September 05 / 14.42 Haydock

14.42

Good

Arete Foundation Stakes Handicap (Div I)

  • Prize money: £6280.8
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
RTV
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Arete Foundation Stakes Handicap (Div I)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather:

OUR TIP

Form: 973060

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent 3yo who made it 0-6 for the year when down the field at Chepstow last month; however, he's dropped down the weights and will be in with a shout if reproducing this season's best form; versatile ground-wise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(1)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 4

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

King Of Bears

9st 5lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Brian Toomey

Absent since winning in first-time blinkers (retained) over C&D three months ago on second start for new yard and on AW; unexposed in this sphere and still has leeway in the handicap (peak mark was 16lb higher).

7/1

5th

2

(1)

1st Nov 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Newmarket

King Of Bears

9st 7lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Brian Toomey

In and out for George Scott this season but not disgraced over 7f at Chelmsford (AW debut) three weeks ago; can compete off a career-low mark so would have real possibilities if revitalised by a change of stable.

10/1

5th

2

(1)

1st Nov 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Newmarket

King Of Bears

9st 7lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Brian Toomey

In and out for George Scott this season but not disgraced over 7f at Chelmsford (AW debut) three weeks ago; can compete off a career-low mark so would have real possibilities if revitalised by a change of stable.

10/1

Form: 96-867 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
5yo who is 0-12 since winning first two career starts; however, he hasn't been beaten far the last twice (5f, good/good to firm) and may be able to build on those runs when back on a slow surface; a tongue-tie goes on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(9)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Thirsk

Changeofmind

9st 5lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Up in grade after winning a Class 5 at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) but had dropped to a tempting mark; wouldn't count the 6lb rise against him.

9/1

1st

1

(7)

22nd May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

19:22 Pontefract

Changeofmind

9st 9lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Won his first two starts but beaten 17 times since; down the field at Thirsk on last week's reappearance but drops in grade today and the slower ground should suit.

10/1

14th

12

(14)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:37 Thirsk

Changeofmind

9st 4lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

0-16 since winning his first two races and beat just one home in a division of this race 12 months ago; now 8lb lower but he carries risks after seven months off.

20/1

Form: 7244-9 D BF

Last run: 128 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Well beaten on stable/seasonal debut in April and unruly/withdrawn from latest intended engagement in June (5-1 at the time); however, he's well handicapped on last season's best form (on good/heavy) and his new trainer does very well with recruits from other yards; a hood goes on; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

29th May 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

20:25 Wolverhampton (AW)

Hedge Fund

9st 8lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Michael Appleby

Won over 6f on this track as 2yo; winless since that season but he's shown enough to think he can be placed to advantage off a reduced mark; had a troubled start to the season at Beverley but it's too soon to write him off; hood refitted with cheekpieces added.

10/1

7th

6

(8)

4th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:15 Beverley

Hedge Fund

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Michael Appleby

Not a prolific winner; rather disappointing for this yard in a light campaign last season, best run when third at Haydock in September (5f, good; hood on for first time); no hood this time; on a good mark and could go well.

7/1

Form: 130-48

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Disappointing at Windsor in July but this 4yo often runs well and was a close fourth on reappearance at Ayr (6f, good to soft) a fortnight earlier; handles good/soft ground; could be in the mix in a first-time hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(4)

28th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:42 Southwell (AW)

Phoenix Of Dreams

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: John & Sean Quinn

Wins have been over 6f on turf and 7f on the AW (Newcastle); has been running well for a while and latest effort back at Newcastle was better than it looks.

5/1

7th

10

(10)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Phoenix Of Dreams

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Record of 2-20 but his last win was over C&D last month and he was only beaten 2l behind Anthropologist here last time; remains feasibly treated on his best form and he has possibilities.

9/1

4th

6

(1)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:30 Newcastle (AW)

Phoenix Of Dreams

9st 6lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Promising third when back up to 7f at Southwell last month then won over this C&D, beating Concert Boy (due to run in the 5:00) by a short head; unexposed at the trip and respected up just 2lb.

5/1

Form: 438652 D

Last run: 76 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
8yo who isn't the force of old but is handicapped accordingly and has run some good races in defeat this year, most recently runner-up at Redcar (5f, good to firm); also runner-up on soft last August; in the shake-up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(9)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

Alligator Alley

9st 9lb

J: William Pyle

T: Ruth Carr

Has only managed to win two of his last 31 starts, though he got it right when recording his second C&D success last month (four of these behind); had excuses back here last time (blindfold removed late) and he's a big player if things pan out right this time.

