July 29 / 17.10 York

17.10

Soft

Betting Better With Sky Bet Handicap

  • Prize money: £10468
  • 1m 3f 188y
  • Class 4
  • 9 runners
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Betting Better With Sky Bet Handicap

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

11/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.60
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 0-0703

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Showed useful form early last season, disappointing since but he was more competitive again when never-nearer third of 13 here (1m2f, good to soft) on latest outing, so some hope has been renewed; that was his second run in cheekpieces but they are now discarded; stiff task last summer on his only attempt at 1m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(9)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:30 York

Dark Moon Rising

9st 12lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

His 19 course starts have yielded five places and a win over 1m4f back in 2023 but he hasn't been at his best on turf here the last twice; back on a good mark but need to see more.

20/1

12th

14

(2)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Dark Moon Rising

8st 8lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Kevin Ryan

18 starts here have yielded five places and a win over 1m4f back in 2023, although he wasn't at his best when beating one home in this race last year; in fair form over this trip on AW in the spring but his return to turf, when beaten 8l over 1m4f here one month ago, will need improving on.

20/1

5th

11

(2)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Dark Moon Rising

8st 9lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Kevin Ryan

C&D winner in 2023; no joy anywhere last season (mostly at this track) but the closest he came was a neck defeat here (1m2f; 4lb higher today) on final start; not far away on AW last three starts this year and the same may be possible on today's return to turf.

16/1

5/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 198-72

Last run: 63 days

W: 10st 3lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Dual 1m3f AW winner last summer; only three runs on turf, with a creditable second of ten at Chester (1m4f, good) on latest outing giving her something to build on; hooded on all except her second start, but not today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(11)

31st Aug 2023

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 4

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Lizzie Jean

10st 0lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Ivan Furtado

took keen hold, towards rear

7/1

2nd

1

(10)

29th Jul 2023

Soft

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:10 York

Lizzie Jean

10st 3lb

J: David Nolan

T: Ivan Furtado

ducked right start, towards rear

5/1

2nd

1

(4)

27th May 2023

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

17:45 Chester

Lizzie Jean

10st 2lb

J: David Nolan

T: Ivan Furtado

midfield

10/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 5-5181 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Progressed with his wins on good to soft at Carlisle (1m3f) in June and over C&D 15 days ago; below form on soft ground in the Cumberland Plate in between; 5lb higher than last time but both those wins came in quite taking style and he remains prominent in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(7)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 4

15:38 York

Gibside

9st 6lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Handles most surfaces and his eight wins include two here, latterly over 2m in 2024; last scored at Catterick (1m4f) off 3lb higher in October and after some lesser efforts this season he was much more competitive when third back there (1m6f) a fortnight ago; contender to step forward again and he's considered.

10/1

3rd

6

(3)

11th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 192y

Class 4

20:23 Catterick

Gibside

9st 0lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Two course wins, including this race off 8lb lower in 2024 (good to firm); highly tried and not been at his best this season but quite interesting down in grade.

10/1

10th

12

(4)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Gibside

8st 12lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Strong finish from rear secured the Chester Plate (2m2f, good) last May off 3lb higher and he also won over 1m4f on soft at Catterick in October; needs to leave his four efforts this season a long way behind him, however.

20/1

12/1

Form: 1980-4 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Won his only start at York, over C&D in 2021; made an encouraging return to the Flat at Chester 15 days ago after wind surgery and a 132-day absence; well handicapped if back to last July's winning form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

7th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:20 Ayr

Cormier

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Brian Ellison

Has six wins on the Flat but his last of four successes over hurdles came four years ago; continues to drop in the weights without looking likely to take advantage.

7/1

6th

7

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 3

15:20 Newcastle

Cormier

11st 7lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Brian Ellison

Remains capable at the age of 10 (won on the Flat in October) but it's been hard work back over hurdles, albeit in a pair of Class 2 handicaps; looks vulnerable.

14/1

4

(8)

23rd Oct 2025

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:32 Nottingham

Cormier

9st 10lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Useful dual-purpose performer in his youth; had a long spell on the sidelines prior to his return in February and he's struggled on the Flat and over hurdles this year; down in the weights and he was prominent in the betting last time so he can't be dismissed.

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 122314 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
He was having an excellent season at about 1m3f/1m4f, including his Cumberland Plate win on soft ground at Carlisle, before 1m6f seemed to find him out at Chester two weeks ago; considered back at 1m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

16:05 Carlisle

Two Brothers

12st 5lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Michael & David Easterby

Finished strongly to force a dead heat with Ryebridge over C&D (good to soft) on his handicap hurdle debut 13 days ago; wore cheekpieces on that occasion but they are now replaced by the visor he wore regularly during his Flat career; retains handicapping scope on his useful form in that sphere.

