October 12 / 14.10 Ayr

14.10

Heavy

Virgin Bet Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £4187.2
  • 1m 2f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 13 runners
RTV
View Course
Virgin Bet Apprentice Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Scattered showers

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.15
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 113046 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 10st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
He's below his last winning mark and he didn't run badly when sixth of eight in a higher grade over C&D (soft) last Tuesday; however, he was behind two of these and hasn't been at his best on his last three starts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

18:20 Hexham

Bashful

11st 11lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Iain Jardine

Showed benefit of latest wind op when winning twice at around 2m in February (good to soft/soft); slightly disappointing on latest outing in April, though, and needs to be back in peak form to have a chance off current mark.

8/1

6th

4

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

17:05 Perth

Bashful

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Iain Jardine

in touch with leaders

5/1

6th

4

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

17:05 Perth

Bashful

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Iain Jardine

A dual 2m winner and progressive over hurdles this season but he failed to translate that form back onto the Flat at Doncaster last month; he's the sort to bounce back here though.

5/1

2nd
7 (13)
Ayr Poet

13/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 132133 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Five-time course winner including three this year (1m/1m2f, soft/good to soft), and he was a good third in a higher grade than today's over C&D (soft) last Tuesday; consistent and can be thereabouts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(2)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

17:28 Carlisle

Ayr Poet

9st 3lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

All 13 wins have come elsewhere but he does have course form and he did so well when going close at Ayr (1m1f, good to firm) last week; however, he's now 6lb higher than his September win which might be a step too far.

9/2

2nd

9

(6)

20th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 20y

Class 4

14:42 Ayr

Ayr Poet

8st 12lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

Rounded off last season with a game win here (1m Class 5, good to soft; from 4lb lower), that his 13th win; struggled in a competitive Sunday Series Handicap at Musselburgh 24 days ago, and it might be a similar story here; stablemate of Pearl Eye and Motawaared.

40/1

12th

8

(12)

26th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 2y

Class 4

15:45 Musselburgh

Ayr Poet

9st 6lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Jim Goldie

11yo who was as good as ever last season, winning three times, including at Ayr in September when last season; this two-time course winner is not ruled out on his return but there's a suspicion he'll improve for the run.

16/1

10/1

  • Place: £4.70

Form: /48/93

Last run: 68 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Returned from a long absence to make stable debut in July and he was an encouraging third of six at Hamilton (1m3f, heavy) in August on his second start back; continues to drop down the weights and he could take another step back in the right direction this afternoon; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(12)

20th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

1m 2f 1y

Class 6

17:38 Redcar

Stockbridge Tap

10st 4lb

J: Miss Roisin Leech

T: Lucinda Russell

Ten runs, two wind operations and no win but he's been third on heavy going over 1m3f/1m2f on last two outings, which puts him right in the mix.

12/1

3rd

13

(2)

12th Oct 2023

Heavy

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

14:10 Ayr

Stockbridge Tap

8st 11lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Lucinda Russell

Returned from a long absence to make stable debut in July and he was an encouraging third of six at Hamilton (1m3f, heavy) in August on his second start back; continues to drop down the weights and he could take another step back in the right direction this afternoon; one to consider.

10/1

3rd

2

(4)

5th Aug 2023

Soft

1m 3f 15y

Class 6

20:30 Hamilton

Stockbridge Tap

9st 11lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Lucinda Russell

held up in rear, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, no extra final 110yds

7/1

Form: 115564 BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Won two novices at about 7f (good to soft/good to firm) in May/June; yet to strike in handicaps but he was a fair fourth of six at Epsom (8.5f, good to firm) last time and the dam's side of this 3yo's pedigree suggests the step up to 1m2f is worth a go; has run okay on soft; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

24th Jun 2025

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

18:57 Newton Abbot

Kentucky Bluegrass

11st 1lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Nigel Hawke

0-9 over hurdles; not disgraced when fifth of 11 off his lowly handicap mark here (2m2f, good) last month but a minor role is probably his best hope on these terms.

20/1

8

28th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 110y

Class 5

14:48 Newton Abbot

Kentucky Bluegrass

11st 4lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Nigel Hawke

Underwhelming form in handicaps and behind Privilege at Ffos Las despite that rival making a bad mistake.

25/1

8

28th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 110y

Class 5

14:48 Newton Abbot

Kentucky Bluegrass

11st 4lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Nigel Hawke

Underwhelming form in handicaps and behind Privilege at Ffos Las despite that rival making a bad mistake.

25/1

Form: 441318 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who was uncharacteristically below par at Newcastle (1m, AW) a fortnight ago but he was in good form previously, with wins at Haydock (1m2f, soft) in July and at Southwell (1m, AW) in September; has also won on heavy ground; can make a bold bid if bouncing back from last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(11)

28th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Bushfire

9st 6lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Gemma Tutty

Win and a close second to his name from four runs over C&D and returns to Tapeta on a career-low mark following a patchy turf campaign; can pull hard and will need some luck from a wide stall in first-time cheekpieces but he's potentially well treated.

