October 08 / 15.15 York

15.15

Good

Coral Sprint Trophy Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

  • Prize money: £51540
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 22 runners
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Coral Sprint Trophy Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Runners: 22 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £14.30
  • Place: £3.50

Form: 044501 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Often slowly away but he broke on terms when winning at Wolverhampton (6f, AW) last Saturday in clearcut style; a 4lb rise does not look excessive but he has been unplaced on both his previous runs at York, including in this race 12 months ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(7)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 6y

Class 2

19:15 Hamilton

Strike Red

9st 5lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

8yo who can be in and out but he won at Leicester (6f, good to firm) in April and has run well in defeat on his last two starts, at Epsom (6f, soft) and Newcastle (6f, AW); he was a close second of 14 last time and this C&D winner can be in the mix if he's once more on a going day.

11/2

2nd

14

(5)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

Strike Red

8st 13lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Twice a C&D winner; ended losing run with a hard-fought success at Leicester in April and he ran creditably at Epsom on Derby day; minor money perhaps his best hope.

14/1

4th

13

(4)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 3y

Class 2

17:55 Epsom

Strike Red

8st 11lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Has lost his form a bit in two starts since an April success and is far from certain to raise his game much, having been beaten in this race for the last three years (finishing positions 756).

16/1

16/1

  • Place: £4.90

Form: 144302 D BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Evergreen 8yo; in good order for most of the season and he beat all bar one of his 15 rivals over this trip at Haydock two weeks ago; all six turf wins on ground softer than good, so he'd benefit from rain.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(3)

20th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 5f 110y

Class 4

15:40 Chester

Hyperfocus

9st 1lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Tim Easterby

Won over C&D (good to soft) last July but he's lost his way and has been out of sorts this season; now 17lb lower than for that last win but the veteran has a lot to prove.

20/1

115

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Hyperfocus

8st 8lb

T: Tim Easterby

11

(1)

5th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:42 Haydock

Hyperfocus

9st 2lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Four-time course winner who has tumbled down the weights and runs here for the first time this season; however, this 11yo has been struggling this year and a major turnaround is required.

25/1

14/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 110736 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Created a big impression when sauntering home at Haydock (6f, good) in May and he ran very well when third in a hot race over this C&D in August; only sixth of nine to Lethal Nymph at Ascot last time but he's now 11lb better off with the winner and can bounce back in this big field; key player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(2)

23rd Jan 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

18:15 Southwell (AW)

Silver Samurai

9st 6lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Marco Botti

Useful on his day and is a stone below last winning mark but looks far from sure to take advantage, having failed to beat a rival in latest start; yet to score on AW.

14/1

6

(11)

8th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:40 Kempton (AW)

Silver Samurai

9st 5lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Marco Botti

7-36 on turf and 0-15 on the AW, albeit in the frame on 12 occasions; 2lb lower than when chasing home Al Ameen over C&D in May, but has a high draw so others are preferred for win purposes.

12/1

6th

5

(11)

5th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:47 Kempton (AW)

Silver Samurai

9st 8lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Marco Botti

Patchy form since last win over a year ago and cheekpeices now replaced by first-time visor; edging down the weights but may find one or two too good from double-figure draw.

14/1

12/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 102209 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Prominent racer, ideally suited by good ground or softer; won in a big field over C&D in May but his last two runs have been disappointing and he needs to rediscover his spark; stable won this race in 2013 and 2014.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

11

(13)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ayr

Dakota Gold

9st 8lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Michael Dods

Smart in his prime and a multiple winner over the years but became disappointing after last season's winning reappearance and was last of 20 when back in action at York in May; needs to turn things around.

