September 24 / 17.00 Haydock

17.00

Good

Lyme Wood Handicap

  • Prize money: £7937.16
  • 1m 3f 140y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
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Lyme Wood Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

1st
1 (11)
Prydwen

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £6.00
  • Place: £2.40

Form: 11D6433 BF

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who has been progressive this year and was denied a clear run when third at Southwell (1m3f, AW) recently; has to transfer that career-best form back to turf but he's also shown promise on grass and could have more to offer; firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(1)

25th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 10y

Class 2

15:35 Ripon

Prydwen

9st 7lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: George Scott

Last five outings on AW, posting his most encouraging effort when second of 12 in a 2m Newcastle Good Friday handicap; nudged back up 2lb for that but he's still 3lb lower than when runner-up at Chester (2m, good to soft) last September; should go well.

3/1

2nd

4

(10)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Prydwen

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: George Scott

Won this in 2024 and he's dropping down the weights; this 8yo has shown the odd sign of spark over the last 12 months but his AW exploits this winter indicate it's best to look elsewhere.

14/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 3-4229

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Better could have been expected at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) last Thursday but prior to that he was a good second at Kempton (1m4f, AW) and he ran well over this C&D three starts ago (both turf runs have been on soft ground); not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

7th Dec 2022

Soft

1m 7f 113y

Class 3

14:25 Leicester

Vanity Affair

11st 4lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Charlie Fellowes

Hat-trick on the Flat in spring 2021 but no wins since, though has run well on several occasions, notably when second at Haydock (1m3f+) in September; that was pretty useful form and he could play a part if taking to hurdles at first attempt.

7/1

4th

13

(12)

22nd Oct 2022

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:15 Newbury

Vanity Affair

8st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Charlie Fellowes

raced freely, prominent, pushed along and wandered around over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out

12/1

2nd

5

(6)

24th Sep 2022

Good

1m 3f 140y

Class 4

17:00 Haydock

Vanity Affair

9st 9lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Charlie Fellowes

raced wide and led, switched left after 3f, headed 4f out, pushed along and led again 2f out, ridden and hung left over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra final 110yds

9/1

OUR TIP

14/1

  • Place: £4.30

Form: 175080 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Hard to fancy on recent evidence but stable's horses can bounce back to form from out of the blue and he's 3lb lower than when winning at Ripon in April, so he can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(10)

25th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:45 Newbury

State Of Bliss

10st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Neil King

raced wide

40/1

7th

15

30th Jun 2024

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

16:10 Uttoxeter

State Of Bliss

10st 4lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

Didn't run badly when fifth of ten at Fontwell (2m3f, good) this month and continues to slip down the weights but is only 1-12 over hurdles and others in this field have much more appealing profiles.

20/1

5th

5

12th Jun 2024

Good

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

16:43 Fontwell

State Of Bliss

11st 3lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Neil King

Won four-runner maiden (2m, good) a year ago but yet to make an impact in handicaps as a hurdler; didn't run badly when fourth at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good to soft; first run back from a second wind operation) last month but failed to build on that at Fakenham last time.

9/1

Form: 613163 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Has gone up the weights having won twice in small fields this year and needs to prove he's capable off his current mark (flattered by the bare form of last month's third of four in a Group 3 at Goodwood); however, this 3yo's pedigree provides hope regarding further improvement and he's a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 5

15:40 Doncaster

Animato

11st 6lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Had plenty of Flat racing and won five times; 0-6 as a hurdler and after his fourth to The Resdev Tyke on Boxing Day he ran no race at Sedgefield; others preferred.

16/1

7th

1

4th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

14:42 Sedgefield

Animato

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Five-time Flat winner who is 0-5 over hurdles but ran pretty well when fourth of 11 at Wetherby (2m, soft) on Boxing Day on his first handicap start in this code; today's extra yardage looks a plus and he's in with a chance.

11/2

5th

1

27th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 3

15:55 Bangor-on-Dee

Animato

11st 0lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Five-time Flat winner who has taken quite well to hurdling in recent weeks, finishing fourth at Worcester (2m, good to soft) and Kelso (2m, good); may have to settle for another minor prize here, though.

