September 14 / 13.15 Doncaster

13.15

Good To Soft

Meriel Tufnell Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £11596.5
  • 0m 6f 2y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
SKY
View Course
Meriel Tufnell Apprentice Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £11.00
  • Place: £3.60

Form: 259071 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
C&D winner; nearly all wins on good or quicker but has won on soft; has tended to have his good and ordinary days but he made short work of his rivals under Connor Planas at Sandown 12 days ago and is still well treated despite going back up 7lb; good form chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

(3)

23rd Jun 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:00 Pontefract

Rathbone

9st 3lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Herrington

He's now 9lb lower than when completing a double last September and he got a bit closer to the target at Windsor ten days ago; finished second off a 4lb higher mark in this race last year; revival imminent.

10/1

9th

7

(5)

13th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:05 Newbury

Rathbone

9st 7lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

He's now 7lb lower than when completing a double last September but has finished no better than ninth on his six outings since.

33/1

9th

7

(5)

31st May 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

19:45 Doncaster

Rathbone

9st 4lb

J: Ben Sanderson

T: Michael Herrington

awkward start, in touch with leaders

14/1

20/1

  • Place: £4.10

Form: 890809 C

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Two most recent wins over 7f last summer; finally back below his latest winning mark but limited encouragement on turf in 2023 and first-time blinkers now replace regular cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(2)

26th Aug 2025

Good

1m 0f 2y

Class 6

15:50 Musselburgh

Jump The Gun

9st 6lb

J: Mohammed Tabti

T: Iain Jardine

Beaten about 2l when sixth of 16 at Ayr (6f, good to soft) last month but he's been below his best in two starts since (6f/7f); without a win since November 2023 and now steps back up to 1m for the first time in over three years; best watched.

12/1

9

(1)

11th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

14:30 Ayr

Jump The Gun

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Iain Jardine

Versatile trip-wise and was runner-up over 6f here (good) in April but he's not matched that form since and is now 0-21 since his last win in November 2023; stablemate of No Nay Nevermind.

14/1

4

(2)

28th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:30 Ayr

Jump The Gun

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Iain Jardine

Not easy to win with these days (last turf win was in August 2022); good C&D second in April; hasn't fared quite as well since, although fair run when 2.25l sixth of 16 over C&D three weeks ago.

9/1

10/1

  • Place: £4.00

Form: 332175 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Often leads; multiple sprint handicap wins, all on good or quicker; having a good year but has his share of weight after the latest of three wins under Mia Nicholls and unlikely to raise his game on ground slower than good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(4)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Abate

9st 8lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: George Baker

11-time turf winner who won by 4l at Lingfied in July but he's been a long way below that form in three subsequent runs; this return to 6f is no problem but he needs a major revival on belated Tapeta debut; blinkers reapplied.

14/1

6th

4

(4)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Abate

9st 8lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: George Baker

11-time turf winner who won by 4l at Lingfied in July but he's been a long way below that form in three subsequent runs; this return to 6f is no problem but he needs a major revival on belated Tapeta debut; blinkers reapplied.

14/1

8th

10

(1)

14th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 4

17:40 Lingfield (AW)

Abate

9st 4lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: George Baker

Ran away with a turf handicap here (5f, good to soft; blinkered first time) in July; two heavy defeats have followed and this looks a warm race in which to try and bounce back; no accessories this time.

25/1

OUR TIP

33/1

Form: 117-00

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Dual winner at about 5f in Ireland last summer (good to firm and good) but he hasn't beaten a rival in two starts this year and has an awful lot to prove for new yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(9)

11th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

15:10 Chelmsford (AW)

Kodi Red

9st 8lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Darryll Holland

His C&D win last October came off a 16lb higher mark so his ability for a race of this nature isn't in doubt; he hasn't been firing in recent starts though, including when well supported.

6/1

9

(6)

18th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 6

19:30 Windsor

Kodi Red

9st 7lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Darryll Holland

Two 6f wins in 2024, both off a mark 14lb higher than today's; the odd promising sign this year and Hector Crouch replaces a 7lb claimer tonight.

14/1

4th

1

(4)

6th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 3y

Class 6

20:02 Yarmouth

Kodi Red

9st 9lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Darryll Holland

5yo who has a regressive profile but has dropped down the weights and took a step back in the right direction when sixth of 14 at Windsor (6f, good to firm) in June last time; might not be far away.

