August 23 / 15.55 Bath

15.55

Good To Soft

Big Stage Hire Handicap (Bath Summer Stayers’ Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £3873.16
  • 1m 6f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 14 runners
SKY
View Course
Big Stage Hire Handicap (Bath Summer Stayers’ Series Qualifier)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Scattered showers

OUR TIP

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £2.50

Form: 095115 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Return to Flat has done the trick this term, with short-priced wins in five-runner races at Chepstow (1m4f, good to firm) and Ffos Las (1m6f, good); form dipped somewhat on good to soft on latest outing, so some drying conditions this week may be needed; player if straight back to his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(4)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 61y

Class 5

20:37 Newbury

Lusaka

10st 2lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: John & Rhys Flint

Latest of his six wins was in clearcut style in this race last year (good to firm) off 1lb higher, making all; running creditably back on turf this season and looks set for a bold show, but all of today's rivals are either in good form too and/or far less exposed.

5/1

4th

5

(4)

5th Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Bath

Lusaka

9st 3lb

J: Rose Dawes

T: John & Rhys Flint

His six wins include two over C&D; no match for No More Bolero when second here (2m1f, good to firm) in April, although he is 5lb better off with that rival; fourth of 12 at Ascot (2m, good) four weeks ago and holds place claims.

9/4

4th

13

(9)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 209y

Class 4

17:10 Ascot

Lusaka

9st 2lb

J: Millie Wonnacott

T: John & Rhys Flint

Scored for the sixth time when making all at Newbury (13.5f, good to firm) off 1lb lower in July and gave it a fair go from the front when second at Bath (2m1f, good to firm; Educator third) three weeks ago; same mark and should make his presence felt.

16/1

14/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: -13324 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 10lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Won at Yarmouth (1m6f) in May off a 3lb lower mark and has kept her form with minor honours since; goes well on ground firmer than good and withdrawn three weeks ago when it was good to soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(9)

18th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 68y

Class 6

14:50 Lingfield

Cherry Cola

9st 1lb

J: Rose Dawes

T: Sheena West

Early summer has always tended to be her time of year but she's regressed in recent times, is into the veteran stage and entitled to need this after seven months off; others hold more pressing claims.

12/1

6

(11)

9th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 24y

Class 6

13:23 Bath

Cherry Cola

9st 7lb

J: Rose Dawes

T: Sheena West

Hasn't won for a while but some fair efforts this year, last time finishing upside Assured here; possibilities, especially should the ground dry out.

14/1

9/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: -68344 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Four wins from 44 races but 1-1 at Bath, having taken an 11.6f race in April 2022; had wind surgery in March and minor honours on all three starts since, over 1m6f at Sandown on last two occasions; each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(11)

9th Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 6

16:12 Kempton (AW)

Militry Decoration

9st 13lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Camilla Poulton

Won off 5lb higher on Tapeta earlier this year and returned to form with a 3l third behind The Colorist at Lingfield four weeks ago; will need more again, though.

12/1

3rd

4

(7)

11th Sep 2024

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 6

17:50 Lingfield (AW)

Militry Decoration

9st 7lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Camilla Poulton

Won on Polytrack as 2yo but three later wins on Tapeta, at 1m4f to 1m6f; hard to recommend at present as he's been a slow starter since his most recent win in March and was way back at Wolverhampton in August.

25/1

6th

2

(4)

16th Aug 2024

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 5

15:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Militry Decoration

9st 13lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Camilla Poulton

slowly away, always behind

25/1

Form: 263613

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Won at Windsor (11.4f, good; under Georgia Dobie) in July; mixed record but her only start since was creditable when a close third of five over 1m5f; unraced over this far and it needs to spark some improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(12)

9th Oct 2023

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 5

16:20 Windsor

Greased Lightning

9st 9lb

J: Georgia Dobie

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

held up in rear, switched left and some headway over 1f out

10/1

9th

9

(4)

16th Sep 2023

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Bath

Greased Lightning

9st 0lb

J: Georgia Dobie

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Had a wide trip when fourth to Lusaka here 24 days ago and remains unexposed at this distance; shortlisted.

