May 27 / 14.40 York

14.40

Good To Firm

William Hill Epic Boost Handicap

  • Prize money: £25770
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV4
View Course
William Hill Epic Boost Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

OUR TIP

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £14.50
  • Place: £4.00

Form: 1219-0 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Brother to the same stable's King's Stand and July Cup hero Oxted; improved steadily last season, winning at Catterick (5f, soft; also handles firm) in the autumn; faced a stiff task when down the field in the Palace House at Newmarket (28-1) on reappearance; this is more realistic but he'll need another career best if he's to return to winning ways.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(18)

13th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 143y

Class 2

14:25 Doncaster

Chipstead

9st 3lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Roger Teal

Eight-time winner and also first past the post in this race in 2022 (demoted to second after causing interference); well treated if retaining all his ability but he was tailed off in the Shergar Cup on his reappearance after a long absence, having hit his head on the stalls; risky.

40/1

10th

4

(5)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:35 Ascot

Chipstead

9st 9lb

J: Dario Di Tocco

T: Roger Teal

Eight-time winner, not seen since finishing tenth in the Wokingham here in June 2024 (subsequently gelded); has run some good races at Ascot, including when fourth in this event two years ago, and he's well treated if retaining all his ability, but looks a risky proposition after such a long absence.

20/1

10th

18

(21)

22nd Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:05 Ascot

Chipstead

9st 3lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Roger Teal

His most recent wins were 6f on AW but he tends to flag over this trip on turf and his stride shortened in this race 12 months ago; on a more favourable mark now but others should find greater reserves in the later stages.

33/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 000-54 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Quirky customer (has twice refused to enter the stalls in the last 12 months) but there's no doubt he's on a lenient mark at present and he shaped as if coming to hand when fourth of 13 over C&D nine days ago; better off today with reopposing rivals Korker and Bedford Flyer and has to be considered despite a mounting losing sequence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(4)

21st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 8y

Class 5

17:50 Nottingham

Mondammej

10st 0lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Winless on turf since 2021 but showed more on his second run back from a break last time, is now 2lb lower and this is easier than the handicaps he's used to contesting; tends to be held up and a speed-favouring 5f in a small field may not be optimal but he's capable.

6/1

6th

5

(5)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

15:10 Doncaster

Mondammej

9st 3lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Well handicapped on the pick of last year's AW form and he may have needed his comeback run at Thirsk in May; however, this 9yo was well beaten and is without a win on turf since September 2021; others are more compelling.

40/1

14th

13

(1)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Thirsk

Mondammej

9st 3lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Veteran with a mind of his own and refused to leave the parade ring on last intended start in November; however, perfectly capable of a big run off this mark and he's gone well fresh in the past.

33/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 011-27 CD

Last run: 102 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Splendidly tough 5f performer with seven wins to his name from 22 attempts at the minimum trip, six of them during a stellar 2022; current mark probably demands a personal best, but he goes well here (convincing C&D scorer last May) and has to be respected after a three-month break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(6)

31st May 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

17:25 Southwell (AW)

Fine Wine

9st 3lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Scott Dixon

Established trailblazer who is 4-14 over C&D and looked to be on the way back when third of nine at Musselburgh (5f, good) at the start of the month; didn't back it up at York (5f, good to firm) next time but this is weaker; best watched for now.

8/1

7th

8

(6)

31st May 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

17:25 Southwell (AW)

Fine Wine

9st 3lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Scott Dixon

Established trailblazer who is 4-14 over C&D and looked to be on the way back when third of nine at Musselburgh (5f, good) at the start of the month; didn't back it up at York (5f, good to firm) next time but this is weaker; best watched for now.

8/1

17

(17)

15th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:10 York

Fine Wine

8st 4lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Scott Dixon

Ran away with this race in 2022 and went on to show smart form on both turf and AW in the next 12 months; not stood a lot of racing since but he showed he retained ability at Musselburgh 13 days ago; this is a much stronger contest but he couldn't be discounted with confidence.

20/1

Form: 3640-4 D

Last run: 57 days

W: 8st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Failed to win for Michael Bell last year but showed some encouragement when fourth of 12 at Southwell (5f, AW) on reappearance; off another two months since but he's the type with which this yard excels and market support would be significant.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(4)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:05 York

Spring Is Sprung

9st 13lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Paul Midgley

Enjoyed a productive summer last year and he returned to action with a career-best effort at Southwell in January; solid runs in defeat on his last two starts; another big run on the cards.

10/1

3rd

7

(5)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Redcar

Spring Is Sprung

8st 13lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Paul Midgley

Strike-rate of 8-35 includes five turf wins; creditable fourth (Far Above The Law second) of 17 at Thirsk (5f, good) three weeks ago; likely to be competitive again.

10/1

4th

2

(14)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Thirsk

Spring Is Sprung

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

Strike-rate of 8-34 includes five turf wins; seventh behind Vantheman at Hamilton 14 days ago but moved well for a long way before fading late on.

