August 10 / 17.20 Haydock

17.20

Good To Firm

Betfred ‘Passionate About Sport’ Handicap (Div I)

  • Prize money: £10468
  • 0m 7f 37y
  • Class 5
  • 11 runners
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Betfred ‘Passionate About Sport’ Handicap (Div I)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £14.40
  • Place: £4.10

Form: 9965

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
9-1 when beaten 4l in fifth of seven on last month's handicap debut at Doncaster (6f, good to firm); however, he's from a family that tends to improve with time and he appeared to rally close home last time, suggesting this step back up to 7f is worth a go; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(2)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 1

15:40 Haydock

Myal

9st 10lb

J: David Allan

T: Steph Hollinshead

Likeable 5yo with a good (7-18) strike-rate; shaped well in Listed event at Doncaster on reappearance and dug deep to win conditions race at Thirsk (7f, good) next time; may not have reached his ceiling and is high on the list.

6/1

1st

4

(7)

10th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Thirsk

Myal

9st 8lb

J: David Allan

T: Steph Hollinshead

Most progressive in the last couple of years, winning six 7f handicaps, with the first gained off of a rating of 67; another career-best effort when second in 7f Redcar Listed race (good to soft) on his final 4yo start; should be spot on for this after finishing fifth of 12 in a 6f Doncaster Listed event on his reappearance 13 days ago.

8/1

5th

10

(9)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 1

13:50 Doncaster

Myal

9st 10lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Steph Hollinshead

Unplaced first four starts but most progressive since, winning six of his 12 races and running a cracker when second in Listed event at Redcar last autumn; may not have reached his limit just yet but all his successes have come at 7f and he doesn't have an obvious chance on the ratings.

28/1

20/1

  • Place: £8.20

Form: -16068 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Won off this mark at Newcastle (7f, AW) in January but subsequent form has been patchy and she was well beaten back on turf last time; needs to leave that well behind with first-time blinkers replacing cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

(5)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

18:47 Leopardstown

Star Mind

9st 0lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Gerard O’Leary

Was fit from Dundalk when winning an amateur riders' race over 1m1f here a month ago; 9lb rise offset by rider's claim; one for the shortlist.

4/1

1st

8

(4)

15th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 1f 0y

16:17 Leopardstown

Star Mind

10st 6lb

J: Mr B M Coonan

T: Gerard O’Leary

Turf win came at Naas last August off 62 (7f, good to yielding); decent enough efforts at Dundalk recently; place chance.

5/1

5th

3

(4)

1st Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 0y

19:15 Dundalk (AW)

Star Mind

10st 1lb

J: Paddy Harnett

T: Gerard O’Leary

Dual AW winner in Britain; best run at this venue so far when dead-heating for third with Palazzo Persico in a claimer last Friday; this looks a stronger race.

8/1

13/2

  • Place: £3.30

Form: -72235 BF

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Made it 0-9 when below par at Windsor (1m) 12 days ago; however, she failed to settle and was running well over 1m previously, when shaping as though this drop back to 7f could be a good move; she's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

7

(5)

31st May 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

Delicacy

9st 7lb

J: Sam James

T: James Owen

Two out of two since joining James Owen, last time coming from off the pace to win by 0.5l over C&D (good to firm; several of today's rivals behind her); has gone up 4lb but should give another good account.

7/2

16th

7

(5)

31st May 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

Delicacy

9st 7lb

J: Sam James

T: James Owen

Two out of two since joining James Owen, last time coming from off the pace to win by 0.5l over C&D (good to firm; several of today's rivals behind her); has gone up 4lb but should give another good account.

7/2

1st

19

(12)

16th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Delicacy

8st 12lb

J: Sam James

T: James Owen

Returned to form on last Saturday's stable debut with 1l win at Leicester (7f, good to firm); trainer does very well with recruits from other yards and she could have plenty more to offer; on the shortlist under 5lb penalty.

