August 20 / 17.15 Sandown

17.15

Good

Sky Bet Sunday Series Middle Distance Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £18039
  • 1m 1f 209y
  • Class 4
  • 9 runners
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Sky Bet Sunday Series Middle Distance Apprentice Handicap

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £7.10
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 055-41

Last run: 53 days

W: 9st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Won easily at Kempton (1m3f, AW) in June on his second start back from an absence; has gone back up 8lb but this 7yo remains very well treated on his old French turf form; one to be interested in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

(3)

25th Oct 2024

Heavy

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

16:01 Newbury

Graignes

9st 0lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: George Baker

Won twice last summer and ground should not be a problem, but he lost his form in Bahrain in the winter and there's not been a significant revival back in Britain for last five outings; 18lb lower than this time last year.

33/1

OUR TIP

20/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: 2-1635 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Disappointing at Ffos Las last month but running well otherwise this season and she might not be far away if bouncing back to form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(6)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

17:55 Goodwood

Wisper

9st 12lb

J: David Egan

T: Alan King

8yo who made it eight wins from 48 starts when scoring on reappearance at Windsor (11.4f, good) in May; only third of seven there since (11.4f, good to firm) and may be vulnerable to younger legs today, but she's run well in the last two editions of this race and could do so again.

14/1

3rd

6

(3)

27th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 3

19:45 Windsor

Wisper

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Took this in 2025 and she made a winning return over C&D last month; up 3lb but she's a likely player once more with yard going very well.

3/1

1st

1

(5)

18th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 4

19:40 Windsor

Wisper

9st 10lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Alan King

All seven wins have been on turf and latest was over C&D last June; didn't fire in her final two runs last season but this is a drop back in grade and she won on her seasonal return in 2022 and 2023; needs a close look off dangerous mark.

8/1

13/2

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 4-4361

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 7lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Faded on sole previous attempt at 1m2f but she's posted two strong finishes over 1m this summer, most recently when getting up late at Newmarket (good); this lightly raced 3yo is open to further improvement now back up in trip, provided conditions suit (well beaten on good to soft last month).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

17

(4)

21st Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

17:20 York

Bint Al Daar

8st 2lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Kevin & Lauren Frost

Second in this in 2024 (good to firm) and won at Southwell (1m3f, AW) in March but unplaced on her four starts since, well beaten at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) most recently when reverting to turf following a break.

100/1

9th

8

(1)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 4

16:10 Ascot

Bint Al Daar

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Kevin & Lauren Frost

2-21 on turf and 3-21 on AW, with latest win in March; usually seen over shorter; her last turf run was last September and that 2025 turf campaign went the wrong way, but at least she has a lower mark this time.

33/1

7th

3

(4)

11th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 5

17:15 Southwell (AW)

Bint Al Daar

9st 6lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Kevin Frost

C&D winner against her own sex under Joanna Mason early last month off a 2lb lower mark; continued in form since and this is less competitive, so she needs a look.

7/1

8/1

Form: 86-371 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Won this two years ago (good to soft) and he returned to form with a win at Windsor (1m2f, good) last month; has gone back up 4lb and has never won off a mark this high, but he's still entitled to respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(6)

11th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

17:12 Windsor

Silver Gunn

11st 2lb

J: Mr Henry Callan

T: Marco Botti

Two of his six wins have come over C&D; can go well fresh so his low-key return to action at Yarmouth last month was disappointing; down in class and has the assistance of Henry Callan in the saddle so he could leave that well behind.

11/2

10th

10

(3)

11th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 23y

Class 4

15:42 Yarmouth

Silver Gunn

9st 2lb

J: David Egan

T: Marco Botti

Course winner who had irregular form in 2025 but he only just failed on his reappearance at Windsor (1m2f, good to firm) last spring and he's 4lb lower now; on the cards that he'll return with a good effort.

14/1

7th

8

(6)

23rd Oct 2025

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 4

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Silver Gunn

9st 4lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Marco Botti

Started this season with a near-miss at Windsor (1m2f) in April but comfortably held since; bit to prove, including on the AW.

20/1

Form: 241512 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
4yo who had raced just twice prior to this year; has won twice this summer (1m2f, good to firm/soft) and was a good second at Haydock (1m2f, heavy) a fortnight ago; could still have more to offer and he's a key player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(4)

13th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

19:41 Windsor

Auld Toon Loon

10st 2lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Tom Dascombe

Close third over C&D in May since when he's been up against it in Class 2s won by a Group horse and then the John Smith's Cup, in which he ran perfectly well for a 66-1 chance; very capable of a big show, though the cheekpieces are new and so too is Donagh Murphy claiming 7lb.

8/1

8th

10

(17)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:45 York

Auld Toon Loon

9st 4lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Tom Dascombe

Back to form with close third of six at Windsor (1m2f, good to firm) in May; however, only seventh of 16 at Epsom (1m2f, good to soft) last time on ground he should have handled; can be slowly away; others preferred.

