August 04 / 18.15 Haydock

18.15

Good

Sky Bet, For The Fans Handicap

  • Prize money: £38655
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
ITV4
View Course
Sky Bet, For The Fans Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.60
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 120-43 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Prominent-racer who reappeared with good fourth at Doncaster (5f, good) in June and ran a big race when third of 16 behind American Affair at Thirsk (5f, good to soft) last time; can be thereabouts once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(11)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Jer Batt

9st 8lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: David & Nicola Barron

Without a win since August 2024 but well treated on last year's best efforts and he shaped when seventh of 14 over C&D three weeks ago as though he'd be sharper for that comeback run; seems to like it here; on the shortlist.

7/1

7th

12

(9)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 2

15:42 Musselburgh

Jer Batt

8st 6lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: David & Nicola Barron

A losing sequence is mounting but he has a win and a third from just two attempts over C&D, and the latter was first time out last season; 7lb lower here and he's of obvious interest if cherry ripe after 161 days off (has had wind surgery); one of two very plausible candidates for the Barrons.

11/2

11

(5)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

13:30 Doncaster

Jer Batt

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: David & Nicola Barron

Close second in this race 12 months ago (Oisin Murphy on board) when rated 4lb higher; knocking at the door this season and the addition of cheekpieces could give him a lift; shortlisted.

11/2

3/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 13-121 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Improved form this year, winning on reappearance at Musselburgh (5f, good to soft) before a good second of 15 at Hamilton (5f, good; denied clear run), then winning again at Thirsk (5f, good to soft); he's up 8lb for last time but did it cosily in that big field and could still be ahead of the handicapper; aiming for third Sky Bet Sunday Series win and £100k bonus.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(15)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:12 York

American Affair

9st 1lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Didn't give his running in bid for back-to-back victories in Group 1 at Royal Ascot (last of 26) last month, but he'd previously shaped well when second in the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock; this C&D winner (good to firm) takes a drop in grade and will be a danger to all if on a going day.

11/2

26th

2

(18)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

American Affair

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

A massive improver in 2025 as he was still cleaning up in handicaps in the spring before nipping home to win this race (good to firm) from Frost At Dawn; down the field on first run since, at York in May, but he came on a ton to chase home Night Raider at Haydock (5f, good to soft) latest; likely to pull out the stops for another excellent effort.

8/1

2nd

3

(10)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

American Affair

9st 6lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Highly progressive in 2025, winning the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm); also won on good to soft last year; it was his first run since when down the field at York recently and he may have needed it, but a dramatic transformation is required just ten days on.

9/1

12/1

  • Place: £3.60

Form: 174166 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Two wins this season (5f, good to soft/good to firm) and beaten just under 2l when a creditable sixth at Ascot (5f, good/good to firm) the last twice; might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(9)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

13:30 Doncaster

Woolhampton

9st 7lb

J: Oliver Searle

T: Rod Millman

Never a threat after a slow start in the corresponding race 12 months ago; as good as ever when winning at Sandown and Ascot (came from well back) in August/September and two subsequent defeats excusable (ground/Listed race); 3-8 on soft or worse but might be better suited by a stiffer finish.

16/1

8th

12

(5)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Ascot

Woolhampton

8st 12lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Rod Millman

At least as good as ever this year, winning handicaps at Sandown (5f, soft) and over C&D (good to soft) in September; found things happening too quickly at Haydock last Saturday and she's in deeper today, but she does go really well at Ascot and the more rain that falls the better.

16/1

3

(2)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Haydock

Woolhampton

9st 8lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Rod Millman

Likeable mare with eight wins to her name, including at Sandown (5f, soft) and Ascot (5f, good to soft) in the last four weeks; impossible to rule out but she's gone up 13lb in total for those successes and she'll need a career best to complete the hat-trick.

100/30

Form: 7-2044 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Without a win since February 2022 but he's run some good races this season and was denied a clear run when 1l fourth of 13 at Ascot (5f, good to firm) last Saturday; also effective on good to soft; he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(1)

11th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 42y

Class 5

15:20 Yarmouth

Existent

9st 8lb

J: Zac Lloyd

T: Stuart Williams

Finally ended a 49-race losing run at Southwell (5f, AW) in January; now 2lb lower than for that success and this company is much easier than that he normally keeps, but his record of 1-47 on turf still makes him hard to warm to.

6/1

5th

13

(9)

13th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 42y

Class 3

14:40 Yarmouth

Existent

8st 10lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Stuart Williams

Ended a lengthy losing run at Southwell in January and posted a respectable effort at Newmarket (5f, good) last month; however, he was down the field at Ascot (5f, good to firm) 12 days ago and is now just 1-46 on turf; others preferred.

20/1

14th

15

(16)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Ascot

Existent

9st 1lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Stuart Williams

Ended a lengthy losing run at Southwell in January and he is just 1lb higher today; solid effort at Newmarket 17 days ago when not ideally positioned; each-way claims at a track where he has run well in much better races than this one.

12/1

Form: 739636

Last run: 3 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Four AW wins last November/December and close third at Doncaster (5f, good) last month; however, his form has been a bit in and out of late and he's won just one of his 28 starts on turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(11)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 5

14:10 Chester

Intervention

9st 8lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

On a good mark, fully 14lb lower than when winning last season's Great St Wilfrid, but 0-14 at 5f and he is drawn out wide.

25/1

7th

7

(5)

14th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

16:40 Doncaster

Intervention

9st 5lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael Appleby

12lb lower than for his win in the Great St Wilfrid last August (6f, good to firm); mixed bag in 2026 but he is the type to pop up soon, albeit probably over a shorter trip.