33/1

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

10/1

Form: 326214 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Tough and consistent 3yo who won over C&D in September and ran another blinder when fourth of 24 off this mark in the Ayr Gold Cup (good) two weeks later; goes well at York and his credentials are rock solid.
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

6th
21 (17)
Gisburn

18/1

Form: 026373 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Two 6f wins on slow ground as a 2yo, 0-9 in handicaps this year; ran creditably when third of 16 at Haydock (6f, good to soft; Hyperfocus second) two weeks ago but he'll need something extra off the same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

5

(1)

22nd Aug 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

20:15 Newcastle (AW)

Gisburn

9st 10lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Few chances on AW but he ran well over C&D in November off 3lb higher; returned to winning ways in a Racing League handicap at Chepstow two weeks ago (6f, good to soft); respected despite a 4lb rise and his draw in stall 1.

10/1

1st

1

(4)

8th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

18:30 Chepstow

Gisburn

9st 12lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Richard Hannon

He's had a mixed campaign but has shown spark on occasions and was stretched by 7f last time; now below last winning mark and he's not ruled out.

7/1

12th

3

(13)

12th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Newmarket (July)

Gisburn

9st 12lb

J: William Buick

T: Richard Hannon

Much better known as a sprinter but has form over 7f; now 3lb lower than when placed at Goodwood (6f, heavy) in May and his more recent efforts were perfectly respectable; back up in trip with William Buick up; a possible.

8/1

14/1

Form: 022040 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Cracking run when collared only late on in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm; has won on good to soft) but well held since in Stewards' and Ayr Gold Cups; others have less to prove but he wasn't disgraced (met trouble) in this race last year and would have claims if on a going day.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(11)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Popmaster

8st 13lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Ran respectably at Epsom last time but still has a poor strike-rate in recent years and hasn't won on turf since 2023; the 8yo looks unlikely to prevail in another competitive field.

40/1

4th

2

(15)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Popmaster

9st 9lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Seven wins include three on good to soft/soft; also won on AW at Kempton (1m) in February but only midfield in valuable events at Newcastle (AW) and Ascot (good) on his last two starts; however, latter effort was better than it looks having been poorly drawn.

33/1

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

Form: 800343 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
A regular in big-field sprints and he looked a shade unlucky when edged out by Volatile Analyst in this race last year; competes off the same mark here and confirmed his wellbeing when third of 16 at the Curragh last month; has to be respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

5

(3)

21st Oct 2025

Soft

0m 6f 0y

14:42 Curragh

Laugh A Minute

9st 9lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Stephen Thorne

Nine-time winner, most recently over C&D (soft) off 82 in March; best effort for some time when today's headgear tried in finishing never nearer fourth over C&D 17 days ago in testing conditions; 2lb lower now and Keane takes over; has to be respected.

8/1

4th

6

(8)

4th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 6f 0y

14:52 Curragh

Laugh A Minute

9st 7lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: Stephen Thorne

Nine-time winner, most recently over C&D (soft) off 6lb higher in March; well behind Gerrit's Gem at Cork on latest; new headgear combination needs to spark a revival, well-treated if it does.

16/1

11th

1

(8)

10th Sep 2025

Yielding

0m 6f 0y

17:10 Cork

Laugh A Minute

10st 0lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Stephen Thorne

Winner of nine races; latest success was four starts ago over this trip on soft at the Curragh in March; has to bounce back from a below-par display at Naas last month.

16/1

9th
17 (20)
Admiral D

14/1

Form: 623767 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Two 6f wins as 2yo in Ireland; mostly running creditably in defeat this year, finishing on the heels of Lucky Man, Mr Wagyu and Bergerac in the Ayr Gold Cup last time; should be in the mix again off 1lb lower.
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

10th
6 (19)
Bergerac

14/1

Form: 032116 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Holding his form really well this year, winning over the extended 5f here at the Ebor meeting and running creditably when sixth of 24 in the Ayr Gold Cup; another good run looks likely but he has risen in the weights and others appeal more for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(7)

1st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:10 Thirsk

Bergerac

9st 8lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Fine servant down the years but he hasn't won over 6f since August 2022; on a good mark and can pop up soon but would like to see more from him before getting involved.

20/1

21th

3

(19)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:25 York

Bergerac

10st 0lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Kevin Ryan

Fine stable servant with eight wins to his name, two of them here; probably needed the run when down the field at the Dante meeting; the usual headgear returns today and Jack Nicholls claims a handy 5lb; quite interesting.

