October 25 / 14.43 Doncaster

14.43

Soft

William Hill Committed To Top Prices Handicap

  • Prize money: £9630.56
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 12 runners
ITV
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William Hill Committed To Top Prices Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Scattered showers

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 2-2186 BF

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Only sixth when favourite on handicap debut here (1m2f, good to soft) last month but it was a fair performance given he pulled hard, and he could benefit from today's drop back to 1m; this lightly raced and well-bred 3yo has run well here on soft ground and retains potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

5

(3)

30th Apr 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

13:40 Ascot

Harpers Ferry

9st 5lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Ed Walker

Ended last season with a useful handicap win at Doncaster; below-par favourite at Newmarket on reappearance but is lightly raced and may rater higher still; more interesting than the bare figures suggest.

12/1

11th

5

(3)

30th Apr 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

13:40 Ascot

Harpers Ferry

9st 5lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Ed Walker

Ended last season with a useful handicap win at Doncaster; below-par favourite at Newmarket on reappearance but is lightly raced and may rater higher still; more interesting than the bare figures suggest.

12/1

5th

1

(9)

17th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket

Harpers Ferry

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ed Walker

Successful over 1m2f but quite a free-goer and looked well suited by the drop back to 1m and being allowed to stride on when making all in 12-runner Doncaster handicap (soft) on final 3yo start; his new triple-figure rating demands a smart handicap performance but this lightly raced 4yo is probably capable of one.

3/1

OUR TIP

7/1

  • Place: £3.60

Form: -51137 D BF

Last run: 61 days

W: 9st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 3yo who won his final two starts for Ed Walker (1m, good/good to soft; unraced on softer) before close third on stable debut at Goodwood (1m2f, good to firm) in August; unplaced favourite at Goodwood (1m, good to soft) latest but didn't settle and wasn't beaten far; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(8)

4th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 2

13:55 Musselburgh

Midnight Gun

9st 8lb

J: James Doyle

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Faded in a 1m Listed race at Saint-Cloud (heavy) in November; had previously won a novice and a handicap (good) at that trip but the return to 7f worked well for him at Doncaster (soft) in October when he was bumped and later met trouble, only just failing against one on the crest of a wave; that strong form gives him solid claims.

9/4

3

(10)

24th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 2

15:18 Doncaster

Midnight Gun

9st 10lb

J: James Doyle

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Lightly raced 4yo; campaigned mostly at 1m but his two efforts this term, including when sixth in the Lincoln here, suggest this return to 7f is worth exploring; good second at Doncaster (soft) 12 months ago; possibilities, provided he takes well to first-time headgear.

9/2

7th

2

(11)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 212y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

Midnight Gun

9st 13lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Wrapped up a good 3yo campaign with smart effort for second of 12 in 1m Doncaster handicap (soft) last October; couldn't justify favouritism but still made a respectable return to the track when sixth of 22 in the Lincoln there (1m, good to soft) in March; off a further six months since but evidently capable when fresh and remains with untapped potential.

4/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form: P75422 D BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
3yo who is 0-6 this year but he's run well when runner-up the last twice (1m2f, soft/heavy) and has shaped each time as though he may benefit from this drop back to 1m; firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

(6)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 5

14:40 Redcar

Whiskey Pete

9st 3lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Inconsistent 5yo; lurks on a dangerous mark but usually runs over middle distances nowadays and was well beaten on last month's seasonal debut.

20/1

13th

7

(9)

10th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

15:53 Thirsk

Whiskey Pete

9st 5lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Useful for Ralph Beckett but nowhere near that level for this yard last year, albeit placed twice over 1m2f at Doncaster off his reduced mark at the end of last summer; off six months; the betting should help guide to expectations.

14/1

4th
12 (9)
Apiarist

14/1

Form: 344439

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
3yo who made it 0-7 for the year when slightly below par at Ayr last month; however, he failed to settle and had been running consistently well previously; sole win came on soft ground at York last October; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(15)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Apiarist

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Three fine efforts on AW to start the year but his run of good form came to a halt when well behind Blue Rc at Newcastle over Easter; acts on turf but has a much better strike-rate on AW; drawn widest.

20/1

12th

6

(1)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Apiarist

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Finished a good third in this race 12 months ago when rated 2lb lower; arrives in good form, having beaten Popmaster at Lingfield (1m) before a good third at Kempton (7f) 16 days ago; chance if stall 1 proves no hindrance.

