May 31 / 13.13 Haydock

13.13

Good To Soft

Betfred “Play Fred’s £5 Million” Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £23193
  • 1m 3f 175y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
RTV
View Course
Betfred “Play Fred’s £5 Million” Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

25/1

Form: 11-64P CD

Last run: 98 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Group-class stayer who came to himself again to run two big races last August/September, but was below that level in two runs at Meydan in January and pulled up amiss at Riyadh in February; needs to be at or near his best for a leading role on this first start since, but this is only 1m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(1)

25th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 10y

Class 2

15:35 Ripon

Prydwen

9st 7lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: George Scott

Last five outings on AW, posting his most encouraging effort when second of 12 in a 2m Newcastle Good Friday handicap; nudged back up 2lb for that but he's still 3lb lower than when runner-up at Chester (2m, good to soft) last September; should go well.

3/1

2nd

4

(10)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Prydwen

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: George Scott

Won this in 2024 and he's dropping down the weights; this 8yo has shown the odd sign of spark over the last 12 months but his AW exploits this winter indicate it's best to look elsewhere.

14/1

OUR TIP

10/1

Form: 0200-6 C

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
2024 proved very disappointing, a false dawn when beaten a head at Newbury (2m, good to firm) in July off today's mark; left William Haggas for 170,000gns and made a satisfactory return when sixth of 12 in 1m4f York handicap, which he needs to build on; often tongue tied but not last time or today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(2)

22nd May 2026

Soft

1m 1f 197y

Class 1

16:17 Goodwood

Naqeeb

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Performed well twice over C&D last term but had the run of the race when belying his 33-1 odds for neck success at Listed level in September (good to soft) and looks no certainty to defy a 3lb penalty back here, unless things again fall his way.

12/1

5th

3

(1)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Naqeeb

9st 8lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Has raced as far as 2m1f in 2024 and never shorter than 1m2f; third at last year's Royal Ascot came over 1m4f but he broke a losing sequence when diverted from top handicaps to a 1m2f Listed race at Goodwood last September; the prospect of 1m now doesn't seem so ridiculous but a career best is needed.

16/1

1st

4

(4)

24th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 1f 197y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Naqeeb

9st 4lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

On a two-year losing spell and is 0-6 for current yard; still capable of very useful form, having been placed in handicaps at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood this summer; however, this seems a harder task.

16/1

Form: 311- D

Last run: 257 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Promising debut (good to firm) last August; bounded clear at Southwell next time and ended well on top at Kempton (again 1m4f, AW) in another novice in September; gelded since; cheekpieces all starts; dispatched some pretty useful rivals last time and looks an exciting handicap debutant.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(4)

31st May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 175y

Class 2

13:13 Haydock

Shader

9st 6lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

Promising debut (good to firm) last August; bounded clear at Southwell next time and ended well on top at Kempton (again 1m4f, AW) in another novice in September; gelded since; cheekpieces all starts; dispatched some pretty useful rivals last time and looks an exciting handicap debutant.

7/2

3

(4)

31st May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 175y

Class 2

13:13 Haydock

Shader

9st 6lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

Promising debut (good to firm) last August; bounded clear at Southwell next time and ended well on top at Kempton (again 1m4f, AW) in another novice in September; gelded since; cheekpieces all starts; dispatched some pretty useful rivals last time and looks an exciting handicap debutant.

7/2

1st

3

(6)

16th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 4

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Shader

9st 11lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: John & Thady Gosden

prominent, headway to lead 2f out, drifted right but ran on well from over 1f out, pushed out inside final furlong

5/4

Form: 37-432

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Extremely solid sequence at about 1m2f but he comes from off the pace and has often met trouble in running; that wasn't the case at York this month on second attempt at 1m4f (first run on good to firm) and he had every chance in going down by a head; up 3lb with each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(1)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Stressfree

9st 10lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Beaten a head in this race last year and fourth of 22 here in the Ebor in August; began 2026 with another solid effort, when second at Ripon; not a prolific winner with his waiting tactics but big each-way chance.

