Fontwell Park Race 6 - John And Maryanne Birch Memorial Handicap Hurdle
CROSSBEAU (6) made a winning return from a layoff last time out at Chepstow under this jockey Sean Bowen. Can continue bright start to the campaign. OUR PAPA SMURF (3) has not been seen for almost a year. Signed off with a win in a hurdle at Warwick getting home narrowly by a head. Worth including and yard is in form. BRIDGE (2) resumes after an absence of nearly two years. Fitness to be taken on trust. Warrants a market check. STORMING NELSON (5) finished fourth when fresh from a break last start at Chepstow. Provides second outing following a wind operation. Deserves a second look on the back of that improved performance.

Jockey: M Goldstein
Weight: 76kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a lengthy spell. Having raced just once last preparation pulled up at this track on March 28 over 3500m. When resuming last campaign finished 12th of 15 runners at Exeter on October 24 2023 over 2600m, 35 len behind Kel Du Large with 70kg at $13. What happened last time is not ideal so prepared to risk.
Last Starts 255 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0/10 | 28/03/2025 | 103 | HCP HDLE 4U | $11,160.00 | Fontwell Park | 3520m | Good | Marc Goldstein | 74.5kg | 4:23.41 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $9.50 |
| 8/13 | 15/12/2024 | 28 | HCP HDLE 3U | $21,780.00 | Windsor | 4023m | Good Soft | Marc Goldstein | 74kg | 5:09.11 | 6-6-8 | 0 |
| 30.3L | $23.00 |
| 3/6 | 17/11/2024 | 13 | HCP HDLE 3U | $19,400.00 | Fontwell Park | 3520m | Good | Marc Goldstein | 69.5kg | 4:22.09 | 3-2-3 | 0 |
| 13.3L | $12.00 |
| 5/6 | 04/11/2024 | 25 | HCP HDLE 3U | $21,130.00 | Plumpton | 3195m | Good | Marc Goldstein | 71kg | 3:52.73 | 2-4-5 | 0 |
| 11.8L | $4.00 |
| 8/10 | 10/10/2024 | 16 | HCP 3U | $10,520.00 | Bath | 3441m | Heavy | Rose Dawes | 63kg | 4:03.42 | 1-7-8 | 9 |
| 36.5L | $6.00 |
| 1/11 | 24/09/2024 | 10 | HDLE HCP 3U | $11,160.00 | Fontwell Park | 3520m | Good Soft | Marc Goldstein | 76kg | 4:25.54 | 2-2-1 | 0 |
| 0.3L | $4.00 |
| 1/13 | 14/09/2024 | 18 | HCP 3U | $10,340.00 | Bath | 3419m | Good | Rose Dawes | 61kg | 3:51.21 | 1-1-1 | 6 |
| 3.3L | $3.25 |
| 2/14 | 27/08/2024 | 17 | HDLE HCP 3U | $12,980.00 | Stratford Avon | 3319m | Good Firm | Marc Goldstein | 74.5kg | 3:45.61 | 7-1-2 | 0 |
| 3.3L | $6.50 |
| 1/10 | 10/08/2024 | 20 | HCP 3U | $10,340.00 | Lingfield | 2615m | Good | Rose Dawes | 57kg | 2:50.71 | 1-1-1 | 3 |
| 3.5L | $4.33 |
| 4/12 | 21/07/2024 | 19 | HDLE 4U | $19,960.00 | Stratford Avon | 3319m | Good | Marc Goldstein | 68kg | 3:56.10 | 5-4-4 | 0 |
| 11.5L | $9.50 |
| 3/10 | 02/07/2024 | 54 | MHDLE 4U | $14,520.00 | Stratford Avon | 3319m | Good Firm | Marc Goldstein | 70kg | 3:51.37 | 3-3-3 | 0 |
| 3.3L | $7.50 |

Jockey: Freddie Mitchell
Weight: 76kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after nearly two years. Finished off last preparation 2 of 15 starters at this track April 19 2024 over 3500m, 2.25 len behind Solar System carrying 69kg at $7. Previously first up; 8 of 12 runners at Kempton Park October 22 2023 over 3200m, 42 len behind Gifted Angel carrying 67.5kg at $34. Sure to make presence felt.
