May 12 / 16.20 Chester

16.20

Soft

White Oak Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £10192
  • 1m 4f 63y
  • Class 4
  • 16 runners
SKY
View Course
White Oak Apprentice Handicap

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.70
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 4-3222

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Dual Flat scorer for previous yard and hurdles winner for current stable; very consistent (form figures 3222) on AW this year, close second at Southwell (1m4f) most recently; each-way possibilities back on grass.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

29th Sep 2025

Good

2m 2f 110y

Class 5

14:31 Newton Abbot

Greystoke

10st 2lb

J: Cameron Iles

T: Jimmy Frost

Regressive 7yo who was a well-beaten 66-1 shot over C&D (good) last month and is effectively only 2lb lower today.

33/1

12

21st Aug 2025

Good

2m 2f 110y

Class 5

14:45 Newton Abbot

Greystoke

10st 4lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Jimmy Frost

Has struggled since joining this stable, including when briefly tried over fences and in cheekpieces, but offered some hope here on heavy ground in April (2m1f); has come a long way down in the weights but returns from a break with enough to prove.

33/1

5th

7

19th Apr 2025

Soft

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

15:44 Newton Abbot

Greystoke

10st 11lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Jimmy Frost

Consistent and capable under both codes when with Alan King; has yet to reach the frame on seven starts for this stable, trying fences the last time; has a lot to prove right now.

14/1

7/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 223-41 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft ground; largely consistent maiden prior to opening his account with an emphatic success at Beverley (1m4f, good to soft) last month; respected on the back of that improved performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

16:05 Carlisle

Two Brothers

12st 5lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Michael & David Easterby

Finished strongly to force a dead heat with Ryebridge over C&D (good to soft) on his handicap hurdle debut 13 days ago; wore cheekpieces on that occasion but they are now replaced by the visor he wore regularly during his Flat career; retains handicapping scope on his useful form in that sphere.

4/1

1st

1

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

14:15 Carlisle

Two Brothers

12st 0lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Michael & David Easterby

Has made the frame in two races at Wetherby (2m) since switched to this code; opening hurdles mark is very attractive judged on best Flat form; possibilities.

100/30

5th

1

(2)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 4f 13y

Class 4

14:10 Catterick

Two Brothers

10st 2lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

3lb lower than when winning at York (1m2f, soft) a year ago and very likely to have his optimum conditions, but a leap of faith is required following two poor efforts since returning from 308 days off last month.

6/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 050-51 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Value for more than the winning margin at Beverley (1m2f, good to soft; idled late) two weeks ago, with Pontefract reappearance (behind Claritudo) under his belt; 1-1 over C&D; acts on soft; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

10

(4)

8th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

15:28 Newcastle (AW)

The Nu Form Way

9st 1lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Stella Barclay

towards rear

66/1

10th

10

(4)

8th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

15:28 Newcastle (AW)

The Nu Form Way

9st 1lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Stella Barclay

towards rear

66/1

11th

5

(5)

10th Oct 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

13:40 Ayr

The Nu Form Way

9st 8lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: Stella Barclay

Five wins on good or slower; not fired in three runs back from a long absence but last time at Beverley was a bit more encouraging; interesting to see if there's any market confidence behind him.

20/1

Form: 79218- BF

Last run: 207 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Three-time Flat scorer (1m/1m1f, soft/good to soft) for Ed Dunlop; campaigned over hurdles since joining Gordon Elliott and currently in good form, close second in huge field at Punchestown (2m) most recently; interesting off workable mark back under this code, with star apprentice Billy Loughnane booked.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

6th Sep 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

16:35 Kilbeggan

By Your Side

11st 8lb

J: Finn Brickley

T: Gordon Elliott

Placed more often than winning over hurdles; did record his fourth win on the Flat at Tramore last month before finishing close up in a charity race at the Curragh on Sunday; pace will be on here which will help him being delivered late and certainly respected.

8/1

3rd

1

31st Aug 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

17:45 Curragh

By Your Side

12st 6lb

J: P J Smullen

T: Gordon Elliott

Asserted well to win at Tramore; Pat Smullen's son takes the ride; big chance.

