October 22 / 14.30 Doncaster

14.30

Soft

Vertem Very Different Stockbrokers Handicap

  • Prize money: £10800
  • 1m 3f 197y
  • Class 2
  • 9 runners
SKY
View Course
Vertem Very Different Stockbrokers Handicap

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

11/4 (Won)

  • Win: £4.00
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 2-3133 C BF

Last run: 105 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on soft as 2yo; close third of 19 at Royal Ascot in his second handicap; last of three when 11-8 favourite back at Ascot (again 1m4f on good to firm) over three weeks later, which was creditable in form terms however; after just six races, he could still have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(1)

21st Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:35 York

Israr

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

Record of 321 since wearing blinkers, most recently landing the Wolferton at Royal Ascot (1m2f Listed, good to firm) where he won well and looked better than ever; headgear retained; faces a stiffer task on first Group 1 attempt and owner's retained rider Jim Crowley prefers Alflaila.

33/1

1st

9

(8)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

18:40 Ascot

Israr

9st 5lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: John & Thady Gosden

Group 2 winner (1m4f) last term; beaten favourite in two runs in Britain with blinkers added this spring but he ran right up to his best when second to Passenger in 1m2f Chester Group 2 (good to firm; also acts on heavy) last time, with the pair well clear; solid chance.

7/2

2nd

3

(3)

10th May 2024

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 1

15:05 Chester

Israr

9st 3lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: John & Thady Gosden

took keen hold, prominent, led over 1f out, headed final 110yds

7/2

OUR TIP

7/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 443415 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Down the weights for a cosy win at Newbury (1m4f, good) last month; fair fifth at Kempton latest and has run respectably on soft; case can be made, especially on form shown last season and this spring.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(2)

22nd Jul 2023

Good To Soft

1m 4f 10y

Class 2

16:30 Ripon

Sir Rumi

9st 10lb

J: Owen Lewis

T: Richard Hannon

stumbled start, pushed along briefly soon after start, raced in last

11/2

12th

9

(14)

8th Jul 2023

Good

1m 3f 175y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

Sir Rumi

9st 1lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Richard Hannon

Won at Epsom (1m4f, soft) in April and good third at Ascot (1m4f, soft) next time; conditions should have been fine at Goodwood (1m6f, good to firm) last time but he was only sixth of eight and may find this too hot.

14/1

6th

5

(5)

27th May 2023

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Goodwood

Sir Rumi

8st 13lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Grabbed the favoured stand rail when winning on soft ground at Epsom and a 4lb rise seemed to find him out at Ascot (again 1m4f on soft); may be vulnerable once more, though this faster surface won't faze him.

13/2

12/1

  • Place: £5.30

Form: 287109 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Probably acts on soft; mostly ran well in April-July, including two wins, but his form has dipped for last two outings; while 1m2f last time may have been too short, he probably needs a career best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(3)

15th Jun 2025

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:45 Hamilton

Forza Orta

8st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

Disappointing sort who ended up 12l behind King's Scholar here last time, following wind surgery; now has a tongue-tie (tried on final start last term) and first-time blinkers.

25/1

2

(14)

28th May 2025

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

16:30 Hamilton

Forza Orta

9st 6lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

0-7 last year and has weakened quickly on both runs this term; however, a wind operation may have done the trick and his good course form and a dangerous mark suggest he's worth a second look.

12/1

2

(14)

28th May 2025

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

16:30 Hamilton

Forza Orta

9st 6lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

0-7 last year and has weakened quickly on both runs this term; however, a wind operation may have done the trick and his good course form and a dangerous mark suggest he's worth a second look.

12/1

Form: 236131 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 6lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Beaten a neck on heavy on debut; her only other race on softer than good came three weeks ago when she snatched a win at Newmarket (1m4f, good to soft) and that's her best yet; raised 3lb but respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

3

(1)

28th Jun 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Madame Ambassador

9st 7lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Charlie Johnston

Has won three of her last six starts including an Ayr Listed contest (1m2f, good) last month; ran well to finish fifth of 13 in a Haydock Group 3 (1m4f, good) 20 days ago and placed in both AW starts, but she may be vulnerable to a less-exposed type.

14/1

5th

4

(2)

8th Jun 2024

Good

1m 3f 175y

Class 1

15:00 Haydock

Madame Ambassador

9st 2lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Charlie Johnston

in touch with leaders, short of room over 2f out, soon outpaced and lost position, rallied inside final furlong

8/1

1st

3

(6)

22nd May 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Ayr

Madame Ambassador

9st 2lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Charlie Johnston

Prominent-racer who won two handicaps in a row at Newmarket (1m2f, good/good to firm) last autumn before fair fourth of six in Listed race there (1m2f, heavy); below par in Goodwood Listed race (1m4f, soft) on return but could improve for that outing and is not ruled out.

5/1

5th
7 (9)
Geremia

16/1

Form: 932600 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Habitual slow-starter and he overdid it at York on latest outing; no wins this year but has shown form over a variety of trips which makes this look a competitive mark; something to prove on softer than good, having raced on good to soft twice, including last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

(15)

23rd Aug 2024

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

19:05 Hamilton

Geremia

8st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Two wins last year (good to soft/soft; including here) and he took a six-runner C&D handicap (good) in May; however, slow starts can be an issue and he was well beaten at Thirsk last time; the cheekpieces had no positive impact on sole previous use in 2021; others are more compelling.

