September 17 / 15.40 Ayr

15.40

Good

Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

  • Prize money: £77310
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 25 runners
ITV4
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Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Runners: 25 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £20.20
  • Place: £4.40

Form: 659415 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Sterling sprinter who has brought it to the table in Group, Listed and major handicap company; has twice had excuses in this race but was a close fourth in 2019 and he deserved his York win over Commanche Falls in August having not had much luck in handicaps previously this year; weights chance even with a penalty; suited by good or quicker.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(4)

25th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

16:25 Doncaster

Summerghand

10st 0lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

10yo who isn't the same force as last year and may not want soft ground, but he's performed respectably in hot handicaps on his last few starts and is on a dangerous mark now dropping back down in grade; possible player.

11/2

7th

4

(12)

21st Sep 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Ayr

Summerghand

9st 10lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Top-of-the-trees in the best sprint handicaps down the years, winning the Stewards' Cup in 2020 and the Gold Cup in 2022; failed to beat a rival here 12 months ago but the weight has fallen off his back since and his run at the Curragh last week was encouraging; could well have a decent crack at this; refitted cheekpieces replace regular visor.

7/1

OUR TIP

11/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: -20U12 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Has won the last two runnings of the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood (6f, soft/good to firm) and another cracking effort when a close second to Summerghand at York in August; 5lb better off with that penalised winner and he should improve on his seventh in this race last year; due 3lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(9)

11th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:15 York

Commanche Falls

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

A tremendous campaigner over the years with two Stewards' Cups to his name; in and out this season and only twelfth in the Ayr Gold Cup three weeks ago, but he has clear possibilities on his fast-finishing second to stablemate Northern Ticker over C&D in August; 1lb lower today.

16/1

8

(16)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ayr

Commanche Falls

9st 5lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Two years since his last win but this dual Stewards' Cup winner is more realistically treated these days and he gave his younger stablemate Northern Ticker a race at York last month; not so good at Doncaster last week and he will do well to win this race in his fourth attempt (seventh in 2021, runner-up in 2022 and sixth last year).

16/1

3

(2)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 111y

Class 2

15:00 Doncaster

Commanche Falls

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Hasn't won for just over two years and whether the extra half-furlong suits remains to be seen, but he kept on well for a head second of 20 at York (6f, good to firm) three weeks ago and that performance bodes well for a prominent showing today; versatile ground-wise.

13/2

25/1

  • Place: £6.20

Form: 511117 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Can't seem to leave the stalls smoothly but in fine form for new trainer, still looking ahead of his mark when landing the hat-trick (on good/good to firm) at Doncaster; soft ground possibly not ideal there last week but he still ran well; may yet do better back on good ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(13)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:40 Ascot

Juan Les Pins

9st 6lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

Ended a lengthy losing run at Newcastle in March and added to his tally with a Thirsk win last month (6f, good); better form when a close third in a Class 3 at Newbury three weeks ago and a 1lb rise is manageable; conditions won't be an issue having finished third in a Wokingham in his prime; high on the list.

11/2

3rd

16

(3)

17th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:25 Newbury

Juan Les Pins

8st 4lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael Appleby

He had dropped a long way in the weights prior to popping up at Newcastle (5f) last month; ran well at Doncaster ten days later and back on the scoresheet with a Thirsk win last week (6f, good); won that apprentice race (no penalty today) last time with more authority than the winning margin might suggest but he is up in class today.

10/1

25/1

  • Place: £4.70

Form: 632621 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Won latest two 6f AW handicaps; took time to get going back on turf but cheekpieces have helped, going close against a useful one at York (6f, good to firm) and solid form when winning a shade cosily there since (good); this will take more winning but wellbeing counts for plenty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(2)

17th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Lucky Man

9st 9lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Jennie Candlish

This easier off his last winning mark for a yard among the winners of late; has only been beyond sprint trips twice during a long career, though, and has stamina to prove.

