September 26 / 16.25 Nottingham

16.25

Soft

Grassroots Series Middle Distance Final Handicap

  • Prize money: £15462
  • 1m 2f 50y
  • Class 2
  • 11 runners
RTV
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Grassroots Series Middle Distance Final Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £29.00
  • Place: £5.80

Form: 994122 D BF

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Last three runs have been at Epsom, winning over 1m2f and runner-up since to Golden Maverick and latterly on the return to 1m4f; running well but is accustomed to easier handicaps than this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(2)

2nd Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 17y

Class 5

18:20 Epsom

Ectocross

9st 2lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Simon Dow

C&D winner who continues to drop down the weights; however, he's struggled on his five outings since last July and a major turnaround is needed.

20/1

7

(5)

3rd Jun 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

18:15 Lingfield (AW)

Ectocross

9st 1lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Simon Dow

Won three times in 2023, including here over 1m2f, but he's not been in the same form in four starts since being gelded; possibly needed the outing over 1m at Kempton last time and now steps back up to 1m4f, which should suit, with better needed.

20/1

7

(5)

3rd Jun 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

18:15 Lingfield (AW)

Ectocross

9st 1lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Simon Dow

Won three times in 2023, including here over 1m2f, but he's not been in the same form in four starts since being gelded; possibly needed the outing over 1m at Kempton last time and now steps back up to 1m4f, which should suit, with better needed.

20/1

11/2

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 111724 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Has enjoyed a highly fruitful season but it's come at a cost ratings-wise and the handicapper is currently looking well in command; trip/ground fine but perhaps placed at best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

19:10 Cartmel

Golden Maverick

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Jamie Snowden

Rewarded determined ride when keeping on strongly from poor position to lead on the post at Carlisle (2m1f, soft; visored) in February but again raced lazily at Stratford (2m, good to soft; first-time blinkers) in March, where he was beaten before final-flight fall; worth a go over this longer trip but it's hard to predict the extent to which he'll warm to the task; visor refitted.

11/2

3

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

19:10 Cartmel

Golden Maverick

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Jamie Snowden

Rewarded determined ride when keeping on strongly from poor position to lead on the post at Carlisle (2m1f, soft; visored) in February but again raced lazily at Stratford (2m, good to soft; first-time blinkers) in March, where he was beaten before final-flight fall; worth a go over this longer trip but it's hard to predict the extent to which he'll warm to the task; visor refitted.

11/2

2

10th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 70y

Class 3

15:20 Stratford

Golden Maverick

11st 9lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

raced lazily at times, prominent, hit 3rd, reminder before 4 out, lost ground on turn before last, weakening when fell last

4/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 403432

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Has finished in the top four in all but one of her seven races, last time going down by only a neck to Olympicus at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm); previous Sandown third was on heavy; thereabouts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(7)

7th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 3f 104y

Class 5

16:35 Yarmouth

Hakuna Babe

9st 13lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Ed Walker

Won at Windsor (1m2f, heavy) last October for former trainer off 6lb higher mark; disappointing for current yard this year and has plenty to prove.

12/1

5th

7

(4)

6th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 3f 140y

Class 5

13:25 Haydock

Hakuna Babe

9st 8lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Ed Walker

Sole win from 14 races was at Windsor (1m2f, heavy) last October off 6lb higher; tailed off in first-time cheekpieces (which are now removed) on latest outing; this is a rethink on trip, following three attempts over 1m, and she's never been beyond 1m2f; bit to prove.

14/1

8th

4

(2)

23rd Jul 2024

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 5

16:30 Lingfield (AW)

Hakuna Babe

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Ed Walker

Sole success at Windsor (1m2f, heavy) last October (now 3lb lower) when trained by now-retired William Jarvis; hasn't fired for current stable yet and first-time cheekpieces are now applied; looks like she needs to step back up in trip.

7/1

40/1

Form: 340705

Last run: 9 days

W: 8st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Now 0-13 after finishing well beaten on soft ground at Doncaster (1m2f) nine days ago; blinkers need to make a huge difference.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

24th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

14:52 Uttoxeter

Corsican Caper

11st 9lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Kevin Frost

Lots of Flat racing and lowly rated these days; hadn't shown much over hurdles but kept finding to finish a 5.5l third over 2m4f here 22 days ago on his handicap debut, and this longer trip looks the obvious move.

