October 14 / 14.50 Haydock

14.50

Heavy

Watch On Racing TV Handicap

  • Prize money: £8100
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 13 runners
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Watch On Racing TV Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.20
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 033501 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
In reapplied cheekpieces (retained) he posted a career-best performance to win a big-field handicap over C&D (good to soft) last month on his first visit to Haydock; unraced on soft/heavy ground but a 4lb rise isn't harsh and this 3yo is a key player if confirming that latest promise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(4)

14th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:37 Newmarket (July)

Sterling Knight

9st 11lb

J: Toby Moore

T: Ed Dunlop

C&D winner who scored on the other course here (1m, good) in May; hasn't hit the same level in four subsequent runs but he was not beaten far at Thirsk last time and he ties in with Tuscan Hills on that form; usually comes from off the pace and has possibilities if he gets the breaks.

12/1

7th

10

(6)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Thirsk

Sterling Knight

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Ed Dunlop

Campaigned mostly at the Newmarket tracks this term, winning in May and respectable third last time; has shown versatility in the past but looks weighted to the hilt off current mark and this step back up in class adds to the difficulty.

10/1

3rd

6

(10)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket (July)

Sterling Knight

9st 12lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Ed Dunlop

Well beaten at Epsom on Oaks day and he still had work to do when his path was blocked late on over this C&D three weeks ago; however, before those he won in good style on the other Newmarket course (1m, good) and he won this race in 2024 (good to soft); capable of having a say.

16/1

10/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 588089 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
His mark continues to fall and some of his best performances have come on testing ground at Haydock; he was denied a clear run when mid-division over C&D (good to soft) three weeks ago but he didn't find much when in the clear and this 7yo needs to turn things around.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

(10)

26th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

17:00 Doncaster

Cold Stare

9st 6lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

9yo who needs to produce more than he's managed the last twice but before those he was a creditable fifth in the Ayr Bronze Cup and he's dropped to a dangerous mark; not written off.

14/1

5th

1

(8)

18th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 5

13:52 Redcar

Cold Stare

10st 0lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

Most of his nine wins on soft or heavy; finished close up in the Ayr Bronze Cup last month and ran well enough to think he's still in reasonable form when fifth in a higher grade than this at Haydock last time; in the mix.

15/2

6th

10

(2)

28th Sep 2024

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Haydock

Cold Stare

8st 13lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Most of his nine wins on soft or heavy; finished close up in the Ayr Bronze Cup last weekend which gives him a fighting chance here but he has a better overall record on that track than this one and remains on much the same mark as when well adrift of Trilby here in April.

8/1

6/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 1-8542 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Her 2yo wins included a soft-ground C&D novice last October and she returned to form with a close second of 14 when back on a slow surface at Salisbury (6f, good to soft) a fortnight ago; this lightly raced 3yo could have more to offer under these sort of conditions and she's respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

12

(4)

14th Oct 2022

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

14:50 Haydock

Sky Blue Pink

8st 9lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Ralph Beckett

midfield, headway over 1f out, ridden to challenge inside final furlong, soon slightly hampered, keeping on when not clear run towards finish

6/1

2nd

14

(15)

29th Sep 2022

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:19 Salisbury

Sky Blue Pink

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Ralph Beckett

midfield, switched right and headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, kept on but headed towards finish

10/1

12/1

Form: 113580 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Won twice (6f, good) earlier in the season; needs to step up on his more recent efforts but they've been in hot Class 2 handicaps and this is a bit easier; has run well on occasions on testing ground; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

(6)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:23 Ayr

Tinto

10st 0lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Dods

Operating off a reduced mark but on a losing run; has strong C&D form but reserves his best for Thirsk these days; well beaten on last month's seasonal return.

20/1

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

12/1

Form: 614160 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Unproven on slow ground and down the field in the Ayr Silver Cup last time, but otherwise he's been running really since these cheekpieces went on (two wins) and he shouldn't be written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

(12)

17th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Snash

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

midfield on outer, pushed along halfway, switched to near side and ridden over 2f out

7/1

4th

12

(3)

3rd Oct 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:40 Newcastle (AW)

Snash

8st 10lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Good strike-rate on AW and he's run creditably on his last three starts; drops back in trip and he's one to take seriously.

