May 08 / 14.55 Ayr

14.55

Good To Firm

Alice’s 70th Birthday Handicap

  • Prize money: £5574.2
  • 1m 2f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 11 runners
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Alice’s 70th Birthday Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

OUR TIP

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.50
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 3463-3

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Fair 1m maiden for Sir Michael Stoute in 2022 who subsequently changed hands for 50,000gns; gelded and off eight months before posting an encouraging third of 13 for his new yard in 1m2f Redcar handicap three weeks ago; still has few miles on the clock so he is very much in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(2)

24th May 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

17:00 Ayr

Morning Sun

9st 9lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Keith Dalgleish

Won from the front over C&D (good) a fortnight ago on his second start since leaving Sir Michael Stoute; this lightly raced 4yo did it with something to spare and could take a 6lb rise in his stride; strong claims.

5/2

3

(2)

16th May 2023

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Wetherby

Morning Sun

9st 10lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Keith Dalgleish

1st

7

(6)

8th May 2023

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Ayr

Morning Sun

9st 3lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Keith Dalgleish

Fair 1m maiden for Sir Michael Stoute in 2022 who subsequently changed hands for 50,000gns; gelded and off eight months before posting an encouraging third of 13 for his new yard in 1m2f Redcar handicap three weeks ago; still has few miles on the clock so he is very much in the mix.

5/1

13/2

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 414-68 CD

Last run: 52 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Came in last of eight in 1m2f Newcastle handicap in March but he posted a creditable sixth over hurdles here 17 days ago; this C&D winner can't be dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

2

3rd Feb 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

14:50 Musselburgh

First Impression

11st 5lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: John & Sean Quinn

Useful dual-purpose performer but he's on a tough mark over hurdles, now 8lb higher than for his last win (last February) after going up 3lb for a narrow defeat at Doncaster; should give his running but others are preferred for win purposes.

8/1

2nd

9

16th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 2

14:40 Doncaster

First Impression

10st 3lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: John Quinn

raced in second

16/1

0

2

(5)

28th Sep 2023

Good To Soft

1m 2f 5y

Class 3

15:55 Pontefract

First Impression

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John Quinn

In top form at Chester since returning from a three-month break, posting a win (1m2f, soft) then a good second (1m2f, good to soft); also effective elsewhere and he can give another good account.

11/2

8/1

  • Place: £4.20

Form: 460/1- D

Last run: 346 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
A fair 1m2f winner on his final run for Joseph O'Brien last May who also scored over hurdles for his current yard at Cork in March; this Irish challenger is in the picture returned to this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

22nd May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

20:11 Worcester

Snapius

12st 0lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Won a similar handicap at Huntingdon (2m3f, good) in March and made another bold bid when runner-up at Ludlow (2m5f, good) 12 days ago; only just caught in that race and he's 4lb well in off the same mark here; strongly respected.

5/2

2nd

1

10th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 5

17:10 Ludlow

Snapius

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: James Owen

He only beat two other finishers at Huntingdon (about 2m3f, good) and the 6lb rise appeared to find him out when behind Midnight View at Warwick; he's back down 2lb but they did claim 3lb off his back last time.

4/1

4th

5

23rd Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 0y

Class 5

16:30 Warwick

Snapius

11st 11lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

Best effort for a while when beating two other finishers at Huntingdon (about 2m3f, good) last month; back up 6lb in a race that will take more winning but that recent success could have had a reviving effect.

11/2

16/1

Form: 10079- CD

Last run: 214 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Gained her breakthrough success over C&D in August but she ended 2022 under something of a cloud; respectable fourth over 1m3f at Hamilton yesterday but will need more if turning out again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(6)

20th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

17:15 Ayr

Sophiesticate

9st 6lb

J: Joe Bradnam

T: R Mike Smith

Campaigned mostly at longer trips (stays 12.5f) and offered little back over 1m at Newcastle in early December.

33/1

7

(2)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

13:40 Ayr

Sophiesticate

9st 2lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

C&D winner who was on the scoresheet at Musselburgh (1m4f, good) in August; ran okay when third over C&D (soft) nine days ago but was no match for the first two (including Cisco Disco); needs something extra.

9/1

14/1

Form: 597-74 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Arrives on a lengthy losing run but he wasn't disgraced when fourth of 14 in 1m4f handicap at Musselburgh eight days ago so this five-time C&D winner can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(5)

21st May 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 6

15:50 Musselburgh

Glasses Up

9st 8lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who has won at this track but who is better known for his exploits at Ayr; solid third at that track 16 days ago (1m1f, good to firm); shouldn't be far away if backing it up.

4/1

3rd

7

(3)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 20y

Class 6

15:30 Ayr

Glasses Up

9st 3lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who has won 11 times here, including three last year (1m2f/1m5f); on a good mark and should come on for his run at Musselburgh last week; contender.

13/2

Form: 4274-9

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Not disgraced on his first run for eight months when ninth of 16 in 1m Limerick handicap 16 days ago; this Irish raider is unreliable on the whole, however.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

12

(8)

21st Feb 2025

Standard

1m 2f 150y

19:30 Dundalk (AW)

Zahee

9st 0lb

J: Rory Mulligan

T: John C McConnell

midfield

14/1

14

(10)

27th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 2f 150y

17:15 Dundalk (AW)

Zahee

9st 4lb

J: Donagh O’Connor

T: John C McConnell

The last of his three C&D wins came last March off 7lb higher than this mark; not in the best of form on last number of starts and others look more likely.

