August 17 / 13.50 York

13.50

Good To Firm

Sky Bet And Symphony Group Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

  • Prize money: £51540
  • 0m 5f 89y
  • Class 2
  • 22 runners
ITV
View Course
Sky Bet And Symphony Group Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Runners: 22 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

1st
18 (2)
Bergerac

20/1 (Won)

  • Win: £27.70
  • Place: £6.60

Form: 080321 C

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Raced mainly over 6f but looks likely to cope with this drop back in trip; took well to first-time blinkers at Newmarket (good to firm) 12 days ago, making all to beat two rivals; now 5lb higher in a much deeper race but may have more to offer in the blinds; not dismissed.
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

20/1

  • Place: £5.80

Form: 402025 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who has gained all wins in small fields; ran respectably (runner-up then fifth) in ten-runner races at Ascot the last twice but this return to a much bigger field doesn't look ideal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(2)

30th Sep 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 10y

Class 4

16:52 Bath

King Of Stars

10st 0lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Michael Appleby

1-1 over C&D; two good efforts since returning from latest seven-month absence but ran moderately when twelfth of 14 at York last time; 11l margin of defeat does him some disservice though (squeezed out then eased) and this drop in grade can help him bounce back; easiest task on turf for years; interesting.

7/1

10

(3)

7th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 89y

Class 2

15:00 York

King Of Stars

8st 12lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Had some long spells on the sidelines since his solid 2022 campaign; two solid efforts since returning from latest seven-month absence; has run well over C&D and should give it a good go from the front.

10/1

9/1

  • Place: £3.85

Form: 7-9978

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Mostly progressive for Marco Botti, notably a success in last year's Scurry Stakes (Listed) at Sandown on fast ground; hinted at a return to form in 5f handicap at Glorious Goodwood (fourth run for new yard) three weeks ago, keeping on from rear into midfield; interesting off a workable mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(9)

3rd Sep 2022

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:05 Haydock

Atalis Bay

9st 7lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Robert Cowell

prominent, ridden and weakened over 1f out (trainer said, regarding the poor form shown, he had no explanation other than the jockey reported that the gelding hung left and stopped quickly)

9/2

3rd

11

(6)

17th Aug 2022

Good To Firm

0m 5f 89y

Class 2

13:50 York

Atalis Bay

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Robert Cowell

towards far side, prominent, hung left and ridden 2f out, kept on (jockey said gelding hung left under pressure)

9/1

25/1

  • Place: £8.45

Form: 305400 C

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Disappointing favourite in 6f event at this year's Dante meeting, failing to build on his promising reappearance effort; subsequent form isn't compelling; first-time visor needs to make a big difference.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(1)

18th Oct 2023

Heavy

0m 5f 8y

Class 3

16:50 Nottingham

Nomadic Empire

9st 6lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

Defied higher marks twice on home soil in 2021 and won in Bahrain last December; 0-12 this year but posted encouraging efforts the last twice, latest when 1l second at York (soft) last Friday; could well go one better.

5/2

2nd

9

(14)

13th Oct 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

17:00 York

Nomadic Empire

8st 11lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

Hasn't won in Britain since 2021 but some useful efforts in 2023, including here; needs things to go better at the start than they sometimes do if he's to play a part.

7/1

3rd

6

(4)

9th Sep 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Thirsk

Nomadic Empire

9st 1lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Has drawn a blank this season but he retains a good chunk of ability, running well at Haydock in June off a 5lb higher mark and beaten under 4l in a hot York sprint latest; capable of a big run but slow starts have been a feature the last twice and that sounds a note of caution.

