July 29 / 17.10 York

17.10

Soft

Betting Better With Sky Bet Handicap

  • Prize money: £10468
  • 1m 3f 188y
  • Class 4
  • 9 runners
RTV
View Course
Betting Better With Sky Bet Handicap

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

11/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.60
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 0-0703

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Showed useful form early last season, disappointing since but he was more competitive again when never-nearer third of 13 here (1m2f, good to soft) on latest outing, so some hope has been renewed; that was his second run in cheekpieces but they are now discarded; stiff task last summer on his only attempt at 1m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

(2)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Dark Moon Rising

8st 9lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Kevin Ryan

C&D winner in 2023; no joy anywhere last season (mostly at this track) but the closest he came was a neck defeat here (1m2f; 4lb higher today) on final start; not far away on AW last three starts this year and the same may be possible on today's return to turf.

16/1

4th

6

(7)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

15:15 Lingfield (AW)

Dark Moon Rising

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Losing run now up to 14, but his last couple of efforts have been encouraging as when second of six in a slightly stronger contest at Chelmsford (1m2f, Polytrack) last month; still on his last winning mark and holds each-way claims.

10/1

2nd

4

(5)

12th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

17:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Dark Moon Rising

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Drew a blank in 2025 but he ended that campaign with a good second in a big-field 10.2f handicap at York; two respectable AW runs this year but he will need to raise his game to take this.

5/1

5/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 198-72

Last run: 63 days

W: 10st 3lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Dual 1m3f AW winner last summer; only three runs on turf, with a creditable second of ten at Chester (1m4f, good) on latest outing giving her something to build on; hooded on all except her second start, but not today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(11)

31st Aug 2023

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 4

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Lizzie Jean

10st 0lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Ivan Furtado

took keen hold, towards rear

7/1

2nd

1

(10)

29th Jul 2023

Soft

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:10 York

Lizzie Jean

10st 3lb

J: David Nolan

T: Ivan Furtado

ducked right start, towards rear

5/1

2nd

1

(4)

27th May 2023

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

17:45 Chester

Lizzie Jean

10st 2lb

J: David Nolan

T: Ivan Furtado

midfield

10/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 5-5181 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Progressed with his wins on good to soft at Carlisle (1m3f) in June and over C&D 15 days ago; below form on soft ground in the Cumberland Plate in between; 5lb higher than last time but both those wins came in quite taking style and he remains prominent in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

12

(4)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Gibside

8st 12lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Strong finish from rear secured the Chester Plate (2m2f, good) last May off 3lb higher and he also won over 1m4f on soft at Catterick in October; needs to leave his four efforts this season a long way behind him, however.

20/1

6th

10

(11)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:45 Hamilton

Gibside

8st 11lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Strong finish from the rear secured the Chester Plate (2m2f, good) last May off 1lb higher than today and he also won over 1m4f on soft at Catterick in October; needs to leave his three efforts this season a long way behind him, latest when not faring nearly so well with the draw back in Chester Plate, and others have more pressing claims.

25/1

14th

12

(16)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:10 Chester

Gibside

9st 4lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Strong finish from the rear secured this prize last year (good ground) off 1lb lower than today, but also from stall 4 compared to today's stall 16; also won over 1m4f on soft at Catterick in October; needs to leave his two efforts this season (1m4f, good) a long way behind him but this may be a much more favourable scenario if the draw does not scupper him.

12/1

12/1

Form: 1980-4 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Won his only start at York, over C&D in 2021; made an encouraging return to the Flat at Chester 15 days ago after wind surgery and a 132-day absence; well handicapped if back to last July's winning form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

7th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:20 Ayr

Cormier

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Brian Ellison

Has six wins on the Flat but his last of four successes over hurdles came four years ago; continues to drop in the weights without looking likely to take advantage.

7/1

6th

7

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 3

15:20 Newcastle

Cormier

11st 7lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Brian Ellison

Remains capable at the age of 10 (won on the Flat in October) but it's been hard work back over hurdles, albeit in a pair of Class 2 handicaps; looks vulnerable.

14/1

4

(8)

23rd Oct 2025

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:32 Nottingham

Cormier

9st 10lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Useful dual-purpose performer in his youth; had a long spell on the sidelines prior to his return in February and he's struggled on the Flat and over hurdles this year; down in the weights and he was prominent in the betting last time so he can't be dismissed.

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 122314 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
He was having an excellent season at about 1m3f/1m4f, including his Cumberland Plate win on soft ground at Carlisle, before 1m6f seemed to find him out at Chester two weeks ago; considered back at 1m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

16:05 Carlisle

Two Brothers

12st 5lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Michael & David Easterby

Finished strongly to force a dead heat with Ryebridge over C&D (good to soft) on his handicap hurdle debut 13 days ago; wore cheekpieces on that occasion but they are now replaced by the visor he wore regularly during his Flat career; retains handicapping scope on his useful form in that sphere.

