August 02 / 20.12 Leicester

20.12

Soft

Kube – Leicester’s Premier Events Venue Handicap

  • Prize money: £5234
  • 1m 0f 53y
  • Class 4
  • 9 runners
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Kube – Leicester’s Premier Events Venue Handicap

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.60
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 107178 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Three wins this year and latest was at Haydock (1m, good) in June but he's gone off the boil in last two runs, including a heavy defeat at Ripon (1m, soft) last time; still 4lb higher than for last success and others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(1)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 1y

Class 6

14:35 Redcar

Young Fire

9st 6lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Is on a losing run of 20 but has been runner-up three times this year; has dropped to a career-low mark and holds place claims.

10/1

4

(1)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 1y

Class 6

14:35 Redcar

Young Fire

9st 6lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Is on a losing run of 20 but has been runner-up three times this year; has dropped to a career-low mark and holds place claims.

10/1

8

(9)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Young Fire

9st 4lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: David O’Meara

10yo who has been beaten 19 times since his last win in September 2024 but he's been runner-up a few times this year (including here) and was third at Hamilton (1m, soft) last time; has a career-low mark; each-way chance.

9/1

2nd
3 (7)
Shaladar

8/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: -25647 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Recorded his third win when scoring off 1lb lower at Ayr (1m, good to soft) last September; several creditable efforts since and he had an excuse when tried in new headgear at Hamilton last month; regular cheekpieces now return and has claims if he can get back near best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(12)

23rd Oct 2025

Soft

1m 0f 75y

Class 6

15:30 Nottingham

Shaladar

9st 11lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Kevin Ryan

Short-headed at Carlisle (1m, good) in August and he's also gone close on soft ground in the past; however, he's failed to threaten on his last two outings and this 6yo remains without a win since September 2022.

12/1

16

(6)

3rd Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:20 Ascot

Shaladar

10st 6lb

J: Mr Henry Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Below par returned to Ascot (1m) most recently; still on a three-year losing spell but is very attractively weighted, being 12lb lower than when favourite for this contest 12 months ago (finished third).

12/1

10

(1)

5th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:45 Ascot

Shaladar

9st 9lb

J: Miss Becky Smith

T: Kevin Ryan

Bettered his 2023 third in this when runner-up (under Becky Smith) to Terries Royale in last year's soft-ground renewal; last win came off a 13lb higher mark in September 2022 but he went mighty close at Carlisle (1m, good) one month ago and this has likely been a target; player again despite stall 1 probably not being ideal.

4/1

2/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: -24111 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Hold-up performer who has won his last three starts, including at Newcastle (1m2f, AW; first run after wind op) in June and at Hamilton (1m1f, good to soft) two weeks ago; that was a narrow win last time but he kept on well to score with a bit in hand and is only 1lb higher here; big player again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

18:20 Hexham

Bashful

11st 11lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Iain Jardine

Showed benefit of latest wind op when winning twice at around 2m in February (good to soft/soft); slightly disappointing on latest outing in April, though, and needs to be back in peak form to have a chance off current mark.

8/1

6th

4

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

17:05 Perth

Bashful

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Iain Jardine

in touch with leaders

5/1

6th

4

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

17:05 Perth

Bashful

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Iain Jardine

A dual 2m winner and progressive over hurdles this season but he failed to translate that form back onto the Flat at Doncaster last month; he's the sort to bounce back here though.

5/1

4th
5 (1)
Super Den

14/1

Form: 211688 D

Last run: 5 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Three wins over 1m on AW last autumn/winter but he's finished a well-held eighth at York (1m2f/1m, good to soft) in his two runs this season and is now 0-12 on turf; down the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

7

(7)

23rd Sep 2023

Good To Firm

1m 1f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Newmarket

Super Den

10st 11lb

J: Mr Lewis Kent

T: T J Kent

Third at Chelmsford three weeks ago but that's more his scene, with all three career wins coming on the AW; 0-13 on turf.

20/1

3rd

5

(7)

2nd Sep 2023

Standard

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

20:15 Chelmsford (AW)

Super Den

9st 7lb

J: Harry Burns

T: T J Kent

in rear

10/1

6th

12

(11)

23rd Aug 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

20:22 Kempton (AW)

Super Den

9st 7lb

J: Harry Burns

T: T J Kent

slowly away

14/1

8/1

Form: -23238

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Handles most ground and has been placed in four of his seven handicaps, including a close second at Windsor (1m, good to firm) in June; looks interesting on that form but he failed to back that up at Newmarket last time and that took his record to 0-10; regular visor removed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(2)

2nd Aug 2023

Soft

1m 0f 53y

Class 4

20:12 Leicester

Grand Libya

9st 0lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Tom Clover

Handles most ground and has been placed in four of his seven handicaps, including a close second at Windsor (1m, good to firm) in June; looks interesting on that form but he failed to back that up at Newmarket last time and that took his record to 0-10; regular visor removed.

