August 09 / 16.50 Newmarket (July)

16.50

Good

Celebrating Kate O’Sullivan Handicap

  • Prize money: £4380.9
  • 1m 6f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
RTV
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Celebrating Kate O’Sullivan Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

Form: -92898 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Five-time winner last year when 1m6f suited him down to the ground, and he went close over 2m at Haydock in May; some sign of a revival when never dangerous in a Class 4 at York latest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(10)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:30 York

The Crafty Mole

9st 5lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Won at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) in August and at Ripon (2m, good) last month, appearing to idle in front on the second occasion having travelled extremely well; stayed on for fourth at Redcar (1m6f, good to soft) subsequently and the return to 2m could be a strong positive; major player.

9/1

4th

1

(2)

4th Oct 2025

Good

1m 5f 218y

Class 4

17:05 Redcar

The Crafty Mole

9st 12lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Won in Class 6 on soft and good to soft last year but withdrawn from good to soft on Thursday; first six wins were 1m6f, including at Newmarket this August, and he travelled much the best at Ripon (2m) one week ago before scraping home in front; up 3lb but return to 1m6f is clearly no disincentive and two of his wins last year were separated by only five days; player.

5/2

Form: -82203 BF

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
0-9 and was just behind Laser Focus when third of four runners at Lingfield (1m3f, good to firm), despite having the run of the race there; same mark for this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(4)

22nd Sep 2025

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Detroit Lion

10st 0lb

J: Thomas Greatrex

T: Richard Hannon

4yo who finished runner-up at Southwell (1m3f, AW) and Pontefract (1m4f, good) in the spring; looks interesting on that form but he's finished a well-held fifth in last two starts and is now 0-11.

13/2

3

(5)

5th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 5

20:47 Kempton (AW)

Detroit Lion

9st 9lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

0-10 overall, with two seconds in the spring and one was on Tapeta but he's been tailed off in two Polytrack handicaps; close third in a four-runner race on turf on penultimate start, setting a steady pace, but heavily beaten when trying 1m6f on latest outing; none too solid.

11/2

2

(3)

9th Aug 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Newmarket (July)

Detroit Lion

10st 2lb

J: Thomas Greatrex

T: Richard Hannon

0-9 and was just behind Laser Focus when third of four runners at Lingfield (1m3f, good to firm), despite having the run of the race there; same mark for this.

6/1

Form: -47249

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Has been running okay in defeat on the Flat and over hurdles this year but no more than that; ran in a Class 4 last time at York when upside The Crafty Mole; could have some say off a reduced mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

9

27th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 2

17:45 Market Rasen

Oslo

10st 12lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Seemingly aided by new tongue-tie since the summer, most notably when keeping on well to score at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) 11 days ago; also suited by 2m but recent 5lb rise might leave him vulnerable in this competitive race.

9/1

3

16th Sep 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

16:10 Uttoxeter

Oslo

12st 0lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Posted sound effort when second at Worcester (2m4f, good) last month but has modest strike-rate in recent years and probably won't be favoured by the forecast rain here; others have more pressing claims.

8/1

2

31st Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Worcester

Oslo

11st 13lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Hasn't threatened on the Flat on last two starts but this course winner didn't run badly when mid-division in a higher grade than this over hurdles at Market Rasen (2m, good) last month and today's step back up in trip is well worth a go for one who stays 1m6f on the Flat; interesting.

11/1

Form: 7-3672 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Four-time winner; second of four runners with the cheekpieces back on over 1m4f here in June, proving no match for the winner; won't mind returning to further but others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(3)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

16:18 Newmarket

Expressionless

9st 7lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Dylan Cunha

Good comeback over 1m2f when third of 15 at Doncaster (good to soft) in March and made it win number six when going in at Leicester (1m4f, good) next time; never threatened over 2m at Ascot last Friday but not ruled out back down in trip.

8/1

10th

7

(11)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 209y

Class 4

17:10 Ascot

Expressionless

9st 7lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Dylan Cunha

Three wins at 1m6f and it was his sixth win in total when beating four others over 1m4f at Leicester (good) last month; has won off this mark before and 2m looks worth a go; respected.

6/1

1st

1

(1)

13th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 179y

Class 5

14:52 Leicester

Expressionless

9st 9lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Dylan Cunha

Mostly ran with credit last term and did so again when third of 15 at Doncaster (1m2f) on 2025 reappearance; this step back up in trip should suit (1m6f winner last October); strong candidate.

11/4

10/1

Form: 325153 D

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Well-held third over 2m here last time but that was after three months off and he's only ever won over this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(7)

11th May 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Daaris

9st 6lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Kevin Frost

Three wins, two seconds and two thirds to his name from nine runs over C&D; will need a career-best off this mark, though, and there's nothing to suggest he's best caught fresh (off since January).

14/1

6th

3

(2)

27th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 6

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Daaris

9st 12lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Kevin Frost

His three AW wins have all been here, the latest over C&D over Christmas off 3lb lower; could bounce back from a lesser show at Southwell.

11/4

2

(4)

4th Nov 2025

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 6

14:40 Lingfield (AW)

Daaris

10st 0lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Kevin Frost

Has gained both AW wins at Wolverhampton but ran well in sole C&D attempt; got going too late last time (1m6f) and holds a fighting chance off current mark back up in trip.

7/1

Form: 601423 BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Had a good run of form in 1m2f-1m5f handicaps (1423) before tailed off in his last two hurdle races and he's a dual winner in that scene; some wellbeing concerns all of a sudden.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

6th Sep 2025

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

16:12 Stratford

Laser Focus

11st 0lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Won on the Flat in May but was safely held on both hurdling starts this year (both in 2m handicaps in July) and reverts to this code after a very poor Flat run last month; stablemate Chillhi looks a safer option.