10/1

3rd

4

(3)

18th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Apiarist

9st 4lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Beat very good yardstick in Popmaster for fourth AW win from just eight tries at Lingfield 19 days ago (1m; ridden by Jack Callan for the first time); up just 3lb, and no issue with this shorter trip, but he's never been to Kempton and trainer is just 1-14 here last five years.

3/1

5th
13 (10)
Barley

12/1

Form: 427283 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Has often run well this term and he was denied a clear passage when a close third of 16 at York (1m, soft) a fortnight ago; has run twice here in the past and those C&D performances in 2022 coincide with his best career RPRs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(9)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:10 Ripon

Barley

9st 5lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Just three wins from his 47 starts, the latest back in June 2024; however, he was short-headed off this career-low mark at Hamilton (8.3f, good to firm) last Wednesday and could be in the mix once more; versatile ground-wise.

9/2

2nd

4

(3)

27th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 68y

Class 5

17:05 Hamilton

Barley

9st 5lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Not a prolific winner but he is operating off a reduced mark and there were more encouraging signs dropped to a Class 5 at Thirsk 11 days ago; another 3lb lower today and minor money could be on the cards.

5/1

6th

8

(4)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

16:12 Thirsk

Barley

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Not badly treated on his best form at about 1m but his losing run goes back nearly two years and he's dropped right out in both runs this year.

25/1

12/1

Form: 153240 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Won at Windsor (1m, good to firm) in August and ran well in defeat on his next four starts, including when fourth in the Cambridgeshire (1m1f, soft); disappointing at York a fortnight ago but that may have been just a blip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(14)

25th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:43 Doncaster

Bennetot

9st 8lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

in rear, some headway over 1f out, no telling impression

12/1

11th

4

(4)

12th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:05 York

Bennetot

9st 1lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Won at Windsor (1m, good to firm) last month and has run well in defeat on his four starts since, on the latest finishing fourth of 31 in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket (1m1f, soft); one of two solid contenders for the yard.

9/1

4th

23

(6)

28th Sep 2024

Soft

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Bennetot

8st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: David O’Meara

Won at Windsor (1m, good to firm) last month and has run well in defeat on his three starts since (1m/1m2f, good to firm-soft); each-way possible.

20/1

Form: 736019 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 10lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Completed a double when winning over C&D (soft) in April; inconsistent since and well beaten in Listed race at Ascot (7f, soft) last time, but she won a handicap at Haydock (1m, soft) last month and is not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(7)

18th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

14:45 Ayr

Flying Finn

9st 8lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Getting back on slow ground is a positive and she's 5lb lower than when winning at Haydock (1m, soft) last September, but she hasn't been at the top of her game in a light campaign and a shorter trip may be preferable.

16/1

2

(1)

4th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 42y

Class 3

16:37 Haydock

Flying Finn

9st 13lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Usually kept to testing ground; 2lb lower than when winning at Haydock (1m, soft) last September; has not approached that form since and none of her three attempts at 1m2f has gone well, including three months ago on latest start, so there have to be doubts.

20/1

Form: 320661 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
3yo who is enjoying a solid campaign; didn't quite see out 1m1f when creditable sixth in the Cambridgeshire last month before winning a classified event at Ascot (1m, soft) three weeks ago; there could still be mileage in his mark and he's on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(8)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Ebts Guard

9st 12lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Tough and consistent sort who won the C&D Spring Cup on 2025 reappearance but couldn't get a clear run in it this time round; third in this race last year and 9lb higher today but he's an each-way contender.

10/1

18th

3

(11)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Ebts Guard

9st 12lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Tough and consistent sort who won this race (good ground) on his reappearance 12 months ago and finished second in the Balmoral Handicap at Ascot in the autumn; starts the new season on a career-high mark but he's impossible to rule out.

16/1

2nd

3

(6)

29th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 0f 75y

Class 1

14:47 Nottingham

Ebts Guard

9st 4lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Acts on soft; has mostly run well in warm 7f/1m handicaps this season, never better than when dead-heating for second in a valuable event at Ascot 11 days ago; this first Listed assignment makes for a different scenario but he has the form to be not far away.

11/2

25/1

Form: 04-676 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Below best in the spring on final two runs in France and same story on last month's stable debut at Hamilton; however, he may have needed that latest outing and he's well treated on his best French form; trainer has excelled with numerous similar types over the years and he's not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(2)

27th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 96y

Class 5

15:15 Beverley

Rajapour

9st 7lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

AW race in December when visored first time is his only win for this yard from 21 attempts; last three starts (switched to cheekpieces; also tongue tied latest) reiterated, however, that he's still likely to be competitive if he takes to this track.

