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

9th

2

(9)

19th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Prydwen

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: George Scott

8yo whose 11th success came over 1m4f in April; also effective at 2m this term but edged back up the weights and looks vulnerable for win purposes.

40/1

7th

1

(15)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Prydwen

9st 12lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: George Scott

Prolific 8yo who gained his 11th success when taking 1m4f Ripon handicap in April; also effective at 2m this term, including C&D, but he's edged back up the weights; place player but he may be vulnerable for win purposes.

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

4

(3)

25th Aug 2026

Good

2m 2f 28y

Class 4

15:45 Musselburgh

Vaguely Royal

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Exploited a reduced mark to win at Chester (1m6f, good) last month and he followed up at York (2m, good to firm), both in this visor in which he's unexposed; remains well treated on his old form and he's a key player.

11/2

1st

10

(4)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

18:05 York

Vaguely Royal

8st 12lb

J: William Buick

T: Ian Williams

Some good runs in defeat this spring at up to 2m1f and he bounced back from his Newbury flop to win at Chester (1m6f, good) a fortnight ago; he was given a good ride last time but could still be a force today up 4lb.

7/1

1st

6

(4)

11th Jul 2026

Good

1m 6f 87y

Class 4

17:32 Chester

Vaguely Royal

9st 1lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Dual-purpose performer but his last Flat win was in December 2023; some creditable efforts off a falling mark on AW (2m) and turf (1m6f) this season but he was tailed off at Newbury last time and needs to bounce back after that; cheekpieces are removed and visor returns.

10/1

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

16th

13

(18)

23rd Aug 2026

Good

1m 3f 0y

17:00 Naas

God Of Thunder

9st 2lb

J: Jared Huggan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Won over hurdles and on the Flat (12.5f) at Limerick last year; ran well over timber at Sligo on his penultimate start in a claimer but heavy defeat back on the Flat at Tramore (2m) on latest; well handicapped but needs to rebound back in trip.

22/1

7th

1

(7)

15th Aug 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

19:55 Tramore

God Of Thunder

10st 4lb

J: Daniel King

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Was in better form last year when winning at Limerick over hurdles and on the Flat (1m5f, good, rated 73); largely struggled in both codes since, although ran to his mark at Killarney last month when sixth (1m4f, good); took second in a Sligo claiming hurdle last time when well treated; others make more appeal.

7/1

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

1

(2)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Spirit Mixer

9st 10lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Andrew Balding

Never involved when defending his crown in the Northumberland Plate but two of his three previous runs this season had been creditable; only 1lb higher than for his last win at Chester (September) and he was a close fourth in this two years ago; would have been tempting but for concerns about him these days on fast ground (only fifth last year on good to firm).

10/1

19th

5

(1)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Spirit Mixer

9st 4lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Beat Dancing In Paris by a neck to win this race last year off 6lb lower; also won at Chester in September and two of his three starts this term have been creditable, so he's in the each-way picture.

14/1

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

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

1st

5

(7)

18th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 5

14:30 Lingfield (AW)

Diamond Bay

10st 12lb

J: Mr Henry Callan

T: Tom Ward

C&D winner whose losing run is up to 16 despite a declining mark, but his second of three behind an improver (who has gone in again since) at Newbury (2m, good to firm) last month wasn't a bad effort; shortlisted.

11/4

2nd

2

(2)

23rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:40 Newbury

Diamond Bay

10st 2lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Tom Ward

Regressive 8yo who has not been firing on all cylinders this season and was beaten over 14l when fourth of five at Lingfield (2m, good) last month; continues to slide down the weights but needs a revival.

7/1

4th

5

(4)

18th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 68y

Class 5

19:10 Lingfield

Diamond Bay

9st 5lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Tom Ward

On a losing run and the switch to blinkers (retained) on his last two starts has not seen any upturn; others appeal more.

12/1

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

2

(4)

10th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

17:08 Kempton (AW)

Fleurman

9st 10lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Patrick Morris

Multiple winner, mostly at about 2m and is 1lb higher than when scoring over C&D in March; matched that effort back here next time, before a below-par effort on soft at Haydock latest; will be a player if bouncing back.

15/2

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