October 13 / 15.35 Newmarket

15.35

Good To Firm

bet365 Old Rowley Cup Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

  • Prize money: £61848
  • 1m 4f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
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bet365 Old Rowley Cup Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.34
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 21131 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Novice wins came over 7.5f/1m but he was a staying-on third in 1m2f handicap at Glorious Goodwood (soft) and duly improved when winning a valuable, nine-runner 1m4f handicap at Ascot (good to firm); up another 9lb but the powerful late gains he made to prevail by 3l last time persuade that he has more to offer at 1m4f+.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

18th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

13:17 Bangor-on-Dee

Alsakib

11st 10lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Very smart Flat horse for Andrew Balding; had wind surgery after his one blip over hurdles and then won at Musselburgh despite a slipping saddle (2m1f, good to soft); carries a penalty but looks a major player.

5/2

1st

1

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 87y

Class 4

14:20 Musselburgh

Alsakib

11st 6lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

1m6f Group 3 winner on the Flat in 2024; promising second on hurdle/stable debut at Wetherby (2m, soft) in December; took backwards step at Catterick (2m3f, good to soft) in January but has had wind surgery since and he's a key player if back on song; versatile ground-wise.

2/1

4th

4

21st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 66y

Class 4

13:17 Catterick

Alsakib

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

1m6f Group 3 winner on the Flat for Andrew Balding in July 2024; promising second on last month's hurdle/stable debut at Wetherby (2m, soft) and this step up in trip may well be a positive; he's one to consider.

5/2

7/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 2341 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Turned over at short odds on second and third starts but he left that form behind him when upped to 11.6f for a clearcut win at Haydock (good) five weeks ago on handicap debut; that was just a five-runner race but he built up some momentum to draw 4l clear through the final 2f and, although 9lb higher today, he has clear potential for 1m4f+.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

3

(4)

4th Apr 2026

Good

1m 5f 216y

Class 3

15:05 Musselburgh

Shadow Dance

9st 6lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

Career highlights (1m4f/1m6f) for Roger Varian were in 2024 and he managed only mid-division in his three handicaps (at top meetings) last July-September; rather worse in both runs (his first races on AW) for new connections early this year but he returns to turf 8lb below his career-high mark.

28/1

7th

2

(4)

21st Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Lingfield (AW)

Shadow Dance

9st 9lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

On same mark as for his win at York (1m4f, good) in August 2024 but he's not seen much action since and has been well held in last four starts; may have needed the run on his stable/AW debut at Kempton (28-1) last month but others are more persuasive.

14/1

6th

4

(3)

28th Jan 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 2

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Shadow Dance

9st 8lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

Campaigned on turf for Roger Varian, often in notable handicaps (won one at York in 2024); failed to reproduce his peak figures in a light 2025 campaign and sold for 60,000gns since last run; the betting may prove best guide on AW/stable debut.

20/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 164151

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Only fifth in a Shergar Cup race at Ascot but she impressed in other handicaps on starts either side, winning comfortably at Killarney (1m3f, yielding; made most) and Leopardstown (1m5f, good; led 1f out); the latter was a big prize and she responded well to first-time cheekpieces (retained) but the handicapper's reaction demands further improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

19

(2)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Satin

9st 3lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Progressive in 2023 and well handicapped on best of that form; it's not been repeated and she finished last in her only two races (last August) on firmer than good; while there's renewed hope to be gained from the competitive displays on her last two outings, others look more potent as win prospects.

25/1

3rd

5

(1)

16th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

19:23 Leopardstown

Satin

9st 2lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Smart handicap form in 2023 included C&D win in premier handicap; below par during a light campaign last year but much more encouraging effort on second start this term when forcing pace in 1m4f Cork handicap 10 days ago, rallying well when beaten a neck; less negatives than some of these regarding trip and ground so could be the one to follow Kyprios home.

