August 12 / 14.25 Haydock

14.25

Good To Soft

Betfred ‘Play Fred’s £5 Million’ Handicap (London Mile Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £16200
  • 1m 0f 37y
  • Class 3
  • 14 runners
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Betfred ‘Play Fred’s £5 Million’ Handicap (London Mile Series Qualifier)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

1st
14 (4)

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.60
  • Place: £2.60

Form: 2351 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
All four starts on good/good to firm; didn't need to improve when comfortably making all at 1-8 in Ripon maiden (1m) last time but he'd shown promise previously and is in top hands to progress; respected on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

10/1

  • Place: £5.20

Form: 9-8631 D

Last run: 59 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Two wins last August and better than ever when landing six-runner Yarmouth handicap (1m, good to firm) on latest start; up just 2lb but needs another career best in this hotter race; unproven on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(3)

21st May 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 3

16:25 Musselburgh

Diamondonthehill

9st 0lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Not an easy horse to win with but he had a solid AW campaign and is on a feasible mark; below par back on turf 12 days ago and needs to bounce back quickly.

10/1

8th

5

(1)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 4

16:15 Haydock

Diamondonthehill

9st 6lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

He has turned in a string of good runs on the AW since November but such consistency ensures he gets little respite from the handicapper; others may prove better treated today.

10/1

4th

5

(2)

13th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

17:45 Southwell (AW)

Diamondonthehill

9st 2lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Ultra-consistent RPRs this winter, and just a short-head away at Wolverhampton latest from adding a belated second win on synthetics and first on Tapeta (7f); 4lb better off with Legal Reform for a 1.5l defeat over the same C&D on Boxing Day, and possibilities off an unchanged mark.

7/2

10/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 31-576 BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Easily won Newmarket novice (7f, good to soft) last October on his third start; needs to improve upon what he's shown in three handicaps this season but hasn't been running badly and they've all been on fast ground; perhaps this 3yo will have more to offer when back on a slower surface.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(5)

21st Jun 2025

Good

1m 2f 100y

Class 4

20:15 Haydock

Bodorgan

9st 7lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Edward Bethell

Runner-up off a similar mark in this race for Charlie Hills last year; made a good start for new yard when third at Hamilton (1m1f) last month and he had another close call at Wetherby (1m2f, good to firm) 19 days ago; usually races prominently and another bold bid is expected.

3/1

1

(7)

2nd Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

20:30 Wetherby

Bodorgan

9st 10lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Won twice for Charles Hills, including 1m2f on fast ground, and he ran well on his stable/seasonal debut at Hamilton last month (1m1f, good to firm), beaten around half a length into third (strong favourite); has races in him off this sort of mark but he could face competition for the lead here.

9/4

1

(7)

2nd Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

20:30 Wetherby

Bodorgan

9st 10lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Won twice for Charles Hills, including 1m2f on fast ground, and he ran well on his stable/seasonal debut at Hamilton last month (1m1f, good to firm), beaten around half a length into third (strong favourite); has races in him off this sort of mark but he could face competition for the lead here.

9/4

OUR TIP

6/1

Form: 506412 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Capitalised on reduced mark to make all at Newmarket (1m, good to soft) in June and went close there (1m, good) latest, both under Connor Planas; remains on a handy mark on best old form and could make another bold bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(21)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Hafeet Alain

9st 0lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Ed Walker

9yo who looked as good as ever when making all with something to spare at Sandown (1m, good) in May on his sole run this season; however, he's never defied a mark this high and may be vulnerable in this hot contest.

28/1

25/1

Form: 63-978 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Patchy form this season but two of his last three starts have been on soft ground; two starts ago he was a close seventh of ten at Newcastle (1m, AW) when denied a clear passage in a slowly run race that developed into a sprint; now 4lb lower and could go well if the ground suits.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(5)

24th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:05 Newcastle (AW)

The Turpinator

9st 7lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

C&D win last April came off a 5lb higher mark; good second at Wolverhampton three weeks ago but unable to back it up at Southwell one week later (both 7f); chance if back to his best.

10/1

8th

10

(7)

30th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

18:00 Southwell (AW)

The Turpinator

9st 3lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Four-time AW winner, the latest at Newcastle (6f, Tapeta) in April; now 2lb lower and no problem with the return to 7f, but he needs to fare better than in his last three starts.

25/1

8th

10

(7)

30th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

18:00 Southwell (AW)

The Turpinator

9st 3lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Four-time AW winner, the latest at Newcastle (6f, Tapeta) in April; now 2lb lower and no problem with the return to 7f, but he needs to fare better than in his last three starts.

25/1

Form: 5-7411 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Won on handicap debut at Newbury (1m, good) last month and defied 12lb rise at Newmarket (1m, good) two weeks ago, when again eased down considerably; unproven on slow ground; hit with a 14lb hike for last time but, such was his dominance, this fast-improving 3yo may well take it in his stride.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(6)

26th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newmarket

Isle Of Jura

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Scott

Thrived in first half of last year and won the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) last June; absent with injury subsequently but he'll be very tough to beat if returning close to his best.

