August 21 / 13.50 York

13.50

Good To Firm

Symphony Group Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

  • Prize money: £61848
  • 0m 5f 89y
  • Class 2
  • 22 runners
ITV
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Symphony Group Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Runners: 22 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £15.20
  • Place: £3.55

Form: D147045

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
He has been in better form than his figures suggest since returning from a stint in Bahrain, including his run here at the Dante meeting when he raced closest to the stands' rail; ran a cracker from a poor draw in this race 12 months ago and returns off a 4lb lower mark; last four visits to York have all produced good efforts and a big run can be expected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(9)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

Jm Jungle

9st 6lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

6yo who rose through the ranks last season and won the Group 2 King George Stakes at Goodwood (5f, good to soft) in August; reappeared with respectable fourth of 14 to Night Raider in the Palace House at Newmarket (5f, good to firm) three weeks ago and he could show the benefit of that outing today.

9/1

4th

4

(9)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:55 Newmarket

Jm Jungle

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Below best from a high draw in the Group 1 Abbaye on final 2025 start; thoroughly reliable previously and he richly deserved his Group 2 win at Goodwood (5f, good to soft; effective on good to firm) last August; versatile track-wise but has never run at Newmarket so there is a query to answer.

9/1

6th

1

(13)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Jm Jungle

10st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Thoroughly honest 5yo who has risen to new heights over 5f this year with his win in the Dash at Epsom (good; acts on good to firm) topped by a Group 2 win at Goodwood last time out, albeit with the race going like clockwork for him; has more to do in this company, including with Washington Heights on Listed form over C&D in July, but he won't fail for the want of trying.

11/1

OUR TIP

20/1

  • Place: £6.25

Form: 211117

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Began the season looking an exposed handicapper but he's made remarkable progress, winning seven times and climbing 29lb in the weights; early speed has been the feature of his wins and this track is likely to suit better than Ascot last time; Paul Mulrennan is back on board today and he shouldn't be passed over lightly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(11)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Jordan Electrics

9st 7lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Jim Goldie

Spent last year in the grip of the handicapper after seven wins in 2024; more leniently treated now and ran respectably when sixth of 28 in the 7f Victoria Cup at Ascot; seemed unsuited by drop back to 5f next time; this intermediate trip is probably ideal these days and he commands respect.

10/1

9th

1

(9)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

17:15 Hamilton

Jordan Electrics

9st 12lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Nine course wins to his name from 22 starts here (3-7 over C&D); in good form of late, having spent last year in the grip of the handicapper, but that was over 7f and whether he still has the toe for 5f, at his age off this mark, is the question; yard also runs Woohoo.

6/1

6th

22

(27)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Jordan Electrics

9st 0lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Veteran who had raced only over sprint distances until a resurgent effort (second of 18) upped to 7f at Newmarket last time; goes back up in class and seems unlikely to land a Victoria Cup aged ten; gained last five wins, all in 2024, at Hamilton.

33/1

16/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 237734 C BF

Last run: 6 days

W: 8st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Should be winning races soon but he could manage only fourth at Windsor last week and this is a more demanding race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

4

(1)

26th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:20 York

Looking For Lynda

11st 10lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Craig Lidster

Well handicapped on last year's C&D form for Karl Burke but refused to race in April on final outing for that yard and down the field over C&D on recent stable debut, when again awkward at the start; risks attached.

33/1

14th

6

(6)

11th Jul 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:07 York

Looking For Lynda

9st 10lb

J: Sam James

T: Craig Lidster

Beaten 16 times since his C&D win in September 2023; has often run well in defeat, including here, but he put a major black mark on his record at Nottingham in April, belatedly leaving the stalls but downing tools and bucking around immediately afterwards; the combination of a subsequent stable switch/wind surgery/change of headgear could all be beneficial and there's no doubt he has the ability to win a race like this; risky but feared.