12/1

5th

11

(7)

17th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Snash

9st 0lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Tim Easterby

4-9 on Tapeta including two wins over 6f here; 7lb below his last winning mark and has run with credit over 7f at Southwell in his last two starts, but this stiffer track does pose a question.

9/1

Form: -05077 CD

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Hasn't been at his best this year but he's rarely had his favoured testing conditions; the ground is ideal today for this C&D winner and he's dropped to an attractive mark; no surprise to see him capitalise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(4)

15th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 5

18:46 Lingfield (AW)

Punchbowl Flyer

9st 5lb

J: Alexandra Egan

T: John O’Shea

Front-runner who ran as well as could have been expected in a Tapeta claimer on tough terms last time; that effort confirmed him still in form but there's not much wiggle room off this mark.

12/1

6th

9

(4)

30th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

18:57 Wolverhampton (AW)

Punchbowl Flyer

9st 2lb

J: Alexandra Egan

T: John O’Shea

Unfavourably treated on these terms but he's in form after back-to-back handicap wins at 6f; should give his running.

14/1

Form: 297203 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Untested on slow ground but he's run well to be placed on two of his last three outings and is an each-way possible if handling the conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

(8)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:20 Ascot

Emperor Spirit

8st 11lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Michael Keady

Ran a stormer over C&D on his seasonal return; the ground went against him at Epsom on Derby day and he has quickly bounced back with placed efforts at Beverley and Newmarket; up 2lb for latest near-miss but still on a good mark; Oisin Murphy booked; decent chance.

7/1

3rd

9

(8)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Newmarket (July)

Emperor Spirit

9st 5lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Michael Keady

First run for Michael Keady when winning this race 12 months ago off a 3lb higher mark; two good runs on fast ground this year (below par on slower going in the Epsom Dash) and he's likely to make another bold bid.

5/1

2nd

3

(3)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:02 Beverley

Emperor Spirit

9st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Michael Keady

Blows hot and cold but he is on a dangerous mark and his second of 17 at Ascot (5f, good to firm) in May was a fine effort; subsequent run in the Dash at Epsom can be forgiven (ground) and this should be more to his liking; other pace influences on show.

7/1

12/1

Form: 323020 C

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
His claims aren't solid as he's been well beaten on two of his last three starts, but in between those this prominent-racer was a good second at Newcastle (6f, AW), and he ran well when third on soft ground here (7f) in July; might not be far away if he's on a going day.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(7)

20th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Marshal Dan

9st 8lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Heather Main

steadied start, in rear

14/1

10th

9

(9)

9th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Marshal Dan

9st 4lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Heather Main

keen to post, in touch with leaders

16/1

7th

1

(16)

4th Nov 2023

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:57 Newmarket

Marshal Dan

10st 0lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Heather Main

Finished third of 15 in the 2018 running; has had a stop-start year but testing conditions suit and he looked in good form when a ready winner from Hodler at Leicester 18 days ago (7f, soft; first-time cheekpieces, retained); back up 5lb; one of the more likely ones.

8/1

20/1

Form: 00-920 D

Last run: 112 days

W: 9st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Finished last at Newcastle in June but he's had a break since and ran fairly well on his two other outings this year; down to a handy mark and he was a 2yo Listed runner-up on his last start on heavy ground; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

22nd Sep 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ayr

Just Frank

9st 11lb

T: Tim Easterby

6

(4)

25th Jun 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

18:45 Pontefract

Just Frank

9st 7lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Had some good form when trained by Les Eyre; not fired in either run for new stable but he's tumbling down the weights and he's likely to come good at some point.

33/1

21th

18

(10)

17th May 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:25 York

Just Frank

8st 7lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Conditions shouldn't have been an issue at Redcar on his stable debut last month yet he was never in the hunt; dropped 3lb but others bring more persuasive claims.

