April 29 / 15.45 Haydock

15.45

Good

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  • Prize money: £30924
  • 0m 6f 212y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
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Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.00
  • Place: £1.70

Form: /231-2 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Built upon the promise he showed for the Gosdens when winning a big-field handicap on his stable debut at Newbury (7f, good) last September, and he returned with a good second at Kempton (7f, AW) this month; this very lightly raced 5yo is open to further improvement and is a key player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(10)

18th May 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Newmarket

Rainbow Fire

9st 2lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Marco Botti

took keen hold

8/1

4th

7

(10)

18th May 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Newmarket

Rainbow Fire

9st 2lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Marco Botti

Arrives here fit and in form after a third of nine at Haydock (7f, soft; unraced on firmer than good) three weeks ago; C&D winner earlier in career; should be in the thick of things again.

8/1

3rd

6

(4)

27th Apr 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 212y

Class 2

14:45 Haydock

Rainbow Fire

9st 0lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Marco Botti

midfield

8/1

15/2

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 2153-1 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Reappeared with a win at Musselburgh (7f, good to soft) three weeks ago, landing that race for the second year running; has a career-high mark and tougher company to deal with here, but this highly admirable 6yo could continue to improve and is entitled to respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

2

(3)

7th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

15:20 Musselburgh

Gweedore

9st 11lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Katie Scott

Now 7lb lower than when making all for narrow C&D (soft) win at end of last season but is yet to strike form after five runs this year; needs a good boost from the first-time blinkers.

10/1

15th

2

(2)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ayr

Gweedore

10st 2lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Katie Scott

Ended last season with a 7f win on soft ground but made a slow start to this campaign; not the percentage call.

50/1

11/2

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 13112- D BF

Last run: 175 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Thrived last year, with four wins (7f, including on good/soft) before a solid second at Doncaster (7f, heavy) when last seen; this 6yo is lightly raced for his age and could have more to offer this term; in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

15th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

13:40 Perth

Biggles

11st 4lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Very useful on the Flat in his prime and returned from long absence with two encouraging hurdle runs for new stable this season, latterly when close fifth at Uttoxeter (2m, good) three weeks ago; that form already gives him good claims and he could quite plausibly have a bigger run in him.

9/4

5th

2

24th Jul 2026

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

13:40 Uttoxeter

Biggles

11st 2lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Won the Bunbury Cup in 2023; unraced beyond 1m on the Flat but seemed to stay the trip okay on jumps debut here following a long absence; however, what he achieved behind an easy winner in that small field is questionable.

4/1

2nd

2

4th Jun 2026

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

14:00 Uttoxeter

Biggles

11st 2lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Very useful on the Flat in his prime, with career highlight his 2023 Bunbury Cup success (7f; unraced beyond about 1m); absent since two below-par runs in spring 2024, though, and tricky to weigh up on stable/hurdle debut.

4/1

15/2

Form: 5442-0 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in a tongue-tie (now discarded) in the Lincoln on reappearance, when reportedly hanging badly right-handed; however, this lightly raced 5yo ran really well in some good handicaps last season, including here, and he could play a leading role if back on song.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(4)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:05 Curragh

Montassib

9st 5lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: William Haggas

Late-maturing type won the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock (good) in 2024; did not appear last year until September and failed to recapture his best form in three runs, only fifth behind Spycatcher when favourite at Doncaster on last of them; reversed that form (and had James's Delight behind) when fourth in a 6f Listed race at the same venue eight weeks ago.

4/1

4th

9

(1)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 1

13:50 Doncaster

Montassib

9st 10lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Arrives late on the scene and had a stellar 2024, his three wins including this race (soft) and the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock (good); wasn't seen last year until September and didn't fully fire in three runs, only fifth behind Spycatcher when favourite over C&D on last of them; dangerous if rebounding but has to prove he retains all his ability.

4/1

9

(3)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Montassib

9st 4lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Made the leap from top handicaps to Listed/Group races last season, winning the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock (6f, good) by a head from Kind Of Blue, before finishing fifth to that rival in this event; 11 months off when an encouraging third of 11 in Group 3 at Newbury last month, getting going too late on his first attempt at 5f; that run suggests he retains all his ability and he's a serious candidate four weeks on.