5/1

4th

9

(6)

23rd Aug 2023

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:55 Bath

Greased Lightning

9st 4lb

J: Georgia Dobie

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Won at Windsor (11.4f, good; under Georgia Dobie) in July; mixed record but her only start since was creditable when a close third of five over 1m5f; unraced over this far and it needs to spark some improvement.

7/1

13/2

Form: 569-73

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Sole handicap win in 2021; absent 415 days before this term; third of 11 at Salisbury (1m6f) 13 days ago in first-time cheekpieces, having often been hooded, and she met trouble in running before staying on; back up 2lb from that career-low mark; well beaten on softer than good; place chance otherwise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(13)

23rd Aug 2023

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:55 Bath

Nellie Moon

9st 11lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Amanda Perrett

Sole handicap win in 2021; absent 415 days before this term; third of 11 at Salisbury (1m6f) 13 days ago in first-time cheekpieces, having often been hooded, and she met trouble in running before staying on; back up 2lb from that career-low mark; well beaten on softer than good; place chance otherwise.

13/2

3rd

5

10th Aug 2023

Good To Soft

1m 6f 44y

Class 6

20:23 Salisbury

Nellie Moon

10st 0lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Amanda Perrett

Sole handicap win over 1m4f in 2021 (good to firm); minor form in a light 2022 but well backed on recent return at Epsom, only to meet trouble in running; can be given another chance but 1m6f has seemed as far as she wants to go in the past; often hooded, first-time cheekpieces today.

9/1

7th

4

(3)

20th Jul 2023

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 5

20:40 Epsom

Nellie Moon

9st 12lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Amanda Perrett

prominent

16/1

5/1

Form: 811211 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
His four wins at Bath this season came over 1m2f, 1m, 1m2f and, much more comfortably, over 11.6f; in fact all seven of his wins have been at this track but none at 1m6f, over which he's appeared for only two respectable shows on AW; bit to prove on that score but he has to be high up the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(5)

15th Jul 2026

Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

17:05 Bath

Blue Hero

9st 5lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Adrian Wintle

All ten wins achieved here, dropping to classified company to get his head back in front over this trip (firm) a fortnight ago; part of a strong hand in this finale for Adrian Wintle.

9/2

1st

2

(13)

1st Jul 2026

Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

19:43 Bath

Blue Hero

9st 9lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Adrian Wintle

All nine wins achieved here but seemingly wants further than 1m these days; went backwards from a pleasing return last time; goes without headgear for the first time in over five years.

11/1

8th

7

(4)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 3f 137y

Class 6

15:50 Bath

Blue Hero

9st 5lb

J: Tyler Heard

T: Adrian Wintle

Nine-time course scorer, most recently last August; reappearance fourth over 1m2f here was respectable and has to enter calculations.

8/1

Form: 06346

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Still early days but she has run in two handicaps (creditably on first occasion) and none of her form looks good enough; new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(2)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 4

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Mrs Twig

9st 12lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Four wins last year, including two over C&D, and ran well when third of 11 here last month; 1lb below her last winning mark and worth a second look.

14/1

2

(2)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 4

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Mrs Twig

9st 12lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Four wins last year, including two over C&D, and ran well when third of 11 here last month; 1lb below her last winning mark and worth a second look.

14/1

5th

5

(2)

4th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

13:30 Newmarket

Mrs Twig

8st 6lb

J: Connor Planas

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

The last of her four wins last season came over C&D (good to firm) in September, with earlier wins at 1m4f; some creditable shows this term but well beaten on two of her last three starts, the first of those following the same pattern as her other rare starts on softer than good.

20/1

25/1

Form: 652456

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in Redcar maiden handicap (1m6f, good to firm) for Hughie Morrison in May off 1lb higher; ran badly on final start for him and below form on first go for new yard, with a 13,000gns sale in between; perhaps best watched at the moment.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

21st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 44y

Class 5

20:51 Salisbury

Fair Dinkum

9st 13lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Jeremy Scott

Gained his most recent success in C&D event (good) last October; best effort this term when going close at Salisbury (1m4f) on penultimate start; not disgraced in higher grade here latest; fighting chance returned to Class 5 and back up in trip.