9/2

3rd

6

(11)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

16:12 Thirsk

Rajapour

9st 7lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Has had some mixed results in 2026 but he had his path blocked when only just failing against Hale End at Wetherby (1m, good to firm) in April; travelled within himself but took an age to pick up when a never-nearer fourth at Ayr since and now has a tongue-tie added; capable of going well.

6/1

4th

2

(5)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:00 Ayr

Rajapour

9st 8lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Only 1-19 in Britain but he proved resurgent and looked unlucky in new headgear at Wetherby (1m, good to firm) nine days ago, going very close despite meeting traffic issues; respected off same mark in retained cheekpieces.

5/2

25/1

Form: 000043

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Having dropped down the weights he was an encouraging fourth of eight at Newmarket (1m, soft) last month and backed that up when third of 18 at York (7f, soft) a fortnight ago; might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(7)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

16:25 Newcastle (AW)

Bajan Bandit

9st 3lb

J: David Nolan

T: Patrick Morris

Continues to edge down the weights and he's well treated on the pick of this winter's course form; however, he appears to have gone off the boil on his last few outings and needs to raise his game.

8/1

6th

9

(5)

11th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:15 Southwell (AW)

Bajan Bandit

9st 0lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Patrick Morris

2lb lower than for his Newcastle win in December but his form has gone off the boil more recently; Billy Loughnane, who was aboard for the Newcastle win, is back on today so a revival wouldn't be a bolt from the blue.

10/1

6th

4

(7)

28th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

16:55 Southwell (AW)

Bajan Bandit

9st 7lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Patrick Morris

In good form over 7f/1m in mid-winter but below par on his last two outings and needs to bounce back.

14/1

Form: 510108 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Merely mid-division in the Cambridgeshire and same outcome at York last time; however, the Knavesmire doesn't appear to play to his strengths and he's won two soft-ground handicaps this season (1m1f/1m); won a 3yo novice here in April 2023 on sole previous Doncaster visit; could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

13

(14)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Theoryofeverything

8st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: David O’Meara

Second of 14 off 1lb higher behind Thunder Roar at Ayr (1m) last September on his favoured soft ground, and didn't run badly when 4l 11th of 21 in the Lincoln at Doncaster (1m, good to soft) on his reappearance; however, others have more compelling credentials.

25/1

11th

16

(10)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Theoryofeverything

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: David O’Meara

Second of 14 off this mark behind Thunder Roar at Ayr (1m) last September on his favoured soft ground; however, he was below that level more often than not last season and is likely to find this too competitive.

33/1

8/1

Form: 417030 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Two-time Irish winner who was a close third of 14 at Ayr (1m, good to firm) last month on his third stable start, and ran well for a long way in the Cambridgeshire (1m1f, soft) last time when setting the pace in the unfavoured near-side group; he's one to consider now back down to 1m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(10)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

17:28 Carlisle

Mr King

9st 7lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Geoffrey Harker

Modest 2-26 strike-rate and refused to race once in the autumn; however, he's often run well in competitive races, as when third of 19 at York (1m, good) last July and was hampered next time; creditable return for new yard at Redcar (first-time hood, cheekpieces now refitted) this month; involved.

14/1

6th

6

(9)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

19:20 Redcar

Mr King

8st 13lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Geoffrey Harker

Successful twice (1m2f/1m) in Ireland earlier in his career; talented but failed to win in 14 starts for Iain Jardine, including refusing to race on his penultimate outing last year; it's possible a change of stable (same owner) could spark a revival but a watching brief is still the percentage call here; hooded first time.

22/1

16th

9

(11)

11th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

17:05 York

Mr King

9st 8lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

2-24 with both wins coming for Ger Lyons in Ireland (1m/1m2f); finished a close third of 19 behind Billyb here (1m, good) in July, but he refused to race at Ayr three weeks ago and has enough to prove after that.

12/1

Non-runners

Hafeet Alain, Sierra Blanca

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £52.20
Straight Forecast £44.53
Tricast £159.77
Trifecta £238.60

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Whiskey Pete

NEWMARKET:

Midnight Gun

The Times:

Harper's Ferry

Daily Mail:

Ebt's Guard

Daily Mirror:

Flying Finn

The Star:

Apiarist

TOPSPEED:

Theoryofeverything

The Sun:

Sierra Blanca

SPOTLIGHT:

Barley

Telegraph:

Midnight Gun

D Express:

Harper's Ferry

POSTDATA:

Whiskey Pete

The Guardian:

Whiskey Pete

Daily Record:

Ebt's Guard