Last Starts 598 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/15 | 19/04/2024 | 41 | HDLE HCP 4U | $11,160.00 | Fontwell Park | 3520m | Good | Caoilin Quinn | 69kg | 4:18.80 | 8-3-2 | 0 |
| 2.3L | $7.00 |
| 7/8 | 09/03/2024 | 16 | HCP JHDLE 4 | $32,290.00 | Sandown Park Uk | 3215m | Soft | Niall Francis Houlihan | 68kg | 4:10.10 | 4-8-7 | 0 |
| 29.5L | $21.00 |
| 3/7 | 22/02/2024 | 36 | APP HDLE HCP 4U | $11,160.00 | Lingfield | 3218m | Heavy | Caoilin Quinn | 68.5kg | 4:33.00 | - | 0 |
| 6.5L | $3.75 |
| 3/10 | 17/01/2024 | 22 | APP HDLE HCP 4U | $11,160.00 | Southwell | 3218m | Good Soft | Caoilin Quinn | 68kg | 4:09.35 | 4-2-3 | 0 |
| 8.3L | $5.00 |
| 1/5 | 26/12/2023 | 31 | JHDLE MDN 3 | $14,290.00 | Fontwell Park | 3520m | Soft | Caoilin Quinn | 69.5kg | 4:45.35 | 1-1-1 | 0 |
| 14.0L | $4.00 |
| 6/10 | 25/11/2023 | 18 | MHDLE 3U | $15,060.00 | Huntingdon | 3218m | Good | James Davies | 65.5kg | 3:41.56 | - | 0 |
| 29.0L | $126.00 |
| 5/9 | 07/11/2023 | 16 | JHDLE MDN 3 | $12,700.00 | Warwick Uk | 3218m | Soft | Caoilin Quinn | 67.5kg | 4:03.40 | - | 0 |
| 30.0L | $19.00 |
| 8/12 | 22/10/2023 | 106 | JHDLE 3 | $19,960.00 | Kempton Park | 3218m | Good | Caoilin Quinn | 67.5kg | 3:48.14 | - | 0 |
| 42.8L | $34.00 |
| 7/8 | 08/07/2023 | 68 | HCP 3 | $14,520.00 | Nottingham | 2011m | Good | Rhys Clutterbuck | 61kg | 2:12.96 | - | 1 |
| 17.8L | $15.00 |
| 7/7 | 01/05/2023 | 201 | APP HCP 3 | $15,250.00 | Windsor | 2313m | Soft | Daniel Muscutt | 58.5kg | 2:37.24 | - | 6 |
| 31.0L | $6.50 |
| 3/5 | 12/10/2022 | 39 | NSY 2 | $18,640.00 | Kempton Park | 1609m | Neutral | Robert Havlin | 56kg | 1:39.70 | - | 2 |
| 2.5L | $4.50 |

Jockey: Caoilin Quinn
Weight: 74.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a year. Finished off last campaign winning by a head Warwick December 12 over 3200m defeating Character Testing with 70kg at $51. Previously first up; 5 in a small field at Plumpton September 22 2024 over 3500m, 18 len behind Rogue King carrying 68.5kg at $6. Sure to feature on his best form.
Last Starts 361 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 12/12/2024 | 25 | JHDLE MDN 3 | $11,990.00 | Warwick Uk | 3218m | Good Soft | Caoilin Quinn | 70kg | 4:05.12 | 2-2-1 | 0 |
| 0.2L | $51.00 |
| 6/8 | 17/11/2024 | 40 | JHDLE 3 | $13,980.00 | Fontwell Park | 3520m | Good | Tom Cannon | 70kg | 4:28.35 | 7-7-6 | 0 |
| 68.8L | $41.00 |
| 9/9 | 08/10/2024 | 16 | HCP 3U | $10,340.00 | Brighton | 1609m | Good Soft | Rhys Clutterbuck | 57.5kg | 1:38.00 | 7-9-9 | 2 |
| 36.5L | $21.00 |
| 5/6 | 22/09/2024 | 81 | JHDLE 3 | $14,520.00 | Plumpton | 3520m | Good Soft | Caoilin Quinn | 68.5kg | 4:21.53 | 3-4-5 | 0 |
| 18.5L | $6.00 |
| 14/14 | 03/07/2024 | 19 | HCP 3U | $11,800.00 | Epsom Downs | 2414m | Good | Tom Queally | 58kg | 2:41.10 | 6-11-14 | 1 |
| 54.0L | $6.50 |
| 1/13 | 14/06/2024 | 30 | HCP 3 | $19,330.00 | Goodwood | 2011m | Good Soft | Joey Haynes | 53.5kg | 2:12.60 | 4-1-1 | 7 |
| 1.3L | $23.00 |
| 10/12 | 15/05/2024 | 15 | HCP 3 | $10,520.00 | Bath | 2045m | Good | Tom Queally | 61kg | 2:12.89 | - | 2 |