100/30

1st

5

(4)

17th Aug 2024

Yielding

1m 4f 0y

19:00 Tramore

By Your Side

9st 7lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Gordon Elliott

Dual Purpose; 3-8 on the Flat; ran a solid race over this trip at Chester in May 2023; hurdling since that run until return to this sphere in the Cork Derby and he wasn't disgraced on ground plenty quick for him; this race is easier, a bit of cut in the ground will suit and he's been dropped 5lb; a big run could be on the cards.

9/1

11/2

Form: 4553-1 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Justified favouritism in similar event under Kaiya Fraser at Ponftefract (1m4f, soft) on seasonal debut and that career-best form has received a few boosts since; still unexposed at this trip (was campaigned mainly over further last season) and may well improve again; strong contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

27th May 2023

Good To Firm

1m 6f 44y

Class 4

20:40 Salisbury

Claritudo

9st 3lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Harry Eustace

Career-best performance when clearcut winner on seasonal debut at Pontefract (1m4f, soft) last month; didn't run badly off new mark a fortnight ago and will be fine over today's trip, but the quicker ground may not be ideal.

5/1

5th

10

(13)

12th May 2023

Soft

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

16:20 Chester

Claritudo

9st 8lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Harry Eustace

Justified favouritism in similar event under Kaiya Fraser at Ponftefract (1m4f, soft) on seasonal debut and that career-best form has received a few boosts since; still unexposed at this trip (was campaigned mainly over further last season) and may well improve again; strong contender.

11/2

1st

8

(3)

11th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

1m 4f 5y

Class 5

14:00 Pontefract

Claritudo

9st 7lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Harry Eustace

prominent

9/2

33/1

Form: 493-70 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Triple winner for previous stable; however, holds weak claims on Flat/hurdles form for current yard, soundly beaten on soft ground at Epsom most recently; best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(8)

31st May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 196y

Class 4

15:20 Chester

State Legend

9st 11lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Ian Williams

Inconsistent 2023 and while fifth of 16 in Chester Plate last May looked creditable, he like It's Good To Laugh has been off since; 2lb lower today.

25/1

1st

3

(8)

31st May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 196y

Class 4

15:20 Chester

State Legend

9st 11lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Ian Williams

Inconsistent 2023 and while fifth of 16 in Chester Plate last May looked creditable, he like It's Good To Laugh has been off since; 2lb lower today.

25/1

5th

9

(1)

10th May 2024

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:15 Chester

State Legend

9st 4lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Ian Williams

1m6f win at Sandown last July and beaten by a head over hurdles in November; those were two of the best efforts in a very in-and-out campaign (hampered on sole start here) and he was always behind when reappearing 12 days ago; wore cheekpieces on six of his last seven starts but they're off today.

20/1

Form: 70400- CD

Last run: 230 days

W: 9st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Ex-Ian Williams; has plenty of Chester form, including a win off 1lb higher (on heavy) in this race in 2019; ended last term with two poor efforts, however, and market may prove best guide on debut for new yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(9)

2nd Nov 2023

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

13:40 Newcastle (AW)

Heart Of Soul

10st 12lb

J: Miss Alice Keighley

T: Patrick Morris

towards rear of midfield

20/1

6th

8

(6)

16th Sep 2023

Good To Soft

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

17:35 Chester

Heart Of Soul

8st 4lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: Patrick Morris

Six wins for Ian Williams including three over C&D, but lost his way including after moving to this yard; latest fifth of nine at Wolverhampton (1m4f, AW) was a bit better, but not enough to make him of interest.

33/1

5th

2

(3)

9th Sep 2023

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Heart Of Soul

9st 13lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Patrick Morris

Won at Hamilton (1m3f, good) and Kempton (1m4f, AW) for Ian Williams last May but he's lost his way since his last success and has been beaten 9l or more in five runs for current yard; mark is tumbling but he has a lot to prove.

16/1

Form: 72784-

Last run: 203 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
0-5 on Flat for Brian Meehan and 0-3 over hurdles for current stable; had wind surgery since last run; has bits of encouraging form but may struggle to open his account in this competitive field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

18th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:20 Worcester

Swift Tuttle

11st 4lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Won over hurdles off today's mark in 2023 and was placed on the Flat last autumn, but returned from a layoff with a heavy Flat defeat last month and he's tricky to weigh up on this first hurdling start for 603 days; tongue-tie (last used last May) is refitted.

