May 17 / 14.00 Newbury

14.00

Good To Soft

Ultimate Travel Company Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £5757.4
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 13 runners
SKY
View Course
Ultimate Travel Company Apprentice Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

1st
5 (10)
Grey Fox

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £11.10
  • Place: £3.10

Form: 3340-7 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
All five wins on good/firmer and four of them have been at Windsor (1m/1m2f); well treated on old form but his last success was in August 2022 and he was laboured at Windsor (22-1) on his return last month; down the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(2)

1st Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

20:45 Windsor

Grey Fox

9st 7lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Emma Lavelle

Four-time winner over 1m/1m2f here; back off his last winning mark and has twice won after an absence, but whether he can do so after 313 days off is a moot point; may also need further than this now.

10/1

9th

2

23rd Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 6f 44y

Class 5

16:53 Salisbury

Grey Fox

10st 2lb

J: David Probert

T: Emma Lavelle

Former miler who has reinvented himself as a stayer, winning over 2m on AW in March and respectable fourth over C&D last time; the 8yo now takes on some unexposed 3yos.

7/1

4

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 6f 44y

Class 5

20:20 Salisbury

Grey Fox

9st 6lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Emma Lavelle

Running, and winning, over 1m this time last year but he collected by 2l over 2m on the Kempton AW in March; not in the same form back there a month ago but chance if on a going day (can be up and down).

6/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 1364-3 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Has mixed record in eight starts but he won a Bath handicap (1m, soft) last April and was a good third there (good) on his return last month; should benefit from that run and he had some form over C&D last summer; dangerous.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

11

(11)

25th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Johnjay

8st 9lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Keiran Burke

Pulled hard and didn't see it out on his hurdling debut last month; two wins for Roger Teal came in the spring but it's hard to find many other positives on this Tapeta debut in a first-time tongue-tie.

25/1

6th

3

24th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

14:15 Taunton

Johnjay

11st 5lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Keiran Burke

Fair performer at his best in 23-race Flat career (most for Roger Teal; two runs for this yard) which includes two 1m wins; hooded on latest outing and today; probably best watched on hurdles debut.

20/1

5th

7

(10)

4th Feb 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

12:50 Kempton (AW)

Johnjay

9st 6lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Keiran Burke

Never landed a blow at Lingfield (1m2f) on stable/seasonal debut but may fare better with that outing under his belt; has gained both turf wins over 1m and produced his best AW effort over C&D; hood applied.

14/1

11/4

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 9329-1 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Handles most ground and he recorded his fifth turf win when scoring on seasonal debut at Bath (1m, good); never looked in any serious danger after kicking clear in that race and he's a big player again off 3lb higher here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(5)

27th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:25 Kempton (AW)

Darvel

9st 13lb

J: Charlie Tucker

T: Patrick Chamings

Normally starts slowly; goes well fresh so would like to have seen more on reappearance at Bath and didn't fare much better there four weeks ago; fourth is the best he's managed on AW; passed over.

20/1

5th

1

(1)

29th Apr 2026

Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:20 Bath

Darvel

9st 9lb

J: David Probert

T: Patrick Chamings

He made a winning reappearance here in 2024 and 2025 so it's disconcerting he was well beaten on his comeback here 24 days ago, and he could do with breaking sharper; however, it's possible he needed the run this time and, having won three times last year, he's entitled to respect.

7/1

9th

2

(1)

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:55 Bath

Darvel

9st 9lb

J: David Probert

T: Patrick Chamings

Two of his eight wins have been over C&D and they were first time out in April 2024 and April 2025; two wins last summer ensure that he remains much higher in the weights but that reappearance record here is striking.

8/1

OUR TIP

13/2

Form: 29-726 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Two wins on soft ground (1m) last autumn but has mixed record since last success and was down the field at Wetherby last month; mark is sliding but he's still 4lb higher than for last win and others are more persuasive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(6)

20th May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 23y

Class 5

18:40 Yarmouth

Dream Pirate

9st 6lb

J: George Wood

T: T J Kent

Two course wins on slower than good, the latest off 2lb lower last September; added a 1m2f success at Lingfield in January and his subsequent modest effort at Nottingham may have been needed after three-months off; more appealing than many.

7/1

9th

3

(8)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 50y

Class 5

18:45 Nottingham

Dream Pirate

9st 7lb

J: George Wood

T: T J Kent

Back to winning ways on Lingfield's AW (1m2f) in January; his four successes prior to that all came on turf (including 1m here) so he should remain competitive off only 2lb higher if fully primed after three months off.

