May 25 / 17.40 Haydock

17.40

Good To Firm

George Formby Birthday Handicap

  • Prize money: £4448.9
  • 0m 6f 212y
  • Class 5
  • 11 runners
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George Formby Birthday Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

25/1 (Won)

  • Win: £12.00
  • Place: £3.10

Form: 8067-0

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish maiden who has not built on Curragh debut promise; 0-3 for current yard; may improve with Newmarket reappearance under his belt but profile is not solid as things stand.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(5)

1st Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 6

15:30 Musselburgh

Bird Of Play

8st 12lb

J: Sam James

T: Liam Bailey

Without a win since May 2023 and generally very disappointing for current stable since last spring; ran okay behind Purple Martini over C&D two starts ago but still makes only limited appeal; sports refitted cheekpieces and first-time tongue-tie.

20/1

10th

4

(3)

10th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

20:10 Catterick

Bird Of Play

9st 4lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Liam Bailey

1-20; continues to ease in the weights, down to a career-low mark, but hasn't shown enough in either of his last two starts (both 7f at Musselburgh) to suggest his turn is imminent; these newly applied blinkers need to work their magic.

11/1

5th

5

(4)

2nd May 2025

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 6

15:20 Musselburgh

Bird Of Play

9st 6lb

J: David Nolan

T: Liam Bailey

in touch with leaders, hung right and weakened gradually inside final furlong

16/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 360-

Last run: 216 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Regressive results at maiden/novice level last season (debut was encouraging); gelded since; may turn things around now handicapping with Oisin Murphy booked; market support should be heeded.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(2)

8th Jul 2023

Good

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

19:52 Carlisle

Al Motasim

8st 10lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Hugo Palmer

Got back on track in first-time cheekpieces when fourth of 11 in 7f Newbury handicap 11 days ago; still quite lightly raced so he's not discounted with the headgear retained in his bid for a first win.

9/2

4th

11

(2)

27th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

20:25 Newbury

Al Motasim

9st 1lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Hugo Palmer

prominent, pressed leaders on far side of group from over 1f out, briefly went third inside final 110yds

9/2

5th

3

(2)

9th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Goodwood

Al Motasim

9st 8lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Hugo Palmer

Didn't go on as a 2yo but gelded afterwards and he was well backed when finishing strongly for second on his handicap debut at Haydock (7f, good to firm); that form was franked by the first and fourth horses earlier this week; big shout with further progress on the cards.

5/2

12/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: -54218 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Opened his account at Lingfield (7f, AW) last month and subsequent heavy defeat at Brighton was possibly due to not handling the track; had form on turf last year and may bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(1)

27th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

The Toff

9st 0lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Lisa Williamson

prominent, dropped to midfield after 2f

33/1

6th

8

(1)

27th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

The Toff

9st 0lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Lisa Williamson

prominent, dropped to midfield after 2f, weakened final furlong

33/1

6th

10

(1)

7th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

The Toff

9st 0lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Lisa Williamson

Sole win in 7f Lingfield handicap in early 2023; minor form for this yard and although there was the glimmer of a revival over C&D on Boxing Day it wasn't enough of one to fancy him for win purposes.

33/1

13/2

Form: 4376

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 10lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
0-4 in AW races at Kempton but has shown clear promise and latest effort (over 1m) suggests this return to 7f will prove ideal on turf debut; may be capable of improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

14

(5)

4th Oct 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Starlight Nation

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Strong traveller who got back in the groove last time; will need to improve on previous AW efforts in a competitive handicap but he's one to consider for a yard in decent form.

10/1

3rd

11

(12)

8th Sep 2023

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Ascot

Starlight Nation

8st 12lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Clive Cox

Having only his second start on turf when making it sixth-time lucky at Leicester (7f, good to firm) in June, but well short of that form at Newbury (7f, good to firm) three weeks later; off 73 days since and interesting to see if the market suggests he might bounce back.