3/1

1st

7

(5)

22nd Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Isle Of Jura

9st 3lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: George Scott

Four wins in Bahrain from December to March (1m2f-1m4f, good/good to firm) and transferred that improvement back to Britain with a Listed win at Goodwood (1m2f, good) last month; this is a tougher test of his credentials but he could have more left in the tank, especially now back up to 1m4f.

9/1

1st

1

(8)

24th May 2024

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Isle Of Jura

9st 6lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: George Scott

towards rear, headway from 3f out, ridden and pressed leaders over 1f out, led final 110yds, kept on well

7/2

Form: 032446 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Won over C&D (good to soft) last September on sole course visit and he's 4lb lower than when twice finishing placed this May (1m, good); however, soundly beaten the last twice and a return to peak form is needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(1)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:42 Newmarket

Helm Rock

9st 9lb

J: David Probert

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

8yo who has been in fine form this spring, winning at Kempton (1m, AW) last month then going close at Lingfield (1m, AW) and Nottingham (1m, good); there's every chance he'll be bang there once more.

9/1

2nd

2

(7)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 75y

Class 4

15:25 Nottingham

Helm Rock

9st 8lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Ten-time winner split between turf and AW; his last success was at Kempton (1m) last month and he backed that up with a close third under a penalty at Lingfield (Polytrack); did well to hang in there from a wide draw last time and he's respected off same mark back on turf.

13/2

3rd

1

(10)

14th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 4

18:30 Lingfield (AW)

Helm Rock

9st 13lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Tended to do his winning in the past in batches, which bodes well under a 4lb penalty for last Monday's Kempton victory; well over two years snice he won off a mark this high and hasn't been at his best in two previous runs here but needs considering.

4/1

8th
7 (12)
Poet Master

4/1

Form: 11 C

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Defied evident inexperience to win on debut at Musselburgh (7f, good) and easily followed up in novice here (7f, good); short-priced favourite each time; fine prospect who has the potential to be better than opening mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(3)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 1

15:40 Haydock

Poet Master

9st 10lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

7f specialist, a Group 2 winner in July 2024; below best when finding Myal just too strong in conditions event at Thirsk (7f, good; 15-8 favourite) on return; may build on that but he's 4lb worse off with that rival here.

13/2

2nd

6

(8)

10th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Thirsk

Poet Master

9st 4lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Raced almost exclusively at 7f; Group 2 winner in Ireland as a 4yo; ran close to that level when second in Longchamp Group 3 (very soft) and the Group 2 Challenge at Newmarket (good; Scoville 5.5l back in fourth) last autumn; disappointing on his 2025 reappearance but won first time up in 2023 and 2024; leading form claims.

7/4

3

(1)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:25 Newmarket

Poet Master

9st 5lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Group 2 winner on Irish soil last term; best effort since when close second in French Group 3 last time; fresh contender, having raced just twice this season; possibilities.

7/2

12/1

Form: 64-1 D

Last run: 124 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Displayed promise on both 2yo runs (6f/7f, good) and returned from absence to win Redcar novice (1m, soft) in April; sold out of the Gosden stable for 40,000gns subsequently; this unexposed 3yo is open to further improvement now making his handicap/stable debut and he's one to be interested in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(11)

16th Jun 2025

Soft

1m 1f 0y

Class 5

17:25 Carlisle

Freedom Day

9st 2lb

J: Andrew Elliott

T: Paul Robson

Sole success came in Redcar novice in April 2023 when trained by the Gosdens; unsuccessful in five starts over hurdles this year for current yard and three modest efforts on the Flat since; on a career-low mark but hard to fancy.

25/1

9

(5)

29th May 2025

Good

1m 4f 10y

Class 5

16:55 Ripon

Freedom Day

9st 1lb

J: Andrew Elliott

T: Paul Robson

Something to prove regarding current form but he's tackled 7f/1m1f the last twice and is now 7lb lower than when a creditable fourth over 1m4f at Southwell (AW) last August; not written off now back up in trip.

33/1

8th

9

(5)

29th May 2025

Good

1m 4f 10y

Class 5

16:55 Ripon

Freedom Day

9st 1lb

J: Andrew Elliott

T: Paul Robson

Something to prove regarding current form but he's tackled 7f/1m1f the last twice and is now 7lb lower than when a creditable fourth over 1m4f at Southwell (AW) last August; not written off now back up in trip.

33/1

Form: 7-0400 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Something to prove having struggled in the Royal Hunt Cup and John Smith's Cup; unproven on slow ground; however, he's down in grade and is 6lb lower than when a solid fourth at Chester in May; not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(7)

27th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 207y

Class 5

15:45 Beverley

Dawn Of Liberation

9st 5lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

His five wins include one over C&D last May; below his best on his first two starts this year but took a step back in the right direction when a 2l fifth of 12 at Ripon (1m2f, good) 19 days ago; contender.

9/2

5th

5

(2)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 1f 170y

Class 5

19:45 Ripon

Dawn Of Liberation

9st 5lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Five-time winner, three times at around 1m2f (good/good to firm) last summer; well handicapped on his best form last season but he's been quiet in two runs this spring and needs to rediscover his spark.