14/1

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

25/1

Form: 143000 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Won over 5f at Musselburgh (good to soft) in April and his very best form remains at that trip; well held last three starts, including behind several of these in the Ayr Gold Cup; on the back burner for now.
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

28/1

Form: -39090 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Smart 2yo, runner-up in the Gimcrack here; mostly out of his depth in 2022 and he finished down the field (behind several of these) in the Ayr Gold Cup last time; difficult to recommend, although a 3lb drop and Oisin McSweeney's 5lb claim are certainly positives.
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

13th
12 (12)
Abolish

20/1

Form: 855281 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Bounced back to form to win seven-runner race at Ripon (6f, good) two weeks ago but he's now 6lb higher and he was only eighth to Dusky Lord in the Ayr Silver Cup the time before; may need a personal best to follow up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(11)

31st Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Abolish

9st 6lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Tony Carroll

Four-time turf winner from 5.5f-7f; 0-19 on AW but he's been placed on Polytrack and Tapeta; has had a short break since going very close at Windsor (6f, good) in September and he's a player if he can reproduce that form.

6/1

9th

9

(11)

31st Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Abolish

9st 6lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Tony Carroll

Four-time turf winner from 5.5f-7f; 0-19 on AW but he's been placed on Polytrack and Tapeta; has had a short break since going very close at Windsor (6f, good) in September and he's a player if he can reproduce that form.

6/1

11/1

Form: 300760 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
8yo who won this race off higher marks in 2019 and 2020 (soft ground); not in peak form this season, but he was third in a big field over C&D on his reappearance and is now 6lb lower; dangerous, especially if there's rain.
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

15th
1 (15)
Mr Wagyu

11/1

Form: 410535 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Extremely durable front-runner, better than ever this year and far from disgraced when fifth of 24 in the Ayr Gold Cup three weeks ago; handles all types of ground and has won twice over C&D; unlikely to be far away.
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

16th
13 (16)
Lethal Nymph

9/1

Form: 334711 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Beaten in his first four handicaps but he has taken his form to a new level of late, scoring back-to-back wins over 6f at Ascot (good to soft/good); up another 7lb for his latest success but he's clearly thriving and commands major respect for a stable that excels with sprinters.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(10)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 4

14:35 Pontefract

Lethal Nymph

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Paul Midgley

Perhaps best over 5f nowadays and couldn't quite last home in big field over 6f at York last weekend (still ran respectably); gained last turf success off current mark; possibilities.

3/1

5th

15

(4)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:25 York

Lethal Nymph

9st 8lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

Only eighth over C&D last time when quite well fancied but there's nothing wrong with his previous fourth here at the Dante meeting; now below his last winning mark and may well get back on track.

14/1

8th

15

(6)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Lethal Nymph

8st 11lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Paul Midgley

Runner-up in this race in 2024, and he warmed up nicely for another bid with a good fourth in a big field over C&D at the Dante meeting; should be in the thick of things once more.

12/1

17th
22 (11)
Exalted Angel

33/1

Form: 4-6480 D

Last run: 176 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Smart on the AW although not at his best in 2022, well held in conditions stakes at Newcastle when last seen on Good Friday; doesn't seem nearly so effective on turf; requires a leap of faith after six months off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

(5)

15th Jun 2024

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 4

16:30 Chester

Exalted Angel

8st 13lb

J: Sam Feilden

T: K R Burke

Regressive 8yo who is yet to add to his Listed AW success in February 2021; did nothing wrong when second under Sam Feilden at Carlisle (6f, good to firm) last month but the forecast rain is unlikely to aid his cause here; younger rivals are preferred.

9/1

2nd

2

(10)

20th May 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 4

19:30 Carlisle

Exalted Angel

9st 8lb

J: Sam Feilden

T: K R Burke

Well treated on AW form and soft ground was a possible excuse returned to turf last time; has the ability to win this race but he's on a very long losing run.