6/1

2nd

1

(4)

25th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 10y

Class 2

15:35 Ripon

Stressfree

9st 10lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Smart handicapper who won at Haydock (1m4f, good) off 4lb lower last May and recorded several good efforts in defeat later in 2025; has gone well fresh before.

9/2

1

(6)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 5f 61y

Class 2

14:05 Newbury

Stressfree

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Likeable hold-up performer who has run crackers in top handicaps over 1m6f on last two starts, fourth of 22 in the Ebor at York (good to firm) before third of 14 to The Reverend (Dramatic Star second) in the Old Borough Cup at Haydock (good); all ground seems to come alike; each-way claims again.

8/1

20/1

Form: 14-711 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Went an age without winning for most of his career but he put that right last August/September and has now won twice this month as well; has developed tactical versatility too; back up another 3lb and in class, but there's still mileage in his mark if judged on his old form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(8)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:35 Hamilton

Faylaq

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

9yo who was well beaten in the John Smith's Cup at York last month but won two in a row here (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and continued in good form until his blip last time; not ruled out now back here.

12/1

9

(12)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Faylaq

9st 4lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Two wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and creditable fifth in the Northumberland Plate a fortnight ago (2m, AW); he's a 9yo who has never won off a mark this high but is versatile in terms of trip and ran well over C&D last month; not ruled out each-way.

22/1

5th

7

(2)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Faylaq

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Third and sixth in last two runnings of the C&D Vase on this card; in the groove with successive wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f) this May; however, he's been held off this mark when back up to Class 2 in his three starts since, still in form but suggesting that others will have the edge today.

18/1

Form: 66945-

Last run: 232 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Reliable at up to 1m6f in form terms for Karl Burke but he didn't look well handicapped after trying some tough assignments; visored last two starts but not today; sold for 49,000gns in November and the handicapper needs to show some mercy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(8)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 196y

Class 4

14:53 Chester

Imperial Sovereign

9st 12lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Philip Kirby

Sole win (19 races) was a novice in 2023; running respectably this term, drawn wide when never able to challenge in the Chester Plate last time; competitively handicapped but probably not the percentage call.

7/1

7th

11

(15)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:10 Chester

Imperial Sovereign

9st 5lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Philip Kirby

Sole win (18 races) was a novice in 2023; ended 2025 bang there in two AW handicaps (2m/1m6f) and ran respectably on both starts this term, back on good ground latest, but drawn wide and others are preferred.

16/1

3rd

4

(4)

26th Apr 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:25 Nottingham

Imperial Sovereign

9st 5lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Philip Kirby

Sole win (17 races) was a novice event in 2023; ended 2025 when bang there in two AW handicaps (2m/1m6f) and he wasn't disgraced behind Rock N Roll Pinkie on recent return, but not the percentage call.

13/2

Form: 581538

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Won well at Pontefract (1m2f, good) in April; only his second attempt at this sort of trip when creditable, keeping-on third of five at Lingfield (11.6f, good to firm) this month but he'll need better than that, whereas he was well beaten over 1m4f at York (Stressfree second) four days later.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

(6)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Kings Code

9st 8lb

J: P J McDonald

T: David Evans

Second at this meeting in 2024 but only eighth in this race last year; had an excellent autumn on AW and won again in January, but he's struggled to make an impact in recent AW starts and his record is a lot stronger at up to 1m3f than at about 1m4f.

33/1

14th

3

(1)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Kings Code

9st 8lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: David Evans

He's never won off a mark this high and he needs to produce more than he's managed at Kempton and Lingfield on his last three starts; however, before those he won a 13-runner handicap over C&D with something to spare and the return to Newcastle could be in his favour; not ruled out each-way.

20/1

8th

3

(4)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 2

14:42 Kempton (AW)

Kings Code

9st 9lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: David Evans

Busy 6yo who is 10-28 on AW, with three of those wins last autumn (two C&D) and latest at Newcastle in January; the handicapper has reacted, though, and the creditable efforts of last two starts weren't nearly so rewarding.

