June 01 / 17.15 Epsom

17.15

Good To Soft

Long Shot Northern Dancer Handicap

  • Prize money: £38655
  • 1m 4f 6y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
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Long Shot Northern Dancer Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 1436-3 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Third in the Italian Derby (1m3f, heavy) last May; heavy defeat at Royal Ascot (1m4f Group 2, good to firm) last June but never-nearer third of nine in handicap at Newmarket (1m4f, good; gelded) four weeks ago was creditable on first run since; tongue-tie (absent last time) returns; relatively lightly raced and may have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(20)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Relentless Voyager

9st 12lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Won handicap at Epsom (good to soft) on Derby day and good second from the front in Group 3 at Goodwood (good to firm) three weeks ago, both 1m4f; third in 1m6f Listed race at York in between might suggest limitations for today's task but trying to come from off a steady pace will have counted against him, so he's not fully exposed.

12/1

2nd

5

(1)

3rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 218y

Class 1

13:50 Goodwood

Relentless Voyager

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Better than ever when readily winning competitive handicap at Epsom (1m4f, good to soft) on Derby day; not seen to best effect in steadily run Listed race at York last time and could have the same problem today, while there's a question as to whether he's fully effective on fast ground; however, this progressive 4yo could yet have more to offer and is not ruled out.

7/2

11/2

Form: 1/23-2 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Had his only run since January 2023 when rallying second of seven off today's mark here (1m2f, good) in April; well treated judged on his AW exploits two winters back, and he has won twice on turf (on good) and been second twice on soft; stepping back up to 1m4f offers significant hope; major player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

11

(4)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Ziggy

9st 5lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Harry Eustace

451 days off before he returned with four good placings (two at Epsom, then two at Ascot) then won a lesser 1m4f race here four weeks ago; saw it out very well last time but has a 4lb penalty for this, his toughest assignment, and sole attempt at 1m6f was in 2021, well below form; others preferred.

16/1

1st

1

(6)

27th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 3

17:10 York

Ziggy

10st 4lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Harry Eustace

prominent, pressed leader 4f out, shaken up and led over 1f out, ridden and kept on well final furlong

15/8

8/1

Form: 111825

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Well beaten on soft in Ireland (2022); four AW wins this January-March and never better than when second at Windsor (1m2f, good to soft) in April on return to turf, making most and coming back strongly; creditable front-running fifth of 20 at York latest when upped to 1m4f, which he needs to improve on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(4)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

14:32 Newmarket

Asgards Captain

9st 8lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Dylan Cunha

Did well to win at York (good to firm) off just 1lb lower in August but only fourth of five in the Great Metropolitan at Epsom (also 1m4f, good, Topteam behind) 17 days ago; that was a shade underwhelming given he'd won the race in 2025 but was a little weak in the market so maybe better can be expected this time.

12/1

4th

3

(4)

28th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 6y

Class 3

15:50 Epsom

Asgards Captain

9st 4lb

J: J F Egan

T: Dylan Cunha

Last year's winner (good) who ran well in two other appearances over C&D; did well to win at York (1m4f, good to firm) under John Egan in August and arrives here fit after three creditable efforts at Meydan; firm contender.

4/1

3rd

4

(2)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 3

16:30 Newcastle (AW)

Asgards Captain

9st 12lb

J: J F Egan

T: Dylan Cunha

Had a busy 12 months but right on the money when staying on best last time at York (1m4f) and this stiff finish will suit him well, as it has done before; only 3lb higher.

5/1

Form: 3/17-4 C

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 7lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
12yo who has retained a rare zest, demonstrated last year with a front-running Flat win at Newbury (1m5f, heavy; stays well) and a second triumph in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle; creditable fourth at Newbury (2m) on return to Flat six weeks ago, which he needs to build on; won at this meeting in 2017 and he is not one to pass over lightly seven years on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(7)

21st Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 61y

Class 2

14:05 Newbury

Not So Sleepy

9st 8lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Hughie Morrison

Magnificent veteran who has retained a rare zest, demonstrated last year with a front-running Flat win in this race (heavy; stays well) and a second triumph in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle; creditable fourth in his two runs back on the Flat this term, the latest at Epsom on Derby day (1m4f; finished strongly); respected on that and any significant rain over the last day or so will probably help.

14/1

4th

4

(2)

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 2

17:15 Epsom

Not So Sleepy

9st 7lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Hughie Morrison

12yo who has retained a rare zest, demonstrated last year with a front-running Flat win at Newbury (1m5f, heavy; stays well) and a second triumph in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle; creditable fourth at Newbury (2m) on return to Flat six weeks ago, which he needs to build on; won at this meeting in 2017 and he is not one to pass over lightly seven years on.