8/1

10/1

Form: 422347

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
No win since 2020 but has proved consistent this term, most recently seventh in the Stewards' Cup; close fourth to Dakota Gold in this contest three years ago and nearly beat same rival here in May; in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

(6)

3rd May 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:23 Thirsk

Makanah

9st 9lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

midfield, weakened over 2f out, tailed off

11/4

10th

4

(6)

3rd May 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:23 Thirsk

Makanah

9st 9lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

midfield, weakened over 2f out, tailed off

11/4

2nd

5

(9)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:48 Newcastle (AW)

Makanah

9st 7lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

midfield against near rail, waiting for room halfway, switched left 1f out, good headway inside final furlong, switched right and squeezed through final 110yds, went second post, eyecatcher

6/1

14/1

Form: 411529 BF

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Showed useful form to win 3yo handicaps at Sandown and Chester in the spring; creditable second in the Scurry Stakes at Sandown in June; disappointing back at Chester last time but could well bounce back; his half-brother (and stablemate) Live In The Moment finished second in this race last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(9)

2nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Live In The Dream

9st 4lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Adam West

Close second to Kerdos in the Temple Stakes at Haydock (soft) on seasonal debut; lesser efforts in races won by Believing and Makarova since, last time under change of tactics (normally a front-runner); peak performance remains his win in last year's Group 1 Nunthorpe at York (good to firm).

10/1

4th

5

(9)

6th Jul 2024

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 1

13:50 Sandown

Live In The Dream

9st 5lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Adam West

Front-runner who enjoyed an excellent campaign last year, the highlight his Group 1 Nunthorpe win at York (5f, good to firm); not quite at his best yet this season, but a close second in the Group 2 Temple at Haydock (5f, soft) was no disgrace and he stumbled leaving the stalls when a beaten favourite last time; tops the ratings and commands major respect.

2/1

14/1

Form: 221143 C

Last run: 25 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Better than ever this summer, including fast-ground wins at Pontefract (6f) and this course (5f; wore first-time cheekpieces); close third here (6f) last time, sticking on well in reapplied cheekpieces; likely player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

11

(12)

14th Oct 2024

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 5

14:50 Musselburgh

Ghathanfar

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tracy Waggott

Some good runs in defeat this April-July and he's well treated on that form; however, this 8yo wasn't performing at the same level in the second half of the summer and needs to raise his game back from a two-month break.

12/1

107

20th Sep 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:15 Ayr

Ghathanfar

8st 5lb

T: Tracy Waggott

14/1

Form: 84-424 BF

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
0-8 since 2yo debut win but has respectable form at Ascot (good to firm) this year, including close fourth in the Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes and a narrow defeat by Mountain Peak; not without a chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(4)

4th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

18:15 Beverley

Bond Chairman

9st 10lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Wins both came first time out but he ran poorly for his new yard on comeback five weeks ago, having struggled during a limited campaign last year; often pulls hard and has plenty to prove now.

8/1

11

(4)

31st May 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Bond Chairman

9st 0lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Capable of smart handicap form in 2022 and 2023 (RPR 102); ended 2023 tamely though and no sign of a revival in three runs last year; not a solid option but it's possible a change of stable could have freshened him up and he's thrown in if that's the case.

16/1

11

(4)

31st May 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Bond Chairman

9st 0lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Capable of smart handicap form in 2022 and 2023 (RPR 102); ended 2023 tamely though and no sign of a revival in three runs last year; not a solid option but it's possible a change of stable could have freshened him up and he's thrown in if that's the case.

16/1

9th
13 (7)
Gis A Sub

25/1

Form: 26-390

Last run: 61 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Good second in the Gimcrack at this meeting 12 months ago, continuing his progress; however, has regressed in four runs since; combination of gelding operation and new headgear needs to have positive effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(6)

8th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:40 Newcastle (AW)

Gis A Sub

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

On a losing run but he wasn't best drawn when seventh of 11 in 6f Pontefract handicap 43 days ago; he needs considering off a handy-looking mark.

11/2

7th

1

(13)

27th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Pontefract

Gis A Sub

9st 11lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Has a poor strike-rate but went close at Ripon last weekend and holds a fighting chance in this grade; gained sole handicap win off 5lb higher.

7/2

2nd

6

(3)

19th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:38 Ripon

Gis A Sub

9st 5lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Runner-up in the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes as a 2yo; nothing like so good now but that wasn't a barrier to success in the corresponding event 12 months ago; 7lb lower this time around and he didn't run badly at Thirsk 17 days ago; headgear left off today.

