October 06 / 17.15 Ayr

17.15

Good To Soft

Virgin Bet Fives Handicap

  • Prize money: £3456
  • 1m 5f 26y
  • Class 6
  • 11 runners
RTV
View Course
Virgin Bet Fives Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

OUR TIP

25/1 (Won)

  • Win: £19.50
  • Place: £3.70

Form: 322576

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Sole win was on yard/seasonal debut at Redcar (1m2f, soft) in April; runner-up twice since but looks opposable on recent results.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

19

(14)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:40 Newcastle (AW)

Clansman

8st 9lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Liam Bailey

Switched to front-running this year, including with Tapeta wins over 1m4f here in March and 2m at Southwell in April when last seen; that's career-best AW form but this race is a much higher grade and should be much harder to boss.

33/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 524238

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
12-race maiden, with three seconds up to 1m4f this May-July but took backward steps on last two outings; not proven on worse than good to soft (ran on soft once as 2yo); connections turn to headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

18:10 Cartmel

Belle Of Annandale

11st 6lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: R Mike Smith

Very well treated on some of last year's form for Adrian Keatley and seems versatile ground-wise but has not been firing on all cylinders in recent months.

14/1

9

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

18:10 Cartmel

Belle Of Annandale

11st 6lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: R Mike Smith

Very well treated on some of last year's form for Adrian Keatley and seems versatile ground-wise but has not been firing on all cylinders in recent months.

14/1

8

15th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

15:21 Perth

Belle Of Annandale

10st 5lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: R Mike Smith

Won a 2m maiden here and a 1m7f novice at Musselburgh in 2023; bit disappointing in handicaps at up to 3m last season but well handicapped as a result.

12/1

14/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 753557

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Maiden after nine races, all this term; unraced on soft; best result was over this trip (third of seven at Hamilton in July) and he's had just one run since being gelded, but he does not bring pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

6th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

18:43 Hexham

Two Auld Pals

11st 9lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Handled testing conditions best, bounding clear to make it 2-3 over C&D (soft; a 23l winner) four weeks ago; the handicapper has reacted, and he's now 9lb higher moving up into a Class 4; still enters calculations though, with 10lb claimer Gregor Walkingshaw retaining the ride.

7/4

1st

1

9th May 2026

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

18:47 Hexham

Two Auld Pals

12st 0lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Not really firing on all cylinders when last seen in the winter but returns from 12-week break on a good mark and is versatile regarding ground; gained his only hurdle win over C&D; no surprise if he features.

8/1

8th

12

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Carlisle

Two Auld Pals

11st 4lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Five-time Flat winner who has a consistent profile over hurdles; handles soft ground but has a bit to find with He's Bresilian on last month's Ayr form.

10/1

Form: 579230

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Dead-heated at Haydock (1m2f, good to soft; unraced on worse) in June and that's her only win from 15 starts; not so good since, returning to some sort of form in first-time blinkers over C&D on penultimate start but tailed off in them at Chester latest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(5)

10th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

1m 4f 104y

Class 4

14:10 Musselburgh

Brazilian Beach

8st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

raced in second, pushed along over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, soon lost position and weakened, struggling from over 1f out, finished lame (vet said filly was lame on her right-fore leg)

4/1

4th

5

(8)

6th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

1m 5f 26y

Class 6

17:15 Ayr

Brazilian Beach

9st 11lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

slightly awkward start and slowly into stride, in rear, headway into midfield 4f out, shaken up on inner and went second over 3f out, ridden and lost second over 2f out, weakened and lost third inside final furlong

14/1

12th

12

(6)

24th Sep 2022

Good

1m 6f 87y

Class 4

16:00 Chester

Brazilian Beach

8st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tim Easterby

in touch with leaders, rushed up and briefly led 6f out, pushed along 3f out, lost ground quickly from 2f out

10/1

5/1

Form: 531601 C

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 49

Form & Verdict
Off the mark at Hamilton (1m4f, soft) in August and back to form with another narrow win here (1m7f, good to soft) last week; testing ground might be important to her; had to be produced late when leading on the line last time and, although 5lb penalty demands more, she could have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(4)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 16y

Class 6

17:10 Hamilton

Aighear

8st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

A two-time winner (at up to 1m7f) last autumn; failed to build on earlier promise when only sixth of eight in 1m5f handicap at Ayr ten days ago; this course winner needs to get back on track.

7/1

6th

6

(4)

6th Jul 2026

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:30 Ayr

Aighear

9st 1lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Won twice on slow ground here in the autumn (1m7f/1m5f) but was behind La Tosca and Ebony Maw when keeping-on fourth here (1m7f, soft) last month and the forecast quicker ground today is not ideal.

12/1

4th

6

(6)

19th Jun 2026

Good

1m 7f 0y

Class 6

20:25 Ayr

Aighear

9st 4lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

Well held when third of four in C&D contest that was seemingly stolen from the front by a stablemate last month but it's unwise to judged her harshly on that; won here twice in the mud in the autumn and significant rain will give her strong claims.

14/1

Form: 322212 CD BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 56

Form & Verdict
Probably acts on soft; easily off the mark over C&D (good) last month, settling better; short-headed at Southwell (1m4f, AW) six days later and has to be in serious calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(11)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:20 York

Valley Of Flowers

9st 0lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Five-runner race at Carlisle (1m3f) last Saturday was first win since 2023 and she's a dependable sort who finished a C&D second (twice) and fourth in July 2024 and 2025 on her only three appearances at York; going back up 5lb since Carlisle seems to pose the difficulty but she should be on the premises.