10/1

8th

10

(6)

30th May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 175y

Class 5

17:30 Haydock

Swift Tuttle

10st 0lb

J: Miss Poppy Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Ridden last six starts by Poppy Wynne, first past the post at Doncaster (1m6f, good to soft) last July but disqualified for whip offence; solid sequence continued but there may be a question over his readiness today after a break; market may guide.

10/1

8th

10

(6)

30th May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 175y

Class 5

17:30 Haydock

Swift Tuttle

10st 0lb

J: Miss Poppy Wynne

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Ridden last six starts by Poppy Wynne, first past the post at Doncaster (1m6f, good to soft) last July but disqualified for whip offence; solid sequence continued but there may be a question over his readiness today after a break; market may guide.

10/1

16/1

Form: 475-44 D

Last run: 76 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Successful four times for Ralph Beckett but the best of his turf form is on good/faster; forecast slow ground looks a negative on second start for new yard; cheekpieces applied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(5)

17th Jul 2023

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 5

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Brasca

10st 13lb

J: Mr Eireann Cagney

T: Mark Loughnane

Just one win since September 2019 and he's been well held in his four runs for current yard; this return to Tapeta is no problem but he needs to raise his game back up in trip.

5/1

4th

2

(5)

9th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

1m 4f 8y

Class 5

16:10 Thirsk

Brasca

9st 8lb

J: Liam Wright

T: Mark Loughnane

Just one win since September 2019 and he's not found his best form for this stable; dropping down the weights but with something to prove.

12/1

3rd

2

(5)

25th May 2023

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

14:30 Haydock

Brasca

10st 0lb

J: Liam Wright

T: Mark Loughnane

towards rear, headway 3f out, no extra from over 1f out

10/1

20/1

Form: 226-44

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish maiden who has failed to improve in a couple of AW contests for new stable; return to turf may suit but may struggle to get off the mark in this competitive handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(7)

19th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 2f 150y

19:30 Dundalk (AW)

Explorers Way

9st 9lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Andrew Kinirons

Four wins at Newcastle when trained in Britain and won over this trip at Down Royal last summer; two low-key runs on first two runs for this yard but showed more when sixth of 19 at Navan last time; on a good mark if he can build on that.

7/1

7

(11)

6th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 10y

17:00 Navan

Explorers Way

9st 12lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: Andrew Kinirons

Four wins at Newcastle when trained by Brian Ellison; useful form for Pat Martin last year including C&D second following a Down Royal win; two moderate runs in 2025

16/1

Form: /1-795 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Dexterous at several disciplines, being a bumper/hurdle/chase/Flat winner; has a doubt over current form but a revival looks possible with useful Irish apprentice Joey Sheridan booked.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

21st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:25 Musselburgh

Punxsutawney Phil

12st 0lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Won over C&D in December and by 16l at Newcastle (extended 2m4f) in February, both from the front on good to soft; disappointing in his two runs in between and again on latest start but he was brought out quickly under a penalty in the latter; visor replaces his usual cheekpieces.

14/1

3

20th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 4

14:45 Huntingdon

Punxsutawney Phil

11st 12lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Won at Musselburgh (3m) in December and by 16l at Newcastle (extended 2m4f) last Thursday, both from the front on good to soft; disappointing in his two runs in between but he'd have a huge chance under this penalty if that form from last week (a narrow career best) is repeated.

2/1

3

13th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

15:25 Newcastle

Punxsutawney Phil

11st 11lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Won over 3m at Musselburgh in December (good to soft); rather disappointing in his two runs since and needs to bounce back.

16/1

Form: 1283-4

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(9)

2nd Jun 2023

Good

1m 3f 197y

Class 3

18:45 Doncaster

Australian Angel

8st 11lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Andrew Balding

Three wins last year, the latest when beating two rivals from 3lb lower at Sandown (1m6f, good to firm) in July; held in both starts since returning from seven months off in April and she probably needs further than this now.

15/2

6th

7

(6)

19th May 2023

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:25 Newmarket

Australian Angel

8st 13lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Andrew Balding

Generally progressive last term, winning three times (1m3f-1m6f, good/faster); very close third over 1m6f at Chester (good to soft) on final outing; below par at Ripon (1m4f, soft) on reappearance but record suggests she'll bounce back.

