March 01 / 15.47 Lingfield (AW)

15.47

Standard

BetUK AWC Marathon Trial Handicap

  • Prize money: £23193
  • 1m 7f 169y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
SKY
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BetUK AWC Marathon Trial Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Polytrack

Weather: Wind and rain

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £2.75
  • Place: £1.30

Form: 1/3-11 CD

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Has taken well to AW and is likely to improve further; collared Red Flyer in the final strides over C&D on debut in this sphere, then followed up at Southwell (2m) last week when beating another rival who gives the form a strong look; respected despite 5lb penalty (future mark 1lb lower).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(18)

29th Jun 2024

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Spartan Army

8st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Alan King

Flat form took off again last winter with the switch to AW, winning three in a row before his creditable third at Newcastle on finals day, all over 2m; ran respectably on turf in April on latest outing; each-way claims.

11/1

19

(7)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

19:15 Ascot

Spartan Army

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Reserve; won three in a row over 2m on AW early this year; has run well in defeat the last twice, most recently travelling well when finishing fifth back on turf at Newbury (2m, good to soft); he may benefit from this drop back in distance and could give a good account.

25/1

5th

5

(5)

19th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

15:45 Newbury

Spartan Army

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

disputed lead early, headed and prominent after 1f

5/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 3581-5 C BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Ended his 2023 campaign with a 1m6f success (led close home) at Wolverhampton; behind a couple of these rivals at Kempton (2m) on reappearance but made some late headway and still isn't fully exposed over staying distances; remains of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(1)

25th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 10y

Class 2

15:35 Ripon

Prydwen

9st 7lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: George Scott

Last five outings on AW, posting his most encouraging effort when second of 12 in a 2m Newcastle Good Friday handicap; nudged back up 2lb for that but he's still 3lb lower than when runner-up at Chester (2m, good to soft) last September; should go well.

3/1

2nd

4

(10)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Prydwen

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: George Scott

Won this in 2024 and he's dropping down the weights; this 8yo has shown the odd sign of spark over the last 12 months but his AW exploits this winter indicate it's best to look elsewhere.

14/1

7/2

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 7411-5 BF

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Disappointing favourite at Wolverhampton two weeks ago when bidding for a 1m4f AW hat-trick (raced on turf previously); however, may rebound provided he takes well to first-time headgear and stays this new trip; by no means fully exposed yet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(2)

1st Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Newbury

Vaguely Royal

8st 12lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Ian Williams

Third in his last three starts, but may not have achieved that much and remains without a win on the Flat since the end of 2023; others more compelling.

9/1

3rd

5

(4)

22nd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 27y

Class 4

19:52 Pontefract

Vaguely Royal

8st 10lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Ian Williams

Comes here on the back of two third-place finishes but the latest was behind Trojan Soldier and there is no obvious reason why the placings would be reversed.

10/1

3rd

5

(7)

17th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:17 Ripon

Vaguely Royal

9st 9lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

There was some restoration of his Flat fortunes when third of five at Southwell (1m6f, AW; stays 2m) on latest start but he's without a win on the Flat since the end of 2023; has another career-low mark but it's hard to know when he will take advantage.

7/1

8/1

Form: 622-12 C

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Consistent on AW and has form figures of 212 since returning to this sphere, the win gained over 2m at Kempton where he beat a subsequent scorer; nabbed in the shadow of the post by Spartan Army over C&D since; still unexposed at this trip; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(5)

15th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Red Flyer

9st 2lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Karen Jewell

Dry since a C&D win off 12lb higher early last year and will need to put a couple of below-par efforts behind him; the return to Polytrack will help, though, and he can never be ruled out round here.

5/1

10

(6)

23rd Aug 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:25 Goodwood

Red Flyer

9st 1lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Karen Jewell

Some respectable efforts this year; however, form dipped sharply last time (in race won by Macari) and his losing run is mounting up.

20/1

7/1

Form: 1200-2 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Likely needed his penultimate run when back from a layoff; has a solid record over 2m on AW (all at Kempton) otherwise, creditable second off this mark last time; each-way possibilities provided he's as good at Lingfield (first run here).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

12

(14)

6th Apr 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

15:15 Kempton (AW)

Duty Of Care

9st 6lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Two C&D wins before his second in this race last year; has a 2lb lower mark this time round but was not disgraced in his three runs this year (C&D second in February was best of those) and is not dismissed.