6/1

6

(2)

9th Aug 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Newmarket (July)

Laser Focus

9st 7lb

J: Laura Pearson

T: James Owen

Had a good run of form in 1m2f-1m5f handicaps (1423) before tailed off in his last two hurdle races and he's a dual winner in that scene; some wellbeing concerns all of a sudden.

8/1

7th

1

24th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Worcester

Laser Focus

11st 8lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Won twice over hurdles in the autumn (2m4f/2m7f) and has been in good form on the Flat in recent weeks but was well beaten when back over hurdles on Saturday (2m; raced too freely) and has a point to prove here.

16/1

Form: -82114 D BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
They were Class 6s he won at Redcar and Nottingham (both at 1m6f) and he was only fourth when upped to a Class 5 at Newbury; did suffer some interference but he wasn't unlucky; might be on a tough mark now but cheekpieces are tried.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(7)

9th Aug 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Newmarket (July)

Bellator Bullet

9st 6lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Alice Haynes

They were Class 6s he won at Redcar and Nottingham (both at 1m6f) and he was only fourth when upped to a Class 5 at Newbury; did suffer some interference but he wasn't unlucky; might be on a tough mark now but cheekpieces are tried.

6/1

4

(4)

10th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 5f 61y

Class 5

20:55 Newbury

Bellator Bullet

9st 6lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Alice Haynes

They were Class 6s he won at Redcar and Nottingham (both at 1m6f) but the horse he beat last time has gone on to better things; up another 5lb but looking progressive.

9/4

1

(4)

12th Jun 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:33 Nottingham

Bellator Bullet

9st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Alice Haynes

Improved handicap form when upped in trip at Newcastle (1m4f, AW) in April and took another step forward when winning at Redcar (1m6f, good to firm) 24 days ago, beating a stablemate of Deep Water Bay; back up 5lb but he's progressive and has to be respected.

4/1

Form: 58-164 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 5lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Winning for a fifth time (all on turf) when doing it comfortably at Yarmouth (1m6f, good to firm) but well beaten since then; wouldn't be the percentage play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(9)

9th Aug 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Newmarket (July)

Hidden Pearl

9st 5lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: John Berry

Winning for a fifth time (all on turf) when doing it comfortably at Yarmouth (1m6f, good to firm) but well beaten since then; wouldn't be the percentage play.

16/1

1

(1)

5th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

18:53 Nottingham

Hidden Pearl

9st 9lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: John Berry

Winning for a fifth time (all on turf) when doing it comfortably at Yarmouth (1m6f, good to firm) but then trailed home last at Bath; Taryn Langley returns with a 7lb claim and if back on her game she'd have every chance.

12/1

Form: 322123 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
His improvement continued when demoted from first at Bath (1m6f, firm) and didn't run badly when held up in another small field at Newbury (2m); career-high mark now as he was well in last time, but respected given recent profile.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(2)

22nd May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:08 Bath

Captain Brett

9st 9lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: David Simcock

1m6f seemed the best fit last year, including for a win at Yarmouth (good) in June and also when first past the post at this track (firm; demoted after bumping) in July; perhaps in need of the race when last of five on return four weeks ago and he needs a second look back here.

11/4

5th

5

(4)

23rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 5

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Captain Brett

9st 1lb

J: Luke Morris

T: David Simcock

Showed improvement when stepping up in trip last year, including a win at Yarmouth (1m6f, good); disappointing at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) when last seen 257 days ago but the break may have done him some good.

7/2

9

(5)

9th Aug 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Newmarket (July)

Captain Brett

8st 13lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: David Simcock

His improvement continued when demoted from first at Bath (1m6f, firm) and didn't run badly when held up in another small field at Newbury (2m); career-high mark now as he was well in last time, but respected given recent profile.

11/2

Form: 7-6435

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
No wins in six; some sign of progress in his first two handicaps (1m3f/1m6f) but he dropped out tamely last time at Salisbury; if forgiven that then he makes some appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(6)

20th May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 17y

Class 5

19:10 Yarmouth

Betelgeuse

9st 7lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: S Woods

Ran away with a Class 6 handicap at Southwell last October (1m6f) off a 10lb lower mark; two runner-up finishes at Southwell last month (after a 166-day absence) and he seemed fully effective on turf last year; one to take seriously.

11/4

2nd

3

(2)

29th Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 5

14:20 Southwell (AW)

Betelgeuse

9st 2lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: S Woods

Has form figures of 152, all over 1m6f here, since a gelding operation; routed eight rivals then proved bitterly disappointing 15 days later; back from over five months off with fine second a fortnight ago (pair clear; PB); major player if putting best foot forward.

5/2

2nd

5

(4)

15th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 5

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Betelgeuse

9st 6lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: S Woods

Showed the benefit of a gelding operation when winning a C&D handicap by 9l in October but he was raised 8lb and was well held on his next start; needs to bounce back following a 166-day break.

5/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £39.70
Straight Forecast £45.97
Tricast £391.48
Trifecta £476.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Captain Brett

The Guardian:

The Crafty Mole

RP RATINGS:

Expressionless

The Times:

Bellator Bullet

NEWMARKET:

Betelgeuse

The Sun:

Detroit Lion

The Star:

Captain Brett

Daily Record:

Captain Brett

Daily Mail:

Bellator Bullet

D Express:

The Crafty Mole

Daily Mirror:

The Crafty Mole

POSTDATA:

Expressionless

Telegraph:

Expressionless