33/1

9/1

Form: 0-9236 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Creditable efforts on his last three starts, most recently sixth of 25 in the Ayr Silver Cup, and he seems to be effective on soft ground; however, his losing run goes back 12 races and he may again find a few too good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

14

(1)

19th Apr 2024

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

14:12 Newbury

Aplomb

8st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Losing run goes back to 2020 but he regularly caught the eye with strong finishes in 6f handicaps last year; resumes on a good mark and can surely pop up at some point this year.

12/1

10th

14

(1)

19th Apr 2024

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

14:12 Newbury

Aplomb

8st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Losing run goes back to 2020 but he regularly caught the eye with strong finishes in 6f handicaps last year; resumes on a good mark and can surely pop up at some point this year.

12/1

3rd

5

(19)

4th Nov 2023

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:02 Newmarket

Aplomb

9st 9lb

J: Stefano Cherchi

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

raced near side, in touch with leaders

16/1

Form: 12-507 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
There was no return to form at Ascot (5f, good to soft) a fortnight ago on his first outing since wind surgery; however, he may improve for that outing and he excelled last autumn when tackling soft ground; should relish conditions and he's not written off in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(5)

25th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 2

15:18 Doncaster

Magical Spirit

8st 10lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

8yo who has finished down the field on his last four runs and needs a major turnaround; however, he's just 1lb higher than when winning in a big field over C&D (soft) in April on his last run here, and his good record at Doncaster also includes a win in this race in 2021; dangerous to dismiss.

12/1

9th

3

(8)

28th Sep 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Magical Spirit

9st 4lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Three heavy defeats have followed his impressive Doncaster win in April (6f, soft); not the easiest to predict but conditions won't be an issue and he's dangerous to write off.

14/1

15th

3

(9)

17th Aug 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Magical Spirit

9st 2lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

raced near side

33/1

OUR TIP

7/1

Form: 36-320 CD

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
It's disconcerting he was tailed off at York on Saturday after a break but he ran really well on his two other starts this season and has a good record in this race, having won it two years ago (heavy) and finished third last season (soft); a tongue-tie goes on; capable of playing a leading role.
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

Form: 32-738 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Unproven on soft/heavy and beaten about 6l by Sterling Knight when eighth of 16 over C&D (good to soft) latest; however, that was a creditable effort from a low stall in a race dominated by high-drawn horses, and he'd shaped well when third at Thirsk prior to that; has edged back down to his last winning mark and could have a part to play if handling conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(2)

31st Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Baba Reza

9st 4lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

Missed a few chunks of his career and is on the decline now; remains consistent, though, is well drawn for one happiest on the sharp end and is being given every chance by the handicapper.

10/1

4th

5

(6)

6th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

19:51 Southwell (AW)

Baba Reza

9st 6lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Julie Camacho

8yo who has been beaten ten times since his last win in July 2024 but he's been placed on both starts this summer (6f, soft/Tapeta); chance.

13/2

3rd

4

(4)

6th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Baba Reza

9st 7lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

Hasn't won for two years but made an encouraging return from his second wind op and a six-month layoff when runner-up at Carlisle (6f, soft) last month; holds claims if he can back up that run.

7/1

Non-runners

Baba Reza

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £52.60
Straight Forecast £43.42
Tricast £174.52
Trifecta £348.20

Selections

The Times:

Sky Blue Pink

SPOTLIGHT:

Sterling Knight

TOPSPEED:

Emperor Spirit

The Guardian:

Air Raid

RP Ratings:

Cold Stare

LAMBOURN:

Punchbowl Flyer

Daily Express:

Aplomb

Telegraph:

Sky Blue Pink

Daily Mirror:

Sky Blue Pink

The Star:

Sky Blue Pink

POSTDATA:

Sterling Knight

NEWMARKET:

Sterling Knight

The Sun:

Emperor Spirit

Daily Record:

Air Raid

Daily Mail:

Cold Stare