April 22 / 14.35 Thirsk

14.35

Good To Soft

Vickers.Bet Handicap

  • Prize money: £9720
  • 1m 4f 8y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
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Vickers.Bet Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.25
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 5131- CD

Last run: 231 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Very progressive 3yo, winning a maiden on good to firm and finishing with a comfortable heavy-ground C&D handicap debut success at the expense of Molinari; likely he has more to come this year and will be a major player if fully primed after 231 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

8

(12)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:55 York

Chillingham

9st 2lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

Promoted to first in 1m4f handicap here (good to firm) last June and he races off 2lb lower today; however, he wasn't at his best last year on his final few runs for Edward Bethell, and failed to threaten over hurdles in the winter on his first two starts for this yard; may be best watched.

50/1

5th

4

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 3

13:45 Doncaster

Chillingham

11st 2lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Micky Hammond

Talented on the Flat and open to improvement on second hurdle start; however, he was about 14l behind Minstrel Knight when sixth at Wetherby (2m, soft) last month and may be of greater interest when back in headgear.

16/1

12/1

  • Place: £4.50

Form: 47110- D

Last run: 197 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Found improvement to notch two 1m6f wins on good to soft last autumn; comfortably held in a deeper race at York on final start, although it did come quite quickly after that second win; went close on 2022 reappearance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(4)

21st May 2026

Good

1m 7f 217y

Class 6

14:20 Musselburgh

Zimmerman

11st 1lb

J: Mr Thomas Easterby

T: Tim Easterby

Solid effort when second of eight at Catterick ten days ago (2m, good; first run in this combination of accessories); should remain competitive.

11/2

2nd

2

(4)

11th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 189y

Class 6

15:30 Catterick

Zimmerman

9st 11lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

The odd sign of spark last season and he may have needed his recent comeback run; down to a dangerous mark but this 7yo has been regressive and is winless since July 2024; cheekpieces return for first time since last May.

6/1

6th

4

(4)

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:00 Ripon

Zimmerman

9st 10lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Drew a blank in 2025 but he did reach the frame on both C&D visits, including C&D reappearance; off for 196 days; David Allan partners the other Tim Easterby runner.

10/1

14/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: 63-108

Last run: 64 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won 1m2f maiden for the Gosdens and made successful start for new yard in Bahrain (1m2f, good to soft) in January; comfortably held in two subsequent outings there but returns to Britain on a workable mark judged on the pick of his 3yo form; fine on going softer than good (third on heavy final 3yo start) and probably stays 1m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(6)

25th Jun 2023

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 4

16:15 Pontefract

Knight Of Honour

9st 6lb

J: David Nolan

T: Richard Fahey

Successful in Bahrain in January on his first run for Richard Fahey (1m2f, good to soft); more moderate runs than good have followed and hopes appear to rest on the drop back in trip sparking a revival.

20/1

6th

4

(2)

12th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

1m 4f 5y

Class 3

19:00 Pontefract

Knight Of Honour

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

1m2f winner at Bahrain in January on debut for this yard; inconsistent since, down the field at Chester (behind Zealandia) most recently; not solid on 2023 form.

20/1

9th

2

(8)

27th May 2023

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

17:45 Chester

Knight Of Honour

10st 1lb

J: Connor Murtagh

T: Richard Fahey

slowly away, in rear

10/1

16/1

Form: 45926-

Last run: 210 days

W: 8st 8lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Won over 1m5f at Hamilton off 2lb lower last spring and mostly respectable efforts later in 2022; needed the run on last year's reappearance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(6)

30th Sep 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:15 Ripon

Haizoom

9st 11lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Charlie Johnston

raced in fourth

3/1

3rd

4

(4)

17th Sep 2023

Good

1m 7f 217y

Class 4

17:10 Musselburgh

Haizoom

9st 6lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Charlie Johnston

Made a winning start for current yard at Ripon (2m) in June but her form has dipped recently, only sixth in 1m6f Newmarket handicap 29 days ago; she needs to bounce back.

10/1

6th

8

(6)

19th Aug 2023

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:45 Newmarket (July)

Haizoom

8st 9lb

J: Franny Norton

T: Charlie Johnston

Won a four-runner race on stable debut at Ripon (2m) in June but that's her best run this year; probably okay on soft ground but soundly beaten on heavy on latest outing; back to her last winning mark.

14/1

8/1

Form: 71093- D

Last run: 182 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Good third in this on 2022 reappearance (soft) and consistent subsequently, including two wins; resumes off 4lb above his last successful mark and will require a career best to win but he ought to be in the shake-up.
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

11/2

Form: 79631-

Last run: 205 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Wrapped up 3yo season with 1m6f win at Salisbury (good to soft); sold out of the Charltons' stable for 85,000gns; unexposed at around middle distances; interesting to see what the market says on debut for in-form new yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(5)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:35 Hamilton

La Pulga

9st 8lb

J: Archie Young

T: Charlie Johnston

Front-runner who has been keeping busy, winning at Newcastle (1m4f, AW) last month and going close on two of his three starts since, most recently beaten half a length at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm); has won here and is capable of another bold bid.

7/1

3

(6)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

La Pulga

9st 13lb

J: Hugh Bowman

T: Charlie Johnston

Usually front-runs; never better than with his first and second at the end of last month, which were on AW however and his top four RPRs have now been registered in that sphere; something to find on turf, including as he was third here (1m6f, good to firm) earlier in July but is now 7lb higher and he dropped out at Chepstow on Thursday.

