September 09 / 15.00 Haydock

15.00

Good

Betfair Exchange Old Borough Cup Handicap

  • Prize money: £51540
  • 1m 6f 1y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV3
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Betfair Exchange Old Borough Cup Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £12.80
  • Place: £3.50

Form: 1-0979 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Underwhelming on first three runs this year but not beaten far in ninth in the Ebor (1m6f, good to firm) a fortnight ago and he may be able to build on that, having come good around this time of year last season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

(11)

9th Sep 2023

Good

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

15:00 Haydock

Post Impressionist

9st 0lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Underwhelming on first three runs this year but not beaten far in ninth in the Ebor (1m6f, good to firm) a fortnight ago and he may be able to build on that, having come good around this time of year last season.

13/2

9th

23

(1)

26th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Post Impressionist

8st 12lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: William Haggas

More potent upped to 1m6f (with Adam Farragher) when cheekpieces were initially enlisted for his last two starts last season, notably for a clearcut win over C&D (good to soft); 8lb higher today and has not fired in the same way in his three starts this term; headgear now removed.

25/1

7th

6

(8)

12th Aug 2023

Soft

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Post Impressionist

9st 7lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

More potent upped to 1m6f when cheekpieces were initially enlisted (they've been kept since) for his last two starts last season; underwhelming in the Northumberland Plate (raced a bit freely) on reappearance and tailed off on heavy going at Goodwood one week ago, but he should stay 2m.

8/1

9/2

  • Place: £2.70

Form: -22056

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Having been short of room she did very well to rally for sixth in the Ebor at York (1m6f, good to firm) a fortnight ago, when back up in distance; she's unexposed at this trip and is one to consider off the same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(4)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 7f 127y

Class 1

13:20 Ascot

Caius Chorister

9st 6lb

J: James Doyle

T: David Menuisier

Ended 2023 with French 1m6f Group 3 win from the front (very soft); raised her game again this season upped to 2m (held up) in Group 3s on first two outings, beaten a head by Sweet William on second occasion (soft); however, she's not lived up to those performances, usually racing too freely.

66/1

2nd

8

(3)

31st Aug 2024

Good

1m 6f 87y

Class 1

15:15 Chester

Caius Chorister

9st 3lb

J: James Doyle

T: David Menuisier

Ended last term with a 1m6f French Group 3 win from the front and raised her game again this season when upped to 2m (held up) in Group 3s on first two outings; raced far too freely in the 2m4f Ascot Gold Cup and disappointed when she again raced freely and reverted to front-running at Goodwood four weeks ago; the one to beat judged on initial form this term and James Doyle riding her for the first time is interesting.

5/2

4th

1

(4)

3rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Goodwood

Caius Chorister

9st 9lb

J: Harry Bentley

T: David Menuisier

Won at this meeting in 2022; ended last term with a 1m6f French Group 3 win from the front and better form again this season when upped to 2m and beaten a head in Group 3s at Ascot and Sandown; raced far too freely in the 2m4f Ascot Gold Cup on latest outing but looks a major player today.

11/4

33/1

  • Place: £10.70

Form: 285500 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Smart form in 2022 and early 2023 but went off the boil this spring and he finished down the field in the Ebor at York a fortnight ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(12)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 2

13:30 Carlisle

Enemy

9st 11lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ian Williams

Durable veteran who won twice on the AW early this year; however, he was soundly beaten at Newcastle on Good Friday and faces some unexposed rivals on his return to turf.

25/1

10th

3

(5)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Enemy

9st 10lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ian Williams

Snapped a losing sequence at Southwell (1m4f, Tapeta) in January before close third at Wolverhampton (2m), and returned to winning ways at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) latest; this 9yo is in a more competitive race today but there remains mileage in his mark judged on his old form; might not be far away.

14/1

1st

4

(1)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 2

15:45 Lingfield (AW)

Enemy

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ian Williams

Still very useful at the age of nine, getting his head back in front at Southwell (1m4f) on New Year's Day; split reopposing pair Roaring Legend and Brasil Power when creditable third of six over 2m at Wolverhampton three weeks ago but he has yet to win over this trip.

4/1

4th
2 (4)
Tritonic

16/1

Form: 10-030

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Ran really well when third of 19 in Royal Ascot handicap (2m4f, good) in June and soft ground excuses his heavy defeat at Glorious Goodwood; there can be hope he'll be fine now back down in trip and he's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(2)

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Goodwood

Tritonic

9st 10lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Alan King

Capable of useful form on Flat and over jumps; however, hasn't scored under this code since 2022 and needs to improve on his 2025 AW efforts; admittedly this 8yo may benefit from today's drop back in class.

20/1

4

(2)

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Goodwood

Tritonic

9st 10lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Alan King

Capable of useful form on Flat and over jumps; however, hasn't scored under this code since 2022 and needs to improve on his 2025 AW efforts; admittedly this 8yo may benefit from today's drop back in class.

20/1

5

(12)

18th Apr 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Tritonic

8st 12lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Fine servant to his team but hasn't got his head in front since winning a four-runner chase in late 2023; 33-1 and never dangerous back on the Flat three weeks ago at Kempton (2m).

