September 17 / 16.35 Newbury

16.35

Good

Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Handicap

  • Prize money: £7776
  • 1m 4f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 17 runners
RTV
View Course
Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Handicap

Runners: 17 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.80
  • Place: £3.00

Form: 464434

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Has not added to the two wins early in his career but he's contested some strong races and often been on the premises, including on penultimate start; 9lb lower than on reappearance and it's not hard to make a case on form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(2)

22nd Jul 2023

Good To Soft

1m 4f 10y

Class 2

16:30 Ripon

Sir Rumi

9st 10lb

J: Owen Lewis

T: Richard Hannon

stumbled start, pushed along briefly soon after start, raced in last

11/2

12th

9

(14)

8th Jul 2023

Good

1m 3f 175y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

Sir Rumi

9st 1lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Richard Hannon

Won at Epsom (1m4f, soft) in April and good third at Ascot (1m4f, soft) next time; conditions should have been fine at Goodwood (1m6f, good to firm) last time but he was only sixth of eight and may find this too hot.

14/1

6th

5

(5)

27th May 2023

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Goodwood

Sir Rumi

8st 13lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Grabbed the favoured stand rail when winning on soft ground at Epsom and a 4lb rise seemed to find him out at Ascot (again 1m4f on soft); may be vulnerable once more, though this faster surface won't faze him.

13/2

7/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: -85232

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Won both of last season's handicaps (1m) and although he has come up short this term, he's still made advances in form terms; his last three starts were over 1m2f, making the running here on second occasion; tongue tied first time; should again be seriously involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(1)

14th Oct 2022

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

16:45 Newcastle (AW)

Tartan Chief

9st 12lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Paul & Oliver Cole

prominent, went second over 2f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, no extra inside final 110yds

5/2

5

(7)

10th Oct 2022

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

15:20 Windsor

Tartan Chief

9st 12lb

J: Mohammed Tabti

T: Paul & Oliver Cole

Course winner who arrives in good nick, third of eight in 1m4f Epsom handicap 15 days ago; cheekpieces go on now and he must enter calculations.

5/1

6

(7)

5th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

1m 2f 50y

Class 4

17:30 Nottingham

Tartan Chief

9st 7lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Paul & Oliver Cole

0-7 this year and has been beaten at 9-2 or shorter in last six starts but he's had some close calls and was a creditable third under a positive ride at Epsom (1m4f, good) last time; still looks on a workable mark and he should go well again back in trip; equipment returns including first-time cheekpieces.

9/1

14/1

  • Place: £4.70

Form: 20-796

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Two wins from six starts as 2yo; no impact in his three handicaps this year, however, with the last two over 1m2f and he tried blinkers on latest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(5)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:35 Hamilton

La Pulga

9st 8lb

J: Archie Young

T: Charlie Johnston

Front-runner who has been keeping busy, winning at Newcastle (1m4f, AW) last month and going close on two of his three starts since, most recently beaten half a length at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm); has won here and is capable of another bold bid.

7/1

3

(6)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

La Pulga

9st 13lb

J: Hugh Bowman

T: Charlie Johnston

Usually front-runs; never better than with his first and second at the end of last month, which were on AW however and his top four RPRs have now been registered in that sphere; something to find on turf, including as he was third here (1m6f, good to firm) earlier in July but is now 7lb higher and he dropped out at Chepstow on Thursday.

5/1

8/1

Form: 344291 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Rather mixed this term but close second at Kempton (1m3f, AW) in July and won by a short head in six-runner race at Haydock (11.6f, good to firm) on latest outing; the latter was in first-time cheekpieces, which are retained; back up 2lb and to win this probably requires her best show this term.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

26th Apr 2024

Yielding

2m 2f 185y

16:50 Downpatrick

Mille Miglia

11st 5lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: C A McBratney

towards rear, headway after 2 out, keeping on when sprawled on landing and unseated last

50/1

3

26th Apr 2024

Yielding

2m 2f 185y

16:50 Downpatrick

Mille Miglia

11st 5lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: C A McBratney

towards rear, headway after 2 out, keeping on when sprawled on landing and unseated last

50/1

7th

12

(15)

26th Mar 2024

Standard

2m 0f 0y

17:30 Dundalk (AW)

Mille Miglia

9st 2lb

J: Ben Coen

T: C A McBratney

Regressive mare has been soundly beaten on AW lately up to this trip and needs much more.