8/1

Form: -54318

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Won twice last October (1m2f, soft) and scored on his stable debut at Chester (1m4f, good to soft) in July when back on slow ground; not at the same level at Carlisle (1m3f, good) since but could bounce back with a big run if getting his favoured conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

10

(4)

8th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

15:28 Newcastle (AW)

The Nu Form Way

9st 1lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Stella Barclay

towards rear

66/1

10th

10

(4)

8th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

15:28 Newcastle (AW)

The Nu Form Way

9st 1lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Stella Barclay

towards rear

66/1

11th

5

(5)

10th Oct 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

13:40 Ayr

The Nu Form Way

9st 8lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: Stella Barclay

Five wins on good or slower; not fired in three runs back from a long absence but last time at Beverley was a bit more encouraging; interesting to see if there's any market confidence behind him.

20/1

Form: -20517 C BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Merely mid-division when favourite at York latest and his claims are hardly compelling on the back of that; however, two starts ago he won in good style here (10.4f, good) when upped in trip and that performance suggests this 7lb higher mark may not be beyond him; also effective on good to soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

28th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Worcester

Samuel Spade

12st 2lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

Last season's light campaign over hurdles did not go well (tried in cheekpieces latterly) but he shouldn't mind getting back on drier ground and is too well handicapped to dismiss on chasing debut.

9/1

8th

4

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:53 Ascot

Samuel Spade

10st 13lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Back to the same mark as for last season's convincing course win (2m7f, good) but hasn't finished in the first six this term, always behind over 2m5f here last time; takes another drop in distance and wears headgear for the first time.

12/1

7th

3

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 213y

Class 2

15:50 Cheltenham

Samuel Spade

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Has not had that many chances at this sort of trip and he drew clear to win at Ascot in February, beating 16 rivals (2m7f, good); was beaten under 2l in a strong Uttoxeter handicap on the Midlands' National card but that was under a very capable 5lb claimer; likely to need more here.

10/1

Form: 13-187 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Made winning seasonal/stable debut at Windsor (11.4f, soft) in June and fair run in the competitive Old Newton Cup here (1m4f, soft) in July; well beaten at Newmarket (1m6f, good) last month but may leave that run behind when back on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

24th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 2

15:28 Uttoxeter

Liverpool Knight

10st 13lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Plenty of good runs to his name since his last win in September 2023 and he raced freely after a break when behind Miss Maverick and Sir Galahad here 22 days ago; better can be expected this time.

20/1

6th

7

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

15:50 Uttoxeter

Liverpool Knight

11st 6lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Has made the frame several times since his last win in September 2023; returns from a winter break on a career-low mark and not out of this if he is ready to roll.

4/1

6

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 3

14:25 Cheltenham

Liverpool Knight

10st 12lb

J: Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

Scores good marks for his consistency for Fergal O'Brien since last autumn but is yet to win for this stable and appears to have very little margin for error off current mark.

12/1

8th
4 (5)
Aqwaam

8/1

Form: -66010 D BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Off the mark at the fifth attempt in a competitive handicap at Galway (1m4f, soft) in July; disappointing favourite at Sandown (1m2f, good) since but he's unexposed on a slow surface and would be entitled to respect if back on such a surface here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(1)

27th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Aqwaam

9st 9lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Four wins (three on AW at 1m6f and 2m) and was last seen finishing third in the 2024 Cesarewitch; has gone well over this shorter trip but can only be considered if market vibes are positive.

14/1

3rd

13

(22)

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Aqwaam

8st 9lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Ian Williams

Reached new heights during a pretty busy AW campaign prior to his creditable and none-too-lucky sixth in the 2m2f Chester Cup in May when last seen (finished lame); that was on good to firm and easily his best turf form, but he won on soft in 2022; withdrawn twice last month; on the Chester Cup evidence he could still be capable of better.

