May 24 / 17.30 Ayr

17.30

Good

Guinness Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £4187.2
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 6
  • 10 runners
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Guinness Apprentice Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

1st
9 (4)
Hostelry

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.75
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 77-252

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 54

Form & Verdict
Has lots of placed form while managing only one win; however, she's nicely handicapped having gained the sole success off 3lb higher; creditable second at Musselburgh most recently; in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(3)

24th Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 2y

Class 6

16:45 Musselburgh

Hostelry

9st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ruth Carr

Combination of a first-time visor and drop to 0-50 classified company enough to see her end a losing run a fortnight ago; win last August came off a stone-higher mark and she's shortlisted now back in the groove.

7/2

1st

5

(10)

10th Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

14:15 Ayr

Hostelry

9st 9lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ruth Carr

Ten-time winner; on the downgrade now but fairly consistent in handicaps in recent months; went without her usual cheekpieces on last two outings; big player in this grade if first-time visor has any positive effect.

11/4

5th

3

(8)

1st Aug 2026

Good

1m 1f 35y

Class 6

21:00 Hamilton

Hostelry

9st 9lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Ruth Carr

Dual winner over the extended 1m here; losing run up to 13, but 16lb below her last winning mark and looked unlucky not to finish closer when fourth of six here (1m, good) three weeks ago; stays this far and could go well.

7/1

13/2

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 8-3823

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
Sole win came in 2020 but currently in decent form; ties in closely with Cosa Sara and Hostelry on two creditable efforts (1m Ayr then 1m1f Musselburgh) this month, and didn't get a clear run over 1m2f here yesterday; not ruled out if making a quick return to action.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(4)

6th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

1m 4f 104y

Class 5

15:10 Musselburgh

Bulls Aye

8st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Has done most racing this year over 1m and hasn't looked to see it out in a couple of runs over middle distances; long odds-on to blow the start and there are risks involved from 2lb out of the handicap.

14/1

8th

8

(4)

6th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

1m 4f 104y

Class 5

15:10 Musselburgh

Bulls Aye

8st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

steadied start, always behind

14/1

8th

7

(4)

14th Oct 2024

Good

1m 0f 2y

Class 5

13:50 Musselburgh

Bulls Aye

9st 12lb

J: Miss Hannah Crawford

T: Iain Jardine

slowly away, in rear, some headway over 3f out, weakened over 1f out

15/2

OUR TIP

11/4

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 86-922 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Successful five times (on good/soft) last spring/summer; creditable second over C&D (good to firm) on penultimate start and filled the same position at Hamilton three days later; rested 17 days since; threatening to regain the winning thread and warrants respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(12)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Shine On Brendan

9st 13lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

8yo who is 0-9 this year but he's run some good races, most recently third at Hamilton (1m, soft) off 2lb higher, and he won this 12 months ago (good); there's every chance he'll be thereabouts.

7/1

3rd

6

(5)

29th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 68y

Class 5

15:00 Hamilton

Shine On Brendan

9st 8lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

Nine-time winner (five times here) who won't mind what the weather does; yet to hit the target this season, though, and both runs this month have been disappointing; others have less to prove.

14/1

6th

5

(5)

21st Sep 2025

Soft

1m 1f 35y

Class 5

16:13 Hamilton

Shine On Brendan

9st 9lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

Runner-up twice this summer but form dipped last time; the 8yo is a five-time course winner and could go well returned to Hamilton.

15/2

Form: 63383-

Last run: 149 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Beaten long way over hurdles here last month (bled from nose); 0-12 on Flat and all his placed form is over further than 1m; something to prove back at this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(4)

7th Mar 2024

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

17:30 Newcastle (AW)

Super Stars

9st 4lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

Ran well when beaten just over a length into third of nine behind a couple of these over C&D in January; given a short break since and can go well fresh, but he is now 0-24 and others look a bit more solid.

7/1

3rd

6

(9)

16th Jan 2024

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

15:55 Newcastle (AW)

Super Stars

9st 3lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

23-race maiden; wasn't beaten far (1.75l) when fourth to today's rival Spirit Of Ash over C&D in November, and meets that mare on improved terms if factoring in the 7lb claim of Tom Kiely-Marshall; latest effort excusable (1m6f), so isn't a forlorn hope from a career-low mark.

5/1

8th

12

(4)

12th Dec 2023

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 6

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Super Stars

9st 4lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

midfield

11/1

16/1

Form: 0097-0 D

Last run: 138 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
The last of four runners on this card for this Irish stable; sole success came on Dundalk AW in 2021; far from consistent since but current mark is workable granted a return to best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(5)

13th May 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

18:20 Wolverhampton (AW)

Big Dream

9st 12lb

J: Tommie Jakes

T: Anthony McCann

8lb higher than for his 7f win here in February when in this new headgear combination; current mark is looking an issue but it was a good run over 6f here two weeks ago.

6/4

6th

3

(5)

13th May 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

18:20 Wolverhampton (AW)

Big Dream

9st 12lb

J: Tommie Jakes

T: Anthony McCann

8lb higher than for his 7f win here in February when in this new headgear combination; current mark is looking an issue but it was a good run over 6f here two weeks ago.

6/4

2nd

1

(3)

29th Apr 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Big Dream

9st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Anthony McCann

Ended a long losing run with his emphatic win over 7f here (3-1) in February and he gave it a decent shot when a 2l fourth over C&D last time; still unexposed as a sprinter and he shouldn't be far away.

