August 25 / 13.50 York

13.50

Good To Firm

Sky Bet Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

  • Prize money: £61848
  • 1m 3f 188y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV
View Course
Sky Bet Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.00
  • Place: £3.55

Form: 18-160 C

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Boom or bust in handicaps, leading near the line at this track (1m2f, good to firm) in May for his latest win; just 1lb higher today, following two of his lesser efforts, and the step up to 1m4f is interesting, as is the booking of Ryan Moore; in serious calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

17:00 Newton Abbot

Marhaba The Champ

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Sophie Leech

Largely disappointing for this stable under both codes and, after a brief respite on the Flat at Newbury in April, he refused to come out of the stalls at York last month, both times in this headgear; best hurdle effort when runner-up at Newcastle (2m1f, good) in October offers some hope on handicap switch, but current form is a clear concern.

11/2

7

(14)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Marhaba The Champ

9st 4lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Sophie Leech

Formerly useful for Kevin Ryan but was sold last July and has been comfortably held since on the Flat and over hurdles; this tongue-tie (tried once in 2023) returned on latest outing, along with first-time hood; 17lb below his peak mark, but no win since he scored twice at York in 2023.

33/1

9th

5

(16)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

16:55 Newbury

Marhaba The Champ

9st 6lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Sophie Leech

Formerly useful on the Flat for Kevin Ryan but was sold last July and has been comfortably held since on the Flat and over hurdles; tongue-tie (tried once in 2023) returns, plus first-time hood.

50/1

9/1

  • Place: £3.45

Form: /2112- D BF

Last run: 391 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Upped to 1m6f last summer, winning on first two attempts and good second off this mark last July when last seen, on his final start for Chris Wall (same owner); has a very solid record in handicaps and goes well on good to firm; also has a good record when coming back from a break (albeit not this long) and therefore worth a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(8)

12th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Bague DOr

9st 5lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Won on this track in 2021 and 2022; had a very solid record in handicaps, particularly on good or good to firm, prior to never figuring at Royal Ascot (1m4f) latest; that followed a 2024 reappearance win over 1m6f on the other Newmarket course (4lb higher today) but he may well need a career best if he's to add to that today.

11/2

11th

11

(22)

21st Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:25 Ascot

Bague DOr

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

switched sharply right soon after start, took keen hold, held up in rear, switched right and headway from 2f out, not pace to challenge

12/1

17

(9)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

19:15 Ascot

Bague DOr

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Reserve; fast-ground C&D winner who ran just twice last year but fared well and he reappeared with a win at Newmarket (1m6f, good) last month; it was a career best last time and he could continue to improve; contender.

14/1

25/1

  • Place: £10.85

Form: 175648

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Won on good to firm in 2021; three wins at 1m4f/2m this January-April, also fourth in the Northumberland Vase (2m, AW) on penultimate start; respectable fifth of 15 over C&D (good) in May but needs to be in peak form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

16th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

19:55 Uttoxeter

Legendary Day

11st 7lb

J: James Best

T: Barry Brennan

Chase/hurdle winner who won on the AW at Lingfield in February 2025; hasn't been in top form on his last couple of runs over hurdles; on a fair mark now.

20/1

14

19th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

16:18 Stratford

Legendary Day

11st 3lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Barry Brennan

Useful on the Flat in his prime but suffered heavy defeat in that sphere last month, after a layoff, and also struggled in a handicap hurdle three weeks ago; sports refitted cheekpieces; others have much less to prove.

25/1

6th

2

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

13:30 Uttoxeter

Legendary Day

11st 13lb

J: Oscar Palmer

T: Barry Brennan

Seven-time Flat winner who has also scored over hurdles (2m1f, soft) and fences (2m, good); on dangerous mark back over jumps but he's not seen much action in the last 12 months and has been tailed off in his last two Flat runs; risks attached.

7/1

16/1

Form: 8-5315 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Won sole start on good, with all his other turf runs on softer; missed most of 2022 but as good as ever when getting up in the dying strides at Ripon (1m4f, soft) last month; raced freely when fair fifth in 1m6f race on heavy at Glorious Goodwood; each-way chance if he's okay on the ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(6)

20th Jul 2024

Soft

1m 4f 10y

Class 2

15:55 Ripon

Mr Curiosity

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Got up late on in this race (soft) last year off 1lb lower; 301-day absence is a concern but he needs a second look.

