October 27 / 17.11 Doncaster

17.11

Heavy

Sky Sports Racing HD Virgin 519 Handicap

  • Prize money: £4396.56
  • 1m 2f 43y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
Sky Sports Racing HD Virgin 519 Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

Abandoned

Form: 653463

Last run: 210 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Five wins over further on AW in late 2022; absent for seven months and today's ground raises serious concerns.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

2

29th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

18:20 Cartmel

Victory March

11st 9lb

J: Aaron Anderson

T: Rebecca Menzies

Started off for Rebecca Menzies with two poor AW runs in February/March (started very slowly both times) but his sixth of 15 over hurdles at Perth (2m4f, good to soft) this month gives him something to build on here.

14/1

6th

3

15th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

20:22 Perth

Victory March

11st 12lb

J: Aaron Anderson

T: Rebecca Menzies

Five-time winner on Tapeta but he's been out of sorts on AW in two runs for new yard this year; still unexposed over hurdles but his last run in this sphere was in December 2021 and it is not hard to have reservations; reapplied cheekpieces replace a visor.

25/1

6th

3

15th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

20:22 Perth

Victory March

11st 12lb

J: Aaron Anderson

T: Rebecca Menzies

Five-time winner on Tapeta but he's been out of sorts on AW in two runs for new yard this year; still unexposed over hurdles but his last run in this sphere was in December 2021 and it is not hard to have reservations; reapplied cheekpieces replace a visor.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: 134247 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
In good form in midsummer, winning on fast ground at Haydock (11.5f) and Pontefract (1m2f); well beaten on heavy at Nottingham 16 days ago though and he has something to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(2)

9th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

14:20 Leicester

Unplugged

9st 13lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

Boasts a good record at Pontefract, where he should have notched a fourth win early last month, and today's similarly stiff 1m2f should suit; not as consistent now, unsurprisingly given his age, but is still more than capable at this level.

8/1

2

(8)

18th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 13y

Class 5

14:15 Catterick

Unplugged

10st 13lb

J: Miss Serena Brotherton

T: Michael & David Easterby

Unraced here; goes particularly well at Pontefract where he just failed to catch Star Start over 1m2f last time; stays this far and should be on the scene.

11/4

2nd

1

(3)

6th Aug 2025

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 6

14:30 Pontefract

Unplugged

11st 2lb

J: Miss Serena Brotherton

T: Michael & David Easterby

9yo who has an excellent record at Pontefract, most recently taking advantage of a reduced mark in a 1m2f amateurs' event in June under Serena Brotherton; back up 4lb and well beaten at Haydock latest but has to be of interest back here unless the ground is softer than good.

7/2

Abandoned

Form: 3763 BF

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
His two standout efforts have come on the Tapeta at Newcastle, looking one to keep on the right side of when third of 12 on his handicap debut ten days ago; very different conditions to contend with but unexposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(3)

17th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 4

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Boldly

9st 7lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: George Boughey

towards rear

3/1

4th

8

(1)

29th Aug 2024

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

19:12 Southwell (AW)

Boldly

8st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

0-9 but has made the frame six times including in four of his five starts on the AW; probably found out by the soft ground at Ffos Las last time, but is yet to attempt beyond 1m6f.

9/1

7th

4

(8)

6th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:35 Ffos Las

Boldly

11st 0lb

J: Mr Ned Sangster

T: George Boughey

Now 0-8 but he's knocking on the door and it was a Class 3 Racing League handicap (1m6f, good to firm) in which he was a rallying third last time in the first-time cheekpieces; much respected off the same mark.

2/1

Form: -31456 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
1m2f on slow ground suits him well and when winning at Redcar in April (for Michael Mullineaux) it was off a 1lb higher mark; low-key stable debut at Nottingham 16 days ago but that was after a five-month break; could fare better with that behind him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(4)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 1y

Class 6

14:35 Redcar

Lunar Jet

9st 8lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Steph Hollinshead

Dual C&D winner but last of those was in April 2023; just his second run this year when finishing with a flourish to take fifth of 11 over C&D (good to soft) 23 days ago; not the force of old but has possibilities if able to build on that run.

