13.30
Good To SoftHowden Manny Mercer Apprentice Handicap
- Prize money: £10800
- 1m 0f 0y
- Class 3
- 15 runners
Runners: 15 runners
Type: Flat Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Mostly cloudy
10/1 (Won)
- Win: £9.80
- Place: £3.40
Form: 11038- D
Last run: 154 days
W: 9st 13lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 10 (4) |
24th Aug 2024 Good To Firm 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 1lb |
5yo who has won four of his 12 starts, the latest win coming at Sandown in June (1m2f, good to firm; made all); 1m4f stretched him at Ascot last time out and he can't be discounted now back down in trip, but he's inconsistent and others are a bit more compelling. |
14/1 |
|
7th 3 (2) |
26th Jul 2024 Good To Firm 1m 3f 211y Class 2 |
9st 9lb |
1m winner at this track in May 2023; failed to make a serious impact since until making all at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm; off 4lb lower) last month; back up 4lb but the idea of 1m4f does not seem ridiculous given the manner of that win. |
14/1 |
15/8
- Place: £2.10
Form: 11 D
Last run: 21 days
W: 9st 13lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 4 (3) |
25th May 2023 Good 1m 0f 0y Class 3 |
9st 7lb |
Won his two AW novices with something up his sleeve and looked sure to bring up the hat-trick on his handicap debut at Ascot (1m, good) until the winner (who challenged away from him) went into overdrive late on; didn't make his debut until March and this well-bred 4yo could have a lot more ability in him. |
7/2 |
|
2nd 4 (3) |
3rd May 2023 Good To Soft 1m 0f 0y Class 3 |
9st 13lb |
Out of sister to triple Group 1 winner Almanzor; unraced until this year but won both AW starts at 1m and looked to have plenty of scope when seeing off two unbeaten rivals at Kempton last month; this stiff test can suit; fascinating contender on turf/handicap debut; yard won this in 2018. |
15/8 |
|
1st 2 (2) |
12th Apr 2023 Standard To Slow 1m 0f 0y Class 5 |
9st 11lb |
in touch with leaders |
9/4 |
25/1
- Place: £4.40
Form: 6910-0 D
Last run: 32 days
W: 9st 13lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 2 (1) |
10th Jul 2026 Good To Firm 1m 0f 0y Class 4 |
10st 0lb |
Five-time turf winner who matched that tally on the AW when landing Kempton handicap (1m) in April; never a threat over that C&D last Thursday and it's been a while since he won off a mark this high. |
6/1 |
|
7th 3 (4) |
2nd Jul 2026 Standard To Slow 1m 0f 0y Class 4 |
9st 8lb |
Won over C&D in April and he went close on Polytrack and turf in his next two starts; didn't really fire at Newmarket (1m, good) last time but he still looks on a workable mark and has claims if he can get back near best. |
13/2 |
|
6th 2 (1) |
16th May 2026 Good 1m 0f 0y Class 4 |
9st 9lb |
8yo who has been in fine form this spring, winning at Kempton (1m, AW) last month then going close at Lingfield (1m, AW) and Nottingham (1m, good); there's every chance he'll be bang there once more. |
9/1 |
7/1
Form: 1202-0
Last run: 32 days
W: 9st 11lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 90
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11th 1 (8) |
14th Aug 2024 Standard To Slow 1m 0f 0y Class 4 |
10st 2lb |
C&D win for Michael Bell 12 months ago came off a 3lb higher mark; his two best runs for his new yard came over C&D too and when fifth at Ascot last time he was away from the main action; good claims. |
11/2 |
|
5th 4 (3) |
12th Jul 2024 Soft 1m 0f 0y Class 4 |
9st 9lb |
in rear |
16/1 |
25/1
Form: 13630- CD
Last run: 194 days
W: 9st 2lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 81
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 2 |
4th Dec 2024 Good To Soft 1m 7f 169y Class 4 |
11st 8lb |
Recorded his sixth Flat win when scoring at Sandown in August and he's won twice over hurdles since then, with his latest success in a Huntingdon handicap (2m, good) last month; open to more progress in this sphere and he's strongly respected on this switch to a claimer. |
5/2 |
|
2nd 2 |
4th Dec 2024 Good To Soft 1m 7f 169y Class 4 |
11st 8lb |
Recorded his sixth Flat win when scoring at Sandown in August and he's won twice over hurdles since then, with his latest success in a Huntingdon handicap (2m, good) last month; open to more progress in this sphere and he's strongly respected on this switch to a claimer. |