12/1

6th

3

(9)

20th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 5

16:50 Redcar

Dawn Of Liberation

9st 7lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Won three times last summer and ran well when placed subsequently; well held when tenth of 12 on his return at Wolverhampton (9.5f, AW) three weeks ago and is still 2lb higher than his last winning mark.

16/1

14/1

Form: 0-4555 CD

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won this two years ago and he's dropping down the weights; fair fifth at Epsom two starts ago but it's been a below-par campaign and others are more compelling; blinkers replace the cheekpieces adopted last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(1)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 2

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Fantastic Fox

9st 2lb

J: Aidan Keeley

T: Roger Varian

Drawn a blank since January 2024 but he hasn't had much clemency from the handicapper; latest AW run saw him finish fourth at Newcastle in June having met trouble in running and he will be in the shake-up if anywhere near that level.

5/1

8

(1)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 2

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Fantastic Fox

9st 2lb

J: Aidan Keeley

T: Roger Varian

Drawn a blank since January 2024 but he hasn't had much clemency from the handicapper; latest AW run saw him finish fourth at Newcastle in June having met trouble in running and he will be in the shake-up if anywhere near that level.

5/1

11th
11 (16)
Billyb

28/1

Form: 1-7969 CD

Last run: 57 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Three wins last year (including C&D) and he's 2lb below last winning mark; however, he's struggled to get competitive on his four runs this season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(4)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:00 Beverley

Billyb

9st 10lb

J: Sam James

T: Craig Lidster

Signed off for 2025 with 1m win at Southwell; looked rusty after five months off when eighth of nine in 1m Pontefract handicap last month; took this prize in 2024 so not dismissed with usual cheekpieces refitted.

12/1

8th

1

(2)

29th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

15:23 Pontefract

Billyb

9st 10lb

J: Sam James

T: Craig Lidster

Added another two 1m wins to his CV in 2025, including on AW when last seen in November; this 2lb higher mark shouldn't prove beyond him but his record fresh, allied to the absence of cheekpieces (worn on last seven starts), suggest this may not be his day.

8/1

5th

2

(13)

11th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

17:05 York

Billyb

9st 11lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Craig Lidster

4lb higher than when beating 18 rivals here (1m, good) in July and was having his first go over this sort of trip when third of seven at Redcar (1m2f, good) last time (winner has gone in again since); needs to prove his stamina in this much bigger field, though.

14/1

25/1

Form: 2510-0 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
She's just 1lb higher than when winning at Doncaster (1m, good to firm) last August and may have needed the run at Goodwood 11 days ago on her belated reappearance (also didn't look happy on the track); however, it's hard to be confident after that heavy defeat; unproven on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

(7)

12th Aug 2023

Good To Soft

1m 0f 37y

Class 3

14:25 Haydock

System

9st 7lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Richard Hannon

She's just 1lb higher than when winning at Doncaster (1m, good to firm) last August and may have needed the run at Goodwood 11 days ago on her belated reappearance (also didn't look happy on the track); however, it's hard to be confident after that heavy defeat; unproven on slow ground.

25/1

18th

2

(6)

1st Aug 2023

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:05 Goodwood

System

9st 11lb

J: James Doyle

T: Richard Hannon

midfield

33/1

14th

10

(7)

19th Aug 2022

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

17:20 York

System

8st 13lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Richard Hannon

held up in midfield, going okay 3f out, pushed along over 2f out, soon outpaced and ridden, weakened inside final furlong

12/1

Form: 4103F1 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Six-time AW winner (latest a fortnight ago) who is 0-21 on turf and this is a tough race in which to break his grass duck; however, he has a lower turf mark, off which he was a close third of six at Wetherby in June, and a stronger gallop here would benefit this hold-up horse; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(5)

3rd Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 3y

Class 6

14:32 Yarmouth

Starshiba

10st 0lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Jack Morland

Eight-time winner on AW and 0-24 on turf but he went very close off his lower turf mark at Nottingham (8.5f, good to firm) one week ago; same mark here and must have claims in search of his turf breakthrough.

15/8

2nd

1

(3)

26th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 75y

Class 6

14:12 Nottingham

Starshiba

9st 12lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Jack Morland

Last nine starts on AW; ended a losing run when scoring at Lingfield (1m) in December but that set up for his closing style and he's not really threatened in four runs since, latterly at Kempton (7f) 113 days ago; can race off his lower turf mark today but others are more persuasive.

8/1

Non-runners

Harswell Duke, Sudden Ambush

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £126.80
Straight Forecast £117.98
Tricast £613.57
Trifecta £1116.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Poet Master

POSTDATA:

Isle Of Jura

The Guardian:

Hafeet Alain

Daily Record:

Kathab

LAMBOURN:

Bodorgan

TOPSPEED:

System

RP RATINGS:

Poet Master

Daily Mail:

Poet Master

Daily Mirror:

Poet Master

The Star:

Poet Master

NEWMARKET:

Isle Of Jura

The Times:

Isle Of Jura

Telegraph:

Isle Of Jura

D Express:

Isle Of Jura

The Sun:

Hafeet Alain