April 27 / 18.40 Doncaster

18.40

Soft

Park Lodge Hot Shots Handicap

  • Prize money: £9936
  • 0m 6f 2y
  • Class 3
  • 16 runners
SKY
View Course
Park Lodge Hot Shots Handicap

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Scattered showers

OUR TIP

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £10.70
  • Place: £2.60

Form: 76006- CD

Last run: 168 days

W: 9st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Won the corresponding event off a 6lb higher mark last year (soft; wore cheekpieces); he'd had a couple of sighters last spring beforehand though and now returns from 168 days on the sidelines.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(5)

25th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 2

15:18 Doncaster

Magical Spirit

8st 10lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

8yo who has finished down the field on his last four runs and needs a major turnaround; however, he's just 1lb higher than when winning in a big field over C&D (soft) in April on his last run here, and his good record at Doncaster also includes a win in this race in 2021; dangerous to dismiss.

12/1

9th

3

(8)

28th Sep 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Magical Spirit

9st 4lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Three heavy defeats have followed his impressive Doncaster win in April (6f, soft); not the easiest to predict but conditions won't be an issue and he's dangerous to write off.

14/1

15th

3

(9)

17th Aug 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Magical Spirit

9st 2lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

raced near side

33/1

20/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 60067- D

Last run: 165 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
The handicapper finally caught up with him last summer but his fairly tame end to 2023 means he's returning to action off a dangerous mark, some 8lb lower than when beaten just 3l in the Ayr Gold Cup; should be winning sooner rather than later but this is his first run for 165 days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(2)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

19:30 Beverley

It Just Takes Time

9st 5lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

Back in form with three placed efforts this summer; the latest one took his C&D record to 1113; this front-running 8yo remains just 1lb above last winning mark; solid chance.

5/2

3rd

1

(3)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

17:10 Beverley

It Just Takes Time

9st 9lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

A three-time C&D scorer; right back to his best of late when runner-up in 7f handicaps at Wetherby and Thirsk, caught only late on latter occasion; up 2lb but another bold showing is on the cards.

3/1

2nd

2

(4)

16th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:02 Thirsk

It Just Takes Time

10st 0lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

C&D winner who bounced back to his best with second of 14 in 7f Wetherby handicap 12 days ago; up 2lb but he remains 1lb below his last winning mark so merits serious consideration.

4/1

12/1

  • Place: £3.60

Form: 55135- D

Last run: 128 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Successful at Windsor off this mark last summer (6f, good; handles heavy); ended his 2023 campaign with some solid AW efforts; capable of a prominent showing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(10)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket (July)

Sterling Knight

9st 12lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Ed Dunlop

Well beaten at Epsom on Oaks day and he still had work to do when his path was blocked late on over this C&D three weeks ago; however, before those he won in good style on the other Newmarket course (1m, good) and he won this race in 2024 (good to soft); capable of having a say.

16/1

13th

1

(6)

19th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:45 Newmarket (July)

Sterling Knight

10st 4lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Ed Dunlop

Disappointing at Epsom a fortnight ago but won on the other Newmarket course (1m, good) last month and he has a very solid record at this track, featuring a C&D win and 2l fourth in this last year; could bounce back.

14/1

17th

8

(1)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Sterling Knight

9st 4lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Ed Dunlop

Versatile regarding ground and he was winning his 12th race when beating Jimmy Speaking and Final Night at Newmarket (1m, good) three weeks ago; that was a comfortable win and he has the assistance of Ryan Moore but this demands more from him (has never won off a mark this high).

14/1

33/1

  • Place: £4.70

Form: 10308- D

Last run: 198 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Two wins for Kevin Ryan last season but having changed hands for £50,000 in August he ran two lacklustre races for his new stable; too much to prove on his return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

16th Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 4

17:50 Market Rasen

Quintus Arrius

11st 0lb

J: William Maggs

T: Peter Niven

Won twice over 6f with cheekpieces for Kevin Ryan in 2023; mainly disappointing since and well beaten on the Flat (1m/1m2f) this year; hurdles debut; others look stronger candidates.

25/1

8th

4

(2)

26th Jul 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

13:52 Newcastle (AW)

Quintus Arrius

9st 4lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: Peter Niven

Both wins for Kevin Ryan as a 3yo came over 6f including one here; losing run up to 16, though, and plenty to prove on this first go beyond 1m.

14/1

8

(9)

7th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:40 Ayr

Quintus Arrius

9st 9lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Peter Niven

Won twice for Kevin Ryan in 2023, though over 6f; didn't appear to see out the 1m at Carlisle three weeks ago when behind Ey Up Its Jazz.

10/1

10/1

Form: 25-730 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
He has run well in all three course visits, including on soft, and he ran a cracker when third in a 5f handicap at Newcastle on his second run for new connections last month; easy to excuse his latest Newmarket effort (5f, good) and much better is expected now returning to 6f at a track he likes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(10)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 4

14:35 Pontefract

Lethal Nymph

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Paul Midgley

Perhaps best over 5f nowadays and couldn't quite last home in big field over 6f at York last weekend (still ran respectably); gained last turf success off current mark; possibilities.

