July 26 / 18.00 Sandown

18.00

Good

Racing Welfare Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £4710.6
  • 1m 1f 209y
  • Class 5
  • 14 runners
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Racing Welfare Apprentice Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

20/1 (Won)

  • Win: £29.00
  • Place: £7.30

Form: 4-0750

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Fifth of ten on handicap debut at Kempton (1m, AW) confirmed he has some ability, even if 1m looked too sharp; needs to bounce back from a heavy defeat over 1m2f at Newbury (good; 20-1) 13 days ago; tongue tied for those last two starts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(1)

5th Sep 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

16:30 Kempton (AW)

Whitcombe Rockstar

9st 7lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Keiran Burke

Added to his excellent course record with two more wins this year, including this trip; another excellent effort here when chasing home Gamrai over 1m3f in March, with next-time-out winners behind in third/fourth; fair fourth of nine at Newcastle (1m2f) when last seen in June and much respected back at Kempton.

6/1

4th

4

(10)

25th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

15:12 Newcastle (AW)

Whitcombe Rockstar

9st 5lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Keiran Burke

Added to his excellent Kempton record with wins over 1m3f and 1m4f this year; another cracking effort there when chasing home the progressive Gamrai over 1m3f in March; probably worth ignoring a recent run on turf but his peak AW form (including all wins) has been achieved on Polytrack.

16/1

13th

9

(4)

12th Jun 2026

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 3

15:23 Sandown

Whitcombe Rockstar

9st 5lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Keiran Burke

Fine from 1m to 1m4f; has won on turf but the AW looks more his scene and especially Kempton where he beat all bar a handicap snip the last time; back on grass others look safer.

10/1

11/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 053-49

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Creditable fourth of 14 on handicap debut at Bath (1m2f, good to soft) in May but last of ten at Newmarket (1m2f, good) two months later; early days but others have more solid claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(2)

10th Aug 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Newmarket (July)

Niarbyl Bay

9st 9lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Henry Candy

Off the mark at the eighth attempt in a 1m4f handicap at Wolverhampton (AW) last November but didn't shape with obvious short-term encouragement on his Newbury reappearance in July.

16/1

7th

2

(2)

11th Jul 2024

Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

20:10 Newbury

Niarbyl Bay

9st 13lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Henry Candy

Off the mark at the eighth attempt in a 1m4f handicap at Wolverhampton last November, which was last-gasp stuff; only fifth next time at Kempton with no excuses; lacks a recent run and the yard is struggling for winners.

12/1

10/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: -57413 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 56

Form & Verdict
Wore cheekpieces on last three starts, grinding out a narrow win at Newbury (1m3f, good to firm) under Olivia Tubb on second occasion; fair third at Brighton latest; each-way possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(4)

14th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 17y

Class 6

16:38 Epsom

Mrembo

9st 12lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Jonathan Portman

Reliable mare who gained this season's win in three-runner contest at Windsor (11.4f, good to firm) in May; suited by this C&D and will appreciate today's ease in grade; each-way claims at least.

11/2

4th

7

(2)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 209y

Class 5

17:15 Sandown

Mrembo

9st 1lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

Reliable mare who wasn't beaten far last time at Epsom when just behind Imperical Cult; has run well in the last three renewals of this race, beaten 2l or less; considered.

6/1

5th

6

(3)

1st Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 17y

Class 5

17:20 Epsom

Mrembo

9st 1lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

Six visits to Epsom have seen her placed four times, including when second in this race in 2024; narrowly got the better of one of just two rivals when winning at Windsor (11.5f, good to firm) in May and it was a solid fourth in similar event back there a fortnight ago; will probably give her running but more of an each-way prospect.