5/1

1

(10)

12th May 2023

Soft

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

16:20 Chester

Australian Angel

10st 0lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Andrew Balding

OUR TIP

Form: 6-5232

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Campaigned mostly on AW and has gained all wins over 9.5f at Wolverhampton; currently in decent form but this scenario (1m4f on forecast slow ground) doesn't look ideal back on turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(1)

1st Apr 2024

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

13:40 Wolverhampton (AW)

Daheer

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

dwelt start, midfield on inner

14/1

7th

2

(1)

1st Apr 2024

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

13:40 Wolverhampton (AW)

Daheer

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

dwelt start, midfield on inner

14/1

4th

3

(1)

26th Feb 2024

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Daheer

9st 10lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Mark Loughnane

All five wins have been at this track (9.4f) but losing spell goes back to April 2022 and he's been quiet in his three runs this winter; mark continues to fall but he's 0-8 at this trip and others are more convincing.

14/1

Form: 085-62 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Two attempts on soft going have resulted in his best performances, latest at Doncaster (second over 1m4f) last Saturday; likely player off the same mark, granted similar ground; wears first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(1)

27th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Aqwaam

9st 9lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Four wins (three on AW at 1m6f and 2m) and was last seen finishing third in the 2024 Cesarewitch; has gone well over this shorter trip but can only be considered if market vibes are positive.

14/1

3rd

13

(22)

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Aqwaam

8st 9lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Ian Williams

Reached new heights during a pretty busy AW campaign prior to his creditable and none-too-lucky sixth in the 2m2f Chester Cup in May when last seen (finished lame); that was on good to firm and easily his best turf form, but he won on soft in 2022; withdrawn twice last month; on the Chester Cup evidence he could still be capable of better.

28/1

Form: 21621- D

Last run: 193 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

7th Sep 2024

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

16:12 Stratford

Tessy Lad

10st 12lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Sam England

Good second over fences in July but failed to complete his next two chases and both subsequent Flat runs were also disappointing; reverts to hurdling with questions to answer.

16/1

4th

6

(3)

18th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

2m 1f 27y

Class 3

17:15 Pontefract

Tessy Lad

8st 11lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Sam England

Ex-Richard Hughes; four Flat wins (one on the AW) at up to 1m4f; yet to race at this sort of trip on the Flat and not shown a great deal for his new yard; hood now tried; not an obvious candidate.

33/1

9th

3

(8)

31st Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 5

15:15 Redcar

Tessy Lad

10st 0lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Sam England

Hasn't looked a natural over hurdles/fences and has enough to prove back on the Flat here having failed to complete the last twice; tongue-tie retained; blinkers added.

20/1

Form: 3575-

Last run: 156 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
0-4 in AW races (7f-1m2f) for Richard Hannon; sold for 30,000gns, gelded and had wind surgery since last run; now goes in tongue-tie and tries something new; all those factors may prompt improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

2

(6)

2nd Oct 2023

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

17:30 Newcastle (AW)

Whirlwind

10st 0lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Regressive maiden who's undergone two rounds of wind surgery this year; the tongue-tie goes back on tonight, along with first-time cheekpieces, and would want to see good support before considering him.

25/1

12th

9

(2)

14th Sep 2023

Good To Firm

1m 0f 113y

Class 5

17:10 Epsom

Whirlwind

9st 2lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

midfield, lost ground 5f out

33/1

7th

6

(8)

15th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

17:40 Haydock

Whirlwind

9st 9lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

dwelt start, in touch with leaders

16/1

Non-runners

Australian Angel, Daheer, Aqwaam, Tessy Lad, Whirlwind

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £25.40
Straight Forecast £22.92
Tricast £99.11
Trifecta £135.80

Selections

TOPSPEED:

The Nu Form Way

The Times:

By Your Side

SPOTLIGHT:

Claritudo

THE NORTH:

Two Brothers

RP RATINGS:

Aqwaam

D Express:

By Your Side

Daily Record:

By Your Side

POSTDATA:

Claritudo

NEWMARKET:

Claritudo

Daily Mail:

Two Brothers

Daily Mirror:

Two Brothers

Telegraph:

The Nu Form Way

The Sun:

The Nu Form Way

The Star:

The Nu Form Way

The Guardian:

Aqwaam