July 08 / 14.05 Haydock

14.05

Good

bet365 Handicap

  • Prize money: £51540
  • 1m 6f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV
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bet365 Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 4-2211 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Delivered on earlier promise, including here on good to soft, when justifying odds-on favouritism in Chepstow novice (1m4f) last month on fifth start; 8-11 when back in a handicap at Yarmouth (1m6f, again good to firm; five ran) eight days ago and scored by half a length, with is nothing like the whole story as he barely came off the bridle; both were under Adam Farragher; raised 8lb but the runner-up last time was a good second of 11 at Sandown yesterday and it was very hard to say at Yarmouth how far this one could have won by.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(4)

13th Oct 2023

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

14:40 York

Lordship

9st 6lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: William Haggas

Runner-up on good to soft in May; won three in a row (1m4f/1m6f, good to firm) before good fourth in the Melrose over C&D (good to firm) in August; also ran well, staying on, at Haydock on latest outing and looks a major each-way player but he needs to resume his improvement to win.

8/1

5th

4

(5)

9th Sep 2023

Good

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

14:25 Haydock

Lordship

9st 2lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: William Haggas

Won three in a row (1m4f/1m6f, good to firm; including C&D) before beaten 5l when fourth in the Melrose at York (1m6f, good to firm), when about 3l behind runner-up Denmark; however, that was still a solid run in a hot race and he's 4lb better off with Denmark here; can give another good account.

5/1

4th

4

(2)

26th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

14:25 York

Lordship

9st 4lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Off the mark in Chepstow novice (1m4f, good to firm) in June and won two handicaps (1m6f, good to firm) to complete a hat-trick; hit with a 9lb rise since Haydock last time but he's highly progressive and his trainer (who saddles two in this) has won two of the last four runnings; key player.

4/1

20/1

  • Place: £5.70

Form: 1631

Last run: 19 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Won at Kempton (1m3f, AW) in April on debut and has built on that in her two handicaps, finishing third of seven at Doncaster (1m4f, good to firm) and winning at Wolverhampton (1m4f, AW); has been coming from off the pace, in the nick of time on that latest start; could be better than that close finish implies and could be worth a go at 1m6f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(4)

5th Jun 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

20:15 Kempton (AW)

Flower Of Dubai

8st 12lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Won 1m3f maiden here on debut last April and added a Wolverhampton 1m4f race in her second handicap; consistent in defeat afterwards as 3yo and has a competitive mark if resuming in the same form, but she ended last term suggesting that about 1m6f may be ideal.

8/1

3rd

1

(3)

11th Nov 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Flower Of Dubai

9st 9lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

dwelt start, in rear, headway and prominent 7f out, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened final 110yds

2/1

2nd

5

(8)

18th Oct 2023

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Bath

Flower Of Dubai

9st 7lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Made it 2-3 on AW when scoring at Wolverhampton (1m4f) in June but she has a solid record back on turf since and has finished a creditable third on soft ground in last two runs (1m4f/1m6f); now drops back into a Class 4 event and she shouldn't be far away.

5/1

14/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 35-120

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Won well from off the pace at Chester (1m4f, soft) and good second from the front at Doncaster (14.5f, good); best to forget his Royal Ascot result as he raced close to the leaders who went too fast; granted a more measured performance today, he should go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

14th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

13:58 Perth

Struth

11st 5lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Useful on the Flat in his prime but has yet to better fair form over hurdles, weakening into a well-held fifth on 2m2f Kelso handicap debut in this sphere 24 days ago; might have needed that after a break but he's still hard to make a good case for.

20/1

5th

3

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

16:00 Kelso

Struth

11st 8lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Showed only minor promise in three novice/maiden hurdles (1m7f-2m) last September-November but was useful on the Flat in his prime and may yet transfer more of that ability to this code; wears first-time tongue-tie for handicap hurdle debut; market may guide.

11/2

10th

5

24th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

14:33 Perth

Struth

11st 0lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Very useful on the Flat in his prime but has not been firing on all cylinders this year and made a low-key stable/hurdle debut when well-held fourth over C&D (good) 16 days ago; needs to take a big step forward today.

