May 22 / 15.17 Haydock

15.17

Good To Firm

Betfred “Nifty 50” Handicap (A Jockey Club Grassroots Sprint Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £4448.9
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 11 runners
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Betfred “Nifty 50” Handicap (A Jockey Club Grassroots Sprint Series Qualifier)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

OUR TIP

Form: 940-

Last run: 146 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Best run came in the middle of his three starts, when fourth at Dundalk (7f, AW) in December in these cheekpieces (which go back on today); not obviously well treated off this opening mark but he's shown speed and could prove well suited by this first crack at sprinting on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

2

(12)

3rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 61y

14:45 Sligo

March To The Band

10st 0lb

J: Sadhbh Tormey

T: John S O’Donoghue

Back with yard after a spell in Britain; yet to place in eight starts and no real progression on AW over the winter; just second run on turf here.

20/1

11th

2

(16)

13th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 0y

18:00 Dundalk (AW)

March To The Band

10st 2lb

J: Rory Mulligan

T: John S O’Donoghue

Bought out of Archie Watson's yard for 2,000gns last July and didn't run too badly on yard debut over C&D in December; faded late over 1m here when last seen; still unexposed so don't rule out; poor draw.

20/1

6

(3)

5th Jun 2025

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 5

14:50 Lingfield (AW)

March To The Band

9st 7lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Archie Watson

No improvement for the switch to handicaps when a distant fifth at Haydock two weeks ago; new blinkers and the return to AW the straws to clutch at.

16/1

Form: 432

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Fair efforts over 1m/7f on AW this spring on his first three starts; his dam was a useful sprinter and it's possible the drop in trip will be a positive on handicap debut; could go well for in-form yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20th

15

(16)

15th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 York

Captain Parma

9st 6lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: James Owen

Consistent record on AW features two wins; far less solid on turf form (finishing positions read 790) and can be opposed in a competitive affair kept to this sphere.

25/1

11th

5

(7)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 3y

Class 4

16:55 Yarmouth

Captain Parma

9st 7lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: James Owen

Doubled his tally on the AW when winning at Chelmsford (7f; first-time visor) in February and he was a close third there next time; however, below best in both starts on turf, including at Doncaster (7f, good to soft) 23 days ago; headgear last five starts but not today.

14/1

9th

5

(5)

29th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

15:30 Doncaster

Captain Parma

9st 7lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: James Owen

Consistent AW handicapper who ran creditably last time when bidding for a Chelmsford double (7f); can remain competitive provided the form is transferred back to turf (second attempt).

7/1

Form: 0-2873 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Just one win from his 13 starts and inconsistent; however, that victory came over 6f at Doncaster last August and he returned to form with a very close third at Windsor (5f, good to firm) recently; might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(2)

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:17 Haydock

Monomyth

9st 6lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Ollie Sangster

Just one win from his 13 starts and inconsistent; however, that victory came over 6f at Doncaster last August and he returned to form with a very close third at Windsor (5f, good to firm) recently; might not be far away.

6/1

4

(2)

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:17 Haydock

Monomyth

9st 6lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Ollie Sangster

Just one win from his 13 starts and inconsistent; however, that victory came over 6f at Doncaster last August and he returned to form with a very close third at Windsor (5f, good to firm) recently; might not be far away.

6/1

3rd

7

(7)

5th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

15:40 Windsor

Monomyth

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ollie Sangster

Comes with risk having proved inconsistent since Doncaster win (off 2lb higher) last August; however, attractively weighted and Oisin Murphy is a positive booking.

11/2

Form: 5-6146 D BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Easily made all on handicap debut at Redcar (6f, good to firm) on April 21st; disappointing favourite under a penalty on April 28th and 29th and she's now 10lb higher than for her win, but a 23-day break may have helped and if rediscovering the Redcar form she'll have a major shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

149

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

City Of Strangers

7st 11lb

T: Ivan Furtado

6

(10)

10th Jul 2025

Soft

0m 5f 182y

Class 6

14:10 Carlisle

City Of Strangers

9st 7lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Ivan Furtado

Spreadeagled the field at Redcar (6f, good to firm; 18-1) in April, but turned over on successive days at Ayr (8-13 favourite) and Nottingham (6-5 favourite) the following week; laboured at Haydock (6f) seven weeks ago, so plenty to prove at present.