7/1

10th

6

(11)

28th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Bushfire

9st 6lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Gemma Tutty

Win and a close second to his name from four runs over C&D and returns to Tapeta on a career-low mark following a patchy turf campaign; can pull hard and will need some luck from a wide stall in first-time cheekpieces but he's potentially well treated.

7/1

4th

6

(6)

18th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 2f 1y

Class 6

17:20 Redcar

Bushfire

10st 12lb

J: Miss Amy Collier

T: Gemma Tutty

towards rear, good headway on inner 4f out, switched right 3f out, disputing second over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong

6/1

9/1

Form: 024454 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 10st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
His last three wins have come here (1m/1m2f, good to firm/good) and he ran pretty well when fourth of eight over C&D last Tuesday (soft; Ayr Poet a short head in front in third); drops back in grade today and could be in the mix if suited by the first-time visor (replacing usual cheekpieces).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(4)

23rd Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

15:33 Newcastle (AW)

Tilsitt

9st 7lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: R Mike Smith

Proving expensive to follow but continues to run well now and again and can't be left out of calculations even though down the field here yesterday.

20/1

9th

9

(4)

23rd Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

15:33 Newcastle (AW)

Tilsitt

9st 7lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: R Mike Smith

Proving expensive to follow but continues to run well now and again and can't be left out of calculations even though down the field here yesterday.

20/1

10th

8

(1)

22nd Nov 2024

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

15:39 Newcastle (AW)

Tilsitt

9st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: R Mike Smith

Has never attempted this far on the AW before, but he has run well over similar trips on turf; losing run of 31 is a concern, though.

10/1

12/1

Form: 235314 CD

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
Close third at Beverley (1m2f, heavy) last month and won comfortably at Hamilton (8.3f, good to soft) next time; only fourth of seven when unpenalised back at Hamilton (8.3f, soft) last Monday and a new 6lb higher mark has now kicked in, but he's not ruled out in view of his penultimate form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(3)

20th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

1m 2f 1y

Class 6

17:38 Redcar

Mac Ailey

10st 6lb

J: Miss Rebecca Burley

T: Tim Easterby

Two wins this season and close third at Beverley (1m2f, heavy) last month; latest run was also on heavy when below form at Ayr (off his highest mark for a long time) but he's one to consider.

11/1

7th

12

(7)

12th Oct 2023

Heavy

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

14:10 Ayr

Mac Ailey

8st 12lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Close third at Beverley (1m2f, heavy) last month and won comfortably at Hamilton (8.3f, good to soft) next time; only fourth of seven when unpenalised back at Hamilton (8.3f, soft) last Monday and a new 6lb higher mark has now kicked in, but he's not ruled out in view of his penultimate form.

12/1

4th

7

(6)

2nd Oct 2023

Soft

1m 0f 68y

Class 5

16:40 Hamilton

Mac Ailey

8st 9lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Has done his winning in Class 6; however, he's ahead of the assessor, having escaped a penalty for last week's comfortable success in apprentice event over C&D (good to soft); strong chance off the same mark.

15/8

Form: 737500

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Trainer won this with a 3yo last season; won over 1m4f on soft ground at Doncaster in April and he could appreciate this drop back in trip having struggled over 14.3f plus on his last three starts; however, he nevertheless has plenty to prove based on that recent evidence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

26th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 16y

Class 5

14:18 Chepstow

Nobody Told Me

10st 6lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Thomas Faulkner

Stayed on for very respectable fourth at Hereford (2m3f, good) this month, his second run in a visor, but is yet to be placed after 11 hurdling starts and needs to find something extra today.

13/2

4th

8

7th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

15:25 Hereford

Nobody Told Me

10st 6lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Thomas Faulkner

Respectable fifth in similar races at Taunton and Chepstow last month but has yet to place over hurdles after ten attempts.

12/1

5th

11

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:48 Chepstow

Nobody Told Me

10st 8lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Thomas Faulkner

Didn't run badly when fifth on heavy ground at Taunton (2m3f) last week but he's 0-9 over hurdles now and needs to be perked up by a change of headgear today.

20/1

16/1

Form: 594265 CD

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Won off this mark at Musselburgh (1m4f, good) in June and good second over this C&D (good) in August; has also run well on soft this term; however, she's finished down the field the last twice; has to get back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(5)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 6

17:22 Hamilton

Sophiesticate

9st 9lb

J: Kyle McHugh

T: R Mike Smith

Below par on final two starts last year and same story on recent reappearance over 1m at Ayr; however, she's back up to a more suitable trip today and is 6lb below her last winning mark; not written off.

14/1

7th

6

(6)

20th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

17:15 Ayr

Sophiesticate

9st 6lb

J: Joe Bradnam

T: R Mike Smith

Campaigned mostly at longer trips (stays 12.5f) and offered little back over 1m at Newcastle in early December.

