September 07 / 15.00 Haydock

15.00

Good To Soft

Betfair Be Friendly Handicap

  • Prize money: £25770
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
ITV
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Betfair Be Friendly Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.25
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 235415 D BF

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Running well this year prior to winning big-field 3yo handicap at Glorious Goodwood (5f, good to firm) and close fifth of 22 at York (5.4f, good to firm) since; today's race is less competitive and he could play a leading role if conditions suit (unproven on slow ground); trainer won this last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(2)

3rd Oct 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Ascot

Shagraan

9st 3lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Clive Cox

Successful in this race 12 months ago when trained by Michael Appleby; best run since returning to Clive Cox when a close second to an improver at Newbury (5f, good to firm; cheekpieces first time) last time; solid claims.

7/2

2nd

4

(4)

19th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 34y

Class 1

13:02 Newbury

Shagraan

9st 3lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Clive Cox

Record of 0-4 this term for new stable but latest effort can be forgiven (traffic issues); Listed wins flanked his neck second in this race last year; in the mix, provided he takes to first-time headgear.

9/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 0-4310 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Disappointing at Southwell (5f, AW) nine days ago and it's hard to be confident on the back of that, but he looked progressive previously and won over this C&D (good) two starts ago; shouldn't be written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(6)

30th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

15:58 Musselburgh

Jer Batt

9st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: David & Nicola Barron

C&D winner; losing run stretches back over two years but he retains plenty of ability and has been performing with credit this summer; likely to be in the shake-up.

11/2

9th

15

(15)

13th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

13:25 Doncaster

Jer Batt

9st 2lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: David & Nicola Barron

No win since August 2024; ran well for minor honours on his first three (of four) visits to Doncaster, a close third in this race last year; 8lb lower today but he's not been disgraced this year (repeatedly short of room last time) and makes each-way appeal.

9/1

4th

10

(10)

5th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:15 Haydock

Jer Batt

8st 9lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: David & Nicola Barron

Losing run continued when fifth of 11 over C&D (heavy; favourite) yesterday, beaten just under 2l; however, one of two handicap wins came over C&D (good; acts well on soft) and he has finished second and third in the last two runnings.

11/2

4/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: -12122 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Two wins from five races this year, latest at Thirsk (5f, good to soft) in June; close second to Jer Batt over C&D (good) next time, runner-up at Pontefract (5f, good to firm) since and there's every chance he'll continue to progress, especially if settling better than last time; key player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(18)

13th Sep 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:25 Curragh

American Affair

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Jim Goldie

Won the Group 1 King Charles III at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm) last June before missing the rest of the season; high points this season are his 1l second in the Group 2 Temple Stakes (5f, good to soft) in May and his Group 2 King George win at Goodwood (5f, good to firm) in July; failed to confirm Goodwood form with Rumstar and Time For Sandals in the Nunthorpe.

8/1

12th

2

(4)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

American Affair

10st 1lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Said goodbye to handicaps when winning over C&D in May 2025 and just two runs later he won the Group 1 King Charles III at Royal Ascot (good to firm; handles good to soft); off the track for nearly a year after and he's been slowly working his way back to form since, looking more his old self when winning a Group 2 at Glorious Goodwood latest; a likely force.

7/1

Form: 377343 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Prominent-racer who is 0-10 this year but has often run well in defeat (on various ground), most recently a close third of 22 at York's Ebor meeting; every chance he'll produce another bold show.
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

9/1

Form: 312783 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
In good form this year since these cheekpieces went on, winning at Windsor (5f, good) in May and third of 14 at York last month (5f, good to firm; albeit no match for winner); unproven on slow ground; could be thereabouts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(11)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:20 Catterick

Jumbeau

8st 9lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Tom Clover

Faded in the closing stages over 6f at Newmarket last time but 5f is more her trip and her latest attempt over the minimum distance resulted in a creditable third at Lingfield (AW) at the beginning of September; has dropped to only 1lb above the mark she defied on turf at Lingfield in August.

16/1

6th

4

(3)

25th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket

Jumbeau

9st 6lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Tom Clover

Has placed form over the trip but she's 0-9 over 6f+ as opposed to 3-16 at 5f; didn't run badly on AW three weeks ago but perhaps vulnerable to stronger stayers this time.

12/1

1

(8)

4th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 3

18:20 Lingfield (AW)

Jumbeau

9st 9lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Tom Clover

Turf win here last month (5f, good); not so good at York a fortnight ago but that was a warm race; promise in each of her three AW starts thus far; not ideally drawn though and others perhaps stronger for win purposes.

13/2

OUR TIP

9/1

Form: -00319

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Close third to Shagraan at Glorious Goodwood (5f, good to firm) before winning at Windsor (6f, good to firm); not at the same level at Southwell (5f) last time but that was his AW debut and this 3yo could have more to offer now back on turf; unproven on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(9)

17th Oct 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Catterick

Toca Madera

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

On a hat-trick after 5f wins in conditions event at Beverley (good) and handicap at York (soft) in recent weeks; first Catterick visit but it's a track which should suit this strong-travelling, prominent racer; high on the list.