16/1

16/1

Form: 603636

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Made it 0-8 on turf when well beaten at Ascot latest but perhaps this return to better ground will be a plus and he's 3lb lower than when a close third in a warm race at Ayr (1m5f, good) in June; each-way possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(4)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:45 Hamilton

Nolton Cross

9st 8lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Hugo Palmer

Six wins (latest in February) from 24 AW starts but 0-10 on turf; Newmarket 15 days ago saw first turf race since 2023 and he came last of eight.

25/1

8th

8

(1)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Newmarket

Nolton Cross

8st 11lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Hugo Palmer

Six wins from his 24 AW starts, the latest in February, but 0-9 on turf and he was last seen in this sphere in 2023; fit from AW action (well beaten in hot race last time) but other options seem more likely.

25/1

13th

10

(2)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Nolton Cross

8st 11lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Hugo Palmer

Six wins from his 23 AW starts, the latest at Wolverhampton (1m4f, Tapeta) in February; has continued in good form when fourth at Lingfield and Kempton on last two starts, but he may again be vulnerable today.

25/1

14/1

Form: -53154 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
6yo who is lightly raced for his age and won at Ripon (1m4f, soft) in July; his recent fourth at York (1m4f, good to firm) can perhaps be upgraded as he raced prominently in a race that appeared to suit those ridden more patiently; won over 1m6f last year and could be in the shake-up.
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

12/1

Form: 069950 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Hasn't been at his best in Britain this year but he's dropped down the weights and took a step back in the right direction when mid-division in the Ebor at York, where he had to come from a long way back having been dropped in from his wide draw; has won here and he's not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(3)

5th Nov 2024

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

14:40 Newcastle (AW)

Get Shirty

10st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Long in the tooth and on the downgrade now but still retains a good chunk of ability, as evidenced by his fourth of 20 in Royal Ascot marathon (2m4f, good to firm) in June; moves back up in trip after respectable fourth in deeper race than this here (12.5f) last month; must be considered.

5/4

1st

1

(3)

5th Nov 2024

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

14:40 Newcastle (AW)

Get Shirty

10st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Long in the tooth and on the downgrade now but still retains a good chunk of ability, as evidenced by his fourth of 20 in Royal Ascot marathon (2m4f, good to firm) in June; moves back up in trip after respectable fourth in deeper race than this here (12.5f) last month; must be considered.

5/4

4th

8

(7)

22nd Oct 2024

Standard

1m 4f 99y

Class 2

16:15 Newcastle (AW)

Get Shirty

9st 3lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Winless in well over two years and takes a drop in trip on his belated AW debut, having run a couple of times over 2m4f in the summer; this is less competitive off a career-low mark and he has claims if stamina comes into the equation.

7/1

7/1

Form: -57721

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
His form figures over 1m5f read 172 and he was going beyond that trip for the first time when narrowly beating Aztec Empire to win at York (2m, good to firm) last month; may have more to offer over staying trips but he likes York and it remains to be seen if he'll reproduce that latest form here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(3)

15th Jun 2025

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:45 Hamilton

Forza Orta

8st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

Disappointing sort who ended up 12l behind King's Scholar here last time, following wind surgery; now has a tongue-tie (tried on final start last term) and first-time blinkers.

25/1

2

(14)

28th May 2025

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

16:30 Hamilton

Forza Orta

9st 6lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

0-7 last year and has weakened quickly on both runs this term; however, a wind operation may have done the trick and his good course form and a dangerous mark suggest he's worth a second look.

12/1

2

(14)

28th May 2025

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

16:30 Hamilton

Forza Orta

9st 6lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

0-7 last year and has weakened quickly on both runs this term; however, a wind operation may have done the trick and his good course form and a dangerous mark suggest he's worth a second look.

12/1

9th
13 (15)
Haliphon

20/1

Form: 075820 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Well treated on last summer's form and he's 8lb lower than when fourth of six in this 12 months ago; went close at Yarmouth in July but that's been his sole bright run this year and he was well beaten at York last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(4)

5th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 6

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Haliphon

9st 6lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

0-17 on AW but he returned to form with a staying-on third here (1m6f) last month; now drops back in trip but he's 1lb lower than last time and has possibilities if this sets up for his closing style; visor reapplied.

9/2

3rd

2

(7)

20th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 6

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Haliphon

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

On losing run and 0-16 on AW, unable to justify favouritism at Chelmsford 12 days ago; another 2lb lower today and too much ability to discount.

9/2

7/1

Form: -21520 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Progressive this year, with a win at Newmarket (1m6f, good) in May and a good second at Glorious Goodwood (1m6f, heavy); merely mid-division in the Ebor recently which dents confidence in his claims today, but he could produce a bigger run if settling better and he's not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(8)

27th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Lingfield (AW)

Adjuvant

9st 8lb

J: Joe Bradnam

T: Michael Bell

Winless since May 2023 but he reappeared from five months off the track with a good third of five in 2m Southwell handicap 18 days ago; not out of things on his Polytrack debut eased 1lb.