25/1

5th

14

(10)

27th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 2f 150y

17:15 Dundalk (AW)

Zahee

9st 4lb

J: Donagh O’Connor

T: John C McConnell

towards rear, headway over 1f out, kept on towards far side inside final furlong, not reach leaders

25/1

Form: 5/00-7 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful winner around 1m1f in France for Fabrice Chappet; changed hands for 25,000euros subsequently but he beat only one after eleven months off on his yard debut in eight-runner handicap at Ripon (1m2f) 18 days ago; a big step forward is required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(8)

25th Mar 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Val Bassett

10st 0lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Rebecca Menzies

Things fell ideally when winning a weak C&D handicap off a 3lb lower mark last autumn; the cheekpieces worn for the first time that day go back on tonight, but two lesser efforts since (one over hurdles) will need forgiving.

12/1

5th

4

(1)

11th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 5

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Val Bassett

9st 12lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Rebecca Menzies

in rear

11/2

100/30

Form: 7530-3 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
C&D scorer who resumed after five months off with a promising third of 13 in 1m2f Haydock handicap nine days ago, keeping on strongly late under a patient ride having been short of room 2f out; he merits serious consideration off the same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(6)

6th Aug 2025

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 6

14:30 Pontefract

Highwaygrey

10st 9lb

J: Mrs Emily Roberts

T: Tim Easterby

Needs to be delivered late off a strong pace to be at his best and it's not worked out for him this season, including in three races at Pontefract where he has a good record; continues to creep down the weights.

11/2

4th

4

(5)

15th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

15:30 Beverley

Highwaygrey

9st 13lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

9yo who has been a grand servant to the yard with nine wins but he's not so good as he once was; needs to be delivered late off a strong pace to be at his best; now on a career-low mark and others preferred.

10/1

6/1

Form: 56-682 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Got back on track in first-time cheekpieces when second of eight in 1m2f Ripon handicap 18 days ago; he needs considering nudged up 1lb with the headgear retained.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(8)

1st Jun 2023

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 3

16:20 Ripon

Society Red

8st 11lb

J: Paul Hanagan

T: Richard Fahey

Has worn these cheekpieces the last twice; inconsistent 9yo who was disappointing at Ayr (1m2f, good) last time but prior to that he was a good second over this C&D (soft) and he's capable bouncing back from a poor run; has won over C&D and is versatile ground-wise; not written off.

25/1

9th

4

(3)

8th May 2023

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Ayr

Society Red

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

Got back on track in first-time cheekpieces when second of eight in 1m2f Ripon handicap 18 days ago; he needs considering nudged up 1lb with the headgear retained.

6/1

2nd

7

(9)

20th Apr 2023

Soft

1m 1f 170y

Class 4

16:30 Ripon

Society Red

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

in touch with leaders on outer

16/1

10/1

Form: 12-653

Last run: 74 days

W: 8st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
In very good form on the AW over the winter, scoring twice at Wolverhampton (9.5f), and third in 1m2f Newcastle handicap 74 days ago; he's weighted to go well back on turf after a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

13

(2)

17th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

17:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Busby

9st 0lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Philip Kirby

Only 2l away over 1m4f here in early March and last win was over C&D just over a year ago; however, this veteran is usually opposable these days.

14/1

5th

9

(4)

2nd Mar 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Busby

8st 9lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Philip Kirby

Veteran who gained the last six of his 12 wins on Tapeta; has not been firing on all cylinders since returning from break in October; revival needed.

12/1

7th

6

(1)

15th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

14:42 Newcastle (AW)

Busby

9st 0lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Philip Kirby

Veteran who gained the last six of his 12 wins on Tapeta; ran fairly well from the front when fifth here (1m2f) two starts ago but has not been firing on all cylinders since returning from a break in October; others preferred.

12/1

Form: 3721/6

Last run: 3 days

W: 8st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Veteran handicapper who wasn't given a hard time of it after 20 months off the track when sixth of nine in 1m4f Musselburgh handicap only three days ago; this fair winner is no forlorn hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(5)

8th Mar 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

17:00 Newcastle (AW)

Great Colaci

9st 1lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Gillian Boanas

Veteran who notched a ninth win at the track when landing a 0-50 classified over C&D last month; since well held behind four of these back into handicap company and others are stronger once more.

10/1

7th

9

(1)

20th Feb 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

16:55 Newcastle (AW)

Great Colaci

9st 0lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Gillian Boanas

midfield

13/2

1st

3

(7)

10th Feb 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Great Colaci

9st 2lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Gillian Boanas

Veteran with eight course wins to his name, most recently over 1m4f in September; went close over 1m last month and returning to this intermediate trip should suit; not ruled out each-way.

11/2

Non-runners

Busby, Great Colaci

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £36.20
Straight Forecast £33.11
Tricast £394.38
Trifecta £371.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Highwaygrey

TOPSPEED:

Snapius

RP RATINGS:

Glasses Up

The Times:

Morning Sun

The Guardian:

Zahee

D Express:

Busby

Telegraph:

Society Red

Daily Record:

Snapius

POSTDATA:

Highwaygrey

Daily Mail:

Highwaygrey

Daily Mirror:

Highwaygrey

The Sun:

Highwaygrey

The Star:

Highwaygrey

THE NORTH:

Glasses Up