10/1

1

(6)

9th Apr 2025

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 4

14:35 Nottingham

Looking For Lynda

9st 10lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

mounted in chute, refused to race, soon pulled up

5/2

11/1

  • Place: £3.45

Form: 912263

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Speedy front-runner; his only poor run in Britain for this yard came when going off too hard into a strong headwind at Haydock in June; good third in Listed event here (5f, good to soft) last month; has the ability to run a big race but both a bare 5f and ground slower than good to firm would make him of greater interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(4)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 21y

Class 2

17:40 Windsor

Democracy Dilemma

9st 8lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Robert Cowell

Front-runner who looks well handicapped on his win at Haydock (5f, good) last autumn but he's been disappointing at Musselburgh and Goodwood this spring; has some questions to answer and he needs a major revival with headgear removed; stablemate of Rhythm N Hooves.

12/1

9th

1

(1)

1st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Goodwood

Democracy Dilemma

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Robert Cowell

Useful front-runner who returned with a good third in 5f AW listed event at Lingfield in February; not at his best on soft ground at Musselburgh since but can bounce back here.

8/1

13th

1

(6)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 2

15:42 Musselburgh

Democracy Dilemma

9st 12lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Robert Cowell

Tough 5f specialist who usually makes the running; a respectable third at Lingfield six weeks ago should have blown away the cobwebs; concedes weight all round but he's a classy type and should go well.

6/1

Form: -23541

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Highly tried by Clive Cox as a 2yo after his novice win at Windsor last July; on the up for new connections, relishing the strong pace when winning at Goodwood three weeks ago (5f, good to firm); up 5lb but there's a strong suspicion he's got better to come and next month's Group 1 entry is notable; conditions should suit and he's high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

(4)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

Shagraan

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

His form took a surge forward towards the end of last season with 5f Listed wins for Mick Appleby at Beverley (good to firm) and Ascot (soft); reappeared with 3l third of 14 to Night Raider on stable debut in the Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket (5f, good to firm) and he's open to improvement on this second start of the season; one to consider.

13/2

3rd

8

(2)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:55 Newmarket

Shagraan

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

In action between May and October last year for Michael Appleby, finding a form spurt late on with a close second to First Instinct in a Group 3 at Newbury sandwiched by Listed 5f wins at Beverley and Ascot (good to firm and soft); more needed back with former trainer but may yet do better.

10/1

1st

1

(4)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Ascot

Shagraan

9st 6lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Michael Appleby

Tough sprinter who has improved of late, winning the Listed Beverley Bullet (5f, good to firm) in August and finishing clear of the rest when second of 14 in Group 3 at Newbury (5f, good to soft) in September; tactically versatile and may not have reached his ceiling just yet; commands respect.

3/1

6th
13 (19)
Bergerac

16/1

Form: 569815 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Won this race two years ago off a 2lb higher mark; big eyecatcher over 5f here at the Dante meeting; came good with a comfortable success in the Gosforth Park Cup in June (5f, AW) and ran okay over 6f here last month (hung markedly right); handicapped to go well if his high draw proves no hindrance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19th

12

(17)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:20 York

Bergerac

8st 11lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

8yo who was inconsistent last season and lacks a recent run; however, he's just 1lb higher than when both second of 13 over C&D (good) last May and winning at Hamilton (5f, good to soft) next time; not ruled out each-way.

33/1

13

(21)

11th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:15 York

Bergerac

8st 13lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Kevin Ryan

Not far off his best this year and won at Hamilton (5f, good to soft) in June, but he's been in and out since and was well held in the Ayr Gold Cup; this C&D winner could be revived but he doesn't have the potential of some of these.

33/1

22

(25)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ayr

Bergerac

9st 0lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Kevin Ryan

Fine servant who was winning for the eighth time when successful in a 5f handicap at Hamilton in June; good third back at Hamilton in July but not at quite the same level on his last two starts; this will be his fifth attempt in one of the Cups here though and last season's Silver Cup third was his best result; stable has stronger claims elsewhere.

40/1

16/1

Form: 5-4092

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Gelded prior to chasing home Holkham Bay at Ascot 11 days ago, a run that was right up there with his best 2yo form; a 10lb turnaround in the weights with that rival should draw them closer together.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(7)

25th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

15:53 Windsor

Kylian

9st 9lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Robert Cowell

Useful for previous yards; 0-4 this term for new stable but penultimate effort shows that he retains plenty of ability and today's assignment looks a touch easier than his latest one.