9/2

Form: 8-9034

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Sole win over 5f last June but had a troubled run when a strong-finishing fourth in only his second 6f handicap, at Pontefract last month (good to firm; handles good to soft); can hang so not the easiest of rides but has potential at 6f and Billy Loughnane has first ride for the yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(5)

7th May 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Rambuso Creek

9st 6lb

J: William Pyle

T: Michael Herrington

Both of his wins from 41 starts have been on turf, the most recent in October 2023, but he was unlucky not to finish closer at Wolverhampton (6f, AW) 31 days ago; each-way claims if things drop right for this hold-up performer.

7/1

5th

6

(9)

6th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

17:25 Wolverhampton (AW)

Rambuso Creek

9st 2lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Michael Herrington

Always had his quirks and again hung left when a beaten-favourite at Southwell last time; usually dropped in and that will likely be the case again from the outside stall, in which case he'll need things to pan out ideally down from 7f.

8/1

6th

4

(4)

11th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:05 Southwell (AW)

Rambuso Creek

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Michael Herrington

0-13 on AW but he is fully effective on Tapeta; the step up to 7f didn't yield instant dividends at Wolverhampton 16 days ago but he didn't get chance to show his true colours, tight for room inside the final furlong and having to switch right before keeping on steadily; this more spacious track could see him in a better light.

7/1

10/1

Form: 571754 C

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
All wins at 5f, most recently on soft ground here in July, and has more to prove now back at 6f with just one worthwhile run over the trip from five attempts, at Naas in May 2022.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(4)

1st Oct 2024

Soft

0m 5f 10y

Class 6

16:55 Bath

Speedacus

9st 7lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: John Butler

Five-time turf winner on a variety of ground, but has shown precious little in nine starts for this yard despite a plummeting mark; market should indicate whether a revival is expected.

14/1

13th

5

(7)

3rd Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

19:15 Newcastle (AW)

Speedacus

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: John Butler

Five-time winner over 5f on turf; out of form since joining present yard, but has dropped to a good mark and may do better on return from a break.

25/1

Form: 715046 CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Superb 3-4 strike-rate over C&D, including this race last year; just 2lb higher than for his impressive Newmarket win in June and showed he hasn't lost his edge when sixth of 17 in a top York handicap last time (6f, good to firm); another dry week would have been ideal, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(5)

15th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:00 Newmarket (July)

Temple Bruer

9st 9lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Mike Murphy

Career win number ten at Yarmouth last month (6f, good) and the first-time visor tried there was replaced by cheekpieces when fourth at Bath; with the visor back on he's entitled to have some say.

10/1

1

(3)

1st Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

18:30 Bath

Temple Bruer

9st 9lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Mike Murphy

All of his turf wins have been on good or quicker and he secured his tenth career success when scoring at Yarmouth (6f) two weeks ago; remains feasibly treated off 4lb higher and he's a big player again if he gets a good tow into this race; visor worn last time is removed and cheekpieces return.

7/2

3

(6)

16th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 3y

Class 6

19:40 Yarmouth

Temple Bruer

9st 11lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Mike Murphy

Won off way higher marks in the past and ran respectably to be third at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) last time; first-time visor joins his regular tongue-tie (usually wears cheekpieces) and he's down to a career-low mark; has run well here before and he's respected.

5/1

Form: 707778 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Useful 2yo, just touched off in a sales race on this card before winning a York Listed (good to soft); turf form this year bears no resemblance but 23lb lower than on return to grass in July and perhaps discarding regular headgear will have a sweetening effect now down in grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(3)

2nd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:48 Pontefract

Alpha Capture

9st 4lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Roger Fell

Form for new yard this term comprises two placed efforts over 1m and a running-on sixth over 7f; useful over 6f early in career but isn't crying out for the return to this trip.

7/1

6th

12

(11)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:23 Thirsk

Alpha Capture

8st 13lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Roger Fell

Smart 2yo for Wiliam Haggas; won a Killarney handicap in July 2024 when trained by Willie Mullins; two good runs for new yard this spring, third at Newcastle and Pontefract (both 1m), and likely to be in the shake up.

6/1

3rd

1

(3)

7th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

14:57 Pontefract

Alpha Capture

9st 9lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Roger Fell

Listed winner for William Haggas and handicap scorer for Willie Mullins; close third at Newcastle (1m, AW) on stable/seasonal debut; possibilities off same mark back on turf.

4/1

9th
15 (1)
Snash

10/1

Form: 440057 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Drawn on the flank and lost unbeaten Tapeta record at Newcastle 14 days ago but well treated after a slow season and the embers stirred when third in his group in the Silver Trophy at Ripon on latest turf start (6f, good to soft; weights turnaround with the third Strong Johnson); of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

(12)

17th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Snash

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

midfield on outer, pushed along halfway, switched to near side and ridden over 2f out

7/1

4th

12

(3)

3rd Oct 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:40 Newcastle (AW)

Snash

8st 10lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Good strike-rate on AW and he's run creditably on his last three starts; drops back in trip and he's one to take seriously.