20/1

9th

10

(12)

27th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

20:25 Newbury

Starlight Nation

9st 6lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Clive Cox

towards rear, weakened from over 1f out

7/2

5th
11 (2)
Balmaha

40/1

Form: 058-05

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Five-race maiden who achieved little in Class 6 event at Musselburgh (on debut for new yard) most recently; holds weak claims on overall form and is hard to fancy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

(5)

29th Jun 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:05 Newcastle (AW)

Balmaha

9st 1lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Jim Goldie

Limited ability in four starts for Richard Hannon and on her debut for this yard, but performed better when beaten just over 2l into fifth of 11 at Haydock (7f, good to firm) last time; the fourth horse has won since and she wouldn't need to improve much to make an impact here dropped another 1lb; cheekpieces given a go.

7/1

5th

11

(2)

25th May 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 212y

Class 5

17:40 Haydock

Balmaha

8st 11lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jim Goldie

Five-race maiden who achieved little in Class 6 event at Musselburgh (on debut for new yard) most recently; holds weak claims on overall form and is hard to fancy.

40/1

5th

3

(2)

5th May 2023

Good To Soft

0m 7f 33y

Class 6

16:25 Musselburgh

Balmaha

9st 6lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

in rear, detached soon after start, pushed along 3f out, never on terms

12/1

14/1

Form: -31128 D

Last run: 50 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Generally progressive over 7f on AW since December, winning twice; however, form dipped sharply on latest outing; that effort tempers enthusiasm on return to turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(7)

30th Jun 2023

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

19:25 Chester

Seagrave Fox

8st 11lb

J: Sam James

T: Tim Easterby

Won twice over 7f on the AW earlier this year; ran respectably when close sixth of 11 when returned to turf at Haydock (7f, good to firm) when always prominent but short of room late on; needs to build on that but not dismissed.

12/1

11

(11)

14th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 212y

Class 5

16:20 Haydock

Seagrave Fox

9st 2lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Did well over 7f on AW early this year, winning twice; ran respectably when close sixth of 11 when returned to turf here (7f, good to firm; The Toff third) three weeks ago, always prominent but short of room late on; needs to build on that but not dismissed.

12/1

Form: 6333-2

Last run: 47 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Shamardal half-sister to a dual winner for her owner; 0-6 but showed her turn is near with a neck second in 7f AW novice event at Wolverhampton on seasonal debut; clear possibilities if building on that good effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(14)

31st Jan 2024

Standard

0m 7f 0y

15:35 Dundalk (AW)

Fahari

9st 5lb

J: Cian MacRedmond

T: Adrian McGuinness

14-race maiden, placed five times in Britain; never better than sixth in five Irish races; two places in front of Arbaawi when sixth here 19 days ago.

10/1

6th

6

(17)

12th Jan 2024

Standard

1m 0f 0y

18:45 Dundalk (AW)

Fahari

9st 7lb

J: Cian MacRedmond

T: Adrian McGuinness

towards rear

12/1

9th

7

(16)

15th Dec 2023

Standard

1m 0f 0y

18:15 Dundalk (AW)

Fahari

9st 8lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

prominent, went second after 2f

33/1

OUR TIP

Form: 446171 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Has looked an improved filly with 7f wins at Kempton on last two AW attempts; had an excuse (clipped heels, nearly lost jockey 2f out) on turf in between; enters calculations back in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(6)

7th Jul 2023

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

17:15 Doncaster

Vasilissa

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Richard Hannon

Successful twice over 7f on AW this spring; disappointing in two starts back on turf, taking record in this sphere to 0-4; percentage call is to oppose her.

16/1

8th

2

(3)

9th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Goodwood

Vasilissa

9st 9lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Richard Hannon

Didn't get the best of runs when well behind Al Motasim at Haydock and could yet build on her recent improvement on the AW; not discounted.

8/1

8th

3

(4)

25th May 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 212y

Class 5

17:40 Haydock

Vasilissa

9st 9lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Richard Hannon

Has looked an improved filly with 7f wins at Kempton on last two AW attempts; had an excuse (clipped heels, nearly lost jockey 2f out) on turf in between; enters calculations back in this sphere.