13/2

Form: 556-09

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Sole win was in a 2yo novice (7f, soft) in September 2022 and he's struggled at big prices in two runs for new yard this season; mark continues to fall but he's now 1-11 and has a lot to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(11)

30th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 4

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Serious Look

9st 1lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Thomas Faulkner

It was a narrow verdict over 8.6f here four weeks ago and he went up only 3lb; with that run under his belt and being a triple C&D winner, he should feature again if able to overcome a wider than ideal draw.

7/1

1st

6

(4)

2nd Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 5

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Serious Look

9st 3lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Thomas Faulkner

Won three times over 9.4f here last year and ended that year with a keeping-on second over that trip; returns from two-month break on fairly tough mark, though, and this drop back to 8.6f is not ideal.

6/1

5

(10)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Serious Look

9st 7lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Thomas Faulkner

Three C&D wins this year, the latest from off the pace in amateur riders' race three weeks ago; 4b higher tonight, though, and this contest may not pan as favourably for him.

5/1

Form: 5613-7 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Won three times (7f-1m) last season, on ground ranging from good to firm to heavy; never involved on return at Brighton but he may have needed that and he won second time up last season; dangerous back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(4)

16th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 216y

Class 5

15:30 Brighton

Marsh Benham

9st 10lb

J: Jack Callan

T: George Baker

Has defied current mark three times, including in this race 12 months ago, and Jack Callan removes a bonus 5lb today; close second at Brighton (7f) latest start; respected.

11/2

2nd

3

(5)

15th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 210y

Class 5

16:12 Brighton

Marsh Benham

9st 5lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: George Baker

Seven-time winner who handles any ground but he can miss the break; now 2lb lower than for his Newbury win (1m, good) in May but he's lost his way since and needs a major revival.

10/1

14/1

Form: 8353-8

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
All of his wins have come at shorter trips on good to firm; back on last winning mark and has form at this trip but he didn't fire on his return last month and the forecast slow ground is a major concern here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

12

(10)

22nd May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

18:15 Bath

Amathus

8st 13lb

J: David Probert

T: Patrick Chamings

All of his seven wins have been over shorter trips but he produced a strong finish when a 2l second over C&D (good) 18 days ago; on unchanged mark and has possibilities if he can find some extra spark.

12/1

2nd

5

(4)

4th May 2026

Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

13:45 Bath

Amathus

10st 10lb

J: Mr Frederick Tett

T: Patrick Chamings

Seven wins, all on good to firm over 6f and 7f; record over 1m is less compelling and he was never in the hunt over C&D on last month's reappearance; minor money perhaps his best hope.

10/1

9th

1

(6)

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

17:55 Bath

Amathus

9st 9lb

J: David Probert

T: Patrick Chamings

Often came to hand early in the past but is getting on now and has never won first time out; carries a big weight, ideally suited by an easy 7f and today's stiff 1m doesn't appeal as optimal.

16/1

8th
13 (1)
Baikal

20/1

Form: 05789-

Last run: 281 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Won over hurdles at Southwell (2m, good) last September but he was pulled up later that month and has not been seen since; 0-11 on Flat and he generally struggled in this sphere last year so is probably best watched on return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

28th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

14:28 Ffos Las

Baikal

11st 7lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Grace Harris

Three hurdle wins this season, most recently when given a nicely judged Joe Anderson ride from off the pace over C&D (good) 12 days ago; 4lb rise is not excessive but the ground may have turn against him now.

4/1

7

28th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

14:28 Ffos Las

Baikal

11st 7lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Grace Harris

Three hurdle wins this season, most recently when given a nicely judged Joe Anderson ride from off the pace over C&D (good) 12 days ago; 4lb rise is not excessive but the ground may have turn against him now.

4/1

Form: 3-1245 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Two wins at around 1m on AW during the winter but he wasn't at his best on Polytrack at Lingfield last month; still unexposed on turf but he needs to step up again on his return to this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(4)

17th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Landlordtothestars

9st 8lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: James Evans

Boasts a decent record in handicaps round here (two wins and two seconds from six starts) and ran better than his final position suggests over C&D from a wide stall two weeks ago; one to consider.

12/1

9th

3

(9)

3rd Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Landlordtothestars

9st 8lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: James Evans

Didn't get home at Southwell (7f, Tapeta) last month, but his record in handicaps around here reads 21412, his latest win coming over this trip in November after six months off; still just 1lb higher and respected; stable also runs Bungle Bay.

6/1

5th

2

(5)

5th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Landlordtothestars

9st 8lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: James Evans

Resumed from six months off with a 7f Wolverhampton handicap win in November and backed it up with a good second of seven there last month; this C&D scorer must enter calculations.