10/1

16/1

Form: 709-08 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Some way below par in two runs so far this season but both were on good to soft ground whereas his three wins have come on good/good to firm; slipping in the weights (now 3lb lower than when scoring at Doncaster last summer) and looks the pick of Paul Midgley's pair.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(3)

4th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

14:15 Doncaster

Burning Cash

8st 10lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Paul Midgley

Dual C&D winner of much higher marks in the summer of 2022 including this race; 1-23 since, though, and tardy starts have become a habit (blindfold off late the last twice); 5lb below last winning mark so certainly well handicapped, but risky.

10/1

11th

13

(12)

7th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

17:45 Doncaster

Burning Cash

8st 11lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Paul Midgley

This mark in range but he hasn't found his best form so far this year (had blindfold issues behind Castan latest); this looks a tough race in which to bounce back.

14/1

Form: 12-763 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Very speedy type who had his finest hour when scoring at the Dante meeting in 2021; again showed his liking for this C&D when a promising third nine days ago on his first run since joining Mick Appleby from Les Eyre; closely matched with Korker on that run and has to be a major player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(5)

4th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 3

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Bedford Flyer

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Michael Appleby

Record of 4-22 on AW; no win since 2023 but has consistent handicap form this winter, going close on a few occasions, and faced a stiff task at Listed level last time; fighting chance off current mark.

9/2

9th

2

(7)

22nd Feb 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 1

14:40 Southwell (AW)

Bedford Flyer

9st 2lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Michael Appleby

mounted in chute and taken down early, prominent, in touch with leaders after 1f, weakened over 1f out

20/1

Form: 0000-5 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Underwhelming since a fine third of 20 at Ascot (5f, good to firm) last summer, but his mark has dropped and he made a satisfactory return when fifth of 13 at Musselburgh (slowly away, short of room) seven weeks ago; can play a leading role if back on song.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(15)

12th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Zarzyni

9st 4lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: David & Nicola Barron

Three-time C&D winner, including twice off higher marks in the month of April; unlucky third, having found daylight too late, in this race 12 months ago; soft ground was against him here last weekend; likely player if the cards drop right.

10/1

9th

6

(8)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

16:45 Musselburgh

Zarzyni

9st 0lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Below best on latest course start in October but has a strong C&D record otherwise, three wins include this race (good to soft) last year; now 2lb lower and primed for a good run if he avoids trouble in running.

9/2

7th

10

(4)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Zarzyni

9st 5lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Hasn't won as often as one of his ability probably should but he did score twice in 2025, the latter win over C&D; 3lb higher in a better race this time and he'll need to be somewhere near last year's best to take this after four months off.

14/1

Form: 144306 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Landed AW hat-trick last winter; hasn't matched that form back on turf, beaten by three of today's opponents when never-nearer sixth of 13 over C&D last Thursday; could make frame but others appeal more for the win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(6)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 3

16:15 Southwell (AW)

Alligator Alley

9st 4lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ruth Carr

9yo who was well beaten at 33-1 at Redcar a fortnight ago; however, he may have needed that first run since January and he completed an AW hat-trick late last year, the first leg coming over this C&D; he's won here three times and could bounce back with a bold show returned to Southwell.

10/1

9th

2

(9)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Redcar

Alligator Alley

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ruth Carr

Enjoyed a terrific spell on AW at the end of 2025, winning four times; given a break since a lesser effort behind Spring Is Sprung at Southwell in January; runner-up in this race last year but off 14lb lower.

25/1

2

(9)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

Alligator Alley

9st 9lb

J: William Pyle

T: Ruth Carr

Has only managed to win two of his last 31 starts, though he got it right when recording his second C&D success last month (four of these behind); had excuses back here last time (blindfold removed late) and he's a big player if things pan out right this time.

4/1

Form: -51151 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Like many from his yard he's having a fine season, and an all-the-way success at Ripon (5f, soft) was his third in less than a month; should remain competitive despite a 6lb higher mark but he does have to prove himself on quick ground (unplaced on three previous attempts).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(6)

17th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

19:07 Pontefract

Reigning Profit

9st 1lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Gained a first win of 2026 in 5f handicap at Ripon 11 days ago; usual visor goes back on now and this four-time C&D scorer is not out of things under a 4lb penalty.

7/1

1st

3

(2)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:40 Ripon

Reigning Profit

9st 11lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Ruth Carr

Markedly more exposed than Goyard but is similar in one respect, being 2-2 at Ripon; recent form is respectable enough to put him in calculations off a workable mark back at this course.

11/2

6th

7

(8)

25th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

19:30 Hamilton

Reigning Profit

9st 6lb

J: Sam James

T: Ruth Carr

Bounced back from below-par run at York with close fourth at Pontefract (5f, good) on Sunday, and his best run this season came when close second of 13 over this C&D (good) last month; not ruled out back here.

8/1

14/1

Form: 70-469 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 8st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Standing dish at York and he won this race in 2017, before many of today's rivals were born; however, he's not quite the force of old, was only ninth of 13 over C&D nine days ago and needs to rediscover his spark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

(10)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Copper Knight

9st 3lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Veteran with 19 wins on his CV, including three editions of this race and a narrow success at Beverley (5f, good to soft) last month; drawn on the outside today and doesn't have much margin for error off this mark but it won't be a surprise if he gives this a good shot.