12/1

6th

1

(5)

23rd Sep 2023

Good To Soft

1m 5f 26y

Class 3

17:20 Ayr

Mr Curiosity

9st 12lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Peak efforts this term have been at around 1m4f, including Ripon win in July and fourth at the York Ebor meeting, but he won over 1m6f in 2021; shaped okay in the 1m6f Old Borough Cup at Haydock last time considering the trouble in running over 2f out; major player.

7/2

OUR TIP
5th
1 (5)
Paradias

8/1

Form: 6-2154

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Acts on good to firm; steady late run took him to the front at Sandown in June and he was back near that form when fourth over 1m2f again at Glorious Goodwood, where he'd run well over 1m3f last season; below form on sole attempt at 1m4f (final 2022 start) but may be worth this second go; good mark if back to his June peak.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(1)

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 50y

Class 1

18:12 Sandown

Paradias

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

7yo who has a good record here and has been better than ever in AW handicaps this year, and he wasn't beaten far when fifth of six in Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) four weeks ago; however, his form needs to go to a new level and he's unraced beyond 1m4f on the Flat.

33/1

5th

5

(6)

1st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Newmarket

Paradias

9st 5lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Alan King

In the form of his life this winter with a win at Lingfield (1m4f) in February and close calls in his other three outings; those were on AW, which does seem to suit him particularly well, and also in handicaps, which leaves him with something to find in his first Group venture.

40/1

3rd

2

(4)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Paradias

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Fourth in this last year on sole previous visit to Newcastle and he's now 3lb higher; went close on first two starts this winter before winning at Lingfield (1m4f) in February; could run well but may prefer a longer trip.

14/1

Form: 1-733

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Odds-on winner last season; back on track on last two starts when third in both a novice at Chelmsford (1m2f, AW) in July and on handicap debut at Ascot (1m4f); just four starts overall (both on turf were on good to soft) and he lost out only close home last time, so could have more to give and needs considering seriously.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(7)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 4

19:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Intinso

9st 11lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Craig Lidster

Slightly resurgent on reappearance but needs to build on that effort and remains far from solid on his form for current stable; was a useful sort for previous yard.

20/1

6th

4

(2)

31st Jan 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 3

16:25 Newcastle (AW)

Intinso

9st 7lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Craig Lidster

Useful performer at up to 1m6f for the Gosdens but regressive for his current yard and tailed off in his last five starts, including on hurdling debut in August; has plenty to prove on his return and last win was almost two years ago.

25/1

4

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

15:55 Cartmel

Intinso

11st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Craig Lidster

Useful Flat performer at up to 1m6f for the Gosdens but regressive for his current yard and tailed off on his last four starts (blinkered on latest); perhaps he'll be sweetened up by hurdling but he carries obvious risks.

10/1

12/1

Form: 0-8323 BF

Last run: 55 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Hit and miss, with no win since handicap debut in April 2022; went down narrowly at Kempton (1m4f, AW; probably acts on good to firm) on penultimate start; much seems to depend on the blinkers replacing cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

13

(9)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

18:10 Newbury

Educator

9st 5lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Henrietta C Knight

Won twice over about 1m4f (AW/good to firm) last spring and he's thrown in judged on that form; twice close up on AW in January and a respectable third at Bath (2m) in April, before Ascot 2m race last week proved too tough; there's a rethink on trip today and cheekpieces (last used in June 2024) return.

20/1

7th

10

(6)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 209y

Class 4

17:10 Ascot

Educator

9st 5lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Henrietta C Knight

Three wins on turf (good/good to firm) at up to 11.5f; also went fairly close at this trip on AW in January; respectable third at Bath (2m1f, good to firm; Lusaka second) on return from two-month break last time; might build on that.