20/1

Form: 31-335

Last run: 85 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Pretty reliable in Bahrain over the last two winters, albeit not quite so good this time round after his win in December; ran on from the back when third in this race last year (good to firm; 1lb lower today), still acts on good to soft and won twice much earlier in career on soft; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(8)

22nd Oct 2024

Standard

1m 4f 99y

Class 2

16:15 Newcastle (AW)

Lucander

10st 0lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: George Baker

Last three wins came in Bahrain (December 2022 to December 2023); has been off for four months since a couple of ordinary efforts in good-quality handicaps in the summer and needs a revival on his Tapeta debut.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 3158-3

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Fifth in the 2023 German Derby (1m4f, good to soft); tailed off in handicap in September (1m2f, soft) on his only subsequent start last term but third of six at Lingfield (11.6f, good) three weeks ago was career-best form; needs better still and worse than good to soft would be a worry.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(1)

29th Sep 2024

Heavy

1m 2f 17y

Class 3

16:05 Epsom

If Not Now

10st 1lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

His wins have come on good to soft (unproven on soft/heavy); dropping down the weights and the drop back in trip could help, but he was beaten a long way the last twice and needs to turn things around in first-time blinkers.

9/1

11th

5

(10)

7th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

14:25 Haydock

If Not Now

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Lightly raced 4yo; tailed off on final start last term (his only run on soft) but third of six at Lingfield (11.6f, good) on reappearance this May was career-best form; 3lb lower today, following a poor show at Epsom (good to soft) on Derby Day; mixed messages there and not certain to get 1m6f.

11/1

Form: 0442-9 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Versatile tactically and on ground; won at Chester (1m4f, soft) last May on seasonal debut; rather a mixed record afterwards and latest reappearance was disappointing four weeks ago, having been gelded, but he's not dismissed.
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

Form: 118-18 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Impressive over 1m4f in the mud at Newbury and Catterick last autumn and showed further improved form when well on top at Doncaster (1m4f, soft; 7lb higher today) this April; York performance 17 days ago demonstrated that she's not so hot on good ground; good to soft also poses a question but she'd be strongly considered if the ground is soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

14th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 4

17:34 Fontwell

Flash Bardot

11st 4lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Henrietta C Knight

Useful over middle distances on the Flat (five wins) and made promising stable/hurdle debut when third at Haydock (1m7f, good) last month; that run came after a layoff and she'll be dangerous if it brought her on.

5/1

3rd

6

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 4

13:37 Haydock

Flash Bardot

11st 4lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Henrietta C Knight

Useful on the Flat for Jack Channon up to autumn 2024; however, her form went the wrong way last year and she was sold for 10,000gns in December; needs to turn things around on this hurdle/stable debut

12/1

Form: 967-28

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Often highly tried for previous stable; with new yard since September, for which he's had three races; second of 13 when 40-1 over C&D (good) in April, which he failed to live up to at Ascot three weeks ago but that was when tried in a hood (now discarded); bit to prove on softer than good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

26th Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:28 Worcester

Think First

10st 13lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Very useful Flat-racer who seemed to take pretty well to this game when second in three-runner juvenile hurdle at Doncaster (2m, good) in November; well beaten in valuable Epsom handicap on Derby day but still looks interesting on return to this sphere.

11/2

9

(8)

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 2

17:15 Epsom

Think First

8st 11lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Neil Mulholland

Often highly tried for previous stable; with new yard since September, for which he's had three races; second of 13 when 40-1 over C&D (good) in April, which he failed to live up to at Ascot three weeks ago but that was when tried in a hood (now discarded); bit to prove on softer than good.

18/1

8th

1

(12)

11th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

13:30 Ascot

Think First

9st 10lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Neil Mulholland

Often highly tried for previous stable; runner-up in both outings (hurdle/Flat) for new yard, latest at Epsom (1m4f, good) where he was no match for the winner but ran creditably; possibilities, provided he takes well to first-time hood.

13/2

20/1

Form: 5-4106

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Scored on good to soft as 2yo; first win since came over 1m2f in Bahrain (one of four runs there last winter) in February, form which was not matched back in Britain for the Lincoln at Doncaster (1m, soft) or handicap at Chester (1m2f; not disgraced); tries a new trip and needs a career best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(8)

25th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 1y

Class 2

16:07 Redcar

Parlando

9st 6lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ian Williams

Five-time winner who has been operating close to his best in defeat this year but not last time at Epsom when in first-time cheekpieces; even if back on song, others are more intriguing.

25/1

6th

4

(4)

28th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Parlando

8st 12lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ian Williams

Two AW wins in December and returned to turf with 3l third of eight at Pontefract (1m2f, good) last Tuesday; might not be far away but there's a suspicion that this exposed 7yo might find a few too good; cheekpieces go on.

8/1

3rd

10

(10)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 5y

Class 2

15:27 Pontefract

Parlando

8st 12lb

J: David Allan

T: Ian Williams

Two AW wins in December (1m2f/9.4f) and good third at Kempton (1m4f, AW) last month; no threat at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) last time but that was a hot contest and this three-time turf winner is not ruled out each-way.