20/1

Form: 6-4433 BF

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Well-related ex-Godolphin maiden who finished on the heels of the leaders at Sandown (1m2f) and Leicester (1m4f) in his two handicaps, both on good ground off this mark; quiet improver who's an each-way candidate.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(2)

9th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

1m 3f 218y

Class 5

20:10 Goodwood

Age Of Sail

9st 11lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Gary Moore

sweating, raced in second, led 4f out, ridden clear over 1f out, eased towards finish

5/4

1st

3

(1)

2nd Jun 2023

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

15:35 Chepstow

Age Of Sail

9st 7lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Gary Moore

11-race maiden under both codes but he gave it a good shot from the front when third of ten in a Lingfield handicap (1m5f, AW) last month; conditions should be fine on this return to turf and he's respected off 1lb lower than last time.

4/1

3rd

4

(1)

13th May 2023

Standard

1m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:15 Lingfield (AW)

Age Of Sail

9st 8lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Gary Moore

prominent, led after 1f, set steady pace, increased tempo over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra and lost second final strides

10/1

8/1

Form: 411544

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
3yo who landed a Brighton novice in May and Newmarket handicap in June, both 1m; ran creditably upped to 1m2f for last two outings (latest was in first-time headgear, now discarded) but needs to find extra; his very useful sister Who's Steph won at up to 1m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(7)

17th Sep 2022

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Newbury

Enforced

9st 11lb

J: David Egan

T: Roger Varian

held up in rear, headway on inner 3f out, pushed along when not clear run over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong

8/1

4th

2

(5)

29th Aug 2022

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 3

16:16 Ripon

Enforced

9st 9lb

J: Andrea Atzeni

T: Roger Varian

slowly into stride, towards rear, headway and in touch with leaders on outer 7f out, pushed along 3f out, ridden over 2f out, outpaced and beaten over 1f out

3/1

7/1

Form: -31134 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Better than ever at the age of six, winning twice this summer before good minor honours under Aidan Keeley on last two outings, all over 1m3f or 1m4f; slowly away on last two outings and met some traffic at Goodwood on latest, so still looks as if he may be capable of better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(12)

13th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 3f 137y

Class 6

19:15 Bath

Bug Boy

11st 2lb

J: Mr Henry Main

T: Tony Newcombe

Multiple winner at 1m2f-1m4f, including over C&D, but he never found his best form in 2024 and it's 12 months since he was last seen.

14/1

4th

11

(5)

14th Sep 2024

Heavy

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

17:15 Chester

Bug Boy

10st 7lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Tony Newcombe

Held up; landed a pair of 1m4f wins last summer but hasn't managed to hit the same heights this time round, finishing down the field on three of his last four starts; others arrive with more pressing claims.

20/1

16/1

Form: 0-6107

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Two wins from 20 starts, the latest when getting up close home in five-runner race at Sandown (1m6f) this July; possible excuses (2m then good to soft ground) for both starts since but he sparked only once last term and the same is now true this season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

13

4th Oct 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

14:25 Gowran Park

Sovereign Duke

11st 3lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: M A Gunn

Dual-purpose; lost form since promising second off 97 at Tipperary back in May 2023; changed yards after another below par effort at Cork on latest off 86; mark falling but hard to fancy on recent efforts; needs a revival.

16/1

16th

18

31st Aug 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

17:45 Curragh

Sovereign Duke

12st 0lb

J: Joan Widger

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Dual Flat winner in Britain but regressive since moving to Ireland; oppose.

66/1

10th

10

5th Aug 2024

Good

2m 2f 100y

15:35 Cork

Sovereign Duke

11st 5lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Formerly useful on the level and was second in handicap hurdle last summer; regressive since and little encouragement to be taken from recent efforts.

20/1

12/1

Form: 233310 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Has run in three handicaps, markedly improved when winning in fine style at Ffos Las (1m4f, good) on second occasion; it was a hot 1m6f race when he failed to show off this 9lb higher mark at Haydock eight days later and he's probably best forgiven that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 100y

17:35 Ballinrobe

Jacovec Cavern

11st 2lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Paul Hennessy

Breakthrough win over hurdles on latest at Punchestown (19.5f, yielding); hit hard with an 11lb hike for that 11l victory and consistency has never been a strong suit, so is no banker to back that up.

