August 09 / 20.32 Haydock

20.32

Good To Firm

Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Handicap

  • Prize money: £4187.2
  • 0m 6f 212y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
RTV
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Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 767477

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Unplaced all five runs for David O'Meara since May and remains without a win since 2yo debut, but not beaten far when seventh of 17 at York (7f, good to firm) a fortnight ago, having encountered traffic over 1f out, and continues to edge down the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(11)

4th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Great Max

9st 11lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

bumped start, midfield

10/1

11th

3

(2)

29th Aug 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

18:14 Southwell (AW)

Great Max

9st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: David O’Meara

Made a winning debut as a 2yo but beaten on his next 23 starts; revitalised by a drop into Class 5 company though, winning 7f handicaps at Haydock and Doncaster (impressed in a good Topspeed figure); up 7lb for last time but still has some handicapping scope.

7/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 617531 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Largely consistent 6yo with very good 11-45 strike-rate; finished well to win a shade cosily in first-time blinkers at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) a fortnight ago and was nudged up only 2lb for that; will probably be on the premises again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

16

(14)

2nd Oct 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:50 Ascot

Thapa Vc

10st 11lb

J: Mr Harry Rimell

T: Mark Rimell

Multiple winner on turf/AW but his form has dipped since a July double over 7f on good to firm; others are preferred .

20/1

7th

2

(2)

24th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:30 Southwell (AW)

Thapa Vc

9st 13lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Mark Rimell

Went up the weights for back-to-back 7f wins on turf in July and held since despite Toby Moore claiming his allowance; Billy Loughnane takes over but could be vulnerable off current mark.

6/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.80

Form: -70242 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Gained last season's course win over 1m but has been in good form over 7f lately, losing out only by a nose when second of 17 at York (good to firm) on latest outing two weeks ago; only 2lb higher here; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(10)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

14:13 Newcastle (AW)

Finbars Lad

9st 11lb

J: Sam Feilden

T: John & Sean Quinn

Only 2lb higher than for his front-running win at Chelmsford in July but he hasn't matched it in three runs since, including back at Chelmsford 17 days ago; others appeal more.

16/1

2

(3)

11th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Chelmsford (AW)

Finbars Lad

9st 12lb

J: Neil Callan

T: John & Sean Quinn

Returned to winning form when making all over C&D in July; twice held on turf in the meantime, but one for the shortlist if the return here galvanises him.

10/1

10/1

Form: 4-3543 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Dual AW winner who has made the frame on both starts since returned to turf in June, latterly when third at Chester (7.6f, good) last month; seemed to have no excuses from the plum inside stall there but ought to be competitive again here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(7)

16th Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

19:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Saturnalia

9st 9lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: J S Moore

Couple of absences in recent times and he has regressed (well drawn when faring better in a soft-ground handicap last time); goes well here, though, and holds each-way claims.

12/1

4th

4

(7)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 14y

Class 6

19:25 Chepstow

Saturnalia

9st 6lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: J S Moore

Both wins came on AW in 2023 when trained by Richard Hughes; has gone into freefall since and was last of 11 at Bath last month.

12/1

11th

4

(9)

4th May 2026

Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

13:45 Bath

Saturnalia

10st 11lb

J: Miss Scarlett Dorricott

T: J S Moore

Well handicapped on last season's best forrm (AW) but he ended the year with a whimper and returns from a 135-day break with an inexperienced amateur booked.

33/1

Form: 237821 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Made all to win readily by over 5l at Beverley (7.4f, good to firm) ten days ago and is now 2-7 for Michael Appleby since the spring; may not be allowed things all his own way here but is 6lb ahead of the handicapper under his 5lb penalty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(8)

5th Oct 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:50 Pontefract

Bell Shot

9st 4lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Michael Appleby

He has finished second to The Good Biscuit (runs 3.15) over C&D twice this summer, more recently 11 days ago; 2lb higher today but should make another bold bid.

4/1

2nd

8

(11)

24th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:03 Pontefract

Bell Shot

9st 9lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Michael Appleby

Races prominently; has recorded some creditable efforts in defeat this year, including chasing home The Good Biscuit over C&D (good to firm) in July, but well beaten at Beverley latest; first outing for six weeks.

20/1

10th

3

(9)

12th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 75y

Class 4

15:45 Beverley

Bell Shot

10st 3lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Michael Appleby

Races prominently; easy winner of this 12 months ago when only 2lb lower and he returns on the back of some solid efforts, the latest over 6f which has to bode well; good chance.

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 25-094 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Came last on first two outings for new stable this season but belied 40-1 odds when creditable fourth of 17 at York (7f, good to firm) a fortnight ago and is 1lb lower here; must be considered after that recent effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

1

(8)

19th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:30 Ayr

Desert Falcon

9st 12lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Often leads; 7f winner at this meeting in 2024 and he went out on his shield in the Gold Cup (soft) last year off 1lb lower, giving up his lead only late on; had two wind surgeries in 2026, returning from the latest one with two solid efforts, struck into when sixth in the Portland at Doncaster last week; cheekpieces return in place of a visor; good form chance.

8/1

6th

15

(3)

12th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 143y

Class 2

14:20 Doncaster

Desert Falcon

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Made all in a 6.5f handicap at this meeting 12 months ago before a narrow defeat in the Ayr Gold Cup six days later (off this mark); first two runs this year weren't up to much but he had wind surgery in June and last month's midfield finish at York was much more like it; a visor is now reached for, replacing cheekpieces, and he is an interesting contender.