16/1

9th

5

(2)

3rd Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Lucky Man

9st 5lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jennie Candlish

Potentially well handicapped but was sluggish after a break over C&D in January.

14/1

8th

4

(7)

19th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Lucky Man

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jennie Candlish

Capitalised on the drop into Class 6 company when winning over C&D last October; came up short in Class 5 company twice afterwards and although he should be well treated on historical evidence, he may prove up against it back from 11 weeks off.

10/1

5th
6 (15)
Mr Wagyu

14/1

Form: 141053 CD

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Surprises have come thick and fast since last summer, winning a big Goodwood sprint with plenty to spare and later an excellent third in this race (good); has found further improvement in 2022, including when a close third from the front at the Curragh last week; can be involved again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(13)

15th Jun 2025

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

18:15 Hamilton

Mr Wagyu

9st 6lb

J: Harry Russell

T: John & Sean Quinn

Useful on his day; however, on a three-year losing spell and current mark reflects a decline in his form since last July; the betting may offer further guidance with Ripon reappearance under his belt.

16/1

8th

11

(10)

17th Apr 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:42 Ripon

Mr Wagyu

9st 3lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

raced near side, prominent, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 8 in group

7/1

8th

11

(10)

17th Apr 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:42 Ripon

Mr Wagyu

9st 3lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Formerly smart handicapper; 15 wins from 94 starts including two victories over C&D; hasn't won anywhere since 2022 and lost his way last year, but did go close here on 2024 reappearance; could bounce back; goes on any ground.

7/1

6th
13 (8)
Bergerac

14/1

Form: 803211 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Front-runs; well held in Silver Cup last year but after a mixed 2022 he has settled down in blinkers of late, scooting away with a three-runner race at Newmarket (6f) then tenacious in holding on at York (about 5f, good); needs more but that's on the cards if the aids continue to work.
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

25/1

Form: 962376 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 8st 10lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Two wins at about 6f as 2yo in Ireland; his second at Newmarket in July (good to firm) offers some encouragement but he was slow to pick up when third in the Shergar Cup at Ascot after; no improvement for return to 7f since and something more needed now back at 6f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(6)

9th Jun 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:20 Pontefract

Admiral D

10st 0lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

Has a poor strike-rate since 2022 and isn't particularly solid on 2025 efforts; however, drops in grade off a reduced mark and can't be dismissed; very similar type to Illusionist.

11/1

9

(3)

26th May 2025

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

17:10 Redcar

Admiral D

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

He's dropped to a dangerous mark and showed the odd hint of spark on occasions towards the end of last year; can go well fresh but he's been regressive and has a poor strike-rate over the last few years.

14/1

9

(3)

26th May 2025

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

17:10 Redcar

Admiral D

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

He's dropped to a dangerous mark and showed the odd hint of spark on occasions towards the end of last year; can go well fresh but he's been regressive and has a poor strike-rate over the last few years.

14/1

33/1

Form: 979233

Last run: 3 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Thoroughly proven in top 7f/1m handicaps on a variety of tracks (unraced here); has raced at 1m of late but he travelled strongly before a late burst took him to the front over 7f at York in May and this drop to 6f is not fantasy territory; handles all ground and could be a surprise package.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(6)

20th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Escobar

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

steadied start, towards rear

10/1

9th

8

(8)

9th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Escobar

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

sweating, dwelt start, midfield on near side of group

14/1

8th

7

(11)

27th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 2

18:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Escobar

9st 3lb

J: Neil Callan

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who's become hard to win with and been on the downgrade this year, coming 22lb down the weights; late in the day to be making his Tapeta debut in a new form of headgear and will need some luck if dropped in as usual from stall 11.

