September 03 / 16.05 Haydock

16.05

Good To Firm

Betfair Be Friendly Handicap

  • Prize money: £37800
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
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Betfair Be Friendly Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £12.30
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 321010 C

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Disappointed at York last time (behind a few reopposing rivals) but he had previously defied a double-figure stall at Chester; perhaps high enough in the weights for now.
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

2nd
2 (11)
Korker

4/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: -51038 CD BF

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Impressive at York in May before enduring a nightmare at Royal Ascot; good third in York Listed event in July but he suffered another troubled passage at Beverley last week, losing all chance in the process; may be able to find some space today and a big run would be no surprise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(6)

5th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 212y

Class 3

16:50 Haydock

Korker

9st 11lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Hasn't won for a good while now but subsequent Newcastle run confirmed he retains a good chunk of ability and he was drawn wide last time at Chester; appealingly handicapped and enjoys slow ground, so unwise to ignore.

11/1

8th

8

(9)

2nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:52 Chester

Korker

9st 5lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

On a long losing run but he has dropped to a dangerous mark and his latest Newcastle run confirmed he retains a good chunk of ability, surging to the front 1f out but failing to see out the stiff 7f; this easier test should suit and he can't be discounted.

10/1

4th

8

(12)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:40 Newcastle (AW)

Korker

9st 1lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Slow starter; on a long losing run; creditable effort at Chester four weeks ago but this stiff 7f isn't sure to suit.

20/1

OUR TIP

16/1

  • Place: £3.80

Form: 252180 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Ran a stormer in the Dash on Derby day and showed plenty of speed, and a willing attitude, to see off his 19 rivals at Ascot in July; not in the same form in either run since and well beaten in this race last year.
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

Form: 400491 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Hold-up sprinter who can get it wrong at the start; powered clear at Thirsk three weeks ago (5f, good to firm; Muker back in third) and a 7lb rise shouldn't be beyond him; will need some luck in running though and the best pace might be among the lower-drawn numbers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(6)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 3

16:15 Southwell (AW)

Alligator Alley

9st 4lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ruth Carr

9yo who was well beaten at 33-1 at Redcar a fortnight ago; however, he may have needed that first run since January and he completed an AW hat-trick late last year, the first leg coming over this C&D; he's won here three times and could bounce back with a bold show returned to Southwell.

10/1

9th

2

(9)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Redcar

Alligator Alley

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ruth Carr

Enjoyed a terrific spell on AW at the end of 2025, winning four times; given a break since a lesser effort behind Spring Is Sprung at Southwell in January; runner-up in this race last year but off 14lb lower.

25/1

2

(9)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

Alligator Alley

9st 9lb

J: William Pyle

T: Ruth Carr

Has only managed to win two of his last 31 starts, though he got it right when recording his second C&D success last month (four of these behind); had excuses back here last time (blindfold removed late) and he's a big player if things pan out right this time.

4/1

Form: 054004 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Down the weights, closest since reappearance when fourth at York latest (behind Atalis Bay; first-time visor, retained today); another 1lb lower and he hit form in September last year; stable also run Alligator Alley.
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

6th
13 (7)
Muker

12/1

Form: 6406-3 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Smart 2yo for Phillip Makin but he found it tough going in his 3yo season; off the track for 356 days and debuting for Paul Midgley when third at Thirsk three weeks ago (behind Alligator Alley; form franked), travelling strongly and tiring only late on; 3lb out of the handicap today but he could come on for that reappearance and remains one to be interested in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(2)

3rd Sep 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Muker

9st 9lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Smart in his pomp; 2026 has been a struggle but he has dropped 19lb in the weights and is now eligible for Class 6 company; too much ability to discount but he is looking increasingly moody in the early part of his races.

10/1

8th

3

(6)

17th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

17:20 Windsor

Muker

9st 12lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

His last win was off 15lb higher in July 2025; threatened only once from seven starts this term, in a small field three runs ago, and soon got detached on last two outings, so others are readily preferred.

10/1

11th

11

(12)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:17 Thirsk

Muker

9st 6lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Has a couple of C&D wins on his record; not found his best form this year and he has too much to prove for comfort, for all he is tumbling down the weights.

25/1

Form: 513614 D BF

Last run: 36 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Coped well with the return to 5f when sweeping through late to win at Ascot in July; not quite as good at Musselburgh six days later but it was still a fair effort; wouldn't discount.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(9)

19th Sep 2024

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:12 Ayr

Call Me Ginger

9st 9lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

towards rear

12/1

1

(9)

28th Aug 2024

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 5

17:05 Musselburgh

Call Me Ginger

9st 11lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

17lb lower than when winning at Ascot last September (5f, good to firm; completing a quick double) having been badly out of form since; usually ridden by Amie Waugh; down to Class 5 in a handicap for the first time.