16/1

8th

11

(10)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

14:30 Doncaster

Intervention

8st 7lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Michael Appleby

Won last season's Great St Wilfrid at Ripon (6f, good to firm) off a 9lb higher mark; some creditable efforts since but he's hard to predict and has struggled at Chester and York in his last two starts; comes with risks attached and he needs to bounce back on this drop back in trip.

18/1

OUR TIP

7/1

Form: -27822 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Has gone very close at Windsor (5f, good to firm) and Doncaster (5f, good) the last twice; the handicapper has reacted only lightly and he can be bang there if conditions are suitable (unproven on slow ground).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(1)

21st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 8y

Class 5

17:50 Nottingham

Squealer

9st 13lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Nigel Tinkler

York win last summer came off 15lb higher, which shows how things have gone in the meantime; can miss the break (including in first-time headgear latest; now removed) but this race is easier than he's used to; career-low mark.

7/1

8th

6

(8)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 4

14:35 Pontefract

Squealer

9st 5lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Nigel Tinkler

Has a poor strike-rate over the last three years and has proved inconsistent since last success (off 12lb higher); chance largely depends on the effects of first-time headgear.

9/1

5th

10

(7)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

14:30 Doncaster

Squealer

8st 11lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Won off 10lb higher at York (5f, good) last June but disappointing since and has form figures of 690 this season; has a lot to prove and needs a major revival but stable is in good form and market strength would be interesting.

4/1

Form: 027275 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Just one win from his last 30 starts but has gone close a few times this year and he was beaten just over 1l when fifth of 18 at York last Saturday; a first-time eyeshield replaces cheekpieces; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(15)

12th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Zarzyni

9st 4lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: David & Nicola Barron

Three-time C&D winner, including twice off higher marks in the month of April; unlucky third, having found daylight too late, in this race 12 months ago; soft ground was against him here last weekend; likely player if the cards drop right.

10/1

9th

6

(8)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

16:45 Musselburgh

Zarzyni

9st 0lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Below best on latest course start in October but has a strong C&D record otherwise, three wins include this race (good to soft) last year; now 2lb lower and primed for a good run if he avoids trouble in running.

9/2

7th

10

(4)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Zarzyni

9st 5lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Hasn't won as often as one of his ability probably should but he did score twice in 2025, the latter win over C&D; 3lb higher in a better race this time and he'll need to be somewhere near last year's best to take this after four months off.

14/1

Form: 62-242

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Neck runner-up here (6f, good to firm) last June on final run last season and he's also gone very close on two of his three starts this year (5f, AW/good to firm); ran pretty well on heavy going here in 2022 on sole encounter with slow ground; this front-runner can make another bold bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

(8)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Newmarket (July)

Emperor Spirit

9st 5lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Michael Keady

First run for Michael Keady when winning this race 12 months ago off a 3lb higher mark; two good runs on fast ground this year (below par on slower going in the Epsom Dash) and he's likely to make another bold bid.

5/1

2nd

3

(3)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:02 Beverley

Emperor Spirit

9st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Michael Keady

Blows hot and cold but he is on a dangerous mark and his second of 17 at Ascot (5f, good to firm) in May was a fine effort; subsequent run in the Dash at Epsom can be forgiven (ground) and this should be more to his liking; other pace influences on show.

7/1

14th

16

(7)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Emperor Spirit

8st 11lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Michael Keady

Appreciated the return to turf when finishing second of 17 at Ascot five weeks ago; 1lb rise still leaves him on a feasible mark; rarely seen on slower than good.

20/1

6/1

Form: -42951 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
3yo who added to last season's two novice wins when narrowly landing five-runner fillies' handicap at Doncaster (5f, good) last month; just 2lb higher today and can give another good account, but this is more competitive and it's likely she'll need a bigger run; unproven on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(10)

25th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket

Harvanna

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Michael Appleby

Prominent racer; three 5f wins when trained by Karl Burke, the latest a handicap off 1lb lower last July; runner-up in two of her five runs for Mick Appleby but she dropped away having forced the pace at Goodwood eight weeks ago; should be able to grab the stands' rail which could be advantageous but there are other pace influences to contend with.

10/1

12/1

Form: 783636

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Ran really well when close third of 18 at York (6f, good to soft) last month, then failed to settle when fair sixth of 14 at Yarmouth (6f, good to firm) last time; however, this is a higher grade than he's used to.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(11)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:52 Newbury

Rebel Path

9st 13lb

J: Olivia Haines

T: Stuart Williams

Merely mid-division at Newmarket (6f, good) three weeks ago but prior to that he took a step back in the right direction when third on the Rowley Mile there (6f, good) and his stable is in fine form; not discounted.

7/1

8th

4

(8)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:45 Newmarket (July)

Rebel Path

9st 8lb

J: Olivia Haines

T: Stuart Williams

Beat Fiscal Policy decisively on the Rowley course (6f, good to firm) last May when rated 3lb higher; ran well for third in the same race five weeks ago; not ruled out.

10/1

3rd

11

(11)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:27 Newmarket

Rebel Path

8st 13lb

J: Olivia Haines

T: Stuart Williams

Tame end to last season and no return to form on his two starts this year; however, he's 2lb lower than when winning this under Olivia Haines last year (good to firm) and the return to the Rowley Mile could trigger a revival.

12/1

Non-runners

Rhythmic Acclaim

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £14.40
Straight Forecast £15.90
Tricast £125.14
Trifecta £218.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

American Affair

Telegraph:

Squealer

TOPSPEED:

Zarzyni

The Times:

Existent

RP RATINGS:

American Affair

D Express:

American Affair

The Sun:

American Affair

Daily Record:

American Affair

Daily Mirror:

Squealer

The Star:

Squealer

POSTDATA:

Zarzyni