September 27 / 16.39 Ayr

16.39

Good

Virgin Bet Free Bets For Winners Handicap

  • Prize money: £5616
  • 1m 2f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
RTV
View Course
Virgin Bet Free Bets For Winners Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

OUR TIP

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.25
  • Place: £1.50

Form: -84734 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Back from break with two good runs this month, latterly when fourth of 14 in Class 2 event over C&D (good); 1lb lower today and a likely contender again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

2

3rd Feb 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

14:50 Musselburgh

First Impression

11st 5lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: John & Sean Quinn

Useful dual-purpose performer but he's on a tough mark over hurdles, now 8lb higher than for his last win (last February) after going up 3lb for a narrow defeat at Doncaster; should give his running but others are preferred for win purposes.

8/1

2nd

9

16th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 2

14:40 Doncaster

First Impression

10st 3lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: John Quinn

raced in second

16/1

0

2

(5)

28th Sep 2023

Good To Soft

1m 2f 5y

Class 3

15:55 Pontefract

First Impression

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John Quinn

In top form at Chester since returning from a three-month break, posting a win (1m2f, soft) then a good second (1m2f, good to soft); also effective elsewhere and he can give another good account.

11/2

10/1

  • Place: £3.70

Form: 431369 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Dual course winner this summer (1m, good to firm/1m2f, good) before two creditable runs in defeat on soft ground at Hamilton last month (1m1f/1m4f); below form and behind First Impression over C&D recently but still enters calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(4)

23rd Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

15:33 Newcastle (AW)

Tilsitt

9st 7lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: R Mike Smith

Proving expensive to follow but continues to run well now and again and can't be left out of calculations even though down the field here yesterday.

20/1

9th

9

(4)

23rd Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

15:33 Newcastle (AW)

Tilsitt

9st 7lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: R Mike Smith

Proving expensive to follow but continues to run well now and again and can't be left out of calculations even though down the field here yesterday.

20/1

10th

8

(1)

22nd Nov 2024

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

15:39 Newcastle (AW)

Tilsitt

9st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: R Mike Smith

Has never attempted this far on the AW before, but he has run well over similar trips on turf; losing run of 31 is a concern, though.

10/1

16/1

  • Place: £11.50

Form: -16585 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Course regular who began this season with a soft-ground C&D success in May; suffered significant dip in form afterwards but returned from break with pretty good effort here (1m, good) 11 days ago; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(4)

6th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

13:15 Ayr

Royal Regent

9st 3lb

J: Connor Murtagh

T: R Mike Smith

prominent, ridden to lead over 2f out, soon edged right towards near side, headed over 1f out, kept on

10/1

3rd

12

(6)

27th Sep 2022

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

16:39 Ayr

Royal Regent

8st 10lb

J: Paddy Mathers

T: R Mike Smith

prominent, pushed along 2f out, ridden and went second over 1f out, weakened final 110yds

16/1

5th

6

(6)

16th Sep 2022

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Ayr

Royal Regent

9st 8lb

J: Paddy Mathers

T: R Mike Smith

midfield, headway 3f out, pushed along and made challenge 2f out, ridden over 1f out, no extra final 110yds

33/1

14/1

Form: -31330 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Kept on strongly to score by 6l at Haydock (1m2f, good to soft) in June and is only 3lb higher here but needs to bounce back from a disappointing run this month and would appeal much more on ground slower than good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(4)

17th Sep 2023

Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 5

13:50 Doncaster

Arch Moon

10st 0lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

All wins on good/good to soft, the most recent off 2lb lower at Wetherby in May; form dipped at Ayr last time and he is now conceding weight to several 3yos who are much less exposed; opposed.

8/1

5th

2

(5)

12th Aug 2023

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

18:37 Ayr

Arch Moon

10st 1lb

J: Phil Dennis

T: Michael Dods

in touch with leaders on outer

13/2

4th

3

(8)

17th Jul 2023

Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

17:30 Ayr

Arch Moon

10st 2lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

took keen hold, prominent, switched to near side over 2f out

9/2

Form: 326164 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Evidently well suited by step up to 1m2f when clearcut winner at Ripon (good to soft) last month; comes here after very respectable fourth over that C&D two weeks ago and is not yet fully exposed over this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(1)

1st Sep 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 5

14:10 Ripon

Cosmos Raj

9st 7lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

10-50 turf; made all, clinging on, at Redcar (1m2f, good; 20-1) ten days ago; 3lb higher, but with 3lb claimer Conor Whiteley taking over in the saddle; is better known as a miler, so stamina could be the thorny issue, especially if more rain arrives.

