July 21 / 19.30 Newmarket (July)

19.30

Good

Pertemps Network Handicap

  • Prize money: £10800
  • 1m 2f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
RTV
View Course
Pertemps Network Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

20/1 (Won)

  • Win: £23.00
  • Place: £4.00

Form: 988235

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Raced mainly over 1m; ran well on last two turf attempts and he's not on a bad mark, but there are questions to answer over this far.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(4)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 2f 43y

Class 2

16:25 Doncaster

Fantasy Believer

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ed Walker

8yo who has been in and out this year and was soundly beaten at Epsom (1m2f, good to soft) last time but prior to that he won over today's C&D (soft) and can't be ruled out off this 4lb higher mark.

10/1

6th

3

(2)

28th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 17y

Class 3

16:05 Epsom

Fantasy Believer

10st 1lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ed Walker

Retains ability aged eight and bagged a Class 2 prize at Doncaster (1m2f, soft) most recently, taking record to 10-56; back on career-high mark but drops back in grade; may well remain competitive.

9/2

6

(1)

13th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 2

16:50 Doncaster

Fantasy Believer

8st 10lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ed Walker

In top form when racking up a hat-trick last summer and back at that level when third over 1m2f at Newcastle (AW) and Chepstow (good to soft) this summer; never a threat after a slow start at Southwell last time but more than capable off this mark and Oisin Murphy takes the reins.

8/1

14/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 634-34

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 5yo who had a spell in the USA; hasn't looked well handicapped since returning to Britain but today's rider Connor Planas claims 5lb and that will help; others still appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(1)

18th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

19:35 Newmarket (July)

Gloucestershire

10st 4lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Martyn Meade

Lightly raced since finishing second in this two years ago when 4lb higher; he may have needed his comeback run at Newbury in May but was well beaten and needs to be an entirely different proposition two months on.

14/1

2

(10)

16th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:25 Newbury

Gloucestershire

9st 9lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Martyn Meade

Fairly consistent and is capable of being involved off current mark; however, lacks recent match practice (off since November) and hasn't won for over three years; not the percentage call.

25/1

2

(10)

16th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:25 Newbury

Gloucestershire

9st 9lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Martyn Meade

Fairly consistent and is capable of being involved off current mark; however, lacks recent match practice (off since November) and hasn't won for over three years; not the percentage call.

25/1

15/2

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 32-351 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Connections resisted handicaps until her sixth start, winning over C&D 20 days ago in gritty fashion; raised in class with a 4lb higher mark to deal with but may have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(4)

31st Jan 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

15:20 Lingfield (AW)

Therapist

9st 7lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Nicky Henderson

In good form when last seen on the Flat, going down narrowly over 1m3f at Southwell last March, and successful three times over hurdles since; however, she ran poorly in that sphere in November and has stamina to prove on her return to the AW.

6/1

3

13th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 3

17:02 Stratford

Therapist

11st 6lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Nicky Henderson

Four and three-runner races when she won over 2m here in April and May; came up well short, however, in her hat-trick bid when 5-4 favourite at Warwick nearly six weeks ago, which dents her claims.

3/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1/4

Last run: 66 days

W: 10st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Kempton winner in late 2021, the form of which worked out well; however, was not seen again until two months ago when unable to cope with some useful 3yos in a decent novice; had been gelded (also had wind surgery) prior to that and he was a market drifter; big ask to bounce back under top weight in this useful handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(11)

27th Aug 2023

Good

1m 2f 23y

Class 2

16:20 Yarmouth

Royal Symbol

9st 11lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

His debut win at Kempton in late 2021 worked out well; market drifter when well beaten in a Sandown novice on his return from a long absence but was far more competitive in a 1m2f handicap at Newmarket last month; tongue-tie tried there is now absent but has to be of interest.