7/1

1st

12

(14)

6th Apr 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

15:15 Kempton (AW)

Duty Of Care

9st 6lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Two C&D wins before his second in this race last year; has a 2lb lower mark this time round but was not disgraced in his three runs this year (C&D second in February was best of those) and is not dismissed.

7/1

6th

7

(13)

29th Mar 2024

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

13:53 Newcastle (AW)

Duty Of Care

8st 9lb

J: David Egan

T: Jamie Osborne

Record of 3-11 on AW; creditable second to Citizen General at Kempton two starts ago, then kicked for home too early in the Marathon Trial where he understandably ran out of steam in the latter stages; 1-1 here and can't be dismissed.

16/1

16/1

Form: 08-763 CD

Last run: 6 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
In-form contender who ran creditably in races won by Spartan Army the last twice; could go well again but isn't sure to reverse the placings despite being on better terms; far more exposed than that rival, having raced 27 times (2-13 on AW).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(10)

29th Mar 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 3

15:15 Lingfield (AW)

First Emperor

9st 6lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: John Ryan

Some creditable efforts over 2m this year and he wasn't far behind Red Flyer in a Class 2 over C&D (sixth of 13) last time; his losing run is mounting up but he's edging down the weights and could go well on this drop back in grade.

14/1

6th

13

(7)

1st Mar 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 2

15:47 Lingfield (AW)

First Emperor

8st 11lb

J: Luke Morris

T: John Ryan

pushed along soon after start, towards rear after 2f

16/1

3rd

5

(4)

24th Feb 2024

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

17:05 Southwell (AW)

First Emperor

9st 9lb

J: Luke Morris

T: John Ryan

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, headway over 3f out, soon outpaced, rallied from 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, went third towards finish, not pace to challenge

16/1

Form: 214-25

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Consistent sort at up to 1m5f, albeit record is only 1-14 and he has never raced above Class 4; goes into unknown territory upped two grades and in distance; receives weight all round but still doesn't look the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

12

(7)

18th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 17y

19:50 Roscommon

God Of Thunder

8st 10lb

J: Reese Holohan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Won over hurdles and on the Flat at Limerick last year; well exposed in this discipline; money for him over C&D last week when showed a bit more than of late, beaten around 6l; up in grade here.

10/1

7th

9

(16)

11th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 46y

19:53 Roscommon

God Of Thunder

9st 9lb

J: Jared Huggan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Won off 8lb higher at Limerick last year (12.5f, good); yet to hit form this season and behind a few of these when last of 20 at Navan latest; revival needed.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 426/7-

Last run: 328 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Absent since below-par effort on unsuitable ground last April; generally progressive under the right conditions and went close to winning the 2022 Northumberland Plate on last AW attempt; clear possibilities provided he returns in top form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(10)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Spirit Mixer

9st 1lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

One of three for the yard; won the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW) last June and has a 4-7 record at Chester, although his two performances in this race were muted (from double-figure draws); reappearance six weeks ago matched his best 2025 form but a bit extra will be needed.

14/1

3rd

3

(4)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Kempton (AW)

Spirit Mixer

9st 13lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Won the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, Tapeta) last June and bagged a second valuable 2m handicap success of the year at Chester in September; however, disappointing in this race in 2024 on his only race at Kempton and this stage of the season may not be the time to catch him.

7/1

5

(1)

25th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

16:10 Newmarket

Spirit Mixer

9st 5lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Held on determinedly in the Northumberland Plate in June and bagged a second valuable 2m handicap success of the year when leading late on at Chester (good to soft) 12 days ago; should give another good account but would struggle to live with an on-song Palladium and/or Live Your Dream.

10/1

25/1

Form: 64961-

Last run: 115 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Formerly trained in France then Germany; successful in French event (1m3f, AW) on last appearance; sold for 62,000euros since; faces a baptism of fire in this very warm handicap on British debut and has stamina to prove upped in distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(2)

1st Mar 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 2

15:47 Lingfield (AW)

Frozen

9st 5lb

J: Frederick Larson

T: Amy Murphy

hampered start, towards rear after 2f

25/1

10th
10 (10)
Diamond Bay

25/1

Form: 4168-8 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Five wins on AW, the most recent off 2lb lower at Wolverhampton (1m6f) in September; not in the same form since, however, and finished behind some of these opponents at Kempton most recently; does not look poised to add to his tally.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(1)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:25 Nottingham

Diamond Bay

9st 9lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Tom Ward

On a losing run and he was tried in blinkers when a below-par seventh of ten in 1m6f handicap at Goodwood 30 days ago; others appeal more.

