May 24 / 17.30 Ayr

17.30

Good

Guinness Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £4187.2
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 6
  • 10 runners
RTV
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Guinness Apprentice Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

1st
9 (4)
Hostelry

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.75
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 77-252

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 54

Form & Verdict
Has lots of placed form while managing only one win; however, she's nicely handicapped having gained the sole success off 3lb higher; creditable second at Musselburgh most recently; in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(4)

27th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

16:15 Beverley

Hostelry

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ruth Carr

Multiple winner, including C&D, and she's dropped a long way in the weights; latest fourth of 14 over C&D was a welcome return to form and the form is working out well; one to take seriously with Kaiya Fraser back on board.

4/1

4th

3

(6)

4th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

17:56 Beverley

Hostelry

9st 6lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Ruth Carr

Ten-time turf winner who is well treated on her best form last year, but she's been quiet in three runs this season and latest was over C&D (well-held sixth) last Saturday; one of two runners for yard and she needs to raise her game.

16/1

6th

3

(1)

23rd Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

16:52 Beverley

Hostelry

9st 8lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ruth Carr

Couple of duck eggs this term leave a doubt over her current form; however, gained one of her five wins in 2025 over this C&D and she holds a good chance off current mark provided a resurgence materialises; runner-up in this race 12 months ago.

8/1

13/2

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 8-3823

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
Sole win came in 2020 but currently in decent form; ties in closely with Cosa Sara and Hostelry on two creditable efforts (1m Ayr then 1m1f Musselburgh) this month, and didn't get a clear run over 1m2f here yesterday; not ruled out if making a quick return to action.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(4)

6th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

1m 4f 104y

Class 5

15:10 Musselburgh

Bulls Aye

8st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Has done most racing this year over 1m and hasn't looked to see it out in a couple of runs over middle distances; long odds-on to blow the start and there are risks involved from 2lb out of the handicap.

14/1

8th

8

(4)

6th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

1m 4f 104y

Class 5

15:10 Musselburgh

Bulls Aye

8st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

steadied start, always behind

14/1

8th

7

(4)

14th Oct 2024

Good

1m 0f 2y

Class 5

13:50 Musselburgh

Bulls Aye

9st 12lb

J: Miss Hannah Crawford

T: Iain Jardine

slowly away, in rear, some headway over 3f out, weakened over 1f out

15/2

OUR TIP

11/4

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 86-922 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Successful five times (on good/soft) last spring/summer; creditable second over C&D (good to firm) on penultimate start and filled the same position at Hamilton three days later; rested 17 days since; threatening to regain the winning thread and warrants respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(12)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Shine On Brendan

9st 13lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

8yo who is 0-9 this year but he's run some good races, most recently third at Hamilton (1m, soft) off 2lb higher, and he won this 12 months ago (good); there's every chance he'll be thereabouts.

7/1

3rd

6

(5)

29th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 68y

Class 5

15:00 Hamilton

Shine On Brendan

9st 8lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

Nine-time winner (five times here) who won't mind what the weather does; yet to hit the target this season, though, and both runs this month have been disappointing; others have less to prove.

14/1

6th

5

(5)

21st Sep 2025

Soft

1m 1f 35y

Class 5

16:13 Hamilton

Shine On Brendan

9st 9lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

Runner-up twice this summer but form dipped last time; the 8yo is a five-time course winner and could go well returned to Hamilton.

15/2

Form: 63383-

Last run: 149 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Beaten long way over hurdles here last month (bled from nose); 0-12 on Flat and all his placed form is over further than 1m; something to prove back at this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(4)

7th Mar 2024

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

17:30 Newcastle (AW)

Super Stars

9st 4lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

Ran well when beaten just over a length into third of nine behind a couple of these over C&D in January; given a short break since and can go well fresh, but he is now 0-24 and others look a bit more solid.

7/1

3rd

6

(9)

16th Jan 2024

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

15:55 Newcastle (AW)

Super Stars

9st 3lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

23-race maiden; wasn't beaten far (1.75l) when fourth to today's rival Spirit Of Ash over C&D in November, and meets that mare on improved terms if factoring in the 7lb claim of Tom Kiely-Marshall; latest effort excusable (1m6f), so isn't a forlorn hope from a career-low mark.

5/1

8th

12

(4)

12th Dec 2023

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 6

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Super Stars

9st 4lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

midfield

11/1

16/1

Form: 0097-0 D

Last run: 138 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
The last of four runners on this card for this Irish stable; sole success came on Dundalk AW in 2021; far from consistent since but current mark is workable granted a return to best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(5)

13th May 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

18:20 Wolverhampton (AW)

Big Dream

9st 12lb

J: Tommie Jakes

T: Anthony McCann

8lb higher than for his 7f win here in February when in this new headgear combination; current mark is looking an issue but it was a good run over 6f here two weeks ago.

6/4

6th

3

(5)

13th May 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

18:20 Wolverhampton (AW)

Big Dream

9st 12lb

J: Tommie Jakes

T: Anthony McCann

8lb higher than for his 7f win here in February when in this new headgear combination; current mark is looking an issue but it was a good run over 6f here two weeks ago.