7/1

10th
10 (16)
Good Eye

14/1

Form: 2-4194

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Swedish 7yo who bagged Listed honours over 6f in Germany in May, adding to his 7f/1m wins on home soil; outran his 150-1 odds (2l fourth) in the Stewards' Cup last time but this new trip presents a question mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

11

(15)

20th Aug 2022

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Good Eye

9st 0lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Jessica Long

prominent towards near side, pushed along over 2f out, weakened over 1f out

25/1

10th

10

(16)

17th Aug 2022

Good To Firm

0m 5f 89y

Class 2

13:50 York

Good Eye

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: Jessica Long

towards near side, never better than mid-division

14/1

4th

20

(26)

30th Jul 2022

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Goodwood

Good Eye

8st 13lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Jessica Long

raced near side, led against near rail, ridden when groups merged 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon rallied, kept on final 110yds

50/1

Form: -85205 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Yet to race on ground firmer than good; has inconsistent form this season but went close off this mark here (5f) in May and returns to York with William Buick an interesting booking; each-way possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(4)

27th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

15:15 Galway

Sunday Sovereign

9st 5lb

J: Zoe McMullan

T: G A Kingston

Mixed bag this season, best efforts at Roscommon, most recently just denied second by Nibras Rainbow earlier this month (soft) under today's rider; place claims.

8/1

11

(4)

27th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

15:15 Galway

Sunday Sovereign

9st 5lb

J: Zoe McMullan

T: G A Kingston

Mixed bag this season, best efforts at Roscommon, most recently just denied second by Nibras Rainbow earlier this month (soft) under today's rider; place claims.

8/1

16/1

Form: 784620

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Not straightforward; ran well (behind the Nunthorpe favourite) in Listed event here two outings ago but beat only one rival back at handicap level latest; now 0-10 this year and others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

13

(1)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Thirsk

Mondammej

9st 3lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Veteran with a mind of his own and refused to leave the parade ring on last intended start in November; however, perfectly capable of a big run off this mark and he's gone well fresh in the past.

33/1

4th

5

(7)

1st Nov 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Mondammej

8st 12lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Veteran with a mind of his own but he has slipped back down the weights and ran a fine race over C&D on Monday on his return from a three-month break, keeping on well; this should be run to suit and he is well capable of backing up quickly.

15/8

33/1

Form: 1300-8 C

Last run: 97 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Made a winning debut at last year's Dante meeting here, then ran well in the Norfolk; disappointing in three subsequent runs, however; chance partly depends on how well he's responded to a gelding operation.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

14

(13)

24th Apr 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:15 Beverley

Project Dante

8st 11lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Suited by the drop to a Class 5 at Redcar on penultimate 2024 start, finally adding to his debut win; not judged too harshly on reappearance effort behind Thunder Star as he went without blinkers; the aids are back on today but he's drawn wide.

20/1

14

(13)

24th Apr 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:15 Beverley

Project Dante

8st 11lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Suited by the drop to a Class 5 at Redcar on penultimate 2024 start, finally adding to his debut win; not judged too harshly on reappearance effort behind Thunder Star as he went without blinkers; the aids are back on today but he's drawn wide.

20/1

14th

6

(15)

30th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

18:00 Doncaster

Project Dante

9st 6lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Suited by the drop to this grade at Redcar on penultimate 2024 start, finally adding to his debut win, but the blinkers he wore towards the end of last season are now removed; others preferred.

10/1

10/1

Form: 25-112

Last run: 40 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Raced mainly on good/firmer; suited by the drop back to 5f this term, recording neck wins at Doncaster and Musselburgh (Scottish Sprint Cup) then good second at the Newmarket July festival; edging up the weights but still looks open to further improvement; appealing type.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

(2)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

13:55 Catterick

Ancient Times

9st 2lb

J: David Nolan

T: Harry Eustace

Weakened quickly at Southwell 15 days ago but had been a model of consistency in 2025 prior to that, winning twice (including C&D) and placed on three other occasions; capable of bouncing back.