33/1

7th

11

(5)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Auld Toon Loon

8st 13lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Tom Dascombe

Failed to figure from the widest draw behind Respond at Chester (went well there previously) on reappearance but a close third of six when favourite at Windsor (1m2f, good to firm) 11 days ago; with a good soft-ground record too, he could be a major player.

12/1

Form: 6-2113 D BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Won at Hamilton (1m3f, good to soft) in May and followed up at Pontefract (1m4f, good to firm); again ran well when third at Haydock a fortnight ago (1m2f, heavy; Auld Toon Loon second) and can give another good account.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

5

(9)

23rd Aug 2026

Good

1m 3f 0y

17:00 Naas

Derry Lad

9st 8lb

J: Jessica O’Gorman

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Hasn't won since 2023 but the handicapper is relenting and he was only beaten 1l when fifth over 1m7f at Leopardstown last time; not beaten far over C&D in June off 4lb higher under this rider; in the mix.

15/2

5th

5

(9)

6th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 0y

20:20 Leopardstown

Derry Lad

11st 5lb

J: Mr Kenny Roussety

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Four-time winner on long losing run; shaped okay when fifth at Naas on penultimate, but didn't build on that when beaten 7l over 1m5f here on latest; needs more upped in trip.

11/1

5th

4

(3)

16th Jul 2026

Good

1m 5f 0y

20:20 Leopardstown

Derry Lad

9st 1lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Latest of four wins was over 1m4f three years ago, but he's on a good mark nowadays and came home well when around 3l fifth to Killyclogher Rose at Naas (1m3f); she's a lot less exposed though, and he might struggle to turn around that form.

6/1

11/1

Form: -93313 C BF

Last run: 66 days

W: 9st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Habitual slow-starter who lost plenty of ground leaving the stalls at Haydock (1m) last time and comes with risks attached; however, in the circumstances he did well to finish third and he won at Goodwood (1m1f) two starts ago; capable of being involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(2)

25th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Trais Fluors

9st 9lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Linda Perratt

Veteran who gained the last five of his 13 wins here (7f-1m); not firing on all cylinders in recent weeks, though, and needs to up his game.

16/1

6th

8

(12)

5th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

15:50 Ayr

Trais Fluors

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Linda Perratt

Oldest contender in this field; gained last five wins on Newcastle AW and hasn't scored on turf for three years; brings mixed recent handicap form to classified debut.

8/1

7th

6

(8)

25th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

18:07 Newcastle (AW)

Trais Fluors

9st 7lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Linda Perratt

Veteran (13-103), latest win C&D (from 5lb higher) on New Year's Day; out of sorts lately, so perhaps age is beginning to catch up with him.

20/1

7/1

Form: 7124-1 D

Last run: 97 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Made it 2-4 in this visor when winning at Windsor (1m2f, soft) in May, following a break; has also won on good ground; there could still be mileage in his mark and he's a possible contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(5)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 3

14:57 Ascot

Junkanoo

9st 1lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Gary & Josh Moore

About 7l behind Diamond Bay at Goodwood (1m6f, good) on final Flat run but has since won well with the blinkers back on over hurdles, albeit an ordinary handicap; Ashley Lewis also takes off a handy 7lb; could have some role to play.

8/1

2

10th Jun 2025

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 4

19:20 Fontwell

Junkanoo

12st 0lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Generally disappointing over hurdles since Plumpton novice win (2m, good to soft) in early 2024 and not seen in this sphere since down-the-field finish in Ascot handicap in December; in fairly good form on the Flat this year, though, and his current hurdle mark ought to be workable; market may guide.

5/1

Form: -07501 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who displayed improved form when winning over C&D (good) at 28-1 under Mia Nicholls last month; beat 13 rivals and he can be thereabouts up 4lb if backing up that performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(10)

25th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

15:12 Newcastle (AW)

Whitcombe Rockstar

9st 5lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Keiran Burke

Added to his excellent Kempton record with wins over 1m3f and 1m4f this year; another cracking effort there when chasing home the progressive Gamrai over 1m3f in March; probably worth ignoring a recent run on turf but his peak AW form (including all wins) has been achieved on Polytrack.

16/1

13th

9

(4)

12th Jun 2026

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 3

15:23 Sandown

Whitcombe Rockstar

9st 5lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Keiran Burke

Fine from 1m to 1m4f; has won on turf but the AW looks more his scene and especially Kempton where he beat all bar a handicap snip the last time; back on grass others look safer.

10/1

Non-runners

Belhaven

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £99.60
Straight Forecast £69.18
Tricast £410.73
Trifecta £458.60

Selections

The Times:

Derry Lad

RP RATINGS:

Silver Gunn

Daily Mirror:

Graignes

Daily Record:

Auld Toon Loon

SPOTLIGHT:

Bint Al Daar

WEST COUNTRY:

Whitcombe Rockstar

TOPSPEED:

Junkanoo

Telegraph:

Derry Lad

D Express:

Derry Lad

The Sun:

Derry Lad

POSTDATA:

Silver Gunn

NEWMARKET:

Silver Gunn

The Star:

Graignes