7/1

13th

3

(13)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Kylian

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Robert Cowell

6f German Listed win for Archie Watson last June and looked as good as ever when 1l third of 13 to Strike Red in recent Leicester handicap (good to firm), when back up to 6f on his third run for this yard; may not be far away.

16/1

3rd

4

(5)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Kylian

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Robert Cowell

Listed winner (5f/6f) for his previous yards and he's run respectably in two 5f handicaps for his new trainer this spring; needs to find some extra spark but he's edging down the weights and this step back up in trip looks a good move.

14/1

20/1

Form: 773708 C

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
He's dropped to a handy mark now and his latest Ascot run can be upgraded, racing more towards the centre of the track than ideal in a strong race (5f, good); effective on good to firm ground but he would be more appealing on a slower surface; close sixth in this race 12 months ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

(11)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Vintage Clarets

9st 3lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Prolific winner over the years, including over C&D; no impact yet this season but he wasn't disgraced from a wide draw at Chester last time and he's tumbling in the weights; solid each-way claims.

12/1

7th

8

(11)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Vintage Clarets

9st 1lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Close third off 6lb higher (from stall 5) in this contest two years ago and 2-4 at Chester overall; however, has a big doubt over current form, reflected in two duck eggs this season; wide draw adds uncertainty.

25/1

12th

7

(10)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 2

15:42 Musselburgh

Vintage Clarets

8st 12lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Ten-time winner whose mark is now 3lb lower than for his latest success; probably needed the run when well held at Southwell two weeks ago, but didn't show much and may require another before hitting his stride.

14/1

Form: 14-650 C BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Two wins as a 2yo, including at this track (6f, good); caught the eye here on her reappearance in June (6f, good to soft) when tanking through the race before a lack of peak fitness told late on; another solid run at Newmarket in July but her form dipped at Yarmouth four weeks ago (5f, good to firm); perhaps she was unsuited by the ground there but she's on a dangerous mark if it was just a blip; this intermediate trip could be ideal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(4)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:56 Redcar

Tropical Island

9st 0lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Richard Fahey

Made the running and sprang 40-1 shock in Listed race at Galway (7f, soft) in July but has run poorly in another Listed event over 6f at Pontefract (fractious in the stalls) since.

20/1

1

(8)

17th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:42 Pontefract

Tropical Island

9st 7lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: Richard Fahey

Made the running and sprang 40-1 shock in Listed race at Galway (7f, soft) last month; won over 6f on good ground at Ripon in May; carries a 3lb penalty today and has to back up that latest form, but is not ruled out.

7/1

1st

5

(15)

31st Jul 2025

Yielding

0m 7f 0y

15:20 Galway

Tropical Island

9st 7lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: Richard Fahey

Belied her 150-1 odds with a fourth-place finish in a Listed race at Chelmsford (7f, AW); failed to build on that at Pontefract; appears short of the standard required to win a Listed race

10/1

10/1

Form: 1150

Last run: 61 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Fine sprinting pedigree and he made a perfect start to his career with a pair of AW successes in January/March (both 6f); didn't look out of place at Listed level on his turf debut in May and he travelled powerfully in a first-time visor in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot before weakening from 2f out; a wind op since could prove beneficial, as may dropping to this extended 5f; still has potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(7)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Pocklington

9st 10lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Produced an uncharacteristic below-par run at Newcastle (6f, AW) last month but he's had wind surgery since and was progressive on AW in the winter; twice finished close-up in big-field handicaps over this C&D (good/good to firm) last summer and there's every chance he will be bang there.

10/1

7th

7

(16)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Pocklington

9st 6lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Rewarded strong market support in game fashion at Southwell on New Year's Day (6f); another solid effort when second of 14 over C&D two weeks later; 2lb higher today but there is a fair chance he hasn't reached his ceiling after just 12 starts.

7/1

2nd

3

(8)

16th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Newcastle (AW)

Pocklington

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Ran several good races in defeat last year and he recorded his first handicap success when seeing off a few reopposing rivals at Southwell on New Year's Day (heavily backed); raised 3lb but still on the up.