5/2 |
|
1st 2 |
12th Nov 2024 Good 1m 7f 171y Class 5 |
11st 8lb |
took keen hold, raced in second, jumped slightly right 2nd, led after 3rd, pestered home turn, good jump 2 out, ridden out run-in, always doing enough |
11/8 |
50/1
Form: 07-180 CD
Last run: 26 days
W: 9st 3lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 82
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11th 2 (13) |
21st Jan 2024 Standard 1m 0f 0y Class 4 |
9st 10lb |
Went close here in November but he started slowly that day and again when beating only one home back here the following month; capable but comes with risks. |
20/1 |
|
2 (2) |
11th Dec 2023 Standard 1m 0f 0y Class 4 |
10st 0lb |
Has become a regular slow-starter but that didn't stop him from going close over C&D most recently, finishing well from a difficult position; possibilities if the cards drop perfectly. |
11/2 |
|
2nd 1 (8) |
11th Nov 2023 Standard To Slow 1m 0f 0y Class 4 |
10st 0lb |
dwelt start, in rear, raced wide but good headway from over 2f out, ran on well and went second inside final furlong, nearest finish |
25/1 |
8/1
Form: 49837- CD
Last run: 186 days
W: 9st 3lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 82
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 6 (8) |
23rd Jan 2026 Standard 1m 0f 142y Class 5 |
9st 8lb |
Ended long losing run with a last-gasp win at Lingfield (1m) three weeks ago and he was only narrowly denied on his return visit 11 days ago; on same mark here and has possibilities if this sets up for his closing style. |
5/1 |
|
10 (12) |
31st Oct 2025 Good 1m 0f 0y Class 5 |
9st 6lb |
9yo who is without a win since October 2023; ran four times last winter, best effort on first occasion and he's often gone well after other breaks, so he needs a second look off this career-low mark. |
12/1 |
|
10 (12) |
31st Oct 2025 Good 1m 0f 0y Class 5 |
9st 6lb |
9yo who is without a win since October 2023; ran four times last winter, best effort on first occasion and he's often gone well after other breaks, so he needs a second look off this career-low mark. |
12/1 |
20/1
Form: 959-98 CD
Last run: 21 days
W: 9st 4lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 83
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11th 14 (22) |
11th Jul 2026 Good To Firm 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 0lb |
Did well to finish fifth of 16 over C&D (good) on reappearance four weeks ago having been hampered soon after the start and raced wide; however, he goes well fresh so may not improve for that outing, and it's likely this 9yo will be vulnerable against numerous unexposed contenders. |
50/1 |
|
5th 4 (10) |
12th Jun 2026 Good To Firm 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 3lb |
Ten-time winner who was close to a lifetime best when bagging Doncaster handicap (1m2f, soft) at the Leger meeting in September; still marooned on this career-high mark despite two subsequent defeats but his form figures after a 50-day break or more read 32112913 and he won't mind if the rains come. |
25/1 |
|
6 (4) |
25th Oct 2025 Heavy 1m 2f 43y Class 2 |
9st 2lb |
8yo who has been in and out this year and was soundly beaten at Epsom (1m2f, good to soft) last time but prior to that he won over today's C&D (soft) and can't be ruled out off this 4lb higher mark. |
10/1 |
14/1
Form: 98-640 CD
Last run: 15 days
W: 9st 10lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 89
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10th 4 (11) |
4th Nov 2023 Heavy 1m 0f 0y Class 3 |
9st 8lb |
towards rear |
25/1 |
|
5th 4 (4) |
6th Oct 2023 Good 1m 0f 0y Class 3 |
9st 7lb |
Veteran who won this race in 2016 and 2022, albeit was in ostensibly better form at the time on both occasions; absent since a below-par effort over C&D five months ago; the market signals may prove helpful. |
14/1 |
12/1
Form: 75-902
Last run: 16 days
W: 8st 11lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 76
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 4 (2) |
17th Jun 2025 Good To Firm 1m 0f 100y Class 6 |
9st 7lb |
On a long losing run; good third over 7f at Chepstow (good) a month ago but hasn't run quite as well on his two outings since. |
13/2 |
