April 25 / 14.35 Haydock

14.35

Good

William Hill Epic Boosts Handicap

  • Prize money: £25770
  • 0m 7f 37y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
ITV
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William Hill Epic Boosts Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.50
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 1124- D

Last run: 273 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Began his career with two 7f AW wins and he was a fine second at Chester on his handicap debut last June (7f, good); fourth of 17 in a 1m handicap at Ascot when last seen nine months ago, a run that can be marked up as he raced away from the first three home; still has potential and he returns with his stable back in better form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

(5)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Cosi Bello

9st 2lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Charlie Fellowes

Began his career with two 7f AW wins and he was a fine second at Chester on his handicap debut last June (7f, good); fourth of 17 in a 1m handicap at Ascot when last seen nine months ago, a run that can be marked up as he raced away from the first three home; still has potential and he returns with his stable back in better form.

7/2

4th

12

(2)

26th Jul 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Cosi Bello

8st 13lb

J: James Doyle

T: Charlie Fellowes

Began his career with two 7f AW wins and continued his progress with a close second in handicap at Chester (7f, good) four weeks ago, shaping as if he'll be at least as effective over 1m; this is a tougher test of his credentials but he's anything but exposed and needs serious consideration.

8/1

2

(2)

28th Jun 2025

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:10 Chester

Cosi Bello

9st 7lb

J: George Wood

T: Charlie Fellowes

Promising gelding who is two from two, both wins over 7f on AW; his smart half-brother Urban Icon is equally as effective on turf as AW and his strong-travelling style suggests this course could suit; also has a handy inside stall, so there are reasons to be hopeful on handicap debut.

3/1

9/2

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 121-20 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
His latest Newcastle defeat isn't the run to judge him on and he had been progressing well beforehand; no problem with the return to turf and stepping back up to 7f will be of benefit; interesting with cheekpieces now given a go.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(11)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Sarab Star

9st 4lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Jack Channon

His latest Newcastle defeat isn't the run to judge him on and he had been progressing well beforehand; no problem with the return to turf and stepping back up to 7f will be of benefit; interesting with cheekpieces now given a go.

9/2

13th

8

(1)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Sarab Star

9st 3lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Jack Channon

Unexposed and progressive handicapper who has two wins and two seconds to his name from four AW appearances; lost little in defeat at Kempton 16 days ago when chasing home a smart rival who was winning the race for the fourth time; a stiff 6f should be fine but stall 1 might not be beneficial given the forecast of a brisk crosswind; stable also runs Ferrous.

7/1

2nd

5

(1)

18th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Sarab Star

9st 1lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Jack Channon

Ridden forward and improved each of his three starts last year, achieving a first and second over C&D before seeing off Serengeti at Wolverhampton (also 7f); looks set to make an even better 4yo and prove tough to beat.

7/4

7/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 2240-0 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Strong handicap form over 7f last summer, winning at Goodwood and Chepstow as well as finishing second in a 20-runner event at Ascot (all when wearing blinkers); still feasibly weighted on that form and he went without headgear when down the field in the Lincoln; the blinkers return today and he's a leading contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

9

(12)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Great Acclaim

9st 7lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Six-time winner, including in first-time blinkers at Glorious Goodwood; close third at Haydock (7f) with reappearance under his belt, paving the way nicely for a crack at this prize; has made the frame in both C&D attempts; possibilities in new headgear (visor).

12/1

3rd

5

(8)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Great Acclaim

9st 5lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Strong handicap form over 7f last summer, winning at Goodwood and Chepstow as well as finishing second in a 20-runner event at Ascot (all when wearing blinkers); still feasibly weighted on that form and he went without headgear when down the field in the Lincoln; the blinkers return today and he's a leading contender.

7/1

16th

4

(14)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Great Acclaim

9st 8lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Thrived in 7f handicaps last season when blinkers went on; however, he failed to shine when tackling 1m last term and reappears minus any headgear (tried cheekpieces when last seen; down the field); others preferred.

33/1

Form: 21103- CD

Last run: 178 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Had strong handicap form over 1m in the second half of 2025, finishing second at York's Ebor meeting (good to firm) before recording back-to-back wins at Goodwood (good to soft and good); ran well for third in a Nottingham Listed race when last seen 178 days ago; only seventh in this race 12 months ago and he's 4lb higher today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(6)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Cerulean Bay

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Progressive last term, winning two in a row at Goodwood (1m, good to soft/good) in the autumn, and kept on well for a close fourth on last month's reappearance at Haydock (7f, good to firm); solid claims back up to 1m.