13/2

Form: 849-75

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Some ability (tongue tied) in three starts for Joseph O'Brien last year; headstrong on poor stable/seasonal debut but fared a lot better when hooded fifth of ten in handicap at Doncaster (1m, good) later in June, never dangerous; 1m2f is plausible on pedigree but settling him remains an issue and a good pace up front may well be required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(3)

17th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Olympicus

9st 11lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Michael Appleby

pulled extremely hard, prominent, raced wide over 8f out, pulled way into lead over 6f out

7/1

8th

6

(2)

10th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Olympicus

9st 6lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Michael Appleby

Sole success in 14 starts came off 9lb higher at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm) in August last year; hasn't shown much in five starts since returning from eight months off in June and another 3lb drop not enough to tempt; can take a keen hold.

12/1

9th

5

(6)

24th Sep 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

13:40 Beverley

Olympicus

9st 11lb

J: Frederick Larson

T: Michael Appleby

Hindered by often failing to settle but is well handicapped granted a return to best; sole success came off 6lb higher.

10/1

3/1

Form: 67-551 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Tailed off on final 2022 start and had wind surgery this March; back in the groove six days ago to win in clearcut fashion at Epsom, where he has a good record; has a bit more to prove today dropping back from 1m4f and carrying a penalty, but he has a 7lb claimer enlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(2)

10th Aug 2023

Good

1m 3f 198y

Class 4

16:00 Brighton

Night Eagle

9st 8lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Gary Moore

in touch with leaders

7/1

5th

3

(15)

26th Jul 2023

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 5

18:00 Sandown

Night Eagle

9st 13lb

J: Anna Gibson

T: Gary Moore

Tailed off on final 2022 start and had wind surgery this March; back in the groove six days ago to win in clearcut fashion at Epsom, where he has a good record; has a bit more to prove today dropping back from 1m4f and carrying a penalty, but he has a 7lb claimer enlisted.

3/1

1st

6

(7)

20th Jul 2023

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 5

20:40 Epsom

Night Eagle

9st 10lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Gary Moore

prominent on outer, going best when led 3f out, edged left over 2f out, shaken up when clear over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong

8/1

Form: 320-24 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Sole win (26 races) was 1m2f on AW in 2021; minor honours in her two runs for new trainer but slightly better with a return to 2022 levels seems to be required; cheekpieces (tried once in 2021, finished last) return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(3)

23rd Aug 2026

Good

1m 3f 198y

Class 6

14:20 Brighton

Sea Of Charm

11st 2lb

J: Mr Henry Main

T: Georgina Nicholls

Back to form in refitted cheekpieces lately and has been placed on her last three starts; should be thereabouts once again.

3/1

2nd

5

(9)

15th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 5f 0y

Class 6

17:13 Lingfield (AW)

Sea Of Charm

9st 7lb

J: William Cox

T: Georgina Nicholls

Back in form since returned to cheekpieces of late, latterly when beaten a nose by Belle Of Kt at Bath a fortnight ago; 6lb better off with her old rival and her last win came round here off 3lb higher, so there are reasons for optimism.

8/1

2nd

1

(4)

31st Jul 2026

Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:35 Bath

Sea Of Charm

11st 2lb

J: Mr Henry Main

T: Georgina Nicholls

Seven wins at up to 1m4f; yet fully to convince stamina-wise over this far and not very reliable nowadays but gave pretty good account when third in refitted cheekpieces here (11.6f, firm) 16 days ago.

4/1

Form: 014536 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Front-runner; enhanced his good Windsor record with another win there in April (1m2f, soft) off only 1lb lower; bit below that level since and he's been well held on all three appearances (latest 2021) at Sandown.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

7

(13)

8th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 3f 99y

Class 6

20:09 Windsor

Lawn Ranger

9st 9lb

J: Kieren Fox

T: Michael Attwater

Veteran who is often a zestful front-runner; no win since August 2023 but 5-15 at Windsor overall and, surprisingly, his last race here was that latest win; close second on Kempton AW (1m4f) on recent reappearance also returns him to calculations and he's won on a wide variety of ground.

7/1

2nd

10

(8)

20th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 6

21:00 Kempton (AW)

Lawn Ranger

8st 12lb

J: Kieren Fox

T: Michael Attwater

Veteran who is often a front-runner but he's not won since August 2023 and he's been well beaten in his two starts this year; on career-low mark but he has a lot to prove.