13/8

4th

6

(5)

14th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 5y

Class 4

17:32 Salisbury

Fair Dinkum

9st 0lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Jeremy Scott

Perhaps better over further and when going close over C&D a month ago he was edged out by a 66-1 chance who wasn't in much form before that race and has disappointed since; may need a tad more here, though Taryn Langley takes off a handy 5lb.

4/1

2nd

2

(3)

14th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 5

17:03 Salisbury

Fair Dinkum

9st 8lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Jeremy Scott

His two wins last year include one here over 1m6f in October and he was runner-up off 2lb higher than today's mark at Kempton (2m, AW) next time; respectable fifth at Goodwood 13 days ago but he isn't certain to be suited by this drop back in trip.

4/1

Form: 221352 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Bath has been her most productive turf track, including when second over C&D in April and winning under Olivia Tubb in a five-runner 2m1f race in June; returns for first time since and enters serious calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(1)

23rd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

20:05 Newbury

Russian Rumour

9st 11lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

Usually consistent, but her modest effort at Goodwood (2m, soft) last time was disappointing given she does handle any ground; needs to bounce back from that.

5/1

4th

6

(1)

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:10 Goodwood

Russian Rumour

9st 1lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

10-58 overall for this 9yo, with none of those races at this track; can make the running; won at Ffos Las (2m, heavy) last September (by 12l) and Nottingham (1m6f, good) this May; not far away when third of four at Lingfield 12 days ago in hat-trick bid and has an each-way chance.

9/1

3rd

4

(1)

26th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:54 Lingfield

Russian Rumour

9st 4lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Jonathan Portman

Course winner (2m) who bids a for hat-trick after wins at Ffos Las (2m, heavy) last September (by 12l) and on her Nottingham return under Donagh Murphy (1m6f, good) 17 days ago; only 2lb higher and much respected.

11/8

14/1

Form: 245-58

Last run: 203 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Stays 2m; seen far more often on AW but a 17-race maiden overall; minor honours over hurdles on last three outings but others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

10th Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

21:00 Worcester

Stiletto

11st 6lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Sophie Leech

Won three times under Sean Bowen (once over C&D) in 2025; well below best on all four appearances this year but has slipped to a good mark and the champion jockey evidently still has faith in him; revival possible.

10/1

6th

4

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:37 Perth

Stiletto

11st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Sophie Leech

Won three times (2m2f-3m) in June-September last year, off today's mark over C&D on last occasion; out of form on last four outings, however, and a major revival is needed on this second start after wind surgery; tongue-tie (last used in 2024) returns.

20/1

5th

4

22nd May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

20:11 Worcester

Stiletto

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Sophie Leech

Versatile sort who won three times (2m2f-3m) in June-September last year; only 1lb higher than for his last success but he's been well held in his last three runs and needs a major revival after wind surgery.

16/1

16/1

Form: 888-50

Last run: 49 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Fair form in Ireland without making an impact, tried at up to 1m4f and wearing cheekpieces on last two outings; first run since leaving John O'Donoghue for 15,000gns in July; this longer trip makes appeal given what she showed on penultimate start and the stamina in her pedigree.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(5)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 208y

Class 5

15:27 Nottingham

Al Sayah

9st 9lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Neil Mulholland

Three wins over hurdles since last seen on the Flat, going almost two stone up the weights; withdrawn on account of unsuitable (good to firm) ground last summer, which would be a concern, but she's much better treated on the Flat now.

2/1

4th

2

25th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 2

15:23 Cartmel

Al Sayah

11st 10lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Neil Mulholland

5-14 over hurdles, the latest win gained at Taunton (3m, good; wore cheekpieces) last month; posted another career-best performance when finishing well from the rear for close third in valuable Haydock handicap (3m, good; first-time visor) 16 days ago and commands respect here.

5/1

3rd

11

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

12:45 Haydock

Al Sayah

10st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Neil Mulholland

First four hurdle wins came in the month of May, before he took a four-runner race at Taunton (3m, good) last month; 5lb higher in today's much more competitive affair but that was his first attempt over this far and he might have more to offer as a stayer; first visor replaces cheekpieces.