28/1

Form: /3378-

Last run: 372 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Down the field last year on her final two runs for David Elsworth; however, she's on a competitive mark on her best form and her new trainer can ready one after an absence; no forlorn hope in a first-time hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(7)

9th Nov 2022

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 5

20:30 Kempton (AW)

End Result

9st 11lb

J: David Probert

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Sole win from 12 starts was in October 2020 but she's well treated on that form and was a good front-running third over C&D last Monday; that was in a Class 4 event and she's respected on this drop back in grade.

8/1

3rd

7

(5)

31st Oct 2022

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 4

18:20 Kempton (AW)

End Result

9st 3lb

J: David Egan

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

led, increased tempo over 3f out

8/1

9th

7

(2)

24th Sep 2022

Good

1m 3f 140y

Class 4

17:00 Haydock

End Result

9st 6lb

J: Adam Kirby

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

in touch with leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened

20/1

13/2

Form: 313462 BF

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Made all at Redcar (1m2f, good to firm) in July and has run well in the main since, finishing second back at Redcar (1m2f, good to soft) most recently; stamina to prove but this in-form 3yo could be in the shake-up if seeing out this new distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

10

(1)

24th Sep 2022

Good

1m 3f 140y

Class 4

17:00 Haydock

Forgivable

9st 1lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

prominent, ridden and weakened over 2f out

13/2

6th

11

(1)

4th Sep 2022

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:40 York

Forgivable

9st 6lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

led, headed but raced in second after 1f, ridden and lost second over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong

6/1

16/1

Form: 35-180

Last run: 49 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Made all on his handicap and seasonal debut at Yarmouth (1m, soft) in May; has finished last on his two runs since (1m2f/1m, good to firm/good) and he has plenty to prove regarding stamina and current form, but at least he settled better last time in a first-time hood (retained) and a revival is possible when he next encounters a slow surface.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(10)

24th Jan 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:00 Kempton (AW)

Forward Flight

9st 7lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Scored at Yarmouth (1m) in October but he came in last of seven at Newcastle (1m) last month; he needs to get back on track.

16/1

7th

2

(3)

28th Dec 2023

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

16:30 Newcastle (AW)

Forward Flight

9st 11lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

disputed lead

10/1

8th

8

(2)

20th Nov 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:30 Kempton (AW)

Forward Flight

9st 9lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Has gained both wins at Yarmouth, latest in October (penultimate run); almost 9l behind Big Bear Hug at Newmarket last time; something to prove back on AW.

8/1

Form: 8-2383 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Went close on his reappearance at Nottingham in May and that was career-best form; however, he hasn't gone on from that performance and needs to find something extra if he's to return to winning ways.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

2nd Jul 2024

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

18:10 Stratford

Amalfi Bay

11st 6lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

midfield, towards rear with one circuit to go, headway when not fluent 2 out

4/1

4th

6

12th Jun 2024

Good

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

16:43 Fontwell

Amalfi Bay

11st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

Fair Flat performer (stayed at least 1m6f); promise in maiden/novice hurdles last year and possibly found soft ground against him when pulled up on handicap hurdle debut; back on track when returned to a better surface with a close second at Stratford (2m3f, good) last month; shouldn't be far away off a small rise.

2/1

2nd

5

9th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

19:50 Stratford

Amalfi Bay

11st 1lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Anthony Honeyball

Useful on the Flat for the Charltons; promise in maiden/novice hurdles last year and perhaps found soft ground against him when pulled up on handicap hurdle debut ten weeks ago; may fare better returned to drying ground.

7/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £23.50
Straight Forecast £26.13
Tricast £235.41
Trifecta £473.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Prydwen

Daily Mail:

Animato

The Star:

Forgivable

Daily Mirror:

Liverpool Knight

POSTDATA:

Vanity Affair

TOPSPEED:

State Of Bliss

Daily Express:

Aqwaam

The Sun:

Animato

Daily Record:

Forgivable

RP Ratings:

Prydwen

NEWMARKET:

Prydwen

The Times:

Prydwen

Telegraph:

Prydwen

The Guardian:

Prydwen