7/2

1st

3

(3)

22nd Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 1y

Class 5

18:30 Redcar

Cosmos Raj

9st 9lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: David O’Meara

A three-time 1m winner in 2025 but yet to hit top form this season, finishing just fourth of six in 1m Pontefract handicap 17 days ago; on a falling mark but more is required.

10/1

4th

5

(2)

5th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

15:45 Pontefract

Cosmos Raj

8st 13lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

Multiple winner over 1m-1m2f; versatile regarding going; 12lb lower than his most recent win at Ripon 13 months ago; plenty to prove based on five of his six starts this season.

10/1

Form: 3445-

Last run: 364 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Ended four-race 2yo campaign with disappointing run here a year ago and hasn't raced again since; not an easy horse to weigh up on belated seasonal debut but there was significant promise in his first three runs and market support will make him of interest; gelded last autumn.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(2)

5th Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 100y

17:30 Sligo

Capital Theory

9st 10lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: H D McGuigan

Six wins in Britain; gained a first Irish success at Naas last October, scoring at 25-1 in a 16-runner handicap; previous form included a second placing in a Ballinrobe claimer, and sixth of 12 in the corresponding race to this; seasonal debut.

12/1

27

(20)

21st Oct 2025

Soft

1m 2f 0y

17:00 Curragh

Capital Theory

10st 5lb

J: Sadhbh Tormey

T: H D McGuigan

Had this rider aboard when scoring at Naas nine days ago, with Considering back in third; worth considering; first reserve.

2

(16)

12th Oct 2025

Yielding

1m 2f 125y

16:55 Naas

Capital Theory

9st 12lb

J: Sadhbh Tormey

T: H D McGuigan

Step in the right direction at Bellewstown recently (1m4f, soft); drop in trip could suit.

12/1

16/1

Form: 534459 CD

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Multiple course winner; has modest strike-rate in recent years and needs to better his recent efforts but went close off 4lb higher over C&D in first-time cheekpieces in July and has the headgear refitted today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(8)

10th Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:45 Ayr

Glasses Up

9st 8lb

J: David Allan

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who led close home over 1m5f here (good to firm) last month, his 13th success; also suited by this shorter trip, but was effectively 3lb below that last winning mark when only fourth over C&D a week later and his new mark has taken effect; younger rivals look better treated.

12/1

4th

6

(2)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Glasses Up

9st 7lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who was recording his 12th win at the track when leading close home over 1m5f last week; able to race off a 3lb lower mark today and he has to be of interest from a handicapping perspective.

5/1

1st

6

(3)

13th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:05 Ayr

Glasses Up

8st 4lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: R Mike Smith

Long in the tooth now and needs to better his recent efforts but was close third off 4lb higher at Hamilton (1m1f, good to firm) in May and is probably better suited by today's trip; can't rule out.

10/1

Form: 116103 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Has progressed from basement mark and won five times (1m-1m1f) for new stable this season; coped fine with step up to 1m2f when placed at Redcar (good to soft) a fortnight ago and may yet have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(12)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Shine On Brendan

9st 13lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

8yo who is 0-9 this year but he's run some good races, most recently third at Hamilton (1m, soft) off 2lb higher, and he won this 12 months ago (good); there's every chance he'll be thereabouts.

7/1

3rd

6

(5)

29th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 68y

Class 5

15:00 Hamilton

Shine On Brendan

9st 8lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

Nine-time winner (five times here) who won't mind what the weather does; yet to hit the target this season, though, and both runs this month have been disappointing; others have less to prove.

14/1

6th

5

(5)

21st Sep 2025

Soft

1m 1f 35y

Class 5

16:13 Hamilton

Shine On Brendan

9st 9lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

Runner-up twice this summer but form dipped last time; the 8yo is a five-time course winner and could go well returned to Hamilton.

15/2

9th
9 (1)
Gorak

7/2

Form: 1-0533 C

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Won as a 2yo here and returns after keeping on for creditable third in competitive Racing League handicap at Windsor (1m2f, good) this month; still has low mileage and is unexposed over today's trip; major player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(6)

23rd Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Goodwood

Gorak

9st 0lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Charlie Fellowes

Best form this season when placed twice at Haydock, including latest start; still on a workable mark but continues on a long losing sequence, which makes him a similar type to Billyjoh.