7/1

12th

5

(5)

3rd Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Ancient Times

9st 10lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Harry Eustace

Series of good runs this year, winning twice and placed on his other three starts with the latest over 5f here 12 days ago; no obvious reason why he wouldn't be in the thick of the action once again.

5/1

8/1

Form: -01022 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Record of 6-12 at York, including wins in this race in 2019 (off 2lb higher) and 6f event at this year's Dante meeting; creditable second at Newcastle (Gosforth Park Cup) and Ripon the last twice; respected back here, especially granted his optimum ground (good/softer).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20th

11

(2)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Dakota Gold

9st 8lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Tremendous stable servant over the years with 17 wins; understandably not the force of old but won on 2025 reappearance (off 6lb higher) and has a strong York record (6-18).

25/1

9th

6

(3)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:37 Redcar

Dakota Gold

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Tremendous stable servant over the years with 17 wins; not the force of old but he showed there's still some fire in his belly with a fifth of 13 at Doncaster (5f, soft) three weeks ago off 2lb higher; has a win and a second from just two outings here; makes the shortlist.

8/1

11

(17)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

16:40 Doncaster

Dakota Gold

9st 5lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Won a Class 4 handicap at Ripon on his return in April (6f, good; 2lb higher); heavy defeats have followed and he could do with the ground softening up back at 5f.

25/1

10/1

Form: 222143

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Very consistent for current yard, most recently third behind Mountain Peak and Bond Chairman in Ascot handicap; creditable fourth in Group 3 at Newmarket ten weeks earlier; solid contender who should go well again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(15)

12th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Zarzyni

9st 4lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: David & Nicola Barron

Three-time C&D winner, including twice off higher marks in the month of April; unlucky third, having found daylight too late, in this race 12 months ago; soft ground was against him here last weekend; likely player if the cards drop right.

10/1

9th

6

(8)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

16:45 Musselburgh

Zarzyni

9st 0lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Below best on latest course start in October but has a strong C&D record otherwise, three wins include this race (good to soft) last year; now 2lb lower and primed for a good run if he avoids trouble in running.

9/2

7th

10

(4)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Zarzyni

9st 5lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Hasn't won as often as one of his ability probably should but he did score twice in 2025, the latter win over C&D; 3lb higher in a better race this time and he'll need to be somewhere near last year's best to take this after four months off.

14/1

20/1

Form: -25218 BF

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Close second in the Epsom Dash then went one better at Ascot where he beat Bond Chairman narrowly; that career-best form was not repeated at Ascot last time and, on that basis, he's opposed off top weight.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

(7)

10th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 2

19:40 Windsor

Mountain Peak

9st 11lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Ed Walker

Dropped a long way in the weights and his Epsom reappearance seven weeks ago was encouraging; could take a good step forward and is respected despite his advancing years.

8/1

6th

2

(2)

23rd Apr 2024

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

14:10 Epsom

Mountain Peak

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Ed Walker

Second in the 2022 Dash over C&D off 8lb higher before winning a valuable handicap at Ascot; high in the weights for much of 2023 but he ran well at Ascot on his last two starts; has gone well fresh in the past and he returns with his yard in good form; draw not ideal but lots to like otherwise.

7/1

14/1

Form: 894100 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Along with Dakota Gold he's been successful six times at York, most recently in this race (off 9lb lower) last year; two duck eggs have followed his Chester win in June but a revival is possible back here.
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

25/1

Form: 845-77

Last run: 76 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Won a couple of hot 5f handicaps at Ascot (heavy/good) last summer; however, neither of his 2022 efforts suggests he's about to defy a triple-digit mark in this similar event; application of tongue-tie needs to help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(2)

14th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 2

17:45 Southwell (AW)

Significantly

9st 4lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Julie Camacho

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, pressed leader over 4f out, weakened inside final furlong

4/1

4th

3

(2)

14th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 2

17:45 Southwell (AW)

Significantly

9st 4lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Julie Camacho

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, pressed leader over 4f out, weakened inside final furlong

4/1

7th

2

(7)

22nd Nov 2024

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:15 Newcastle (AW)

Significantly

9st 10lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Had a fine year in 2023, his first with this stable, when an Ayr Gold Cup win was the highlight; has only run well in one of his four starts this year and hopes rest on a wind operation having a positive effect; second and first in two runs at Newcastle.

