September 09 / 16.10 Haydock

16.10

Good

Betfair Be Friendly Handicap

  • Prize money: £33501
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
RTV
View Course
Betfair Be Friendly Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 305493 CD

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Yet to win in 2023 but not for a lack of effort, regularly acquitting himself with credit in top sprints; near his best when third in a Group 2 at Goodwood five weeks ago and that form looks rock solid; going back up 6lb does leave him with something to find on this year's handicap runs though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(1)

23rd Sep 2023

Heavy

0m 5f 34y

Class 1

13:30 Newbury

Raasel

9st 3lb

J: James Doyle

T: Michael Appleby

Tough sprinter who looks better than ever this season; cracking effort to win a Haydock handicap (5f, good) a fortnight ago and he bumped into a rapid improver at Doncaster on Saturday; effective on very soft ground and should make another bold bid.

9/4

2nd

2

(1)

17th Sep 2023

Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 1

16:10 Doncaster

Raasel

9st 13lb

J: William Buick

T: Michael Appleby

Solid form in Group races this year, notably his Goodwood third, and better than ever with his mighty weight-carrying effort in a good Haydock handicap last week; stayed on strongly off a good pace on that occasion to win with something to spare (good Topspeed figure); fully effective on soft and he's the one to beat on ratings; solid contender.

11/8

1st

1

(3)

9th Sep 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Haydock

Raasel

10st 0lb

J: James Doyle

T: Michael Appleby

Yet to win in 2023 but not for a lack of effort, regularly acquitting himself with credit in top sprints; near his best when third in a Group 2 at Goodwood five weeks ago and that form looks rock solid; going back up 6lb does leave him with something to find on this year's handicap runs though.

7/1

OUR TIP

25/1

  • Place: £4.20

Form: 0-6090 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Front-runner; won five times last season, notably the Dash at Epsom and a Listed race at Tipperary; yet to show anything like the same zip this year, including in two runs since a wind op (stiff task latest), but he's down in the weights and Mia Nicholls takes off a further 7lb; carries risk but not impossible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(5)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Haydock

Tees Spirit

9st 1lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Adrian Nicholls

Capable 5f performer on his day but has not made the frame in six runs this year; a slow start meant he couldn't adopt his usual front-running tactics at York five weeks ago, and his mark is tumbling, but he's risky.

20/1

19th

4

(18)

20th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 89y

Class 2

13:50 York

Tees Spirit

9st 5lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Adrian Nicholls

Smart front-runner on his day; the handicapper took a dim view of his Beverley win last September and he has found it tough going this time around, including at Redcar 11 days ago after a wind op; he is well handicapped again now though and should have a big run in him if his high draw proves no hindrance.

40/1

12/1

  • Place: £3.60

Form: 730853 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 8st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
He's never been prolific but he retains a chunk of ability and ran another good race on AW when third behind Alligator Alley at Newcastle nine days ago; more will be needed to take this though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(1)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 212y

Class 5

17:13 Catterick

Arecibo

9st 9lb

J: Conor Orr

T: Declan Carroll

Smart sprinter in his prime but last win was four years ago and he's finished down the field in four runs this season; return to 6f in his favour but don't need much encouragement to look elsewhere.

14/1

2nd

4

(1)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 212y

Class 5

17:13 Catterick

Arecibo

9st 9lb

J: Conor Orr

T: Declan Carroll

Smart sprinter in his prime but last win was four years ago and he's finished down the field in four runs this season; return to 6f in his favour but don't need much encouragement to look elsewhere.

14/1

6th

11

(1)

17th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:30 Thirsk

Arecibo

8st 7lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Veteran who was a smart sprinter in his prime but last win was four years ago and he's finished down the field in three runs this season; dropped another 3lb but he has lots to prove on this first run at 7f; visor removed.

25/1

4/1

Form: 242113 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
The type his trainer does so well with and he's firmly on the upgrade now, winning over C&D and at Goodwood before an excellent third at York 17 days ago (5.5f, good to firm), doing best of those to race in the stand-side group; should be more in the locker and he's a strong contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(9)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:15 Beverley

Jm Jungle

9st 4lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Admirable sprinter who has run some fine races in defeat this year, including when having poor track position in the Nunthorpe nine days ago; drops in grade and holds solid claims.

