June 13 / 13.50 York

13.50

Good To Firm

Andy Thornton Hospitality Furniture 50th Anniversary Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £12885
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
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Andy Thornton Hospitality Furniture 50th Anniversary Apprentice Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.20
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 374707 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Beat Mereside Diva (5lb worse off) when winning over C&D in May last season (good to soft); decent run when 5.5l seventh over C&D last time; each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(7)

24th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:30 Southwell (AW)

Feel The Need

9st 13lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Michael Herrington

Sole AW win came here and returned to form with a near miss over 1m at Doncaster where he was headed late on; same mark for this and dropping back to 7f won't hurt.

11/4

2nd

6

(13)

11th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

13:50 Doncaster

Feel The Need

11st 7lb

J: Jimmy McCarthy

T: Michael Herrington

Not entirely solid on 2026 efforts but has possibilities on best form, being a four-time Class 4 winner who is in a lower grade today; gained the most recent success 15 months ago.

11/1

7th

3

(3)

5th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Feel The Need

9st 9lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Herrington

Doesn't win often but is down to a career-low mark and is used to doing his racing in better company; has often run well here without winning and showed more back on Tapeta last time, so there are positives on the return from a short break.

7/1

OUR TIP

7/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 80-000 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Four wins last season, three over C&D including this race off an 11lb lower mark with Shay Farmer riding; hasn't been in quite the such good form this season, although decent run when 11th of 15 in Victoria Cup last time (7f, good to firm); could bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

(4)

2nd Oct 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:50 Ascot

Tolstoy

10st 12lb

J: Mr Matt Brown

T: Brian Ellison

His win in the Leger Legends 0-70 classified event at Doncaster (1m, good) three weeks ago came a little out of the blue but the form has worked out, with the second and fourth winning since; only nudged up 1lb and has won back to back before; considered.

8/1

1st

10

(12)

11th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

13:50 Doncaster

Tolstoy

11st 7lb

J: Niall P Madden

T: Brian Ellison

Fairly useful on his day and this assignment is a drop in class; however, has a doubt over current form, having posted duck eggs in last three appearances; revival is required.

20/1

17th

15

(12)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Ripon

Tolstoy

9st 4lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Low-key return to turf at York (6f, good to firm) three weeks ago; should be well treated but he comes with risks attached.

25/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 224-48 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Has won five races on turf, including at Haydock (7f, good to firm) and Thirsk (7f, good to soft) last season; not disgraced either start this term (eighth over C&D last time); each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

7

(1)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

Mereside Diva

9st 6lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Second when favourite for this race in 2024, with mixed fortunes in her five subsequent C&D appearances but she was a creditable third last June; seen in regular action this year, including when second at Wetherby last month but not so good here eight days ago; her last two wins (2024 and this February) were in small fields, so others make more appeal today.

20/1

8th

13

(2)

15th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 York

Mereside Diva

9st 7lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: David & Nicola Barron

Versatile as regards ground; form this year features an AW success in February and close second at Wetherby (7f) last time; five-time winner on turf and C&D record includes two placed efforts; not ruled out.

12/1

2nd

1

(6)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:05 Wetherby

Mereside Diva

10st 2lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: David & Nicola Barron

Two good runs at Southwell preceded her Newcastle success in February (7f; blinkered first time); she hasn't run badly at Lingfield twice since, for all she has finished down the field, and this test may prove more suitable; key player.

6/1

4th
6 (6)
Yaaser

11/2

Form: 0-3164 D BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Won at Ayr in April (7f, good); creditable runs over C&D and over this trip at Newmarket in his two runs since; should go well again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(1)

25th Sep 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

17:10 Newcastle (AW)

Yaaser

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Prolific winner at up to 1m; more miss than hit in 2026 but that is reflected in a much-reduced handicap mark; today's trip is a query.

14/1

8th

10

(5)

18th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:45 Ayr

Yaaser

9st 0lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Won this two years ago; inconsistent this season but has been competitive on a couple of occasions and he'll handle the ground.

12/1

8th

6

(10)

2nd Sep 2026

Soft

1m 0f 68y

Class 6

19:20 Hamilton

Yaaser

9st 9lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Eight-time turf winner; rather inconsistent this season; has a chance on his third here in August (1m, good) but this softer ground against him.

13/2

Form: 53-948 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Hasn't the best of strike-rates, but one of his four wins was over C&D in July 2023; creditable efforts over C&D last twice; best form with give in the ground so any rain a bonus.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(6)

17th Oct 2026

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

15:25 Catterick

Quest For Fun

9st 11lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Just one win since landing this in 2023 but runner-up in a division of this last year and some sterling efforts in defeat this campaign, including at York last week; has won on good but suited by slower; solid.

