August 10 / 14.25 Haydock

14.25

Good To Firm

Betfred ‘The Classic Bookmaker’ Handicap (London Mile Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £16200
  • 1m 0f 37y
  • Class 3
  • 9 runners
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Betfred ‘The Classic Bookmaker’ Handicap (London Mile Series Qualifier)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 4119 C BF

Last run: 40 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Won Ayr maiden (1m, good) in April on second run and followed up in handicap here (1m2f, good to firm) in June; he flopped at Pontefract (1m, good to firm) on July 1 but retains potential for his in-form yard; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

15

(8)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Old Cock

8st 8lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Won this off 1lb lower last year (good to firm); however, soundly beaten over C&D (good to firm) last August on final run for Ed Bethell and down the field on last month's stable/seasonal debut at Newbury (1m, good).

25/1

20th

19

(13)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Old Cock

9st 0lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

4-10 for Edward Bethell, winning the Hambleton Handicap at York's Dante meeting (1m, good to firm) last spring; changed hands for 26,000gns last autumn; only 3lb higher than at York and doesn't have many miles on the clock.

33/1

14th

12

(13)

21st Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

15:00 York

Old Cock

9st 6lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Lightly raced 4yo who was a well-backed winner of the Hambleton Handicap over C&D (good to firm) in May with a late bid, from Sisyphean; respectable fourth of nine to Remmooz and Sisyphean back over C&D for his only start since, coming from last, and it would not be a surprise were he to resume improvement today; one for the shortlist.

8/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 3-16 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Won at Newmarket (1m, good) in May on second start and sixth of 14 in hot novice on the other course there in June (1m, good to firm); gelded since and this well-bred 3yo has potential off his opening mark; top yard in flying form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

12

16th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 0y

19:20 Killarney

Kilt

11st 0lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: P J Rothwell

Flat winner won a 2m1f Wexford handicap and a solid run off this mark there since; needs more up in grade, but shouldn't be far away.

10/1

4th

2

3rd Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 55y

17:50 Wexford

Kilt

11st 12lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: P J Rothwell

Useful Flat form and not much to show over hurdles until much improved for C&D win in late May under more positive ride, clear some way out; 9lb rise for that so could well have more to offer.

9/2

1st

11

27th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 0y

17:47 Wexford

Kilt

11st 3lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: P J Rothwell

Useful Flat form as 3yo but yet to make an impact hurdling, tailed off at Cork last month.

16/1

11/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: 083396 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Posted two good thirds in June (1m, good/good to firm) and he's now 4lb lower; a case can be made on those efforts but this regressive 7yo has posted lesser performances the last twice.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

(7)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

17:15 Newcastle (AW)

Cruyff Turn

9st 5lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Front-runner who is 2lb lower then when winning at Redcar (7f, good to firm) in April, but his form since then has been patchy; ran with credit in two starts on Tapeta (at Southwell) a year ago, but will need to be at the top of his game and is likely to face competition for the lead.

33/1

9th

3

(5)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:45 Redcar

Cruyff Turn

9st 8lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Two good runs here on fast ground this season, winning over 7f on first occasion; has rather lost his form recently; best form on faster ground.

14/1

9th

3

(5)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:45 Redcar

Cruyff Turn

9st 8lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Two good runs here on fast ground this season, winning over 7f on first occasion; has rather lost his form recently; best form on faster ground.

14/1

14/1

Form: 061017 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Won at Newbury (7f, good to firm) in June and also at Newmarket (good to soft) last month on his first crack at 1m; unsuited by steady pace when mid-division at Ascot a fortnight ago and remains unexposed at today's trip; three visits here have yielded two wins and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(10)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket (July)

Sterling Knight

9st 12lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Ed Dunlop

Well beaten at Epsom on Oaks day and he still had work to do when his path was blocked late on over this C&D three weeks ago; however, before those he won in good style on the other Newmarket course (1m, good) and he won this race in 2024 (good to soft); capable of having a say.

16/1

13th

1

(6)

19th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:45 Newmarket (July)

Sterling Knight

10st 4lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Ed Dunlop

Disappointing at Epsom a fortnight ago but won on the other Newmarket course (1m, good) last month and he has a very solid record at this track, featuring a C&D win and 2l fourth in this last year; could bounce back.

14/1

17th

8

(1)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Sterling Knight

9st 4lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Ed Dunlop

Versatile regarding ground and he was winning his 12th race when beating Jimmy Speaking and Final Night at Newmarket (1m, good) three weeks ago; that was a comfortable win and he has the assistance of Ryan Moore but this demands more from him (has never won off a mark this high).

14/1

6/1

Form: -05051 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
He was back down in trip and back on better ground when winning a big-field handicap off a career-low mark at York (1m, good to firm) a fortnight ago; a 4lb rise isn't harsh and he could be in the shake-up once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(3)

17th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 6

20:52 Pontefract

Theme Park

10st 0lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

On a losing run and he looked rusty after eight months off when tenth of 14 in 1m2f handicap at York on his return 20 days ago; this C&D winner can take a step forward here.