4/1

11th
19 (13)
Wen Moon

20/1

Form: 605233 C

Last run: 33 days

W: 8st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Runs this track well and has been placed on his last three starts; has the ability to feature but he's usually kept away from good to firm ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(2)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:12 Ripon

Wen Moon

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

Poorly drawn and well beaten on seasonal reappearance here (6f) in April, but much more competitive when third at Carlisle (5f, good; 9-2) 16 days ago; bypassed an option at Catterick on Saturday (unsuitable ground) in favour of this; rain - three wins on soft - would aid his cause.

7/4

3rd

3

(1)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

14:30 Carlisle

Wen Moon

9st 4lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

Best to forgive reappearance effort (badly drawn) but he's not the percentage call unless the ground is soft; has gained all handicap wins on that surface.

14/1

16/1

Form: -01086

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Consistency not his forte but there's a big engine there when the mood takes him, as when seeing off his 14 rivals in a 6f handicap at Newmarket's Guineas meeting; raced freely in a first-time visor at Ascot 11 days ago, left behind by Holkham Bay late on but having helped force a strong pace; not a solid option but a better effort wouldn't be a huge shock.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(6)

25th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

15:53 Windsor

Desert Cop

8st 13lb

J: Neil Callan

T: George Baker

Has recent Windsor form, having posted one of his best efforts this year when third over C&D on penultimate start; infrequent winner, however, and it's two years since his last domestic success.

14/1

14th

12

(14)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Desert Cop

8st 12lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: George Baker

Ran respectably at Windsor five days ago but still has a modest strike-rate for current yard and hasn't won on British soil for two years.

25/1

11/1

Form: 257628

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Yet to win this year but his second to Jordan Electrics at Hamilton last month was a solid effort; didn't see things out over 6f here last time and others may have his measure today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

13

(14)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Silky Wilkie

9st 3lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Campaigned almost exclusively over sprint trips; consistent AW form this year includes two wins; effective on turf but hasn't scored in this sphere for three years and he's not the percentage call back at 7f.

25/1

3rd

5

(5)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 3

14:40 Lingfield (AW)

Silky Wilkie

9st 4lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Ended a long losing run at Newcastle (6f, Tapeta) in January and he also won at Wolverhampton (6f, Tapeta) in February; he's continued in good form on Tapeta on his last two starts and is also effective over this C&D; might have a part to play.

8/1

3rd

7

(5)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 3

14:05 Wolverhampton (AW)

Silky Wilkie

9st 5lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Ended a long losing run at Newcastle in January and successful again over C&D last month; poorly drawn when fourth at Southwell last time; one to consider.

7/1

20/1

Form: 203104 CD

Last run: 40 days

W: 8st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
2021 winner of this race (one of seven wins here) and he was beaten only 1l into fifth 12 months ago; latest fourth of 11 in a 5f handicap here last month needs bettering and there is other pace to deal with.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Thirsk

Copper Knight

9st 5lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Grand old veteran who can be forgiven his defeat in a Class 2 at York last time, having won at this level the time before at Beverley (2lb lower); had 119 races and yet this is his first visit here.

16/1

18th

18

(4)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:20 York

Copper Knight

8st 6lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

Hugely admirable 12yo whose seven York wins include this race in 2019 and 2021, and he built upon last month's reappearance second at Ripon (5f, good) to win at Beverley (5f, good to soft) ten days ago; however, there's a suspicion he may find a big-field Class 2 such as this too hot nowadays.

20/1

1st

4

(2)

4th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:15 Beverley

Copper Knight

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Legendary 12yo who has won 18 of his 117 races; fine second at Ripon on reappearance (5f, good), rain will help and although yet to win in four runs here, wouldn't rule him out.

13/2

Form: 1-0311 C

Last run: 61 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Yet to run a bad race in four visits to this track, winning over 6f last October; bolted up at Musselburgh in June and made light of an 11lb rise when comfortably seeing off his 27 rivals at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm); hit with another 8lb rise today but not fully exposed; the intermediate trip shouldn't be a problem but perhaps a lower draw would be beneficial.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(13)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Pilgrim

9st 12lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

In-form 5yo; overcame trouble to win at Musselburgh (5f, soft) in April and was a creditable fourth in a big field here (6f, good) ten days ago; should be thereabouts again off an unchanged mark.