8/1

8th

3

(1)

30th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Newmarket (July)

Grand Libya

10st 4lb

J: William Buick

T: Tom Clover

Maiden after nine races but three seconds and three thirds, including when visored for his four handicaps this season (all 1m); acts on varied ground; probably involved again but a bit too exposed for win purposes.

8/1

3rd

4

(2)

5th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

1m 0f 31y

Class 5

20:45 Windsor

Grand Libya

9st 6lb

J: James Doyle

T: Tom Clover

took keen hold, prominent, pressed leaders over 1f out, no extra towards finish, joined for 3rd

100/30

12/1

Form: 1/27

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Won at Newcastle (7f, AW) on his sole 2yo start but he missed last year; returned from a long absence with a creditable second at Wolverhampton in June but he dropped out on his handicap debut at Yarmouth (7f, good; 11-1) last month; still unexposed but he needs to kick on again at this new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(3)

4th Nov 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Verona Star

9st 12lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Tony Carroll

Dual course winner who has been off 11 months since a narrow success over 7f here; worth a market check, albeit his stamina for this far remains unproven; stable also runs Moon Over The Sea.

8/1

1st

2

(3)

9th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

18:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Verona Star

9st 6lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Tony Carroll

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, headway over 2f out, nudged along to lead over 1f out, faced challenge inside final 110yds, hung right towards finish, just did enough

10/1

1st

2

(3)

9th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

18:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Verona Star

9st 6lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Tony Carroll

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, headway over 2f out, nudged along to lead over 1f out, faced challenge inside final 110yds, hung right towards finish, just did enough

10/1

7/2

Form: -41383

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Just one win from eight starts but he bounced back with a close third at Pontefract (1m, good to soft) 12 days ago; raised his form to a new level with that bold bid and he's a key player if he can back that up off the same mark; cheekpieces added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(2)

31st Aug 2023

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Mahanakhon

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

prominent

16/1

7th

7

(4)

2nd Aug 2023

Soft

1m 0f 53y

Class 4

20:12 Leicester

Mahanakhon

9st 6lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Just one win from eight starts but he bounced back with a close third at Pontefract (1m, good to soft) 12 days ago; raised his form to a new level with that bold bid and he's a key player if he can back that up off the same mark; cheekpieces added.

7/2

3rd

3

(7)

21st Jul 2023

Good To Soft

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

19:15 Pontefract

Mahanakhon

9st 13lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Disappointing at Redcar (1m, good) four weeks ago but in good form previously, with a novice win at Wetherby (7f, good to soft) then a handicap third at Leicester (1m, good to firm), and he's not ruled out.

8/1

Form: 129360 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
All four wins have been on AW at Chelmsford (7f-1m2f) but he's failed to beat a rival there in his last two runs; still lightly raced on turf but he has plenty to prove back in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(9)

14th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 6

13:30 Lingfield (AW)

Jenson Benson

9st 8lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Shaun Lycett

His four wins have been from 7f-1m2f at Chelmsford, latest in February 2023; good second there in February (1m2f) but he hasn't done as well since, last twice over this trip on turf; others appeal more.

14/1

6th

4

(8)

13th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Chepstow

Jenson Benson

9st 1lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Shaun Lycett

All four win over 7f-1m2f on Chelmsford AW; losing run up to 21 and hasn't appeared to stay in his few previous goes over this far; others preferred.

7/1

6th

4

(8)

13th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Chepstow

Jenson Benson

9st 1lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Shaun Lycett

All four win over 7f-1m2f on Chelmsford AW; losing run up to 21 and hasn't appeared to stay in his few previous goes over this far; others preferred.

7/1

OUR TIP

Form: 0-5148 D BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
5yo with a record of 3-11; his last win was off only 1lb lower at Beverley (8.4f, good to soft) in April but he has a patchy profile and was disappointing at Carlisle (9-2 favourite) last time; bit to prove again after that and he comes with risks attached.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

20

(21)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 0y

14:30 Curragh

Pillar Of Hope

8st 8lb

J: Rory Mulligan

T: P Sweeney

Five turf wins include a 1m4f course success during a solid 2025 campaign; below his best in two outings this term; mid-field behind today's Perry Mason on the first occasion.

33/1

8th

1

(3)

8th May 2026

Yielding To Soft

1m 4f 183y

20:22 Ballinrobe

Pillar Of Hope

10st 2lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: P Sweeney

Five turf wins include last year at the Curragh and when bolting up off 70 at Leopardstown in October; didn't count on seasonal return at the Curragh over a short enough trip; drops in class and upped to more suitable trip so has to be considered.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £57.30
Straight Forecast £65.69
Tricast £357.51
Trifecta £392.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Bashful

TOPSPEED:

Shaladar

The Guardian:

Pillar Of Hope

RP RATINGS:

Young Fire

POSTDATA:

Shaladar

The Times:

Shaladar

Telegraph:

Bashful

Daily Mail:

Bashful

D Express:

Bashful

The Sun:

Bashful

The Star:

Bashful

Daily Record:

Bashful

Daily Mirror:

Pillar Of Hope