July 06 / 16.25 Haydock

16.25

Good

Never Ordinary At bet365 Handicap

  • Prize money: £27000
  • 0m 7f 37y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
RTV
View Course
Never Ordinary At bet365 Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

Form: 540610 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Back to winning ways at Epsom (7f, good to soft) in May; ground quicker than ideal for him when midfield in Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot since and treated as if still in form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(12)

5th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 212y

Class 3

16:50 Haydock

Rhoscolyn

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Given his fine record on slow ground at Goodwood he was thoroughly underwhelming there last weekend, but two days later he bounced straight back to finish second at Epsom (7f, good to soft); might run well again but he's hard to catch right these days.

7/2

2nd

5

(1)

31st Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 3

15:00 Epsom

Rhoscolyn

9st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

On a reduced mark and this two-time C&D scorer can't have the ground soft enough; not at his best at Goodwood on Saturday.

6/1

Form: 201330

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Game win at Newcastle on AW finals day; creditable third in good-quality 1m Newbury handicaps (good to soft/good) on next two starts; below par when encountering going firmer than good for the first time in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot 17 days and capable of bouncing back here; raced mainly at 1m but he was a good second over 7f on AW last November.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(16)

31st Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 14y

Class 2

16:35 Chepstow

Talis Evolvere

9st 6lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Richard Hannon

6lb below his last winning mark and does have form on soft ground, but he finished behind four of these over C&D (good to firm) on his penultimate start and a record of 1-24 on turf does pose a question.

16/1

5th

4

(8)

19th Aug 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Talis Evolvere

9st 11lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Five of his six wins have come on AW, including C&D; last won at Southwell (1m, Tapeta) in January; not so good on turf of late but he's dangerously handicapped if the switch back to AW prompts a revival.

6/1

6th

1

(3)

6th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 14y

Class 4

19:05 Chepstow

Talis Evolvere

10st 2lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Richard Hannon

Five of his six wins have been on the AW but consistent handicapper on all surfaces and ran well in a Class 3 at Doncaster latest (7f; fine at 1m); thereabouts.

11/2

OUR TIP

Form: 9-6010 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Suited by the return to a bare 7f when making all at Goodwood (good) last month but last of 26 in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(9)

10th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 37y

Class 3

18:25 Haydock

Finns Charm

10st 4lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Charlie Johnston

Seemingly back in prime form when making all at Goodwood (7f, good) in June but cut little ice in major handicaps on next two outings; sure to appreciate this ease in grade but still has something to prove.

11/2

17th

8

(15)

13th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:00 Newmarket (July)

Finns Charm

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charlie Johnston

Holds poor claims, having trailed home last of 26 in the 7f handicap at Royal Ascot most recently; again incurs a penalty for his Goodwood success earlier in June.

33/1

Form: 472242

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Series of good 6f runs before rattling home to be best of the rest behind English Oak in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot (good to firm) on his first attempt at 7f; bold show likely if in similar form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(7)

1st May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:05 Newmarket

Billyjoh

8st 13lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

His losing sequence goes back 22 races to February 2024; however, he's often run well in the interim and he's been given a bit of help from the handicapper ahead of this reappearance; can be in the mix if fully tuned up.

10/1

8th

11

(9)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

13:30 York

Billyjoh

8st 10lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

5yo whose 31 starts have been at 5f-7f and his losing spell goes back to February 2024; however, he's run many big races in the interim, most recently at Goodwood (7f, good to firm) in August when finishing strongly for a share of third, and on that evidence this first crack at 1m is well worth a go.

8/1

Form: 95383-

Last run: 280 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Reliable in defeat last season but this a rather belated return to action (had wind surgery) and a watching brief is the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

(8)

25th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

16:00 Newcastle (AW)

Empirestateofmind

9st 1lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: John & Sean Quinn

A fair 1m1f winner in 2025 but arrives out of sorts, beating one in 1m handicap at Pontefract eight days ago; others are preferred.

40/1

5th

5

(2)

17th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

19:42 Pontefract

Empirestateofmind

9st 3lb

J: James Sullivan

T: John & Sean Quinn

A dual winner (around 1m) in 2025 but he's yet to fire this season, only ninth of 11 in 1m Redcar handicap four weeks ago; others appeal more.

