August 25 / 13.50 York

13.50

Good To Firm

Sky Bet Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

  • Prize money: £61848
  • 1m 3f 188y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV
View Course
Sky Bet Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.00
  • Place: £3.55

Form: 18-160 C

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Boom or bust in handicaps, leading near the line at this track (1m2f, good to firm) in May for his latest win; just 1lb higher today, following two of his lesser efforts, and the step up to 1m4f is interesting, as is the booking of Ryan Moore; in serious calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(4)

22nd Oct 2024

Standard

1m 4f 99y

Class 2

16:15 Newcastle (AW)

Marhaba The Champ

9st 6lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Kevin Ryan

Much his best run of the season last time, on his second run back from a third round of wind surgery, and is on his last winning mark; goes on the shortlist on his AW debut.

4/1

4th

2

(2)

19th Sep 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:42 Ayr

Marhaba The Champ

9st 6lb

J: James Doyle

T: Kevin Ryan

prominent early, led after 1f

12/1

9/1

  • Place: £3.45

Form: /2112- D BF

Last run: 391 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Upped to 1m6f last summer, winning on first two attempts and good second off this mark last July when last seen, on his final start for Chris Wall (same owner); has a very solid record in handicaps and goes well on good to firm; also has a good record when coming back from a break (albeit not this long) and therefore worth a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(8)

12th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Bague DOr

9st 5lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Won on this track in 2021 and 2022; had a very solid record in handicaps, particularly on good or good to firm, prior to never figuring at Royal Ascot (1m4f) latest; that followed a 2024 reappearance win over 1m6f on the other Newmarket course (4lb higher today) but he may well need a career best if he's to add to that today.

11/2

11th

11

(22)

21st Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:25 Ascot

Bague DOr

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

switched sharply right soon after start, took keen hold, held up in rear, switched right and headway from 2f out, not pace to challenge

12/1

17

(9)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:15 Ascot

Bague DOr

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Reserve; fast-ground C&D winner who ran just twice last year but fared well and he reappeared with a win at Newmarket (1m6f, good) last month; it was a career best last time and he could continue to improve; contender.

14/1

25/1

  • Place: £10.85

Form: 175648

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Won on good to firm in 2021; three wins at 1m4f/2m this January-April, also fourth in the Northumberland Vase (2m, AW) on penultimate start; respectable fifth of 15 over C&D (good) in May but needs to be in peak form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(4)

2nd Feb 2025

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

13:32 Lingfield (AW)

Legendary Day

10st 0lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Barry Brennan

Successful on Flat and over jumps but has lacked consistency in recent times; latest hurdles effort suggests he's unlikely to defy top weight returned to this code.

20/1

1st

1

(4)

2nd Feb 2025

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

13:32 Lingfield (AW)

Legendary Day

10st 0lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Barry Brennan

Successful on Flat and over jumps but has lacked consistency in recent times; latest hurdles effort suggests he's unlikely to defy top weight returned to this code.

20/1

3rd

7

29th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 4

15:22 Doncaster

Legendary Day

11st 6lb

J: James Best

T: Barry Brennan

prominent, not fluent 4 out, weakened approaching last, weakening when not fluent last

25/1

16/1

Form: 8-5315 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Won sole start on good, with all his other turf runs on softer; missed most of 2022 but as good as ever when getting up in the dying strides at Ripon (1m4f, soft) last month; raced freely when fair fifth in 1m6f race on heavy at Glorious Goodwood; each-way chance if he's okay on the ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(6)

20th Jul 2024

Soft

1m 4f 10y

Class 2

15:55 Ripon

Mr Curiosity

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Got up late on in this race (soft) last year off 1lb lower; 301-day absence is a concern but he needs a second look.

12/1

6th

1

(5)

23rd Sep 2023

Good To Soft

1m 5f 26y

Class 3

17:20 Ayr

Mr Curiosity

9st 12lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Peak efforts this term have been at around 1m4f, including Ripon win in July and fourth at the York Ebor meeting, but he won over 1m6f in 2021; shaped okay in the 1m6f Old Borough Cup at Haydock last time considering the trouble in running over 2f out; major player.