12/1

Form: 5/7290 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Multiple Group winner at 7f before two-year absence; made a good fist of it when runner-up on second run back at Pontefract in July (6f) but inconclusive form since and not yet clear how much ability remains.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22th

12

(16)

13th May 2023

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Ascot

Sir Dancealot

9st 4lb

J: Gerald Mosse

T: John Butler

Five-time Group winner under Gerald Mosse in 2018/2019; ran respectably (fifth of 17) over C&D when last seen on turf; fairly interesting off a reduced mark with Mosse back on board for first time since 2020.

33/1

2nd

2

(5)

10th Apr 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:15 Kempton (AW)

Sir Dancealot

9st 5lb

J: David Egan

T: John Butler

slowly away, raced in last

10/1

6th

5

(2)

29th Mar 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Sir Dancealot

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: John Butler

Four-time Group 2 winner in 2018/2019; missed the 2021 campaign and 0-6 for new yard last term but ran respectably in valuable 7f handicap at Ascot on final outing; 2-2 over this C&D (both wins in 2016) and looks interesting off a reduced mark on belated return to this track.

10/1

16/1

Form: 6-3040 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 8st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Well suited by Ascot, especially in big-field handicaps at 6f-7f, although he was also close up in the Stewards' Cup in July 2021; seen only five times since and has a bit to prove on first course start.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(1)

9th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:00 Goodwood

Chiefofchiefs

9st 12lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Charlie Fellowes

towards rear, shaken up and some headway 3f out, ridden and no response from over 1f out

7/2

10th

18

(4)

17th Sep 2022

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Chiefofchiefs

8st 12lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Charlie Fellowes

towards far side, held up in rear, going easily over 2f out, ridden and headway when groups merged over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong

16/1

20/1

Form: 221430 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Normally reliable at 5f-6f on turf and AW but he never showed at York in August and is due a 2lb drop in future; needs something special to win in this company off his current mark.
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

Form: 508241 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Smart 2yo, runner-up in Group 2 at Newbury; has taken time to get back on an even keel (well-held ninth here last year) and had a setback earlier in 2022 but unlucky not to win at Salisbury in July (good to firm) and has won his only 6f run since, quite cosily at Goodwood; quite temptingly handicapped despite penalty and should go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(14)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Fivethousandtoone

9st 3lb

J: David Probert

T: Tim Easterby

Four-time AW winner, only 1-27 on grass; never the slightest threat on return to turf at Leicester; others have more convincing profiles.

16/1

11th

11

(6)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Fivethousandtoone

8st 7lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Tim Easterby

Four-time AW winner who has finished close up on Tapeta (5f/6f) in his last three runs; record of 1-26 on turf but he's on a lower mark in this sphere and he ran well in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon (6f, good to firm) last summer; dangerous.

8/1

2nd

13

(14)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Fivethousandtoone

9st 1lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Three-time C&D winner, including this race in 2024 off a 2lb higher mark, and he has shaped well on his last two starts; he will need luck if it gets congested up the stands' rail but too much ability to rule out.

14/1

13th
20 (2)
Tinto

20/1

Form: 611358 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Eighth in the Silver Cup last year; won two of first three starts for new yard in 2022 (6f, good); more than held his own when fifth in the Stewards' Cup in July but this task is that much harder.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(12)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

16:43 Redcar

Tinto

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

C&D winner; best known for exploits at Thirsk more recently, including a close second there last May (5f, good); cheekpieces off for his reappearance and not a solid option, for all he has dropped to a good mark.

20/1

18

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Tinto

9st 10lb

T: Michael Dods

14th

5

(6)

29th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:38 Thirsk

Tinto

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

Won the corresponding race 12 months ago off a 2lb higher mark; looked booked for another good season when finishing fast for second over 5f here in May; struggled in three runs since but cheekpieces return today and Paul Mulrennan is back on board; big player.

