January 31 / 15.20 Lingfield (AW)

15.20

Standard

Midnite Ain’t Your Grandad’s Bookie Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £5652.72
  • 1m 7f 169y
  • Class 4
  • 9 runners
SKY
View Course
Midnite Ain’t Your Grandad’s Bookie Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Polytrack

Weather: Mostly cloudy

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £1.50

Form: /181-0 D BF

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Has won four of his last seven races, including at Kempton (2m) in December, but he ran unaccountably poorly when favourite at Newcastle two weeks ago; needs to rebound but he's back in a lower grade here and it's possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(15)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Berkshire Sundance

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Missed most of last season but won on good/AW in four of his six starts since, the latest in clearcut fashion with first-time cheekpieces at Newcastle on AW Championships day; raised another 7lb, drawn wide and lacks any race experience at this track, but he's going from strength to strength.

10/1

1st

9

(12)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Berkshire Sundance

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

In and out on his five runs since returning from an absence in October but he's won three of them, most recently at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) in January; has also won on Tapeta; this steadily progressive 6yo has gone up just 2lb for last time and could again be involved; cheekpieces go on.

9/1

1st

1

(5)

31st Jan 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

15:20 Lingfield (AW)

Berkshire Sundance

10st 2lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Has won four of his last seven races, including at Kempton (2m) in December, but he ran unaccountably poorly when favourite at Newcastle two weeks ago; needs to rebound but he's back in a lower grade here and it's possible.

9/2

9/2

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 4444-1 C

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Holding his form well and gamely made all over this trip at Kempton three weeks ago; nudged up just 2lb and should be in the mix again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(8)

1st Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Newbury

Barenboim

9st 8lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Tom Dascombe

Just 1lb above his last winning mark, but is 6-31 on the AW and 0-18 on turf, including six starts over hurdles; others more solid.

20/1

9th

12

(2)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Barenboim

8st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Tom Dascombe

Made all at Kempton (2m, Polytrack) in January and head second to Berkshire Sundance at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) later that month; not quite at the same level at Southwell (2m2f, Tapeta) last month but he failed to settle; Newcastle form figures read 12139 and he has an each-way shout.

16/1

6th

2

(5)

4th Mar 2026

Standard

2m 2f 98y

Class 4

17:40 Southwell (AW)

Barenboim

9st 13lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Tom Dascombe

Kempton winner (2m Class 4; 3-1, from 3lb lower) on penultimate start; went close to following up - pipped on the post - at Lingfield (2m; 9-2) subsequently; this asks a slightly sterner question over a new distance on the Flat; likely to give another positive account.

4/1

9/2

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 985-52 C

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 2lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Had slipped in the weights prior to a creditable second to Knight Templar at Kempton last time, showing his effectiveness over this distance; dangerous again off just 1lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

13

(9)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

18:10 Newbury

Educator

9st 5lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Henrietta C Knight

Won twice over about 1m4f (AW/good to firm) last spring and he's thrown in judged on that form; twice close up on AW in January and a respectable third at Bath (2m) in April, before Ascot 2m race last week proved too tough; there's a rethink on trip today and cheekpieces (last used in June 2024) return.

20/1

7th

10

(6)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 209y

Class 4

17:10 Ascot

Educator

9st 5lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Henrietta C Knight

Three wins on turf (good/good to firm) at up to 11.5f; also went fairly close at this trip on AW in January; respectable third at Bath (2m1f, good to firm; Lusaka second) on return from two-month break last time; might build on that.

8/1

3rd

2

(3)

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 24y

Class 5

16:15 Bath

Educator

9st 6lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Henrietta C Knight

Triple turf winner who finished well to go close off this mark at Kempton (2m, AW) in January; flopped with a heavy defeat at Newcastle the following month but that was a Class 3 and has claims if he can bounce back after a short break; has form on good to firm and good to soft.

6/1

OUR TIP

6/1

Form: 3/442-

Last run: 336 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
In good form when last seen on the Flat, going down narrowly over 1m3f at Southwell last March, and successful three times over hurdles since; however, she ran poorly in that sphere in November and has stamina to prove on her return to the AW.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(4)

31st Jan 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

15:20 Lingfield (AW)

Therapist

9st 7lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Nicky Henderson

In good form when last seen on the Flat, going down narrowly over 1m3f at Southwell last March, and successful three times over hurdles since; however, she ran poorly in that sphere in November and has stamina to prove on her return to the AW.

6/1

3

13th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 3

17:02 Stratford

Therapist

11st 6lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Nicky Henderson

Four and three-runner races when she won over 2m here in April and May; came up well short, however, in her hat-trick bid when 5-4 favourite at Warwick nearly six weeks ago, which dents her claims.

3/1

10/1

Form: 2114-4 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Reliable type who returned from over three months off with a creditable fourth over 1m4f here three weeks ago; versatile trip-wise and stays this far; each-way hopes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(5)

25th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Naasma

9st 6lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Pat Phelan

Consistent mare who scored three times at Windsor (11.5f) last term and has posted two creditable efforts at Lingfield (latest over 2m) this year; C&D record reads 312; solid claims.

7/2

5th

6

(7)

31st Jan 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

15:20 Lingfield (AW)

Naasma

9st 3lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Pat Phelan

Reliable type who returned from over three months off with a creditable fourth over 1m4f here three weeks ago; versatile trip-wise and stays this far; each-way hopes.

