April 02 / 15.20 Doncaster

15.20

Soft

Mental Health Awareness Handicap

  • Prize money: £9450
  • 0m 6f 2y
  • Class 3
  • 22 runners
SKY
View Course
Mental Health Awareness Handicap

Runners: 22 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 61303- D

Last run: 184 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Had relatively few chances in 6f handicaps and is 2-7 in them, on soft as 2yo and winning cosily at Ripon last August (good to soft); just 4lb higher than the latter win and he could have a nice prize in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(9)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Aleezdancer

9st 6lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

C&D winner; responded well to a change of tactics when making all at Pontefract in July (6f, good); not so good in either start since but not handicapped out of things if bouncing back.

12/1

11

(12)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 111y

Class 2

15:00 Doncaster

Aleezdancer

8st 12lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Inconsistent 6yo who hasn't gone beyond a bare 6f for a long time and finished down the field at York in July when last seen; however, he won at Pontefract (6f, good) earlier that month and has shown some strong form here in the past (including a soft-ground win); could go well.

20/1

12

(2)

26th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:00 York

Aleezdancer

9st 0lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

C&D winner; exploited his drop down the weights when making all at Pontefract 18 days ago (6f, good); still has handicapping scope despite a 4lb rise; one to consider.

12/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 521-71 D

Last run: 59 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Unlucky not to win soft-ground 6f handicap at Naas in the autumn, just failed to get up against one on a four-timer with subsequent winner third; in fine form on AW for new yard, returned coughing two starts ago but won either side, over 6f and 5f (first-time visor last time, retained today); back up 5lb; intriguing to see how far he can go.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(7)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:42 Ripon

Blind Beggar

9st 7lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Jessica Macey

Has won just once since April 2024, at Sandown (5f, good; from 6lb higher) last July; joined this trainer soon after for 15,000gns, and runner-up on stable debut; nowhere near his best in three starts this year, including when twelfth of 20 at York (6f; 50-1) latest.

25/1

12th

21

(4)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Blind Beggar

9st 4lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Jessica Macey

Record of 240500 for current yard reflects that he hasn't been able to hold his form; others are much more obvious.

40/1

11th

6

(4)

12th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Blind Beggar

9st 7lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

Record of 24050 for new yard reflects that he hasn't been able to hold his form; failed to beat a rival in sole outing this year; others have better claims.

50/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 73052-

Last run: 148 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Ex-French; made winning debut as 2yo and successful reappearance (extended 6f, good to soft) in 2022; sold 35,000euros since last seen in November; has it to prove in this competitive a handicap on British debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(7)

24th Oct 2024

Heavy

0m 5f 8y

Class 5

14:38 Nottingham

Faro De San Juan

9st 9lb

J: Morgan Cole

T: Dylan Cunha

4-29 on turf and although he hasn't won on genuine soft ground he again showed he acts on it when second at Bath (5.7f) latest; each-way player.

4/1

2nd

4

(5)

21st Oct 2024

Heavy

0m 5f 160y

Class 5

16:10 Bath

Faro De San Juan

9st 9lb

J: Morgan Cole

T: Dylan Cunha

Has patchy record but he won on fast ground at Windsor (5f) in July and was beaten less than 2l on soft at Redcar (fourth of 11) last time; seems tactically versatile and he's not ruled out on this drop back on grade.

13/2

7

(10)

5th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:37 Redcar

Faro De San Juan

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Dylan Cunha

Dropped away in the final furlong in the race won Our Absent Friends at Ripon last week; Paul Mulrennan is a good booking (close fourth on him at Newmarket 11 months ago) but others appeal more.

10/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 37360- D BF

Last run: 163 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Both wins over 6f at Newbury, on soft/good to soft; disappointing favourite on final 2022 start but had previously made up a lot of ground into sixth at York which suggests he can make a play for it at this level now he's dropped a few pounds; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

5

(1)

22nd Aug 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

20:15 Newcastle (AW)

Gisburn

9st 10lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Few chances on AW but he ran well over C&D in November off 3lb higher; returned to winning ways in a Racing League handicap at Chepstow two weeks ago (6f, good to soft); respected despite a 4lb rise and his draw in stall 1.

10/1

1st

1

(4)

8th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

18:30 Chepstow

Gisburn

9st 12lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Richard Hannon

He's had a mixed campaign but has shown spark on occasions and was stretched by 7f last time; now below last winning mark and he's not ruled out.