16/1

Form: -99783 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
He ran his best race for his new stable when finishing off his race well over the extended 5f at York 17 days ago; 3lb rise for that could be enough to scupper his chance.
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

Form: 941000 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Impressive at Chester in June but found it tough going in three good sprints since; collared only late on in this race 12 months ago but he's 1lb higher this time and isn't arriving on the back of a good run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(2)

20th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

20:24 Newcastle (AW)

Copper Knight

9st 11lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

Grand servant to connections and he was recording the 19th win of his long career when successful at Beverley (5f, good to soft) in May; four subsequent defeats have seen him slip to a mark 2lb lower than for that win; has won over C&D but likely vulnerable to younger rivals.

20/1

10th

8

(5)

25th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 4

16:23 Chester

Copper Knight

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Admirable veteran who had a wicked draw in a C&D handicap last month that he'd won three times before; better boxed this time and there was much to like about his previous effort at Thirsk; considered.

8/1

Form: 852050 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Not the easiest to win with and could do with some rain arriving; is down to a good mark though and he ran a bit better than the bare result at York 17 days ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

13

(6)

31st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 94y

17:25 Roscommon

Sunday Sovereign

9st 1lb

J: Zoe McMullan

T: G A Kingston

9yo was last successful in 2023, but was third in pair of easy-ground C&D handicaps last year and can run well fresh, so has a place shout.

16/1

14th

10

(14)

5th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

18:34 Fairyhouse

Sunday Sovereign

9st 5lb

J: Zoe McMullan

T: G A Kingston

Last win was in 2023; prominent racer ran well first time out last year when third over 7.5f at Roscommon; also third over same C&D in October.

18/1

Form: 0-0578 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Shaped quite well in a good Ascot handicap on her return in July but she hasn't kicked on from it; others have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

(17)

16th Sep 2022

Good To Soft

0m 5f 110y

Class 1

15:10 Ayr

Corazon

9st 0lb

J: Sam James

T: George Boughey

slowly away, towards rear, ridden and some headway inside final furlong, never dangerous

25/1

9

(6)

3rd Sep 2022

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:05 Haydock

Corazon

8st 13lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: George Boughey

Shaped quite well in a good Ascot handicap on her return in July but she hasn't kicked on from it; others have more pressing claims.

20/1

8th

3

(8)

17th Aug 2022

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:45 York

Corazon

9st 9lb

J: William Buick

T: George Boughey

dwelt start, towards far side, never better than mid-division

10/1

Form: 366761 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 8st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Came from off the pace to take a 5f handicap at Glorious Goodwood in July (winning the race for the second year), a performance backed up by the clock; 3lb rise shouldn't prevent another big run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

12

(2)

30th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Lord Riddiford

8st 4lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: John & Sean Quinn

Has a stunning record at this meeting, winning four of his five attempts, including this race for the last three years (soft, good and good to soft); well held of late but he ran no worse last time out than he had in his prep race before the 2023 win and he's weighted to have a big chance despite being 3lb wrong; Hollie Doyle rode for his 2021 win; drying ground could be the sticking point, however.

5/1

6th

4

(5)

20th Jun 2024

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Chelmsford (AW)

Lord Riddiford

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

bumped start, midfield, switched right and some headway 2f out, weakened from 1f out

10/1

12th

10

(3)

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Epsom

Lord Riddiford

8st 2lb

J: Paddy Mathers

T: John & Sean Quinn

Unplaced in this race in 2021 and 2023 and short of his best when last seen on AW in February; his last three wins have come in the same 5f handicap at Glorious Goodwood and that race looks a better fit than today's.

20/1

Form: 9506-0 C

Last run: 32 days

W: 8st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Has dropped a long way in the weights but he made a low-key stable debut at Kempton 32 days ago and others have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(7)

1st Jul 2023

Good

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

20:30 Doncaster

Barbill

9st 3lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Mark Loughnane

slightly awkward start, raced centre

40/1

14th

1

(8)

7th Sep 2022

Good

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

13:50 Doncaster

Barbill

9st 13lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Mark Loughnane

prominent, pushed along and lost position over 3f out, in rear from over 2f out

40/1

12

(5)

3rd Sep 2022

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:05 Haydock

Barbill

8st 7lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Mark Loughnane

Has dropped a long way in the weights but he made a low-key stable debut at Kempton 32 days ago and others have more pressing claims.

33/1

Non-runners

Copper Knight, Sunday Sovereign, Corazon, Lord Riddiford, Barbill

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £74.30
Straight Forecast £55.26
Tricast £632.19
Trifecta £582.80

Selections

The Times:

Alligator Alley

Telegraph:

Korker

SPOTLIGHT:

Muker

The Guardian:

Lord Riddiford

POSTDATA:

Corazon

NEWMARKET:

Atalis Bay

RP Ratings:

Nomadic Empire

TOPSPEED:

Sunday Sovereign

LAMBOURN:

Mountain Peak

Daily Express:

Copper Knight

Daily Mirror:

Korker

Daily Mail:

Muker

The Sun:

Alligator Alley

The Star:

Alligator Alley

Daily Record:

Lord Riddiford