September 24 / 16.35 Hamilton

16.35

Good To Soft

William Cairns Memorial Celebrations Handicap

  • Prize money: £4187.2
  • 0m 6f 6y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
RTV
View Course
William Cairns Memorial Celebrations Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 335457 C

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Conditions won't be an issue and he's well handicapped on even this season's best; needs to step up on Monday's modest Thirsk effort though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(7)

20th Jun 2024

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:40 Ripon

Burj Malinka

9st 10lb

J: Paddy Mathers

T: Adrian Nicholls

led against near rail

11/2

3rd

11

(11)

6th Jun 2024

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 5

14:55 Hamilton

Burj Malinka

9st 3lb

J: Paddy Mathers

T: Adrian Nicholls

Extended his run of creditable efforts last time, when he divided Huddle Up and Count d'Orsay at Carlisle; no problems with ground/track/trip and likely to give it his best shot again.

5/1

3rd

6

(9)

30th May 2024

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:55 Carlisle

Burj Malinka

10st 12lb

J: Mr Jack Nicholls

T: Adrian Nicholls

Back to winning form at Thirsk (6f, heavy) last month and has twice run well since, fourth of nine on ground that would have been quick enough at Beverley (5f) last time; considered under his promising amateur.

7/2

14/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: -90506 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
C&D winner off a 10lb higher mark last summer; yet to get going this season and although last week's Doncaster sixth was better, she still looks vulnerable here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(10)

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 6

19:50 Doncaster

Selbys Pride

9st 8lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Shaped with promise when second on 6f Newcastle reappearance but has something to prove after two lesser runs on turf since.

14/1

7/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 603152 CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 8st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
C&D winner; this season's win came in a lowly 7f classified event at Musselburgh but he ran creditably over C&D 19 days ago; more required in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(2)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 195y

Class 6

17:15 Carlisle

The Gay Blade

9st 1lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Handy sort who has been successful three times on the AW this year; has won four times on turf, but was found to have bled at Ayr last time; others more convincing.

10/1

6th

4

(4)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

The Gay Blade

9st 3lb

J: Cara Tuke

T: Iain Jardine

Successful three times over 6f on Newcastle AW this year; ran well at Musselburgh (7f, good; neck second) returned to turf last week; now 2lb higher but Cara Tuke removes 7lb; respected in current form.

13/8

2nd

3

(10)

29th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 6

17:00 Musselburgh

The Gay Blade

9st 8lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Made it three wins in his last four starts (all 6f at Newcastle) when seeing off ten rivals in an apprentice race last week; former C&D scorer so the step back up in trip shouldn't be an issue and he escapes a penalty.

2/1

Form: 014307 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Not matched his Irish best in two runs for current stable (5f/6f) but there's still time; today's slower conditions should suit and the addition of a hood another potential plus point; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(12)

1st Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 6

14:07 Lingfield (AW)

Secret Road

9st 5lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Laura Mongan

Enjoyed a revival for James Owen and this yard earlier in the year, with three wins, including two round here; up in the weights now, though, and finished well behind a couple of these over C&D a month ago; needs more from somewhere.

20/1

12th

5

(12)

30th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 6

17:07 Lingfield (AW)

Secret Road

9st 6lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Laura Mongan

Looked in excellent nick on last month's stable debut, gaining clearcut C&D win in first-time cheekpieces; not quite in same form when fourth off new mark here three weeks later but still considered.

7/1

Form: 074403 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Conditions shouldn't be an issue and this will be more suitable than the 5f handicap he tackled at Musselburgh last week; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(4)

30th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 5

16:12 Catterick

Ramon Di Loria

8st 6lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Ewan Whillans

Multiple AW and turf winner from 5f-7f; back on his last winning turf mark from Ayr 13 months ago (has twice won on AW since); below par latest but not ruled out if able to bounce back.

10/1

6th

9

(3)

26th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

17:07 Southwell (AW)

Ramon Di Loria

9st 2lb

J: Greg Fairley

T: Ewan Whillans

Won twice (6f/7f) in February and he was a good second to a thriving rival over C&D in his bid for a hat-trick; beaten off a lower mark twice since and more minor money perhaps his best hope.

8/1

5th

9

(6)

17th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Ramon Di Loria

9st 1lb

J: Greg Fairley

T: Ewan Whillans

Dual course winner last month who's continued in form since, faring best of those held up when not far behind Bomb Squad over C&D on Friday; one of the likelier winners.

4/1

Form: 114425 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Just missed out in a blanket finish at Doncaster (6f, soft) last month; creditable effort on faster ground last time and today's surface should be more to his liking; high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(6)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:42 Ripon

Blazing Son

9st 6lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Bryan Smart

More productive on AW (5-17) than on turf (2-28) and was only run out of it inside the final furlong at Newcastle (7f Class 5; 9-1) in March; less effective since (0-2) but is slowly easing in the weights, and is perhaps best suited by 6f.