5/1

25/1

Form: 036547

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Went close at Chester in May and wasn't far behind some of these rivals at Ascot three runs back; capable of a big effort but form dipped in the Shergar Cup Dash last time and he's on a long losing sequence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(5)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

16:20 Redcar

Count Dorsay

9st 11lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Tim Easterby

Record of 0-12 this term but has frame possibilities on recent form and win possibilities provided his game is raised a touch; still 13lb below last winning mark.

11/2

2

(5)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

16:20 Redcar

Count Dorsay

9st 11lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Tim Easterby

Record of 0-12 this term but has frame possibilities on recent form and win possibilities provided his game is raised a touch; still 13lb below last winning mark.

11/2

16

(11)

23rd Oct 2025

Soft

0m 6f 18y

Class 5

14:30 Nottingham

Count Dorsay

9st 5lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Ended 2024 with a pair of soft-ground 6f wins at Catterick, the second of them off 13lb higher; handicapper has held the upper hand this year but conditions will suit and he helps form a strong hand for Tim Easterby.

12/1

14/1

Form: 132101 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Scored under Ryan Sexton at Chester (5f, good) last month, enhancing a respectable strike-rate for current stable and beating the subsequent Shergar Cup Dash winner; continues to climb the weights but further progress looks possible; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(8)

23rd Feb 2024

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 4

16:55 Wolverhampton (AW)

Look Out Louis

9st 8lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Ended up dropping right away at Newcastle 13 days ago but that was his first run for five months and he's been dropped another 4lb for his troubles; likely to come good again soon, albeit perhaps in a race with fewer front-runners.

12/1

10th

5

(6)

10th Feb 2024

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Look Out Louis

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

led, headed but prominent after 1f, weakened inside final furlong

14/1

12th

11

(10)

9th Sep 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Haydock

Look Out Louis

8st 7lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Julie Camacho

Thrived last year, including when blowing his rivals away in the corresponding event off a 9lb higher mark; he hasn't looked the same force this year, including after wind surgery, and connections now change his headgear; this looks a stronger renewal than last year too.

12/1

OUR TIP
22th
22 (19)
Dusky Lord

8/1

Form: 7-1042

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Possibly hindered by losing both front shoes in the Epsom Dash; solid record otherwise this season, most recently close second at Glorious Goodwood (5f, good) where he wore first-time cheekpieces; now goes in blinkers; still has low mileage and could well rate higher still; strong contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(5)

26th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:15 Salisbury

Dusky Lord

9st 8lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Stuart Williams

Landed the 2022 Ayr Silver Cup on final run for previous yard; nowhere near that form since but latest effort wasn't devoid of promise; interesting dropped in grade off a reduced mark (11lb lower than for Ayr win).

10/1

7th

9

(8)

10th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 2

19:40 Windsor

Dusky Lord

9st 5lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Stuart Williams

Now 8lb lower than for his Ayr Silver Cup win in 2022; struggled for this yard last season though and he never threatened in a 6f handicap here on his seasonal return four weeks ago; too much to prove for now.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £1165.00
Straight Forecast £610.86
Tricast £7600.37
Trifecta £22125.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Atalis Bay

NEWMARKET:

Ancient Times

TOPSPEED:

Dusky Lord

Daily Mail:

Ghathanfar

The Times:

Nomadic Empire

The Star:

Significantly

LAMBOURN:

Mountain Peak

POSTDATA:

Makanah

Daily Record:

Dakota Gold

Daily Express:

Copper Knight

Telegraph:

Ancient Times

RP Ratings:

Atalis Bay

Daily Mirror:

Atalis Bay

The Guardian:

Dusky Lord

The Sun:

Ghathanfar