14/1

5

(11)

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:17 Haydock

City Of Strangers

9st 6lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Ivan Furtado

Easily made all on handicap debut at Redcar (6f, good to firm) on April 21st; disappointing favourite under a penalty on April 28th and 29th and she's now 10lb higher than for her win, but a 23-day break may have helped and if rediscovering the Redcar form she'll have a major shout.

7/1

Form: 538-8

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Close third at Newcastle (6f, AW) last November on second start and he's of interest on that form; last month's handicap debut at Ripon (6f, good) came after a break and he may have needed the run, but he was beaten a long way and it's hard to be optimistic after that performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(2)

8th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 16y

Class 6

20:11 Chepstow

Sundiata Keita

8st 13lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: John & Rhys Flint

12-race maiden making his seasonal/stable debut following nine-month absence; down to a career-low mark but probably best watched for now.

16/1

9th

6

(5)

9th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

17:22 Bath

Sundiata Keita

9st 5lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Joe Ponting

11-race maiden who isn't progressing; has run well over C&D on a couple of occasions this year but he looks opposable on balance.

12/1

8th

7

(5)

18th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:15 Kempton (AW)

Sundiata Keita

9st 5lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Joe Ponting

Ten-race maiden; three good runs from four attempts for his new stable but he will need to pull out extra if he is to break his duck.

12/1

Form: -77723

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
0-8 but gelded earlier this spring and has shown improved form to be placed on his two runs since (6f, good to firm/AW); cheekpieces return (no obvious positive impact previously); a win could be imminent.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

1

(11)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 180y

14:57 Navan

Thurso

10st 2lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Gerard Edmund O’Leary

Three wins last year, at 5.5f and 7f, final start on firm ground at Bath; encouraging yard debut here last month when close fourth over conventional 5f; slightly longer trip here should suit so considered off same mark.

8/1

4th

2

(2)

7th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

14:17 Navan

Thurso

10st 2lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: Gerard Edmund O’Leary

Three wins last year, at 6f and 7f; going was fast for last month's 5f Bath win on his final start for Richard Hughes; any ease might harm his chance on Irish debut.

12/1

Form: 5-22

Last run: 96 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in first-time hood (retained since) at Newcastle (5f, AW) in January on second start and filled same position there (6f) in February; open to further improvement and she's respected on her handicap and turf debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(3)

25th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 75y

Class 6

11:30 Nottingham

Volendam

9st 9lb

J: Matthew Lloyd Slater

T: Tony Carroll

Sole win from 21 starts came at Bath (1m, good) in April; bounced back from a poor effort when runner-up over this C&D last month and shaped as if still in good form at Wetherby (7f, good to firm) three weeks ago, leaving the impression the return to 1m would suit; chance.

7/2

5th

12

(5)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

15:42 Wetherby

Volendam

9st 3lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Tony Carroll

Belatedly opened account with clear win at Bath (1m, good) in April, her 18th start, and rebounded from lesser effort when second at Nottingham (8.3f, good to soft) last month; has a tendency to race too freely, so this drop back in trip could be a good move; others have more potential, though.

8/1

2nd

4

(8)

19th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 75y

Class 5

16:20 Nottingham

Volendam

9st 6lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Tony Carroll

Heavy defeat last time took her AW record to 0-15; opened her account with comfortable win at Bath (1m) earlier in April and remains unexposed on turf; not ruled out.

20/1

Form: 676-26

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on handicap/AW debut at Newcastle (6f) in March; down the field at Catterick (6f, good) since and he has something to prove on turf, but he's not written off in view of that promise two starts ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(4)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 16y

Class 4

18:53 Chepstow

Kisskodi

9st 9lb

J: George Wood

T: Harry Eustace

Progressed well in 2025 when a four-time winner at 6f/7f; has gone with promise on both starts this spring, suffering a poor run before staying on into fifth of 14 at Goodwood (7f) 15 days ago; can race off a 1lb lower mark here so a bold showing is on the cards.