14/1

14th
11 (17)
Bielsa

9/1

Form: -54735 CD

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Has needed some excuses over the years but he delivered on earlier promise when streaking alone up the stand rail in this race last year (good; acts well on softer); not yet excelled himself in 2022 but is only just above that winning mark and will have been laid out for this again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(6)

16th Dec 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:09 Newcastle (AW)

Bielsa

9st 2lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

raced in second, hung right over 1f out, lost second 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, eased towards finish

11/4

2nd

2

(10)

11th Nov 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Bielsa

9st 5lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Smart handicapper who made a flying start to the season, second at Redcar before seeing off 20 rivals at York's Dante meeting; ran to form in the Wokingham, Stewards' Cup and Ayr Gold Cup before a more subdued effort at York four weeks ago (raced on the favoured far side); third, albeit well beaten, over C&D in Group 3 company in one AW start; shouldn't be far away.

11/2

7th

8

(9)

14th Oct 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:25 York

Bielsa

9st 6lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

re-shod, raced far side, towards rear

14/1

25/1

Form: 093510

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Back to his old self when close up in a valuable 7f Ascot handicap before winning at Newbury (both good to firm); not so effective on good to soft since; now has first 6f run since late 2019 but 7f specialists often do well in these races; sporting chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20th

12

(14)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

Documenting

9st 4lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Kevin Frost

13yo who has won on 12 occasions, the latest in December 2024 and his C&D win came before most of today's rivals were born; not disgraced on reappearance and he's now 13lb lower than this time last year, but his last turf win was in 2022; not the percentage call.

40/1

7th

7

(1)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 3y

Class 4

16:55 Yarmouth

Documenting

9st 6lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Kevin Frost

13yo who has won on 12 occasions, the latest in December 2024 at Wolverhampton; on a good mark but he ended last season with some below-par efforts and is likely best watched on his first start for 194 days.

20/1

5th

1

(6)

9th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Chelmsford (AW)

Documenting

10st 0lb

J: Alfie Gee

T: Kevin Frost

Multiple winner down the years, including over C&D in 2024; running okay this term until form dipped the last twice; still needs to prove he can win races aged 12.

14/1

20/1

Form: 537613 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Four wins at 5f-6f on good to soft/slower; showed he acts on good when third to Lucky Man at York recently and although there were no apparent excuses off this mark he still has plenty of potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(9)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Aleezdancer

9st 6lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

C&D winner; responded well to a change of tactics when making all at Pontefract in July (6f, good); not so good in either start since but not handicapped out of things if bouncing back.

12/1

11

(12)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 111y

Class 2

15:00 Doncaster

Aleezdancer

8st 12lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Inconsistent 6yo who hasn't gone beyond a bare 6f for a long time and finished down the field at York in July when last seen; however, he won at Pontefract (6f, good) earlier that month and has shown some strong form here in the past (including a soft-ground win); could go well.

20/1

12

(2)

26th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:00 York

Aleezdancer

9st 0lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

C&D winner; exploited his drop down the weights when making all at Pontefract 18 days ago (6f, good); still has handicapping scope despite a 4lb rise; one to consider.

12/1

17th
15 (14)
Gis A Sub

25/1

Form: 6-3909 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Smart 2yo, runner-up in Group 2 Gimcrack; mostly out of depth in 2022 but was gelded and he didn't do badly over an inadequate trip on handicap debut behind stablemate Bergerac at York recently (extended 5f, good; first-time cheekpieces, retained); can do better back at 6f.
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

12/1

Form: -30076 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Rock-solid at this level and was a close third off this mark here in 2019 (good; suited by slower); only mid-division in the two subsequent runnings but is better handicapped now and was doing his best work late when sixth at the Curragh last week; however, drying ground more help to others.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

9

(2)

25th May 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:35 York

Gulliver

9st 7lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Four course wins to his name and he rolled back the years when sweeping through to win a Class 5 handicap at Thirsk five weeks ago (6f, soft); not handicapped out of things up 6lb but this is a deeper race and it might not set up quite so favourably for him.

