July 15 / 17.10 Ayr

17.10

Good

Scottish Sun Ladies Night Handicap

  • Prize money: £4187.2
  • 1m 2f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 11 runners
RTV
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Scottish Sun Ladies Night Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

11/2 (Won)

Form: 0225

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Unexposed 3yo; runner-up in maiden and a novice at Carlisle in May/June (both over 1m1f on soft); well beaten on handicap debut at Pontefract last time (1m, good to firm) but showed up well for a long way; first try at 1m2f; chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

11th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 11y

Class 2

16:00 Chepstow

Aviemore

11st 2lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Useful Flat racer who took pretty well to hurdling last season, winning at Warwick (soft) and Huntingdon (good to soft); pulled up in Aintree festival Grade 1 in April and made low-key reappearance on the Flat last month but can feature here if aided by first-time cheekpieces.

9/2

13th

4

(3)

11th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 197y

Class 3

17:15 Doncaster

Aviemore

9st 12lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Harry Derham

Fairly useful on Flat for Charlie Johnston, winning over about 1m2f at Ayr and Chester last term; also won two 2m juvenile hurdles early this year, by 20l on second occasion, but pulled up when 28-1 in the Aintree Grade 1 in April; off since and needs to be in peak Flat form.

16/1

1

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 209y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Aviemore

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Harry Derham

Fairly useful on Flat for Charlie Johnston and going the right way over hurdles, winning 2m juvenile races at Warwick (soft) and Huntingdon (good to soft) in recent months; stable jockey Paul O'Brien partnered him at Huntingdon but is on Filibustering this time.

33/1

Form: 575-91 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Bought for 16,000gns in October having won an ordinary 6f novice at Newmarket for Charlie Johnston last June; tailed off on first run for this yard, but much better effort last time when winning a Haydock handicap (1m2f, good to firm); that form hasn't worked out particularly well, but a possible despite 5lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

(14)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 3

16:47 Thirsk

Empire Of Light

9st 1lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

All three wins for this yard at about 1m2f on a wide range of surfaces, most recently when making a winning return to action at Haydock (made all, just hung on) in April; also effective at 1m but raised 4lb to a career-high mark; non-runner 2.55 York on Friday.

10/1

1st

6

(1)

25th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 100y

Class 4

15:10 Haydock

Empire Of Light

9st 2lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Back to winning ways with a front-running 10.3f success in the mud at Chester last September; this course winner will need to return at the top of his game if he is to defy this 4lb higher mark.

5/1

50/1

Form: 608-68 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Ex-David O'Meara; four-time winner over 1m2f on ground ranging from good to good to firm; well handicapped now but below par both starts for present yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(5)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:10 Ripon

Eeetee

9st 5lb

J: Gianluca Sanna

T: John Wainwright

Two wins at Redcar (1m, good to firm/good to soft) last summer, the latest off today's mark; however, it was a tame end to the season and this 8yo needs to get back on track on his reappearance.

50/1

9

(1)

23rd Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Eeetee

9st 4lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: John Wainwright

Has gained all wins on turf, mostly at Redcar; has gone off the boil since last success and this return to AW seems unlikely to help, with record in this sphere far from solid.

20/1

12

(13)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 2

16:30 Redcar

Eeetee

8st 4lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: John Wainwright

Showed his liking for Redcar with C&D wins in June and July; things haven't gone to plan since but he met trouble here in August and a heavy defeat last time came in the Legends race at Doncaster; not inconceivable he'll bounce back.

20/1

Form: 333

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Third in maidens at up to 1m4f on his three starts so far (all on soft/heavy); best run last time at Redcar (1m2f, soft); interesting on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 4

14:58 Sedgefield

Liberty Coach

11st 5lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: John & Sean Quinn

Useful Flat racer who kept on for third over hurdles at Wetherby (2m, soft) in December; well beaten twice since but had excuses last time (heavy ground; finished lame) and will be dangerous here if back on song; cheekpieces left off this time.

7/2

6

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

14:30 Kelso

Liberty Coach

11st 7lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: John & Sean Quinn

Two heavy defeats among his three hurdle starts but in between he caught the eye keeping on for third at Wetherby (2m, soft); has potential off opening jumps mark in view of his useful Flat form, and his four wins in that code came in cheekpieces which he wears over hurdles for the first time.

9/2

6th

9

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 3

13:45 Doncaster

Liberty Coach

11st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: John & Sean Quinn

Useful, four-time Flat winner who made eyecatching late headway into third at Wetherby (2m, soft) last month on his second hurdle start, beaten about 6l by Minstrel Knight who now carries a 6lb penalty; open to further improvement in this code and he's one to be interested in.

8/1

7/1

Form: 698-43 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Hasn't won for nearly two years, but creditable third over C&D last week (good to firm) and should go well again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(4)

23rd Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

15:33 Newcastle (AW)

Tilsitt

9st 7lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: R Mike Smith

Proving expensive to follow but continues to run well now and again and can't be left out of calculations even though down the field here yesterday.

20/1

9th

9

(4)

23rd Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

15:33 Newcastle (AW)

Tilsitt

9st 7lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: R Mike Smith

Proving expensive to follow but continues to run well now and again and can't be left out of calculations even though down the field here yesterday.

20/1

10th

8

(1)

22nd Nov 2024

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

15:39 Newcastle (AW)

Tilsitt

9st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: R Mike Smith

Has never attempted this far on the AW before, but he has run well over similar trips on turf; losing run of 31 is a concern, though.

