April 27 / 14.20 Beverley

14.20

Good To Soft

Surprise 60th Birthday Cliff Barber Handicap

  • Prize money: £5574.2
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
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Surprise 60th Birthday Cliff Barber Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

20/1 (Won)

  • Win: £19.00
  • Place: £3.90

Form: 694-87

Last run: 24 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Won off 3lb higher at Nottingham (6f) last June and possibly unsuited by Tapeta on his two runs this year (first two AW starts); however, there are nevertheless doubts regarding current form and the drop back to 5f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(2)

9th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

17:40 Pontefract

The Dunkirk Lads

9st 6lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

dwelt start, towards rear

8/1

4th

8

(9)

28th Sep 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:40 Pontefract

The Dunkirk Lads

9st 0lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

towards rear

8/1

5th

2

(10)

17th Sep 2023

Soft

0m 5f 143y

Class 5

17:20 Doncaster

The Dunkirk Lads

9st 12lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

5f winner at Beverley in April and he went close at Carlisle 16 days ago (winner was well treated); 2lb rise not ideal but he's fine on soft; additional yardage should suit at this flat track.

6/1

8/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: /2507- D BF

Last run: 271 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Absent since two below-par runs last summer but he has a good record when fresh in the spring and returns on a handy mark; he's a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(1)

4th Oct 2023

Soft

0m 5f 8y

Class 3

15:42 Nottingham

Sir Titus

9st 5lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Handled testing ground when trained by Bryan Smart (ran well over C&D on soft as a 3yo); generally raced on a sounder surface for current stable, winning on good at Ayr in June; ran poorly at Yarmouth ten weeks ago but can go well fresh and he's not out of it.

9/1

11th

3

(10)

27th Jul 2023

Good To Soft

0m 5f 42y

Class 3

19:30 Yarmouth

Sir Titus

9st 9lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Positive start for new stable, building on his Beverley reappearance second in April when going one better at Ayr (5f, good) eight weeks later; the Ayr form looks solid with the second and fourth successful next time; has won on soft; bold show likely.

4/1

1st

1

(2)

24th Jun 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

13:50 Ayr

Sir Titus

10st 0lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Michael Dods

prominent, pushed along 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, kept on final 110yds, always doing enough

7/2

5/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 6236-3 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Promising first campaign last season, finishing placed in handicaps over C&D (good to firm) and at Doncaster (5.6f, good to soft), and she reappeared with a very close third at Newcastle (5f, AW) last month; this lightly raced 4yo could have more to offer and is on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(5)

7th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Princess Karine

9st 7lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Bryan Smart

Ran out an easy winner in a small-field soft-ground handicap at Pontefract last spring but the handicapper took umbrage and she's found it tough going since; may have needed January's return to action but she still carries risk despite her much-reduced mark.

9/1

10th

9

(10)

25th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Newcastle (AW)

Princess Karine

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Bryan Smart

ducked sharply left start, prominent in centre of group

14/1

10th

9

(10)

25th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Newcastle (AW)

Princess Karine

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Bryan Smart

ducked sharply left start, prominent in centre of group

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: 61-223 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Runner-up twice in a row at Newcastle (5f, AW) last month and good form continued when third of 16 over C&D (good to soft) last Wednesday; with a clear run he may have beaten the runner-up Ventura Flame; solid claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

(3)

3rd Sep 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Dandy Dinmont

9st 3lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Won a 5f handicap at Beverley in May off a 3lb higher mark; generally disappointing since but he's fine on Tapeta and he can't be discounted; stable also run Muker.

16/1

10th

9

(10)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

19:00 Beverley

Dandy Dinmont

9st 5lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Nigel Tinkler

Far from consistent this season but got up in the final strides over C&D (good to firm; off 1lb higher) in May; possibilities provided he's back in similar form and the race again pans out favourably.

12/1

5th

6

(8)

7th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

16:48 Pontefract

Dandy Dinmont

9st 7lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Nigel Tinkler

Back off the same mark as when winning narrowly at Beverley (5f, good) in May, but he hasn't proved very consistent so far this year so not quite sure what to expect.

16/1

Form: 45612-

Last run: 128 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who showed improvement over 7f on AW last December, winning at Wolverhampton before good second at Newcastle; has shown promise on turf but it remains to be seen whether 5f will suit (first attempt).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(8)

2nd Sep 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Beattie Is Back

9st 8lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Did best of those in the stands' side group at York (6f, good to firm) in July and then kept on for third of nine at Southwell (6f, AW) 27 days ago despite not getting the best of passages; now down to a career-low mark and this dual C&D winner should appreciate stepping back up in trip.

7/2

3rd

1

(7)

6th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

19:51 Southwell (AW)

Beattie Is Back

9st 9lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

He's struggled to get competitive on turf on his four starts since May, albeit he fared best in the near-side group at York a fortnight ago; Tapeta seems to be his preferred surface and he's 5lb lower than when going close at Wolverhampton (7f) in February; no surprise to see a big run.

8/1

15th

15

(22)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 York

Beattie Is Back

9st 2lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Has not matched this year's AW form since returned to turf; should be well treated now but not sure stall 22 will be an advantage.

