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

1st

1

(11)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:42 Newmarket

Sterling Knight

9st 11lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Ed Dunlop

Having dropped 1lb below his last winning mark he returned to form when third of 13 over C&D a fortnight ago (good to firm; Final Night second); he can be in the mix back up 1lb if backing up that latest performance.

8/1

3rd

8

(2)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:55 Newmarket

Sterling Knight

9st 8lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Ed Dunlop

Fine stable servant with 11 wins to his name, although recent efforts have been underwhelming; only seventh of ten at the Craven meeting here and he needs to be revived by the presence of Ryan Moore in the saddle.

18/1

7th

9

(7)

14th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Newmarket

Sterling Knight

8st 11lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Ed Dunlop

Record of 8-42 on turf, the most recent win at Doncaster (7f, good to soft) last July; finished last on his AW return in March and no impact when beaten 10l in Doncaster's Spring Mile a fortnight later, but he's won over 1m and there's nothing wrong with this mark.

10/1

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

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

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

10th

6

(7)

1st Jun 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Punchbowl Flyer

9st 7lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: John O’Shea

Was running well at 6f and 7f here in the spring but he's never won on the AW and has seemingly gone off the boil a touch, having run a rare moderate race at Chepstow recently.

20/1

7th

2

(5)

21st May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

19:40 Chepstow

Punchbowl Flyer

9st 8lb

J: William Carson

T: John O’Shea

Dual C&D winner who was also beaten a nose off this mark in September on last visit here (7f); running respectably on AW earlier this year but below par returned to turf at Haydock last month; this is easier and he's never confidently ruled out at this track.

12/1

8th

9

(8)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:55 Haydock

Punchbowl Flyer

9st 0lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: John O’Shea

Knocking at the door over 6f and 7f on AW this year; won't mind getting back on turf and he should give it another good go from the front.

10/1

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

2nd

5

(10)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Ascot

Emperor Spirit

9st 7lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Michael Keady

Made a winning debut for this yard at Newmarket last July (5f, good to firm) and he is now 3lb lower; patchy record since but he can go well fresh and he has a good C&D run on his record.

20/1

8th

1

(7)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Emperor Spirit

9st 11lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Michael Keady

Prominent racer; made a winning stable debut at Newmarket (5f) in July off 2lb higher; fair third at Chelmsford two weeks ago (6f) but more will be needed to come out on top this time.

10/1

8th

1

(7)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Emperor Spirit

9st 11lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Michael Keady

Prominent racer; made a winning stable debut at Newmarket (5f) in July off 2lb higher; fair third at Chelmsford two weeks ago (6f) but more will be needed to come out on top this time.

10/1

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

10

(1)

23rd Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Baba Reza

9st 4lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Julie Camacho

Inconsistent this year but ran encouragingly over C&D returned to AW last time and has possibilities provided he builds on that effort; defied higher marks twice in this sphere in 2021.

8/1

3rd

8

(4)

3rd Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Baba Reza

9st 9lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Julie Camacho

Shaped with encouragement on his return to action at Chelmsford in May (6f); three disappointing turf runs have followed but he's slipped down the weights and drops into a Class 5 for the first time since his easy Haydock win last summer; not ruled out.

12/1

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