20/1

Form: 97-590

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Four wins in France; ran promisingly in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m, good to soft) on British debut but has failed to back that up at York and Royal Ascot since, albeit in strong races; drops back to 7f now (below par on previous attempt in France).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(6)

31st Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ripon

Mirsky

9st 7lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Won this year's Thirsk Hunt Cup off 2lb higher; broadly not in the same form since, even when he was joint-favourite for the Summer Cup back at same venue on penultimate start.

8/1

9th

12

(16)

20th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

15:00 York

Mirsky

8st 11lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Two wins last year (1m, good to firm/good to soft; he's possibly okay on soft) and added another off this mark at Thirsk (1m, good to firm) in May; however, he's finished no better than seventh across his five runs since.

40/1

Form: 12-603

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Went close in the Group 2 Mill Reef at Newbury (6f, heavy) on his final 2yo start; more useful efforts in defeat at Listed/Group 3 level at up to 7f this year and could find life a bit easier now dropping into a handicap for the first time; the cheekpieces he wore when third at Salisbury last time are retained.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

(11)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:25 Ayr

Mister Sketch

10st 0lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Hasn't fulfilled the promise of his 2023 2yo campaign but he was a close third off this mark at Salisbury four weeks ago (6f, heavy) and will be bang there if repeating that form.

5/1

1

(1)

12th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:45 Salisbury

Mister Sketch

9st 11lb

J: Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Won a 2yo novice over C&D in 2023 when with Eve Johnson Houghton; mixed results since and ran very moderately on his return to Britain in a 6f handicap at Ripon.

12/1

11th

1

(8)

4th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:40 Ripon

Mister Sketch

9st 13lb

J: Faleh Bughenaim

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Runaway win in a 2yo novice at Salisbury (6f, good) for Eve Johnson Houghton in 2023; mixed results in eight runs since but he was a front-running third in a conditions race in Qatar (7f) in May; on dangerous mark now back in Britain and he's not ruled out on this return to sprinting.

12/1

Form: -11598 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
At the top of his game with two 7f wins on softer than good in the spring; his form has dipped the last twice but his solid C&D record provides hope that he could stage a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(3)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 50y

Class 5

15:55 Ayr

Liamarty Dreams

9st 12lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Has won on soft ground and he's now 8lb lower than when runner-up at Leicester (7f, good to firm) in June; however, he's finished no better than seventh across his five outings since.

12/1

6

(9)

30th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 50y

Class 4

15:30 Ayr

Liamarty Dreams

9st 7lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Respectable second at Leicester in June but far from consistent otherwise this year and losing spell goes back to spring 2024; not particularly solid.

16/1

12

(10)

5th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 3

16:55 Haydock

Liamarty Dreams

9st 1lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

C&D winner who was beaten just 1l when second at Leicester in June and is now 6lb lower; however, soundly beaten on his three runs since (C&D last time) and the first-time visor needs to prompt a revival.

33/1

Form: 0-2101 D

Last run: 82 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Two AW wins over this trip since joining George Boughey, latterly at Kempton in April; had form on turf for his previous stable; given who trains him it wouldn't be any surprise were he to pull out more again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(6)

30th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:00 Goodwood

Oliver Show

9st 10lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Four AW wins, including over 1m; 0-16 on turf but he's in form, having finished fourth at Goodwood (7f) in last two starts; remains on a workable mark and enters calculations.

9/2

4th

18

(11)

29th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:40 Goodwood

Oliver Show

9st 4lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

A couple of close calls led to a frustrating campaign last year but it was a good effort when a running-on fourth to Crimson Spirit over C&D (good) in May; not seen since but he's dipped below his last winning mark and this may have been the plan; big run might be on the cards.

8/1

4th

5

(7)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:52 Goodwood

Oliver Show

9st 9lb

J: Jack Callan

T: George Boughey

Useful on his day but losing run is mounting up and two duck eggs this year leave a question mark over his current form; chance partly depends on how well he responds to the removal of usual cheekpieces.