| 15.8L | $3.75 |
| 2/12 | 30/04/2024 | 171 | HCP 3 | $10,340.00 | Brighton | 2011m | Good | Tom Queally | 59.5kg | 2:04.71 | 5-3-2 | 7 |
| 1.3L | $8.00 |
| 6/7 | 11/11/2023 | 32 | HCP NSY 2 | $13,890.00 | Chelmsford City | 2011m | Neutral | Rhys Clutterbuck | 58.5kg | 2:06.70 | - | 4 |
| 5.3L | $12.00 |
| 5/7 | 10/10/2023 | 32 | MDN 2 | $11,980.00 | Brighton | 1609m | Good Firm | Rhys Clutterbuck | 60.5kg | 1:39.00 | - | 5 |
| 7.0L | $41.00 |
| 11/11 | 08/09/2023 | 19 | NOV 2 | $27,220.00 | Ascot Uk | 1207m | Good | Rhys Clutterbuck | 57.5kg | 1:13.65 | - | 12 |
| 34.3L | $51.00 |

Jockey: C O'farrell
Weight: 71.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Back from a spell. Finished off last campaign 8 of 11 starters at Ffos Las May 6 over 4000m, 18 len behind The Wire Flyer carrying 73kg at $8.50. Previously first up; 4 in a small field at this track April 11 over 3830m, 28 len behind Twist Of Fatecatch with 72kg at $11. Would need to be on best behaviour to threaten.
Last Starts 216 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/11 | 06/05/2025 | 25 | HCP HDLE 4U | $11,160.00 | Ffos Las | 4023m | Good | Conor O'Farrell | 73kg | 5:02.20 | 6-8-8 | 0 |
| 18.8L | $8.50 |
| 4/5 | 11/04/2025 | 111 | HDLE MDN 4U | $14,210.00 | Fontwell Park | 3849m | Good | Richie McLernon | 72kg | 4:46.17 | 1-4-4 | 0 |
| 28.5L | $11.00 |
| 12/14 | 21/12/2024 | 19 | HDLE 4U | $13,980.00 | Hereford | 3218m | Good Soft | Richie McLernon | 71kg | 4:02.39 | 8-12-12 | 0 |
| 103.3L | $81.00 |
| 9/11 | 02/12/2024 | 43 | HDLE 4U | $14,520.00 | Plumpton | 3218m | Good Soft | Conor O'Farrell | 70kg | 4:03.52 | 7-9-9 | 0 |
| 39.8L | $17.00 |
| 1/20 | 20/10/2024 | 30 | HCP 3U | $26,010.00 | Leopardstown | 2011m | Heavy | Ben Coen | 61kg | 2:15.53 | - | 16 |
| 1.3L | $9.00 |
| 3/9 | 20/09/2024 | 20 | APP HCP 4U | $21,680.00 | Dundalk | 2414m | Neutral | R M Mulligan | 58kg | 2:37.90 | - | 2 |
| 4.0L | $5.00 |
| 13/20 | 31/08/2024 | 14 | 4U | $170.00 | Curragh | 2414m | Good | Richard Brede | 77.5kg | 2:38.50 | - | 0 |
| 10.8L | $6.50 |
| 6/6 | 17/08/2024 | 50 | HCP 3U | $21,680.00 | Tramore | 2414m | Y | Shane B Kelly | 61kg | 2:41.03 | - | 6 |
| 12.3L | $3.75 |
| 3/18 | 28/06/2024 | 6 | APP HCP 3U | $52,030.00 | Curragh | 2414m | Good | J A Powell | 64kg | 2:32.47 | - | 2 |
| 1.8L | $9.00 |
| 5/14 | 22/06/2024 | 23 | HCP 3U | $19,940.00 | Limerick | 2514m | Good | Shane B Kelly | 61.5kg | 2:47.96 | - | 4 |
| 5.0L | $3.50 |
| 6/16 | 30/05/2024 | 23 | APP HCP 4U | $19,080.00 | Fairyhouse | 2011m | Good | J A Powell | 64.5kg | 2:11.78 | - | 17 |
| 7.5L | $4.00 |

Jockey: Lucy Gardner
Weight: 71.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing second-up today. Fresh up after nine months finished fourth of 12 runners at Chepstow on November 21 over 3200m, on slow going 15 len behind Reinado with 70.5kg at $17. Previously second-up finished 14th of 15 runners at Wincanton on January 16 over 3980m, 54 len behind Firestream with 70kg at $67. Will strip fitter and makes plenty of appeal.