4/1

1st

1

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

14:15 Carlisle

Two Brothers

12st 0lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Michael & David Easterby

Has made the frame in two races at Wetherby (2m) since switched to this code; opening hurdles mark is very attractive judged on best Flat form; possibilities.

100/30

5th

1

(2)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 4f 13y

Class 4

14:10 Catterick

Two Brothers

10st 2lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

3lb lower than when winning at York (1m2f, soft) a year ago and very likely to have his optimum conditions, but a leap of faith is required following two poor efforts since returning from 308 days off last month.

6/1

9/2

Form: -85231

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 5lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Eighth start when breaking his duck in some style off 6lb lower at Carlisle (1m3f, good to soft) 16 days ago; there's stamina in the family and he may well have more to offer over this sort of trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(5)

20th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Whatacracker

9st 7lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

Acts on this surface but his sole win came over 1m3f at Carlisle in 2023 and mostly campaigned at that trip and further since; major query back at 1m for first time in the best part of three years.

16/1

4

(12)

14th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:15 Leicester

Whatacracker

9st 7lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

Only win was over 1m3f at Carlisle in July 2023 (good to soft); several decent placed efforts this season, and would have a chance on that form, but rather disappointing on last two starts.

20/1

10th

14

(14)

17th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 1f 207y

Class 5

17:24 Beverley

Whatacracker

9st 4lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Mark Walford

Placed in four of his last six starts including a close call over C&D (soft) in July; on same mark here but he didn't fire at Ayr last time and that took his record to 1-21; tongue-tie worn last time is removed.

16/1

40/1

Form: 11540- D

Last run: 304 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Two wins last May for Richard Hughes but ended the season on a low note and has not set the world alight in three hurdle races this summer for new yard; has a shout on peak form but others looks more solid at present.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

20th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

20:58 Hexham

Grand Scheme

10st 12lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Three-time Flat winner (1m-1m6f) for Richard Hannon; having only his fifth start over hurdles when scoring by 15l at Southwell (2m, good) eight days ago; 7lb penalty shouldn't preclude another big effort.

6/4

9

20th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

20:58 Hexham

Grand Scheme

10st 12lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Three-time Flat winner (1m-1m6f) for Richard Hannon; having only his fifth start over hurdles when scoring by 15l at Southwell (2m, good) eight days ago; 7lb penalty shouldn't preclude another big effort.

6/4

1st

5

12th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

15:30 Southwell

Grand Scheme

10st 8lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

took keen hold, prominent

11/2

Form: -24633

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
His win came in a maiden last July; carries his head high but gained some minor honours in handicaps this term and kept on when third of six at Ayr (1m2f, good to soft) last time; shaped that day as if worth a go at 1m4f, without being particularly convincing for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

21th

14

(10)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

Feel The Need

9st 3lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Michael Herrington

Most of his 14 races at York have been over 7f, including wins in this race in 2024 and another last June; absent since second on AW in January and that's the longest break he's had for two years, which asks a question, but he has to be considered off his last winning mark.

16/1

2nd

7

(3)

23rd Jan 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Feel The Need

9st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Michael Herrington

Easy to make a case on last year's peak form but signed off with two quiet runs and now back from three months off; not without hope if the break has done him good; has form here.

14/1

11th

7

(7)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

17:00 Doncaster

Feel The Need

9st 9lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Herrington

Enters the equation on best 7f form this year but his latest run at York, where he often goes well, was a letdown; seems to handle heavy ground, having finished close up in his sole attempt on it, but it's not necessarily a plus and he has a shade to prove now.

14/1

9/1

Form: -54234

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Low-mileage 4yo who's not been that far away in his 1m4f handicaps, taking fourth of ten to Gibside over C&D (good to soft) last time, but a little more help from the handicapper may be needed to break his duck.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(6)

9th Oct 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

16:20 Newcastle (AW)

Gastronomy

9st 12lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Philip Kirby

Won twice last year, including over 12.5f here, but his losing run is beginning to mount up; now 6lb below his last winning mark but not easy to recommend after a heavy defeat over C&D one month ago.

16/1

5

(2)

8th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 5

17:10 Newcastle (AW)

Gastronomy

9st 4lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Philip Kirby

Won twice last year, including over 12.5f here, but his losing run is beginning to mount up; cheekpieces left off last time are back on and he needs to show improvement.

6/1

Non-runners

Bulldog Spirit, Dubai Crystal, Enthrallment

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £84.40
Straight Forecast £68.33
Tricast £209.15
Trifecta £352.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Gibside

The Guardian:

Whatacracker

The Times:

Dubai Crystal

TOPSPEED:

Two Brothers

POSTDATA:

Gastronomy

NEWMARKET:

Enthrallment

RP RATINGS:

Cormier

The Sun:

Dubai Crystal

Daily Mail:

Whatacracker

D Express:

Whatacracker

Daily Mirror:

Gibside

The Star:

Gibside

Daily Record:

Gibside

Telegraph:

Two Brothers