10/1

7

(4)

28th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

15:30 Epsom

Naasma

9st 5lb

J: Harry Burns

T: Pat Phelan

Has gained all turf wins over the extended 1m3f at Windsor, including in three of her last four outings; switching back to elsewhere isn't ideal but she has bits of Epsom form; better than ever and enters calculations.

5/1

Form: 477-36

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Steep drop in trip to 1m2f counted against him last time but he'd previously shaped well when third to Barenboim over this distance at Kempton; now meets the winner on 4lb better terms; has to be of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(7)

12th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Vice President

9st 6lb

J: Oliver Hoodless

T: Richard Hughes

Sole win from ten starts came in July 2024 on his final outing for Aidan O'Brien; unsuited by the drop back to 1m2f when sixth here last month and he shaped as if he would have benefited from a stronger gallop at Lingfield (2m, AW) 12 days ago; return to shorter may not suit.

9/1

6th

3

(8)

31st Jan 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

15:20 Lingfield (AW)

Vice President

9st 7lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Steep drop in trip to 1m2f counted against him last time but he'd previously shaped well when third to Barenboim over this distance at Kempton; now meets the winner on 4lb better terms; has to be of interest.

10/1

6th

3

(9)

15th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

20:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Vice President

9st 12lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Maiden winner at the third attempt for Aidan O'Brien in 2024; has dropped 8lb since joining this yard and returned to form in the returning cheekpieces (now left off) when a keeping-on third at Kempton (2m, AW) eight days ago; not sure to be suited by the drop back in trip and now has the hood added.

11/1

8/1

Form: 032-34 CD

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Hasn't won since the summer of 2023 but he arrives in form, not beaten far behind Knight Templar and Educator at Kempton on latest; should be on the premises, although others appeal more for the win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(6)

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 24y

Class 5

16:15 Bath

Bashful Boy

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: David Pipe

Veteran who hasn't won since 2023 but he's been in fair form on AW this spring including when fourth on Polytrack (2m) in his last two starts; should be in the mix again but he needs to find more to make a big impact; cheekpieces are removed and blinkers return.

9/2

4th

4

(1)

6th Apr 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

17:50 Kempton (AW)

Bashful Boy

9st 12lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: David Pipe

Veteran who hasn't won since 2023; expensive to follow in recent times but he arrives in form and this is a touch easier again off a career-low mark; can't be left out of calculations.

4/1

4th

4

(4)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 5

14:12 Lingfield (AW)

Bashful Boy

9st 7lb

J: Jack Dace

T: David Pipe

Losing run dates back to July 2023; conditions are no problem for this veteran and he has been running respectably of late; others appeal more all the same.

8/1

Form: 1113/1 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
4-12 on the Flat, returning from hurdling when winning at Kempton (2m) ten days ago, never far away; that was his best effort in this sphere and he may not have reached his ceiling just yet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(4)

25th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Knight Templar

9st 8lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Robert Stephens

Took his C&D record to 2-2 with a success in January and posted a solid effort at Southwell in most recent Flat outing; took advantage of a handy hurdles mark since; respected.

2/1

1st

3

9th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

15:10 Taunton

Knight Templar

11st 11lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Robert Stephens

In good form over hurdles without winning this term before scoring on the Flat at Kempton in January; he must enter calculations back in this sphere.

11/1

2nd

4

(12)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 5

17:30 Southwell (AW)

Knight Templar

9st 8lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Robert Stephens

4-13 on the Flat; narrow winner over 2m at Kempton and it wasn't his first below-par effort at Lingfield 20 days ago; handles this surface and better can be expected.

6/1

20/1

Form: /3568- C

Last run: 274 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Three AW wins (1m2f-2m) in 2023; lightly raced since and now returns from another layoff.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(7)

4th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

18:00 Kempton (AW)

Haaland

9st 8lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Made the most of a drop in class when regaining winning form at Southwell (16.5f, Tapeta) last month (third has won since); 4lb higher and back up in grade, but he still holds more compelling claims than a few.

5/2

1st

1

(8)

2nd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

19:48 Southwell (AW)

Haaland

9st 12lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Three AW wins for previous stable; 0-8 for current yard and his form has declined rather sharply; however, he may produce a resurgent display back at this level, being 2-2 in Class 6.

14/1

11th

12

(8)

21st Feb 2026

Standard

1m 5f 0y

Class 5

14:33 Lingfield (AW)

Haaland

9st 2lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Three AW wins (1m2f-2m) in 2023; lightly raced since and he's been well held back from another break in his two runs this winter; mark continues to fall but he needs a major revival back at this trip.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £28.10
Straight Forecast £25.45
Tricast £123.18
Trifecta £132.60

Selections

The Guardian:

Knight Templar

RP RATINGS:

Barenboim

The Times:

Educator

TOPSPEED:

Bashful Boy

SPOTLIGHT:

Vice President

Daily Mail:

Berkshire Sundance

D Express:

Knight Templar

Daily Mirror:

Knight Templar

The Sun:

Knight Templar

The Star:

Knight Templar

Telegraph:

Educator

LAMBOURN:

Barenboim

Daily Record:

Barenboim

POSTDATA:

Bashful Boy