14/1

6th

6

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Thirsk

Copper Knight

9st 5lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Grand old veteran who can be forgiven his defeat in a Class 2 at York last time, having won at this level the time before at Beverley (2lb lower); had 119 races and yet this is his first visit here.

16/1

18th

18

(4)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:20 York

Copper Knight

8st 6lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

Hugely admirable 12yo whose seven York wins include this race in 2019 and 2021, and he built upon last month's reappearance second at Ripon (5f, good) to win at Beverley (5f, good to soft) ten days ago; however, there's a suspicion he may find a big-field Class 2 such as this too hot nowadays.

20/1

3/1

Form: 827-02 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Can compromise his chance by starting slowly but everything else points to a big run here; had several of these behind him when second of 13 over C&D (good) nine days ago, posting a personal best in the process; may not have reached his ceiling just yet and commands major respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(12)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:40 Newcastle (AW)

Korker

9st 1lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Slow starter; on a long losing run; creditable effort at Chester four weeks ago but this stiff 7f isn't sure to suit.

20/1

6th

7

(11)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:30 Chester

Korker

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: K R Burke

Slow-starter; on a dangerous mark but he is without a win since October 2023 and one 7f run didn't see him improve for the trip.

28/1

10th

9

(13)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Korker

9st 1lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: K R Burke

Useful on his day but is on a long losing run and has a doubt over current form; by no means sure to take advantage of a reduced mark.

25/1

12/1

Form: 31-022 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Has quickly found his form this season, beaten only by a stablemate at Thirsk (6f, good) last Saturday; not dismissed lightly but today's sharp 5f on quick ground may place the emphasis too much on speed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(7)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:18 Newcastle (AW)

Music Society

9st 2lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

Ran on well to win a 6f handicap at Newmarket two weeks ago (6f, soft); that race had rather an end-of-season feel to it but the Topspeed figure was good and a 3lb rise looks fair; interesting on first AW start since October 2018.

7/2

9th

10

(7)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:18 Newcastle (AW)

Music Society

9st 2lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

Ran on well to win a 6f handicap at Newmarket two weeks ago (6f, soft); that race had rather an end-of-season feel to it but the Topspeed figure was good and a 3lb rise looks fair; interesting on first AW start since October 2018.

7/2

1st

12

(3)

2nd Nov 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:07 Newmarket

Music Society

8st 5lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

took keen hold early, towards rear, switched left when smooth headway over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, kept on well

9/1

14/1

Form: 6116-0 C

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Steadily progressive as a 2yo, gaining back-to-back wins here (5.4f) and at Beverley (5f), but he was tailed off in the mud at Chester on reappearance and probably faces a stern assignment against his elders.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(1)

21st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 8y

Class 5

17:50 Nottingham

Squealer

9st 13lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Nigel Tinkler

York win last summer came off 15lb higher, which shows how things have gone in the meantime; can miss the break (including in first-time headgear latest; now removed) but this race is easier than he's used to; career-low mark.

7/1

8th

6

(8)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 4

14:35 Pontefract

Squealer

9st 5lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Nigel Tinkler

Has a poor strike-rate over the last three years and has proved inconsistent since last success (off 12lb higher); chance largely depends on the effects of first-time headgear.

9/1

5th

10

(7)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

14:30 Doncaster

Squealer

8st 11lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Won off 10lb higher at York (5f, good) last June but disappointing since and has form figures of 690 this season; has a lot to prove and needs a major revival but stable is in good form and market strength would be interesting.

4/1

20/1

Form: 98-005 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 3lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Had a productive 2022, winning four sprint handicaps off lower marks; probably needed her first two runs this season and shaped as if coming to the boil (slowly away, short of room) when fifth of nine at Musselburgh 12 days ago; gets on well with Amie Waugh and could go close at a price.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(6)

15th Sep 2024

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 6

17:35 Musselburgh

Sound Of Iona

9st 7lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

Only 12th at Ayr (6f) two runs back but running well otherwise and came from behind off a strong pace to win here last night over 5f; has the penalty but as big a worry is that she's 0-7 beyond 6f.

5/1

1st

4

(11)

14th Sep 2024

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 6

19:18 Musselburgh

Sound Of Iona

9st 6lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

in touch with leaders, switched right 1f out, headway to lead inside final furlong, kept on

9/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £112.70
Straight Forecast £83.33
Tricast £424.12
Trifecta £650.70

Selections

The Times:

Korker

SPOTLIGHT:

Bedford Flyer

The Star:

Squealer

LAMBOURN:

Chipstead

D Express:

Burning Cash

The Guardian:

Mondammej

TOPSPEED:

Zarzyni

RP RATINGS:

Sound Of Iona

POSTDATA:

Copper Knight

Telegraph:

Korker

Daily Mirror:

Korker

The Sun:

Korker

Daily Record:

Korker

Daily Mail:

Bedford Flyer