11/1

9th

4

(3)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Blazing Son

9st 7lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Bryan Smart

Seven-time winner who scored off 1lb higher over C&D in September; has been hit and miss since but he finished second here (7f) on his penultimate run and wasn't disgraced after an awkward start at Southwell last time; usually races prominently and he's not ruled out back at this track.

10/1

7th
8 (2)
Elladora

11/2

Form: 242873 CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Made all over C&D in May off a 6lb lower mark; some fair efforts since but she's usually seen in Class 6 company and this looks quite competitive for the grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

11

(4)

30th May 2024

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:55 Carlisle

Elladora

9st 11lb

J: Mr Ryan Price

T: Micky Hammond

Has winning form on soft/heavy, but losing run up to 14 and drops to 5f for the first time since her debut; opposable from out of the weights.

16/1

7th

6

(4)

23rd May 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

17:50 Catterick

Elladora

9st 4lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

taken down early and walked to post, prominent

13/2

7th

6

(4)

23rd May 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

17:50 Catterick

Elladora

9st 4lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

taken down early and walked to post

13/2

OUR TIP

Form: 641356 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Capitalised on some help from the handicapper when running away with a 6f handicap at Leicester in June (good to firm); fair efforts but not kicked on since; handles good to soft but something to prove if rain arrives.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(3)

22nd Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Mighty Gurkha

9st 9lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Thomas Faulkner

Nowhere near as good as he was and last win was in June 2023; on much reduced mark and has run some decent races this year but he didn't get very far here (unseated at start) last time and all of his wins have been at 6f; down the list.

15/2

1

(6)

16th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Mighty Gurkha

9st 9lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Thomas Faulkner

Nowhere near as good as he was and although not disgraced on a few occasions on turf/Polytrack this year, more is needed in order to win despite dropping into a 0-55 for the first time; visor returns.

8/1

4

(5)

2nd Sep 2025

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

20:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Mighty Gurkha

9st 7lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Thomas Faulkner

A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since winning a Group 3 on the AW as a 2yo; not disgraced on a few occasions on turf/Polytrack (with and without headgear) this year, but a bit more is needed in order to win.

7/1

16/1

Form: 050-77 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Reeled off a five-timer for Donald McCain in 2021; down the field in two handicaps for this yard but he's down in the weights and slow ground holds no terrors.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(4)

30th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

19:25 Catterick

Russco

9st 0lb

J: David Allan

T: Ann Duffield

Made the frame over C&D at start of this month and again ran well on heavy ground when third behind Highfield Viking at Thirsk (7f, heavy) six days later; remains without a win since 2021, though, and drying ground will severely dent his appeal today.

7/1

6th

6

(4)

30th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

19:25 Catterick

Russco

9st 0lb

J: David Allan

T: Ann Duffield

Made the frame over C&D at start of this month and again ran well on heavy ground when third behind Highfield Viking at Thirsk (7f, heavy) six days later; remains without a win since 2021, though, and drying ground will severely dent his appeal today.

7/1

3rd

10

(7)

9th Apr 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

17:45 Thirsk

Russco

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Ann Duffield

Won five on the trot over 6f/7f in 2021 (on good to soft/soft/heavy and AW) but hasn't won since; good fourth after losing both front shoes at Catterick last week (7f, heavy); chance.

6/1

8/1

Form: 68D4236 C BF

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Threatening in recent times and trip, track and ground should all be fine; unlikely to be too far away once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

10

(13)

24th Jun 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

15:00 Thirsk

Glorious Rio

9st 9lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Stella Barclay

held up in rear

25/1

9th

7

(1)

17th May 2024

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 6

21:00 Hamilton

Glorious Rio

9st 5lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Stella Barclay

Course winner (5f; August 2021); now rated 21lb lower than when last successful at Carlisle the following summer; it is difficult to be enthused though by his latest effort at Nottingham (5f, soft; ninth of 11, beaten 8l); others preferred.

14/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £52.00
Straight Forecast £54.87
Tricast £330.38
Trifecta £460.40

Selections

POSTDATA:

Elladora

SPOTLIGHT:

Blazing Son

Telegraph:

The Gay Blade

LAMBOURN:

Mighty Gurkha

Daily Mail:

The Gay Blade

Daily Record:

The Gay Blade

THE NORTH:

Elladora

The Times:

Elladora

D Express:

Elladora

Daily Mirror:

Elladora

RP RATINGS:

Blazing Son

TOPSPEED:

Blazing Son

The Sun:

Blazing Son

The Star:

Mighty Gurkha