May 29 / 14.30 Leicester

14.30

Good To Firm

Hope Against Cancer Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £3663.8
  • 1m 3f 179y
  • Class 6
  • 11 runners
RTV
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Hope Against Cancer Apprentice Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £6.50
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 17508- CD

Last run: 167 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Has record of 1-19 but his win came off this mark over C&D (good to firm) last July; struggled on AW in final two runs last year and now returns after 167 days off but he needs watching in market back at this track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(6)

9th Aug 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

20:42 Ayr

Blazer Two

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Dual fast-ground 1m4f Leicester scorer in 2022-23, but longer still since he last showed sufficient on any of his occasional returns to shorter; okay last-time hurdles effort, at least.

16/1

2

6th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 5

15:30 Bangor-on-Dee

Blazer Two

11st 9lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell

Lowly rated on the Flat nowadays; belied 80-1 odds when second in Kelso novice hurdle (2m, soft) in February but was swallowed up after racing too freely in the lead in Perth handicap (2m, good to soft) in April.

16/1

9th

4

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

17:36 Perth

Blazer Two

11st 10lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell

took keen hold, raced wide early, midfield, prominent 2nd

12/1

12/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 211558 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row on Tapeta (1m4f/1m3f) in February but he's been well held in last three runs including when switched back to turf at Catterick (1m4f, good) two weeks ago; has quite a bit to prove again and his last Flat turf win was in 2020.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(1)

30th May 2023

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

21:00 Nottingham

Sicario

9st 6lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Two wins over shorter on Tapeta in February; less good on her next three starts but he returned to form when second at Leicester yesterday; tongue-tie now added; can't ignore in a weak race.

5/2

2nd

4

(9)

29th May 2023

Good To Firm

1m 3f 179y

Class 6

14:30 Leicester

Sicario

9st 6lb

J: Frederick Larson

T: Michael Appleby

Won two in a row on Tapeta (1m4f/1m3f) in February but he's been well held in last three runs including when switched back to turf at Catterick (1m4f, good) two weeks ago; has quite a bit to prove again and his last Flat turf win was in 2020.

12/1

8th

4

(11)

15th May 2023

Good To Soft

1m 4f 13y

Class 6

16:50 Catterick

Sicario

9st 7lb

J: Frederick Larson

T: Michael Appleby

Exposed 8yo who has been kept to AW by current trainer, winning twice (1m3f/1m4f); despite high mileage, he's not had many races on softish ground.

10/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 813-06 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
4yo who won at Thirsk (1m6f, good) and Ripon (1m4f, good to firm) last summer; only 2lb higher than for his last success but he's been laboured in his two runs this season and needs to get back near best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(1)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:15 Thirsk

Marbuzet

9st 6lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Had a good 2025, winning over 1m7f at Ayr (good to firm) and 2m at Chester (good); also runner-up on five other occasions, including his reappearance.

4/1

10

(12)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:30 York

Marbuzet

9st 2lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Won at Chester (2m, good) last month and nearly caught The Crafty Mole (who was perhaps idling) at Ripon (2m, good) a fortnight ago; also effective over this C&D and he's in the mix.

12/1

Form: 7-4190 D

Last run: 51 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 51

Form & Verdict
Made it 17th-time lucky when scoring at Southwell (1m4f, AW) in February but he's taken two backward steps on Tapeta since; has some questions to answer again and he's been well held in his three previous runs on turf; blinkers removed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(2)

15th Nov 2023

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

15:05 Newcastle (AW)

Owens Lad

9st 12lb

J: Laura Pearson

T: David Loughnane

High in the weights with him 6lb above the figure he defied at Carlisle (1m3f) in August and that perhaps a factor in his two subsequent defeats; continues to run well though and unlikely to be far away.

5/1

4th

6

(12)

28th Sep 2023

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Owens Lad

9st 9lb

J: Laura Pearson

T: David Loughnane

In career-best form on turf in recent months, most notably when clearcut winner at Carlisle (1m3f, good to firm) two starts ago; also suited by this surface and must be considered in current mood.