5/1

Form: 2/133- CD

Last run: 203 days

W: 8st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Made a winning reappearance over C&D (good to soft) last July; creditable third both subsequent starts, latterly to Zimmerman over 1m6f at Redcar (good to soft); yard slow to get going in 2023 but recent results have been more encouraging; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(8)

18th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 32y

Class 5

15:30 Carlisle

Billy No Mates

8st 7lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Rallied for third of six at Redcar (1m6f, good) on seasonal debut and remains well handicapped on historical data; just no certainty to step forward, being a veteran who hasn't won since 2023.

14/1

3rd

3

(6)

7th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 218y

Class 5

18:20 Redcar

Billy No Mates

9st 3lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

A veteran who is without a win since September 2023; good weights chance on last season's best but he ended the year with a modest effort; handles good ground but rarely seen on a faster surface.

7/1

9th

3

(4)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

Billy No Mates

9st 13lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Michael Dods

Made the frame, albeit quite comfortably held, over C&D on belated return to AW last time; the 9yo's losing run is mounting up but he remains well treated on plenty of turf form.

14/1

Form: 12275- D

Last run: 203 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Won at Beverley (1m2f, good) and York (1m4f, good to firm) last July; plenty of good runs in defeat last year, including 3l second to Chillingham over C&D (heavy); capable when fresh but current mark looks about right.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(5)

14th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

17:25 Newcastle (AW)

Molinari

9st 9lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Martin Todhunter

Won twice here last autumn, over 1m4f and over today's trip of 1m2f; hasn't won this season but he has dropped to a good mark and could go well.

6/1

11/2

Form: 4213-5 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who is versatile trip-wise, winning a valuable 2m2f event at Chester (good record there) before rounding off 2022 with a good third in 1m4f November Handicap at Doncaster (heavy); might have needed the run when fifth of 14 on 1m6f Musselburgh reappearance a fortnight ago, fading only late on; should be spot on now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

21st Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

15:12 Cartmel

Emiyn

11st 4lb

J: Conor Orr

T: Declan Carroll

Useful Flat stayer who has made the frame on all three hurdling starts; left behind by wide-margin winner when second here (2m6f, soft) last month but that was still a good effort and he's a contender over this shorter trip.

5/1

5

27th Jun 2025

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

14:38 Cartmel

Emiyn

11st 4lb

J: Conor Orr

T: Declan Carroll

Useful Flat performer and was running okay (beaten 5l in the Chester Cup) until below par last time with a visor back on (now discarded); two respectable efforts over hurdles last year, notably when second in an Aintree maiden; every chance; has no clear ground preferences.

7/4

4

(7)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 0f 46y

Class 2

16:40 Haydock

Emiyn

8st 13lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Often ridden by Zak Wheatley; slow starts have been interfering with what used to be a front-running role; best known for exploits at Chester, admittedly last winning any race in July 2023; ran creditably off this mark in good handicaps both starts this term, sixth in the Chester Cup last time, but he was third in this race last year and may come up a bit short once again.

4/1

OUR TIP
10th
8 (2)
Heathen

100/30

Form: 7951-1 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Improved since fitted with a hood, forging clear at Newcastle in September on his first attempt over this trip; returned to land another 1m4f Tapeta handicap at Wolverhampton last month, not all out to win going away; unplaced in three turf runs last year but it's too soon to suggest he won't prove as effective on the grass; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

(10)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 196y

Class 4

14:53 Chester

Heathen

9st 5lb

J: David Nolan

T: Jennie Candlish

5-19 on AW and 0-9 on turf; twice close up over 1m4f on turf last year, including off this mark at Chester, but is also a dual 1m6f winner on AW and has at least one piece of 2m form in that sphere; a case can be made if he's tuned up sufficiently after 259 days off; the market may guide.

14/1

6

(4)

13th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

17:05 Chester

Heathen

11st 3lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Jennie Candlish

Below best at York in June and since left David O'Meara for 20,000gns; an assured stayer who is capable off this mark and could have a part to play.

8/1

16/1

Form: 11045- D

Last run: 223 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Ex-French gelding who won handicaps over 1m6f at York and 1m4f at Chester (both good) last summer; handicapper in command subsequently; off since Fakenham hurdle debut second in October; others more compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(4)

5th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 6

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Haliphon

9st 6lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

0-17 on AW but he returned to form with a staying-on third here (1m6f) last month; now drops back in trip but he's 1lb lower than last time and has possibilities if this sets up for his closing style; visor reapplied.

9/2

3rd

2

(7)

20th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 6

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Haliphon

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

On losing run and 0-16 on AW, unable to justify favouritism at Chelmsford 12 days ago; another 2lb lower today and too much ability to discount.

9/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £52.00
Straight Forecast £43.88
Tricast £370.88
Trifecta £519.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Chillingham

POSTDATA:

Heathen

TOPSPEED:

Haizoom

The Sun:

Billy No Mates

RP Ratings:

Chillingham

The Times:

Chillingham

Telegraph:

Chillingham

Daily Mail:

Chillingham

Daily Mirror:

Chillingham

Daily Record:

Chillingham

NEWMARKET:

Heathen

The Guardian:

Heathen

D Express:

Heathen

The Star:

Heathen