10/1

4th

9

(3)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Pilgrim

9st 4lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Mixed fortunes since winning the 5f 3yo handicap at Royal Ascot in 2024 (good to firm); got back on track to win at Musselburgh (5f, soft) last month despite being denied a clear run; his peak performances have come at 5f but he was a C&D winner in his 2yo season; respected up just 3lb for last time.

14/1

1st

6

(14)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 2

15:42 Musselburgh

Pilgrim

8st 13lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Enjoyed his finest hour when winning the 5f 3yo handicap at Royal Ascot in 2024; seen only twice last season and down the field on both his AW outings this term, but he met trouble last time and is probably in much better form than his finishing position suggests; undoubtedly well handicapped again and this C&D winner is interesting with a good-value claimer booked.

6/1

Form: 019541

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Came from off the pace to win a 5f handicap at the Curragh 11 days ago (5f, good to firm); 3lb rise for that looks fair enough but this is a much stiffer assignment.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(8)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

16:37 Dundalk (AW)

Bold Optimist

10st 0lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Daniel McLoughlin

C&D maiden winner in 2023; added two 5f turf wins in 2024; very encouraging third back from a break over C&D in February under this rider; didn't look the easiest mount for a 10lb claimer last time when hanging; he's 11lb lower than his last winning mark and Coen back aboard is a plus.

4/1

6th

3

(5)

6th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

17:45 Dundalk (AW)

Bold Optimist

10st 1lb

J: Ross Fagan

T: Daniel McLoughlin

Won a C&D maiden in 2023, and added two turf 5f wins in 2024; last month's third over 5f was encouraging after a break; every chance with 10lb claimed.

6/1

3rd

4

(5)

13th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

16:28 Dundalk (AW)

Bold Optimist

9st 13lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Daniel McLoughlin

Won his maiden over 6f here in 2023, and added two turf 5f wins in 2024; last win came off a mark of 81; unseen since moderate run at Tipperary in August.

10/1

17th
21 (11)
Never Dark

50/1

Form: 318926

Last run: 18 days

W: 8st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Nottingham winner last month (5f, good) and his second on AW three weeks ago (6f) represented better form; last of six behind Jordan Electrics at Hamilton two days later; up against it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(10)

17th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:25 Haydock

Never Dark

8st 13lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Iain Jardine

C&D winner in 2023; landed a ninth win when scoring at Hamilton last September and finished third to Impressor there (also 5f, soft) last month; reared in stalls and weakened quickly at that venue one week later, though; career-low mark can only help.

16/1

6

(9)

29th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 7y

Class 5

16:45 Hamilton

Never Dark

9st 9lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Iain Jardine

Won this race off a 12lb higher mark last season (soft); mixed form this season, but creditable third over C&D last time (soft) and having dropped a further 2lb, is a contender.

9/1

4

(2)

22nd Sep 2025

Soft

0m 5f 7y

Class 5

16:08 Hamilton

Never Dark

9st 8lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Iain Jardine

8yo who has had a regressive campaign but he showed some spark at Wolverhampton (5f, AW) two starts ago; two-time C&D winner on soft/good to soft so today's conditions will be right up his street; chance.

6/1

25/1

Form: 278226 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Two agonising defeats in midsummer at Windsor and Doncaster; ran respectably at Haydock last time without suggesting he is the answer to a competitive race such as this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

14

(5)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Squealer

8st 12lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Only sixth and ninth this year, but he caught the eye on his reappearance and blew the start next time; now 7lb lower than when winning over C&D (good ground) last summer; likely to be doing his best work late on and a leading contender if getting the breaks.

25/1

9th

6

(3)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Thirsk

Squealer

9st 3lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Well handicapped on last season's best, including a York win off 4lb higher (5f, good); only midfield at Beverley on his reappearance 17 days ago (5f, good to soft) but the ground would have been slower than ideal and he travelled strongly before plugging on past a few tiring rivals in the final furlong; better expected back on a quicker surface.

8/1

20/1

Form: 858019

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Has bundles of early pace, making all in 5f handicaps at Newmarket and Sandown this year; not at his best in a Listed event in France 17 days ago; not much room for error off current mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(5)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Haydock

Tees Spirit

9st 1lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Adrian Nicholls

Capable 5f performer on his day but has not made the frame in six runs this year; a slow start meant he couldn't adopt his usual front-running tactics at York five weeks ago, and his mark is tumbling, but he's risky.