40/1

5/1

Form: 4-4343 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Won twice over 1m2f last term (good/soft) and the second of those was at this track; solid efforts on his last three starts, including on his only other visit to Sandown, so needs to be in serious calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(9)

18th Oct 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 6

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Nonsuch Lad

9st 12lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Jim Boyle

Won twice on turf last season and he has run some good races in defeat this time around; last couple of efforts need forgiving; dropping into a 0-60 should help but he still has something to prove on AW.

16/1

8th

2

(11)

5th Oct 2023

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

18:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Nonsuch Lad

9st 12lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Jim Boyle

Won twice on turf last season and he has run some good races in defeat this time around; he wasn't at his best at Nottingham nine days ago but this is a more realistic assignment; no reason why he won't be fully effective on AW in time.

6/1

8th

8

(2)

26th Sep 2023

Soft

1m 2f 50y

Class 2

16:25 Nottingham

Nonsuch Lad

9st 0lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Jim Boyle

Has won on good and soft; another sound effort in defeat over this far at Leicester two weeks ago but looks vulnerable in this higher grade.

14/1

OUR TIP

12/1

Form: 06/056 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Only four runs for current stable and missed 2022; cheekpieces enlisted for last two starts and he gave his first positive signal this term last time, making most; needs to build on that and is tongue tied first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

9

(11)

5th Sep 2023

Soft

1m 3f 44y

Class 5

13:35 Goodwood

Glen Again

9st 6lb

J: William Buick

T: Ian Williams

Missed the 2022 campaign; not entirely solid on 2023 form but has become well treated and looks quite interesting with William Buick up for first time; defied a stone higher mark on soft ground in 2021.

10/1

9th

2

(4)

26th Jul 2023

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 5

18:00 Sandown

Glen Again

9st 13lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Ian Williams

Only four runs for current stable and missed 2022; cheekpieces enlisted for last two starts and he gave his first positive signal this term last time, making most; needs to build on that and is tongue tied first time.

12/1

Form: 492824 D

Last run: 50 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Both wins were at 1m2f in 2021; finished last in his latest two turf outings but had good turf form last summer and some minor honours on AW this season; back to 1m2f (latest start was one of his 1m4f races) and not totally dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(5)

15th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Beautiful Crown

10st 1lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Jack Jones

Habitual slow starter; made a flying start to life with this yard in the summer, winning handicaps at Lingfield (1m, AW), Chepstow (1m2f) and Chelmsford (1m2f, AW); not so good the last twice but those runs were on slow ground; return to AW in his favour but still to convince he needs this far.

3/1

3rd

1

(5)

15th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Beautiful Crown

10st 1lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Jack Jones

Habitual slow starter; made a flying start to life with this yard in the summer, winning handicaps at Lingfield (1m, AW), Chepstow (1m2f) and Chelmsford (1m2f, AW); not so good the last twice but those runs were on slow ground; return to AW in his favour but still to convince he needs this far.

3/1

9th

3

(13)

6th Nov 2024

Soft

1m 0f 75y

Class 5

15:18 Nottingham

Beautiful Crown

9st 13lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Jack Jones

Often slowly away but had been running well until a remote fourth on heavy at Newbury and does handle those conditions; could bounce back.

14/1

Form: 631134 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Won twice from off the pace in May, including over 1m2f, and creditable third next time but not so good on latest; big shout if reverting to peak 2023 form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(1)

14th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

19:55 Wolverhampton (AW)

Come On John

9st 6lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Alison Hamilton

Three-time course winner, the most recent coming last March over this trip when trained by James Owen; 0-6 since joining this stable and he was well beaten in a classified event at Newcastle last month.

25/1

10th

3

(7)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Come On John

9st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Alison Hamilton

A fair 1m4f scorer for James Owen last March but below par for his current stable, a never-dangerous fourth of seven on his return in 1m1f Musselburgh handicap 34 days ago; needs to take a big step forward.