7/1

12th

3

(13)

12th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Newmarket (July)

Gisburn

9st 12lb

J: William Buick

T: Richard Hannon

Much better known as a sprinter but has form over 7f; now 3lb lower than when placed at Goodwood (6f, heavy) in May and his more recent efforts were perfectly respectable; back up in trip with William Buick up; a possible.

8/1

Form: 34358- CD

Last run: 155 days

W: 8st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Infrequent winner these days but he ended a losing run on reappearance in this race last year (good; acts on heavy) and he often runs well in big-field handicaps; back on the same mark as 12 months ago and Billy Loughnane's claim is a bonus.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(3)

18th May 2024

Good

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

19:50 Doncaster

Bernardo OReilly

9st 1lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Richard Spencer

dwelt start, in rear

5/1

5th

8

(3)

18th May 2024

Good

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

19:50 Doncaster

Bernardo OReilly

9st 1lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Richard Spencer

dwelt start, in rear

5/1

Form: 5202-1 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Has raced only at 5f on turf, winning twice (good to firm/soft), but has coped well with the step up to 6f on AW, finding plenty at Newcastle 19 days ago; has a lot more on his plate in this better race back on turf but still has scope for better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

12

(12)

9th Sep 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:30 Ascot

Swayze

9st 0lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Impressive at Haydock (5f, good to firm) in May but hasn't repeated the form, fifth of 13 in a Racing League event at Newcastle nine days ago; a few others appeal more.

14/1

5th

11

(13)

31st Aug 2023

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

20:45 Newcastle (AW)

Swayze

8st 8lb

J: Nicola Currie

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

in touch with leaders

16/1

Form: 3210-3 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Won three sprint handicaps on turf in 2022 (on good, good to firm and good to soft) and was better than ever for the latest of them at Ascot in the autumn; fit from the AW but 6f on soft may not be ideal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(7)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

17:27 Goodwood

Dream Composer

9st 3lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Tony Carroll

Regained the winning thread at Ripon (5f, good) on stable/seasonal debut when 5lb lower and rider took off 7lb; this seems a harder task but he remains well treated on peak form and is a dual winner at Goodwood; enters calculations.

9/2

1st

5

(1)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Ripon

Dream Composer

8st 10lb

J: Myla Coppins

T: Tony Carroll

Ten-time winner down the years for James Evans; drew a blank in 2025 but runner-up twice off marks in the 90s, including reappearance, so well treated starting out for Tony Carroll (same owners); interesting to see what the betting makes of him.

14/1

2

(7)

20th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 4

17:08 Pontefract

Dream Composer

9st 10lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: James Evans

Won over C&D (good to firm) last August and twice went close over C&D earlier this year (good); versatile ground-wise; he's gone off the boil more recently but perhaps the first-time blinkers (replacing cheekpieces) and the return to this track will prompt a revival; on a reduced mark.

12/1

Form: 30636- D

Last run: 219 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Good run of form in late 2021 included a soft-ground 6f Haydock win under William Buick (1-3 on him); looks well treated back from break and new trainer is already in good form; can show up well from a middle draw.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(4)

2nd May 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:45 Goodwood

Chairmanoftheboard

9st 5lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Jack Channon

Finally exploited his drop in the weights when winning a C&D handicap last October (heavy ground); should come on for March's return to action at Doncaster and while slower ground would be ideal, he did run well in a fast-ground Stewards' Cup in 2020.

13/2

4

(4)

2nd May 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:45 Goodwood

Chairmanoftheboard

9st 5lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Jack Channon

Finally exploited his drop in the weights when winning a C&D handicap last October (heavy ground); should come on for March's return to action at Doncaster and while slower ground would be ideal, he did run well in a fast-ground Stewards' Cup in 2020.

13/2

15th

18

(14)

30th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 3

15:40 Doncaster

Chairmanoftheboard

8st 13lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Jack Channon

Absent since prevailing narrowly on heavy ground at Goodwood in October, ending a three-year losing spell; not an obvious type to follow up, especially as his record in this race (three attempts) is modest.

20/1

Form: 4-3865 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Has not been ahead of his higher AW mark this winter and this is his first run in a soft-ground turf handicap, also his first on grass since last June; others much higher up the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(3)

4th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:52 Newcastle (AW)

Strong Power

9st 3lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Not as good or consistent as he was and does a lot of his racing now over 6f, as when behind Monks Dream (Dark Kestrel fifth) here recently; again only holds each-way claims.