5/2

7th

4

(16)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Jm Jungle

10st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Handles most ground; best form when winning a Group 2 on good to soft at Glorious Goodwood in 2025 and although he hasn't nailed it in the same way this year, the recent rain could give him a toehold into this race; visored once as a 2yo, now goes in blinkers.

25/1

5th

4

(14)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Jm Jungle

9st 4lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Won a handicap at this meeting in 2023 and he won this race last year (good to soft; seems versatile ground-wise); he hasn't been at the very top of his game this year but there have been encouraging signs on his last two starts and he could play a leading role back at Glorious Goodwood.

10/1

5th
6 (7)

10/1

Form: 185316 D BF

Last run: 37 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Front-runner; four 5f wins to his name and he ran creditably in a useful handicap at Goodwood last month (behind Jm Jungle; not sure he's well enough treated for a race of this nature though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 127240 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Ran a stormer from a high draw at York in July (5f, good to soft) and similar form at Redcar last month (6f, good); behind a couple of these at the Ebor meeting though and he's 2lb out of the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

(3)

13th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:45 Beverley

Ventura Express

9st 5lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Has drawn a blank since scoring over C&D in July 2024 but he's on a dangerous mark and latest keeping-on fourth of 17 at York (5f, good to firm) was encouraging with a return to a stiff 5f in mind (all six wins here and at Pontefract).

11/2

14/1

Form: 254000 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Form took off in 2021, winning five times (twice over C&D including this race off 1lb lower); several good runs in defeat this year and he's edging back down the weights; below par twice at the Ebor meeting but might be seen to better effect at this track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

(7)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

18:45 Pontefract

Mondammej

8st 11lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

9yo who has dropped down the weights and showed spark when second of four at Nottingham last month; however, well beaten at Thirsk since and he's winless on turf since September 2021; others appeal more.

50/1

12th

9

(5)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:17 Thirsk

Mondammej

9st 8lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Talented veteran but has temperament to match his ability; no turf win since 2021 and when second at Nottingham 11 days ago there were only four runners; more minor money perhaps his best hope.

9/1

2nd

1

(4)

21st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 8y

Class 5

17:50 Nottingham

Mondammej

10st 0lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Winless on turf since 2021 but showed more on his second run back from a break last time, is now 2lb lower and this is easier than the handicaps he's used to contesting; tends to be held up and a speed-favouring 5f in a small field may not be optimal but he's capable.

6/1

8th
9 (2)
Lihou

15/2

Form: 202551 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Had dropped a long way in the weights and has enjoyed a resurgence in 2023, winning for the fifth time when seeing off six rivals at Goodwood two weeks ago (5f, soft); ran well in one start here in 2021; this looks too competitive though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(5)

17th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Lihou

9st 4lb

J: George Downing

T: David Evans

12-time winner split between turf and AW; his last success was off 3lb higher at Leicester (6f) last August and he showed signs of a revival with his late headway at Southwell (5f, Tapeta) last month; has each-way claims if he can build on that and yard is in good form.

16/1

3rd

1

(7)

24th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 5

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Lihou

9st 9lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: David Evans

Not won on AW for nearly two years and mainly below form since last win at Leicester in August; 2lb badly in and plenty to prove back in distance.

16/1

3rd

1

(7)

24th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 5

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Lihou

9st 9lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: David Evans

Not won on AW for nearly two years and mainly below form since last win at Leicester in August; 2lb badly in and plenty to prove back in distance.

16/1

Form: 803321 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Talented sprinter who ran a cracker in a hot sprint at the Ebor meeting (5.5f, good to firm); enhanced his fine record on Tapeta with an impressive Newcastle AW win nine days ago (broke the track record) and going back up 5lb shouldn't handicap him out of things; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(6)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 3

16:15 Southwell (AW)

Alligator Alley

9st 4lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ruth Carr

9yo who was well beaten at 33-1 at Redcar a fortnight ago; however, he may have needed that first run since January and he completed an AW hat-trick late last year, the first leg coming over this C&D; he's won here three times and could bounce back with a bold show returned to Southwell.