4/1

7

(5)

27th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Alligator Alley

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ruth Carr

Has eight wins but has become hard to win with for current yard this year, making the frame seven times without success; well-handicapped if he can just turn the corner.

10/1

7

(5)

27th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Alligator Alley

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ruth Carr

Has eight wins but has become hard to win with for current yard this year, making the frame seven times without success; well-handicapped if he can just turn the corner.

10/1

Form: -62399 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
On a competitive mark on form as recent as June but hasn't been at the top of her game on her two outings for this yard; unproven on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(4)

7th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Noel Fox

9st 12lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

Both wins on turf in 2024 when trained by Ralph Beckett; ran her best race for current yard when third of ten here (6f) on AW debut ten days ago; is at least as effective over 7f and should run well.

7/2

4

(3)

27th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Noel Fox

9st 12lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

Best of three runs for this yard when fourth of 14 at Haydock (5f) three weeks ago, keeping on; at least as effective over 6f and well treated on her best form for Ralph Beckett; AW debut.

7/1

6

(9)

5th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:42 Haydock

Noel Fox

9st 7lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

On a competitive mark on form as recent as June but hasn't been at the top of her game on her two outings for this yard; unproven on slow ground.

25/1

Form: 137261 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
9yo who has been a bit up and down this season but has won twice, most recently at Catterick (5f, good) last week for which he is penalised 4lb; has won on a variety of ground and this C&D winner has to be respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

17

(6)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:37 Thirsk

Glory Fighter

9st 0lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Paul Midgley

Admirable veteran who recorded his 11th win when making all at Nottingham (5f, good) last month; not disgraced at Ripon next time; should make another bold bid.

16/1

5th

4

(1)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

18:45 Ripon

Glory Fighter

9st 7lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Paul Midgley

Admirable veteran who recorded his 11th win when making all at Nottingham (5f, good) last month; there wasn't much separating the first five but he's only 2lb higher here and should give it another good shot.

7/2

1st

2

(4)

8th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 5

14:57 Nottingham

Glory Fighter

9st 9lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Paul Midgley

Ten-time turf winner, including C&D; close third at Newcastle when last seen in February; one to consider.

9/2

Form: 787502 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
8yo who had struggled to get competitive in the main since winning at Musselburgh (5f, good to soft) in April, but he returned to form with a near-miss at Beverley (5f, good to firm) 12 days ago; he's another 1lb lower than last time and goes on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(15)

12th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Zarzyni

9st 4lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: David & Nicola Barron

Three-time C&D winner, including twice off higher marks in the month of April; unlucky third, having found daylight too late, in this race 12 months ago; soft ground was against him here last weekend; likely player if the cards drop right.

10/1

9th

6

(8)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

16:45 Musselburgh

Zarzyni

9st 0lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Below best on latest course start in October but has a strong C&D record otherwise, three wins include this race (good to soft) last year; now 2lb lower and primed for a good run if he avoids trouble in running.

9/2

7th

10

(4)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Zarzyni

9st 5lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Hasn't won as often as one of his ability probably should but he did score twice in 2025, the latter win over C&D; 3lb higher in a better race this time and he'll need to be somewhere near last year's best to take this after four months off.

14/1

Form: 333160 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Running consistently well prior to winning at Ayr (5f, good to soft) in July; his form has dipped on his last two starts but the return to slow ground would probably aid his cause and he could have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(3)

31st Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

13:40 Newmarket

Parisiac

9st 5lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Iain Jardine

Multiple wins include this race in 2023 and three over 5f in 2025 (ground ranging from good to soft); holding his form well and, although 2lb higher than a recent Musselburgh defeat by Vince L'Amour, he looks very likely to be involved back here.

11/2

6

(3)

31st Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

13:40 Newmarket

Parisiac

9st 5lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Iain Jardine

Multiple wins include this race in 2023 and three over 5f in 2025 (ground ranging from good to soft); holding his form well and, although 2lb higher than a recent Musselburgh defeat by Vince L'Amour, he looks very likely to be involved back here.