8/1

7

(6)

15th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:55 Newcastle (AW)

Strong Power

9st 4lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Dropped to a dangerous mark and his last two efforts have been more encouraging; 7lb better off with Brazilian Rose on last month's C&D run but wouldn't be open to the same progress as that rival.

14/1

4th

2

(2)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:55 Newcastle (AW)

Strong Power

9st 9lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Brian Ellison

Close third on latest outing but isn't certain to build on that effort; 0-11 for current yard and losing run goes back to 2022.

10/1

16/1

Form: 71170- CD

Last run: 203 days

W: 8st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Won three of his first four 6f races for this yard (on good/AW; has form on soft) but couldn't carry on the good work on final two starts in 2022 and sets off after a break with something to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(6)

20th May 2023

Good

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

19:50 Doncaster

True Mason

9st 3lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Well beaten on soft going on both starts this season but it's a long time since he ran well on such a surface; won twice over C&D (good) last summer and not ruled out now back on better ground.

14/1

12th

1

(6)

6th May 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Thirsk

True Mason

9st 11lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Declan Carroll

Won three of his first four starts over 6f on good/AW after joining this yard last summer, but held in his last three; soft ground may not have been ideal in the last two including on last month's Doncaster reappearance, but still 5lb above last winning mark; others preferred.

14/1

10th

15

(12)

2nd Apr 2023

Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 3

15:20 Doncaster

True Mason

8st 11lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Declan Carroll

Won three of his first four 6f races for this yard (on good/AW; has form on soft) but couldn't carry on the good work on final two starts in 2022 and sets off after a break with something to prove.

16/1

11th
6 (18)
Tinto

20/1

Form: 35804- D

Last run: 170 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Useful 6f sprinter on his day, winner of second and third starts for new yard in 2022 (both on good; has won on soft); had some tough tasks after but ended the season on a good note when a close fourth at Haydock and has plenty of spring form to his name.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(12)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

16:43 Redcar

Tinto

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

C&D winner; best known for exploits at Thirsk more recently, including a close second there last May (5f, good); cheekpieces off for his reappearance and not a solid option, for all he has dropped to a good mark.

20/1

18

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Tinto

9st 10lb

T: Michael Dods

14th

5

(6)

29th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:38 Thirsk

Tinto

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

Won the corresponding race 12 months ago off a 2lb higher mark; looked booked for another good season when finishing fast for second over 5f here in May; struggled in three runs since but cheekpieces return today and Paul Mulrennan is back on board; big player.

14/1

OUR TIP

12/1

Form: 43022- D

Last run: 176 days

W: 9st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Front-runs; all turf wins on good to soft or slower; ended last season in fine form but it's getting on for three years since he was this high in the weights and has yet to make a splash on reappearance for this yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(3)

20th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 5f 110y

Class 4

15:40 Chester

Hyperfocus

9st 1lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Tim Easterby

Won over C&D (good to soft) last July but he's lost his way and has been out of sorts this season; now 17lb lower than for that last win but the veteran has a lot to prove.

20/1

115

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Hyperfocus

8st 8lb

T: Tim Easterby

11

(1)

5th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:42 Haydock

Hyperfocus

9st 2lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Four-time course winner who has tumbled down the weights and runs here for the first time this season; however, this 11yo has been struggling this year and a major turnaround is required.

25/1

Form: 6752-4 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 8st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Lost out late on good to soft at Haydock last May (6f) but has done most of his racing on good or quicker surfaces and guesswork involved as to how he will cope with this first attempt on officially soft ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

15

(3)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:45 Ripon

Another Investment

8st 8lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

More modest runs than good ones in 2025 but he did bolt up at Doncaster last June (6f, good to firm) and he is 4lb lower now; needs to leave his reappearance effort well behind him and he has finished down the field in his two visits here.

40/1

11th

11

(13)

29th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

15:30 Doncaster

Another Investment

9st 2lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Has become unreliable but is well treated on his standout performance of 2025, namely a comfortable win off 1lb higher at Doncaster (6f, good to firm) in June; scored over 7f in 2023.

25/1

10th

4

(9)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

15:40 Catterick

Another Investment

9st 7lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Easy win at Doncaster in June (6f, good to firm) but generally struggled since; even if he's back in top form he could do with the ground drying out.

16/1

16/1

Form: 50704- CD

Last run: 163 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Two very good results over C&D in 2021 (soft) when winning a handicap by a wide margin then going close against a useful one in Listed company; last year was mostly a washout but there were signs of a revival when a close fourth of six back here in October and he's weighted to pounce.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(5)

25th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 2

15:18 Doncaster

Magical Spirit

8st 10lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

8yo who has finished down the field on his last four runs and needs a major turnaround; however, he's just 1lb higher than when winning in a big field over C&D (soft) in April on his last run here, and his good record at Doncaster also includes a win in this race in 2021; dangerous to dismiss.