15/2

2nd

2

(10)

20th May 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 4

19:30 Carlisle

Exalted Angel

9st 8lb

J: Sam Feilden

T: K R Burke

Well treated on AW form and soft ground was a possible excuse returned to turf last time; has the ability to win this race but he's on a very long losing run.

15/2

18/1

Form: 336-32 D

Last run: 128 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Best on good or softer, as when third to Volatile Analyst in this race last year; fine second at Hamilton (Hyperfocus and Strike Red just behind) when last seen in June; has run well when fresh; should be thereabouts again
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(6)

14th Oct 2022

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

14:50 Haydock

Air Raid

9st 13lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

prominent, niggled along 2f out, soon ridden and weakened

7/1

18th

10

(10)

8th Oct 2022

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:15 York

Air Raid

9st 4lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

raced centre, in touch with leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakening when slightly hampered over 1f out, eased inside final furlong

18/1

2

(1)

24th Sep 2022

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:48 Ripon

Air Raid

9st 6lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

Not had a huge amount of racing for his age and he's very useful over this trip when underfoot conditions are suitable; as good as ever with his two placed efforts this year and he has gone well after a similar break in the past; wouldn't want it to dry out too much but a danger to all if it is good or slower.

9/2

19th
8 (9)
Bielsa

16/1

Form: 547350 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Won Ayr Gold Cup in 2021 when racing alone against the stand rail; mostly disappointing since, including in the same event three weeks ago; running out of excuses and needs to be revived by blinkers (replacing cheekpieces).
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

OUR TIP

Form: 420301 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Showed significant improvement on his 13th outing to win 25-runner Ayr Silver Cup (good; 14-1) last month, always in the front rank; a 9lb higher mark demands further progress but he's in good hands and high on the list.
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

Form: 810050 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Won this race 12 months ago (good to soft; first-time hood) and also took the Listed Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster (6f, good) in March, but he has hardly beaten a rival in his last four races; goes well at York but needs a dramatic return to form.
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

Form: 983873 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Best with positive tactics and comes into the reckoning on his front-running third at Chelmsford in May, but he hasn't repeated it, including over the same C&D last time; more required in this competitive event.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

23

(31)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Apollo One

9st 1lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: P Charalambous & J Clutterbuck

Has contested three of the last four runnings, doing best when runner-up in 2023 (good to firm; also won a Group 3 over C&D on soft); has been a fine stalwart in other top sprint handicaps, including when only just losing out in the 2024 Portland at Doncaster on sole attempt for Christophe Soumillon; it's hard to ignore one with his history at this level.

25/1

9th

5

(13)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 3y

Class 2

17:55 Epsom

Apollo One

9st 6lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: P Charalambous & J Clutterbuck

Acts on any ground; ran okay behind younger rivals at Newmarket last time; losing run is mounting up but he has been placed in this race twice, finishing second in 2023 and third in 2024; again has each-way hopes.

8/1

3rd

4

(9)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:45 Newmarket

Apollo One

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: P Charalambous & J Clutterbuck

Stable star who runs in this race for the fourth time, recording best results when second in 2024 and third in 2023; went without a win in 2025 but the ability was still intact, second in the Portland (5.6f, good) and an Ascot Group 3 (6f, soft); faced some stiff tasks in the Middle East this year but his second in a Listed race at Jebel Ali (5f, dirt) was promising, finishing with a flourish for second; fair mark back on grass; should run well.

16/1

Non-runners

Dusky Lord, Volatile Analyst, Apollo One

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £311.60
Straight Forecast £209.03
Tricast £2320.24
Trifecta £5009.30

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Lucky Man

RP Ratings:

Gulliver

LAMBOURN:

Lethal Nymph

Daily Express:

Popmaster

The Guardian:

Dusky Lord

SPOTLIGHT:

Silver Samurai

TOPSPEED:

Zarzyni

The Sun:

Air Raid

The Star:

Mr Wagyu

Daily Record:

Lethal Nymph

Telegraph:

Lucky Man

Daily Mail:

Lucky Man

Daily Mirror:

Lucky Man

POSTDATA:

Gulliver

The Times:

Gulliver