8/1

OUR TIP

7/1

Form: 24318 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 10lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Disappointing at Newbury (1m, good) three weeks ago and it's hard to be confident after that, but prior to that she made a winning handicap debut at Doncaster (7f, good) and is not written off now back down to 7f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(4)

14th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 16y

Class 6

16:45 Chepstow

Bella Taslina

9st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Patrick Chamings

Safely held on both starts for new stable this season but now 6lb lower than when winning for Clive Cox at Doncaster (7f, good) last summer and is sure to appreciate today's ease in grade; dangerous to ignore.

10/1

6th

3

(6)

11th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Lingfield

Bella Taslina

9st 6lb

J: David Probert

T: Patrick Chamings

1-9 for Clive Cox, the victory coming in a 7f fillies' handicap at Doncaster last July (good ground); 2lb below that mark now and although she was well beaten at Brighton on last month's stable debut, she could take a good step forward.

5/1

Form: 231129 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row on AW early this year and returned from break with short-head defeat at Ayr (7f, good to firm) in June; merely mid-division at York (7f, good to firm) since but she's better than that; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(8)

23rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Mereside Madness

9st 8lb

J: Tyler Heard

T: Scott Dixon

Won four times for his previous stable, three of which came on the AW at Newcastle; ended his time with that yard with some lesser efforts and he's been well held in two starts for Scott Dixon; dropped another 3lb.

33/1

10th

6

(5)

14th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Mereside Madness

9st 7lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

Four wins for the Barrons, three of them over 7f on the Tapeta at Newcastle; 28-1 for his stable debut two weeks ago (first run after a 175-day break) and he weakened as though it was needed; likely to bounce back at some point.

14/1

6/1

Form: 70629-

Last run: 245 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Went close on nursery debut last November (7f, AW) then failed to settle when well beaten in December (7f, AW) when last seen; reappears without the cheekpieces worn the last twice; this well-bred filly represents a top stable and bring potential to her 3yo campaign; could play a leading role.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(5)

18th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:15 Southwell (AW)

Fariha

9st 4lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: William Haggas

Still to register a victory; had the hood dispensed with when tenth of 12 in 7f Newcastle handicap 20 days ago; blinkers are tried here with more required.

10/1

1st

7

(5)

18th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:15 Southwell (AW)

Fariha

9st 4lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: William Haggas

Still to register a victory; had the hood dispensed with when tenth of 12 in 7f Newcastle handicap 20 days ago; blinkers are tried here with more required.

10/1

10th

12

(12)

29th Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Fariha

9st 0lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: William Haggas

in rear

12/1

11/1

Form: 602-97

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Runner-up at Chelmsford (6f, AW) last November on third start but unable to threaten on either run this year (1m/6f) and needs to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

(4)

29th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 6

14:50 Lingfield (AW)

Zaltalla

9st 9lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Michael Attwater

Fourth to Tilsworth Max in a similar event over C&D 19 days ago, form already boosted by the second and third; could face competition for the lead here and others appeal more for win purposes.

6/1

5th

2

(2)

4th Nov 2025

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 6

15:10 Lingfield (AW)

Zaltalla

9st 9lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Michael Attwater

A win (7f) and a second (C&D) in August but his form has dipped on his last three starts; opposable.

16/1

5th

2

(2)

4th Nov 2025

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 6

15:10 Lingfield (AW)

Zaltalla

9st 9lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Michael Attwater

A win (7f) and a second (C&D) in August but his form has dipped on his last three starts; opposable.

16/1

Form: 247-51 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Improved for reappearance run to win by a head over C&D (good) three weeks ago and get off the mark at the seventh attempt; 4lb higher today and could be bang there once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(7)

22nd Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:05 Leicester

Autumn Rose

9st 8lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Tony Carroll

Four-time 7f winner, the latest when getting first run on Dream Illusion at Haydock 17 days ago; couldn't cope with a penalty at Chester one week later but she races off 3lb lower today; has the ability to feature but she hasn't shone in previous Leicester runs.