100/30

3rd

11

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 3

15:50 Uttoxeter

Corsican Caper

10st 2lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Kevin Frost

Lowly rated these days on the Flat and has shown little in three runs over hurdles; makes handicap hurdle debut up in trip and needs to show significant improvement.

14/1

4th

3

9th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

14:32 Taunton

Corsican Caper

11st 2lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Kevin Frost

A fair 1m6f Flat winner; built on his hurdling debut seventh when third of four in 2m Doncaster novice 27 days ago but this demands considerably more.

12/1

Form: 9-7541 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Ex-Joseph O'Brien; always handy before keeping on the closing stages to deny Hakuna Babe in a tight finish at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm); closely matched with that consistent rival but he still has to prove himself on soft ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(3)

17th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Olympicus

9st 11lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Michael Appleby

pulled extremely hard, prominent, raced wide over 8f out, pulled way into lead over 6f out

7/1

8th

6

(2)

10th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Olympicus

9st 6lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Michael Appleby

Sole success in 14 starts came off 9lb higher at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm) in August last year; hasn't shown much in five starts since returning from eight months off in June and another 3lb drop not enough to tempt; can take a keen hold.

12/1

9th

5

(6)

24th Sep 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

13:40 Beverley

Olympicus

9st 11lb

J: Frederick Larson

T: Michael Appleby

Hindered by often failing to settle but is well handicapped granted a return to best; sole success came off 6lb higher.

10/1

8/1

Form: -96274

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Prominently ridden when runner-up at Newmarket (1m2f, good to soft) and again when under 3l away at Newbury (1m4f, good); turn looks near and he now goes in cheekpieces having been gelded.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(1)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

14:55 Ascot

Gordon Grey

9st 4lb

J: Neil Callan

T: George Baker

In the form of his life when winning four in a row for Ben Brookhouse last summer, namely a maiden hurdle followed by three Flat handicaps over 1m2f and 1m4f (twice) on good/good to firm; better effort in Bahrain for George Baker this year when third of seven over 1m2f (good to firm) five weeks ago; returns to Britain on a career-high mark and may prove vulnerable to less-exposed sorts.

20/1

2

(1)

25th Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

15:20 Epsom

Gordon Grey

11st 8lb

J: Mr Paul Hainey

T: B F Brookhouse

Won the 2024 Ladies' Derby at Epsom and repeated the trick when romping away with this year's edition (1m4f, good to firm) in June; completed a hat-trick (first leg was over hurdles) when defying penalty under Paul Hainey at Newbury (1m2f, good to firm) last month and a 4lb rise for that success looks fair; usually sets the pace and he's a big player again in his bid to make it 3-4 over C&D; cheekpieces added.

5/2

1st

1

(5)

24th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

17:50 Newbury

Gordon Grey

11st 7lb

J: Mr Paul Hainey

T: B F Brookhouse

Won the 2024 Ladies' Derby at Epsom and repeated the trick when romping away with this year's edition (1m4f, good to firm) one week ago; 2-3 under amateur riders and he's run respectably here before; 2lb well in under the penalty and rider Paul Hainey has already impressed this season.

6/4

25/1

Form: 644170 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
It was a Class 5 that he won at Redcar (1m2f) last month and he's struggled since in a Class 6 and a Class 4; versatile ground-wise but this could be beyond him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(6)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 0y

Class 6

14:10 Carlisle

Jewel Maker

9st 7lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

11yo who has plenty to prove on the evidence of this year's three runs; however, he's 6lb lower than when winning at Redcar last October and perhaps the return to Carlisle will trigger a revival, with his course form figures reading 4106231.

20/1

7th

11

(12)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 1f 170y

Class 5

19:45 Ripon

Jewel Maker

8st 10lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Tim Easterby

Veteran with 12 wins but he's lost his way and has struggled after slow starts in both runs this spring; has something to prove and he needs to turn things around back up in trip.

20/1

11th

10

(7)

10th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

15:53 Thirsk

Jewel Maker

9st 3lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Veteran with 12 wins to his name but didn't suggest his next one is near when trailing throughout on his AW reappearance three weeks ago.

25/1

14/1

Form: 343834 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Has won on good and soft; another sound effort in defeat over this far at Leicester two weeks ago but looks vulnerable in this higher grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(9)

18th Oct 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 6

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Nonsuch Lad

9st 12lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Jim Boyle

Won twice on turf last season and he has run some good races in defeat this time around; last couple of efforts need forgiving; dropping into a 0-60 should help but he still has something to prove on AW.