6/4

2nd

1

(3)

29th Apr 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Big Dream

9st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Anthony McCann

Ended a long losing run with his emphatic win over 7f here (3-1) in February and he gave it a decent shot when a 2l fourth over C&D last time; still unexposed as a sprinter and he shouldn't be far away.

6/1

Form: 7-5546 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Three-time AW scorer for previous yard; only sixth of seven here (7f) three weeks ago on debut for new stable; turf record (four attempts) is not entirely solid but this drop in class may help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

10

(5)

8th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Rogue Force

9st 5lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: R Mike Smith

All three wins at Kempton (7f/1m) for Tom Clover and placed a couple of times on turf for this yard during the autumn; didn't enjoy the clearest of runs when ninth of 12 here (7f) five weeks ago, but wouldn't have won anyway and still to prove he can act on Tapeta.

20/1

9th

7

(5)

3rd Nov 2023

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Rogue Force

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: R Mike Smith

Three-time Kempton winner for Tom Clover and has tumbled down the handicap on turf this year; a bit higher in the weights back on AW but has been showing enough on soft/heavy turf to suggest he's worth considering.

9/1

6th

8

(7)

12th Oct 2023

Heavy

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

15:20 Ayr

Rogue Force

9st 1lb

J: P J McDonald

T: R Mike Smith

towards rear, switched to near side 3f out, no impression from over 1f out

9/2

Form: 035-50 CD

Last run: 5 days

W: 9st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Suited by Ayr and runs off a favourable weight; however, has a question mark over current form having finished last in both starts this term.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(6)

7th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

Retirement Beckons

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Linda Perratt

Has gone 0-17 since winning over C&D last March at 50-1; ran the odd fair race last year but trailed home last here three weeks ago.

20/1

10th

7

(2)

14th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Retirement Beckons

9st 9lb

J: Tommie Jakes

T: Linda Perratt

slowly away

25/1

Form: 64-550 CD

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 11lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Not fully compelling on the balance of this season's form elsewhere; however, looks interesting back at Ayr having gained last two wins over C&D (including off 2lb higher).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(3)

23rd Jun 2023

Good

1m 0f 2y

Class 6

17:30 Musselburgh

Engles Rock

9st 12lb

J: Ben Sanderson

T: Lucinda Russell

slowly into stride, raced in last

10/1

8th

5

(9)

24th May 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

17:30 Ayr

Engles Rock

9st 11lb

J: William Pyle

T: Lucinda Russell

Not fully compelling on the balance of this season's form elsewhere; however, looks interesting back at Ayr having gained last two wins over C&D (including off 2lb higher).

8/1

12th

13

(1)

30th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:35 Wetherby

Engles Rock

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Lucinda Russell

Not great on the AW this season but she won twice at Ayr last year and it was off this mark the last time.

14/1

Form: 01046- D

Last run: 317 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Two wins (on good going) last May were the highlights of his inconsistent 2022 season; withdrawn (upset in stalls) final intended run; goes well fresh and therefore needs a close look on return from ten-month absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

30th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 50y

19:30 Tramore

Esticky End

10st 0lb

J: Dylan Robinson

T: Tom McGuinness

Flat winner is 0-13 over hurdles; didn't run terribly at Down Royal in December off this mark; should be sharper for latest run at Wexford when made late gains from the back; could outrun likely odds.

16/1

7th

14

16th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 0y

15:15 Wexford

Esticky End

10st 0lb

J: Dylan Robinson

T: Tom McGuinness

Five-time Flat winner (last win in 2024) but yet to trouble the judge in 12 starts over hurdles; some decent runs in defeat when last seen over the winter, finished fifth of 13 at Thurles (2m, good to yielding) and fifth of 20 at Down Royal (2m1f, yielding), flying home after being hampered by a faller; can't be ruled out.

6/1

Form: 37-017 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 56

Form & Verdict
Below par at Musselburgh nine days ago but this return to Ayr is ideal; three-time C&D winner, most recently beating Bulls Aye on penultimate outing (good to firm); possibilities back here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(2)

19th Nov 2023

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

15:14 Newcastle (AW)

Cosa Sara

9st 3lb

J: David Egan

T: Jim Goldie

Scored at Ayr (7f) in September but her form has nosedived; last of 12 over C&D last month and has something to prove.

20/1

12th

6

(9)

17th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Cosa Sara

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Fifth turf win when successful over Ayr's 7f last month; not so good since and her record on the AW (0-9) hardly bodes well.

12/1

6th

7

(5)

3rd Oct 2023

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

13:42 Ayr

Cosa Sara

8st 9lb

J: William Pyle

T: Jim Goldie

took keen hold, held up in rear, no impression from over 2f out

9/1

Non-runners

Cosa Sara

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £11.10
Straight Forecast £11.22
Tricast £36.95
Trifecta £42.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Shine On Brendan

The Guardian:

Hostelry

POSTDATA:

Bulls Aye

Telegraph:

Cosa Sara

The Times:

Big Dream

The Star:

Engles Rock

Daily Mail:

Bulls Aye

The Sun:

Cosa Sara

RP RATINGS:

Shine On Brendan

Daily Record:

Shine On Brendan

D Express:

Hostelry

Daily Mirror:

Hostelry