August 23 / 13.50 York

13.50

Good To Firm

Sky Bet Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

  • Prize money: £61848
  • 1m 3f 188y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
ITV
View Course
Sky Bet Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

OUR TIP

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £8.90
  • Place: £2.90

Form: 412-02 D BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Much improved in his two races (good/soft) once sent handicapping last autumn and he returned to form when close second at Ripon (1m4f, good) five weeks ago, hanging right over 1f out but rallying well; fast ground would be a worry, as he ran poorly when prominent in the betting at Royal Ascot on reappearance, which was his only experience of good to firm.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

3

(4)

4th Apr 2026

Good

1m 5f 216y

Class 3

15:05 Musselburgh

Shadow Dance

9st 6lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

Career highlights (1m4f/1m6f) for Roger Varian were in 2024 and he managed only mid-division in his three handicaps (at top meetings) last July-September; rather worse in both runs (his first races on AW) for new connections early this year but he returns to turf 8lb below his career-high mark.

28/1

7th

2

(4)

21st Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Lingfield (AW)

Shadow Dance

9st 9lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

On same mark as for his win at York (1m4f, good) in August 2024 but he's not seen much action since and has been well held in last four starts; may have needed the run on his stable/AW debut at Kempton (28-1) last month but others are more persuasive.

14/1

6th

4

(3)

28th Jan 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 2

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Shadow Dance

9st 8lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

Campaigned on turf for Roger Varian, often in notable handicaps (won one at York in 2024); failed to reproduce his peak figures in a light 2025 campaign and sold for 60,000gns since last run; the betting may prove best guide on AW/stable debut.

20/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.75

Form: 801212 CD BF

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
In the form of his life since returned to 1m4f this summer, with two wins (York and Chepstow, both good to soft) and two close seconds; beaten a neck at Windsor (good to firm) eight days ago; will be 4lb higher in future handicaps and should be on the premises.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(14)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 5f 61y

Class 2

14:05 Newbury

Lieber Power

8st 13lb

J: William Buick

T: Andrew Balding

Mostly creditable efforts in defeat this season, including second of nine at Windsor (11.5f, good to firm) last month; below-par sixth in this race on heavy ground last year; William Buick up but others arrive with more pressing claims.

11/1

2nd

4

(10)

14th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 99y

Class 3

19:30 Windsor

Lieber Power

9st 9lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Andrew Balding

Had a good summer over about 1m4f last term, including when beaten a neck by Night Breeze in this race; some minor honours this season, without being quite in peak form but he is in serious each-way calculations.

11/2

3rd

2

(11)

7th Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

20:00 Chepstow

Lieber Power

9st 11lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

Had a good summer over about 1m4f last term, including a win in this race (good to soft) off 6lb lower; the handicapper has been winning the argument since but recent efforts have been creditable and he ought to be competitive again.

6/1

14/1

  • Place: £6.65

Form: -00192 CD

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
C&D winner last July and a fair eighth in this race; has lacked consistency but he won at Hamilton (1m5f) this June and was a good second of five at Ayr (1m5f, good to firm; hung badly left) on latest start, so is not entirely ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

(2)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Dark Moon Rising

8st 9lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Kevin Ryan

C&D winner in 2023; no joy anywhere last season (mostly at this track) but the closest he came was a neck defeat here (1m2f; 4lb higher today) on final start; not far away on AW last three starts this year and the same may be possible on today's return to turf.

16/1

4th

6

(7)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

15:15 Lingfield (AW)

Dark Moon Rising

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Losing run now up to 14, but his last couple of efforts have been encouraging as when second of six in a slightly stronger contest at Chelmsford (1m2f, Polytrack) last month; still on his last winning mark and holds each-way claims.

10/1

2nd

4

(5)

12th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

17:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Dark Moon Rising

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Drew a blank in 2025 but he ended that campaign with a good second in a big-field 10.2f handicap at York; two respectable AW runs this year but he will need to raise his game to take this.

5/1

11/2

Form: 6-4231

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Acts on good to firm; progressive in handicaps; third in a Class 2 at the Newmarket July meeting before ridden from the front in six-runner race at Sandown (again 1m2f on good) and asserting in plucky, clearcut fashion; up 7lb but he's now shaping as if worth a go at 1m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(2)

26th Sep 2024

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 3

15:10 Pontefract

Mr Monaco

9st 9lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Third in a Class 2 at the Newmarket July meeting before 4l winner from the front at Sandown (both 1m2f, good) in August; creditable fourth of 12 in 1m4f York Ebor meeting handicap (good to firm) last time and has to be a player back in slightly calmer waters; showed promise on soft last year.