12/1

5th

11

(7)

17th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Snash

9st 0lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Tim Easterby

4-9 on Tapeta including two wins over 6f here; 7lb below his last winning mark and has run with credit over 7f at Southwell in his last two starts, but this stiffer track does pose a question.

9/1

9/1

Form: 316719 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Generally suited by good or quicker but he rose to new heights when winning on good to soft under Alex Jary at Nottingham last month (6f); no impact off 5lb higher since and he could do with the ground drying out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

(9)

3rd Oct 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:10 Newcastle (AW)

As If By Chance

9st 3lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Inconsistent and regressive this year but down the weights and he was third of 13 off this mark over C&D last month; would have been closer granted a clear run and can be involved if he's on another going day.

8/1

3rd

12

(6)

10th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

As If By Chance

9st 6lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

5lb lower than for his turf win last August; mixed bag this year but he's fully effective under these conditions; others still appeal more.

16/1

11th

10

(11)

19th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 4

18:55 Windsor

As If By Chance

9st 5lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

slowly away

10/1

Form: 656312 D BF

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
First five wins at 5f but he's run some excellent races back over 6f of late, first home in his group in the Silver Trophy at Ripon (good to soft) before winning at Redcar; carried out of his ground when second to well-treated course specialist back at Ripon last week and another good run looks assured.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(2)

31st Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

14:28 Newcastle (AW)

Strong Johnson

9st 7lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

led narrowly on far side of group, headed halfway, weakened inside final furlong

9/2

7th

2

(2)

31st Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

14:28 Newcastle (AW)

Strong Johnson

9st 7lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

The veteran of the field but he arrives in top form, finding only the revitalised Mondammej too strong over C&D three weeks ago; not dismissed lightly off an unchanged mark.

9/2

2nd

7

(7)

8th Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:33 Newcastle (AW)

Strong Johnson

9st 0lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Paul Midgley

led but pestered, headed inside final furlong, soon no extra

7/1

20/1

Form: 08-990 D

Last run: 127 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Triple winner at 6f and 1m in France, including on heavy, but never found a way for James Ferguson and he came home in his own time when last seen in May; has dropped a long way in the weights, though, and interesting to see what can be done for new yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(9)

2nd Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:50 Southwell (AW)

San Isidro

9st 10lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

taken down early, took keen hold, held up in rear, rapid headway halfway, raced slightly wide but pressed leaders home turn, weakened quickly from 2f out

7/1

8th

5

(9)

2nd Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:50 Southwell (AW)

San Isidro

9st 10lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

taken down early, took keen hold, held up in rear

7/1

7th

3

(2)

1st Oct 2024

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

16:00 Ayr

San Isidro

9st 12lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

His last win was in France in 2021 but he's dropped a long way in the weights and showed signs of a revival when third at Thirsk (7f, good to soft) two weeks ago; that was with an eyeshield added and he has claims if he can back that up.

3/1

Form: 220/07

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Progressed well at 5f on turf in 2021 but he missed all of 2022 and has faded in both runs this year; lots to prove back at 6f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(4)

16th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 210y

Class 6

16:40 Brighton

A Pint Of Bear

8st 13lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Scott Dixon

Couple of 6f wins at Brighton last term; proved resurgent over C&D (good to soft) last week, going down by only a whisker; now 2lb lower and due to go back up 6lb in future; leading player.

7/2

2nd

9

(1)

7th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 210y

Class 6

17:15 Brighton

A Pint Of Bear

9st 2lb

J: Mikkel Mortensen

T: Scott Dixon

Won twice here (6f) last year but on a downward trajectory since then; shaped okay here (fifth) on return from a 266-day absence in early September but his more recent AW efforts (6f-7f) have failed to offer further encouragement.

20/1

11th

12

(1)

29th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

A Pint Of Bear

8st 13lb

J: Sam Feilden

T: Scott Dixon

Scored three times off higher marks last year but has a doubt over current form, having posted two substandard efforts since belatedly returning to action.

16/1

Non-runners

Antiphon, Sound Of Iona

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £188.00
Straight Forecast £142.48
Tricast £1769.57
Trifecta £2315.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Strong Johnson

TOPSPEED:

Speedacus

RP RATINGS:

Rambuso Creek

Telegraph:

Temple Bruer

POSTDATA:

Snash

The Times:

Rathbone

The Guardian:

Speedacus

Daily Mail:

Strong Johnson

D Express:

Strong Johnson

Daily Mirror:

Strong Johnson

The Sun:

Strong Johnson

The Star:

Strong Johnson

Daily Record:

Strong Johnson