10/1

Form: 06-696

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Three wins on good to soft in France in 2022; no great impact in his five British efforts and has now been dropped 11lb in the process; not proven over this far, having tried it when headgear was enlisted at Newmarket (cheekpieces) and York (visor) on last two outings; never nearer in a steadily run race latest but he's not that persuasive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

24th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 2

15:28 Uttoxeter

Percy Shelley

11st 6lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: James Owen

Three Flat wins and he's 2-5 over hurdles; competitive in both disciplines since returning from a break and this scenario is ideal for him.

10/1

4th

1

(6)

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:45 Goodwood

Percy Shelley

9st 12lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: James Owen

Made good start to hurdling career in the autumn, including when going close in a Cheltenham novice (2m4f, good to soft; has won on good ground); reappeared with a creditable third at Plumpton last month and he's feasibly treated on his best Flat form last year, including a sequence of runner-up efforts over staying trips; respected back in this sphere.

9/2

3rd

1

6th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 116y

Class 3

15:45 Plumpton

Percy Shelley

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: James Owen

Useful Flat performer who made good start to hurdling career in the autumn, including when going close in a Cheltenham novice (2m4f, good to soft; has won on good ground); flopped at Ascot (2m5f, good) in November but has had a break since and retains potential now in his first handicap hurdle.

10/1

Form: 3-3074

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Better known on AW, with sole turf win (12 races on turf) coming over 1m3f on soft at Chester last July off 2lb lower than today; had two runs in two days there last month, running respectably and it may well be that this step back up in trip will suit; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(7)

28th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

15:30 Epsom

Dream Harder

10st 2lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Good second off this mark in better race over C&D on Derby day, having scored at Chester the time before; not in the same form since and suffered a heavy defeat last Sunday.

16/1

4

(11)

21st Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 4f 14y

Class 3

17:40 Southwell (AW)

Dream Harder

9st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Has only won over 1m4f at Chester in his last 26 starts; feasibly handicapped but he hasn't threatened in last four runs and others are more persuasive; 0-2 here.

11/1

Form: /6-111 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Ex-French; had a hurdles campaign before winning at Windsor (good), Salisbury (heavy; by 10l) and Ascot (good) on his three Flat starts this spring; the last named was on step up to 1m4f, coming from mid-division to take a 14-runner race; racing freely is the worry but no shock if he can cope with another 5lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(5)

14th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 5

17:03 Salisbury

Kotari

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

His three wins were all on the Flat in 2024, including here on heavy ground over 1m2f; failed to build on his comeback run when well beaten over hurdles at Kempton 52 days ago and the hood returns on this switch back to the Flat; makes some appeal from a good mark.

3/1

4th

4

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:00 Kempton

Kotari

11st 7lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Maiden over hurdles but remains well treated judged on best Flat form and may build on latest effort, namely third at Plumpton (2m) on return from layoff and wind surgery; enters calculations.

2/1

Form: 206-64

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Dual novice winner for James Fanshawe; has not quite lived up to that in handicaps since, the latest three for new yard; visor returns instead of recent blinkers; acts on soft and has run creditably at 1m4f but he needs to find a bit extra.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(7)

13th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 1f 209y

Class 4

17:25 Sandown

Maso Bastie

10st 1lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Michael Bell

Good efforts in just two 1m2f handicaps for this stable, doing well against a progressive one at Newmarket (good; has won on soft) then things didn't go his way after another slow start at Doncaster in August; the return to a stiff finish can suit; has every chance.

9/1

5th

1

(4)

17th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 43y

Class 4

14:32 Doncaster

Maso Bastie

9st 10lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Michael Bell

Won novice races at Lingfield (1m, AW) and Nottingham (1m2f, soft) for James Fanshawe; yet to win a handicap but ran well when second at Newmarket (1m2f, good; cheekpieces on for first time) two runs back to one who was completing a hat-trick; headgear retained; chance on that form.

6/1

4th

3

(5)

3rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

20:10 Hamilton

Maso Bastie

10st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Michael Bell

Inconsistent but returned to form in first-time cheekpieces (retained) when runner-up at Newmarket (1m2f, good) a fortnight ago; has run well over an extended 1m4f in the past and he's one to consider; tongue-tie added.

11/4

Non-runners

LAstronome

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £33.31
Tricast £341.75

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Ziggy

The Times:

Relentless Voyager

The Guardian:

Kotari

TOPSPEED:

Flash Bardot

POSTDATA:

If Not Now

D Express:

Dream Harder

Daily Mail:

Not So Sleepy

Telegraph:

Relentless Voyager

Daily Record:

Relentless Voyager

Daily Mirror:

Kotari

The Star:

Kotari

RP RATINGS:

Ziggy

NEWMARKET:

Ziggy

The Sun:

Ziggy