August 12 / 16.40 Ayr

16.40

Good To Soft

Luxury Staycations At Western House Hotel Handicap

  • Prize money: £4710.6
  • 1m 2f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
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Luxury Staycations At Western House Hotel Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 445362 BF

Last run: 9 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Couldn't reel in the front-runner in a small field at Hamilton last week (1m5f); effective at 1m2f but ideally wants further these days and the losing run is mounting up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(8)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:35 Hamilton

Faylaq

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

9yo who was well beaten in the John Smith's Cup at York last month but won two in a row here (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and continued in good form until his blip last time; not ruled out now back here.

12/1

9

(12)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Faylaq

9st 4lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Two wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and creditable fifth in the Northumberland Plate a fortnight ago (2m, AW); he's a 9yo who has never won off a mark this high but is versatile in terms of trip and ran well over C&D last month; not ruled out each-way.

22/1

5th

7

(2)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Faylaq

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Third and sixth in last two runnings of the C&D Vase on this card; in the groove with successive wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f) this May; however, he's been held off this mark when back up to Class 2 in his three starts since, still in form but suggesting that others will have the edge today.

18/1

9/4

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 711222 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Back-to-back C&D wins in May and has continued to run well, going down by only a head back here two weeks ago; edging up the weights but looks sure to be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(6)

2nd Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 5

16:48 Pontefract

Pol Roger

9st 8lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

On a handy mark and may be back in better form with Thirsk reappearance under his belt; however, he's on two-year losing spell and record suggests he'll be more interesting when returned to Ayr.

9/1

8th

2

(1)

10th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

15:53 Thirsk

Pol Roger

9st 9lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Lost his way in the autumn; has dropped to a favourable mark as a result (went close off 5lb higher last autumn) but a losing run of 21 doesn't inspire confidence; first start for 140 days.

10/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: /7476- CD

Last run: 244 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Five-time Flat winner (7f-1m2f, various ground) and was last seen making a successful hurdling debut at Wetherby in February; on a dangerous mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

13

(20)

11th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

17:05 York

Yorkshire Lady

9st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Returned to winning form at Windsor (11.4f, soft) last month, but didn't shape as though he wanted a drop in trip when third of five at Pontefract (1m4f, good to soft) 17 days later; cheekpieces given a go.

16/1

3rd

1

(1)

18th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 4

14:52 Pontefract

Yorkshire Lady

10st 4lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Took her Flat turf record to 7-29 when staying on to score at Windsor (11.5f, soft; 25-1) 17 days ago; despite her age she's not fully exposed at this sort of trip and a 2lb nudge looks workable; respected.

3/1

5

(9)

1st Sep 2025

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 4

18:00 Windsor

Yorkshire Lady

9st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Northern mare whose overall record is 7-35; showed clear signs of a return to form last time; possibilities off same mark.

12/1

Form: 02251 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 10lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Only had the five races and showed a willing attitude to make all over C&D four weeks ago (good; 5lb lower); was declared for a Class 2 handicap at Glorious Goodwood only to be withdrawn on account of fast ground; has more to offer.
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: 804-00

Last run: 47 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
2yo novice winner and was fourth of 17 at Goodwood last year off an 8lb higher mark; however, all that was for Clive Cox and he's been quiet in both runs for this yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(10)

13th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 1f 209y

Class 4

17:25 Sandown

John Chard VC

9st 10lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Lightly raced since 7f win in 2022; has dropped some pounds this year and he wasn't far off his best when losing out to an unexposed one at Carlisle (1m1f, soft) 15 days ago; back up 2lb but likely to go well again; the more juice in the ground the better.

4/1

2nd

1

(8)

29th Aug 2024

Good To Soft

1m 1f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Carlisle

John Chard VC

10st 4lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Winless since 2022 but he arrives in decent form, not lasting home over 1m4f when ninth at Newcastle a week ago; he needs considering back down in trip.

12/1

12th

8

(3)

22nd Aug 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 4f 98y

Class 3

19:15 Newcastle (AW)

John Chard VC

9st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Fourth of 17 at Glorious Goodwood (1m, soft) last August off an 8lb higher mark on final start for Clive Cox; latest start (fifth of ten over 1m2f at Ayr) was a big step back in the right direction and gave hope for 1m4f, but there's clearly a bit for him to prove with trip/ground on AW debut.

16/1

6th
10 (8)
Straya

14/1

Form: -78575

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Left Ireland a six-race maiden and for 7,000gns; well held on stable debut over 7f and it remains to be seen whether he wants this far.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(2)

11th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

17:25 Newcastle (AW)

Straya

9st 11lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Katie Scott

Sole win from 22 starts came at Ayr (1m2f, soft) in July; below that level since; however, didn't get much luck in running over this C&D 13 days ago and holds place claims granted a clearer passage.