9/2

2nd

1

(7)

1st Sep 2023

Good To Soft

1m 3f 209y

Class 6

18:50 Ffos Las

Owens Lad

10st 0lb

J: Laura Pearson

T: David Loughnane

Got off the mark at Southwell in February and back in top form on last two starts when second at Leicester (again under Laura Pearson) and winning an amateurs' race at Carlisle, all over 1m3f or 1m4f; has 5lb penalty but the ground may pose the biggest question, as his only run on softer than good was low-level form early in career.

6/1

OUR TIP

13/2

Form: 066964

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 48

Form & Verdict
Still a maiden after 14 starts but she's well treated on her best turf form and wasn't beaten far when a staying-on fourth at Southwell (1m4f, AW) three weeks ago; could be dangerous if this sets up for her closing style.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

(5)

7th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

14:10 Newcastle (AW)

Foursome

9st 6lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Daragh Bourke

prominent early, soon raced in third

10/1

10th

3

(5)

7th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

14:10 Newcastle (AW)

Foursome

9st 6lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Daragh Bourke

prominent early, soon raced in third

10/1

8th

5

(4)

16th Sep 2024

Good

1m 4f 8y

Class 6

13:45 Thirsk

Foursome

9st 7lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Olly Williams

Only win in 33 races was a 1m2f handicap at Nottingham last October (heavy); a few fair runs this term but over 5l behind Jamih at Catterick last time (1m4f, good to firm).

14/1

Form: 494-85

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
13-race maiden who struggled over hurdles in her last three runs for Amy Murphy and has has been well held back in the Flat (1m2f/1m4f) in two runs for new yard this spring; needs to raise her game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

18

10th Oct 2024

Good

2m 0f 161y

Class 5

16:08 Exeter

Boudica Warrior

10st 2lb

J: David Noonan

T: Joe Tickle

Has not shown a great deal over hurdles or on the Flat since joining current stable last autumn and is now 0-25 overall; 4lb wrong here.

50/1

7th

11

20th Sep 2024

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

16:25 Newton Abbot

Boudica Warrior

10st 2lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Joe Tickle

prominent, pressed leader 4th, led narrowly 3 out

100/1

8th

9

(2)

14th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 201y

Class 6

17:00 Salisbury

Boudica Warrior

9st 0lb

J: Elisha Whittington

T: Joe Tickle

23-race maiden; pulled up over hurdles before finishing third of the five runners in a weak 1m novice for fillies at Bath; that looks dubious form.

33/1

Form: 512385

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
Won at Salisbury (1m2f, good to firm) last summer and she doubled her tally when scoring at Southwell (1m3f, Tapeta) in January; three creditable efforts since then, including when back from a break on soft at Windsor (2l fifth of 13) four weeks ago; should go well again on this return to fast ground and she's in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

6th Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 50y

17:35 Wexford

Ciao Adios

11st 6lb

J: Eoin G Kelly

T: Adrian Murray

Dual-purpose sort got off the mark over hurdles at Cork in March (2m) but has been unplaced since then and needs a major return to form.

25/1

11th

8

28th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 130y

17:40 Galway

Ciao Adios

11st 8lb

J: Eoin G Kelly

T: Adrian Murray

Unplaced in five outings since Cork win in March; looks vulnerable at this stage, still 7lb higher than her winning mark.

33/1

8th

3

11th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

18:45 Cork

Ciao Adios

11st 10lb

J: Eoin G Kelly

T: Adrian Murray

Form dipped when tailed off in a claiming hurdle at Roscommon earlier this week and her best efforts have come over shorter trips.

20/1

Form: 5998-2 D

Last run: 52 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
Clearcut winner of a Bath handicap (11.6f, good) last May and he was a good second over same C&D (soft) on his seasonal return last month; back up 3lb in the weights but he still looks feasibly treated and this return to fast ground should be fine; key player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

1st Sep 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:10 Worcester

Bobby Kennedy

11st 4lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Denis Coakley

Sole Flat win (21 races) was over 11.6f in 2021, mostly modest form; his dam won over hurdles (pretty useful) as well as on the Flat.

33/1

9th

4

(11)

15th May 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 137y

Class 6

19:40 Bath

Bobby Kennedy

9st 8lb

J: George Bass

T: Denis Coakley

Added to a decent record over C&D in the springtime when best of the rest behind an improver last month; has never been the most consistent but he's shortlist material in a weak handicap.

