May 24 / 15.25 Bath

15.25

Good To Soft

Octagon Consultancy Handicap (Div I)

  • Prize money: £2983.38
  • 0m 5f 160y
  • Class 6
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
Octagon Consultancy Handicap (Div I)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.34
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 570-74 CD

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
Multiple course winner, two over this trip; fluffed the start on his seasonal return at Windsor but more like it when fourth of eight here 18 days ago; drops into a 0-55 and he's one to take seriously with a good apprentice taking off 7lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

12

(10)

5th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 6

15:45 Bath

Symbol Of Hope

8st 5lb

J: Georgia Dobie

T: Adrian Wintle

He has seven course wins to his name but 2025 was disappointing and he's rather been going through the motions on AW this year; not impossible the return to Bath will pique his interest.

20/1

7th

7

(4)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 6

16:25 Wolverhampton (AW)

Symbol Of Hope

9st 1lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Adrian Wintle

Regressive 8yo who has been unable to exploit his reduced mark this winter; his penultimate C&D fourth wasn't a bad effort but others still make more appeal for win purposes.

10/1

OUR TIP

13/2

  • Place: £1.80

Form: -50942

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Hard to win with but he comes into the race on the back of two solid efforts over further, finishing off strongly for second at Brighton two weeks ago (6f, good); handles slow ground but likely he'll need them to go off too fast over this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(5)

6th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 210y

Class 6

16:45 Brighton

Media Guest

9st 9lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Mark Gillard

2-45, with the latest win coming at Bath (5.5f, good) last July; tailed off on his return at Salisbury (5f, good to firm; reported to have had a respiratory issue) two weeks ago; has form over this far but others are currently preferred.

20/1

3

(5)

23rd Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:20 Salisbury

Media Guest

9st 9lb

J: Thomas Greatrex

T: Mark Gillard

Has a poor strike-rate and is the only runner who lacks recent match practice, having been absent since last October; best watched unless the market speaks favourably.

33/1

5th

9

(8)

31st Oct 2024

Soft

0m 5f 160y

Class 5

13:58 Bath

Media Guest

8st 11lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Mark Gillard

Had a good record at Bath until tailed off here (5f, heavy) last time in first-time blinkers; however, the ground may have been too much and he's back in cheekpieces today; has shown promise on soft going; could go well.

10/1

11/2

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 224-57 CD

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 46

Form & Verdict
Both turf wins have come at this track and he was first past the post in a division of the corresponding event 12 months ago (subsequently disqualified after testing positive for a banned substance); two runs this year should have him spot on for a repeat, but wouldn't want much more rain and he's drawn widest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(6)

2nd Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 16y

Class 6

17:25 Chepstow

Were Reunited

9st 0lb

J: Thomas Greatrex

T: Michael Blake

Without a win since June 2022 but produced three solid efforts here when making the frame in May/June; below that form when seventh of eight at Windsor in July but not out of this if he can recapture his form.

10/1

7th

8

(9)

26th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 12y

Class 6

19:45 Windsor

Were Reunited

9st 0lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Blake

Without a win for over three years but has made the frame in three consecutive Chepstow handicaps (5f-6f) since cheekpieces were refitted in May and has obvious each-way claims here.

11/2

3rd

5

(3)

23rd Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 16y

Class 6

17:25 Chepstow

Were Reunited

9st 0lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: Michael Blake

Getting on for three years since his last success but he's reached a basement mark and there were encouraging signs when second over 6f here last week; bold bid expected back at 5f.

4/1

Form: 435-34

Last run: 131 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
7f win on turf two years ago; in fair form on AW over the winter and likely to pop up in a minor race at some stage this season; down in trip though and she might prefer a sounder surface; tongue-tie now added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

(3)

19th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 6

19:55 Windsor

Essme

9st 1lb

J: William Carson

T: Rachel Cook & John Bridger

Infrequent winner but she's reliable at a low level and comes here on the back of six solid turf runs this year; well drawn for a prominent racer and she's likely to be involved once again.

6/1

2nd

4

(3)

10th Aug 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:22 Lingfield

Essme

9st 9lb

J: William Carson

T: Rachel Cook & John Bridger

Has very modest 1-37 strike-rate but scores high marks for her consistency; most of her recent form is over 7f but she can cope with today's drop back in trip and probably won't be far away.

6/1

3rd

10

(2)

24th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 213y

Class 6

18:00 Salisbury

Essme

10st 8lb

J: Miss Arabella Fox

T: Rachel Cook & John Bridger

Very consistent, running well in the cheekpieces the past twice (deal better off with Gilt Edge than when third to her last month), but has only won once; may be the one to take them along under a jockey taking just her seventh ride.

10/1

Form: 411486

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 56

Form & Verdict
Two 6f wins on AW over the winter; dropped away on her return to turf at Chepstow but that was in a stronger race than this; others look stronger under these conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(2)

29th Apr 2026

Firm

0m 5f 160y

Class 5

16:10 Bath

Savannah Smiles

8st 13lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Grace Harris

Course winner over 5f on heavy ground in September and she has also won on good to firm; ended last season out of sorts and she was well held on her return at Leicester (6f, good) 16 days ago; hood is removed and tongue-tie is applied; bit to prove.

14/1

7th

10

(10)

13th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:22 Leicester

Savannah Smiles

8st 13lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Grace Harris

Turf wins have come on stiff tracks, at 6f and 5f; had another good season in 2025 but it ended quietly in the autumn and she now has a hood refitted for the first time in over two years; has a bit to prove.