16/1

Form: 1P/16- BF

Last run: 189 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Not all plain sailing, far from it, but she returned from more than a year off when winning a handicap at Nottingham (1m2f, heavy) in good style last October; 10lb higher today over a new trip but she has a fine pedigree and is not comfortably dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(7)

4th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 42y

Class 3

16:37 Haydock

Albany

10st 2lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Lightly raced 5yo who won on good to soft and heavy in previous campaigns and hit top form again when pipped in a 1m4f York handicap on good ground on latest start; dropping back in trip poses something of a question but otherwise she looks set for a big run.

5/1

Form: 25210-

Last run: 217 days

W: 8st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Has won on ground ranging from good to firm to heavy, but withdrawn twice this month; Newbury 1m2f has suited him particularly well, given he won there on his first two starts of 2023 and also on heavy once last September, but limited attempts beyond that (latest in 2023) did not prove his stamina.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

6

(10)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Newbury

Mustazeed

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Harry Eustace

4-9 over C&D including landing this race three years ago, but his starts have increasingly become a problem, flatly refusing to do so here in October; too risky.

20/1

10th

9

(1)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 2

14:42 Kempton (AW)

Mustazeed

8st 13lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Harry Eustace

Increasing tendency to blow the start last season culminated in a refusal to race on final appearance; that was at Newbury, where he'd previously been at his best; he's contrastingly 0-6 on AW and none of his form in this sphere lives up to today's mark; probably best watched.

40/1

1

(13)

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:50 Newbury

Mustazeed

10st 2lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Harry Eustace

Last four wins were over C&D, including on heavy last September and good to soft in same race this year; ran respectably off this 5lb higher mark (career high) at York latest; increasing tendency to blow the start is a major worry but C&D record puts him high on the list; also declared at Doncaster.

9/1

13/2

Form: 07663- D

Last run: 280 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Big career highlight was his wide-margin win at Newmarket (1m4f, good; off just 1lb lower than today) in May on first run last season; last seen in August; gelded since and has left Sir Michael Stoute; won first time out in 2023 as well as 2024, so needs a close look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

(8)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Fox Journey

9st 3lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

No win since May 2024 when trained by Sir Michael Stoute (below form last year for Kevin Ryan) but second of 14 off almost a career-low mark at Musselburgh (1m4f, good; under Zak Wheatley) one month ago was easily his most competitive show since; back up 2lb and needs to build on that revival.

13/2

2nd

5

(4)

12th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 4

17:45 Musselburgh

Fox Journey

9st 6lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

No win since May 2024 when trained by Sir Michael Stoute; below form last year for Kevin Ryan, followed by a 22,000gns sale in October; he's 23lb below his peak mark but the tide needs to turn.

25/1

5

(3)

13th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 4

19:40 Kempton (AW)

Fox Journey

9st 9lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Kevin Ryan

On a losing run but he comes here on the back of a solid fifth of nine in 1m2f handicap at Pontefract 18 days ago; he can make his presence felt from a slipping mark with cheekpieces added.

12/1

Form: 2113-5 D BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
All turf starts have been on softer than good; won a Southwell novice last July, followed up in 1m4f handicap at Doncaster (1m4f, good to soft) and good third of 15 off this mark in valuable 1m4f race at Newmarket; he failed to live up to favouritism at Newcastle (1m4f, AW) on reappearance but wasn't disgraced and, after just six races, may still do better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(15)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

15:00 Haydock

Kildare Legend

9st 1lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Only fourth of nine at York (1m4f, good) in July last time but prior to that he was beaten just a neck by Stressfree when making the running here (1m4f, good) in May; effective on soft/good to soft; remains lightly raced and is not written off now back here.

9/1

4th

2

(6)

26th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 188y

Class 3

15:50 York

Kildare Legend

10st 1lb

J: Shane Foley

T: James Ferguson

Effective on good to soft and good; record of 2-7 and better than ever when putting the pace to the race and just missing out at Haydock two months ago (1m4f); solid contender here off 3lb higher.