9/2

1st

25

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 58y

14:30 Punchestown

Jacovec Cavern

11st 1lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Paul Hennessy

Winning chaser; weak record (0-18) as a hurdler makes it hard to be confident; not a big price when down the field at Gowran on latest.

16/1

10th

7

25th Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 29y

15:55 Naas

Jacovec Cavern

11st 0lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Paul Hennessy

Maiden hurdler but immediate breakthrough over fences in 2m4f Gowran beginners in November (heavy) under a positive ride; similar tactics employed in 2m6f Fairyhouse rated novice 9 days ago but didn't get home when third; return to this trip should suit but others possibly better handicapped.

10/1

12/1

Form: 332546

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Eight-race maiden with plenty of fair form, including in 1m4f and 1m5f handicaps this summer; latest start was poor, however, notwithstanding the 1m6f, and a hood is installed today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(2)

1st Nov 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 4f 0y

Class 6

15:38 Lingfield (AW)

Love Mystery

10st 1lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Olly Murphy

Has run some fair races on the Flat for Andrew Balding and over hurdles since joining this yard, but is 0-14 under rules; drops in class for this return to the level, but others still look more solid.

7/1

4th

5

24th Aug 2023

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 4

17:40 Fontwell

Love Mystery

11st 1lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Olly Murphy

Another personal best hurdling RPR last time when about 7l fourth in a Perth handicap (2m, good to soft), though a bit surprising he didn't hit the line more strongly given he stays at least 1m5f on the Flat; further to travel returned to maiden company this evening.

3/1

4th

4

1st Aug 2023

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

21:00 Perth

Love Mystery

11st 8lb

J: Mr James King

T: Olly Murphy

Showed some fair form on the Flat for Andrew Balding and seemed to be getting his act together over hurdles when keeping-on third in Stratford maiden (2m, good) last month; open to more improvement in handicaps and top amateur James King is booked today; unraced on ground slower than good.

11/4

11th
16 (16)
Eklil

8/1

Form: 152123

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Untested at 1m4f but he got up close home at Bath (1m2f, good) in June and again kept on well at Windsor on both starts since, the latest over 11.4f; only a 3yo and he may well improve for this stiffer test; very interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

19th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 3y

Class 5

13:05 Fakenham

Eklil

10st 10lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Andy Irvine

held up in rear, not fluent 5th

40/1

7

19th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 3y

Class 5

13:05 Fakenham

Eklil

10st 10lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Andy Irvine

held up in rear, not fluent 5th, outpaced and lost touch 3 out, pulled up before 2 out

40/1

8th

7

16th Dec 2024

Soft

1m 7f 195y

Class 4

12:40 Plumpton

Eklil

11st 3lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Andy Irvine

took keen hold, didn't jump with fluency, always behind

100/1

20/1

Form: 17-466 D

Last run: 99 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Both wins on heavy ground last year; tailed off on penultimate start (sole run on AW) but his two turf runs this season were creditable; all his noteworthy form is on softer than good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(6)

1st Jun 2023

Good To Firm

2m 0f 68y

Class 5

17:12 Lingfield

Downsman

9st 9lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Jim Boyle

dwelt start, took keen hold, in rear

7/1

3rd

5

(3)

8th May 2023

Good To Soft

1m 3f 99y

Class 4

18:45 Windsor

Downsman

9st 0lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Jim Boyle

Failed to shine when tried over hurdles on last five starts; no significant impact last year on the Flat except for first time out but the handicapper is giving him a chance and he's not ruled in new headgear; both wins were in 2021 on heavy going.

11/2

6

(8)

4th May 2023

Soft

1m 4f 5y

Class 4

16:20 Salisbury

Downsman

9st 2lb

J: Charlie Bennett

T: Jim Boyle

Failed to shine when tried over hurdles on last five starts; no significant impact last year on Flat except for first time out but the handicapper is giving him an increasing chance; both wins were in 2021 on heavy going.

33/1

OUR TIP

Form: 7-2110 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
5yo who made it 6-13 on AW with two 1m4f wins at Lingfield this summer, the latter in good style and a big personal best; up 8lb since and his turf form, including at York last time, makes far less impressive reading.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(10)

1st Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

20:45 Windsor

Party Island

9st 8lb

J: George Bass

T: Denis Coakley

Bids for a hat-trick after two wins at Bath (1m2f, firm), beating Galaxy Wonder by half a length on the latest occasion; up another 2lb, but still a big player in his current mood.