Last Starts 17 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/12 | 21/11/2025 | 256 | HDLE HCP 3U | $12,170.00 | Chepstow | 3218m | Soft | Lucy Gardner | 70.5kg | 4:14.90 | 4-4-4 | 0 |
| 15.8L | $17.00 |
| 9/13 | 10/03/2025 | 17 | HCP HDLE 4U | $15,040.00 | Stratford Avon | 3756m | Good Soft | Lucy Gardner | 69.5kg | 4:43.59 | 3-7-9 | 0 |
| 21.8L | $13.00 |
| 0/14 | 21/02/2025 | 13 | HCP HDLE 4U | $16,340.00 | Exeter | 4325m | Heavy | Lucy Gardner | 73kg | 6:05.29 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $17.00 |
| 7/9 | 08/02/2025 | 23 | HCP HDLE 4U | $29,950.00 | Warwick Uk | 3218m | Soft | Lucy Gardner | 68kg | 3:51.42 | 3-7-7 | 0 |
| 22.5L | $19.00 |
| 14/15 | 16/01/2025 | 42 | HCP HDLE 4U | $16,610.00 | Wincanton | 3986m | Good Soft | Lucy Gardner | 70kg | 5:04.13 | 5-11-14 | 0 |
| 54.3L | $67.00 |
| 0/9 | 05/12/2024 | 285 | HCP APP HDLE 3U | $14,760.00 | Leicester | 4124m | Heavy | Lucy Gardner | 71.5kg | 5:40.54 | 5-8-PU | 0 |
| 99.0L | $29.00 |
| 6/8 | 24/02/2024 | 9 | HDLE HCP 4U | $19,420.00 | Chepstow | 3218m | Heavy | Lucy Gardner | 72kg | 4:06.45 | 4-6-6 | 0 |
| 47.3L | $15.00 |
| 5/6 | 15/02/2024 | 45 | NHDLE HCP 4U | $18,150.00 | Sandown Park Uk | 4023m | Soft | Lucy Gardner | 75.5kg | 5:30.40 | - | 0 |
| 31.8L | $8.00 |
| 1/10 | 01/01/2024 | 13 | NHDLE 4U | $14,070.00 | Exeter | 3319m | Heavy | Lucy Gardner | 70.5kg | 4:28.06 | - | 0 |
| 8.5L | $4.33 |
| 3/18 | 19/12/2023 | 39 | MHDLE 4U | $13,610.00 | Wincanton | 3017m | Soft | Lucy Gardner | 71.5kg | 3:56.24 | - | 0 |
| 11.3L | $101.00 |
| 8/15 | 10/11/2023 | 187 | NHDLE 4U | $27,220.00 | Exeter | 3319m | Good Soft | Lucy Gardner | 70kg | 4:16.70 | - | 0 |
| 41.0L | $201.00 |

Jockey: S Bowen
Weight: 71.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Having second run back today. First-up after about 18 months won by 2 len Chepstow on November 5 over 3900m defeating Locked Down Lad with 69kg at $7 in a hurdle. Previously second-up didn't finish the race at Windsor on October 23 2023 over 2300m. Strips fitter and is again a top chance.
Last Starts 33 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16 | 05/11/2025 | 502 | HDLE HCP 3U | $12,170.00 | Chepstow | 3922m | Good Soft | Sean Bowen | 69kg | 5:17.10 | 1-1-1 | 0 |
| 2.0L | $7.00 |
| 7/9 | 21/06/2024 | 22 | HDLE HCP 4U | $14,070.00 | Market Rasen | 4123m | Good | Alan Johns | 71kg | 5:18.66 | 1-6-7 | 0 |
| 11.3L | $6.00 |
| 4/9 | 30/05/2024 | 23 | HDLE HCP 4U | $13,970.00 | Ffos Las | 4023m | Good | Alan Johns | 67kg | 4:46.32 | 4-3-4 | 0 |
| 10.5L | $5.50 |
| 2/9 | 07/05/2024 | 47 | HDLE HCP 4U | $11,160.00 | Ffos Las | 4023m | Good Soft | Alan Johns | 71kg | 5:09.94 | 1-1-2 | 0 |
| 6.5L | $11.00 |
| 4/7 | 21/03/2024 | 42 | HDLE HCP 4U | $11,160.00 | Chepstow | 3922m | Soft | Alan Johns | 70kg | 5:04.20 | 2-4-4 | 0 |
| 13.3L | $11.00 |
| 5/14 | 08/02/2024 | 9 | HCP HDLE 4U | $13,840.00 | Huntingdon | 3947m | Soft | Alan Johns | 71kg | 5:15.73 | - | 0 |