5/1

4th

7

(3)

12th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 5

15:17 Chester

Autumn Rose

9st 4lb

J: William Carson

T: Tony Carroll

Returned to form with win at Haydock (7f, good) one week ago, despite racing a bit too freely and encountering some traffic; 5lb penalty and due to go up only 2lb but suited by this C&D and can pose a threat.

7/2

1st

5

(7)

5th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 5

16:20 Haydock

Autumn Rose

9st 7lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Tony Carroll

Won over C&D last July and back on the scoresheet at Wolverhampton in February; however, her three runs on turf this summer haven't been great.

14/1

25/1

Form: -47248

Last run: 69 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Went close at Southwell (1m, AW) in March and has had wind surgery since being well beaten on turf in April and June; however, he has something to prove on grass and may be best watched; wears a first-time hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

(1)

3rd Mar 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Quick Away

9st 0lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Kevin Frost

Won two 0-50 classified events here (8.6f) early last year and finished third of nine over this trip in between, but it did appear to expose her stamina; others preferred.

12/1

4th

5

(6)

12th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Chelmsford (AW)

Quick Away

9st 1lb

J: Phoebe Edwards

T: Kevin Frost

Won twice at Wolverhampton over 8.5f last year but she's been below her best in five starts since the latest of those wins; cheekpieces which were worn last time are now removed, and the tongue-tie returns.

33/1

10th

5

(8)

30th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

17:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Quick Away

9st 9lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Kevin Frost

Dual C&D winner in similar events to this and has saved her better efforts for this surface; well below par since winning here last March; plenty to prove in first-time cheekpieces.

14/1

Form: 40-453 BF

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Fair efforts this year on final three runs for Harry Eustace (1m/1m2f), albeit not finishing closer than 4l to the winners; changed hands for 20,000gns last month; new trainer often does well with recruits from other yards and this drop back in trip may be a plus; one to watch in the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(10)

27th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 96y

Class 5

15:15 Beverley

Straight A

9st 3lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Mid-division on both starts here (2024); solid AW campaign has been carried over to turf with seconds at Doncaster (7f) and Redcar (1m) on last two outings, beaten a nose last time, and those put him firmly in the mix.

5/1

2nd

1

(7)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 5

14:40 Redcar

Straight A

9st 9lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Consistent during the AW season and posted another good effort when second to progressive rival on recent turf return at Doncaster (7f, good to firm); also suited by 1m and probably won't be far away.

7/1

2nd

4

(5)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

20:02 Doncaster

Straight A

9st 8lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

On a losing sequence but he arrives in decent nick, finishing fourth of six in 7f Kempton handicap 33 days ago; possibilities.

8/1

8/1

Form: 39-662

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Formerly with Joseph O'Brien and he returned to form on his third start for this yard when runner-up at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) last Saturday, behind an improving winner; in the mix if backing up that latest run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(2)

3rd Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

19:10 Newcastle (AW)

Oligopoly

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Promise for Joseph O'Brien last summer; low-key start for new yard but he ran well for second at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) in August; less good twice since; needs a full revival switched to AW.

9/1

4th

2

(8)

10th Sep 2024

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 5

15:52 Catterick

Oligopoly

9st 5lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

prominent, lost ground but in touch with leaders under 4f out, switched right towards near side over 2f out

6/1

11th

1

(9)

10th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 37y

Class 5

17:20 Haydock

Oligopoly

9st 11lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Formerly with Joseph O'Brien and he returned to form on his third start for this yard when runner-up at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) last Saturday, behind an improving winner; in the mix if backing up that latest run.

8/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £283.10
Straight Forecast £300.73
Tricast £3757.08
Trifecta £2023.90

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Straight A

The Times:

Autumn Rose

SPOTLIGHT:

Fariha

TOPSPEED:

Delicacy

The Sun:

Oligopoly

Daily Mail:

Autumn Rose

The Star:

Autumn Rose

Daily Record:

Autumn Rose

POSTDATA:

Straight A

Telegraph:

Straight A

The Guardian:

Straight A

D Express:

Straight A

Daily Mirror:

Straight A