5/2

9th

4

(11)

15th May 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 137y

Class 6

19:40 Bath

Bobby Kennedy

9st 8lb

J: George Bass

T: Denis Coakley

Added to a decent record over C&D in the springtime when best of the rest behind an improver last month; has never been the most consistent but he's shortlist material in a weak handicap.

5/2

16/1

Form: 854-78

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Good second off 4lb higher at Bath (11.6f, good to soft) last April but he's not hit the same level since and has been well below form in both runs this season; record now stands at 0-20 and others are more convincing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(1)

31st Aug 2023

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:35 Bath

Urban Forest

9st 2lb

J: David Probert

T: Ed de Giles

Went close to getting off the mark over 1m5f here (good; acts on good to soft) in July; lesser effort upped to 1m6f over C&D next time but wasn't beaten far at Brighton since and worth another go at a staying trip.

5/1

7th

8

(4)

21st Aug 2023

Good

1m 3f 198y

Class 6

15:15 Brighton

Urban Forest

9st 2lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Ed de Giles

took keen hold, midfield

16/1

8th

10

(8)

26th Jul 2023

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:50 Bath

Urban Forest

8st 12lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Ed de Giles

A maiden after 24 runs but went down fighting when close second to Dirham Emirati here (1m5f, good) a fortnight ago and remains unexposed over this sort of trip; ought to be on the premises again.

4/1

12/1

Form: /069-8

Last run: 146 days

W: 9st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 46

Form & Verdict
Added to his three Flat wins in Ireland when scoring over hurdles in December; respectable second in a selling hurdle at Exeter (2m2f, good) last month and he's not ruled out off a dangerous mark back in this sphere following another hurdle win at Fontwell yesterday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

4

12th Oct 2023

Good To Firm

2m 0f 161y

Class 5

16:00 Exeter

Happy Company

11st 13lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: John O’Shea

Capable handicapper at this level but has run moderately on the Flat and over jumps on either side of a three-month absence; others safer.

14/1

6th

1

24th Aug 2023

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

17:05 Fontwell

Happy Company

12st 0lb

J: Ned Fox

T: John O’Shea

Won at Lingfield in December and did so under Ned Fox in five-runner race over this C&D (good to firm) in May; ran poorly in a Flat run last time but that was just one day after his win here and is best forgiven; probably needs to improve on his British hurdles form.

5/1

10th

9

(11)

29th May 2023

Good To Firm

1m 3f 179y

Class 6

14:30 Leicester

Happy Company

9st 0lb

J: Rhiain Ingram

T: John O’Shea

Added to his three Flat wins in Ireland when scoring over hurdles in December; respectable second in a selling hurdle at Exeter (2m2f, good) last month and he's not ruled out off a dangerous mark back in this sphere following another hurdle win at Fontwell yesterday.

12/1

Form: 3770-0

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Big prices and has been beaten 13l or more in all of her five runs, including two 1m2f handicaps; can only be watched until she shows some positive signs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

(4)

26th Jul 2023

Good

1m 3f 137y

Class 6

17:55 Bath

Topofthetrifle

8st 9lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Richenda Ford

Yet to show any worthwhile form after seven runs; can't be recommended.

100/1

10th

11

(11)

12th Jul 2023

Good To Firm

1m 5f 11y

Class 6

18:10 Bath

Topofthetrifle

9st 0lb

J: Elisha Whittington

T: Richenda Ford

in rear

50/1

11th

11

(1)

29th May 2023

Good To Firm

1m 3f 179y

Class 6

14:30 Leicester

Topofthetrifle

9st 0lb

J: Millie Wonnacott

T: Richenda Ford

Big prices and has been beaten 13l or more in all of her five runs, including two 1m2f handicaps; can only be watched until she shows some positive signs.

66/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £54.10
Straight Forecast £78.47
Tricast £482.54
Trifecta £566.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Bobby Kennedy

THE NORTH:

Marbuzet

RP RATINGS:

Foursome

The Sun:

Ciao Adios

NEWMARKET:

Boudica Warrior

The Times:

Blazer Two

Daily Mail:

Marbuzet

D Express:

Marbuzet

POSTDATA:

Bobby Kennedy

Telegraph:

Bobby Kennedy

The Guardian:

Bobby Kennedy

Daily Mirror:

Bobby Kennedy

The Star:

Bobby Kennedy

Daily Record:

Bobby Kennedy