100/30

1st

4

(3)

22nd Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Beverley

Toca Madera

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Several good runs for his new yard this year and likely to give his running; surprising if one, or both, of the big two didn't have his measure.

6/1

12th

10

(11)

12th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 143y

Class 2

14:20 Doncaster

Toca Madera

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Won here (5f, good to firm) in June; ran two fine races at Goodwood's Glorious meeting and again when third behind Air Force One at York last month (travelled best); soft ground wouldn't have been ideal when second of six at Goodwood two weeks ago; drying conditions would be in his favour and he has the ability to get involved.

9/1

Form: 512591 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who has won four times this year, the latest when returning to form to beat four rivals at Catterick ten days ago; however, a 4lb rise and the step back up in grade may find him out this afternoon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(9)

24th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

17:55 Southwell (AW)

Night On Earth

9st 1lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Confirmed trailblazer who has won 13 races in his career (six on AW), but has finished out of the frame in all six starts over C&D; blinkers go on for the first time on his 86th start; others preferred.

11/1

8

(5)

23rd Sep 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Night On Earth

9st 3lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: Ian Williams

One of the faster sprinters in training and he belatedly got off the mark for the year with a front-running win at Wolverhampton 17 days ago; 6lb rise against stronger opposition could find him out.

8/1

1st

1

(3)

6th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

18:42 Wolverhampton (AW)

Night On Earth

9st 12lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: Ian Williams

Trailblazing sprinter who got no peace up front when beaten favourite in a Racing League handicap last time; ran a stormer the time before at Haydock and should give it a good shot from stall 3; has form here.

2/1

9/1

Form: 315813 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Made it 2-4 for current stable when winning at Newmarket (5f, good) in July; solid third at Goodwood (5f, good) 11 days later; unproven on slow ground but could have more left in the tank and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

(12)

26th Sep 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:50 Newmarket

Rocking Ends

8st 9lb

J: David Egan

T: Tom Clover

The vast majority of his recent racing has come at 5f and he's unraced at 7f; however, he wasn't stopping at the line when third here (6f, good) last Saturday and this trip is worth a go.

20/1

3rd

1

(8)

19th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:00 Newmarket

Rocking Ends

10st 0lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Tom Clover

Won the same Class 4 at the other Newmarket track (5f, visored) in July for the third consecutive year; held in a higher grade subsequently but he's now just 2lb higher and this drop back into calmer waters must help; no headgear for his first visit to the Rowley, though.

8/1

12th

6

(3)

5th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:10 Ascot

Rocking Ends

9st 2lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Tom Clover

Back to winning ways in a small-field Class 4 handicap at Newmarket (5f, good to firm) in July; he has come up short twice since and looks vulnerable for win purposes.

16/1

14/1

Form: -90110 C

Last run: 37 days

W: 8st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
10yo who won two in a row at Chester (heavy/good to soft) this summer; however, he's struggled when away from Chester this year and was well beaten at Wolverhampton (AW) last time; all turf wins have come on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(3)

20th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 5f 110y

Class 4

15:40 Chester

Hyperfocus

9st 1lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Tim Easterby

Won over C&D (good to soft) last July but he's lost his way and has been out of sorts this season; now 17lb lower than for that last win but the veteran has a lot to prove.

20/1

115

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Hyperfocus

8st 8lb

T: Tim Easterby

11

(1)

5th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:42 Haydock

Hyperfocus

9st 2lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Four-time course winner who has tumbled down the weights and runs here for the first time this season; however, this 11yo has been struggling this year and a major turnaround is required.

25/1

10/1

Form: 98-862 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo whose career has had some interruptions since he won his first two starts (good/good to soft); has improved with each of his three runs this season and went close at Hamilton (5f, heavy) a fortnight ago; not discounted but his claims may be dented if the ground dries out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(8)

19th Oct 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 4

16:55 Pontefract

Changeofmind

9st 5lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Ended a long losing run when winning over this C&D in May but he's mostly fallen short of that form since, including on his last two starts; needs much more.

16/1

7th

6

(9)

28th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

16:04 Hamilton

Changeofmind

9st 3lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Gained sole handicap success in Class 5 in May and achieved his subsequent placed form in Class 4; came up short in Class 3 last time and can be opposed kept to this grade.

16/1

10th

11

(2)

13th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

13:25 Doncaster

Changeofmind

9st 4lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Pontefract (5f, good to soft) in May saw him end a losing run and he's been competitive again on last two outings when short-headed at Newcastle (5f, AW) and close up on heavy ground at Haydock; a bit more is needed, though.

20/1

Non-runners

Designer

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £22.80
Straight Forecast £21.62
Tricast £63.67
Trifecta £92.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

American Affair

POSTDATA:

Shagraan

The Times:

Jumbeau

Daily Mail:

Designer

Telegraph:

Shagraan

RP RATINGS:

American Affair

TOPSPEED:

American Affair

The Guardian:

American Affair

D Express:

American Affair

The Sun:

American Affair

The Star:

American Affair

Daily Record:

American Affair

Daily Mirror:

Jumbeau