14/1

20/1

Form: 336204 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Effective from the front or the rear; won at Chester in May and useful form on occasions since, including twice over 1m4f at Ascot but below form over that C&D on latest start; wore cheekpieces last three starts; others look more solid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

14th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

13:58 Perth

Struth

11st 5lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Useful on the Flat in his prime but has yet to better fair form over hurdles, weakening into a well-held fifth on 2m2f Kelso handicap debut in this sphere 24 days ago; might have needed that after a break but he's still hard to make a good case for.

20/1

5th

3

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

16:00 Kelso

Struth

11st 8lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Showed only minor promise in three novice/maiden hurdles (1m7f-2m) last September-November but was useful on the Flat in his prime and may yet transfer more of that ability to this code; wears first-time tongue-tie for handicap hurdle debut; market may guide.

11/2

10th

5

24th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

14:33 Perth

Struth

11st 0lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Very useful on the Flat in his prime but has not been firing on all cylinders this year and made a low-key stable/hurdle debut when well-held fourth over C&D (good) 16 days ago; needs to take a big step forward today.

10/1

12/1

Form: -44275

Last run: 36 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Reliable in a series of warm handicaps at about 1m2f on varied ground but with the handicapper seemingly having his measure; he shapes as if 1m4f is now worth a go, even though he's not the most stoutly bred; it needs to prompt improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(6)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:55 York

Have Secret

9st 7lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

6yo who is on a career-high mark but he looked better than ever when winning by just over 2l at Pontefract (1m2f, good) last month; close third in this last year (good to firm) and could again be thereabouts.

10/1

1st

7

(3)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 5y

Class 2

15:27 Pontefract

Have Secret

9st 0lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Won at Redcar (1m2f, good) last November and not beaten far when fifth of 12 at Doncaster (1m2f, good to soft) last month; could show the benefit of that latest outing today and he's one to consider.

7/1

25/1

Form: 51-403

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Soft-ground maiden winner as 2yo and fourth in the Lingfield Derby Trial (1m4f, AW); 1m2f and good to firm ground may have been against him in handicap at Royal Ascot but he was also gelded a month later; returned with a fair third of seven at Newbury (1m5f, heavy) three weeks ago, plugging on, but he needs to build markedly on that display; cheekpieces enlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Laafi

12st 0lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: William Durkan

Useful on Flat and has quickly reached a similar level over hurdles, posting a career best when first past the post in a big field at Aintree's Grand National meeting (2m, good to soft) only to be disqualified for a whip offence; seeks compensation but a 6lb higher mark will make things tougher.

14/1

1st

1

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Laafi

12st 0lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: William Durkan

Very useful on the Flat and has quickly reached a similar level over hurdles, finishing a creditable fifth in strong, big-field handicaps at Leopardstown (yielding) and Kelso (also 2m, good to soft) on his last two outings; each-way claims.

25/1

5th

1

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

14:55 Kelso

Laafi

12st 0lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: William Durkan

Very useful on the Flat; lightly raced over hurdles and bounced back from heavy defeat in the Greatwood with 11l fifth of 17 in competitive handicap at Leopardstown (2m, yielding) in December; that latest form has received a couple of firm boosts and this Irish challenger has each-way claims.

25/1

25/1

Form: -10107 C

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Made all in 1m2f maiden here (good) in May and always prominent to take a six-runner handicap on the Newmarket July course (1m4f, good to soft) in July; while his run at Royal Ascot is readily excused, he's also finished last in valuable 1m6f handicaps at York and Haydock (not discredited on form) on last two starts, so presents a mixed record.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(1)

22nd May 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Davideo

9st 9lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Dual Newmarket winner, a 1m2f maiden and 1m4f handicap (off 3lb lower); has been a bit all or nothing but returns as a 4yo now gelded and remains in his top yard; ran well on his previous AW start; dangerous.

5/2

1st

1

(1)

22nd May 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Davideo

9st 9lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Dual Newmarket winner, a 1m2f maiden and 1m4f handicap (off 3lb lower); has been a bit all or nothing but returns as a 4yo now gelded and remains in his top yard; ran well on his previous AW start; dangerous.