5/2

2nd

13

(10)

31st May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 175y

Class 2

13:13 Haydock

Kildare Legend

8st 12lb

J: Shane Foley

T: James Ferguson

All turf starts have been on softer than good; won a Southwell novice last July, followed up in 1m4f handicap at Doncaster (1m4f, good to soft) and good third of 15 off this mark in valuable 1m4f race at Newmarket; he failed to live up to favouritism at Newcastle (1m4f, AW) on reappearance but wasn't disgraced and, after just six races, may still do better.

7/1

Form: 341-12

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Best turf form was on heavy going, but runner-up on good and good to soft at start of career; scored on AW in December and April, before another good AW run back at 1m4f three weeks ago; player if AW form is transferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

3

(3)

27th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Steel Tiger

9st 8lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Goes well fresh (twice recorded a personal best when back from a break) and will appreciate this return to an artificial surface; fitting of a tongue-tie for this return could be a sign of intent; of interest.

12/1

6th

2

(2)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:35 Haydock

Steel Tiger

10st 2lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Bounced back to form in this grade at Windsor (11.5f, soft) last time, while shaping as if this step back up in trip will suit; 1-1 over 1m6f (AW win) and enters calculations.

5/1

1

(3)

1st Sep 2025

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 4

18:00 Windsor

Steel Tiger

9st 13lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Posted duck eggs the last twice, failing to transfer his fairly useful AW form back to turf; something to prove.

12/1

Form: 26-903 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Best form came over about 1m4f on turf last summer, with two wins (York and Chepstow) and three close seconds, including at York Ebor meeting (same mark today); he's not sparked in the same way in his four races since but latest start (third of seven at Newmarket) was his best effort this term; well treated if he returns to peak form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(14)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 5f 61y

Class 2

14:05 Newbury

Lieber Power

8st 13lb

J: William Buick

T: Andrew Balding

Mostly creditable efforts in defeat this season, including second of nine at Windsor (11.5f, good to firm) last month; below-par sixth in this race on heavy ground last year; William Buick up but others arrive with more pressing claims.

11/1

2nd

4

(10)

14th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 99y

Class 3

19:30 Windsor

Lieber Power

9st 9lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Andrew Balding

Had a good summer over about 1m4f last term, including when beaten a neck by Night Breeze in this race; some minor honours this season, without being quite in peak form but he is in serious each-way calculations.

11/2

3rd

2

(11)

7th Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

20:00 Chepstow

Lieber Power

9st 11lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

Had a good summer over about 1m4f last term, including a win in this race (good to soft) off 6lb lower; the handicapper has been winning the argument since but recent efforts have been creditable and he ought to be competitive again.

6/1

12/1

Form: 1341-9

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
All five races last term were on softer than good, winning a novice at Windsor (1m, soft) in May and handicap at Leicester (1m2f, heavy) in October; gelded and raised 5lb, with a backward step when reappearing at Goodwood (1m2f, good) four weeks ago; 1m4f is interesting but lots of rain may be needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

1

(9)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Galyx

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Jack Channon

Peak efforts have been on soft or heavy ground, including two wins as 3yo and a creditable place last June when last seen (1m3f; not proven over this far); only eight races in total and he could still have more to give, but substantial rain may be needed; withdrawn twice recently when it didn't arrive.

7/1

Non-runners

Postileo, Chillingham

Selections

Telegraph:

Stressfree

SPOTLIGHT:

Shader

The Sun:

Albany

RP RATINGS:

Fox Journey

D Express:

Steel Tiger

TOPSPEED:

Galyx

Daily Mail:

Lieber Power

POSTDATA:

King's Code

The Guardian:

Naqeeb

NEWMARKET:

Shader

Daily Mirror:

Stressfree

Daily Record:

Stressfree

The Star:

Albany

The Times:

Fox Journey