13/2

1st

3

(5)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 3f 39y

Class 5

19:39 Carlisle

Valley Of Flowers

10st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Five-time winner who hasn't won since 2023 but she's run with credit on many subsequent occasions, including on her only visit here when second under Joanna Mason in this race last year; back in form on her last two starts and she's in calculations.

4/1

4th

3

(2)

22nd Jun 2026

Good

1m 7f 189y

Class 5

16:35 Catterick

Valley Of Flowers

9st 6lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

No win since completing a three-timer at 1m4f-2m in the autumn of 2023; however, she ran her best race of the year when going close at Thirsk (1m4f, good) last month; has a good run in her back up in trip.

13/8

6/1

Form: 425843

Last run: 9 days

W: 10st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Sole win since 2020 came on AW in January; bang there over 1m7f at this track (good to soft; pipped by Aighear) last week, however, and probably acts on soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(6)

15th Feb 2024

Standard

2m 0f 0y

Class 6

18:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Socially Shady

9st 12lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Hold-up performer with a poor strike-rate; close fifth at Kempton (2m) last time in a race that wasn't run to suit and the prospect of another steady pace reduces his appeal.

7/2

5th

1

(10)

27th Jan 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 6

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Socially Shady

9st 12lb

J: Morgan Cole

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Hold-up performer who is hard to win with (4-44) and needs everything to fall right, which didn't happen when a never-dangerous third at Southwell last month; capable but not without risk.

5/1

16/1

Form: 3-0667

Last run: 136 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Placed once (7f AW novice last November) from seven starts; well held in his four handicaps this year and has left Kevin Philippart De Foy since latest (May; wore cheekpieces); has been gelded and was non-runner when due to make hurdling debut in August; plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(7)

6th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

1m 5f 26y

Class 6

17:15 Ayr

Octopus

9st 5lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Jennie Candlish

in touch with leaders on outer, nudged along after 6f, lost ground quickly 5f out, tailed off from 4f out

16/1

3

29th Aug 2022

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

16:35 Cartmel

Octopus

10st 12lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jennie Candlish

Placed once from seven Flat starts (best RPR 66); no real show in four handicaps this year and has left Kevin Philippart De Foy since the latest in May; possibilities of staying this this trip on pedigree but still bit more to prove than some; has been gelded.

10/1

Form: 127312 C BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Won easily, despite pulling hard, at Redcar (good to soft) last month when upped to 1m6f; good second under a penalty at Chelmsford (2m, AW) nine days later; another 1lb higher today and this could be a right slog but he needs respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

3rd Oct 2023

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

14:35 Sedgefield

City Vaults

11st 2lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Competitive Flat form at a low level; twice placed over hurdles at Cartmel for this yard and can play a significant role here.

7/2

2nd

9

26th Aug 2023

Soft

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

14:15 Cartmel

City Vaults

11st 1lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: James Moffatt

took keen hold, raced in fourth, headway and went second before 3rd, chased clear leader after 2 out, no impression run-in, weakened final 110yds

9/2

10th
10 (11)
Zephlyn

66/1

Form: 0550

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Four heavy defeats, the heaviest when last of 11 on handicap debut at Hamilton (1m3f, good to soft; 28-1) last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

13th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

13:42 Hexham

Zephlyn

11st 13lb

J: William Maggs

T: Ewan Whillans

Below par on the AW this year and again failed to fire when last of five on the Flat at Carlisle (2m, good to firm) two weeks ago; however, his earlier fourth on handicap hurdle debut at Perth (2m4f, good) was more encouraging and gives him a chance of making the frame now down in trip.

10/1

5th

4

(4)

30th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 189y

Class 6

15:35 Catterick

Zephlyn

9st 7lb

J: Greg Fairley

T: Ewan Whillans

In good form on the Flat this time last year, following up 2m win at Newcastle by winning twice over this C&D in May (good/good to firm); not been in top form on AW this year, but better run over hurdles last time; 5lb lower than last Flat win and is one with a chance.

9/2

Form: 09-074

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Both wins on soft ground but in 2019 (Flat maiden) and 2020 (novice hurdle); hardly beat a rival in 2021 but his fourth of nine at Hamilton (1m4f, good to soft) 18 days ago was an upturn; needs to build on that but is worth a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(5)

6th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

1m 5f 26y

Class 6

17:15 Ayr

Proton

9st 3lb

J: Phil Dennis

T: Tristan Davidson

Both wins on soft ground but in 2019 (Flat maiden) and 2020 (novice hurdle); hardly beat a rival in 2021 but his fourth of nine at Hamilton (1m4f, good to soft) 18 days ago was an upturn; needs to build on that but is worth a second look.

20/1

4th

7

(1)

18th Sep 2022

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 6

16:00 Hamilton

Proton

9st 2lb

J: Phil Dennis

T: Tristan Davidson

in touch with leaders, pushed along from over 3f out, outpaced from under 2f out, ridden and no extra from over 1f out

20/1

7th

4

(9)

30th Jul 2022

Good

1m 1f 35y

Class 6

21:00 Hamilton

Proton

9st 9lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Tristan Davidson

always towards rear

20/1

Non-runners

Proton

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £145.10
Straight Forecast £115.63
Tricast £858.52
Trifecta £1748.50

Selections

RP Ratings:

Valley Of Flowers

Telegraph:

City Vaults

SPOTLIGHT:

Aighear

The Times:

Two Auld Pals

POSTDATA:

Socially Shady

The Guardian:

Proton

The Star:

Aighear

Daily Mail:

City Vaults

Daily Record:

City Vaults

Daily Express:

Valley Of Flowers

Daily Mirror:

Valley Of Flowers