10/1

9th

2

(9)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Redcar

Alligator Alley

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ruth Carr

Enjoyed a terrific spell on AW at the end of 2025, winning four times; given a break since a lesser effort behind Spring Is Sprung at Southwell in January; runner-up in this race last year but off 14lb lower.

25/1

2

(9)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

Alligator Alley

9st 9lb

J: William Pyle

T: Ruth Carr

Has only managed to win two of his last 31 starts, though he got it right when recording his second C&D success last month (four of these behind); had excuses back here last time (blindfold removed late) and he's a big player if things pan out right this time.

4/1

15/2

Form: 311398 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 8st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Still seeking his first turf win but he's had excuses on several occasions; should get a good pace to aim at today and the best could still be to come from him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(4)

22nd Aug 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 6

19:45 Lingfield (AW)

Harry Brown

9st 9lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Peter Crate

Landed his fifth win at this venue when scoring on the turf track (5f, good to firm) in May; has held his form since, apart from when his saddle slipped at Windsor, and holds place prospects at least.

3/1

3rd

7

(7)

30th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 3y

Class 5

20:25 Epsom

Harry Brown

9st 1lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Peter Crate

Better known for his AW exploits but he has been in good order on turf this summer; closely matched with Twirler on latest C&D run.

10/1

5th

8

(1)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

19:50 Epsom

Harry Brown

8st 11lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Peter Crate

Scored at Lingfield (5f, good to firm) in May and probably bettered that performance when very close second at Brighton (5.2f, good to firm) last month; recent Windsor run is best overlooked (saddle slipped); slightly out of the weights but the return to 6f won't be a problem; probably won't be far away.

14/1

12/1

Form: 711395 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Retains a good chunk of his ability, and all of his speed, recording career wins 13 and 14 in July; another fine run at York 17 days ago but he'll do well to boss this field from 4lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(2)

20th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

20:24 Newcastle (AW)

Copper Knight

9st 11lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

Grand servant to connections and he was recording the 19th win of his long career when successful at Beverley (5f, good to soft) in May; four subsequent defeats have seen him slip to a mark 2lb lower than for that win; has won over C&D but likely vulnerable to younger rivals.

20/1

10th

8

(5)

25th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 4

16:23 Chester

Copper Knight

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Admirable veteran who had a wicked draw in a C&D handicap last month that he'd won three times before; better boxed this time and there was much to like about his previous effort at Thirsk; considered.

8/1

12/1

Form: 760045 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Thrived last year, including when blowing his rivals away in the corresponding event off a 9lb higher mark; he hasn't looked the same force this year, including after wind surgery, and connections now change his headgear; this looks a stronger renewal than last year too.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(8)

23rd Feb 2024

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 4

16:55 Wolverhampton (AW)

Look Out Louis

9st 8lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Ended up dropping right away at Newcastle 13 days ago but that was his first run for five months and he's been dropped another 4lb for his troubles; likely to come good again soon, albeit perhaps in a race with fewer front-runners.

12/1

10th

5

(6)

10th Feb 2024

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Look Out Louis

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

led, headed but prominent after 1f, weakened inside final furlong

14/1

12th

11

(10)

9th Sep 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Haydock

Look Out Louis

8st 7lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Julie Camacho

Thrived last year, including when blowing his rivals away in the corresponding event off a 9lb higher mark; he hasn't looked the same force this year, including after wind surgery, and connections now change his headgear; this looks a stronger renewal than last year too.

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £60.90
Straight Forecast £53.53
Tricast £510.56
Trifecta £638.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Jm Jungle

RP RATINGS:

Harry Brown

Telegraph:

Alligator Alley

The Times:

Look Out Louis

D Express:

Democracy Dilemma

The Guardian:

Lihou

NEWMARKET:

Harry Brown

TOPSPEED:

Jm Jungle

POSTDATA:

Jm Jungle

Daily Mirror:

Jm Jungle

The Sun:

Jm Jungle

Daily Record:

Jm Jungle

The Star:

Alligator Alley

Daily Mail:

Look Out Louis