13/2

4th

3

(10)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Cerulean Bay

9st 10lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: David O’Meara

Had strong handicap form over 1m in the second half of 2025, finishing second at York's Ebor meeting (good to firm) before recording back-to-back wins at Goodwood (good to soft and good); ran well for third in a Nottingham Listed race when last seen 178 days ago; only seventh in this race 12 months ago and he's 4lb higher today.

9/1

3rd

2

(7)

29th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 0f 75y

Class 1

14:47 Nottingham

Cerulean Bay

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Won on soft last year; Goodwood double (1m, good to soft/good) in handicaps this autumn; however, only mid-division in valuable event at Ascot 11 days ago, comfortably held by Ebt's Guard, and needs to resume improvement.

14/1

Form: 11793- D

Last run: 183 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Began 2025 with 7f novice wins at Kempton and Doncaster; ended his 3yo campaign with a close third at Doncaster (7f, soft) 183 days ago; sold out of Roger Varian's stable for 85,000gns in October; still has low mileage, is yet to run a poor race when wearing a hood and is starting out for a trainer in great form; lots to like.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

25th

12

(18)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Khafiz

9st 6lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Lightly raced 4yo who ties in with Great Acclaim on a stable/seasonal debut effort at Haydock that took his form figures over 7f to 1135; may resume progress with that outing under his belt; one to consider, especially if the market signals speak positively.

12/1

5th

6

(4)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Khafiz

9st 4lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Began 2025 with 7f novice wins at Kempton and Doncaster; ended his 3yo campaign with a close third at Doncaster (7f, soft) 183 days ago; sold out of Roger Varian's stable for 85,000gns in October; still has low mileage, is yet to run a poor race when wearing a hood and is starting out for a trainer in great form; lots to like.

9/2

5

(9)

24th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 2

15:18 Doncaster

Khafiz

9st 4lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Low-mileage 3yo who is possibly flattered by peak effort and may still be on a tough mark; however, he's 2-2 over 7f and wearing a hood, including for a Doncaster win; interesting back in same scenario.

12/1

16/1

Form: 9410-7 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Came good at Goodwood last August (7f, good to firm), running on strongly to bag a Class 2 handicap; faced a stiff task in a Thirsk conditions event on his reappearance two weeks ago; opposable with his usual visor remaining absent.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(5)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:50 Newmarket

Darkness

9st 8lb

J: Neil Callan

T: David O’Meara

Took a step back in the right direction with his close sixth at Haydock on latest start and he's back in the visor in which his last five wins have come, including two last season (7f, good to firm); entitled to respect.

18/1

6th

10

(3)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Darkness

9st 1lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: David O’Meara

Came good at Goodwood last August (7f, good to firm), running on strongly to bag a Class 2 handicap; faced a stiff task in a Thirsk conditions event on his reappearance two weeks ago; opposable with his usual visor remaining absent.

16/1

7th

1

(4)

10th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Thirsk

Darkness

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Useful sort who landed fast-ground handicap wins over C&D and at Goodwood last year; however, he has plenty to find on these terms and failed to beat a rival on his reappearance in 2024 and 2025.

25/1

20/1

Form: 8320-0 C

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Well beaten at Doncaster on his return but he wasn't well drawn and has a modest record fresh; stepping up to 7f will give him more time to claw back the ground he's likely to forfeit at the start; on a dangerous mark and he's a lively outsider, for all his losing run stretches back to October 2023.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(11)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:30 Chester

Korker

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: K R Burke

Slow-starter; on a dangerous mark but he is without a win since October 2023 and one 7f run didn't see him improve for the trip.

28/1

10th

9

(13)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Korker

9st 1lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: K R Burke

Useful on his day but is on a long losing run and has a doubt over current form; by no means sure to take advantage of a reduced mark.

25/1

8th

11

(6)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Korker

9st 1lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: K R Burke

Well beaten at Doncaster on his return but he wasn't well drawn and has a modest record fresh; stepping up to 7f will give him more time to claw back the ground he's likely to forfeit at the start; on a dangerous mark and he's a lively outsider, for all his losing run stretches back to October 2023.