10/1

Form: 5-6212

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Has proved better at about 1m4f than shorter with a Doncaster win and two seconds, all on good to firm; the latest run was in just a three-runner race in which the impressive odds-on winner was completing a hat-trick; suspicion is that others in this field too are more promising.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:25 Nottingham

Bulldog Spirit

9st 6lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Bernard Llewellyn

Scored over C&D last May for Brian Ellison; yet to fire for his new yard in handicaps at Wolverhampton (1m4f) and Lingfield (2m) this spring though.

14/1

5th

4

(1)

12th May 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 5

17:15 Lingfield (AW)

Bulldog Spirit

9st 10lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Bernard Llewellyn

A fair 1m6f scorer for Brian Ellison in 2025; beat only one for his new handler after seven months off in 1m4f handicap at Wolverhampton last month; needs to take a big step forward.

16/1

6th

7

(3)

4th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 4

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bulldog Spirit

8st 10lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Bernard Llewellyn

Debuts for a fourth yard having been picked up from Brian Ellison last autumn for 7,500gns; won first time out as a 2yo and on his comeback last spring, which gives hope, but there's not much room for manoeuvre off this mark.

20/1

10/1

Form: 59-753

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
2-2 on AW; 0-7 on turf but considerable encouragement can be derived from latest start in which he ran on well into third of ten at Chester (upped to 1m4f, good) after meeting trouble in running; not bred for this far but the same could be said of 1m4f last time; needs a close look, for same connections who won this race two years ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

27th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

16:56 Newton Abbot

Chillhi

10st 13lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Barry John Murphy

Flat and dual hurdle winner for James Owen last summer but well beaten in three runs for new stable (Flat/hurdles) this spring; now 4lb lower than for his last success but he needs a major revival; blinkers return and visor is removed.

25/1

11th

10

4th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 2

17:13 Fakenham

Chillhi

10st 8lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Barry John Murphy

Flat and dual hurdle winner for James Owen last summer but well beaten on both starts for new stable last month (hurdle/Flat); might be aided by refitted visor and/or first-time tongue-tie here but has lots to prove.

33/1

8th

1

(4)

27th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 6

14:15 Lingfield (AW)

Chillhi

9st 12lb

J: Liam Wright

T: Barry John Murphy

Flat and dual hurdle winner during busy summer for James Owen last year but well beaten (over hurdles) on stable debut on Tuesday and returns to the Flat with quite a bit to prove.

33/1

16/1

Form: 25-132

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Seen mostly on AW before short-headed in five-runner handicap at Beverley (1m4f, good to firm; up 2lb today) four weeks ago; renewed his effort that day as if this longer trip would suit him well but this is a much hotter race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(1)

18th Oct 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 4

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Imaginary World

9st 8lb

J: Neil Callan

T: James Tate

led early, headed and prominent after 2f

7/1

7th

2

(3)

21st Sep 2023

Good To Soft

1m 6f 17y

Class 4

16:30 Yarmouth

Imaginary World

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: James Tate

towards rear, switched left and brief headway 3f out, hung left and weakened 2f out

3/1

3rd

8

(13)

31st Aug 2023

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 4

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Imaginary World

9st 2lb

J: David Allan

T: James Tate

took keen hold, prominent

13/2

OUR TIP

5/1

Form: 121

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Pretty useful straightaway when winning at Yarmouth (1m2f, soft) in April; lost out to a promising rival on heavy ground next time but justified 5-6 favouritism in a novice at Ripon (1m3f, good to firm) without much trouble; promising but with more to do in this hot race for handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(6)

13th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

17:35 Chester

Rogue Sea

11st 4lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jennie Candlish

The winner of two novices, on fast and slow ground; placed over 1m2f here last month before finishing midfield last week at Haydock (extended 1m3f); in the mix.