7/1

10th

12

(2)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:50 York

Theme Park

10st 3lb

J: Miss Tilly Evans

T: Nigel Tinkler

Potentially very well handicapped but that's for a reason as last season was mostly underwhelming; off since November.

16/1

6th

2

(6)

23rd Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:15 Chelmsford (AW)

Theme Park

9st 12lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Two wins last year, the latest at Pontefract (1m, good to firm) in September off 8lb higher than today; beaten about only 3l when ninth of 16 at York (1m, good) 46 days ago and now drops in grade on his return to AW.

7/1

Form: 060-00 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Not at the top of his game on either run for this yard but York last time was a step back in the right direction and he may be able to take another today; on a dangerous mark but others have more to recommend them.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

(8)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Haydock

Bear Force One

9st 0lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Michael Mullineaux

Prominent racer; three heavy defeats from four runs for his new stable in 2025 but the other run saw him spring a 40-1 surprise at Doncaster; blinkers join the eyeshields today but he drops to 6f for the first time on his 39th start.

50/1

6

(8)

5th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:45 Ascot

Bear Force One

10st 5lb

J: Miss Katie Garton

T: Michael Mullineaux

Heavy defeats on his first two starts for this yard but he popped up at 40-1 when scrambling home at Doncaster (7f, good to firm; first-time eye-shields) three weeks ago; 3lb rise less of a concern than his trainer putting one of the reasons for that success down to quick ground.

9/1

1st

3

(5)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

15:07 Doncaster

Bear Force One

9st 8lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Michael Mullineaux

Over two years since his last win and he struggled at big prices in first two runs (7f, good) for new yard this season.

33/1

OUR TIP

Form: -71372 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Dead-heated at Thirsk (7f, good to firm) in May and went close there (7f, good) last Saturday; ran well when runner-up in this race last year (good) and could be thereabouts once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(5)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 16y

Class 4

17:43 Chepstow

Diamondonthehill

9st 7lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

The most recent of his six wins came at Lingfield (7f, AW) in April 2025 off a mark 3lb higher than today's but he has posted some good efforts since; however, he was below his best at Salisbury 19 days ago and needs to bounce back with cheekpieces back on.

10/1

5th

2

(4)

14th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 213y

Class 4

14:44 Salisbury

Diamondonthehill

9st 10lb

J: David Probert

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Losing run is mounting up but he has proved broadly consistent since last success, most recently beating all bar the market leader at Musselburgh (7f, good); again has place possibilities.

6/1

Form: -80758 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
C&D winner who continues to edge down the weights; hasn't run badly the last twice but needs something extra if he's to win this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(1)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Ascot

Helm Rock

10st 0lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Five-time turf winner who matched that tally on the AW when landing Kempton handicap (1m) in April; never a threat over that C&D last Thursday and it's been a while since he won off a mark this high.

6/1

7th

3

(4)

2nd Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:08 Kempton (AW)

Helm Rock

9st 8lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Won over C&D in April and he went close on Polytrack and turf in his next two starts; didn't really fire at Newmarket (1m, good) last time but he still looks on a workable mark and has claims if he can get back near best.

13/2

6th

2

(1)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:42 Newmarket

Helm Rock

9st 9lb

J: David Probert

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

8yo who has been in fine form this spring, winning at Kempton (1m, AW) last month then going close at Lingfield (1m, AW) and Nottingham (1m, good); there's every chance he'll be bang there once more.

9/1

Form: 22214- BF

Last run: 317 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on first three starts (1m2f) before easily getting off the mark in Hamilton novice (1m4f, good) last September; fair fourth on handicap debut at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) later that month; absent since and gelded; the first-time hood and drop back in trip are interesting for this headstrong Frankel 4yo, and he's not discounted on his return to action.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(1)

20th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Spectacular Style

9st 5lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Won over 1m6f at Redcar in August but hasn't given himself a chance in two subsequent races after pulling hard, with and without the hood; risky.

11/2

5th

2

(3)

29th Sep 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Spectacular Style

10st 2lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Ran below market expectations, having raced freely, last time when bidding for a Redcar double (1m6f); upped further in distance but may settle better and rebound with hood reapplied.

5/2

5th

3

(4)

16th Sep 2025

Good To Firm

1m 5f 218y

Class 6

17:35 Redcar

Spectacular Style

10st 2lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Ian Williams

Gained second career win when scoring over C&D last time (good to firm); chance off this 4lb higher mark, providing the ground doesn't turn soft.

11/8

Non-runners

Twirling, Golspie, Phoenix Passion

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £21.40
Straight Forecast £15.61
Tricast £108.02
Trifecta £192.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Kilt

RP RATINGS:

Theme Park

POSTDATA:

Diamondonthehill

TOPSPEED:

Golspie

The Sun:

Twirling

D Express:

Helm Rock

The Times:

Kilt

Telegraph:

Kilt

The Guardian:

Kilt

Daily Mail:

Kilt

Daily Record:

Kilt

Daily Mirror:

Theme Park

The Star:

Diamondonthehill