14/1

Form: 5/2327

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Placed on Flat on first two runs this year (2m, AW) and, after two heavy defeats over hurdles, close second on the Flat at Chester; Newbury run last time (also 1m4f on soft) was disappointing, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(10)

27th Apr 2024

Standard

2m 0f 120y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Alchemystique

9st 9lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Steph Hollinshead

Last win came at 125-1 in a maiden hurdle in November 2021; went close over 1m6f here on his return in January but his two runs since have resulted in a tailed off at Newcastle (2m) and a sixth of 11 back at this track (1m4f); wasn't beaten far last time and now goes back up in trip but others are more convincing; hood reapplied.

25/1

7th

3

(10)

27th Apr 2024

Standard

2m 0f 120y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Alchemystique

9st 9lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Steph Hollinshead

Last win came at 125-1 in a maiden hurdle in November 2021; went close over 1m6f here on his return in January but his two runs since have resulted in a tailed off at Newcastle (2m) and a sixth of 11 back at this track (1m4f); wasn't beaten far last time and now goes back up in trip but others are more convincing; hood reapplied.

25/1

20/1

Form: 205975

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Second once over 1m2f on good last August but generally speaking he has been much more interesting on AW, including when runner-up once at 2m; no impact in either sphere on last five starts (given wind surgery after third) so there are major doubts to go alongside his career-low mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

5

(7)

23rd Aug 2023

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:55 Bath

Silverscape

9st 12lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Roger Teal

Second once over 1m2f on good last August but generally speaking he has been much more interesting on AW, including when runner-up once at 2m; no impact in either sphere on last five starts (given wind surgery after third) so there are major doubts to go alongside his career-low mark.

20/1

5th

5

(4)

27th Jul 2023

Good To Soft

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

20:45 Newbury

Silverscape

9st 8lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Roger Teal

Not at his best on his last four starts but took step back in right direction at Kempton (1m3f, AW) last time on first run since wind surgery, when the steady gallop was a negative; today's extra furlong is a plus and he might not be far away, having continued to drop down the weights.

10/1

7th

4

(3)

12th Jul 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 5

18:00 Kempton (AW)

Silverscape

9st 11lb

J: Liam Wright

T: Roger Teal

Won two of his first three starts on Polytrack (1m/1m2f) in the winter of 2021/22; 0-13 since, but placed off higher marks three times here (1m3f/2m) in that period; returns from a second wind operation and place claims at least if rediscovering his best form.

7/1

11/2

Form: 122561 C

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 54

Form & Verdict
Pretty consistent and won over 11.6f here (good to soft) on latest start, getting up close home having been pushed along in rear; back up 3lb but this step back up in trip (pipped in a 2m AW race) might help; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

18th Nov 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:50 Lingfield

Big Jimbo

10st 9lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Poor Flat performer; beat only three rivals when making a successful debut over fences at Fontwell (2m2f, good to soft) and hasn't threatened since then; others preferred.

12/1

5

7th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 104y

Class 4

16:12 Fontwell

Big Jimbo

10st 5lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Struggled to get competitive off basement Flat mark last month, after a layoff, but made winning chase debut in small-field contest here (2m2f, good) nine days ago; did that a shade cosily and is only 3lb higher now; must be considered.

15/8

1st

6

29th Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 165y

Class 4

19:18 Fontwell

Big Jimbo

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Not seen under jumps rules since pulled up in soft-ground handicap hurdle in April 2023 and has been in poor form on the Flat since last summer; has too much to prove on chasing debut; refitted cheekpieces replace visor.

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £60.20
Straight Forecast £62.47
Tricast £465.53
Trifecta £591.40

Selections

POSTDATA:

Russian Rumour

The Times:

Greased Lightning

D Express:

Nellie Moon

WEST COUNTRY:

Blue Hero

The Guardian:

Big Jimbo

SPOTLIGHT:

Al Sayah

RP RATINGS:

Silverscape

Daily Record:

Nellie Moon

Telegraph:

Blue Hero

The Star:

Big Jimbo

LAMBOURN:

Russian Rumour

Daily Mail:

Russian Rumour

Daily Mirror:

Russian Rumour