9/1

14th

9

(2)

25th May 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:35 York

Gulliver

9st 7lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Four course wins to his name and he rolled back the years when sweeping through to win a Class 5 handicap at Thirsk five weeks ago (6f, soft); not handicapped out of things up 6lb but this is a deeper race and it might not set up quite so favourably for him.

9/1

1st

8

(9)

20th Apr 2024

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:35 Thirsk

Gulliver

9st 6lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

in rear

4/1

14/1

Form: 5-6002 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Winner of Group 3 in October (6f, soft), then wasn't far away in the Champions Sprint; slow to find form in 2022 but she lost out only narrowly in 6f Newmarket Listed race (good) in August when first-time cheekpieces replaced first-time blinkers; has more to prove in her first handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(12)

11th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:50 Newmarket

Vadream

9st 3lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charlie Fellowes

Has won and gone close in Group 3s (5f) on this track; seems to have lost some firepower this year but she wasn't far away in a 6f Listed race here in May nor was she disgraced in the Group 1 Flying Five in Ireland recently; might have a better chance than these terms suggest, at least for a place.

16/1

11th

13

(6)

14th Sep 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Vadream

9st 3lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charlie Fellowes

On a long losing run, and now to 93 from the 107 mark she held when failing to make an impact in this event last season; in rear in the Temple Stakes won by Mgheera; down the field in the Wokingham and the Coral Golden Handicap.

66/1

19

(5)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:05 Goodwood

Vadream

9st 1lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charlie Fellowes

Losing run stretches back over two years; happiest on slow ground; tailed off in the Wokingham six weeks ago and returning cheekpieces aren't enough to make her of interest.

28/1

20th
14 (5)

4/1

Form: 71-131 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Progressive 3yo who has won three of four 6f starts (good or quicker), the defeat coming behind one who stole a march at Newmarket in July; never in much danger of defeat at Haydock since and a thorough test at this trip will suit (has big-race entries over 7f in future); obvious chance for yard that won this in 2020.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found
21th
19 (22)
Motagally

12/1

Form: 445-05 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Well suited by this C&D when a good fourth (second in the middle group) off 4lb higher in this race last year (good); seen just twice for in-form new yard after a layoff but he kept on stoutly when fifth in the Portland at Doncaster last week (about 5f, soft) and 6f on good ground can suit him better; solid contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(9)

7th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Motagally

9st 9lb

J: Mikkel Mortensen

T: Scott Dixon

Losing run up to 32 and latest efforts don't suggest the drought is about to end; blinkers return.

20/1

7th

6

(9)

7th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Motagally

9st 9lb

J: Mikkel Mortensen

T: Scott Dixon

Losing run up to 32 and latest efforts don't suggest the drought is about to end; blinkers return.

20/1

9th

6

(4)

30th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

14:42 Southwell (AW)

Motagally

9st 9lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Scott Dixon

Regressive veteran who fared no better dropped into this grade here two weeks ago; a tongue tie now joins the hood; opposable.

33/1

22th
10 (23)
Popmaster

14/1

Form: 902204 D BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
A leading fancy for this last year but he faded; however, he ran a stormer when nailed only late in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm; has won on good to soft) and his recent fourth in a nine-runner race there was satisfactory; chance on best form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

7

(2)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Popmaster

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Ed Walker

Campaigned on AW since December, proving consistent until coming up a tad short on finals day last time; has loads of Ascot form but three defeats in this race (finishing positions 074) suggest he can be opposed, especially now aged eight.

33/1

7th

4

(2)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Popmaster

9st 2lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Ed Walker

Arrives in fine form, beating The Lost King at Kempton in February and runner-up on his two runs since; sneaking back up the weights and he was only fifth in this race 12 months ago off today's mark.

20/1

Form: 181005 CD

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Showed he can operate in a big field when winning at York last October (6f, good to soft; has won on good to firm) but only mid-division in this race previously and has gone walkabout since Listed win in March.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(1)

7th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 0f 0y

20:30 Dundalk (AW)

Volatile Analyst

10st 2lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Stephen Thorne

Rated in the 100's in his prime in Britain; resurgent of late off much reduced mark, gaining second win from last three starts when running out a decisive scorer over 7f a week ago; up an aggregate of 21lb for those two wins so needs to step up again off highest mark in 18 months; first AW attempt at 1m.

