June 01 / 17.15 Epsom

17.15

Good To Soft

Long Shot Northern Dancer Handicap

  • Prize money: £38655
  • 1m 4f 6y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
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Long Shot Northern Dancer Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 1436-3 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Third in the Italian Derby (1m3f, heavy) last May; heavy defeat at Royal Ascot (1m4f Group 2, good to firm) last June but never-nearer third of nine in handicap at Newmarket (1m4f, good; gelded) four weeks ago was creditable on first run since; tongue-tie (absent last time) returns; relatively lightly raced and may have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(20)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Relentless Voyager

9st 12lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Won handicap at Epsom (good to soft) on Derby day and good second from the front in Group 3 at Goodwood (good to firm) three weeks ago, both 1m4f; third in 1m6f Listed race at York in between might suggest limitations for today's task but trying to come from off a steady pace will have counted against him, so he's not fully exposed.

12/1

2nd

5

(1)

3rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 218y

Class 1

13:50 Goodwood

Relentless Voyager

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Better than ever when readily winning competitive handicap at Epsom (1m4f, good to soft) on Derby day; not seen to best effect in steadily run Listed race at York last time and could have the same problem today, while there's a question as to whether he's fully effective on fast ground; however, this progressive 4yo could yet have more to offer and is not ruled out.

7/2

11/2

Form: 1/23-2 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Had his only run since January 2023 when rallying second of seven off today's mark here (1m2f, good) in April; well treated judged on his AW exploits two winters back, and he has won twice on turf (on good) and been second twice on soft; stepping back up to 1m4f offers significant hope; major player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

11

(4)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Ziggy

9st 5lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Harry Eustace

451 days off before he returned with four good placings (two at Epsom, then two at Ascot) then won a lesser 1m4f race here four weeks ago; saw it out very well last time but has a 4lb penalty for this, his toughest assignment, and sole attempt at 1m6f was in 2021, well below form; others preferred.

16/1

1st

1

(6)

27th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 3

17:10 York

Ziggy

10st 4lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Harry Eustace

prominent, pressed leader 4f out, shaken up and led over 1f out, ridden and kept on well final furlong

15/8

8/1

Form: 111825

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Well beaten on soft in Ireland (2022); four AW wins this January-March and never better than when second at Windsor (1m2f, good to soft) in April on return to turf, making most and coming back strongly; creditable front-running fifth of 20 at York latest when upped to 1m4f, which he needs to improve on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(9)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Asgards Captain

9st 8lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Dylan Cunha

Seen mostly at up to 1m4f so perhaps unwise to read all that much into last two defeats over 2m and 1m6f; not impossibly treated on his solid 1m4f form earlier this season, and last year's efforts included a 2l defeat in this (not seen to best effect) and a victory over Insanity at York (1m4f, good to firm); in the mix.

13/2

6th

5

(3)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Asgards Captain

9st 1lb

J: David Egan

T: Dylan Cunha

Seen mostly at up to 1m4f, over which he delivered a telling late challenge on the other Newmarket track in May; while that looked encouraging for longer trips, his one attempt at 1m6f (on soft last July) and two at 2m (last two Northumberland Plates) saw him well beaten; that's not conclusive proof that he won't stay 1m6f but it leaves his stamina unproven.

33/1

12th

11

(13)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Asgards Captain

9st 1lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Dylan Cunha

Three wins at this track but he came 13th in this race last year; that was his only appearance over this long a trip and he was also below form when he had a crack at 1m6f, so he's unproven beyond 1m4f, over which he's contested his last nine starts; stamina is the big doubt.