12/1

9th

18

(8)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Desert Falcon

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Ended 2025 with a Doncaster win and a narrow defeat in the Ayr Gold Cup (6f, soft); had a wind operation after the Ayr run but two heavy defeats this summer have seen him undergo another wind surgery; on a dangerous mark but Ayr next month might be the big target; cheekpieces back on today.

50/1

Form: 238100 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Won twice on Tapeta in February and returned to turf with AW success at Chester (7.6f, good) in June, but two lesser efforts have followed and others in this field have more persuasive profiles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(8)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Berkshire Phantom

9st 6lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Fionn McSharry

His heyday was two winters back but he still won last July (1m1f on turf) and is often thereabouts, including on Tapeta; not totally ruled out despite the 106-day absence.

10/1

4th

1

(5)

18th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 6

15:52 Pontefract

Berkshire Phantom

9st 12lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Fionn McSharry

Landed a sixth success when winning a 12-runner handicap at Redcar (1m1f, good to soft) in July; kept at in when fourth at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) under a penalty six days later and excuses both starts since; very much respected.

7/2

3rd

4

(9)

2nd Sep 2025

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

20:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Berkshire Phantom

9st 6lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Fionn McSharry

Has won three times over 7f here; best run this year when winning over 1m1f at Redcar three runs back; stamina to prove on first run at 1m4f (can pull hard).

4/1

Form: 455485 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Much better known for his AW exploits but, following a break, kept on for very respectable fifth of 13 behind Thapa Vc off his lower turf mark at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) last month; could have a say if that run has brought him on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(5)

14th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 80y

Class 5

16:05 Ffos Las

Follow Your Heart

9st 9lb

J: George Wood

T: Mark Loughnane

Both turf wins have come at Doncaster where he beat only one home last time out (7f, good); that was his fourth disappointing run in succession.

20/1

11th

4

(3)

14th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

16:40 Doncaster

Follow Your Heart

9st 6lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Mark Loughnane

Both turf wins have come at Doncaster, the second in the corresponding event 12 months ago; wouldn't judge him too harshly on York last time and the return to this track and Class 5 company could see him rebound.

9/1

19th

16

(19)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

Follow Your Heart

9st 2lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Mark Loughnane

Behind on his only run here (2023); Doncaster last June saw his only turf win since 2021, amidst plenty of AW success admittedly but he was out of form in February when last seen; has a competitive mark but other cases look a bit more solid, particularly as he's drawn wide.

33/1

Form: 9-0005 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Started off for David O'Meara with three 7f wins last summer (all on good); well below that form this year but his keeping-on fifth at Beverley (7.4f, good to firm) last month was a big step back in the right direction; interesting to see whether he can build on that recent effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(8)

17th Sep 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

16:08 Pontefract

Capital Guarantee

9st 12lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: David O’Meara

Exposed seven-time winner; last win in July was off 3lb lower and when partnered by a 5lb claimer; good third last time at Thirsk when not helped by the drop back to 7f, but others are more tempting.

8/1

3rd

3

(8)

5th Sep 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:35 Thirsk

Capital Guarantee

9st 7lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: David O’Meara

Only six ran when he won over 1m here in August (Class 5) and he has come up short in Class 4 events twice since; others may have his measure back at 7f.

10/1

6th

4

(11)

15th Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Ripon

Capital Guarantee

9st 10lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Back to winning ways at Thirsk (1m, good to firm) last month; only sixth off this mark at Redcar last Saturday but the fact he won this race off 2lb higher last year provides hope; draw could have been kinder.

16/1

16/1

Form: 110004 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Won consecutive 7f starts at Wolverhampton (AW) in February/March but suffered a dip in form afterwards and, although his last-time-out fourth over that C&D was much more encouraging, he moves up from Class 6 for this turf return; swaps usual blinkers for first-time visor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(5)

18th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

17:10 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bossy Parker

9st 4lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Tony Culhane & Stella Barclay

Just held on to win 8.6f classified here in March and can handle today's drop back in trip but this is his first run since May and he might find this race too competitive.

14/1

4th

5

(6)

5th May 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bossy Parker

9st 4lb

J: Matthew Lloyd Slater

T: Tony Culhane & Stella Barclay

Winning for the third time at Wolverhampton, and his first over further than 7f, when landing a C&D handicap in March; his stamina looked stretched by 9.4f when fourth 18 days ago; not ruled out back down in distance.

5/2

4th

8

(5)

17th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

17:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bossy Parker

9st 4lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Tony Culhane & Stella Barclay

His third win here when holding on grimly last month (8.6f), ending a two-year losing streak; only 2lb higher but he wouldn't be an obvious one to follow up and has never raced over quite this far.

12/1

Non-runners

Streak Lightning

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £27.20
Straight Forecast £27.01
Tricast £108.33
Trifecta £185.50

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Finbar's Lad

The Times:

Bell Shot

TOPSPEED:

Thapa Vc

D Express:

Capital Guarantee

SPOTLIGHT:

Desert Falcon

POSTDATA:

Finbar's Lad

Telegraph:

Finbar's Lad

The Guardian:

Finbar's Lad

The Star:

Finbar's Lad

Daily Mail:

Bell Shot

The Sun:

Bell Shot

Daily Record:

Bell Shot

Daily Mirror:

Thapa Vc