25/1

4th

7

(4)

29th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 6

16:25 Musselburgh

Come On John

9st 0lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Alison Hamilton

Respectable fifth on AW last June on his first start for Alison Hamilton but lost his way badly in three subsequent outings; back from six months off and a leap of faith is needed.

20/1

9/1

Form: -67165 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Won a Lingfield handicap (1m2f, AW) in May with first-time cheekpieces; fair efforts in both starts since (1m4f and 9.4f) and he reverts to cheekpieces today after trying a visor on latest; chief disincentive is that he showed so little at Yarmouth (good) four starts back in his only turf race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(3)

22nd Mar 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

17:15 Newcastle (AW)

Sarkha

9st 2lb

J: Archie Young

T: Phillip Makin

1m2f Lingfield AW winner last May but hasn't added to tally and isn't consistent; down in grade and good chance on best form but doesn't look one for maximum faith.

14/1

10th

6

(8)

27th Feb 2024

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Sarkha

9st 7lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Phillip Makin

Inconsistent sort who is 0-5 for current yard but looks interesting off a reduced mark in reapplied cheekpieces; sole win came in this headgear.

12/1

9th

6

(2)

17th Feb 2024

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

15:57 Newcastle (AW)

Sarkha

9st 8lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Phillip Makin

midfield

10/1

50/1

Form: 425270

Last run: 110 days

W: 8st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Two good seconds on AW this year (7f); below form on last two outings, the latest when tailed off over 1m2f and his record at this trip is far from convincing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(2)

7th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 216y

Class 6

15:25 Brighton

Hes Our Star

9st 9lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Tony Carroll

Three of his six wins have come here (7f/1m, good to firm), the latest in a similar event last August; out of sorts since though; doesn't look the stable's first choice, with plenty to find at the weights in the refitted visor.

25/1

7th

1

(8)

9th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 216y

Class 6

19:25 Brighton

Hes Our Star

9st 9lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Tony Carroll

Three of his six wins have come here (7f/1m, good to firm), the latest in a similar event last August; moderate in the meantime, though, and has plenty to find even at this level; tongue-tie removed after one use; stable triple-handed.

25/1

9th

8

(11)

22nd Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 133y

Class 6

19:00 Lingfield

Hes Our Star

9st 9lb

J: William Carson

T: Tony Carroll

All of his six wins have been at 7f/1m and he's been out of sorts in his last nine runs; has lots to prove and he's never raced over this far; regular blinkers removed.

25/1

Form: 5-4775 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Horse

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Three wins (1m1f/1m2f) from 12 starts in Germany; best of his four British runs were on first and latest starts and it's possible that soft ground contributed to lesser efforts in between; 9lb lower than on British debut, so needs a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(5)

7th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 6

12:50 Southwell (AW)

The Conqueror

8st 11lb

J: Ethan Jones

T: Jim Boyle

midfield, some headway 2f out, weakened from 1f out

25/1

5th

9

(5)

7th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 6

12:50 Southwell (AW)

The Conqueror

8st 11lb

J: Ethan Jones

T: Jim Boyle

midfield, some headway 2f out, weakened from 1f out

25/1

7th

6

(1)

21st Oct 2024

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

The Conqueror

9st 6lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Jim Boyle

Now 2lb lower than when winning on turf in the spring but needs to put two poor efforts behind him; stays further and others make greater appeal on just his second Tapeta start.

14/1

Non-runners

Kentucky Kingdom

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £216.40
Straight Forecast £214.69
Tricast £1556.53
Trifecta £1736.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Nonsuch Lad

The Guardian:

Mrembo

The Sun:

Glen Again

POSTDATA:

Night Eagle

Daily Mirror:

Mrembo

RP RATINGS:

Nonsuch Lad

The Times:

Nonsuch Lad

Daily Mail:

Nonsuch Lad

D Express:

Nonsuch Lad

Daily Record:

Nonsuch Lad

The Star:

Glen Again

Telegraph:

Night Eagle