7/2

4th

9

(5)

23rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

13:50 York

Mr Monaco

9st 1lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

midfield

11/2

1st

1

(3)

8th Aug 2024

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 4

19:15 Sandown

Mr Monaco

9st 11lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

7f novice win as 2yo; better form in defeat in handicaps this year, finishing second over 1m1f here (good to firm) before a good third of ten in a traditionally very strong 3yo event at the Newmarket July meeting (1m2f, good) four weeks ago; should go well.

15/8

11/1

Form: 924164 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 8lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Veteran who's had a superlative career and had two of his biggest wins at this track; versatile regarding distance and tactics; fifth, 11th, seventh and fourth in the last four Ebors at this meeting; not quite so good this season but Ayr in June still saw him break a losing run and he was a close fourth at Goodwood three weeks ago; well capable of a prominent finish.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

9

(10)

26th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 2

15:15 Doncaster

Euchen Glen

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

11yo who has won just once since 2021 but that came at Ayr (1m5f, good to firm) this June; has run well several times this year, including when fourth of 13 at York (1m2f, soft) a fortnight ago, and might not be far away.

20/1

4th

5

(6)

12th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:05 York

Euchen Glen

9st 0lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

11yo now but he's had a few bright moments this season, including second of eight to Kihavah at Ayr (1m5f, good to firm) three weeks ago; his sixth of 20 in the John Smith's Cup over C&D in July shows he's still effective over shorter trips.

20/1

2nd

3

(5)

21st Sep 2024

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 3

17:15 Ayr

Euchen Glen

9st 12lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

in touch with leaders against rail, going okay 3f out, keeping on and went second over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, no match for winner

6/1

Form: 165911

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Ran creditably here on final 2yo outing; well below form both starts on good to firm, including at Royal Ascot two months ago; improved since with a hood fitted, winning twice over Chester's 10.3f and doing it particularly well from the front last time; up another 7lb; also upped in trip and races a bit too freely for comfort, but he strode out very well at the finish last time and his dam won at up to 1m5f; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(1)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 2f 43y

Class 2

16:25 Doncaster

Grey Cuban

10st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Hugo Palmer

Front-runner who defied top weight at York (1m2f, good) a fortnight ago and won over this C&D (good to soft) last September; has run some good races on soft ground in the past; he's just 2lb higher than last time and can produce another bold show.

5/1

1

(9)

11th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:05 York

Grey Cuban

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Hugo Palmer

Front-runner who won at Chester (1m2f, good) in July and returned to form when third of five in Listed race there (1m4f, good to soft) last month; he's saved his best for Chester this season but has shown promise at York in the past and the drop back in trip is a likely plus; can make a bold bid.

20/1

3

(1)

13th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 1

14:05 Chester

Grey Cuban

9st 5lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Hugo Palmer

This course rather dominates his turf record, most notably with a big career best to win 1m2f handicap in July in good style from the front; the scale of his defeats at other tracks on his last two outings is a concern and although better seems likely on this return to Chester, stamina is in doubt.

14/1

25/1

Form: 553464 BF

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Won handicap/seasonal debut in March; 0-10 since but he came fourth and fifth in two hot, large-field 10.2f races here this May/June; has largely held his form and this first attempt beyond 10.3f has to be worth a go.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(2)

25th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

16:15 Leicester

Qitaal

9st 5lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Charlie Johnston

Three turf wins at up to about 1m2f (good to soft and soft), most recent in 2024; promising reappearance on AW in February but he hasn't done as well since and there was little in the locker at Hamilton recently.

9/2

4th

4

(3)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 35y

Class 4

19:50 Hamilton

Qitaal

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Charlie Johnston

It's now 15 starts since his last victory and he was tried in cheekpieces when a below-par seventh in 1m2f handicap at Nottingham last month; needs to take a big step forward.

13/2

8th
2 (6)
Insanity

8/1

Form: 15-121 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Two wins and a close second from three races this term, all on good (unraced on firmer); latest start came 13 days ago in a Shergar Cup race at Ascot (1m4f) where he moved like a dream until over 1f out and knuckled down well to score by a head from Dream Harder; up 4lb but he's a rising force.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(9)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 5y

Class 2

15:27 Pontefract

Insanity

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Soundly beaten on final run last term but on heavy ground, and it was a campaign in which he frequently ran really well, going close off this mark at York (1m2f, good) in October; won on his reappearance in 2024; respected.

11/2

4

(5)

11th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:05 York

Insanity

9st 3lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Alan King

Won at Ayr (1m5f, good) in June and has run really well in defeat over 1m4f (good to firm) on his last two starts, most recently beaten a neck here; this progressive 5yo could give another good account although the drop back in trip may well prove to be a negative.