3/1

5th

15

(4)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:25 York

Lethal Nymph

9st 8lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

Only eighth over C&D last time when quite well fancied but there's nothing wrong with his previous fourth here at the Dante meeting; now below his last winning mark and may well get back on track.

14/1

8th

15

(6)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Lethal Nymph

8st 11lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Paul Midgley

Runner-up in this race in 2024, and he warmed up nicely for another bid with a good fourth in a big field over C&D at the Dante meeting; should be in the thick of things once more.

12/1

Form: 7536-0 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
1-10 for Richard Hannon but some of his 3yo form stacks up well; dropped away on recent stable/seasonal debut (7f, AW); type to come good for this yard but he's usually seen over further.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

(7)

12th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

13:30 Chester

Hectic

10st 5lb

J: Miss Pippa Brown

T: Liam Bailey

Scored at Ripon (6f) last June but yet to hit top form this season, undergoing wind surgery before coming in seventh of ten in 6f Pontefract handicap four days ago; others appeal more.

33/1

7th

6

(9)

8th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

21:00 Pontefract

Hectic

9st 3lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Liam Bailey

Ripon winner off a 3lb higher mark last June (6f, good); not in top form this season but should fare better on first run after having wind surgery

20/1

14th

13

(1)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:40 Ascot

Hectic

9st 1lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Liam Bailey

Back to his last winning mark and his first two runs in 2026 were respectable; eligible for weaker races than this and easy enough to look elsewhere.

33/1

20/1

Form: 27038- C

Last run: 182 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Course winner; successful in a small-field handicap at Newmarket (7f, good to soft) last summer off 1lb lower; likely to be sharper with this first run for six months behind him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(8)

3rd Sep 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Able Kane

9st 11lb

J: Ross Coakley

T: Rod Millman

Has come a stone down the weights this year and been expensive to follow lately; this is easier than he's used to, on his Tapeta debut, as the tongue-tie comes off and blinkers go back on, and a revival wouldn't be a shock.

4/1

8th

6

(15)

16th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Newbury

Able Kane

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Rod Millman

Without a win since Newmarket last June when 10lb higher in the ratings; had some off-days in the meantime and stopped quickly at Ascot a month ago.

9/1

12th

2

(17)

13th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:17 Ascot

Able Kane

9st 13lb

J: Oliver Searle

T: Rod Millman

Eight wins, the latest at Newmarket last summer (7f, good to soft) coming off 8lb higher; had some off-days in the meantime but last two efforts on ground that would have been on the fast side weren't too shoddy.

5/1

Form: 0000-0 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 8lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Powers on the wane last year and he made a low-key return to action over C&D five weeks ago; may yet revive but perhaps in a less demanding race than this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

11

(13)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ayr

Dakota Gold

9st 8lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Michael Dods

Smart in his prime and a multiple winner over the years but became disappointing after last season's winning reappearance and was last of 20 when back in action at York in May; needs to turn things around.

33/1

20th

11

(2)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Dakota Gold

9st 8lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Tremendous stable servant over the years with 17 wins; understandably not the force of old but won on 2025 reappearance (off 6lb higher) and has a strong York record (6-18).

25/1

Form: 7107-0 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Saw off 16 rivals to win the Great St Wilfrid consolation event last summer and he's only 2lb higher today; will have needed his return to action at Southwell 16 days ago (7f; 150-1) but didn't offer enough to think he was the answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

(11)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 6

13:20 Doncaster

Roundhay Park

9st 7lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

13-time winner who is ideally suited by slow ground; his last success was off 2lb higher at Ripon (6f, soft) last summer but he's been well held in both runs this season; now drops back in trip but this veteran needs a major revival.

16/1

7th

3

(8)

21st May 2026

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

16:50 Catterick

Roundhay Park

9st 8lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

13-91; won from this mark at Ripon (6f, soft; Ideal Guest third) last July and was runner-up at Pontefract (from 4lb higher) last September; weakened - eighth of nine - on last month's C&D comeback run (66-1) but that's likely to have brought him on.

14/1

8th

8

(4)

22nd Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

15:52 Catterick

Roundhay Park

9st 2lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Course winner who scored at Ripon (6f, soft) last July and is just 2lb higher on this reappearance outing; however, 6f has been this 11yo's optimum trip in recent seasons, and this is his first run since October.

20/1

12/1

Form: 243-76 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Should be at his peak after two runs this spring and he's only 2lb higher than for his C&D win last July (good; extremely strong formline); major player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

(9)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 10y

Class 4

14:13 Sandown

Fantasy Master

9st 0lb

J: David Egan

T: Robert Cowell

Soon off the mark for this yard at Chelmsford (AW) in December and it was a fine return when quickly out of the stalls and finishing third of 18 at Ascot (again 6f, good to firm); respected off the same mark despite his unfavourable draw; goes on all ground.