7/2

OUR TIP
5th
1 (5)
Paradias

8/1

Form: 6-2154

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Acts on good to firm; steady late run took him to the front at Sandown in June and he was back near that form when fourth over 1m2f again at Glorious Goodwood, where he'd run well over 1m3f last season; below form on sole attempt at 1m4f (final 2022 start) but may be worth this second go; good mark if back to his June peak.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(6)

22nd Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 2

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Paradias

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Alan King

Scored at Glorious Goodwood (1m1f) last summer; has taken well to AW, posting a solid effort at Southwell then readily beating Dream Harder at Wolverhampton (1m4f); could well have more to offer this winter and warrants respect up just 4lb.

4/1

1st

2

(6)

22nd Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 2

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Paradias

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Alan King

Scored at Glorious Goodwood (1m1f) last summer; has taken well to AW, posting a solid effort at Southwell then readily beating Dream Harder at Wolverhampton (1m4f); could well have more to offer this winter and warrants respect up just 4lb.

4/1

Form: 1-733

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Odds-on winner last season; back on track on last two starts when third in both a novice at Chelmsford (1m2f, AW) in July and on handicap debut at Ascot (1m4f); just four starts overall (both on turf were on good to soft) and he lost out only close home last time, so could have more to give and needs considering seriously.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(1)

31st Jan 2025

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 2

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Intinso

9st 4lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Craig Lidster

raced in second, led after 3f, headed over 2f out, hung left when weakening over 1f out

14/1

4th

3

(1)

31st Jan 2025

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 2

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Intinso

9st 4lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Craig Lidster

raced in second, led after 3f, headed over 2f out, hung left when weakening over 1f out

14/1

12/1

Form: 0-8323 BF

Last run: 55 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Hit and miss, with no win since handicap debut in April 2022; went down narrowly at Kempton (1m4f, AW; probably acts on good to firm) on penultimate start; much seems to depend on the blinkers replacing cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(1)

31st Jan 2025

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 4

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Educator

9st 10lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Henrietta C Knight

Modest efforts over hurdles for new stable; 0-5 on AW but finished second off 3lb higher over C&D on most recent attempt in this sphere; attractively handicapped.

10/1

7th

6

(1)

31st Jan 2025

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 4

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Educator

9st 10lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Henrietta C Knight

in touch with leaders, weakened gradually over 1f out

10/1

5th

3

19th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 1y

Class 4

14:15 Fakenham

Educator

11st 7lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Henrietta C Knight

Useful on the Flat in his prime, but has shown only minor promise in two recent maiden hurdles (both 2m) for Henrietta Knight and needs today's longer trip to unlock improvement.

20/1

16/1

Form: -07031 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Contested Group races last May-July and way down the weights when much more competitive again here in two starts last month, winning latest (good) on his first go at 1m4f for 13 months; came to the fore late on that day and, although back up 4lb (still well below his peak) today, he may have more to offer at 1m4f+.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(10)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

14:45 Newcastle (AW)

Dark Moon Rising

9st 4lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Kevin Ryan

took keen hold, towards rear, steady headway when not clear run over 2f out, pressed leaders inside final furlong, soon no extra

5/1

3rd

3

(10)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

14:45 Newcastle (AW)

Dark Moon Rising

9st 4lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Kevin Ryan

took keen hold, towards rear, steady headway when not clear run over 2f out, pressed leaders inside final furlong, soon no extra

5/1

2nd

8

(6)

6th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

15:13 Newcastle (AW)

Dark Moon Rising

8st 11lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Record of 3-23 on turf; has lower mileage on AW and scored at Southwell (1m4f) two weeks ago returned to this sphere for the first time in 2024; likely to be as effective back over 1m2f on this stiff track; productive winter looks in store for him.

