April 01 / 15.39 Redcar

15.39

Soft

Flat Is Back On Racing TV Handicap

  • Prize money: £5234
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
RTV
View Course
Flat Is Back On Racing TV Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

Form: 6451-1 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Developing into a useful handicapper on slow ground, rounding off his 3yo campaign with a good win at Doncaster (7f, heavy) and showing plenty of grit to land the Spring Mile on his return nine days ago despite hanging right when hitting the front; returning to 7f won't hurt and a 4lb rise is fair enough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(9)

21st Jul 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Look Back Smiling

9st 4lb

J: Alexandra Egan

T: Neil Mulholland

Better with each of his three runs for this yard and wasn't beaten far at Kempton a fortnight ago, despite hanging right; stays this far and is quite happy on Tapeta, so he's one to consider.

6/1

3rd

3

(5)

8th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

20:55 Kempton (AW)

Look Back Smiling

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Neil Mulholland

Not the most reliable and winless since March 2024 for Gemma Tutty; hinted at a revival though on just second run for his new yard with fourth of eight in 1m1f handicap at Goodwood last month; not without interest off a tumbling mark with Oisin Murphy up for the first time.

11/4

4th

6

(6)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 1f 11y

Class 5

17:25 Goodwood

Look Back Smiling

9st 10lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Neil Mulholland

Lost his way last autumn and, after changing hands for 9,000gns, he was out the back on stable debut at Bath (1m, good; fine on soft); potentially well handicapped but has enough to prove.

6/1

Form: 15759-

Last run: 171 days

W: 9st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Two wins on slow ground over the extended 1m at Hamilton last season, beating Look Back Smiling a short head on the second occasion (off this mark; now 15lb better off with that rival); ended last year quietly but eligible for Class 4 again as a consequence; goes well fresh so can't discount, even if an extra furlong would be preferable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(3)

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 0y

Class 6

17:17 Redcar

Pisanello

9st 6lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

On a long losing sequence and he was tried without usual cheekpieces when beating just two in 1m2f Leicester handicap 24 days ago; visor is tried again now but others still appeal more.

13/2

6th

1

(8)

25th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 179y

Class 6

19:15 Leicester

Pisanello

9st 9lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

Still capable of winning off 30lb higher exactly two years ago, but basically consistent at a lower level these days, and still well suited by a galloping turf track; this step up to 1m4f looks long overdue.

13/2

5th

1

(8)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

21:00 Beverley

Pisanello

9st 9lb

J: P J McDonald

T: David O’Meara

Has gone 0-24 since winning over 1m1f at York (good to soft) two years ago and needs to improve on this season's efforts.

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 8129-6 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Positives include a liking for slow ground and a promising return to action in the Lincoln nine days ago; each-way contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

6

(14)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:50 York

Spirit Genie

10st 13lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Jennie Candlish

Five-time winner on a handy mark but it's been a quiet start to this season and, even if back on song, looks vulnerable to stronger stayers over this far; the return of a visor might be no bad thing.

14/1

8th

2

(10)

12th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

13:30 Chester

Spirit Genie

11st 1lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Jennie Candlish

C&D scorer who made a promising return from a poor draw when seventh of 22 in 7f York handicap four weeks ago; figures on a handy-looking mark now and he's interesting.

10/1

7th

5

(21)

15th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 York

Spirit Genie

9st 9lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

Ended winless 2025 campaign with a placed effort in an above-average seller; starts his 2026 season off 8lb below his last winning mark but chance partly depends on the weather as he's best on ground softer than good.

20/1

Form: 62166- CD

Last run: 142 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Last five wins have come over 6f, two of them last year (once here), but he was first past the post in a 7f handicap at York last October (soft); not much margin for error off this mark on his seasonal return though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(6)

4th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Oso Rapido

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Roger Fell

in touch with leaders, headway and pressed leader 2f out, weakened from over 1f out

8/1

6th

2

(6)

4th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Oso Rapido

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Roger Fell

in touch with leaders, headway and pressed leader 2f out, weakened from over 1f out

8/1

7th

1

(2)

28th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

16:15 Redcar

Oso Rapido

9st 12lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Roger Fell

prominent, outpaced over 1f out, soon weakened

7/2

Abandoned

Form: 16400- D

Last run: 146 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Won twice on soft ground last summer and he's only 2lb higher than for the latter success; taking on match-fit rivals here though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(4)

18th Jul 2026

Good

1m 4f 10y

Class 3

15:15 Ripon

Spioradalta

9st 12lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Mark Walford

Down the field at York and Windsor on his last two starts but he's won on his last four visits to Ripon (1m2f, good/good to soft), including twice this year; it's surprising he's only ever had one crack at 1m4f, given how well he kept on over that trip in 2024; firmly in calculations back here.