8/1

4th

1

(6)

29th Aug 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Straya

9st 12lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Katie Scott

Off the mark at the 19th attempt at Ayr (1m2f, soft) last month and her next start at Hamilton (1m, good) can be forgiven (saw no daylight); had no obvious excuse back at Ayr (1m2f, good) last time, though, and others are more persuasive.

7/2

3

(10)

28th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:15 Ayr

Straya

9st 12lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Katie Scott

Well-backed winner over C&D on July 6 (soft; subsequent winner Zebra Star a clear second) and a line can be put through her subsequent run at Hamilton (1m, good) as she was repeatedly short of room; in calculations.

4/1

Form: 583008

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
His only win was back in 2020 in a Tipperary maiden; has threatened a few times since and wasn't beaten all that far at York last time, but others appeal more for the win; tries cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(1)

12th Aug 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

16:40 Ayr

Toshizou

9st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

His only win was back in 2020 in a Tipperary maiden; has threatened a few times since and wasn't beaten all that far at York last time, but others appeal more for the win; tries cheekpieces.

13/2

8th

5

(1)

12th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:30 York

Toshizou

9st 12lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Only win in 23 attempts was at Tipperary on second juvenile start (7f, good to yielding) when with Joseph O'Brien; some fair form since, notably when third over C&D off 4lb higher in May (good); poor run over C&D (good to soft) latest.

10/1

13th

7

(1)

15th Jun 2024

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 3

13:50 York

Toshizou

9st 13lb

J: Miss Amy Collier

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Acts on soft; beaten all 22 times since winning in 2020 on second start; creditable third in two of six races this season, including in 20-runner C&D race on penultimate outing; case can be made but not the percentage call.

18/1

16/1

Form: 245976 CD

Last run: 67 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Multiple Flat/hurdle winner but hasn't been at his very best in five starts following wind surgery; others are more persuasive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

18:20 Hexham

Bashful

11st 11lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Iain Jardine

Showed benefit of latest wind op when winning twice at around 2m in February (good to soft/soft); slightly disappointing on latest outing in April, though, and needs to be back in peak form to have a chance off current mark.

8/1

6th

4

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

17:05 Perth

Bashful

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Iain Jardine

in touch with leaders

5/1

6th

4

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

17:05 Perth

Bashful

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Iain Jardine

A dual 2m winner and progressive over hurdles this season but he failed to translate that form back onto the Flat at Doncaster last month; he's the sort to bounce back here though.

5/1

25/1

Form: 332/ BF

Last run: 667 days

W: 10st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Bang there in all three runs (7f-8.6f) for Saeed bin Suroor, the latest in October 2022; changed hands for 8,000gns this March and gelded since; may still have potential but it's hard to know his current wellbeing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(6)

11th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 189y

Class 6

15:30 Catterick

Stand Strong

9st 6lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Ewan Whillans

He lacks a recent outing and was inconsistent last year but reappears on a competitive mark and his trainer won this last year; ran well last May on his sole previous visit to Catterick and could have a part to play.

12/1

4

(8)

9th Oct 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

16:20 Newcastle (AW)

Stand Strong

9st 11lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Ewan Whillans

Solid over C&D of late, running out a convincing winner to make his breakthrough at the start of August before a narrow second a fortnight ago; same mark here and he's a leading contender.

100/30

2

(4)

25th Sep 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Stand Strong

9st 13lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Ewan Whillans

Off the mark over this C&D last month but he was held in fourth off this mark at Musselburgh (2m2f, good) 29 days ago; remains unexposed over this trip and he holds claims returned to AW.

5/2

OUR TIP

25/1

Form: 2190-0

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
His two Irish wins came on heavy ground; finished last on stable debut at Ripon on good to soft; unraced beyond a mile.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(6)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Cavallo Pazzo

9st 12lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Daragh Bourke

6yo who has a regressive profile but he kept on into mid-division over 7f here (good to soft) three weeks ago and the return to 1m and more testing ground could be in his favour, with both wins having come on heavy going; interesting contender off an ever-falling mark.

9/1

1

(6)

18th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

16:45 Ayr

Cavallo Pazzo

9st 12lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Daragh Bourke

Gained his Irish wins on heavy ground and he produced a clear best effort for current yard on soft (now 9lb lower) when fourth of nine at Redcar last November; revival plausible when he returns to those conditions.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £13.80
Straight Forecast £12.99
Tricast £85.64
Trifecta £88.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Aviemore

The Times:

Pol Roger

RP RATINGS:

Toshizou

The Star:

Yorkshire Lady

TOPSPEED:

Aviemore

POSTDATA:

Aviemore

The Guardian:

Aviemore

Daily Mail:

Aviemore

Daily Mirror:

Aviemore

Daily Record:

Aviemore

Telegraph:

Pol Roger

The Sun:

Pol Roger

D Express:

Toshizou