4/1

2nd

3

(2)

29th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 7f 50y

Class 4

15:38 Ayr

Quest For Fun

9st 11lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Things didn't work out when fifth over C&D (heavy) last time but he'd twice gone close at York previously (7f, good to firm/good to soft) and he was second in a division of this race last year; on the shortlist.

6/1

5th

3

(10)

19th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 7f 50y

Class 4

16:50 Ayr

Quest For Fun

9st 8lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Second in a division of this race 12 months ago off 1lb lower; fine runs at York on his last two starts and another big run is on the cards.

9/2

25/1

Form: -40850

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Won three on the bounce over 1m/8.5f last season (good/good to firm); has struggled a bt since and well beaten over C&D last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

2

(9)

15th Sep 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 5

14:53 Redcar

Bowood

10st 0lb

J: Elle-May Croot

T: Ivan Furtado

A dual 1m winner last autumn; yet to add to that this season and has hindered his cause with very slow starts in 1m handicaps at York and Newcastle on his last two runs; others appeal more.

14/1

7th

4

(4)

2nd Sep 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

16:15 Newcastle (AW)

Bowood

9st 11lb

J: Elle-May Croot

T: Ivan Furtado

Dual C&D winner (from lower marks) last autumn; couldn't sustain challenge when third at Redcar (1m, good to firm; 28-1) on penultimate start; lost many lengths at the start, toiling in competitive Class 4 at York latest; task isn't insurmountable.

12/1

12th

12

(8)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 4

15:05 York

Bowood

9st 4lb

J: Elle-May Croot

T: Ivan Furtado

Falling in the weights and ran respectably when third to Rajapour at Redcar on Sunday, but the winner bolted up that day and it's hard to see the tables being turned.

25/1

8/1

Form: 08-224

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Only one win in 20 attempts but three sound runs when in the frame this term, including last time at Ayr (7f, good) when 2l fourth; place chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(2)

17th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

16:35 Redcar

Leap Day

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Has lost his form since a consistent spell and still has a poor strike-rate, with sole success in 2023; no certainty to take advantage of his reduced mark.

12/1

7th

9

(9)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

14:45 Newcastle (AW)

Leap Day

9st 4lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Just one win from 26 starts and he hasn't been firing on all cylinders of late, including when fitted with blinkers at Redcar on Wednesday; full revival required.

14/1

2

(6)

24th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

17:45 Redcar

Leap Day

9st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Sole win from 25 starts came in a novice at Southwell in December 2023; ran well when fourth there last month but he needs to bounce back from two disappointing runs since; blinkers now replace cheekpieces.

12/1

Form: 287-46 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Best form on the AW (has won over 6f/7f) and yet to win in seven runs on turf, although beaten less than 3l when sixth over 1m at Doncaster last time (1m, good); this looks harder.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(11)

29th Aug 2026

Good

1m 1f 207y

Class 5

14:55 Beverley

Project Geofin

10st 2lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

After wind surgery it was a much better effort on his third start of this year when down in grade and attracting support before third of seven at Doncaster (1m2f, good to firm) a fortnight ago; has form on good to soft (no worse) and warrants a second look despite an unhelpful draw.

8/1

3rd

2

(6)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 43y

Class 5

14:00 Doncaster

Project Geofin

9st 7lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Failed to go on from his reappearance when only tenth in 1m4f York handicap in May; has since undergone wind surgery though so last year's winner can't be discounted now back off the same mark.

5/1

10th

11

(15)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Project Geofin

9st 0lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Two wins last summer, with two minor honours in the autumn including one here; ended last year on a low note and started this one with another, while pedigree leaves him with plenty to prove on this first go at 1m4f.

28/1

Form: -45640 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Eighth to Tolstoy in this race last season (good to soft); has since won twice on the AW (7f/1m); not at his best over C&D last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

11

(11)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 3

13:55 York

Eligible

9st 4lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

Veteran who has a better strike-rate on AW than on turf and hasn't prevailed in this sphere since York success three years ago; midfield when the 125-1 rank outsider back here last time.

66/1

10th

8

(21)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:50 York

Eligible

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

Veteran who won over 7f at Southwell in January but has been operating below his best since; drawn widest and likely best to look elsewhere.

40/1

4th

4

(1)

26th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 4

15:50 Redcar

Eligible

9st 6lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Veteran who won over 7f at Southwell in January but has been rather below his best since; equally effective on turf and has won over 1m on fast ground; others look better handicapped.