33/1

Form: 73515- CD

Last run: 185 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Hold-up filly who won three times last year and has a good record here with her C&D form-figures reading 713713 (wins on soft/good); she ran well on last season's reappearance and is not ruled out, although the visor was a permanent fixture last year and she goes without headgear today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(8)

1st Nov 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Newmarket

May Blossom

9st 4lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Julie Camacho

Came from well back when capitalising on reduced mark at Redcar (6f, good) in September, but some way below par at Nottingham next time; others make more appeal.

8/1

3rd

6

(8)

1st Nov 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Newmarket

May Blossom

9st 4lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Julie Camacho

Came from well back when capitalising on reduced mark at Redcar (6f, good) in September, but some way below par at Nottingham next time; others make more appeal.

8/1

8th

7

(4)

2nd Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 18y

Class 2

15:35 Nottingham

May Blossom

9st 0lb

J: David Allan

T: Julie Camacho

Back to form to capitalise on a reduced mark at Redcar (6f, good) 16 days ago; nudged back up 3lb but retains handicapping scope on last year's form.

13/2

Form: 2960-5 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Failed to threaten on AW on final three runs last year and same story on return three weeks ago; however, his reduced mark appeals on his turf form last August/September, including over C&D; AW may not be his thing and he could play a leading role now back on grass, especially if the ground dries.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

(3)

26th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

17:23 Redcar

Soul Seeker

10st 2lb

J: Mr Daniel Perrin

T: Philip Kirby

Regressive 9yo who hasn't been offering much for a while now.

33/1

7th

9

(9)

21st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 6

17:35 Musselburgh

Soul Seeker

8st 9lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Philip Kirby

Regressive 9yo; beaten around 4l on his last two starts and needs to up his game to trouble the principals.

33/1

7th

8

(9)

11th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:00 Catterick

Soul Seeker

9st 0lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Philip Kirby

Down to a basement mark and he's one to watch in the betting, but it's been a long time since this regressive 9yo has been competitive.

25/1

Form: 9598-2 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Won this two years ago and went close over C&D (good) on last season's sole run here; reappeared with good second of 16 over C&D (good to soft) last Wednesday and she's a key player off the same mark today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(4)

20th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

19:15 Beverley

Ventura Flame

9st 1lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Keith Dalgleish

A regular at Beverley, C&D scorer twice; did well considering carried right at the start when fifth in a big field here nine days ago; likely to be thereabouts once more.

7/1

5th

16

(10)

11th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:45 Beverley

Ventura Flame

9st 4lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Keith Dalgleish

carried right start, in rear

16/1

8th

7

(7)

27th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:20 Beverley

Ventura Flame

9st 3lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Keith Dalgleish

Won this two years ago and went close over C&D (good) on last season's sole run here; reappeared with good second of 16 over C&D (good to soft) last Wednesday and she's a key player off the same mark today.

3/1

Form: 7508-0 CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced C&D winner who has dropped to an attractive mark on last year's best form, and he's one to watch in the betting on his second start of the season; however, he has to leave his comeback run well behind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(3)

18th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

17:00 Chepstow

Le Beau Garcon

9st 9lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

On a career-low mark for a yard that doesn't send many here and he is worth tracking in the market; seems on the downgrade, though, and he hasn't run at beyond 5f since 2023; others make more obvious appeal.

10/1

6th

2

(2)

5th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

16:15 Pontefract

Le Beau Garcon

9st 11lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

He's on a career-low mark but has finished down the field on his three starts since making an encouraging return to action at Ripon in May; needs to turn things around.

12/1

9th

2

(3)

28th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:30 Beverley

Le Beau Garcon

9st 13lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Won 5f Ayr handicap off 6lb higher in May last year (5f, good to firm) but mainly disappointing since, including on last two starts; bit to prove at present.

12/1

Form: 37340- D

Last run: 199 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Ran several good races off higher marks than this last season; however, he improved for last year's reappearance run and he may need this outing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(2)

25th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 6

16:45 Musselburgh

Albegone

9st 1lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

8yo who is 0-14 this season, with mixed form, but there have been bright points and he's dropped to a dangerous mark; this two-time C&D winner is not discounted.

5/1

5th

3

(6)

24th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

17:27 Thirsk

Albegone

9st 10lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Nine-time turf winner who is well treated on his win at Catterick last spring; has been up and down since but he's finished runner-up four times this year including at Catterick (5f, good to firm) on his penultimate run; could be dangerous in another switch of headgear.

10/1

6th

4

(7)

15th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:40 Catterick

Albegone

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Latest C&D second on good to firm shows he's in reasonable form; ought to be in the mix again at a course which suits (four wins) but all nine career successes have come on good or softer.

9/2

Non-runners

Albegone

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £108.70
Straight Forecast £82.10
Tricast £471.63
Trifecta £846.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Ventura Flame

Telegraph:

Beattie Is Back

The Times:

Princess Karine

POSTDATA:

Dandy Dinmont

Daily Mirror:

Albegone

TOPSPEED:

Soul Seeker

D Express:

Beattie Is Back

The Star:

Beattie Is Back

The Guardian:

Princess Karine

The Sun:

Dandy Dinmont

RP Ratings:

Ventura Flame

Daily Mail:

Ventura Flame

Daily Record:

Ventura Flame