5/2

7th

5

(12)

13th Oct 2023

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newmarket

Davideo

9st 4lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

raced wide early, midfield, niggled along 7f out, brief headway over 3f out, soon weakened

25/1

Form: 3-411 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Had wind surgery after sole 2yo start and tongue tied this season; flopped at 1-3 on reappearance (good to firm, sole turf run) in August but blinkered since when making all in good style in a novice at Lingfield (1m4f, AW) and leading over 2f out for a 6l win on handicap debut at Kempton (1m3f, AW); has just a 6lb penalty (due to go up another 8lb) so he's the one to beat if that form is transferred to turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

(3)

13th Oct 2023

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newmarket

Humanity

8st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: John & Thady Gosden

midfield, brief headway 3f out, soon weakened, tailed off

11/4

1st

12

(12)

27th Sep 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 3

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Humanity

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: John & Thady Gosden

Smart form on sole 2yo start (1m2f, Tapeta); turned over on reappearance but made all in good style on Lingfield Polytrack since (1m4f; first-time blinkers, retained); promising type for handicaps; can improve.

9/2

1st

3

(4)

6th Sep 2023

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

16:15 Lingfield (AW)

Humanity

9st 5lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: John & Thady Gosden

soon led at steady pace, increased tempo 3f out, ridden and kept on well inside final furlong, readily

5/2

OUR TIP
9th
3 (2)
Westerton

12/1

Form: 221352

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Looked a non-stayer over 1m4f on soft at Glorious Goodwood; has form figures of 22132 over 1m2f and he's improving, last time beaten a neck at Doncaster, but there is more for him to prove back at 1m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

17:00 Newton Abbot

Westerton

11st 11lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Jennie Candlish

Built on the promise of his seasonal return when a close second at Warwick (2m, good) last month, despite making a mistake at the last; a 5lb rise asks a little more, though Lewis Stones's 3lb claim helps offset that, and he still looks favourably treated on his best Flat form; with further progress likely, he's high on the shortlist.

9/4

2nd

1

20th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:30 Warwick

Westerton

11st 12lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jennie Candlish

Sole success came on the Flat in a Sandown maiden in 2023 when trained by Alan King; beaten 29l on stable debut at Uttoxeter (2m, good) 18 days ago in his first handicap hurdle; best watched.

9/1

8th

5

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

12:45 Uttoxeter

Westerton

11st 8lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Jennie Candlish

Sole success on the Flat came in a Sandown maiden in 2023 when trained by Alan King; no joy in three runs over hurdles; sold for 10,000gns to join new yard in October; makes handicap debut and probably best watched for now.

8/1

Form: 7-1665

Last run: 54 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Can make the running; seen mostly in Group races and showed his form this season in both his attempts at 1m4f, before a major backward step over 1m2f on latest outing; now has tongue tied and has left Jessica Harrington; needs overall improvement on this handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(5)

7th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

16:55 Kempton (AW)

Pivotal Trigger

9st 6lb

J: Neil Callan

T: John Butler

sweating, took keen hold, led

16/1

10th

4

(8)

13th Oct 2023

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newmarket

Pivotal Trigger

9st 7lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: John & Thady Gosden

always behind, tailed off

18/1

5th

5

(5)

20th Aug 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

16:05 Curragh

Pivotal Trigger

9st 2lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Mrs John Harrington

Landed a Roscommon winners race on his seasonal bow in June; not disgraced in the German Derby subsequently but well beaten at Naas since and others look more likely.

14/1

Non-runners

Denmark, Lucky Fifteen

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £31.20
Straight Forecast £24.76
Tricast £186.45
Trifecta £274.50

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Humanity

SPOTLIGHT:

Alsakib

Daily Mirror:

Shadow Dance

The Guardian:

Satin

POSTDATA:

Denmark

TOPSPEED:

Have Secret

NEWMARKET:

Humanity

Telegraph:

Humanity

Daily Mail:

Humanity

D Express:

Humanity

The Sun:

Humanity

The Star:

Humanity

The Times:

Alsakib

Daily Record:

Alsakib