20/1

19th

4

(18)

20th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 89y

Class 2

13:50 York

Tees Spirit

9st 5lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Adrian Nicholls

Smart front-runner on his day; the handicapper took a dim view of his Beverley win last September and he has found it tough going this time around, including at Redcar 11 days ago after a wind op; he is well handicapped again now though and should have a big run in him if his high draw proves no hindrance.

40/1

Form: -82211 C

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Threatened better on occasions last season and he's really clicked this time around, running well in big-field handicaps at Ascot and here in May before winning here (6f, good to soft) in June and bolting up in a Shergar Cup race 11 days ago (5f, good); up 10lb since that latest win but this trip could be ideal; stall 22 and fast ground are the two potential stumbling blocks.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(1)

12th Jul 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:50 Ascot

Holkham Bay

9st 12lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: William Knight

Progressive last year, with his three wins including two at Ascot (one over C&D); confirmed his affinity for the track with a good fourth in the Wokingham three weeks ago, a race where he was finishing fast up the stands' rail and comfortably beating the others to race on that part of the track; 1lb rise manageable but with the stalls on the stands' side there must be a query over the suitability of stall 1.

7/2

4th

29

(29)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Holkham Bay

9st 0lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: William Knight

Regularly runs well in big-field sprints and in fine form here in 2024, finishing a close second of 26 over C&D before winning both subsequent starts (good and soft); may be high in the weights relative to this class of race but he shouldn't be far away following a luckless Goodwood run and then slightly short of room at York since.

20/1

7th

3

(12)

14th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:42 York

Holkham Bay

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: William Knight

Made good progress last season, winning handicaps over C&D and twice at Ascot (5f and 6f); unplaced twice this year but looked to need the run at Southwell and then met plenty of trouble at Goodwood 12 days ago (saw little daylight between 2f out and 1f out as the race was unfolding); 1lb lower today and Oisin Murphy, who won on him at Ascot in October, takes over; still has something to prove on good to firm, albeit he had a bleak draw when well held at the Ebor meeting last year.

6/1

Form: 118098

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Handles fast turf but better known for his AW exploits these days; neither run on grass this year suggests he's the solution to this puzzle.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

(8)

7th Jun 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:45 Epsom

One Night Stand

8st 2lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

Not beaten far into fifth in the 2023 renewal when rated much higher; not the obvious answer today from 4lb wrong.

33/1

22th
14 (15)
We Never Stop

25/1

Form: 7-5917

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
It may have been only a Class 4 handicap he won at Redcar in June (5f, good to firm; cheekpieces on for the first time) but it has worked out extremely well; didn't look in love with the track when seventh behind Shagraan at Goodwood three weeks ago; still has time to do better and the yard knows what is required in this race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

8

(3)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

We Never Stop

9st 6lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Seems best on the AW these days and has run poorly on his last two turf outings, including here; others make more appeal.

50/1

19th

13

(2)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

We Never Stop

9st 0lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Two-time turf winner who ran well when third at Newcastle (6f, AW) in March; however, the AW seems preferable nowadays and he finished last at Newmarket (5f, good) last month when back on grass.

50/1

8th

3

(5)

14th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

15:35 Newmarket

We Never Stop

9st 6lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Often leads; first two wins on turf (6f/5f; good to firm) but better on AW and it's a long time since he showed much on grass; slow to find form on sand over the winter but he's dropped a few pounds now back at 5f; one to keep an eye on for yard that has won two of the last nine runnings.

5/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £405.30
Straight Forecast £202.34
Tricast £1711.82
Trifecta £3879.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Shagraan

The Guardian:

Jm Jungle

D Express:

Pocklington

The Sun:

Kylian

Daily Record:

Pilgrim

NEWMARKET:

Democracy Dilemma

POSTDATA:

Looking For Lynda

Daily Mail:

Holkham Bay

TOPSPEED:

Silky Wilkie

The Star:

Vintage Clarets

Telegraph:

Bergerac

RP RATINGS:

Shagraan

The Times:

Shagraan

Daily Mirror:

Jm Jungle