10/1

3rd

16

(3)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:40 Ascot

Fantasy Master

9st 0lb

J: David Egan

T: Robert Cowell

Ended 2025 with a 6f win at Chelmsford in December; 2lb higher mark and stronger opposition might find him out back from five months off.

12/1

11th
13 (11)
Snazzy Jazzy

12/1

Form: 0356-9 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Should be well treated and neither trip nor ground will be an excuse; would like to have seen a bit more from him at Thirsk on his return 18 days ago though, especially given he was only 10-1.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

9

(12)

21st Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 4

16:50 Wolverhampton (AW)

Snazzy Jazzy

9st 8lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Seb Spencer

First run for a while over 7f when winning narrowly at Doncaster but refused to race back there next time (July); a break might have done him good.

50/1

1

(11)

11th Jul 2024

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

16:55 Doncaster

Snazzy Jazzy

9st 12lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Seb Spencer

refused to race

6/1

1st

2

(4)

16th Jun 2024

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

14:40 Doncaster

Snazzy Jazzy

9st 9lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Seb Spencer

Not as good as he used to be (formerly smart when trained by Clive Cox); last win came in June 2022 (6f, good) but has rather struggled since; on a good mark but plenty to prove at present.

10/1

Form: 0100-0 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Dropped away on his return to action three weeks ago and his mark has been unchanged; suspicion he'll prove vulnerable under these conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

19

(18)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Good Earth

9st 2lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

Won this race in 2022 as a 5yo; no sign of his enthusiasm waning this year, winning three 6f handicaps, and stepping back up in trip will suit after two good 5f efforts last month; chance.

11/1

2nd

2

(6)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:07 Newmarket (July)

Good Earth

9st 13lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

Ideally suited by an easy 6f or stiff 5f and knows how to win; turned in a solid effort at his beloved Sandown last weekend and remains reliable despite his age, but there's not much room for manoeuvre off this mark.

5/1

4th

7

(3)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 10y

Class 4

13:38 Sandown

Good Earth

9st 3lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

Multiple winner but went up 6lb for his 2l win at Haydock and that counted when fifth at Catterick; however, he does have a very solid record here.

8/1

25/1

Form: 1100-9 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Two wins last September, including a C&D handicap at the Leger meeting; well beaten on his reappearance at Kempton three weeks ago; may need more help from the handicapper.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

(3)

23rd Jun 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:00 Pontefract

Rathbone

9st 3lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Herrington

He's now 9lb lower than when completing a double last September and he got a bit closer to the target at Windsor ten days ago; finished second off a 4lb higher mark in this race last year; revival imminent.

10/1

9th

7

(5)

13th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:05 Newbury

Rathbone

9st 7lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

He's now 7lb lower than when completing a double last September but has finished no better than ninth on his six outings since.

33/1

9th

7

(5)

31st May 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

19:45 Doncaster

Rathbone

9st 4lb

J: Ben Sanderson

T: Michael Herrington

awkward start, in touch with leaders

14/1

Form: 2166-0 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who handles slow ground; 40-1 and tailed off on his return to action at Thirsk 18 days ago (5f, heavy); not easily recommended on the back of that run.
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

15th
17 (9)
Mubhijah

7/1

Form: 22214- BF

Last run: 194 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Expensive to follow for Roger Varian but she made an immediate impact for her new yard when running away with a 7f maiden at Carlisle in September; not so good back in a handicap when last seen and she drops in trip for her return; non-runner on account of soft once last year so the ground could be a stumbling block too.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

17

(9)

27th Apr 2024

Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 3

18:40 Doncaster

Mubhijah

8st 12lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Ed Walker

carried left start, soon recovered and in touch with leaders in centre of group

7/1

Form: 4140-3 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Off the mark for David O'Meara when landing the Ayr Bronze Cup last September; promising third over 7f here on his return to action five weeks ago; each-way shout back at 6f and with the run behind him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

11

(12)

27th Apr 2024

Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 3

18:40 Doncaster

Ascot Adventure

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

ducked left start, midfield

6/1

16th

11

(12)

27th Apr 2024

Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 3

18:40 Doncaster

Ascot Adventure

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

ducked left start, midfield

6/1

3rd

1

(2)

24th Mar 2024

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

16:15 Doncaster

Ascot Adventure

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Has won over 7f (on good going) but taxing conditions may stretch him returned to this trip, as was the case in this race 12 months ago (faded into fifth); last win came over 6f.

5/1

Non-runners

Katey Kontent, Holy Fire, Prairie Falcon

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £110.80
Straight Forecast £81.36
Tricast £723.61
Trifecta £1110.00

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Ascot Adventure

LAMBOURN:

Katey Kontent

SPOTLIGHT:

Lethal Nymph

TOPSPEED:

Dakota Gold

Telegraph:

Mubhijah

The Sun:

Holy Fire

The Guardian:

Prairie Falcon

NEWMARKET:

Sterling Knight

D Express:

It Just Takes Time

Daily Mirror:

Fantasy Master

The Times:

Katey Kontent

The Star:

Lethal Nymph

POSTDATA:

Ascot Adventure

Daily Record:

Ascot Adventure

Daily Mail:

Dakota Gold