| 34.5L | $5.50 |
| 99/7 | 30/01/2024 | 39 | NHDLE HCP 4U | $11,160.00 | Chepstow | 3922m | Heavy | Conor Ring | 69.5kg | 5:26.60 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $9.50 |
| 3/13 | 22/12/2023 | 13 | HDLE HCP 3U | $11,700.00 | Uttoxeter | 4023m | Heavy | Alan Johns | 71kg | 5:22.30 | - | 0 |
| 5.5L | $81.00 |
| 6/13 | 09/12/2023 | 12 | NHDLE 4U | $14,520.00 | Chepstow | 3922m | Heavy | Alan Johns | 71kg | 5:04.10 | - | 0 |
| 73.5L | $201.00 |
| 7/16 | 27/11/2023 | 6 | MHDLE 4U | $16,330.00 | Ludlow | 3218m | Good Soft | Alan Johns | 71.5kg | 3:54.58 | - | 0 |
| 42.5L | $201.00 |
| 6/13 | 21/11/2023 | 29 | MHDLE 4U | $14,520.00 | Hereford | 3218m | Good | Alan Johns | 71.5kg | 3:57.00 | - | 0 |
| 50.0L | $251.00 |

Jockey: R P Mclernon
Weight: 68kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing second-up today. Fresh up after eight months came from midfield; finished eighth of 11 runners at Ffos Las on November 9 over 4000m, slow track; 33 len behind El Bandido Pancho carrying 69kg at $5. Previously second-up finished second of 7 runners at Lingfield on December 18 over 3200m, slow track; 6 len behind Bobbi's Beauty with 71kg at $3.20. Prepared to overlook.
Last Starts 29 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/11 | 09/11/2025 | 238 | HDLE HCP 4U | $12,170.00 | Ffos Las | 4023m | Soft | Richie McLernon | 69kg | 5:18.69 | 6-8-8 | 0 |
| 33.8L | $5.00 |
| 0/6 | 16/03/2025 | 9 | HCP CHSE 5U | $17,530.00 | Market Rasen | 3458m | Good | Richie McLernon | 69kg | 4:22.39 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $2.88 |
| 2/5 | 07/03/2025 | 39 | HCP CHSE 5U | $14,520.00 | Leicester | 3218m | Good Soft | Richie McLernon | 71.5kg | 4:08.17 | 4-2-2 | 0 |
| 3.8L | $2.20 |
| 3/6 | 27/01/2025 | 40 | HCP CHSE 5U | $14,520.00 | Plumpton | 3419m | Soft | Richie McLernon | 66.5kg | 4:26.30 | 2-2-3 | 0 |
| 16.5L | $2.75 |
| 2/7 | 18/12/2024 | 21 | HCP CHSE 4U | $11,350.00 | Lingfield | 3218m | Soft | Richie McLernon | 71kg | 4:09.95 | 5-2-2 | 0 |
| 6.0L | $3.20 |
| 3/8 | 27/11/2024 | 204 | HCP CHSE 4U | $11,350.00 | Hereford | 3225m | Good Soft | Richie McLernon | 69.5kg | 4:08.51 | 5-3-3 | 0 |
| 2.8L | $7.00 |
| 3/13 | 07/05/2024 | 37 | HDLE HCP 4U | $11,160.00 | Ffos Las | 3218m | Good Soft | Richie McLernon | 68.5kg | 4:00.28 | 2-4-3 | 0 |
| 8.0L | $3.25 |
| 2/6 | 31/03/2024 | 59 | HDLE HCP 4U | $11,160.00 | Ffos Las | 4023m | Heavy | Richard McLernon | 68.5kg | 5:18.86 | - | 0 |
| 2.3L | $2.50 |
| 99/11 | 01/02/2024 | 41 | NHDLE HCP 4U | $11,160.00 | Ffos Las | 3218m | Heavy | Richard McLernon | 71kg | 4:11.93 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $3.50 |
| 4/10 | 22/12/2023 | 10 | NHDLE HCP 3U | $11,700.00 | Uttoxeter | 3218m | Heavy | Richard McLernon | 65.5kg | 4:19.40 | - | 0 |
| 2.8L | $3.50 |
| 2/6 | 12/12/2023 | 40 | HDLE HCP 3U | $11,700.00 | Fontwell Park | 3520m | Heavy | Richard McLernon | 66.5kg | 4:59.23 | 4-2-2 | 0 |
| 0.2L | $3.00 |