6/1

2

(4)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 1y

Class 6

14:35 Redcar

Lunar Jet

9st 8lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Steph Hollinshead

Dual C&D winner but last of those was in April 2023; just his second run this year when finishing with a flourish to take fifth of 11 over C&D (good to soft) 23 days ago; not the force of old but has possibilities if able to build on that run.

6/1

10

(2)

4th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 1y

Class 5

14:11 Redcar

Lunar Jet

8st 13lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Steph Hollinshead

Veteran who has raced only once this year, when soundly beaten in 1m6f AW handicap in July; suited by this C&D and rain will aid his cause but it's very hard to gauge how much ability he retains.

25/1

Form: 534547 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
She has dropped in the weights this year without always having the rub of the green, markedly so when seventh at Pontefract 18 days ago (1m, good to soft) having run into a succession of dead ends; ready to win but heavy ground is a potential stumbling block.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(6)

14th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

16:55 Beverley

Casilli

9st 12lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

Five of her six wins have been here, the latest off 20lb higher in July 2022; mixed form this season, but chance on her C&D third in May.

6/1

2

(5)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 43y

Class 6

16:45 Doncaster

Casilli

9st 7lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

Some creditable efforts this season, including when fourth at Pontefract (1m2f, good) in June, but she was disappointing over C&D last time; bit to prove again after that and five of her six wins have come at Beverley; cheekpieces added.

8/1

3

(1)

27th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 43y

Class 5

14:50 Doncaster

Casilli

9st 5lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Some creditable efforts this season including when fourth at Pontefract (1m2f, good) last time but five of her six wins have been at Beverley and her last success was three years ago; others are more persuasive.

4/1

Abandoned

Form: 321332 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Three wins on slower than good at Ayr this year; ran right up to his recent best when second in a 1m2f handicap back at Ayr two weeks ago (heavy; third won next time); Paul Mulrennan, on board for all this year's wins, is back in the saddle today; one to consider.
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

Abandoned

Form: 763652 D BF

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
The ground (officially soft) was extremely testing when she won a 1m2f maiden at Leicester in April; still seeking her first handicap success but she gave an in-form and progressive sort a fright at Leicester ten days ago (1m2f, soft); due to be 2lb higher from the weekend; strong contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(7)

11th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 3y

Class 4

16:45 Yarmouth

Wintercrack

9st 6lb

J: Shane Kelly

T: Pam Sly

Won over this trip at Pontefract (her only start at 1m) last April and added to her good record in testing conditions when comfortably making all at Nottingham (also heavy, 1m2f) last autumn; probably needs a downpour, which isn't forecast.

33/1

8th

4

(3)

17th Apr 2025

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 4

16:15 Ripon

Wintercrack

9st 7lb

J: Shane Kelly

T: Pam Sly

led, headed over 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out

8/1

8th

4

(3)

17th Apr 2025

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 4

16:15 Ripon

Wintercrack

9st 7lb

J: Shane Kelly

T: Pam Sly

led, headed over 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out

8/1

Abandoned

Form: 4-35

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Well-bred 3yo who appeals as a likely improver now upped in distance on his handicap debut; promise on soft ground in France on debut; betting should be instructive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(6)

17th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 4f 8y

Class 5

14:22 Thirsk

Bustaam

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

in touch with leaders, ridden and pressed leaders 2f out, kept on well inside final furlong, led inside final 110yds, won going away

5/1

3rd

2

(4)

11th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 5

14:10 Carlisle

Bustaam

10st 1lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

slowly away, held up in rear, steady headway from 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, not pace to challenge

5/1

6th

2

(4)

29th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 16y

Class 5

15:20 Hamilton

Bustaam

9st 8lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Won on reappearance at Doncaster (1m2f, soft) in March and fair third at Haydock (1m4f, soft) on Saturday when back on slow ground; might not be far away if this run doesn't come too soon.

7/2

Form: -35609 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
His first two runs for Rebecca Menzies weren't too bad but he's been well beaten on his last three runs; dropped in the weights but he hasn't shone on slow ground in Britain (effective on heavy in France in his youth).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(3)

27th Jan 2024

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 5

16:15 Newcastle (AW)

Sagauteur

9st 12lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Rebecca Menzies

slowly away, took keen hold, towards rear, ridden and some headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out

9/1

3

(11)

9th Jan 2024

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 5

17:30 Southwell (AW)

Sagauteur

9st 9lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Rebecca Menzies

Came good for Rebecca Menzies at eighth attempt, keeping on well for clearcut success in slowly run contest at Newcastle (1m4f) last month; 4lb rise might be enough to leave this 8yo vulnerable, though.

