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

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

4th

5

(7)

1st Nov 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Mondammej

8st 12lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Veteran with a mind of his own but he has slipped back down the weights and ran a fine race over C&D on Monday on his return from a three-month break, keeping on well; this should be run to suit and he is well capable of backing up quickly.

15/8

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

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

7th

3

(4)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

17:15 Hamilton

Spring Is Sprung

9st 8lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Paul Midgley

As good as ever on Tapeta lately, albeit turned over as favourite on last two outings; returns to turf 3lb above his highest winning mark and at the age of seven (no surprise to see Rhys Elliott up to take off 5lb) and he will need to get things bang on.

16/1

4th

1

(6)

9th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

15:17 Southwell (AW)

Spring Is Sprung

9st 11lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Paul Midgley

Front-runner; enjoyed a purple patch last summer, landing a big payday when scoring at Haydock in August; got the better of Fidelius over C&D on his return to action in January and he meets his old rival on 1lb better terms today; only fourth in a higher grade last time but he can make a bold bid back into 0-85 company.

11/4

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

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

7

(5)

27th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Alligator Alley

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ruth Carr

Has eight wins but has become hard to win with for current yard this year, making the frame seven times without success; well-handicapped if he can just turn the corner.

10/1

7

(5)

27th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Alligator Alley

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ruth Carr

Has eight wins but has become hard to win with for current yard this year, making the frame seven times without success; well-handicapped if he can just turn the corner.

10/1

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

10th

21

(9)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Reigning Profit

8st 7lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Ruth Carr

5lb lower than last winning mark and came close to taking advantage when finding only Vantheman too strong at Hamilton (5f, good) last week; meets that rival on 5lb better terms; should be involved in the shake-up once more.

12/1

2nd

11

(8)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

17:15 Hamilton

Reigning Profit

8st 12lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

C&D winner who boasts a good record at this time of year; will always be reliant on some luck given his hold-up style, which he hasn't had this year; on a handy mark when things do fall his way again, though, and is one to consider.

6/1

5th

7

(10)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Reigning Profit

9st 1lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Trouble in running on both AW starts last month and same story at Pontefract last time, in the circumstances doing well to finish eighth of 13 from 4lb out of the handicap; he has a good record at Pontefract but could play a leading role off his proper mark today if getting the breaks.

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

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

1st

4

(2)

4th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:15 Beverley

Copper Knight

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Legendary 12yo who has won 18 of his 117 races; fine second at Ripon on reappearance (5f, good), rain will help and although yet to win in four runs here, wouldn't rule him out.

13/2

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

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

8th

11

(6)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Korker

9st 1lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: K R Burke

Well beaten at Doncaster on his return but he wasn't well drawn and has a modest record fresh; stepping up to 7f will give him more time to claw back the ground he's likely to forfeit at the start; on a dangerous mark and he's a lively outsider, for all his losing run stretches back to October 2023.

20/1

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

13th

14

(5)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Squealer

8st 12lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Only sixth and ninth this year, but he caught the eye on his reappearance and blew the start next time; now 7lb lower than when winning over C&D (good ground) last summer; likely to be doing his best work late on and a leading contender if getting the breaks.

25/1

9th

6

(3)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Thirsk

Squealer

9st 3lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Well handicapped on last season's best, including a York win off 4lb higher (5f, good); only midfield at Beverley on his reappearance 17 days ago (5f, good to soft) but the ground would have been slower than ideal and he travelled strongly before plugging on past a few tiring rivals in the final furlong; better expected back on a quicker surface.

8/1

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