5/1

Form: 245-41 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Fourth of eight on handicap/seasonal debut at Doncaster (14.5f, good) behind Struth; making all at 10-11 in a six-runner maiden at Goodwood (1m6f, again good) was further improvement and left no doubt about his strength in stamina; it will be more difficult to pull that off from stall 12 but he's probably well handicapped with 2lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

14

(16)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Midnight Lion

8st 8lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

24 visits to Newcastle have yielded nine wins, seven over C&D; the latest came on New Year's Day when beating five rivals; fifth of 12 at Southwell since and could better that performance now back here, but there's a suspicion today's contest will prove too competitive.

25/1

5th

6

(2)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 3

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Midnight Lion

9st 6lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Enhanced his outstanding Newcastle record (all nine AW wins there) on New Year's Day when fending off five rivals; only 2lb higher and he'll probably be ridden positively as usual; has only raced twice here (unplaced).

13/2

20/1

Form: 31-238

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Steady improvement on varied ground across his first five races, culminating in his third in a strong 1m4f handicap at York; stamina looked a strength from an early stage, so it was a surprise when he came last of eight at Doncaster when upped to 1m6f (Struth second); needs to bounce back with a big career best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(1)

28th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Rathgar

8st 12lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Jack Channon

Beat 13 rivals to win at Newbury (1m2f, good) ten days ago on his second start back from some time off; back up 4lb but he's just 1lb higher than when second in this last year and he's a solid contender.

9/2

1st

2

(10)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

16:55 Newbury

Rathgar

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Jack Channon

Ran creditably over 1m2f on good ground on first three starts last season and back-to-form fourth of 13 at Kempton (AW) three weeks ago; thereabouts if the returning cheekpieces (worn on final start in 2024, below form) don't have an adverse effect.

12/1

4th

12

(13)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 2

14:42 Kempton (AW)

Rathgar

8st 6lb

J: Rose Dawes

T: Jack Channon

Ran creditably on first three starts last season, before two lesser displays in the summer; versatile ground-wise on turf and although he's raced only twice on AW, in first half of 2024, the first of those runs was creditable; the widest draw does not help today, however.

25/1

Form: -85211 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Wore cheekpieces on last two starts; stepping up to 1m6f worked well when off the mark at Redcar (good to firm) in May and he again made all, galloping very stoutly, when following up in five-runner race at Doncaster (14.5f, good) one month later; just eight days off this time but latest 7lb rise probably underestimates him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

18

(1)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

18:05 Ascot

Pledgeofallegiance

8st 13lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Has mostly run well since handicapping, one of the exceptions on his sole visit to this track but that was on soft ground and the only time he's had a visor (usually wears cheekpieces); three front-running wins on turf at up to 2m last season and renewed his progress this term, always prominent when scoring from Temporize at Goodwood (2m) last time; whether he can get a good enough early position from stall 1 is a worry, as he's not been quick to find his stride this term, but otherwise he should run very well.

12/1

1st

3

(4)

24th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:25 Goodwood

Pledgeofallegiance

9st 8lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

dwelt start, pushed along soon after start, took keen hold, raced in second

6/1

1st

3

(4)

24th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:25 Goodwood

Pledgeofallegiance

9st 8lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

dwelt start, pushed along soon after start, took keen hold, raced in second

6/1

Form: 6-6561

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Moved down from Group 3 and Listed races when he made all in eight-runner handicap at Salisbury (1m4f, good to firm) ten days ago despite hanging all the way across to the stands side; up 7lb today; tongue tied on last two starts, with cheekpieces added on latest; 1m6f may well offer further help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

17th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 70y

Class 5

16:35 Stratford

Galactic Jack

11st 1lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Useful on the Flat in his prime; 0-8 over hurdles but posted best of three runs for new stable (since a long absence) when third at Taunton (2m, good; behind Mi Sueno) last month and is another 1lb lower here; respected.

4/1

3rd

4

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

18:30 Taunton

Galactic Jack

11st 0lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

A useful middle-distance Flat performer, but still a maiden over hurdles after seven attempts and has yet to rediscover his form in two starts since returning from a long absence this season; likely best watched for now.

12/1

4th

7

6th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 4

16:55 Plumpton

Galactic Jack

10st 8lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Useful on the Flat, won 1m4f Salisbury handicap in 2023 off a mark of 88; more off days than on in the meantime but soft ground no help on recent yard debut after nearly two years off; worth a market check off a very low mark now back on more suitable ground; cheekpieces refitted.