5/1

3rd

2

(6)

9th Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell (AW)

Adjuvant

9st 12lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Michael Bell

Winless since 2023 and he signed off for last term with a below-par 14th in November Handicap at Doncaster in November; yard is going well though so no forlorn hope off a reduced mark.

8/1

Form: 447-21

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
It was a four-runner race at Goodwood a fortnight ago (1m4f, soft; made all) in which he returned to winning ways, and he's 3lb higher in a hotter race here; however, this 4yo hasn't had much racing and could still have more to offer; ran well over C&D last September and he's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

14

(9)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Sea King

9st 3lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Well beaten at Royal Ascot but won at Ripon (1m4f, soft) and Ayr (1m5f, good to firm) starts either side; blinkered at Ayr and when a good third off this mark to Iron Lion at Ripon on latest start, meeting trouble in running; not 100% sure to be as good at 1m6f (went close in 2022 in one of three attempts) but he leaves the strong impression that he still has more to give.

20/1

3rd

2

(5)

20th Jul 2024

Soft

1m 4f 10y

Class 2

15:55 Ripon

Sea King

10st 1lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Has won five of his 12 handicaps, including at Ripon (1m4f, soft) and Ayr (1m5f, good to firm) on the first and latest of his three races this season; the heavy defeat in between was at Royal Ascot; blinkered first time on latest start and again today; up another 5lb but likely to go well.

2/1

1st

1

(5)

8th Jul 2024

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 3

16:05 Ayr

Sea King

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

travelled strongly, steadied start, towards rear

7/4

10/1

Form: 040834 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Won this in 2020 and third of six last year; this 10yo's losing sequence goes back 23 races to July 2021 but, having dropped down the weights, he's run well in competitive handicaps the last twice; fourth in the Ebor (1m6f, good to firm) most recently and has each-way claims once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

9

(10)

26th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 2

15:15 Doncaster

Euchen Glen

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

11yo who has won just once since 2021 but that came at Ayr (1m5f, good to firm) this June; has run well several times this year, including when fourth of 13 at York (1m2f, soft) a fortnight ago, and might not be far away.

20/1

4th

5

(6)

12th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:05 York

Euchen Glen

9st 0lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

11yo now but he's had a few bright moments this season, including second of eight to Kihavah at Ayr (1m5f, good to firm) three weeks ago; his sixth of 20 in the John Smith's Cup over C&D in July shows he's still effective over shorter trips.

20/1

2nd

3

(5)

21st Sep 2024

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 3

17:15 Ayr

Euchen Glen

9st 12lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

in touch with leaders against rail, going okay 3f out, keeping on and went second over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, no match for winner

6/1

33/1

Form: 123500 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Posted a win and a near-miss in June and soft/heavy ground excuses a couple of his subsequent runs; however, he appeared to be fading when hampered over 2f out at York (2m) last time and others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(5)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:35 Hamilton

La Pulga

9st 8lb

J: Archie Young

T: Charlie Johnston

Front-runner who has been keeping busy, winning at Newcastle (1m4f, AW) last month and going close on two of his three starts since, most recently beaten half a length at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm); has won here and is capable of another bold bid.

7/1

3

(6)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

La Pulga

9st 13lb

J: Hugh Bowman

T: Charlie Johnston

Usually front-runs; never better than with his first and second at the end of last month, which were on AW however and his top four RPRs have now been registered in that sphere; something to find on turf, including as he was third here (1m6f, good to firm) earlier in July but is now 7lb higher and he dropped out at Chepstow on Thursday.

5/1

9/2

Form: 166332 BF

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Creditable third in two hot handicaps in July (2m, AW/good) and was narrowly denied by Forza Orta at York (2m, good to firm) last month, where he may well have won granted a clear run; this 4yo has a progressive profile and is on the shortlist up 3lb for last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(4)

10th May 2024

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:40 Chester

Aztec Empire

8st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Dual Polytrack winner; won just the second of his eight handicaps but clocked up two placings in hot 2m races on good or good to firm last summer (neck second to Forza Orta at York) before a disappointing show in September when last seen; gelded since; seriously involved if back to form and it looks like he'll have his ground; in the mix.

11/2

4th

9

(4)

10th May 2024

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:40 Chester

Aztec Empire

8st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Dual Polytrack winner; won just the second of his eight handicaps but clocked up two placings in hot 2m races on good or good to firm last summer (neck second to Forza Orta at York) before a disappointing show in September when last seen; gelded since; seriously involved if back to form and it looks like he'll have his ground; in the mix.

11/2

Non-runners

Dark Island

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £100.20
Straight Forecast £69.52
Tricast £2916.21
Trifecta £2472.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Caius Chorister

TOPSPEED:

Aztec Empire

NEWMARKET:

Sea King

RP RATINGS:

Get Shirty

Telegraph:

Adjuvant

POSTDATA:

Haliphon

Daily Mail:

Euchen Glen

Daily Mirror:

Caius Chorister

The Sun:

Caius Chorister

The Guardian:

Aztec Empire

The Star:

Aztec Empire

The Times:

Sea King

Daily Record:

Sea King

D Express:

Get Shirty