4/1

1st

4

(3)

28th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

17:30 Dundalk (AW)

Volatile Analyst

9st 11lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Stephen Thorne

Rated in the 100's in his prime in Britain; holding his form at a much lower level nowadays, hit with a 10lb rise for C&D success last month and better again when second to a stablemate off this mark since; should be thereabouts.

4/1

2nd

6

(2)

29th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

16:47 Dundalk (AW)

Volatile Analyst

9st 0lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: Stephen Thorne

took keen hold, prominent

5/2

24th
23 (6)
Pendleton

33/1

Form: -03020 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Fifth in the Bronze Cup here in 2019; took some big steps forward after but he lapsed this time last year, including in this race, and has been hard to predict since (last of 11 at Thirsk recently); cheekpieces return in place of visor; risky.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(14)

1st Jan 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:15 Newcastle (AW)

Pendleton

9st 0lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

BHA-rated 100 at one stage; off for a year before returning to action with an impressive success at Thirsk in September (stable debut); a shade disappointing at York next time but he bounced back with a bang with a cosy success here in November (2-2 on AW, both over C&D); this is a better race but a 3lb rise isn't excessive and a promising apprentice's claim is handy; not discounted.

12/1

1st

1

(8)

14th Nov 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

14:50 Newcastle (AW)

Pendleton

9st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Julie Camacho

Returned from the thick end of a year on the sidelines with an impressive display at Thirsk in September, capitalising on some help from the handicapper; no excuses when eighth at York last month but this represents a less-demanding assignment and he won his novice over C&D, albeit back in April 2019; high on the list.

5/1

8th

17

(11)

14th Oct 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:25 York

Pendleton

9st 0lb

J: Ben Curtis

T: Julie Camacho

raced far side, towards rear

9/1

33/1

Form: 952045 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Both wins as 2yo, over 5f (soft) and 6f (heavy; French Listed); perhaps inevitable that she should find it harder this year and this could hardly be a more difficult return to handicaps; has worn cheekpieces, now visored.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(11)

27th Aug 2023

Good

0m 5f 205y

15:15 Naas

Honey Sweet

9st 7lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Listed winner for Karl Burke at two and ran well in good company last year; bit disappointing in thre runs over 7f this year for current yard, now drops in trip with new headgear combination tried.

25/1

4th

5

(6)

18th Aug 2023

Good

0m 7f 0y

17:20 Cork

Honey Sweet

9st 2lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Listed winner for Karl Burke at two and ran well in good company at times last year; fair debut for this yard when fourth at Naas last month (Carrytheone, second); moderate Galway run leaves her with plenty to prove.

14/1

9th

3

(10)

3rd Aug 2023

Soft

0m 7f 0y

15:55 Galway

Honey Sweet

9st 7lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Listed winner for Karl Burke as a 2yo and ran well in good company at times last year; changed yards after being sold for 280,000Gns at the sales; not a bad recent debut for this yard but needs more; tongue-tie on.

6/1

Non-runners

Honey Sweet

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £199.20
Straight Forecast £122.86
Tricast £3401.87
Trifecta £8992.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Khanjar

RP Ratings:

Bielsa

POSTDATA:

Mr Wagyu

The Times:

Fivethousandtoone

The Sun:

Vadream

LAMBOURN:

Popmaster

The Guardian:

Tinto

TOPSPEED:

Escobar

NEWMARKET:

Khanjar

Telegraph:

Khanjar

Daily Record:

Khanjar

THE NORTH:

Bielsa

Daily Express:

Bielsa

The Star:

Bielsa

Daily Mail:

Mr Wagyu

Daily Mirror:

Mr Wagyu