33/1

15th

2

(14)

16th Jun 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:15 Thirsk

Geremia

9st 8lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Three-time winner at up to 1m5f, on good or slower; latest success came at Hamilton (1m4f, good), on his penultimate start; finished over 3l ahead of Hope You Can Run when sixth back at Hamilton latest; more needed.

9/1

6th

8

(4)

2nd Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:40 Hamilton

Geremia

9st 1lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Left Jim Goldie before penultimate start; two wins from four races at Hamilton, including when he mowed down Capital Theory from the back in six-runner race (1m4f) 16 days ago; back up 4lb (peak mark was 2lb higher still) and stays further than this; another telling late challenge could be on its way.

8/1

Form: -34080

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Put in his place this season, with some stiff initial tasks but also off reduced marks on last two starts (his two runs since being gelded) and the latest was easily his worst show; connections turn to headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(6)

22nd Oct 2022

Soft

1m 3f 197y

Class 2

14:30 Doncaster

Berkshire Rebel

8st 9lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

raced in second, ridden and lost position over 2f out, soon weakened

20/1

14th

15

(11)

7th Oct 2022

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Newmarket

Berkshire Rebel

8st 9lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

always towards rear, lost touch from 2f out, eased final furlong, tailed off, never going well

33/1

8th

8

(8)

16th Sep 2022

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

16:35 Newbury

Berkshire Rebel

9st 2lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

held up in rear, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never on terms

16/1

Form: 160362

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Has done well at 1m2f this term and last two starts have been over 1m4f, beaten a neck at Newbury on latest; acts on soft; back to career-high mark but considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(2)

20th Jun 2025

Good

1m 3f 218y

Class 4

18:30 Goodwood

Moktasaab

9st 4lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Gary & Josh Moore

0-13 since winning from 17lb higher here (1m2f, good to firm) in April 2022; makes his debut for another new yard (same owner) after 399 days off having undergone a second wind operation in the meantime; tongue-tie returns; market informative.

7/1

10/1

Form: 114306 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Fourth in handicap at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) with Israr one place ahead; wore cheekpieces on last two outings when bringing up the rear at York (1m6f Melrose) and fair sixth of 13 from the back at Kempton (1m3f, AW); unraced on softer than good and he needs to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(13)

15th Nov 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Savvy Knight

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: S Woods

slowly into stride, soon prominent, raced wide early, switched right and went second with one circuit to go

6/1

11th

3

(10)

6th Nov 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 2

16:00 Kempton (AW)

Savvy Knight

9st 2lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: S Woods

Won a 1m4f handicap here in June off 2lb lower and suffered a narrow defeat at Newcastle one month later; wasn't at his best at Newcastle last month and unlikely to get things all his own way in this field.

10/1

5th

1

(1)

2nd Oct 2023

Standard

1m 4f 99y

Class 3

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Savvy Knight

10st 2lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: S Woods

Very patchy since winning his first three last season; has claims on July's C&D second (Chillhi fourth) but was always well placed in a messy affair that day and has since bombed on turf; hard to know what to expect in truth.

6/1

Form: 75133 C

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Won with a late bid here (1m2f, good; unraced on softer) in his third novice event; late progress over 1m3f and 1m4f in his two starts since, showing his best form when close third of ten at Newbury on latest (Moktasaab second); lightly raced 3yo who could still do better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

26th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

19:30 Ballinrobe

Wandering Rocks

11st 10lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: William Durkan

Dual purpose; won a C&D maiden hurdle (yielding) in May 2024; raced exclusively on the Flat in 2026; cheekpieces replace blinkers worn for last two starts; worth a market check on return to hurdling.

25/1

8th

4

(6)

12th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 182y

19:40 Killarney

Wandering Rocks

11st 11lb

J: Mr A D Bustin

T: William Durkan

Flat/hurdle winner; seemingly perked up by the new blinkers when a rallying third at Dundalk 19 days ago (1m4f); whether he'll be as good again is open to some debate.

10/1

3rd

8

(4)

23rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

19:45 Dundalk (AW)

Wandering Rocks

9st 0lb

J: Jamie Orr

T: William Durkan

Sole success for this yard came in Ballinrobe maiden hurdle in 2024; fine effort at big odds over C&D after long layoff in January when fourth to Voice Of Reason but unable to back that up in two subsequent starts; new headgear.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £18.10
Straight Forecast £21.23
Tricast £273.48
Trifecta £216.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Israr

POSTDATA:

Madame Ambassador

RP Ratings:

Sir Rumi

The Times:

Savvy Knight

TOPSPEED:

Forza Orta

Telegraph:

Moktasaab

NEWMARKET:

Israr

The Guardian:

Israr

Daily Mail:

Israr

D Express:

Israr

The Sun:

Israr

The Star:

Madame Ambassador

Daily Record:

Madame Ambassador

Daily Mirror:

Sir Rumi