6/1

Form: 452223 BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Has not won since July 2021 (one of only two runs on good to firm) and ran poorly in this race last year; runner-up three times in a row this summer, hitting peak form when visored was initially enlisted (1m5f/1m6f) and his form dropped off only slightly on heavy ground on latest start; there are more likely winners in this field, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

14:17 Musselburgh

Ravenscraig Castle

10st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Iain Jardine

Not the force old on the Flat (useful in his prime) and 0-7 over hurdles, but consistent in this code and was a clear second of six to a highly progressive winner over C&D on New Year's Day; each-way claims.

14/1

5th

12

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

14:17 Musselburgh

Ravenscraig Castle

10st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Iain Jardine

Not the force old on the Flat (useful in his prime) and 0-7 over hurdles, but consistent in this code and was a clear second of six to a highly progressive winner over C&D on New Year's Day; each-way claims.

14/1

2nd

7

1st Jan 2025

Good

1m 7f 124y

Class 3

15:30 Musselburgh

Ravenscraig Castle

10st 11lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Iain Jardine

prominent, not fluent 2nd, not fluent 3rd, pushed along and challenging approaching last, ridden and joined leader run-in, no extra towards finish

5/1

Form: 3-2311

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Creditable third at Epsom (1m2f, good to firm) on handicap debut, before making all at Chester (1m2f, good to soft) and asserting final 1f at Glorious Goodwood (1m3f, good to soft); 1m4f looks manageable and 7lb rise may be too, given he was comfortably on top for both wins; steadily progressive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(3)

23rd Sep 2023

Heavy

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Newbury

Balance Play

9st 1lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

in touch with leaders, cajoled along 4f out, pushed along 3f out, hung left but headway on near side of group 2f out, ridden over 1f out, led inside final furlong, soon edged left, went clear final 110yds, comfortably

7/2

10th

11

(9)

25th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

13:50 York

Balance Play

9st 3lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Creditable third at Epsom (1m2f, good to firm) on handicap debut, before making all at Chester (1m2f, good to soft) and asserting final 1f at Glorious Goodwood (1m3f, good to soft); 1m4f looks manageable and 7lb rise may be too, given he was comfortably on top for both wins; steadily progressive.

4/1

1st

2

(13)

4th Aug 2023

Heavy

1m 3f 44y

Class 3

17:20 Goodwood

Balance Play

9st 8lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

midfield

9/2

Form: 034847

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Has done most of his racing at 7f-1m; never-nearer fourth of 11 over 1m2f at Epsom on Oaks day but the 1m4f of Haydock's Old Newton Cup appeared to stretch him on latest start; given a second crack at it today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(1)

12th Aug 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

16:40 Ayr

Toshizou

9st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

His only win was back in 2020 in a Tipperary maiden; has threatened a few times since and wasn't beaten all that far at York last time, but others appeal more for the win; tries cheekpieces.

13/2

8th

5

(1)

12th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:30 York

Toshizou

9st 12lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Only win in 23 attempts was at Tipperary on second juvenile start (7f, good to yielding) when with Joseph O'Brien; some fair form since, notably when third over C&D off 4lb higher in May (good); poor run over C&D (good to soft) latest.

10/1

13th

7

(1)

15th Jun 2024

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 3

13:50 York

Toshizou

9st 13lb

J: Miss Amy Collier

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Acts on soft; beaten all 22 times since winning in 2020 on second start; creditable third in two of six races this season, including in 20-runner C&D race on penultimate outing; case can be made but not the percentage call.

18/1

6/1

Form: -23212 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Going great guns this term, including with his Old Newton Cup win at Haydock (1m4f, good to firm) and going oh so close in a Shergar Cup race at Ascot 13 days ago; up another 5lb but it's hard to keep him out of the picture, bidding to end Paul Hanagan's superb riding career on a winning note.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(3)

17th Oct 2023

Standard

1m 4f 99y

Class 2

16:55 Newcastle (AW)

WoottonSun

9st 5lb

J: David Nolan

T: Richard Fahey

Had been enjoying a consistent season prior to a poor one at York in August, when said to have run flat; the break could have helped but he's 9lb higher than when winning at Haydock, so will need a career best on just his second AW start.