9/1

Form: 544-19

Last run: 51 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Upped to 1m4f on reappearance in April, winning well when 5-6 in a five-runner race on Wolverhampton AW on handicap debut; good to firm ground was blamed when he disappointed at York in May; dam stayed 1m6f and style of his win also points to this new trip being of considerable interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

18th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

14:05 Taunton

Torre Del Oro

11st 7lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

Useful on the Flat at his best; safely held on first two hurdling starts (2m3f/2m1f) and was tailed off when unseating rider on latest outing but makes his handicap hurdle debut in a low-grade race and may yet transfer some of that Flat ability to this code.

9/1

10

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

13:35 Taunton

Torre Del Oro

11st 0lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

Flat winner for previous stable; form for current yard, including twice over hurdles at Fontwell, leaves a lot to be desired.

50/1

10

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

13:35 Taunton

Torre Del Oro

11st 0lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

Flat winner for previous stable; form for current yard, including twice over hurdles at Fontwell, leaves a lot to be desired.

50/1

Form: 5-321

Last run: 57 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Travelled best to lead 2f out at Newbury (1m3f, soft) in April but failed to put it to bed and was headed close home; hot favourite on starts either side and Ryan Moore got him home narrowly in front in maiden at Chester (1m4f, soft) in May on second occasion; 1m6f is plausible for this handicap debut and today's headgear isn't a great surprise; he could have more to give.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

19th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

20:20 Hexham

Banderas

11st 11lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Sam England

Won a Southwell maiden hurdle (2m4f, good; first-time tongue-tie) and a Carlisle Flat handicap (2m1f, soft) last summer, but handicap hurdle debut in September was too bad to be true; however, he made a promising return here over 2m 17 days ago when shaping as though he'd improve for the outing; interesting back up in trip.

16/1

5th

4

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 3

18:45 Hexham

Banderas

11st 2lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Won a Southwell maiden hurdle (2m4f, good; first-time tongue-tie) and a Carlisle Flat handicap (2m1f, soft) last summer; off since September; likely to be better for the run.

10/1

7

26th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:42 Worcester

Banderas

11st 4lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Came good over hurdles at third attempt, with clearcut success at Southwell (2m4f, good; first-time tongue-tie) in June, and added a Flat win one month later; could still have untapped potential over jumps; one to consider.

8/1

Form: -11213 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 70

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

2nd

1

24th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

14:52 Uttoxeter

Cinnodin

12st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Jamie Snowden

Multiple Flat winner who was contesting only his second handicap over hurdles when winning with the front two clear over C&D (good) three weeks ago; a 6lb rise isn't the end of the world by any means.

7/4

1st

4

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

16:20 Uttoxeter

Cinnodin

11st 10lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Showed fair form on his third hurdles start when runner-up at Stratford in October; below that form when fifth of seven at Exeter (2m7f, good to firm) on his handicap debut later that month; still early days and may show more here.

9/1

1

21st Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 7f 25y

Class 5

16:00 Exeter

Cinnodin

12st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Multiple 1m4f-2m winner on the Flat; effective in blinkers in that sphere and these aids now return for handicap debut over hurdles after racing lazily when second in a Stratford novice (2m4f); considered.

5/4

Non-runners

Torre Del Oro, Banderas, Cinnodin

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £101.40
Straight Forecast £94.78
Tricast £555.18
Trifecta £602.90

Selections

POSTDATA:

Lordship

SPOTLIGHT:

Pledgeofallegiance

D Express:

Banderas

RP RATINGS:

Midnight Lion

Daily Mail:

Rogue Sea

The Times:

Flower Of Dubai

LAMBOURN:

Cinnodin

TOPSPEED:

Galactic Jack

Daily Mirror:

Struth

NEWMARKET:

Pledgeofallegiance

Daily Record:

Banderas

The Star:

Midnight Lion

Telegraph:

Lordship

The Guardian:

Lordship

The Sun:

Lordship