6/1

Form: 7-5546 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Three-time AW scorer for previous yard; only sixth of seven here (7f) three weeks ago on debut for new stable; turf record (four attempts) is not entirely solid but this drop in class may help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

10

(5)

8th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Rogue Force

9st 5lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: R Mike Smith

All three wins at Kempton (7f/1m) for Tom Clover and placed a couple of times on turf for this yard during the autumn; didn't enjoy the clearest of runs when ninth of 12 here (7f) five weeks ago, but wouldn't have won anyway and still to prove he can act on Tapeta.

20/1

9th

7

(5)

3rd Nov 2023

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Rogue Force

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: R Mike Smith

Three-time Kempton winner for Tom Clover and has tumbled down the handicap on turf this year; a bit higher in the weights back on AW but has been showing enough on soft/heavy turf to suggest he's worth considering.

9/1

6th

8

(7)

12th Oct 2023

Heavy

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

15:20 Ayr

Rogue Force

9st 1lb

J: P J McDonald

T: R Mike Smith

towards rear, switched to near side 3f out, no impression from over 1f out

9/2

Form: 035-50 CD

Last run: 5 days

W: 9st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Suited by Ayr and runs off a favourable weight; however, has a question mark over current form having finished last in both starts this term.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(6)

7th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

Retirement Beckons

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Linda Perratt

Has gone 0-17 since winning over C&D last March at 50-1; ran the odd fair race last year but trailed home last here three weeks ago.

20/1

10th

7

(2)

14th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Retirement Beckons

9st 9lb

J: Tommie Jakes

T: Linda Perratt

slowly away

25/1

Form: 64-550 CD

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 11lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Not fully compelling on the balance of this season's form elsewhere; however, looks interesting back at Ayr having gained last two wins over C&D (including off 2lb higher).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(3)

23rd Jun 2023

Good

1m 0f 2y

Class 6

17:30 Musselburgh

Engles Rock

9st 12lb

J: Ben Sanderson

T: Lucinda Russell

slowly into stride, raced in last

10/1

8th

5

(9)

24th May 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

17:30 Ayr

Engles Rock

9st 11lb

J: William Pyle

T: Lucinda Russell

Not fully compelling on the balance of this season's form elsewhere; however, looks interesting back at Ayr having gained last two wins over C&D (including off 2lb higher).

8/1

12th

13

(1)

30th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:35 Wetherby

Engles Rock

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Lucinda Russell

Not great on the AW this season but she won twice at Ayr last year and it was off this mark the last time.

14/1

Form: 01046- D

Last run: 317 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Two wins (on good going) last May were the highlights of his inconsistent 2022 season; withdrawn (upset in stalls) final intended run; goes well fresh and therefore needs a close look on return from ten-month absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

12

7th Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 55y

19:36 Wexford

Esticky End

10st 9lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Tom McGuinness

Has done most of his winning on the Flat in Britain, and has found a new lease of life over hurdles at his local track last month, following up a good second in a 2m1f handicap hurdle in early July by getting up on the line to land a similar handicap over the same trip three weeks later; up 6lb for those two efforts is far from excessive and he can be thereabouts once more with the step up in trip unlikely to be an issue.

4/1

1st

13

23rd Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 150y

18:55 Wexford

Esticky End

10st 1lb

J: Dylan Robinson

T: Tom McGuinness

Five-time Flat winner is 0-15 over hurdles but he took second over C&D (good, 20-1) earlier this month; chance if he builds on that but his overall form suggests he might not.

7/1

2nd

14

3rd Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 55y

17:20 Wexford

Esticky End

10st 0lb

J: Dylan Robinson

T: Tom McGuinness

Flat winner is now 0-14 over hurdles, well held over C&D on penultimate, badly hampered at Tramore since.

25/1

Form: 37-017 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 56

Form & Verdict
Below par at Musselburgh nine days ago but this return to Ayr is ideal; three-time C&D winner, most recently beating Bulls Aye on penultimate outing (good to firm); possibilities back here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(2)

19th Nov 2023

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

15:14 Newcastle (AW)

Cosa Sara

9st 3lb

J: David Egan

T: Jim Goldie

Scored at Ayr (7f) in September but her form has nosedived; last of 12 over C&D last month and has something to prove.

20/1

12th

6

(9)

17th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Cosa Sara

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Fifth turf win when successful over Ayr's 7f last month; not so good since and her record on the AW (0-9) hardly bodes well.

12/1

6th

7

(5)

3rd Oct 2023

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

13:42 Ayr

Cosa Sara

8st 9lb

J: William Pyle

T: Jim Goldie

took keen hold, held up in rear, no impression from over 2f out

9/1

Non-runners

Cosa Sara

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £11.10
Straight Forecast £11.22
Tricast £36.95
Trifecta £42.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Shine On Brendan

The Guardian:

Hostelry

POSTDATA:

Bulls Aye

Telegraph:

Cosa Sara

The Times:

Big Dream

The Star:

Engles Rock

Daily Mail:

Bulls Aye

The Sun:

Cosa Sara

RP RATINGS:

Shine On Brendan

Daily Record:

Shine On Brendan

D Express:

Hostelry

Daily Mirror:

Hostelry