11/2

11/2

Form: 248-70 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Merely mid-division in the Lincoln at Doncaster (1m, heavy) four weeks ago but it wasn't a bad run in that red-hot handicap and he went close off this mark last August; won this last year and capable of having a say.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(7)

7th May 2025

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Boardman

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

3-13 at Chester (the wins over 7.6f) but the last time he scored anywhere was in May 2023; has his lowest mark since 2020 and a shout on plenty of 2024 form, but seasonal debut may not be his best moment.

10/1

10

(7)

7th May 2025

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Boardman

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

3-13 at Chester (the wins over 7.6f) but the last time he scored anywhere was in May 2023; has his lowest mark since 2020 and a shout on plenty of 2024 form, but seasonal debut may not be his best moment.

10/1

3rd

5

(5)

27th Sep 2024

Soft

0m 7f 37y

Class 3

17:40 Haydock

Boardman

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Dual course winner who went close over C&D last month but he's been disappointing since including a laboured effort back here last time; losing run is now up to 15 and others are more convincing.

16/1

14/1

Form: 6406-5 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in Listed race at Doncaster on stable and seasonal debut four weeks ago, but the ground was heavy and he may have needed the run; on a handy mark on last year's best runs for Andrew Balding and not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(5)

2nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

18:18 Newmarket (July)

Tactical

9st 4lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Quality performer back in the day for Andrew Balding but he's looked on a slippery slope in the last 12 months; showed signs of a revival at Doncaster (3l sixth of ten) last time but that was in a messy race and he needs to build on that.

8/1

6th

3

(2)

29th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

19:00 Doncaster

Tactical

9st 7lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

slightly awkward start, midfield

33/1

14th

14

(19)

15th Jun 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:25 York

Tactical

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Julie Camacho

slowly away, switched left soon after start, in rear

33/1

14/1

Form: 11425- D

Last run: 196 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Back to his best last year when winning the Golden Mile at Goodwood last July and continued in fine form subsequently; not handicapped out of things but needs to be at his peak on this reappearance if he's to score.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(3)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Orbaan

9st 12lb

J: Sean Levey

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who dipped into a seller for his latest win, at Beverley (8.4f, good to firm) in July; current handicap mark is workable but his AW strike-rate is 0-13 and he needs to rebound from two down-the-field runs.

16/1

2

(3)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Orbaan

9st 12lb

J: Sean Levey

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who dipped into a seller for his latest win, at Beverley (8.4f, good to firm) in July; current handicap mark is workable but his AW strike-rate is 0-13 and he needs to rebound from two down-the-field runs.

16/1

6

(11)

14th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 4

16:00 Lingfield (AW)

Orbaan

9st 9lb

J: J F Egan

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who won a Beverley seller in July; some fair handicap runs since but others may have his measure back on AW (0-12 in this sphere).

12/1

Form: 83500- CD

Last run: 196 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Not at the top of his game on his final two runs last season and it's possible he'll need this comeback outing, but he returns having had wind surgery and has edged down to an attractive mark; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(12)

5th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 212y

Class 3

16:50 Haydock

Rhoscolyn

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Given his fine record on slow ground at Goodwood he was thoroughly underwhelming there last weekend, but two days later he bounced straight back to finish second at Epsom (7f, good to soft); might run well again but he's hard to catch right these days.

7/2

2nd

5

(1)

31st Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 3

15:00 Epsom

Rhoscolyn

9st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

On a reduced mark and this two-time C&D scorer can't have the ground soft enough; not at his best at Goodwood on Saturday.

6/1

Form: 20447- D

Last run: 217 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
No impact last August/September in his first two handicaps and changed hands for 35,000gns last October (gelded since); however, there's potential in his mark judged on his earlier promise and his new trainer often does very well with similar types; interesting, especially if attracting market support.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(11)

20th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Tuscan

9st 5lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Showed useful form for previous yard; 0-11 for current stable but last few efforts, most recently going close off this mark at Leicester (7f) last week, suggest his turn is near; appears to have a leading chance (due to go up 3lb from tomorrow).