8/1

7th

5

(8)

1st May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:35 Goodwood

Diamond Bay

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Tom Ward

Multiple winner who stays well but has failed to beat a rival in his last two races, with and without a visor; now tries blinkers.

8/1

6th

3

(6)

17th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 4

15:18 Wolverhampton (AW)

Diamond Bay

9st 7lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Tom Ward

Two wins here including over this trip, but he ran very poorly on his return from four months off at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) a fortnight ago, especially as he proven fresh; visor returns.

8/1

25/1

Form: 14120-

Last run: 194 days

W: 8st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Successful three times over 1m6f in lower grades on AW/turf last year; lacks recent match practice (absent since August) and has enough to prove at this level on first Flat attempt over 2m; remains on a career-high mark to boot.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(9)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:25 Goodwood

Crescent Lake

9st 7lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Acts on good to firm and good to soft; respectable third off this mark at Sandown (1m6f) most recently; has form figures of 113 over this C&D and holds a solid chance back here.

13/2

3rd

4

(3)

26th Jul 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:05 Sandown

Crescent Lake

9st 7lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Gary & Josh Moore

led, raced in second after 4f

6/1

4th

2

(6)

3rd Jul 2024

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

20:00 Epsom

Crescent Lake

10st 2lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Creditable third twice in May; form dipped when he tried front-running on latest start (had a good record at Goodwood before that) and it had looked as if 1m6f-2m was more his thing these days.

10/1

14/1

Form: 1220-4 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Suitable runner for the Marathon Trial as he ran well (finished second) in last year's Marathon, though was in better form at the time; only fourth at Kempton on the return to this sphere and appears held by Duty Of Care on that effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(2)

21st May 2026

Soft

2m 0f 45y

Class 5

14:00 Haydock

Fleurman

9st 8lb

J: Harry Burns

T: Patrick Morris

Won at Kempton (2m, AW) in March and solid third there (2m, AW) last month; rarely seen on turf nowadays but he was effective on grass early in his career (particularly on slow ground); visor replaces cheekpieces; respected.

7/2

3rd

2

(6)

6th Apr 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

17:50 Kempton (AW)

Fleurman

9st 13lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Patrick Morris

Not as good now but the handicapper's been quick to ease off and he showed the right attitude to end a losing run over C&D 12 days ago; a 2lb rise seems fair and that won't have hurt his confidence.

5/2

12/1

Form: 61943- D

Last run: 191 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Useful stayer who ran well off this mark in 2m contest at the York Ebor festival when last seen; only 1-8 on AW but ran well (one place behind Spirit Mixer) in the 2022 Northumberland Plate; each-way claims if returning in similar form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

21st Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

17:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Solent Gateway

11st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Four-time Flat winner; got off the mark over hurdles on his sixth attempt when making all over C&D (good) 15 days ago with first-time blinkers (retained) replacing cheekpieces; has solid claims to defy penalty.

8/13

1st

4

6th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

13:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Solent Gateway

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Four-time Flat winner who was placed on the last four of his five hurdling starts, most recently when close second in Sedgefield maiden (2m4f, good) last month; should be fine over today's shorter trip and has another big role to play; swaps usual cheekpieces for first-time blinkers.

7/4

2nd

3

13th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

18:10 Sedgefield

Solent Gateway

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

led, joined when not fluent last, soon headed, kept on

5/4

Non-runners

Rainbow Dreamer

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £18.80
Straight Forecast £20.00
Tricast £78.06
Trifecta £113.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Spartan Army

NEWMARKET:

Vaguely Royal

TOPSPEED:

Diamond Bay

Daily Mail:

Frozen

Daily Mirror:

First Emperor

POSTDATA:

Duty Of Care

Telegraph:

Solent Gateway

RP RATINGS:

Prydwen

D Express:

Vaguely Royal

The Times:

Spartan Army

The Guardian:

Spartan Army

The Sun:

Spartan Army

The Star:

Spartan Army

Daily Record:

Spartan Army

LAMBOURN:

Diamond Bay