10/1

Form: 866534 C

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Tends to pull hard; seven-time winner from 1m to 1m1f, on good going or softer; has run creditably over 1m2f and on fast ground; two fair runs on last two starts; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(12)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Shine On Brendan

9st 13lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

8yo who is 0-9 this year but he's run some good races, most recently third at Hamilton (1m, soft) off 2lb higher, and he won this 12 months ago (good); there's every chance he'll be thereabouts.

7/1

3rd

6

(5)

29th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 68y

Class 5

15:00 Hamilton

Shine On Brendan

9st 8lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

Nine-time winner (five times here) who won't mind what the weather does; yet to hit the target this season, though, and both runs this month have been disappointing; others have less to prove.

14/1

6th

5

(5)

21st Sep 2025

Soft

1m 1f 35y

Class 5

16:13 Hamilton

Shine On Brendan

9st 9lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

Runner-up twice this summer but form dipped last time; the 8yo is a five-time course winner and could go well returned to Hamilton.

15/2

OUR TIP

Form: 888722 C

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Has won nine races, including one over 1m here; yet to win over 1m2f but sound run when second over the trip at Ripon (good to soft) on latest start; on last winning mark; chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(6)

19th Sep 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:48 Ayr

Hortzadar

9st 13lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

towards rear

9/1

10th

11

(13)

27th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 4

16:35 York

Hortzadar

9st 4lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: David O’Meara

dwelt start, held up in rear

16/1

7th

2

(5)

15th Jul 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

17:10 Ayr

Hortzadar

10st 3lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

towards rear

9/2

7/1

Form: 25-863 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Won at Hamilton (8.5f, good to soft) and Haydock (1m2f, good) last season; close third despite pulling hard in first-time blinkers at Nottingham last time (1m2f, good to firm); cheekpieces back on here (fair form previous twice he wore them); a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(9)

7th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

20:15 Southwell (AW)

Leap Year Lad

9st 7lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Just 2-31 but had dropped in the weights and undergone wind surgery before finishing a creditable third of ten at Newcastle (1m, Tapeta) in December; each-way claims if backing it up.

9/2

9th

3

(9)

7th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

20:15 Southwell (AW)

Leap Year Lad

9st 7lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Just 2-31 but had dropped in the weights and undergone wind surgery before finishing a creditable third of ten at Newcastle (1m, Tapeta) in December; each-way claims if backing it up.

9/2

3rd

4

(10)

17th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

16:30 Newcastle (AW)

Leap Year Lad

9st 8lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

He's been disappointing since July and has undergone wind surgery since finishing seventh here (1m2f) last month; drops in trip/grade and a market check looks prudent.

10/1

10th
11 (7)
Busby

50/1

Form: 323777

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Has won ten races on the AW but yet to score on 13 attempts on turf and recent efforts are not inspiring.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

13

(2)

17th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

17:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Busby

9st 0lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Philip Kirby

Only 2l away over 1m4f here in early March and last win was over C&D just over a year ago; however, this veteran is usually opposable these days.

14/1

5th

9

(4)

2nd Mar 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Busby

8st 9lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Philip Kirby

Veteran who gained the last six of his 12 wins on Tapeta; has not been firing on all cylinders since returning from break in October; revival needed.

12/1

7th

6

(1)

15th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

14:42 Newcastle (AW)

Busby

9st 0lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Philip Kirby

Veteran who gained the last six of his 12 wins on Tapeta; ran fairly well from the front when fifth here (1m2f) two starts ago but has not been firing on all cylinders since returning from a break in October; others preferred.

12/1

50/1

Form: 0/0600

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Won a Leopardstown maiden (1m, good) for Jim Bolger in 2021; hasn't shown much for two different yards since and hard to fancy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(5)

19th Sep 2024

Standard

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

17:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Manu Et Corde

9st 8lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Gary Harrison

Won 1m maiden at Leopardstown as 2yo, when also placed in a Group 2, but he missed 2023 and has generally struggled in Britain this year; way down the weights and took minor honours at Carlisle (1m3f) and Chelmsford (1m6f; made most) on last two outings, but he needs to improve on that form.

14/1

3rd

3

(1)

22nd Aug 2024

Standard

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Manu Et Corde

10st 3lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Gary Harrison

Won 1m maiden at Leopardstown as 2yo, when also placed in a Group 2, but he missed 2023 and has generally struggled for both yards in Britain this year; has dropped a long way in the weights and his latest fourth at Carlisle (1m3f) wasn't bad but he needs more back up in trip.

12/1

4th

5

(8)

5th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 5

18:20 Carlisle

Manu Et Corde

10st 2lb

J: Paula Muir

T: Gary Harrison

dwelt start, took keen hold, in touch with leaders, outpaced 2f out, went fourth final strides, not pace to challenge

50/1

Form: 324

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Unexposed; creditable placed efforts in two AW maidens in February/March (1m2f, 1m3f) but fared less well on turf debut at Hamilton maiden last month (1m3f, good to firm); others stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(7)

22nd Feb 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

17:00 Newcastle (AW)

Lucykeys

8st 8lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

25,000gns foal; second foal; half-sister to 9.4f AW winner Zenga (RPR 93); dam 7f 2yo winner (85) from talented family; this Gleneagles 3yo is bred to have a bright future but may be one for further down the line.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £39.70
Tricast £523.76

Selections

The Guardian:

Empire Of Light

SPOTLIGHT:

Aviemore

The Times:

Leap Year Lad

RP RATINGS:

Tilsitt

D Express:

Hortzadar

Daily Mail:

Liberty Coach

The Sun:

Aviemore

The Star:

Empire Of Light

Daily Record:

Empire Of Light

Telegraph:

Leap Year Lad

POSTDATA:

Tilsitt

Daily Mirror:

Hortzadar