4/1

1st

1

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

14:15 Carlisle

Two Brothers

12st 0lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Michael & David Easterby

Has made the frame in two races at Wetherby (2m) since switched to this code; opening hurdles mark is very attractive judged on best Flat form; possibilities.

100/30

5th

1

(2)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 4f 13y

Class 4

14:10 Catterick

Two Brothers

10st 2lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

3lb lower than when winning at York (1m2f, soft) a year ago and very likely to have his optimum conditions, but a leap of faith is required following two poor efforts since returning from 308 days off last month.

6/1

9/2

Form: -85231

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 5lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Eighth start when breaking his duck in some style off 6lb lower at Carlisle (1m3f, good to soft) 16 days ago; there's stamina in the family and he may well have more to offer over this sort of trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(5)

20th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Whatacracker

9st 7lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

Acts on this surface but his sole win came over 1m3f at Carlisle in 2023 and mostly campaigned at that trip and further since; major query back at 1m for first time in the best part of three years.

16/1

4

(12)

14th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:15 Leicester

Whatacracker

9st 7lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

Only win was over 1m3f at Carlisle in July 2023 (good to soft); several decent placed efforts this season, and would have a chance on that form, but rather disappointing on last two starts.

20/1

10th

14

(14)

17th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 1f 207y

Class 5

17:24 Beverley

Whatacracker

9st 4lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Mark Walford

Placed in four of his last six starts including a close call over C&D (soft) in July; on same mark here but he didn't fire at Ayr last time and that took his record to 1-21; tongue-tie worn last time is removed.

16/1

40/1

Form: 11540- D

Last run: 304 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Two wins last May for Richard Hughes but ended the season on a low note and has not set the world alight in three hurdle races this summer for new yard; has a shout on peak form but others looks more solid at present.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

20th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

20:58 Hexham

Grand Scheme

10st 12lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Three-time Flat winner (1m-1m6f) for Richard Hannon; having only his fifth start over hurdles when scoring by 15l at Southwell (2m, good) eight days ago; 7lb penalty shouldn't preclude another big effort.

6/4

9

20th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

20:58 Hexham

Grand Scheme

10st 12lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Three-time Flat winner (1m-1m6f) for Richard Hannon; having only his fifth start over hurdles when scoring by 15l at Southwell (2m, good) eight days ago; 7lb penalty shouldn't preclude another big effort.

6/4

1st

5

12th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

15:30 Southwell

Grand Scheme

10st 8lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

took keen hold, prominent

11/2

Form: -24633

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
His win came in a maiden last July; carries his head high but gained some minor honours in handicaps this term and kept on when third of six at Ayr (1m2f, good to soft) last time; shaped that day as if worth a go at 1m4f, without being particularly convincing for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

19

(15)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:50 York

Feel The Need

9st 2lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Michael Herrington

Good C&D record includes a win in this race (good to firm) off 1lb higher last year; good second at Southwell (7f) in January but always behind over C&D four months later; may well have needed that outing but needed to see more to be confident.

14/1

21th

14

(10)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

Feel The Need

9st 3lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Michael Herrington

Most of his 14 races at York have been over 7f, including wins in this race in 2024 and another last June; absent since second on AW in January and that's the longest break he's had for two years, which asks a question, but he has to be considered off his last winning mark.

16/1

2nd

7

(3)

23rd Jan 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Feel The Need

9st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Michael Herrington

Easy to make a case on last year's peak form but signed off with two quiet runs and now back from three months off; not without hope if the break has done him good; has form here.

14/1

9/1

Form: -54234

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Low-mileage 4yo who's not been that far away in his 1m4f handicaps, taking fourth of ten to Gibside over C&D (good to soft) last time, but a little more help from the handicapper may be needed to break his duck.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(6)

9th Oct 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

16:20 Newcastle (AW)

Gastronomy

9st 12lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Philip Kirby

Won twice last year, including over 12.5f here, but his losing run is beginning to mount up; now 6lb below his last winning mark but not easy to recommend after a heavy defeat over C&D one month ago.

16/1

5

(2)

8th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 5

17:10 Newcastle (AW)

Gastronomy

9st 4lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Philip Kirby

Won twice last year, including over 12.5f here, but his losing run is beginning to mount up; cheekpieces left off last time are back on and he needs to show improvement.

6/1

Non-runners

Bulldog Spirit, Dubai Crystal, Enthrallment

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £84.40
Straight Forecast £68.33
Tricast £209.15
Trifecta £352.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Gibside

The Guardian:

Whatacracker

The Times:

Dubai Crystal

TOPSPEED:

Two Brothers

POSTDATA:

Gastronomy

NEWMARKET:

Enthrallment

RP RATINGS:

Cormier

The Sun:

Dubai Crystal

Daily Mail:

Whatacracker

D Express:

Whatacracker

Daily Mirror:

Gibside

The Star:

Gibside

Daily Record:

Gibside

Telegraph:

Two Brothers