April 27 / 14.20 Beverley

14.20

Good To Soft

Surprise 60th Birthday Cliff Barber Handicap

  • Prize money: £5574.2
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
RTV
View Course
Surprise 60th Birthday Cliff Barber Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

20/1 (Won)

  • Win: £19.00
  • Place: £3.90

Form: 694-87

Last run: 24 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Won off 3lb higher at Nottingham (6f) last June and possibly unsuited by Tapeta on his two runs this year (first two AW starts); however, there are nevertheless doubts regarding current form and the drop back to 5f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(2)

9th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

17:40 Pontefract

The Dunkirk Lads

9st 6lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

dwelt start, towards rear

8/1

4th

8

(9)

28th Sep 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:40 Pontefract

The Dunkirk Lads

9st 0lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

towards rear

8/1

5th

2

(10)

17th Sep 2023

Soft

0m 5f 143y

Class 5

17:20 Doncaster

The Dunkirk Lads

9st 12lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

5f winner at Beverley in April and he went close at Carlisle 16 days ago (winner was well treated); 2lb rise not ideal but he's fine on soft; additional yardage should suit at this flat track.

6/1

8/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: /2507- D BF

Last run: 271 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Absent since two below-par runs last summer but he has a good record when fresh in the spring and returns on a handy mark; he's a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(1)

4th Oct 2023

Soft

0m 5f 8y

Class 3

15:42 Nottingham

Sir Titus

9st 5lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Handled testing ground when trained by Bryan Smart (ran well over C&D on soft as a 3yo); generally raced on a sounder surface for current stable, winning on good at Ayr in June; ran poorly at Yarmouth ten weeks ago but can go well fresh and he's not out of it.

9/1

11th

3

(10)

27th Jul 2023

Good To Soft

0m 5f 42y

Class 3

19:30 Yarmouth

Sir Titus

9st 9lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Positive start for new stable, building on his Beverley reappearance second in April when going one better at Ayr (5f, good) eight weeks later; the Ayr form looks solid with the second and fourth successful next time; has won on soft; bold show likely.

4/1

1st

1

(2)

24th Jun 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

13:50 Ayr

Sir Titus

10st 0lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Michael Dods

prominent, pushed along 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, kept on final 110yds, always doing enough

7/2

5/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 6236-3 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Promising first campaign last season, finishing placed in handicaps over C&D (good to firm) and at Doncaster (5.6f, good to soft), and she reappeared with a very close third at Newcastle (5f, AW) last month; this lightly raced 4yo could have more to offer and is on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(5)

7th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Princess Karine

9st 7lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Bryan Smart

Ran out an easy winner in a small-field soft-ground handicap at Pontefract last spring but the handicapper took umbrage and she's found it tough going since; may have needed January's return to action but she still carries risk despite her much-reduced mark.

9/1

10th

9

(10)

25th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Newcastle (AW)

Princess Karine

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Bryan Smart

ducked sharply left start, prominent in centre of group

14/1

10th

9

(10)

25th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Newcastle (AW)

Princess Karine

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Bryan Smart

ducked sharply left start, prominent in centre of group

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: 61-223 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Runner-up twice in a row at Newcastle (5f, AW) last month and good form continued when third of 16 over C&D (good to soft) last Wednesday; with a clear run he may have beaten the runner-up Ventura Flame; solid claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(3)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

15:10 Carlisle

Dandy Dinmont

9st 8lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

He's inconsistent but he was back on song when winning at Beverley (5f, good to firm) this month; he's just 2lb higher today and is a leading player if backing up that latest performance.

11/4

1st

8

(4)

12th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:00 Beverley

Dandy Dinmont

9st 1lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Modest strike-rate since 2022 and his form thus far this term hasn't continued the broad consistency he showed in 2025; no certainty to take advantage of a reduced mark.

14/1

7th

7

(3)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:55 Haydock

Dandy Dinmont

9st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Nigel Tinkler

Conditions shouldn't be an excuse and he didn't run badly at Bath (5f, good) three weeks ago after a short break; Tom Marquand a notable booking; each-way shout.

9/2

Form: 45612-

Last run: 128 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who showed improvement over 7f on AW last December, winning at Wolverhampton before good second at Newcastle; has shown promise on turf but it remains to be seen whether 5f will suit (first attempt).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(5)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:42 Ripon

Beattie Is Back

9st 9lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

4-29; runner-up off this mark at Wolverhampton (7f; beaten a neck) in February; in rear throughout at York (6f; 40-1) on return from a three-month break; this is slightly easier (Class 5) and Ethan Tindall takes off a handy 5lb.

7/1

15th

16

(22)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Beattie Is Back

9st 5lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Landed a 7f turf win at Doncaster (good to firm) last summer and close second at Wolverhampton (7f) on latest start in February; back from a 12-week break with his stable among the winners but he's done all his winning at 7f.

12/1

2nd

8

(4)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 4

17:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Beattie Is Back

9st 5lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Richard Fahey

Record of 3-16 on AW includes a success in last C&D attempt (in 2022); close fourth to Abduction at Newcastle (7f) with Southwell reappearance under his belt; enters calculations off unchanged mark.