16/1

3

(2)

9th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 3

16:10 Haydock

Gorak

9st 13lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Charlie Fellowes

Record over C&D includes a success in May 2023 and solid second on reappearance this term; disappointing favourite here on penultimate start and losing run is mounting up; best form certainly gives him a good chance off current mark back down in grade.

7/1

11

(1)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:50 Newmarket (July)

Gorak

9st 4lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Charlie Fellowes

Disappointing favourite at Haydock last Saturday, extending his long losing sequence; beaten twice in this contest (seventh in 2023, well held in 2024) and can be opposed.

33/1

4/1

Form: 324

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Unexposed 3yo who has made the frame on all three starts, perhaps most notably when close second at Southwell (1m3f, AW) on second occasion; ideally needs to settle better than he did at Ripon last month but ought to have some improvement to come in handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

13th Jul 2025

Good

2m 3f 194y

16:10 Sligo

Aussie Warrior

11st 11lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Thomas R Hughes

Won a beginners' at Tramore on chase debut on his penultimate start but it was a low-key run when sent off favourite for a handicap hurdle at Wexford last week; workable mark if he can bounce back (went close off mark of 100 last summer) and return to this sort of trip will probably help.

6/1

7th

3

4th Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 55y

14:40 Wexford

Aussie Warrior

11st 12lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Thomas R Hughes

Hurdles win came in 2m Roscommon 4yo maiden on good, twice runner-up in handicaps at same trip last summer; winning chasing debut at Tramore in May and rated an 8lb superior chaser on that run so has to be respected back hurdling.

11/2

2

30th May 2025

Good

2m 5f 180y

17:05 Tramore

Aussie Warrior

11st 12lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Thomas R Hughes

Hurdles win came in 2m Roscommon 4yo maiden on good, twice runner-up in handicaps at same trip last summer; didn't count in competitive Fairyhouse handicap last month after long absence and now switches to fences; won't want too much rain.

25/1

14/1

Form: 521530 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Dual turf winner this summer, latterly at Haydock (1m2f, good); down the field after racing too freely on Tapeta recently and, even if back on song, probably doesn't have much margin for error off current mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

(2)

27th Aug 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 5

14:00 Carlisle

Jewel Maker

10st 2lb

J: Miss Rebecca Burley

T: Tim Easterby

On the downgrade these days but his latest fourth of 13 at Musselburgh (1m, good) was a fair effort on Monday; will need more from the same mark but this stiffer test should suit.

10/1

4th

4

(4)

24th Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 2y

Class 6

16:45 Musselburgh

Jewel Maker

9st 6lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Generally struggled this season and the years look to be catching up now; an easy 1m such as this would have been a bare minimum even in his pomp and Thats My Boy Luke may be his yard's best chance.

12/1

6th

6

(5)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 6

14:45 Carlisle

Jewel Maker

9st 6lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Tim Easterby

Veteran who is a dual winner (including over C&D) here but his recent form is not so encouraging, just seventh of 13 in 1m2f Newcastle handicap 17 days ago; needs to get back on track.

16/1

25/1

Form: 436245

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Six-race maiden who was safely held after racing too freely on recent handicap debut at Redcar (1m2f, good to soft); now sports cheekpieces; others have less to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(6)

4th May 2023

Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 6

14:55 Redcar

Positive Force

8st 13lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Rebecca Menzies

Yet to get his head in front and he arrives below par, only 12th in 1m Southwell handicap 16 days ago; cheekpieces and tongue strap go back on with lots to prove.

5/1

12th

5

(5)

18th Apr 2023

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Positive Force

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Rebecca Menzies

midfield

10/1

6th

1

(11)

4th Apr 2023

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

16:15 Thirsk

Positive Force

9st 10lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Rebecca Menzies

Maiden who didn't go on for Kevin Ryan and needs more than he's shown for this yard, over hurdles and on the AW; should be well treated if the return to turf is what's wanted.

9/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £28.70
Straight Forecast £25.58
Tricast £905.08
Trifecta £1184.50

Selections

The Times:

Gorak

SPOTLIGHT:

Aussie Warrior

TOPSPEED:

Arch Moon

Daily Mirror:

Tilsitt

The Sun:

First Impression

RP Ratings:

Glasses Up

The Guardian:

Royal Regent

NEWMARKET:

Aussie Warrior

Telegraph:

Aussie Warrior

Daily Mail:

Gorak

Daily Express:

Gorak

The Star:

Gorak

Daily Record:

Gorak

POSTDATA:

Arch Moon