7/2

2nd

2

(8)

10th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:40 Leicester

Tuscan

9st 12lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

dwelt start, in rear, headway against far rail from 2f out, went third final 110yds, kept on, just failed

9/2

6th

8

(9)

29th Sep 2023

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Tuscan

9st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

Capable of smart form when trained by Charles Hills; struggled initially for this yard but there was much more encouragement off his much-reduced mark at Ayr last week (1m, good to soft), keeping on strongly having met trouble in running; can't discount now he's found his level.

11/2

OUR TIP

Form: 1-7202 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Better than ever when going close in AW Sprint Final three weeks ago and he'll be fine now back up to 7f; 1m on heavy ground in the Lincoln at Doncaster proved unsuitable on his last turf outing on April 1 but, with this lofty mark, he now needs to prove he's just as good on grass as on AW.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

(4)

4th Sep 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:48 Ascot

Witch Hunter

9st 4lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Course winner who struck at Thirsk (1m, good) last month and is just 1lb higher today; however, this 7yo has had a patchy profile this season and has finished unplaced on his last two starts.

25/1

6th

3

(4)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:35 Newbury

Witch Hunter

9st 10lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Richard Hannon

Hard to predict; followed six duck eggs with a last-gasp win at Thirsk (1m, good) two weeks ago, only to run poorly again at Haydock last week; just 2lb higher than for the win but can't be relied on.

14/1

10th

2

(1)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 212y

Class 3

16:40 Haydock

Witch Hunter

10st 2lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Richard Hannon

Followed six duck eggs with a last-gasp win at Thirsk (1m, good) last Saturday under Seamus Cronin, capitalising on some leniency from the handicapper; nudged back up only 2lb; has possibilities if on another going day.

9/1

25/1

Form: 524-89 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Won two Class 4 handicaps last summer and his progressive campaign concluded with a fine Listed fourth; however, he needs to prove he can cope with this increased mark now back in a handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(2)

26th Aug 2025

Good

1m 0f 2y

Class 6

15:50 Musselburgh

Jump The Gun

9st 6lb

J: Mohammed Tabti

T: Iain Jardine

Beaten about 2l when sixth of 16 at Ayr (6f, good to soft) last month but he's been below his best in two starts since (6f/7f); without a win since November 2023 and now steps back up to 1m for the first time in over three years; best watched.

12/1

9

(1)

11th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

14:30 Ayr

Jump The Gun

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Iain Jardine

Versatile trip-wise and was runner-up over 6f here (good) in April but he's not matched that form since and is now 0-21 since his last win in November 2023; stablemate of No Nay Nevermind.

14/1

4

(2)

28th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:30 Ayr

Jump The Gun

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Iain Jardine

Not easy to win with these days (last turf win was in August 2022); good C&D second in April; hasn't fared quite as well since, although fair run when 2.25l sixth of 16 over C&D three weeks ago.

9/1

Form: 3270-1 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Horse

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Last season ended with two disappointing runs in May/June but before those he was runner-up in the Group 2 Duke Of York (6f, good) and he reappeared last Saturday with a dominant conditions stakes win at Thirsk (7f, soft); looks to be on a good mark now back in a handicap; strong claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(6)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:05 Curragh

Spycatcher

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Won a 6f Listed at Doncaster early last season (good to soft); ended 2025 in top form with convincing wins in Group 3 at Chantilly (very soft) and a Listed race at Doncaster (Montassib fifth); failed to uphold form with Montassib at the same venue on seasonal debut.

6/1

10th

3

(4)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 1

13:50 Doncaster

Spycatcher

10st 1lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: K R Burke

Won this race 12 months ago (good to soft) when others including James's Delight met trouble; ended 2025 better than ever with convincing successes in Group 3 at Chantilly (very soft) and Listed race here (heavy; Montassib and Art Power unplaced); penalised this time but should go well again.

4/1

Non-runners

Spycatcher

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £41.60
Straight Forecast £34.32
Tricast £136.54
Trifecta £135.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Spycatcher

TOPSPEED:

Rainbow Fire

NEWMARKET:

Montassib

Telegraph:

Orbaan

Daily Mail:

Biggles

The Sun:

Gweedore

D Express:

Montassib

RP Ratings:

Spycatcher

POSTDATA:

Spycatcher

The Star:

Spycatcher

The Times:

Rainbow Fire

The Guardian:

Rainbow Fire

Daily Record:

Rainbow Fire

Daily Mirror:

Orbaan