16/1

8th

2

(11)

5th Oct 2023

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

18:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Nonsuch Lad

9st 12lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Jim Boyle

Won twice on turf last season and he has run some good races in defeat this time around; he wasn't at his best at Nottingham nine days ago but this is a more realistic assignment; no reason why he won't be fully effective on AW in time.

6/1

8th

8

(2)

26th Sep 2023

Soft

1m 2f 50y

Class 2

16:25 Nottingham

Nonsuch Lad

9st 0lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Jim Boyle

Has won on good and soft; another sound effort in defeat over this far at Leicester two weeks ago but looks vulnerable in this higher grade.

14/1

7/1

Form: 142153 CD

Last run: 5 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Conditions no issue having won on heavy ground three starts back (1m2f) and he went down fighting over further at Pontefract five days ago; assured stamina could come in handy; much respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

(3)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 8y

Class 4

17:15 Thirsk

Damascus Steel

8st 11lb

J: William Carson

T: Gihan Arnolda

Two 1m4f AW wins last winter for Denis Quinn and respectable fifth of 15 at Lingfield (1m4f, AW) last month on sole run for John Ryan; however, it's a long time since he ran well on turf and has something to prove back on grass; stable debut.

12/1

5th

9

(3)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:00 Lingfield (AW)

Damascus Steel

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: John Ryan

In good form for Denis Quinn in recent months including wins at Newcastle (1m4f, Tapeta) in December and over C&D in January; closely matched with Wonder on a couple of bits of form and respected on first start for John Ryan (same owner); stable also runs Tommy's Promise.

11/1

3rd

3

(6)

28th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

13:00 Lingfield (AW)

Damascus Steel

9st 12lb

J: William Carson

T: Denis Quinn

Made it two wins in a row when edging out Wonder over C&D last month; extended his run of good form when second of ten at Wolverhampton (1m4f) four weeks ago; should figure again.

5/1

OUR TIP

4/1

Form: -33213 CD BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Sat off a strong pace and came clear over C&D last month (good) and would probably have followed up at Bath had she seen out the extended 1m3f; off the same mark here but she was below par on her previous soft-ground run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(9)

16th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

15:52 Lingfield (AW)

Warren Hill

9st 2lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

Well suited by this C&D but seems to have lost her way since last summer's turf win and was particularly disappointing on her latest outing 16 days ago; needs a good boost from the first-time blinkers.

16/1

10th

3

(7)

31st Jan 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Warren Hill

9st 8lb

J: Zacharia Clarke

T: Roger Varian

Has recorded all wins over 1m2f, the most recent last July; below form since and now drops back to 1m for first time since June 2023; not the percentage call.

12/1

10th

3

(7)

31st Jan 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Warren Hill

9st 8lb

J: Zacharia Clarke

T: Roger Varian

raced wide, towards rear throughout

12/1

33/1

Form: 750866 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 7lb

5 yo Horse

OR: 56

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner when trained in Germany (1m1f-1m2f); yet to place in Britain and this is a tough race in which to put that right.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(5)

7th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 6

12:50 Southwell (AW)

The Conqueror

8st 11lb

J: Ethan Jones

T: Jim Boyle

midfield, some headway 2f out, weakened from 1f out

25/1

5th

9

(5)

7th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 6

12:50 Southwell (AW)

The Conqueror

8st 11lb

J: Ethan Jones

T: Jim Boyle

midfield, some headway 2f out, weakened from 1f out

25/1

7th

6

(1)

21st Oct 2024

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

The Conqueror

9st 6lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Jim Boyle

Now 2lb lower than when winning on turf in the spring but needs to put two poor efforts behind him; stays further and others make greater appeal on just his second Tapeta start.

14/1

Non-runners

Eton College

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £157.50
Straight Forecast £162.00
Tricast £561.84
Trifecta £799.80

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Hakuna Babe

The Guardian:

Olympicus

LAMBOURN:

Eton College

NEWMARKET:

Warren Hill

SPOTLIGHT:

Damascus Steel

RP RATINGS:

Golden Maverick

POSTDATA:

Nonsuch Lad

Daily Mail:

Warren Hill

The Times:

Hakuna Babe

D Express:

Hakuna Babe

The Star:

Hakuna Babe

Daily Mirror:

Olympicus

The Sun:

Olympicus

Telegraph:

Eton College

Daily Record:

Eton College