13/2

Form: 73515- CD

Last run: 185 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Hold-up filly who won three times last year and has a good record here with her C&D form-figures reading 713713 (wins on soft/good); she ran well on last season's reappearance and is not ruled out, although the visor was a permanent fixture last year and she goes without headgear today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(8)

1st Nov 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Newmarket

May Blossom

9st 4lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Julie Camacho

Came from well back when capitalising on reduced mark at Redcar (6f, good) in September, but some way below par at Nottingham next time; others make more appeal.

8/1

3rd

6

(8)

1st Nov 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Newmarket

May Blossom

9st 4lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Julie Camacho

Came from well back when capitalising on reduced mark at Redcar (6f, good) in September, but some way below par at Nottingham next time; others make more appeal.

8/1

8th

7

(4)

2nd Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 18y

Class 2

15:35 Nottingham

May Blossom

9st 0lb

J: David Allan

T: Julie Camacho

Back to form to capitalise on a reduced mark at Redcar (6f, good) 16 days ago; nudged back up 3lb but retains handicapping scope on last year's form.

13/2

Form: 2960-5 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Failed to threaten on AW on final three runs last year and same story on return three weeks ago; however, his reduced mark appeals on his turf form last August/September, including over C&D; AW may not be his thing and he could play a leading role now back on grass, especially if the ground dries.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

(3)

26th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

17:23 Redcar

Soul Seeker

10st 2lb

J: Mr Daniel Perrin

T: Philip Kirby

Regressive 9yo who hasn't been offering much for a while now.

33/1

7th

9

(9)

21st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 6

17:35 Musselburgh

Soul Seeker

8st 9lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Philip Kirby

Regressive 9yo; beaten around 4l on his last two starts and needs to up his game to trouble the principals.

33/1

7th

8

(9)

11th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:00 Catterick

Soul Seeker

9st 0lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Philip Kirby

Down to a basement mark and he's one to watch in the betting, but it's been a long time since this regressive 9yo has been competitive.

25/1

Form: 9598-2 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Won this two years ago and went close over C&D (good) on last season's sole run here; reappeared with good second of 16 over C&D (good to soft) last Wednesday and she's a key player off the same mark today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(4)

20th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

19:15 Beverley

Ventura Flame

9st 1lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Keith Dalgleish

A regular at Beverley, C&D scorer twice; did well considering carried right at the start when fifth in a big field here nine days ago; likely to be thereabouts once more.

7/1

5th

16

(10)

11th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:45 Beverley

Ventura Flame

9st 4lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Keith Dalgleish

carried right start, in rear

16/1

8th

7

(7)

27th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:20 Beverley

Ventura Flame

9st 3lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Keith Dalgleish

Won this two years ago and went close over C&D (good) on last season's sole run here; reappeared with good second of 16 over C&D (good to soft) last Wednesday and she's a key player off the same mark today.

3/1

Form: 7508-0 CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced C&D winner who has dropped to an attractive mark on last year's best form, and he's one to watch in the betting on his second start of the season; however, he has to leave his comeback run well behind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(9)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

18:45 Ripon

Le Beau Garcon

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

Handles most ground but all of his four wins have been on good to firm; last success was at Ayr (5f) 12 months ago but that was on his reappearance and he's only 1lb higher for today's return; needs a close look after 221 days off.

6/1

11th

1

(12)

29th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 5

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Le Beau Garcon

9st 12lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

Winning reappearance at Ayr (5f) in May and returned to form with a close call at Catterick 20 days ago; however, inconclusive AW form from just two attempts and offputting that he hasn't run on sand since late 2023.

6/1

3

(4)

9th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

14:40 Catterick

Le Beau Garcon

9st 11lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Made a winning return to action at Ayr in May but two runs since have been disappointing, even allowing for the higher grade; needs a full revival but he has run well here in the past.

10/1

Form: 37340- D

Last run: 199 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Ran several good races off higher marks than this last season; however, he improved for last year's reappearance run and he may need this outing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(7)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

15:10 Carlisle

Albegone

9st 5lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Close second at Newcastle (5f, AW) in February and likewise at Nottingham (5f, good) last month; however, soundly beaten on his three starts since and he needs to raise his game.

12/1

13th

18

(7)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:37 Thirsk

Albegone

8st 7lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Close fourth in a division of this contest last year but up and down since and his last two runs have been poor; dangerously well handicapped but opposable on balance.

33/1

8th

4

(2)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 5

16:00 Nottingham

Albegone

9st 5lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Nine-time winner who scored off 6lb higher at Catterick last May; has been up and down since then but he finished well to go close over C&D (good) on his penultimate run; has possibilities if he can recapture that form and it would be positive if rain arrives.

12/1

Non-runners

Albegone

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £108.70
Straight Forecast £82.10
Tricast £471.63
Trifecta £846.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Ventura Flame

Telegraph:

Beattie Is Back

The Times:

Princess Karine

POSTDATA:

Dandy Dinmont

Daily Mirror:

Albegone

TOPSPEED:

Soul Seeker

D Express:

Beattie Is Back

The Star:

Beattie Is Back

The Guardian:

Princess Karine

The Sun:

Dandy Dinmont

RP Ratings:

Ventura Flame

Daily Mail:

Ventura Flame

Daily Record:

Ventura Flame