20/1

OUR TIP

10/1

Form: 67-538 BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Close third in Listed company at Wolverhampton last month on his first attempt at 7f and he wasn't beaten for a lack of stamina; not at his best in a hot sprint handicap at Newcastle on Good Friday; no surprise to see him bounce back with a big run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(7)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Marshman

9st 11lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Close third in Listed company at Wolverhampton last month on his first attempt at 7f and he wasn't beaten for a lack of stamina; not at his best in a hot sprint handicap at Newcastle on Good Friday; no surprise to see him bounce back with a big run.

10/1

8th

5

(9)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Marshman

9st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Did well in early 2025 on AW, winning a C&D handicap in good style and following up in Listed company at Lingfield; finished third in the corresponding race 12 months ago when rated 5lb higher; running himself back into form this winter, most recently a close third over 7f four weeks ago, and he looks primed to give Clifford Lee a winning return to the saddle.

6/1

3rd

4

(6)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 1

15:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Marshman

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Strong AW form in the first half of 2025; awkward leaving the stalls in his two runs this winter and the form has been well short of his best; steps up to 7f for the first time.

6/1

Form: 1/012/ D

Last run: 1038 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Progressive handicapper for the Crisfords and he was last seen finishing second in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) in June 2023; sold for 20,000gns in May 2024; only dropped 3lb during his 1038-day absence; likely best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

(16)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Croupier

8st 12lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Won this for the Crisfords in 2023 when 1lb higher; missed all of 2024 and 2025 and down the field at 40-1 on last month's stable debut at Haydock; he may have needed that run but has to prove how much ability he retains.

66/1

11th

8

(2)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Croupier

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Progressive handicapper for the Crisfords and he was last seen finishing second in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) in June 2023; sold for 20,000gns in May 2024; only dropped 3lb during his 1038-day absence; likely best watched.

33/1

2nd

15

(23)

22nd Jun 2023

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Croupier

9st 6lb

J: William Buick

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Copes with good to soft at a push but suited by good or quicker and the AW, the one defeat in 7f and 1m handicaps under those conditions coming after a layoff; only just made it at York in May but a strongly run 7f might well be in his repertoire; not done with from a handicapping viewpoint.

10/1

12th
4 (12)
Caburn

7/1

Form: 001-83

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Won a valuable pot as a 2yo; slow to come to hand as a 3yo but he changed yards last summer and made an impressive winning return from a gelding operation last September (6f, good to soft; cheekpieces on for the first time); fine reappearance when third in the Listed Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster (6f, good to soft) four weeks ago; raised 3lb for his troubles and still has to prove his stamina for 7f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

4

(12)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Caburn

9st 7lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: James Tate

Won a valuable pot as a 2yo; slow to come to hand as a 3yo but he changed yards last summer and made an impressive winning return from a gelding operation last September (6f, good to soft; cheekpieces on for the first time); fine reappearance when third in the Listed Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster (6f, good to soft) four weeks ago; raised 3lb for his troubles and still has to prove his stamina for 7f.

7/1

3rd

5

(5)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 1

13:50 Doncaster

Caburn

9st 10lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: James Tate

Useful 2yo who returned to form to win handicap at Yarmouth (6f, good to soft) last autumn on second run for James Tate; however, he was no threat off his revised mark at Southwell (AW debut) on return, and he looks up against it in this higher grade.

33/1

1st

2

(5)

18th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 3y

Class 3

15:30 Yarmouth

Caburn

9st 9lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: James Tate

Won the Super Sprint at Newbury on his second 2yo run; struggled in Listed/Group 3 events on his first two runs this year, after which he joined James Tate; low-key handicap debut at York in July and now goes in cheekpieces having been gelded; unraced on slower than good.

9/2

16/1

Form: 62/90-

Last run: 420 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 1301-7 D

Last run: 72 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £17.00
Straight Forecast £13.91
Tricast £64.80
Trifecta £88.20

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Cosi Bello

POSTDATA:

Sarab Star

D Express:

Khafiz

Daily Mirror:

Caburn

SPOTLIGHT:

Great Acclaim

TOPSPEED:

Korker

NEWMARKET:

Cosi Bello

The Times:

Cosi Bello

Telegraph:

Cosi Bello

LAMBOURN:

Sarab Star

Daily Mail:

Sarab Star

The Star:

Caburn

The Sun:

Khafiz

Daily Record:

Khafiz

The Guardian:

Great Acclaim