1:38 Hexham
This Class 4 GBB novice hurdle at Hexham over 2m48y on good ground brings together a small but competitive field of seven. The KTB Fit scores highlight a clear top pick on 62 while the remainder sit in a tight band from 49 down to 40, suggesting the race may revolve around one standout but with scope for improvers and unknowns to feature. Recent form is mixed, with several lightly raced types and others showing steady rather than sparkling progress.
How the race shapes up
The pace shape lacks a natural leader, pointing to a steadily-run, tactical contest where being handy should pay dividends. With most principals and field runners inclined to settle in mid-division or be held up, the early fractions are likely to be modest and the ability to produce a turn of foot from midfield will be important. The key question is whether the selection can maintain her progressive profile from a midfield position or if one of the patient types can land a late blow in what may develop into a sprint for the line.
The KTB Fit ranking
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1Ride Like A Girl KTB Selection62/100
Ride Like A Girl arrives with strong claims as a smart performer in excellent nick. She has won two of her last three starts and has already shown she handles this trip, with a win on good ground to her name even if her overall record on the surface reads a modest one win from six. Jamie Snowden’s 30% strike rate at Hexham from 44 runs adds to the appeal, as does Gavin Sheehan’s 28% record at the track from 50 rides. Typically settling in midfield, she should be well positioned to strike in a race run at a steady tempo. Her recent form of 44-122 underlines consistent ability at this level.
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2Dark Tide Rising49/100
Dark Tide Rising has shown some promise over this trip, winning one of two starts at the distance and posting a solid third last time out. The horse has won on good ground from a small sample and the recent form figures of PF-431 suggest steady progress after an early point-to-point disappointment. This represents a step up in class, which must be taken into account. Tom George has a 0% strike rate from six runs at Hexham while Kielan Woods rides with limited course experience. Usually held up and producing its effort late, Dark Tide Rising will be hoping the steady pace allows a strong finish.
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3Credit Union45/100
Credit Union has shown very little in five runs to date and arrives here on the back of two modest efforts this year. The drop back in trip poses a fresh question while the yard’s modest record at Hexham offers no encouragement. This remains a lightly raced horse with plenty to prove. The trainer-jockey combination has a 0% strike rate from 15 runs at the track. With no win or place from three runs on good ground, conditions add another layer of uncertainty.
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4Ebchester44/100
Ebchester has shown only modest form in two starts so far, finishing fourth both times including on this track. The yard records a 9% strike rate from 288 runs at Hexham. With so few runs the trip and ground remain untested questions. Usually held up and producing its effort late, Ebchester will need to improve markedly to play a major part. The recent form figures of 44 confirm a modest level of ability at this stage.
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5Lecanvey Lady43/100
Lecanvey Lady makes her debut for a yard that has a solid 13% strike rate at Hexham from a big sample of runners. Recent form reads P-6 and she has no runs in the last year, so the assessment rests entirely on her pedigree and sales background. With low data confidence this one remains very much an unknown quantity.
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6Rhythm of Life41/100
Rhythm of Life is a useful performer who has shown consistent placed form this year without winning. Dropping back in trip today having failed to land a blow at this distance in four previous attempts, the recent form of 13-344 reflects steady but winless efforts. Tom George is still seeking a first Hexham winner from six runners while the jockey has limited racecourse experience. Usually held up, the horse will be reliant on a strong pace to finish.
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7Whin Cover40/100
Whin Cover has shown very little in three starts so far, finishing no better than fifth on each occasion. The yard has only two runs at Hexham so the local record is too small to judge. Trip and ground both remain unproven with such a light profile. This represents a step up in class and the recent form of 75-5 confirms limited appeal at present.
KTB verdict
Ride Like A Girl stands out as the KTB Selection. She arrives in excellent nick after two wins from her last three starts, has already shown she handles this trip and has won on good ground, with the Snowden-Sheehan combination holding a strong record at Hexham. The steadily-run nature of the race should suit her midfield run-style. The main dangers are likely to be Dark Tide Rising, who has shown promise over the trip and on good ground, and possibly Rhythm of Life if the race sets up for a late run, though both face stiffer tasks on the figures.
KTB Selection Ride Like A Girl
Morning odds
Best available price per runner, captured 00:01 UTC, 2 Oct. These are a morning snapshot and will have moved — see the live racecard for current prices.
| Runner | Morning price | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Like A Girl | evn | Bet365 |
| Dark Tide Rising | 11/10 | 7Bet |
| Credit Union | 150/1 | 7Bet |
| Ebchester | 28/1 | Bet365 |
| Lecanvey Lady | 50/1 | 7Bet |
| Rhythm of Life | 16/1 | Bet365 |
| Whin Cover | 28/1 | Bet365 |
This is the narrative read of the 1:38 Hexham. For the live card — runner-by-runner stats, the full Fit Score breakdown and current odds — see the Hexham racecard. Every result we hold for the track is on the Hexham results & records page. New here? How KTB works explains the Fit Score and why we publish both.
Questions about this race
Which horse has the highest KTB Fit Score and why does it stand out?
Ride Like A Girl on 62/100. She is a smart performer in excellent nick after two wins from her last three starts, has shown she handles the trip, and the trainer has a 30% strike rate at Hexham.
How is the race expected to be run given the pace shape?
Lacks a leader with medium confidence, so it is likely to be a steadily-run, tactical affair where being handy pays.
Which runners are noted as usually held up?
Dark Tide Rising, Ebchester, Rhythm of Life and Whin Cover are all described as held up, with varying levels of confidence in the run-style description.
What are the trainer strike rates at Hexham for the two principals trained by Tom George?
Tom George has a 0% strike rate at Hexham from six runs for both Dark Tide Rising and Rhythm of Life.
Which horse is making its debut for a new yard with a solid Hexham record?
Lecanvey Lady, whose new yard Martin Todhunter has a 13% strike rate at Hexham from 470 runs.
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