5/1

1st

5

(1)

12th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 37y

Class 5

16:23 Bath

Party Island

9st 4lb

J: George Bass

T: Denis Coakley

Most wins on the AW but it was his third success on the grass when coming home 2.5l to the good over C&D two weeks ago; defying the 5lb rise shouldn't be beyond him.

9/2

1st

5

(2)

27th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 37y

Class 6

14:30 Bath

Party Island

9st 6lb

J: George Bass

T: Denis Coakley

Has a better strike-rate on AW than on turf but he's in form, creditable third at Lingfield on Good Friday last time; gained last win off 5lb higher (in July 2024); shortlisted.

2/1

Form: 2/6070 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Smart in 2017, 2018 and 2019; almost nothing to write home about in his light career since, the one exception being his sixth of 16 over 1m4f at Ascot this May (12lb lower today) on reappearance but he achieved little in his three runs since; wears headgear first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(1)

7th Nov 2022

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 4

21:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Danehill Kodiac

9st 13lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Joe Tickle

On a five-year losing spell and not the force of old; failed to beat a rival in last three starts and has enough to prove back down sharply in trip (raced mainly at 1m4f); new headgear.

33/1

14th

2

(8)

17th Sep 2022

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Newbury

Danehill Kodiac

10st 2lb

J: Louis Steward

T: Joe Tickle

stumbled start, led, pushed along and headed over 2f out, weakened and dropped to rear over 1f out

40/1

10th

6

(2)

6th Aug 2022

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:20 Ascot

Danehill Kodiac

9st 9lb

J: Christophe-Patrice Lemaire

T: Joe Tickle

led, headed and ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out

40/1

Form: 4-1076

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Returned at Windsor in April when the easy, well-backed winner of 11.4f handicap; struggled on all three starts since, however; latest start saw usual blinkers replaced by a first-time visor but he reverts today; also back to that last winning mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

3

(3)

25th Oct 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 5

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Noble Masquerade

9st 13lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

always behind

10/1

3rd

2

(2)

8th Sep 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 5

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Noble Masquerade

10st 0lb

J: Georgia Dobie

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

slowly into stride, in rear, some headway over 2f out, outpaced over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong

8/1

Form: 1165-0

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Dual 11.4f winner at Windsor last summer when trained by Eve Johnson Houghton; rather underwhelming over hurdles and last of ten on his recent return to the Flat, so probably best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(4)

5th Oct 2023

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:45 Lingfield (AW)

Sword Beach

9st 7lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Alan King

Made the frame over 1m4f on his last two turf starts and has become well handicapped, but he's no longer the force of old and was never involved over C&D last time; returns from a short break but his last Flat win was over two years ago and others are preferred.

14/1

5th

2

(11)

21st Aug 2023

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:10 Lingfield (AW)

Sword Beach

10st 1lb

J: David Probert

T: Alan King

Back in better form the last twice, finishing fourth at Doncaster then third at Epsom, both over 1m4f; 0-6 on AW but returns to this sphere off a handy mark; not dismissed.

10/1

Form: -26482 CD BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Slipped in the weights prior to breaking his losing run in this race last year; 2lb higher today, having posted four solid efforts from five starts this season, runner-up here on latest; should give a good account.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

7

22nd Oct 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

14:30 Limerick

Frontispiece

11st 12lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: E McNamara

Five Flat wins in Britain; best suited by decent ground but has won on good to soft; makes belated hurdling debut at the age of nine.

25/1

Non-runners

Noble Masquerade, Sword Beach, Frontispiece

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £66.90
Straight Forecast £54.48
Tricast £757.61
Trifecta £620.80

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Enforced

RP Ratings:

Frontispiece

SPOTLIGHT:

Eklil

LAMBOURN:

Tartan Chief

The Times:

Jacovec Cavern

Daily Mail:

Age Of Sail

Daily Record:

Mille Miglia

POSTDATA:

Sir Rumi

The Guardian:

Bug Boy

The Star:

Eklil

Daily Mirror:

Tartan Chief

Daily Express:

Enforced

The Sun:

Enforced

TOPSPEED:

Frontispiece

Telegraph:

Frontispiece