11/2

6th

3

(2)

27th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 3

19:45 Windsor

Spioradalta

9st 6lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

Most likeable front runner who bagged a second win of 2026 in 1m2f Ripon handicap in May; unable to lead from a poor draw when 11th at York (1m2f) 15 days ago and remains very much one to consider.

7/1

11th

7

(14)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Spioradalta

9st 1lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Mark Walford

Better than ever when he won five times last year and he's carried on that good work this term, scoring at Ripon (1m2f, good to soft) in April and again over that C&D (good) a fortnight ago; that's arguably his favourite track but he's got form here too and can't be dismissed in current mood.

12/1

Abandoned

Form: 1522-7 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Won three 7f AW handicaps for Ivan Furtado last spring; runner-up in his first two starts for Alice Haynes last autumn and raced as though in need of the run on his recent reappearance; better expected today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(3)

13th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

17:45 Southwell (AW)

Legal Reform

9st 11lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Michael Herrington

Won a division of this off 9lb lower in 2025 when it was run as a 0-85, and raised his highest mark defied twice more after; holding his own in Polytrack Class 2s of late, but has more back in his favour tonight.

7/2

3rd

4

(6)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 2

16:53 Lingfield (AW)

Legal Reform

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Michael Herrington

Has registered all wins over 7f and in lower grades; however, ran respectably in Lingfield Class 2 most recently, while shaping as if this return to 1m is worth a go; whether he can defy current mark is another matter.

12/1

4th

3

(5)

14th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:10 Lingfield (AW)

Legal Reform

9st 3lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Michael Herrington

Into the veteran stage but in the form of his life this winter, finishing third over C&D before a Wolverhampton win and a Southwell second; likely vulnerable to an improver but should give his running again.

9/2

Abandoned

Form: 30664- D

Last run: 156 days

W: 9st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Conditions no problem and he returns to action off a reduced mark, 6lb lower than when sixth of 14 in this race 12 months ago; five-month absence to defy; others look safer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(7)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

12:50 Catterick

Danzan

9st 2lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Veteran who retains some gusto and won from the front at Ayr (6f, good to soft) in July; however, his last two efforts have been well below par and he could be vulnerable to younger legs.

16/1

6th

5

(2)

21st Sep 2025

Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 5

16:43 Hamilton

Danzan

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Veteran who retains some gusto but registered his sole win this term in Class 6; it's over two years since last success above that level.

12/1

125

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Danzan

8st 7lb

T: Tim Easterby

Form: 01846- D

Last run: 156 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Two wins on good or faster last season, notably in a big field at Doncaster last August; got loose beforehand when disappointing at Doncaster on final run in 2023; others more persuasive in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(5)

15th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

15:40 Catterick

Archduke Ferdinand

9st 13lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Seb Spencer

Last two wins have come over 6f at Redcar and he returned to form when third over that C&D (good to firm) in May; well beaten in a big field at York since; first visit to Catterick.

9/1

15th

17

(1)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:25 York

Archduke Ferdinand

9st 7lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Seb Spencer

Last two wins have come over 6f at Redcar and he returned to form when third over that C&D last month; however, this is warmer and he has been unplaced on all four of his starts at York.

14/1

3rd

7

(10)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

16:43 Redcar

Archduke Ferdinand

9st 3lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Seb Spencer

Won the corresponding event 12 months ago off a 6lb higher mark; not come close to matching that form in seven runs since but this spring's two efforts have come over 5f and this will be more suitable; 2-2 at Redcar and a full revival could be imminent.

9/1

Abandoned

Form: 27-052 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Running himself into form this year, keeping on well for second in a 7f handicap at Doncaster eight days ago (soft); races off the same mark and enters calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(10)

17th Aug 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

16:22 Southwell (AW)

Perseverants

9st 4lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

Made all off 1lb higher at Windsor (1m, good) in spring 2024 and will also be suited by today's trip-and-surface combination but returned from long absence with 15l defeat last month and needs to have taken significant benefit from that outing.

50/1

9

(3)

26th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 192y

Class 4

16:25 York

Perseverants

9st 7lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

Made all in good style at Windsor (1m, good) in April 2024 and this 7yo is well treated now 2lb higher if retaining that ability; however, he's returning from a 454-day absence so there are questions to answer.

33/1

10th

3

(9)

28th Apr 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

17:55 Southwell (AW)

Perseverants

9st 7lb

J: Phil Dennis

T: Scott Dixon

Wolverhampton winner early last year who scored in some style at Windsor (1m, good) this month but was disappointing under his penalty at Pontefract (1m, soft) six days ago; not quite sure what to expect after that; stable also runs Visibility.