25/1

Form: 24535- C

Last run: 227 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 54

Form & Verdict
Won four sprint handicaps in 2021 (good or faster) and although he's drawn a blank since, he ran several good races in defeat last year; returns from an absence on a lowly mark but perhaps best watched; handles good to soft but quicker ground optimal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(10)

24th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

19:40 Salisbury

Attys Edge

8st 13lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Christopher Mason

Always tended to do best in the second half of the year but has been on the downgrade for a while; didn't build on a fair comeback behind Symbol Of Hope in the spring last time.

20/1

8th

6

(5)

15th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 10y

Class 6

15:30 Bath

Attys Edge

9st 6lb

J: William Cox

T: Christopher Mason

Always tended to do best in the second half of the year but he's adaptable regarding ground and is well treated now; offered enough behind Media Guest on his recent comeback here (lost both front shoes) to suggest he's worth a look.

8/1

Form: 632-23

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
Yet to win in 16 attempts but she's banging at the door for this yard, beaten a nose at Wolverhampton last month (6f) before a good third of 15 in a similar event over C&D nine days ago; conditions won't be an issue and she's one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(7)

23rd May 2025

Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

17:05 Bath

Midnight Flame

8st 7lb

J: Nicola Currie

T: Joe Ponting

34-race maiden who has flattered to deceive on occasions; returning to 1m (attempted once in 2023) not the obvious answer.

20/1

7th

9

(7)

23rd May 2025

Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

17:05 Bath

Midnight Flame

8st 7lb

J: Nicola Currie

T: Joe Ponting

34-race maiden who has flattered to deceive on occasions; returning to 1m (attempted once in 2023) not the obvious answer.

20/1

7th

10

(3)

14th May 2025

Firm

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

17:00 Bath

Midnight Flame

9st 0lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Joe Ponting

Has shown enough to think she could win races, but she's currently 0-33 and she didn't really threaten behind Banana here on her reappearance nine days ago (5f, firm); the extra distance should help, as may a change of headgear, but others appeal more for win purposes.

12/1

Form: 1989-6 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Two C&D wins on fast ground last summer; made some late headway into sixth on her return to action here nine days ago and that should have blown away a few cobwebs; faster ground preferable though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

(9)

29th Jul 2024

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

18:55 Wolverhampton (AW)

More Than Likely

9st 1lb

J: Tommie Jakes

T: Nikki Evans

Won twice at Bath last summer; down to a good mark but she's not been firing on all cylinders and her stamina for 7f remains a concern.

33/1

5th

9

(4)

8th Jul 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

19:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

More Than Likely

9st 9lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Nikki Evans

midfield

10/1

8th

7

(9)

3rd Jul 2024

Firm

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

18:00 Bath

More Than Likely

9st 4lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Nikki Evans

Has won over C&D three times but has shown only modest form since the last of those wins in July last year; she is well handicapped if she can return to form.

9/1

Form: -87946

Last run: 73 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Exposed 34-race maiden; beaten in classified events on AW when last in action and a subsequent wind operation isn't enough to tempt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(7)

18th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Independent Beauty

9st 9lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Lisa Williamson

Placed a few times but now 0-43 and finished last on her recent return from a break.

50/1

7th

5

(7)

8th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

19:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Independent Beauty

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Lisa Williamson

mounted on course and taken down early

50/1

7th

5

(7)

8th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

19:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Independent Beauty

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Lisa Williamson

mounted on course and taken down early, prominent, weakened over 2f out

50/1

Form: 02846-

Last run: 225 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 48

Form & Verdict
Nine-race maiden; went desperately close at Windsor last June (5f, good to firm) but that hasn't proved to be a springboard to better things; this is likely to be the slowest ground she's tackled and she looks best watched back from 225 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(7)

10th Sep 2024

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 6

15:30 Lingfield (AW)

Cloudy Breeze

9st 0lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Inconsistent maiden who achieved little in sole outing this season; good chance on peak handicap effort but comes with risk.

14/1

10th

7

(8)

24th May 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

15:25 Bath

Cloudy Breeze

9st 2lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Nine-race maiden; went desperately close at Windsor last June (5f, good to firm) but that hasn't proved to be a springboard to better things; this is likely to be the slowest ground she's tackled and she looks best watched back from 225 days off.

10/1

10th

7

(8)

24th May 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

15:25 Bath

Cloudy Breeze

9st 2lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Nine-race maiden; went desperately close at Windsor last June (5f, good to firm) but that hasn't proved to be a springboard to better things; this is likely to be the slowest ground she's tackled and she looks best watched back from 225 days off.

10/1

12/1

Form: 28-045

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Two 6f runs at Wolverhampton last month weren't too shabby, but he's now 0-15 and he finished last in his one turf outing (7f, good to firm); others look safer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

12

(3)

20th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:15 Kempton (AW)

Kangaroo

8st 9lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Phil McEntee

midfield

25/1

9th

3

(9)

29th Aug 2024

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:40 Chelmsford (AW)

Kangaroo

9st 9lb

J: Raul Da Silva

T: Phil McEntee

in touch with leaders

16/1

5th

1

(2)

30th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 42y

Class 6

16:20 Yarmouth

Kangaroo

9st 9lb

J: Frederick Larson

T: Phil McEntee

Longstanding, regressive maiden who's been as far as 1m and has finished held in a couple of runs over 5f lately, including from out of the weights at the weekend; the lowest rated contender, so again has something to find.

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £19.30
Straight Forecast £16.69
Tricast £186.83
Trifecta £222.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Midnight Flame

WEST COUNTRY:

Media Guest

The Times:

Symbol Of Hope

NEWMARKET:

Kangaroo

Daily Mirror:

Atty's Edge

RP RATINGS:

Midnight Flame

POSTDATA:

Midnight Flame

The Sun:

Midnight Flame

Daily Record:

Midnight Flame

Telegraph:

Media Guest

The Guardian:

Media Guest

The Star:

Media Guest

Daily Mail:

Symbol Of Hope

D Express:

Symbol Of Hope