33/1

7

(2)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

13:40 Ayr

Sophiesticate

9st 2lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

C&D winner who was on the scoresheet at Musselburgh (1m4f, good) in August; ran okay when third over C&D (soft) nine days ago but was no match for the first two (including Cisco Disco); needs something extra.

9/1

10th
9 (1)
Lunacy

8/1

Form: 175618 BF

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
3yo who won at Hamilton (1m3f, soft) in July and posted an easy success there (1m3f, good to soft) last month; he's inconsistent and was well beaten at Hamilton (1m4f, soft) last Monday, but that reportedly came too soon after his previous run (eight days) and he's not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

(8)

10th Oct 2024

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 6

17:08 Ayr

Lunacy

8st 12lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Dual 1m3f winner on soft; stays 16.5f; not ruled out of the prize-money but will have to raise the bar to win this; ideally wants rain.

10/1

4th

9

(5)

2nd Oct 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 189y

Class 6

15:23 Catterick

Lunacy

9st 1lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Iain Jardine

1m3f winner; stays 16.5f; performing to a consistent level for the most part of late but has not got close to winning; not ruled out each-way.

8/1

3rd

7

(8)

17th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Lunacy

9st 1lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Losing run up to 13, but not disgraced in finishing fourth in his last three starts over 1m2f-1m4f on turf; attempts this far for the first time, but each-way claims if seeing it out.

7/1

66/1

Form: 30/788

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Tailed off on both starts this summer following a long absence and it was the same story when 80-1 on his recent stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(4)

7th Mar 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Maraakiz

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Ewan Whillans

Tongue tied and not disgraced when sixth of nine in 9.5f Wolverhampton handicap 17 days ago; cheekpieces go on now but it's still 12 outings since his sole success.

7/1

6th

9

(8)

19th Feb 2024

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Maraakiz

8st 12lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Ewan Whillans

Won at Chelmsford (7f, AW) on his debut in November 2020 but he's 0-11 since and has finished tailed off in six of his last seven starts; has dropped a long way in the weights and he ran well on his penultimate run but he was beaten 38l at Newcastle last time; opposable.

16/1

11th

5

(1)

4th Jan 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Maraakiz

9st 7lb

J: David Nolan

T: Ewan Whillans

Chelmsford winner for William Haggas as a 2yo who showed little after returning from a mammoth absence last July, but much better when beaten just over a length into fourth of 12 at Southwell (1m, Tapeta) four weeks ago; major player if building on that from the same mark.

6/1

20/1

Form: -34667

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Showed promise on soft ground during light 2yo campaign and she's well treated judged on her first two handicap runs this April/June; however, her form has gone the wrong way since and the first-time visor (replacing cheekpieces) needs to prompt a dramatic turnaround.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(13)

27th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

15:55 Doncaster

Kristal Klear

9st 7lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Stella Barclay

Dual AW winner who is 0-13 on turf, but she returned from a break with a near-miss at Wetherby (7f, good to firm) three weeks ago; only 1lb higher here and is a big player if she can back that up.

9/1

1

(6)

2nd Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Wetherby

Kristal Klear

10st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Stella Barclay

Two 7f AW wins last August/September and she went close on turf in between; however, she was below par at Southwell (7f, AW) in February after 112 days off and returns from another break today.

14/1

1

(6)

2nd Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Wetherby

Kristal Klear

10st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Stella Barclay

Two 7f AW wins last August/September and she went close on turf in between; however, she was below par at Southwell (7f, AW) in February after 112 days off and returns from another break today.

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: 7-6461 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Won a soft-ground novice for Tim Easterby and he returned to form to win on his stable debut at Beverley (1m2f, heavy) three weeks ago; this lightly raced 4yo had something to spare and a 5lb rise could prove lenient.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

14:57 Listowel

Frankendael

11st 7lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: E McNamara

Lightly raced since winning a Listed handicap here in September 2024; back from an absence, he was a much bigger price than Putapoundinthejar at Punchestown in April and duly finished well behind the Martin horse.

5/1

17th

18

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 132y

15:40 Punchestown

Frankendael

10st 0lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: E McNamara

No joy since winning a listed handicap hurdle at Listowel in September 2024 off 6lb lower; 1lb wrong here and lacks a recent run; rider's claim a plus but others make more appeal.

22/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £28.80
Straight Forecast £20.67
Tricast £240.93
Trifecta £441.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Frankendael

RP RATINGS:

Tilsitt

POSTDATA:

Ayr Poet

The Star:

Stockbridge Tap

Telegraph:

Frankendael

The Guardian:

Frankendael

D Express:

Frankendael

Daily Mirror:

Frankendael

The Sun:

Frankendael

Daily Record:

Frankendael

The Times:

Tilsitt

Daily Mail:

Ayr Poet