12/1

9th

3

(8)

28th Sep 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Magical Spirit

9st 4lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Three heavy defeats have followed his impressive Doncaster win in April (6f, soft); not the easiest to predict but conditions won't be an issue and he's dangerous to write off.

14/1

15th

3

(9)

17th Aug 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Magical Spirit

9st 2lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

raced near side

33/1

16/1

Form: 73125- D

Last run: 231 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Both turf wins in 6f fillies' handicaps, on soft/good to soft; lesser efforts on final two starts of 2022 but the return to soft will suit and the manner of her Haydock win in August suggests there may be more to come.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(5)

8th Jul 2023

Good

0m 5f 182y

Class 5

17:45 Carlisle

True Jem

9st 9lb

J: Sam Feilden

T: K R Burke

pressed leader, led halfway, headed over 1f out, soon weakened

20/1

6th

1

(6)

28th Jun 2023

Good

0m 6f 195y

Class 4

17:20 Carlisle

True Jem

9st 9lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: K R Burke

Won three times over 6f last year and she's dropped below her last winning mark; however, this season is turning into a struggle and after bombing out in a visor (swiftly removed) two runs back she tried a mile last time; much to prove.

12/1

8th

8

(9)

2nd Jun 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:15 Doncaster

True Jem

8st 13lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: K R Burke

Won three times over 6f last year and she's dropped below her last winning mark; however, she's struggled on her three runs this spring, on soft ground she should have handled, and she's untested at this distance.

16/1

33/1

Form: 03400- C

Last run: 184 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Often leads; course winner over the extended 6f here in 2021 (good) but beaten a long way in the same race on soft in September and well below best at Ascot later that month; would prefer a drier surface on first run since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(8)

3rd Sep 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Able Kane

9st 11lb

J: Ross Coakley

T: Rod Millman

Has come a stone down the weights this year and been expensive to follow lately; this is easier than he's used to, on his Tapeta debut, as the tongue-tie comes off and blinkers go back on, and a revival wouldn't be a shock.

4/1

8th

6

(15)

16th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Newbury

Able Kane

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Rod Millman

Without a win since Newmarket last June when 10lb higher in the ratings; had some off-days in the meantime and stopped quickly at Ascot a month ago.

9/1

12th

2

(17)

13th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:17 Ascot

Able Kane

9st 13lb

J: Oliver Searle

T: Rod Millman

Eight wins, the latest at Newmarket last summer (7f, good to soft) coming off 8lb higher; had some off-days in the meantime but last two efforts on ground that would have been on the fast side weren't too shoddy.

5/1

Form: 21060- D

Last run: 167 days

W: 8st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Likely that wind problems have held him back (had multiple surgeries) but still won nine times on variety of ground including good to soft; has won on reappearance but others more likely to flourish on soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(2)

30th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 5

16:12 Catterick

Marks Choice

9st 6lb

J: William Pyle

T: Gemma Tutty

Standing dish at Ripon, where he's recorded ten of his 12 wins; his 71st start is his first here; below par in both starts this season; drops 2lb but perhaps needs further favours from the handicapper to win again.

10/1

6th

3

(3)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

18:45 Ripon

Marks Choice

9st 8lb

J: William Pyle

T: Gemma Tutty

Ten-time course winner who ended last season with two wins (6f/5f) at Ripon; struggled on Thirsk reappearance last month but he doesn't have a great record when fresh and he's not ruled out back at his favoured track; acts on good to firm and soft.

11/2

15th

2

(2)

10th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:10 Thirsk

Marks Choice

10st 0lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Gemma Tutty

Best known as a Ripon specialist with ten wins there, including his last two starts of 2025; has won fresh, but has tended to need his reappearance in recent years.

7/1

20/1

Form: 71100- CD

Last run: 203 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Has won on soft but suited by quicker surfaces and it was good to firm when he won the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon in August; lesser efforts in two subsequent runs and although he has won and gone well on reappearance there are more likely targets coming up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

5

(14)

16th Jun 2024

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Intrinsic Bond

9st 6lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Michael Wigham

led but pestered

10/1

7th

4

(11)

8th Jun 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Haydock

Intrinsic Bond

9st 6lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Michael Wigham

His form tailed off towards end of last year but he may have benefited from a break and is well handicapped judged on his form last July-September, when he made an excellent start for his new yard; watch the betting.