6/1

2nd

4

(8)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

13:50 York

Insanity

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Disappointing in his two starts at York, latterly in this race last year; back to his best on two of his last three outings when winning at Ayr (1m5f, good) in June and close third in a Shergar Cup race at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) 13 days ago; contender if the form is transferred to York this time.

7/1

Form: 6-9330 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Last of 18 when 7-1 at the Galway festival three weeks ago; however, he's of major interest if that can be forgiven and he has a good record on visits to Britain, including wins last season at Hamilton (1m3f, good to soft) and Pontefract (1m4f, good to firm); suffered a nightmare run up the straight at Epsom (1m2f) on Oaks day on penultimate outing, eventually eating up the ground to finish a close third (1lb higher today); on that, he's one to note.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

(7)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

20:30 Leopardstown

Derry Lad

9st 4lb

J: Jessica O’Gorman

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Four-time Flat winner at up to 1m4f but not for nearly three years; tried over various trips of late without success; handicapper giving him every chance but others preferred.

16/1

12th

12

(5)

15th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 2f 0y

14:32 Leopardstown

Derry Lad

8st 11lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Four-time Flat winner at up to 1m4f; no sign of his old form in two outings at Dundalk since rejoining his original trainer

25/1

100/30

Form: 25-412 BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
3yo who has had just five races; much better again in his two runs since being gelded, winning easily at 1-5 in a maiden at Hamilton (1m1f, good) and running on well from off the pace when second of seven at Goodwood (1m3f, good to firm) three weeks ago; up 3lb but has more to give, with this extra furlong highly likely to help him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

13

(10)

23rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

13:50 York

Wafei

8st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: William Haggas

towards rear

100/30

2nd

9

(7)

2nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 44y

Class 3

17:20 Goodwood

Wafei

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: William Haggas

Went close last September on debut; disappointing on next two starts but he returned from a gelding operation to win easily in a maiden at Hamilton (1m1f, good) five weeks ago; that was at 1-5 and this handicap debut is a far sterner test; likely to stay.

3/1

1st

6

(3)

27th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 35y

Class 5

19:45 Hamilton

Wafei

9st 5lb

J: James Doyle

T: William Haggas

raced in second, led going easily over 2f out

4/9

40/1

Form: 0-3007 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Had a mostly poor second half to last season and he's gone a similar way this term since his reappearance third at Chester (3lb lower today); all his races for this stable (last two seasons) have been over 2m+ but this is 1m4f; equipment (absent for last two starts) returns.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(10)

9th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:45 Chester

Law Of The Sea

9st 8lb

J: David Probert

T: Ian Williams

The vast majority of last year was disappointing; however, perhaps first time up will be the time to catch him as he reappeared with a good third in this 12 months ago; now 12lb lower; could be dangerous.

14/1

5th

5

(10)

9th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:45 Chester

Law Of The Sea

9st 8lb

J: David Probert

T: Ian Williams

The vast majority of last year was disappointing; however, perhaps first time up will be the time to catch him as he reappeared with a good third in this 12 months ago; now 12lb lower; could be dangerous.

14/1

3rd

6

13th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

13:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Law Of The Sea

11st 0lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Ian Williams

took keen hold, brief headway and went remote fourth after 3 out, mistake 2 out, went remote third run-in, no match for first two

11/2

Form: -45050

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Three wins in France last April-December; 20-1, 33-1 and 40-1 for his three starts this May/July for new connections, uncompetitive but there have been increasing signs of a revival and he's been dropped 6lb in the process; first tried cheekpieces on latest start (Goodwood); moving back up in trip gives him more to prove but he'll click again at some stage.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(1)

21st Nov 2024

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 2

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Track Of Time

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Ian Williams

Not shone in four runs for Ian Williams this summer but he's dropped 10lb in the weights and has undergone wind surgery since last seen; others look safer.

25/1

8th

6

(1)

21st Nov 2024

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 2

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Track Of Time

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Ian Williams

Not shone in four runs for Ian Williams this summer but he's dropped 10lb in the weights and has undergone wind surgery since last seen; others look safer.

25/1

12th

1

(4)

23rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

13:50 York

Track Of Time

9st 12lb

J: William Buick

T: Ian Williams

towards rear

33/1

Non-runners

Dream Harder

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £47.50
Straight Forecast £46.79
Tricast £1104.09
Trifecta £1110.90

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Wafei

POSTDATA:

Mr Monaco

Daily Mirror:

Grey Cuban

RP RATINGS:

Lieber Power

TOPSPEED:

Dream Harder

SPOTLIGHT:

Insanity

The Times:

Wafei

Telegraph:

Wafei

D Express:

Wafei

The Sun:

Wafei

The Star:

Mr Monaco

Daily Record:

Grey Cuban

Daily Mail:

Lieber Power

The Guardian:

Dream Harder