11/2

Form: 934040 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
3-11 on AW as opposed to 0-8 on turf but has a lower mark to work with in this sphere and he was a 3l fourth of 14 off 2lb higher at Thirsk last month on his last outing on grass; might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

11

(3)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Monks Dream

9st 4lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Has gained all four of his wins at Newcastle, with the most recent of those successes coming there over 5f 16 days ago; 3lb rise looks fair but he was well beaten when last seen over 6f.

8/1

1st

2

(4)

4th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Monks Dream

9st 8lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

All three of his wins have come at Newcastle and he has run some good races this winter, including his latest third when keeping on after an awkward start (not his first); capable at this level; respected.

9/2

Form: 5-8000 C

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 2lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Four-time course winner who has tumbled down the weights and runs here for the first time this season; however, this 11yo has been struggling this year and a major turnaround is required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(3)

20th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 5f 110y

Class 4

15:40 Chester

Hyperfocus

9st 1lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Tim Easterby

Won over C&D (good to soft) last July but he's lost his way and has been out of sorts this season; now 17lb lower than for that last win but the veteran has a lot to prove.

20/1

115

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Hyperfocus

8st 8lb

T: Tim Easterby

11

(1)

5th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:42 Haydock

Hyperfocus

9st 2lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Four-time course winner who has tumbled down the weights and runs here for the first time this season; however, this 11yo has been struggling this year and a major turnaround is required.

25/1

Form: 231453 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Won at Ayr (6f, good to soft) in July and third of eight there (6f, good to firm) last month; also effective elsewhere and at 5f, and has won on her last two encounters with slow ground; firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(11)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

15:40 Redcar

Taygar

9st 6lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Michael Dods

Ended last season with some below-par efforts but built upon satisfactory reappearance run when runner-up at Ayr (6f, good to firm) a fortnight ago and remains 6lb lower than when winning over that C&D last summer.

5/1

2nd

2

(2)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Taygar

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

Record is 4-28; has form figures of 113 at Ayr, the wins gained off current mark and 6lb higher; interesting returned to this course with Thirsk reappearance (faded late in big field) under her belt.

9/2

8th

14

(16)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

14:47 Thirsk

Taygar

8st 12lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

On a good mark on last summer's best; she is returning from six months off and she has been unplaced on her reappearance in the last two seasons.

16/1

12/1

Form: 840005 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Without a win since 2023 and hasn't shaped on last few starts as though he's about to snap that losing sequence; however, his last two wins have come on soft ground and this season's appearances have been on good/good to firm going; on a reduced mark; could bounce back if slow ground prevails.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(2)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:12 Ripon

Wen Moon

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

Poorly drawn and well beaten on seasonal reappearance here (6f) in April, but much more competitive when third at Carlisle (5f, good; 9-2) 16 days ago; bypassed an option at Catterick on Saturday (unsuitable ground) in favour of this; rain - three wins on soft - would aid his cause.

7/4

3rd

3

(1)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

14:30 Carlisle

Wen Moon

9st 4lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

Best to forgive reappearance effort (badly drawn) but he's not the percentage call unless the ground is soft; has gained all handicap wins on that surface.

14/1

16/1

Form: 050080

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
9yo who has tumbled down the weights; however, he's failed to shine this year for Rebecca Menzies and needs to get back on track on stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

(6)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Arnhem

8st 6lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Jim Goldie

He did well after joining this yard last year and he's on a handy mark; he should get back on track sooner or later but this 10yo has failed to shine on his last three outings, over C&D on last two starts.

25/1

9th

15

(5)

12th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Arnhem

9st 0lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Jim Goldie

Veteran whose form has dipped in last two outings, latest over C&D eight days ago; doesn't look as if he's about to improve his poor strike-rate (long time between drinks).

20/1

8th

8

(11)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

16:45 Musselburgh

Arnhem

8st 10lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Jim Goldie

Good turf spell in the autumn included a winning yard debut at Haydock (good) and a close second over C&D (soft); has run well on AW since but looks to have his share of weight; trainer runs five and won this in 2024.

14/1

Selections

NEWMARKET:

King Of Bears

The Guardian:

Zarzyni

RP RATINGS:

Alligator Alley

TOPSPEED:

Wen Moon

SPOTLIGHT:

Taygar

POSTDATA:

Changeofmind

The Sun:

Glory Fighter

The Times:

King Of Bears

The Star:

King Of Bears

Telegraph:

Wen Moon

Daily Mirror:

Zarzyni

Daily Record:

Zarzyni

Daily Mail:

Alligator Alley

D Express:

Alligator Alley