8/1

3rd

2

(3)

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 24y

Class 5

16:15 Bath

Educator

9st 6lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Henrietta C Knight

Triple turf winner who finished well to go close off this mark at Kempton (2m, AW) in January; flopped with a heavy defeat at Newcastle the following month but that was a Class 3 and has claims if he can bounce back after a short break; has form on good to firm and good to soft.

6/1

16/1

Form: -07031 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Contested Group races last May-July and way down the weights when much more competitive again here in two starts last month, winning latest (good) on his first go at 1m4f for 13 months; came to the fore late on that day and, although back up 4lb (still well below his peak) today, he may have more to offer 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

Form: 452223 BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Has not won since July 2021 (one of only two runs on good to firm) and ran poorly in this race last year; runner-up three times in a row this summer, hitting peak form when visored was initially enlisted (1m5f/1m6f) and his form dropped off only slightly on heavy ground on latest start; there are more likely winners in this field, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(1)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 6

16:10 Carlisle

Ravenscraig Castle

9st 6lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Tailed off over hurdles last time but ran well in that code in March; he's on a handy mark on last year's best Flat form; not ruled out.

14/1

9th

12

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Ayr

Ravenscraig Castle

11st 2lb

J: William Maggs

T: Iain Jardine

Sole success in 17 runs over hurdles came at Perth last summer (2m, good); he's consistent but not progressive and was a well-held fifth in this last year off the very same mark.

20/1

4th

9

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 87y

Class 2

15:22 Musselburgh

Ravenscraig Castle

11st 1lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Iain Jardine

Sole win over hurdles, from 16 attempts, came at Perth (2m, good) last July; ran okay over C&D in January on his last two hurdle starts (good to soft) and is not ruled out each-way.

16/1

Form: 3-2311

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Creditable third at Epsom (1m2f, good to firm) on handicap debut, before making all at Chester (1m2f, good to soft) and asserting final 1f at Glorious Goodwood (1m3f, good to soft); 1m4f looks manageable and 7lb rise may be too, given he was comfortably on top for both wins; steadily progressive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(3)

23rd Sep 2023

Heavy

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Newbury

Balance Play

9st 1lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

in touch with leaders, cajoled along 4f out, pushed along 3f out, hung left but headway on near side of group 2f out, ridden over 1f out, led inside final furlong, soon edged left, went clear final 110yds, comfortably

7/2

10th

11

(9)

25th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

13:50 York

Balance Play

9st 3lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Creditable third at Epsom (1m2f, good to firm) on handicap debut, before making all at Chester (1m2f, good to soft) and asserting final 1f at Glorious Goodwood (1m3f, good to soft); 1m4f looks manageable and 7lb rise may be too, given he was comfortably on top for both wins; steadily progressive.

4/1

1st

2

(13)

4th Aug 2023

Heavy

1m 3f 44y

Class 3

17:20 Goodwood

Balance Play

9st 8lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

midfield

9/2

Form: 034847

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Has done most of his racing at 7f-1m; never-nearer fourth of 11 over 1m2f at Epsom on Oaks day but the 1m4f of Haydock's Old Newton Cup appeared to stretch him on latest start; given a second crack at it today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(1)

12th Aug 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

16:40 Ayr

Toshizou

9st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

His only win was back in 2020 in a Tipperary maiden; has threatened a few times since and wasn't beaten all that far at York last time, but others appeal more for the win; tries cheekpieces.

13/2

8th

5

(1)

12th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:30 York

Toshizou

9st 12lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Only win in 23 attempts was at Tipperary on second juvenile start (7f, good to yielding) when with Joseph O'Brien; some fair form since, notably when third over C&D off 4lb higher in May (good); poor run over C&D (good to soft) latest.

10/1

13th

7

(1)

15th Jun 2024

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 3

13:50 York

Toshizou

9st 13lb

J: Miss Amy Collier

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Acts on soft; beaten all 22 times since winning in 2020 on second start; creditable third in two of six races this season, including in 20-runner C&D race on penultimate outing; case can be made but not the percentage call.