16/1

25/1

Form: 62-600 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Went up 13lb for his four wins last season, the latest at Ayr in July (7f, good to firm); hasn't been in top form this season, but back on his last winning mark; not out of it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(6)

31st Jul 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 5

14:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Al Muqdad

10st 2lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: David O’Meara

Operating below last year's peak form but posted sound effort when third at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) last week and remains on same mark as for emphatic C&D success in November; no surprise if he features.

5/1

3rd

4

(4)

23rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

16:15 Doncaster

Al Muqdad

9st 6lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: David O’Meara

Went close over C&D (good to firm) last month and 1m seemed to stretch him back here since (all wins at 7f, including here); his last success came off this mark; likely to be on the premises under Rodriguez.

5/1

5th

4

(8)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 5

14:35 Doncaster

Al Muqdad

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Returned from a break with good third at Ayr (7f, good to firm) in May and he went very close here (7f, good to firm) last Friday; he's done all of his winning at 7f but can be in the mix if the return to 1m isn't an issue.

9/2

12/1

Form: 708-23 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Won over 6f/7f in 2023 when with Aidan O'Brien; yet to win for present connections, but has been dropped 18lb and two fair runs this year, including third over 6f at Ascot (runner-up has since won twice on the AW)
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(3)

13th Oct 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

The Caribbean

9st 9lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Thomas Faulkner

7f win here in December came off a 1lb higher mark; two low-key turf runs this summer and sold for £2,500 in August; cheekpieces the headgear of choice on stable debut.

12/1

8th

4

(6)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:15 Salisbury

The Caribbean

9st 8lb

J: Ebrahim Nader

T: Heather Main

Didn't find much after travelling strongly at Newbury (6f, good to firm) last month but that was his first run since February and he's on a good mark if the outing brought him on.

12/1

Form: 4611-2 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Sound efforts last three runs, winning 7f handicaps at Thirsk and Ayr on last two starts last term (good/good to firm) and when second on Thirsk reappearance last month (7f, good to firm); career-high mark; contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

1

(8)

19th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:30 Ayr

Desert Falcon

9st 12lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Often leads; 7f winner at this meeting in 2024 and he went out on his shield in the Gold Cup (soft) last year off 1lb lower, giving up his lead only late on; had two wind surgeries in 2026, returning from the latest one with two solid efforts, struck into when sixth in the Portland at Doncaster last week; cheekpieces return in place of a visor; good form chance.

8/1

6th

15

(3)

12th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 143y

Class 2

14:20 Doncaster

Desert Falcon

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Made all in a 6.5f handicap at this meeting 12 months ago before a narrow defeat in the Ayr Gold Cup six days later (off this mark); first two runs this year weren't up to much but he had wind surgery in June and last month's midfield finish at York was much more like it; a visor is now reached for, replacing cheekpieces, and he is an interesting contender.

12/1

9th

18

(8)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Desert Falcon

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Ended 2025 with a Doncaster win and a narrow defeat in the Ayr Gold Cup (6f, soft); had a wind operation after the Ayr run but two heavy defeats this summer have seen him undergo another wind surgery; on a dangerous mark but Ayr next month might be the big target; cheekpieces back on today.

50/1

Form: 24-241 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Irish raider; both wins have been at Ayr, the latest over 7f last month (good to firm; second won next time, Leap Day fourth); now 6lb higher in a stronger race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(2)

4th Sep 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:55 Ascot

Little Empire

10st 10lb

J: Miss A B O’Connor

T: Anthony McCann

Irish challenger whose two turf wins have come on quick ground at Ayr (7f/1m); not at his very best in Ireland on final two starts but has each-way claims on this belated return to 1m.

13/2

3rd

3

(2)

12th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

15:22 Gowran Park

Little Empire

9st 13lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: Anthony McCann

Both turf wins came on quick ground at 7f-1m at Ayr; posted a career best when only caught late on in a 17-runner 7f Curragh handicap in June when ahead of a few of these; her run at Naas next time was below that (7f, good) good claims on that Curragh effort.

9/2

6th

1

(7)

22nd Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

20:00 Naas

Little Empire

10st 0lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: Anthony McCann

Both turf wins came on quick ground at 7f-1m at Ayr; AW winner last winter and posted career-best on latest when only caught late on in 17-runner Curragh handicap over this trip last month; trip/ground remains in his favour, can go well again.

5/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £27.20
Straight Forecast £21.21
Tricast £106.78
Trifecta £166.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Tolstoy

The Guardian:

Little Empire

POSTDATA:

Yaaser

Telegraph:

Eligible

TOPSPEED:

Leap Day

Daily Record:

Desert Falcon

RP RATINGS:

Feel The Need

The Sun:

Little Empire

The Times:

Tolstoy

Daily Mirror:

Tolstoy

The Star:

Tolstoy

D Express:

Yaaser

Daily Mail:

Eligible