12/1

Abandoned

Form: 3316-9 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Two wins on slower than good in his first season of racing; blindfold off late and slowly away on return to action at Newcastle four weeks ago; others preferred today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(8)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 195y

Class 5

17:10 Carlisle

William Dewhirst

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ben Haslam

Not seen on turf since 2024 but is well treated on best Newcastle AW form and has won over this C&D; admittedly needs to stage a revival judged on 2026 efforts.

14/1

7th

5

(7)

1st May 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

19:33 Newcastle (AW)

William Dewhirst

9st 5lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

Prolific here during the 2024/25 AW season but he's beaten one rival in two starts after an absence; couldn't support with any confidence.

16/1

Abandoned

Form: 1-4220

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
In good form on AW this winter prior to a lacklustre run at Southwell four weeks ago; promise on soft last year; stable also run Danzan.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(2)

17th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

16:35 Redcar

Leap Day

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Has lost his form since a consistent spell and still has a poor strike-rate, with sole success in 2023; no certainty to take advantage of his reduced mark.

12/1

7th

9

(9)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

14:45 Newcastle (AW)

Leap Day

9st 4lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Just one win from 26 starts and he hasn't been firing on all cylinders of late, including when fitted with blinkers at Redcar on Wednesday; full revival required.

14/1

2

(6)

24th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

17:45 Redcar

Leap Day

9st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Sole win from 25 starts came in a novice at Southwell in December 2023; ran well when fourth there last month but he needs to bounce back from two disappointing runs since; blinkers now replace cheekpieces.

12/1

Abandoned

Form: 201-0

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Three runs last season, winning a soft-ground 6f maiden at Ffos Las on third outing; dropped away and eased in a 5f handicap at Doncaster on her return eight days ago; now tried in a hood; risky.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(3)

10th Jun 2024

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 6

15:35 Lingfield (AW)

Violets Star

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Lee Carter

Won a weak maiden last year (6f, soft) but has offered precious little in three handicaps (5f/6f) and has changed yards; stayed 7f on debut but unraced over this far.

16/1

5th

5

(2)

2nd May 2024

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 5

16:10 Lingfield (AW)

Violets Star

9st 3lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Adam West

Soft-ground win last summer came in a weak maiden and two poor efforts this spring leave her with plenty to prove on her AW debut (half-sister to a dual course winner in Rose Hip).

16/1

5th

5

(2)

2nd May 2024

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 5

16:10 Lingfield (AW)

Violets Star

9st 3lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Adam West

Soft-ground win last summer came in a weak maiden and two poor efforts this spring leave her with plenty to prove on her AW debut (half-sister to a dual course winner in Rose Hip).

16/1

Form: 263-46

Last run: 9 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish maiden; pitched into the Spring Mile for his handicap debut nine days ago and he showed his inexperience, hanging badly left and weakening in the closing stages; the move that saw him surge to the front 2f out there was striking though and left the distinct impression he was favourably handicapped; should be quick enough for 7f and he's not fully exposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(7)

10th Aug 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

19:12 Ayr

Helter Skelter

9st 11lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Rebecca Menzies

midfield

100/30

2nd

4

(5)

22nd Jul 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:25 Ayr

Helter Skelter

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Rebecca Menzies

0-11 but has run really well in second the last twice at Carlisle (1m, soft) and Hamilton (1m, good to soft); beaten just a nose last time when wearing a first-time visor; every chance he'll go one better today.

15/8

2nd

6

(5)

13th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 68y

Class 4

20:00 Hamilton

Helter Skelter

9st 7lb

J: Andrew Slattery

T: Rebecca Menzies

Expensive to follow for this yard but he's well capable off this sort of mark and he was a good second at Carlisle 26 days ago (Arkenstaar third); new visor replaces cheekpieces this time.

7/1

Verdict

Look Back Smiling continues on an upward curve and a 4lb rise for his Spring Mile success shouldn’t prevent another big run. Pisanello, who beat Look Back Smiling on 15lb better terms at Hamilton last summer and who goes well fresh, has to be in the picture despite dropping in trip, while Perseverants and Leap Day also have something to recommend them. It might be worth giving another chance to HELTER SKELTER, who was over 5l behind Look Back Smiling at the finish in the Spring Mile having hung violently left in the closing stages, but whose surge to the front at Doncaster marked him down as one who was ahead of his mark. Dropping to 7f could suit him well and he still has time on his side.[Paul Smith]

Selections

POSTDATA:

Look Back Smiling

NEWMARKET:

Legal Reform

SPOTLIGHT:

Helter Skelter

TOPSPEED:

Danzan

RP RATINGS:

William Dewhirst

The Star:

Perseverants

The Times:

Helter Skelter

Telegraph:

Look Back Smiling

D Express:

Look Back Smiling

Daily Mirror:

Look Back Smiling

Daily Record:

Look Back Smiling

The Guardian:

Legal Reform

Daily Mail:

Legal Reform

The Sun:

Danzan