race (Class 1) 17f

DSLR	HORSE	WGT	JOCKEY	TRAINER	1ST	LT	-%	%
12	5 Mistral Nell	11-2	NON-RUNNER	Lucy Wadham				0
73	4 Hidden Beauty Kapgarde filly who looked a good prospect when breezing through to make a winning start at Ffos Las in November. That form might not be all that strong, but she has potential. 1	11-2	Paddy Brennan	Fergal O'Brien	2/1	3.5/1	75
69	8 Nos Na Gaoithe Won 9-runner bumper at Sligo on debut in August. Better form when 5 lengths fifth of 12 in Navan listed just over 3 months later. Potential for better again for top yard which won this in 2020. 15	11-2	Mr P W Mullins	W P Mullins	3.33/1	2.25/1		32
322	1 Flirtatious Girl From a successful NH family and started well in this sphere last season, making it 2 wins from 3 starts when seeing off 15 rivals in Sandown listed in March. 4 lb penalty but still much respected. 121-	11-6	David Bass	Kim Bailey	5.5/1	4.5/1		18
48	7 Nell's Bells Confirmed debut promise in no uncertain terms when powering away to land a Carlisle event by a wide margin 7 weeks ago. More than capable of making mark at higher level on that evidence. 4-1	11-2	Brian Hughes	Donald McCain	5.5/1	5/1		9
19	6 Mullenbeg Placed both starts in points, then cruised through to land a Ludlow bumper in ready fashion earlier this month. Looks a useful prospect for yard enjoying a tremendous season. 3-21	11-2	Mitchell Bastyan	Milton Harris	8.5/1	8/1		6
38	10 Tintern Abbey Promising third at Punchestown last spring prior to making a winning start for Alastair Ralph in Ludlow bumper just before Christmas. Yet another in this field with the potential for better. 3-21	11-2	Nick Scholfield	Alastair Ralph	18/1	18/1		0
47	3 Fairy Gem Related to the smart chaser Angels Breath and made the ideal start when narrowly scoring from a poor tactical position at Plumpton last month. Open to improvement with a tongue strap applied. 1	11-2	Jonathan Burke	Harry Fry	20/1	20/1		0
84	9 Notnowlinda Bought for £85,000 after winning her sole Irish point in November. Pitched in at the deep end on Rules debut but worth keeping an eye on in the betting all the same. 1	11-2	Jack Andrews	Dan Skelton	20/1	28/1	40
21	11 Walk In The Storm Walk In The Park filly who confirmed her debut promise at the second attempt when landing a Newcastle bumper 3 weeks ago. This step up in grade demands a step forward, though. 2-01	11-2	Tom Scudamore	Ian Williams	25/1	50/1	100
28	12 Chic Avenue Showed promise amidst greenness when third on Wetherby debut but found a course listed too hot on New Year's Day. Yard won this last year but it's unlikely this one will stage a repeat. 39	10-3	Paul O'Brien	Pam Sly	50/1	40/1		20
77	2 Betty's Belle Schiaparelli filly who made a successful start at Warwick but seemed to find this grade beyond her when only tenth to Bonttay here a couple of months ago. Others preferred. 10	11-2	Kielan Woods	Ben Pauling	66/1	66/1		0