4/1

4th

1

(7)

21st Jul 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

19:30 Newmarket (July)

Royal Symbol

10st 3lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Kempton winner in late 2021, the form of which worked out well; however, was not seen again until two months ago when unable to cope with some useful 3yos in a decent novice; had been gelded (also had wind surgery) prior to that and he was a market drifter; big ask to bounce back under top weight in this useful handicap.

11/4

4th

1

(1)

16th May 2023

Good To Soft

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

19:15 Sandown

Royal Symbol

10st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

in touch with leaders, left in lead under 3f out, ridden and headed under 3f out, weakened from over 1f out, lost third inside final 110yds

11/10

Form: 954003 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Paid the penalty for winning so well at Nottingham (1m2f, soft) last autumn but he's finally slipped back to the same mark and last time at Yarmouth was more encouraging (1m, good to firm; second run in blinkers); others are still preferred in this warm handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(10)

23rd May 2026

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 4

20:45 Salisbury

First Officer

9st 6lb

J: Alexandra Egan

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Six-time winner but only one of those came in a double-figure field (October 2022); ran well at Newmarket when last seen eight months ago; has gone well fresh in the past; others appeal more all the same.

10/1

5

(6)

25th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Newmarket

First Officer

9st 8lb

J: Alexandra Egan

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Beat three rivals over 1m4f on the July Course here (good to firm) under Alexandra Egan in midsummer; comfortably held in three outings since but has dipped back to that successful mark.

6/1

4th

4

(2)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:45 Newmarket (July)

First Officer

9st 1lb

J: David Egan

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Beat three rivals over 1m4f here in July since when he's been comfortably held; on the plus side, he might appreciate this belated return to 1m6f as he does have form over this far.

5/1

Form: 4215

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
525,000gns yearling; maintained his progress with a comfortable maiden win at Leicester (1m, good to firm) and was a bit too free for his own good when a fader on handicap debut at Royal Ascot (1m2f, good to firm); retains plenty of potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(1)

10th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:32 Leicester

Ziryab

9st 7lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: John & Thady Gosden

Well held in his two handicaps since winning a maiden here in June but this 525,000gns yearling could have some potential lurking now he's gelded; off since July, so some confidence behind him would be preferable.

100/30

6th

7

(11)

21st Jul 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

19:30 Newmarket (July)

Ziryab

9st 5lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

525,000gns yearling; maintained his progress with a comfortable maiden win at Leicester (1m, good to firm) and was a bit too free for his own good when a fader on handicap debut at Royal Ascot (1m2f, good to firm); retains plenty of potential.

3/1

5th

17

(11)

24th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 2

17:35 Ascot

Ziryab

8st 11lb

J: Frankie Dettori

T: John & Thady Gosden

525,000gns yearling buy, brother to the same stable's King Leonidas whose best form (RPR 109) was registered over 1m2f on handicap debut; this one's three runs over 1m, making all in Leicester maiden (good to firm) last time, suggest that he too is building up to something once upped to this trip; very much one to note.

4/1

7th
6 (2)
Wilkie

100/1

Form: /50-80 D

Last run: 63 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Won once in five French starts; not a bad first run for this yard last autumn but the wheels have come off big time and he's now hooded.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(14)

11th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

20:25 Leicester

Wilkie

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: John Butler

9.5f AW winner when trained in France; has largely struggled on turf and is now 20lb lower than his last start on this surface, last August; blinkers go on but he's only of interest if supported.

12/1

8th

6

(14)

11th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

20:25 Leicester

Wilkie

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: John Butler

took keen hold, towards rear

12/1

5th

3

(8)

27th Apr 2024

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

21:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Wilkie

9st 8lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: John Butler

Sole win was in France over three years ago and he's been well held at this track (9.4f-1m6f) in his last three runs; mark continues to fall but he's now 0-15 in Britain and others are preferred; cheekpieces back on.