9/2

1st

2

(2)

8th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 4f 98y

Class 5

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Sagauteur

10st 0lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Rebecca Menzies

Mixed record for new yard this year but he went close off a reduced mark over 1m2f here on penultimate outing; not so good over that same C&D 17 days later but overdid it up front that day and remains well treated on old form; ran creditably in one of his four attempts at 1m4f.

14/1

Form: 638348 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Just 2lb higher than when running away with a C&D handicap on heavy ground at the Lincoln meeting; some creditable runs in defeat since then but he checked out very tamely over 1m5f at Ayr two weeks ago; could prove dangerous back in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

25th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

14:48 Kelso

Dont Look Back

10st 7lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: William Young Jnr

Won a Flat race in 2023 but is 0-21 over hurdles; tailed off on last two starts, admittedly in a maiden last time after four months off but he does not look a solid option; tongue tied first time.

33/1

8

25th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

14:48 Kelso

Dont Look Back

10st 7lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: William Young Jnr

Won a Flat race in 2023 but is 0-21 over hurdles; tailed off on last two starts, admittedly in a maiden last time after four months off but he does not look a solid option; tongue tied first time.

33/1

4

15th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

14:18 Perth

Dont Look Back

11st 4lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: William Young Jnr

Won on the Flat in 2023 but is 0-20 over hurdles, including several chances off lowly handicap marks; difficult to enthuse over.

50/1

Abandoned

Form: 462628

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Eight-race maiden but there has been promise, including for this yard and on heavy ground; dropping back to 1m looked to count against her last time and these conditions should see her in a better light.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(2)

30th May 2024

Soft

1m 1f 170y

Class 5

15:15 Ripon

Loddon

9st 1lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Sara Ender

led, increased tempo over 3f out

7/2

Abandoned

Form: 54-024 CD

Last run: 153 days

W: 8st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
The winner of just two of his 42 starts but they have both been over this trip on testing ground, latterly the corresponding race 12 months ago off 1lb lower; three runs in the spring, going close at Nottingham in May, and could have a race in him this autumn; whether it will be this one after five months off (no history of going well fresh) remains to be seen though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

13

(11)

22nd May 2026

Soft

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

16:05 Haydock

Red Derek

8st 6lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Lisa Williamson

10yo who's 2-55, with last win in 2022; well handicapped on some 1m6f form last term and probably needed recent run, but whether he can be competitive at this trip nowadays remains to be seen.

25/1

4th

4

(3)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Nottingham

Red Derek

8st 7lb

J: Alfie Redman

T: Lisa Williamson

Only 2-54 and a long time has passed since that second success; well handicapped on some form over 1m6f last season but he was up and down last year and he doesn't have a great record when fresh; others preferred.

10/1

7

(6)

4th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

1m 5f 218y

Class 5

14:25 Redcar

Red Derek

8st 9lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Lisa Williamson

Only 2-53 and a long time has passed since that second success; however, he had been knocking on the door until a near 10l defeat at Doncaster; couldn't be ruled out.

10/1

Verdict

An ability to handle testing conditions will be paramount and that brings Lunar Jet, Wintercrack (second choice), Don’t Look Back and Loddon right into the reckoning. Unexposed 3yos Boldly and Bustaam retain potential but AYR POET ran right up to his recent best when second at Ayr two weeks ago and the return of Paul Mulrennan, on board for each of this year’s wins, looks a positive.[Paul Smith]

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Wintercrack

SPOTLIGHT:

Ayr Poet

NEWMARKET:

Boldly

RP RATINGS:

Casilli

POSTDATA:

Don't Look Back

The Times:

Wintercrack

Telegraph:

Wintercrack

The Guardian:

Wintercrack

Daily Mail:

Wintercrack

D Express:

Wintercrack

Daily Mirror:

Wintercrack

The Sun:

Wintercrack

Daily Record:

Wintercrack

The Star:

Ayr Poet