March 24 / 14.30 Doncaster

14.30

Soft

William Hill Epic Boost Novice Stakes (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4320
  • 0m 7f 6y
  • Class 5
  • 7 runners
SKY
View Course
William Hill Epic Boost Novice Stakes (GBB Race)

Runners: 7 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

6/4 (Won)

  • Win: £3.50
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 3-

Last run: 142 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
New Bay gelding; stayed on nicely for third at Newmarket (7f, heavy) on sole 2yo start and the form has substance, with the winner following up in Listed grade next time; open to progress this season and warrants respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

5

(16)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Balmacara

9st 5lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Useful but he is 0-12 since a Doncaster novice double in spring 2024 and not particularly solid on 2026 form; on a difficult mark returned to handicap level and isn't sure to uphold a consistent Sandown record.

33/1

6th

1

(4)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:58 York

Balmacara

9st 8lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Useful but is 0-12 since completing a Doncaster novice double in spring 2024, essentially proving quite difficult to place; hasn't strictly improved for a switch to hold-up tactics this term (seemingly being taught to settle better); unlikely to regain the winning thread on these terms.

40/1

7th

2

(4)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 1

13:30 Epsom

Balmacara

9st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Listed runner-up at Sandown (1m, soft) last September and third in the same grade at Haydock (7f, good) four weeks ago on reappearance; however, he was comfortably beaten in that latest start and is 0-11 since winning novice contests at Doncaster in spring 2024 on second and third starts; up against it.

28/1

5/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 32-

Last run: 187 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fair form in 6f races on good to soft ground last September for Alice Haynes, close second at Yarmouth latest; still with same owner; place possibilities, provided he sees out this extra furlong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(3)

5th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 160y

Class 5

18:40 Bath

Manhattan Mirage

9st 0lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Adrian Wintle

12-race maiden who was below form in five runs last year; his mark continues to drop but is best watched until showing positive signs.

16/1

4

(4)

15th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:20 Thirsk

Manhattan Mirage

9st 5lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Adrian Wintle

11-race maiden; yet to strike form after four runs for new stable this season but will cope if the ground softens and is quite well drawn; Billy Loughnane rides; well worth a second look.

14/1

12th

4

(2)

25th Aug 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

17:08 Southwell (AW)

Manhattan Mirage

9st 8lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Adrian Wintle

Ten-race maiden who has yet to shine for his new stable this summer; slipping down the weights but this might prove too competitive.

16/1

Form: 22-

Last run: 141 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Too Darn Hot filly who looks a winner waiting to happen, having finished second at Windsor (6f, soft) and Newmarket (7f, heavy) last autumn; hood worn both times is now removed; leading player at the weights, getting 5lb from the males.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(7)

22nd Feb 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Ghaihaban

9st 6lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

midfield but in touch with leaders

9/1

4th

4

(7)

15th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

17:40 Southwell (AW)

Ghaihaban

9st 7lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

in touch with leaders, edged left when outpaced over 1f out, rallied and went fourth inside final 110yds

8/1

5th

7

(8)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:00 Newcastle (AW)

Ghaihaban

8st 4lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: Andrew Balding

Off the mark in Redcar novice event, taking her form figures over 7f to 2321; the return to 1m backfired at Southwell (belated handicap debut; behind Moonspirit) since; may have more to offer back down in distance and remains of interest.

11/2

Form: 42-

Last run: 142 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Cost 1,000,000gns as a yearling; both starts over 7f at Newmarket last backend, better effort when runner-up on heavy ground latest despite again hanging left; gelded since; alarm bells are ringing but he has clear possibilities granted further improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(2)

24th Mar 2024

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

14:30 Doncaster

Strong Opinion

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Charlie Appleby

Cost 1,000,000gns as a yearling; both starts over 7f at Newmarket last backend, better effort when runner-up on heavy ground latest despite again hanging left; gelded since; alarm bells are ringing but he has clear possibilities granted further improvement.

9/4

2nd

11

(5)

3rd Nov 2023

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

11:45 Newmarket

Strong Opinion

9st 2lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Charlie Appleby

Slowly away and beaten nearly 11l by a stablemate when fourth of 12 at 11-2 on recent debut over C&D (soft); however, this 1,000,000gns yearling may be a lot sharper for that run and is not ruled out.

7/2

9

26th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 5

14:30 Lingfield (AW)

Strong Opinion

9st 4lb

T: Charlie Appleby

Form: 98-

Last run: 72 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
No impact in a couple of AW events at about 1m during the winter; gelded since; handicaps should be more suitable shortly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(7)

30th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

16:00 Ayr

John L Sullivan

10st 0lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Record is 2-18; best efforts this season when third at Ayr in July/August; filled same position in this contest last year; likely player if back in similar form.

7/1

138

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

John L Sullivan

8st 3lb

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

2

(13)

18th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

16:45 Ayr

John L Sullivan

9st 12lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Unsuited by drop to 6f last time; gradually back to form otherwise this term, close third at Ayr (good) in most recent 7f attempt; possibilities off last winning mark, provided he takes to added cheekpieces.

10/1

Form: 2966-

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Beat all bar a smart rival at Newbury (6.5f, good) on debut; however, has failed to match that form in three subsequent starts and looks a far-from-solid option.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

(6)

15th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 14y

Class 6

17:05 Chepstow

Judge Frank

9st 1lb

J: William Carson

T: John & Rhys Flint

Well held all four runs this season but has had excuses with one thing and another, latterly when drawn out of it over C&D nine days ago (among the favourites); has gone well here previously and is one to consider off a career-low mark.

10/1

8th

6

(2)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 14y

Class 6

19:25 Chepstow

Judge Frank

9st 3lb

J: David Probert

T: John & Rhys Flint

Both wins came in September 2024; tends to race prominently and if his natural exuberance can be harnessed then he would not be far away.

4/1

7th

12

(15)

23rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

19:30 Windsor

Judge Frank

9st 5lb

J: Millie Wonnacott

T: John & Rhys Flint

Went back-to-back in good-ground handicaps (7f/1m, including here) in September 2024 but no wins since and two runs last month (led before weakening) don't suggest another crack at this trip will turn the ship around.

8/1

Form: 70-

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has easily the worst chance on form, having finished last in a couple of Kempton AW contests (7f/1m); hood enlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(7)

24th Mar 2024

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

14:30 Doncaster

Paddy Powerful

9st 7lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Phil McEntee

Has easily the worst chance on form, having finished last in a couple of Kempton AW contests (7f/1m); hood enlisted.

100/1

12th

7

(10)

2nd Mar 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:40 Kempton (AW)

Paddy Powerful

9st 0lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Phil McEntee

150-1, pulled hard and weakened to finish tailed off on 1m course debut five weeks ago; may last longer down at 7f but can still only watch.

100/1

7th

6

(4)

27th Jan 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:00 Kempton (AW)

Paddy Powerful

8st 10lb

J: Tyler Heard

T: Phil McEntee

took keen hold, led

50/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £10.80
Straight Forecast £13.23
Trifecta £39.00

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Strong Opinion

SPOTLIGHT:

Balmacara

RP RATINGS:

Ghaihaban

TOPSPEED:

Manhattan Mirage

Telegraph:

Strong Opinion

The Sun:

Strong Opinion

The Star:

Strong Opinion

Daily Record:

Strong Opinion

The Times:

Balmacara

D Express:

Balmacara

POSTDATA:

Ghaihaban

Daily Mirror:

Ghaihaban

LAMBOURN:

Manhattan Mirage