9/1

10/1

Form: 2369-2

Last run: 42 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Showed plenty of ability last season in races (6.5f-7f) won by smart opposition; only four ran when just missing out on his handicap debut at Haydock (1m2f, good to firm); the time wasn't great and this is much deeper.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(7)

7th Apr 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Pjanoo

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Stuart Williams

Made a successful reappearance at Wolverhampton (8.6f, Tapeta) a year ago when trained by Richard Spencer, but below form in his last three starts and now makes his debut for a new yard in a first-time tongue-tie; market useful.

8/1

6th

4

(7)

7th Apr 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Pjanoo

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Stuart Williams

Made a successful reappearance at Wolverhampton (8.6f, Tapeta) a year ago when trained by Richard Spencer, but below form in his last three starts and now makes his debut for a new yard in a first-time tongue-tie; market useful.

8/1

6th

1

(4)

28th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 3

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Pjanoo

9st 11lb

J: George Wood

T: Richard Spencer

Returned from six months off to win a C&D handicap last April off 5lb lower; ran well on his next three AW starts but his form has dipped the last twice; new visor replaces blinkers; dangerous if left alone up front.

8/1

14/1

Form: 647285

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Four-time winner but now exposed and had no excuses from a good position when fifth here last week (1m, good to soft; first-time cheekpieces); best form is at shorter.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(6)

10th Aug 2023

Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

19:30 Chepstow

Coco Jack

9st 2lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: George Scott

All four wins were last summer, beaten nine times this season but there has been the occasional good run and he's becoming well handicapped; goes on good to soft but anything softer would be a worry; gets new blinkers.

10/1

9th

5

(6)

21st Jul 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

19:30 Newmarket (July)

Coco Jack

9st 8lb

J: Levi Bedford

T: George Scott

Four-time winner but now exposed and had no excuses from a good position when fifth here last week (1m, good to soft; first-time cheekpieces); best form is at shorter.

14/1

14/1

Form: 391122 D BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Maintained her excellent run of form when going down by under a length over C&D three weeks ago; nudged up another 3lb for that and she's up to a Class 3 from a Class 5; looks vulnerable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(8)

4th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:53 Windsor

Moonlit Cloud

8st 12lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Dean Ivory

No win since May 2024 (1m2f, Bath) but she has fallen a long way in the weights as a result; may have needed her reappearance run at Wolverhampton (9.4f) last month but she had a patchy record last season and others are more convincing.

12/1

4th

6

(2)

21st Apr 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Moonlit Cloud

9st 2lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Dean Ivory

No win since May 2024 (1m2f, Bath) but she has fallen a long way in the weights as a result; bogged down on heavy ground at Nottingham last October; it's difficult to know what to expect returned to AW (0-11) off a six-month absence.

16/1

Form: 147-7

Last run: 55 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Highly tried and struggled last season after winning well on his Ascot debut; gelded ahead of reappearance and again finished down the field, albeit in a strong handicap at Haydock (1m, good to firm); bit to prove now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

4

(8)

17th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:30 Newbury

Defence Of Fort

9st 8lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Peter Chapple-Hyam

Failed to go on after looking smart on his Ascot debut but he steadied the ship when hooded for the first time and edging home in a 1m2f handicap at Sandown (good to soft) in August; returns off a 4lb higher mark but now has to follow one good run with another.

10/1

11th

4

(8)

17th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:30 Newbury

Defence Of Fort

9st 8lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Peter Chapple-Hyam

never better than midfield

10/1

Non-runners

Like A Tiger

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £254.10
Straight Forecast £294.98
Tricast £1650.56
Trifecta £1248.90

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Therapist

SPOTLIGHT:

Ziryab

NEWMARKET:

Like A Tiger

Telegraph:

Pjanoo

The Times:

Moonlit Cloud

LAMBOURN:

Fantasy Believer

RP RATINGS:

Ziryab

Daily Mail:

Ziryab

D Express:

Like A Tiger

The Sun:

Like A Tiger

POSTDATA:

Therapist

The Guardian:

Therapist

Daily Mirror:

Therapist

The Star:

Therapist

Daily Record:

Therapist