10/1

4th

3

(3)

16th Dec 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:09 Newcastle (AW)

Intrinsic Bond

8st 13lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Michael Wigham

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, disputing second over 1f out, weakened final 110yds

9/2

33/1

Form: 34-560 CD

Last run: 38 days

W: 8st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Makes the running; soft-ground winner in 2021 but three subsequent successes, including off this mark over C&D last May, came on good to firm; more to prove than some after a modest AW run in February.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(6)

20th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Prince Of Bel Lir

10st 4lb

J: Miss Sophie Dobson

T: K R Burke

Holds weak claims on his form this winter for new yard; possibly found 5f too sharp last time but returning to 7f may not be the answer; 6f has looked his optimum trip.

20/1

Form: 942/95 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Horse

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Promising front-running 3yo on soft; hard to place as 4yo and missed over three years after; far from disgraced on AW return considering he was left at the start and duly fared better when a close fifth at Southwell last month (7f; beaten when hampered close home); modest squeak.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(2)

22nd Jul 2023

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

19:45 Doncaster

Sir Thomas Gresham

9st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Seamus Durack

Off a whopping 1252 days before his reappearance but this 8yo retains all his ability, finishing second in 6f handicaps at Ascot (soft) and Newbury (good) in May; fine at 7f and high on the shortlist with Billy Loughnane taking 3lb off.

6/1

2nd

2

(16)

20th May 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:18 Newbury

Sir Thomas Gresham

9st 9lb

J: Sam Hitchcott

T: Seamus Durack

prominent, led 2f out, ridden 1f out, kept on final furlong, headed towards finish

8/1

2nd

8

(4)

12th May 2023

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Sir Thomas Gresham

9st 2lb

J: Sam Hitchcott

T: Seamus Durack

Dual winner (non-handicaps on soft) who has improved with each run this season and did well to finish fourth of 15 at Newbury (6f, soft) after rearing at the start (plenty to do even 2f out); not your typical 8yo with only 12 starts behind him; shortlisted.

7/1

Form: -35769 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 8st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Now 8lb lower than for a good Ripon win last September (6f, good) but solid results since have been few and far between; best turf form on good or quicker ground and has plenty to prove back on soft turf; cheekpieces refitted after three runs with no headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(11)

31st Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Abolish

9st 6lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Tony Carroll

Four-time turf winner from 5.5f-7f; 0-19 on AW but he's been placed on Polytrack and Tapeta; has had a short break since going very close at Windsor (6f, good) in September and he's a player if he can reproduce that form.

6/1

9th

9

(11)

31st Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Abolish

9st 6lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Tony Carroll

Four-time turf winner from 5.5f-7f; 0-19 on AW but he's been placed on Polytrack and Tapeta; has had a short break since going very close at Windsor (6f, good) in September and he's a player if he can reproduce that form.

6/1

Form: 34674- D

Last run: 188 days

W: 8st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Both 6f wins for Archie Watson came on good to firm but has run up to his best on soft; had choppy end to 2022 and sold 17,000gns since; 4lb below latest winning mark but this may be needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(5)

23rd Apr 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 212y

Class 5

17:10 Catterick

Twelfth Knight

9st 0lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Paul Midgley

Tumbled down the weights last year before undergoing wind surgery; was inclined to pull hard and didn't see it out on his Tapeta comeback, and the suspicion is he'll be back at some point.

12/1

9th

7

(5)

23rd Apr 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 212y

Class 5

17:10 Catterick

Twelfth Knight

9st 0lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Paul Midgley

in rear throughout

12/1

5th

1

(10)

29th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Twelfth Knight

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, weakened inside final furlong

10/1

Non-runners

Sir Thomas Gresham, Abolish, Twelfth Knight

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £57.30
Straight Forecast £52.57
Tricast £395.64
Trifecta £586.60

Selections

POSTDATA:

Blind Beggar

RP Ratings:

Bernardo O'Reilly

Telegraph:

Dream Composer

LAMBOURN:

Swayze

TOPSPEED:

Gisburn

SPOTLIGHT:

Chairmanoftheboard

The Times:

Blind Beggar

The Sun:

Blind Beggar

Daily Record:

Blind Beggar

D Express:

Dream Composer

Daily Mirror:

Dream Composer

NEWMARKET:

Bernardo O'Reilly

The Guardian:

Bernardo O'Reilly

The Star:

Bernardo O'Reilly