8/1

12th

2

(10)

25th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

13:50 York

WoottonSun

9st 12lb

J: Paul Hanagan

T: Richard Fahey

Going great guns this term, including with his Old Newton Cup win at Haydock (1m4f, good to firm) and going oh so close in a Shergar Cup race at Ascot 13 days ago; up another 5lb but it's hard to keep him out of the picture, bidding to end Paul Hanagan's superb riding career on a winning note.

6/1

2nd

12

(6)

12th Aug 2023

Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

WoottonSun

9st 4lb

T: Richard Fahey

Reserve; below form at this meeting last year; going great guns this season with three places prior to his win from Scampi in the Old Newton Cup at Haydock (1m4f, good to firm; probably okay on good to soft) five weeks ago; up another 5lb but needs plenty of respect.

11/1

Form: 215273

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Promise on good to firm as 2yo; has a cracking record in AW handicaps and ran creditably on soft ground in April, but below form on good and soft in his two starts since; off three months before latest, so perhaps needed that and wasn't disgraced; still needs a career best, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(5)

22nd Oct 2024

Standard

1m 4f 99y

Class 2

16:15 Newcastle (AW)

Capital Theory

9st 4lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Charlie Johnston

Tapeta winner who finished comfortably held in this race last year off a similar mark; arrives with something to prove this time, having been given a two-month break since a few poor efforts in the summer, and La Pulga looks his yard's best chance.

20/1

7

(2)

23rd Aug 2024

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

19:05 Hamilton

Capital Theory

9st 2lb

J: Franny Norton

T: Charlie Johnston

Won here (1m5f, good to soft) in May on first course visit and runner-up here (1m4f, good) next time; however, tailed off here (1m5f, good) subsequently and same story at Ayr (1m5f, good to firm) last time; major turnaround needed in first-time cheekpieces on return from two-month break.

14/1

9th

2

(7)

22nd Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 26y

Class 2

17:55 Ayr

Capital Theory

9st 7lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Charlie Johnston

Had an off day at Hamilton (1m5f, good) three weeks ago but usually consistent; may prefer a bit more give underfoot and he's high in the weights.

8/1

16/1

Form: -48142 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Best RPR last year was on good to firm; ran badly in the Melrose at the meeting last year on his sole run at York; kept largely to AW since, winning at Kempton in June and beaten a nose at Newcastle on latest start (both 1m4f); probably needs a career best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(13)

15th Nov 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Savvy Knight

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: S Woods

slowly into stride, soon prominent, raced wide early, switched right and went second with one circuit to go

6/1

11th

3

(10)

6th Nov 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 2

16:00 Kempton (AW)

Savvy Knight

9st 2lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: S Woods

Won a 1m4f handicap here in June off 2lb lower and suffered a narrow defeat at Newcastle one month later; wasn't at his best at Newcastle last month and unlikely to get things all his own way in this field.

10/1

5th

1

(1)

2nd Oct 2023

Standard

1m 4f 99y

Class 3

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Savvy Knight

10st 2lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: S Woods

Very patchy since winning his first three last season; has claims on July's C&D second (Chillhi fourth) but was always well placed in a messy affair that day and has since bombed on turf; hard to know what to expect in truth.

6/1

Non-runners

Zanndabad

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £123.10
Straight Forecast £74.90
Tricast £2284.62
Trifecta £3809.60

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Intinso

Telegraph:

Wootton'Sun

SPOTLIGHT:

Balance Play

TOPSPEED:

Marhaba The Champ

RP RATINGS:

Paradias

Daily Record:

Dark Moon Rising

D Express:

Legendary Day

POSTDATA:

Ravenscraig Castle

Daily Mail:

Bague D'Or

The Times:

Intinso

Daily Mirror:

Intinso

The Star:

Balance Play

The Guardian:

Wootton'Sun

The Sun:

Wootton'Sun