6/1

Form: 440-00

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Clear promise in five runs over middle distances in France but she's finished last at 150-1 in two runs for new yard this spring; returns to turf off a reduced mark but she needs a major revival; tongue-tie removed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(8)

10th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

1m 6f 115y

Class 6

13:30 Doncaster

French Martini

10st 10lb

J: Mr David Dunsdon

T: Gary & Josh Moore

2m1f soft-ground winner who wasn't at his best at Brighton last time (behind Throne Hall); return to this longer trip should suit but bit to do to reverse placings with that rival.

8/1

4th

1

(3)

24th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 198y

Class 6

17:00 Brighton

French Martini

11st 2lb

J: Mr David Dunsdon

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Record under David Dunsdon reads 3241, finishing third in this race last year and winning easily at Bath (2m1f, soft) in October; ran with credit when fourth of ten in a 0-75 contest at Kempton (2m, AW) in April and is back in calmer waters now; respected.

7/4

4th

9

(6)

21st Apr 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

18:20 Kempton (AW)

French Martini

8st 13lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Revelation on her final start at Bath last autumn (2m1f, soft; first run since wind surgery) when winning easily off 3lb lower; was sent off 11-1 for the voided Lingfield 0-60 handicap on her intended return 24 days ago; market useful.

10/1

16/1

Form: /0040-

Last run: 193 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Dual Kempton winner (7f, AW) from the front as a 3yo but he generally struggled during a light campaign last year; has dropped down the weights but he has questions to answer back on turf on his return; headgear removed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(5)

10th Jul 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

19:10 Kempton (AW)

Unsung Hero

9st 6lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Heather Main

Two 7f wins here in September 2022; beaten nine times since and although there have been some fair runs, as when third of five at Haydock last week (visored first time), there have also been some hefty defeats; others look safer.

6/1

3rd

5

(5)

5th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 212y

Class 5

21:00 Haydock

Unsung Hero

9st 3lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Heather Main

bumped start, prominent, slightly hampered over 4f out

20/1

7th

3

(2)

3rd Jun 2024

Good

0m 7f 216y

Class 6

16:30 Brighton

Unsung Hero

9st 8lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Heather Main

Dual Kempton winner (7f, AW) from the front as a 3yo but he generally struggled during a light campaign last year and was tailed off at Newbury (1m, good) on his return 17 days ago; cheekpieces are now tried and he has plenty to prove.

20/1

Form: 8/199/ D

Last run: 664 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Won Bath novice (1m, good to soft) in April 2022 but she was tailed off in both subsequent runs that year; still lightly raced but she returns after 664 days off and has plenty to prove for new yard; hood back on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(12)

21st Apr 2025

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

14:10 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bella Veneta

9st 7lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Thomas Faulkner

towards rear on outer

7/1

4

(12)

21st Apr 2025

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

14:10 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bella Veneta

9st 7lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Thomas Faulkner

Missed the whole of 2023 but has been consistent in handicaps since last summer; didn't enjoy a clear run when third of six over C&D last month, but was still well held and that didn't really prove her stamina.

7/1

3rd

5

(5)

22nd Mar 2025

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

17:28 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bella Veneta

9st 2lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Thomas Faulkner

Lightly raced for her age; proving consistent for this yard, again making the frame when fourth of seven over 9.4f here in January; chance hinges on her staying this much longer trip (some encouragement from pedigree).

15/2

12/1

Form: 75-277 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Seven-time AW winner but he's finished a well-held seventh at Kempton in last two starts; on much lower mark back on turf and he's just 1-11 in this sphere; that win was a narrow success off 4lb lower; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(10)

25th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 5

18:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Gavi Di Gavi

9st 12lb

J: Oscar Palmer

T: Alan King

in rear

20/1

13th

12

(8)

17th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:00 Newbury

Gavi Di Gavi

9st 5lb

J: Millie Wonnacott

T: Alan King

Seven-time AW winner but he's finished a well-held seventh at Kempton in last two starts; on much lower mark back on turf and he's just 1-11 in this sphere; that win was a narrow success off 4lb lower; others preferred.

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £36.90
Straight Forecast £23.77
Tricast £87.25
Trifecta £177.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Darvel

POSTDATA:

Johnjay

NEWMARKET:

Dream Pirate

RP RATINGS:

Marsh Benham

The Times:

Johnjay

The Sun:

Johnjay

The Star:

Johnjay

Daily Record:

Johnjay

Telegraph:

Darvel

The Guardian:

Darvel

Daily Mail:

Darvel

D Express:

Darvel

Daily Mirror:

Darvel