18/1

6/1

Form: -23212 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Going great guns this term, including with his Old Newton Cup win at Haydock (1m4f, good to firm) and going oh so close in a Shergar Cup race at Ascot 13 days ago; up another 5lb but it's hard to keep him out of the picture, bidding to end Paul Hanagan's superb riding career on a winning note.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(3)

17th Oct 2023

Standard

1m 4f 99y

Class 2

16:55 Newcastle (AW)

WoottonSun

9st 5lb

J: David Nolan

T: Richard Fahey

Had been enjoying a consistent season prior to a poor one at York in August, when said to have run flat; the break could have helped but he's 9lb higher than when winning at Haydock, so will need a career best on just his second AW start.

8/1

12th

2

(10)

25th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

13:50 York

WoottonSun

9st 12lb

J: Paul Hanagan

T: Richard Fahey

Going great guns this term, including with his Old Newton Cup win at Haydock (1m4f, good to firm) and going oh so close in a Shergar Cup race at Ascot 13 days ago; up another 5lb but it's hard to keep him out of the picture, bidding to end Paul Hanagan's superb riding career on a winning note.

6/1

2nd

12

(6)

12th Aug 2023

Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

WoottonSun

9st 4lb

T: Richard Fahey

Reserve; below form at this meeting last year; going great guns this season with three places prior to his win from Scampi in the Old Newton Cup at Haydock (1m4f, good to firm; probably okay on good to soft) five weeks ago; up another 5lb but needs plenty of respect.

11/1

Form: 215273

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Promise on good to firm as 2yo; has a cracking record in AW handicaps and ran creditably on soft ground in April, but below form on good and soft in his two starts since; off three months before latest, so perhaps needed that and wasn't disgraced; still needs a career best, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

27

(20)

21st Oct 2025

Soft

1m 2f 0y

17:00 Curragh

Capital Theory

10st 5lb

J: Sadhbh Tormey

T: H D McGuigan

Had this rider aboard when scoring at Naas nine days ago, with Considering back in third; worth considering; first reserve.

2

(16)

12th Oct 2025

Yielding

1m 2f 125y

16:55 Naas

Capital Theory

9st 12lb

J: Sadhbh Tormey

T: H D McGuigan

Step in the right direction at Bellewstown recently (1m4f, soft); drop in trip could suit.

12/1

3rd

2

(5)

1st Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 4f 110y

16:33 Bellewstown

Capital Theory

10st 0lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: H D McGuigan

Competitive but below best form in two claimers this summer for current yard and then tailed off in a 2m2f handicap at Down Royal; others appeal more.

12/1

16/1

Form: -48142 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Best RPR last year was on good to firm; ran badly in the Melrose at the meeting last year on his sole run at York; kept largely to AW since, winning at Kempton in June and beaten a nose at Newcastle on latest start (both 1m4f); probably needs a career best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(13)

15th Nov 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Savvy Knight

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: S Woods

slowly into stride, soon prominent, raced wide early, switched right and went second with one circuit to go

6/1

11th

3

(10)

6th Nov 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 2

16:00 Kempton (AW)

Savvy Knight

9st 2lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: S Woods

Won a 1m4f handicap here in June off 2lb lower and suffered a narrow defeat at Newcastle one month later; wasn't at his best at Newcastle last month and unlikely to get things all his own way in this field.

10/1

5th

1

(1)

2nd Oct 2023

Standard

1m 4f 99y

Class 3

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Savvy Knight

10st 2lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: S Woods

Very patchy since winning his first three last season; has claims on July's C&D second (Chillhi fourth) but was always well placed in a messy affair that day and has since bombed on turf; hard to know what to expect in truth.

6/1

Non-runners

Zanndabad

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £123.10
Straight Forecast £74.90
Tricast £2284.62
Trifecta £3809.60

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Intinso

Telegraph:

Wootton'Sun

SPOTLIGHT:

Balance Play

TOPSPEED:

Marhaba The Champ

RP RATINGS:

Paradias

Daily Record:

Dark Moon Rising

D Express:

Legendary Day

POSTDATA:

Ravenscraig Castle

Daily Mail:

Bague D'Or

The Times:

Intinso

Daily Mirror:

Intinso

The Star:

Balance Play

The Guardian:

Wootton'Sun

The Sun:

Wootton'Sun