|
5th 2 (4) |
27th May 2025 Good To Firm 0m 7f 0y Class 6 |
9st 8lb |
On a lengthy losing sequence but he arrives in decent nick, a close fifth of eight in 1m Brighton handicap six days ago; one to consider. |
9/2 |
|
5th 2 (4) |
27th May 2025 Good To Firm 0m 7f 0y Class 6 |
9st 8lb |
On a lengthy losing sequence but he arrives in decent nick, a close fifth of eight in 1m Brighton handicap six days ago; one to consider. |
9/2 |
8/1
Form: 5234-2 D
Last run: 16 days
W: 8st 11lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 76
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 2 (5) |
7th Mar 2026 Standard 1m 0f 142y Class 2 |
9st 8lb |
He was making his seasonal debut when only fifth in this race 12 months ago but he's been kept on the go this winter and has been better than ever; suspicion others will prove better handicapped here though. |
8/1 |
|
3rd 5 (7) |
7th Feb 2026 Standard 1m 0f 13y Class 1 |
9st 2lb |
He has been a fine servant to connections and added wins eight and nine to his tally in 2025, the latest a 1m handicap at Kempton in November; ran as well as he ever has when second to an upwardly mobile 4yo over C&D five weeks ago but even that effort will need bettering in this field. |
16/1 |
8/1
Form: 59-731 D
Last run: 32 days
W: 10st 0lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 93
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
14 (8) |
27th Sep 2025 Good To Soft 0m 6f 0y Class 3 |
9st 0lb |
Prominent racer; three heavy defeats from four runs for his new stable in 2025 but the other run saw him spring a 40-1 surprise at Doncaster; blinkers join the eyeshields today but he drops to 6f for the first time on his 39th start. |
50/1 |
|
6 (8) |
5th Sep 2025 Soft 1m 0f 0y Class 4 |
10st 5lb |
Heavy defeats on his first two starts for this yard but he popped up at 40-1 when scrambling home at Doncaster (7f, good to firm; first-time eye-shields) three weeks ago; 3lb rise less of a concern than his trainer putting one of the reasons for that success down to quick ground. |
9/1 |
|
1st 3 (5) |
16th Aug 2025 Good To Firm 0m 7f 6y Class 5 |
9st 8lb |
Over two years since his last win and he struggled at big prices in first two runs (7f, good) for new yard this season. |
33/1 |
9/1
Form: 269-12 D BF
Last run: 11 days
W: 8st 9lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 74
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 10 (6) |
8th Feb 2025 Standard 1m 0f 142y Class 5 |
9st 13lb |
dwelt start |
14/1 |
|
8th 10 (6) |
8th Feb 2025 Standard 1m 0f 142y Class 5 |
9st 13lb |
dwelt start, towards rear throughout |
14/1 |
50/1
Form: 1643-0
Last run: 16 days
W: 9st 4lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 83
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 2 (4) |
23rd Sep 2023 Good To Firm 1m 1f 0y Class 4 |
11st 0lb |
Won four times at up to 1m4f when trained in France; struggled in three 1m handicaps for this yard but was backed on the step up to 1m2f at Sandown and ran well to be second under David Dunsdon; same mark here and there should be more to come from him. |
9/1 |
|
2nd 4 (3) |
10th Aug 2023 Good To Soft 1m 1f 209y Class 4 |
10st 13lb |
in touch with leaders, prominent in chasing group over 6f out, headway on outer 3f out, went second over 1f out, kept on well but no match for winner |
10/1 |
16/1
Form: 27-003 C
Last run: 23 days
W: 9st 6lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 85
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 1 (2) |
2nd Oct 2024 Good 1m 0f 208y Class 4 |
9st 12lb |
Placed twice over 1m since joining Gemma Tutty in the spring and probably wasn't suited by the drop to 7f when sixth in Class 4 handicap on latest outing; eased significantly in grade for this first venture beyond 1m and ought to pose a significant threat. |
4/1 |
|
6th 8 (6) |
7th Sep 2024 Good 0m 7f 0y Class 4 |
9st 2lb |
in rear |
7/1 |
|
7th 3 (7) |
18th Aug 2024 Good To Firm 1m 0f 6y Class 5 |
10st 1lb |
led, edged left after 1f, headed and raced in second over 5f out, briefly led over 1f out, weakened final 110yds |
11/2 |
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £50.50 |
| Straight Forecast | £25.29 |
| Tricast | £292.50 |
| Trifecta | £629.70 |
Selections
The Sun:
Baltimore BoyThe Guardian:
Diffident Spirit