7/1

Form: 9-6011 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Arrives on a hat-trick after wins at Nottingham (1m, good) and Chester (7f, good to soft) in May; another 4lb rise demands more but he can't be discounted in his current mood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(4)

5th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

15:45 Pontefract

Spirit Genie

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Jennie Candlish

Multiple winner at up to 8.5f on good or slower; on the slide in three starts this season but this combination of a drop in grade and new headgear may prompt a resurgence; return to shorter is also a plus; shortlisted.

7/2

12th

6

(14)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:50 York

Spirit Genie

10st 13lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Jennie Candlish

Five-time winner on a handy mark but it's been a quiet start to this season and, even if back on song, looks vulnerable to stronger stayers over this far; the return of a visor might be no bad thing.

14/1

8th

2

(10)

12th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

13:30 Chester

Spirit Genie

11st 1lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Jennie Candlish

C&D scorer who made a promising return from a poor draw when seventh of 22 in 7f York handicap four weeks ago; figures on a handy-looking mark now and he's interesting.

10/1

Form: 315-81 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Left a disappointing reappearance at Newbury well behind when winning a well-contested 3yo handicap at Thirsk (7f, good to soft) three weeks ago; raised 5lb but he's progressive bar that blip at Newbury and might enhance the good record of 3yos in this race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(8)

24th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:35 Newbury

Telemark

9st 12lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Well suited by slow ground; attractively handicapped and his last two runs have both been promising, meeting trouble before finishing off strongly at Newcastle last month; high on the list.

4/1

4th

9

(10)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Telemark

9st 6lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

1lb lower than for his Doncaster win 12 months ago (7f, soft); several creditable runs in handicaps this season but he will need to pull out a bit more if he's to come out on top.

12/1

8

(5)

6th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Ascot

Telemark

9st 7lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Not troubled the judge this season but hasn't been running badly, last time behind Native Warrior on the AW in late June; a triple winner on ground softer than good so connections have no doubt been waiting for some rain; worth considering.

14/1

Form: 8-6856 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
8yo who has been below par since a Chester win last May but he has a reduced mark to work with as a result and shaped as if in better form when sixth of 17 at York three weeks ago, travelling well but meeting trouble in the final 2f; this former C&D winner enters calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(7)

7th May 2025

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Boardman

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

3-13 at Chester (the wins over 7.6f) but the last time he scored anywhere was in May 2023; has his lowest mark since 2020 and a shout on plenty of 2024 form, but seasonal debut may not be his best moment.

10/1

10

(7)

7th May 2025

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Boardman

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

3-13 at Chester (the wins over 7.6f) but the last time he scored anywhere was in May 2023; has his lowest mark since 2020 and a shout on plenty of 2024 form, but seasonal debut may not be his best moment.

10/1

3rd

5

(5)

27th Sep 2024

Soft

0m 7f 37y

Class 3

17:40 Haydock

Boardman

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Dual course winner who went close over C&D last month but he's been disappointing since including a laboured effort back here last time; losing run is now up to 15 and others are more convincing.

16/1

Betting Forcast

12/1 Rhoscolyn, 11/1 Talis Evolvere, 16/1 Finns Charm, 7/2 Billyjoh, 22/1 Empirestateofmind, 14/1 Mirsky, 9/1 Mister Sketch, 16/1 Liamarty Dreams, 15/2 Oliver Show, 8/1 Spirit Genie, 7/2 Telemark, 9/1 Boardman

Verdict

Three of the four runnings of this race have gone the way of 3yos and Thirsk winner TELEMARK gets a narrow vote over Buckingham Palace runner-up Billyjoh. Talis Evolvere and the well-handicapped Boardman also make the shortlist. [Andrew Sheret]

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Telemark

The Guardian:

Billyjoh

TOPSPEED:

Rhoscolyn

Telegraph:

Mister Sketch

Daily Mail:

Oliver Show

The Sun:

Spirit Genie

The Star:

Mirsky

RP RATINGS:

Telemark

POSTDATA:

Telemark

NEWMARKET:

Telemark

The Times:

Telemark

Daily Record:

Telemark

Daily Mirror:

Billyjoh

D Express:

Rhoscolyn