15/8

9th
10 (6)
Tiger Trap

14/1

Form: 450-

Last run: 170 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Siblings include a multiple winner for this stable; showed some ability over 7f at novice level last year and looks open to progress now qualified for handicaps; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

10

(5)

2nd Jan 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

13:52 Newcastle (AW)

Tiger Trap

9st 0lb

J: Andrew Elliott

T: Tom Tate

15-race maiden who has yet to be placed and was only eighth of nine over C&D three weeks ago; blinkers are now tried but mark has bottomed out and he makes no appeal.

20/1

10th

10

(5)

2nd Jan 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

13:52 Newcastle (AW)

Tiger Trap

9st 0lb

J: Andrew Elliott

T: Tom Tate

15-race maiden who has yet to be placed and was only eighth of nine over C&D three weeks ago; blinkers are now tried but mark has bottomed out and he makes no appeal.

20/1

8

(7)

12th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

13:17 Newcastle (AW)

Tiger Trap

8st 7lb

J: Andrew Elliott

T: Tom Tate

Maiden (0-14); continues to fall in the weights but there were few positives seven weeks ago from his latest start (1m3f) on first attempt beyond 1m; best to look elsewhere for the solution.

25/1

12/1

Form: 4-373

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Bits of promise on Tapeta at Newcastle during the winter; made an encouraging turf/handicap debut at Ayr (7f, good; finished third) on return from break; still unexposed; interesting off the same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(6)

29th Sep 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

17:30 Newcastle (AW)

Sunfyre

9st 7lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Began his career with two encouraging efforts at this track and also ran well on his handicap debut at Ayr (7f, good) in May; absent since finishing well beaten at Haydock four months ago (badly hampered and eased); each-way claims if running near his best.

5/1

10th

5

(5)

25th May 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 212y

Class 5

17:40 Haydock

Sunfyre

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Brian Ellison

Bits of promise on Tapeta at Newcastle during the winter; made an encouraging turf/handicap debut at Ayr (7f, good; finished third) on return from break; still unexposed; interesting off the same mark.

12/1

3rd

6

(6)

8th May 2023

Good To Firm

0m 7f 50y

Class 5

16:35 Ayr

Sunfyre

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Brian Ellison

Showed best form when third in a 7f Newcastle novice in January (pulled hard); not so good next time (1m) and is having first run on turf on handicap debut; bit to prove

8/1

Form: 93-40

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Made the frame twice over 7f at novice level; form dipped in 1m handicap here (with blinkers added) last month but this drop back in trip may help; now wears visor, with usual tongue-tie removed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(7)

25th May 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 212y

Class 5

17:40 Haydock

Design

9st 7lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: K R Burke

Made the frame twice over 7f at novice level; form dipped in 1m handicap here (with blinkers added) last month but this drop back in trip may help; now wears visor, with usual tongue-tie removed.

25/1

11th

10

(11)

29th Apr 2023

Good

0m 7f 212y

Class 5

16:55 Haydock

Design

9st 5lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Has progressed with each of his three runs, no extra only late on when fourth of ten at Newcastle (7f, AW) in February; should stay 1m (possibly needed run when well held over this trip on debut) and blinkers are now added to the usual tongue-strap; in the mix on handicap debut.

10/1

4th

4

(2)

22nd Feb 2023

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

16:30 Newcastle (AW)

Design

9st 7lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Bit of promise on his debut and bettered it down to this trip when last seen (both on turf, both in the tongue-tie); is one of the more interesting runners back from five months off having been gelded.

9/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £61.50
Straight Forecast £49.28
Tricast £376.04
Trifecta £663.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Fahari

The Times:

Vasilissa

Telegraph:

Al Motasim

D Express:

The Toff

The Guardian:

Vasilissa

Daily Mirror:

Vasilissa

The Sun:

Vasilissa

The Star:

Vasilissa

RP RATINGS:

Fahari

POSTDATA:

Fahari

NEWMARKET:

Fahari

Daily Mail:

Fahari

Daily Record:

Fahari