3/1

5th

14

(1)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:52 Goodwood

Kisskodi

9st 0lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Harry Eustace

Unraced on soft/heavy; scored four times on turf last term and may resume his progress with creditable AW reappearance under his belt; combined record of 3-4 at Epsom and Brighton bodes well for this first visit to Goodwood, which is quite similar to those tracks; highly respected.

6/1

Form: -32414

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Placed over 6f on AW earlier this year and got off the mark in a first-time visor (retained since) at Newcastle (5f, AW) in March; however, well beaten at Musselburgh (5f, good) since and has to prove himself on grass.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(8)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

What What What

9st 7lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

C&D winner last year; won again at Southwell in February (6f) but rather out of sorts since; back on his last winning mark.

13/2

7th

5

(6)

30th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

20:00 Southwell (AW)

What What What

8st 10lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

Game effort to win over C&D in February off 1lb lower; only run since came at Thirsk 12 days ago when easy to back and dropping right away in the race won by Eldeyaar; racecourse evidence suggests he will be much happier now back on AW.

7/1

15th

8

(2)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:40 Thirsk

What What What

9st 7lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Had the headgear left off when back to winning ways in 6f Southwell handicap 53 days ago; he's yet to show much in a handful of turf runs though, so needs to back it up.

7/1

Form: -09311 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Won at Wolverhampton (5f, AW) last month on second handicap start and followed up at Doncaster (6f, good to firm); 4lb rise for last time isn't harsh and this progressive colt could still have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(1)

10th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 5

20:12 Chester

Trust Sergei

9st 5lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Gary Hanmer

Not a straightforward customer but he got back on the scoresheet with a last-gasp success at Wolverhampton (6f, AW) 12 days ago; has a penalty but he won off a higher mark at Doncaster last spring and he looks worth another try at this trip; dangerous.

6/1

1st

8

(6)

28th Jun 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

16:23 Wolverhampton (AW)

Trust Sergei

9st 8lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Gary Hanmer

Not a straightforward customer but he has plenty of ability for one operating at this level; back to form with a second of eight over 5f here eight weeks ago; no problem with the sixth furlong and he is more appealing than many.

3/1

2nd

2

(2)

5th May 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Trust Sergei

9st 8lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Gary Hanmer

Disappointed as favourite in a 6f handicap here six weeks ago but he is well handicapped on his 3yo best and he was notably short in the betting prior to being withdrawn at Doncaster last month (bolted to post); headstrong sort but more than capable of playing a role if not overdoing it in the preliminaries.

11/4

Form: 47-83

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Slowly away when fair third of five on handicap debut at Musselburgh (5f, good) three weeks ago; kept on nicely and this step back up in trip very much looks the right move; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(5)

23rd Sep 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

15:08 Beverley

Bern Rossetti

9st 1lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Good third over 5f at Musselburgh in May but below par over further since, last of five in 6f Redcar handicap latest start; mark is slipping though so could still play a part back at the minimum trip.

10/1

5th

4

(5)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

20:00 Redcar

Bern Rossetti

9st 3lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Tim Easterby

Creditable third (of five) on his handicap debut at Musselburgh in May (5f, good); no progress since but down in the weights and it's too soon to write him off.

9/1

5

(11)

30th Jul 2025

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

16:35 Redcar

Bern Rossetti

9st 3lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

0-6 but he didn't shape badly in a couple of handicaps (5f/6f) before failing to beat a rival home when tried over 7f at Redcar (good to firm) 40 days ago; the drop back to 6f should suit.

9/1

Non-runners

Coeur Jaune

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £26.80
Straight Forecast £20.72
Tricast £122.13
Trifecta £207.10

Selections

Telegraph:

Volendam

RP RATINGS:

Monomyth

SPOTLIGHT:

Thurso

The Star:

Trust Sergei

NEWMARKET:

Captain Parma

The Times:

Coeur Jaune

Daily Mail:

Volendam

D Express:

Volendam

The Sun:

Volendam

LAMBOURN:

Thurso

Daily Record:

Trust Sergei

POSTDATA:

Monomyth

The Guardian:

Monomyth

Daily Mirror:

Monomyth