16/1

Form: 3/17-4 C

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 7lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
12yo who has retained a rare zest, demonstrated last year with a front-running Flat win at Newbury (1m5f, heavy; stays well) and a second triumph in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle; creditable fourth at Newbury (2m) on return to Flat six weeks ago, which he needs to build on; won at this meeting in 2017 and he is not one to pass over lightly seven years on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(7)

21st Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 61y

Class 2

14:05 Newbury

Not So Sleepy

9st 8lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Hughie Morrison

Magnificent veteran who has retained a rare zest, demonstrated last year with a front-running Flat win in this race (heavy; stays well) and a second triumph in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle; creditable fourth in his two runs back on the Flat this term, the latest at Epsom on Derby day (1m4f; finished strongly); respected on that and any significant rain over the last day or so will probably help.

14/1

4th

4

(2)

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 2

17:15 Epsom

Not So Sleepy

9st 7lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Hughie Morrison

12yo who has retained a rare zest, demonstrated last year with a front-running Flat win at Newbury (1m5f, heavy; stays well) and a second triumph in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle; creditable fourth at Newbury (2m) on return to Flat six weeks ago, which he needs to build on; won at this meeting in 2017 and he is not one to pass over lightly seven years on.

20/1

Form: 31-335

Last run: 85 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Pretty reliable in Bahrain over the last two winters, albeit not quite so good this time round after his win in December; ran on from the back when third in this race last year (good to firm; 1lb lower today), still acts on good to soft and won twice much earlier in career on soft; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(8)

22nd Oct 2024

Standard

1m 4f 99y

Class 2

16:15 Newcastle (AW)

Lucander

10st 0lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: George Baker

Last three wins came in Bahrain (December 2022 to December 2023); has been off for four months since a couple of ordinary efforts in good-quality handicaps in the summer and needs a revival on his Tapeta debut.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 3158-3

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Fifth in the 2023 German Derby (1m4f, good to soft); tailed off in handicap in September (1m2f, soft) on his only subsequent start last term but third of six at Lingfield (11.6f, good) three weeks ago was career-best form; needs better still and worse than good to soft would be a worry.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(1)

29th Sep 2024

Heavy

1m 2f 17y

Class 3

16:05 Epsom

If Not Now

10st 1lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

His wins have come on good to soft (unproven on soft/heavy); dropping down the weights and the drop back in trip could help, but he was beaten a long way the last twice and needs to turn things around in first-time blinkers.

9/1

11th

5

(10)

7th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

14:25 Haydock

If Not Now

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Lightly raced 4yo; tailed off on final start last term (his only run on soft) but third of six at Lingfield (11.6f, good) on reappearance this May was career-best form; 3lb lower today, following a poor show at Epsom (good to soft) on Derby Day; mixed messages there and not certain to get 1m6f.

11/1

Form: 0442-9 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Versatile tactically and on ground; won at Chester (1m4f, soft) last May on seasonal debut; rather a mixed record afterwards and latest reappearance was disappointing four weeks ago, having been gelded, but he's not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

15th Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

14:50 Perth

Struth

10st 7lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Dual Flat winner for Charlie Johnston (8.5f-12.5f); yet to score over hurdles (0-7) but doesn't have a massive amount to find with Lets Mingle and Summergrounds based on their recent C&D clash; the task isn't an impossible one.

13/2

6th

9

12th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

15:16 Perth

Struth

10st 2lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Former smart Flat horse who is 0-6 over hurdles and was beaten a little under 10l on handicap debut here a month ago; he was boxing on over 2m and this longer trip could bring him on (stayed well on the Flat).

8/1

6th

1

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

14:42 Perth

Struth

11st 12lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Useful on the Flat in his prime but well held when fifth on handicap hurdle debut at Kelso (2m2f, good; first-time tongue-tie) in April and showed no significant improvement in a subsequent C&D maiden; needs to up his game.

20/1

Form: 118-18 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Impressive over 1m4f in the mud at Newbury and Catterick last autumn and showed further improved form when well on top at Doncaster (1m4f, soft; 7lb higher today) this April; York performance 17 days ago demonstrated that she's not so hot on good ground; good to soft also poses a question but she'd be strongly considered if the ground is soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(7)

4th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 3f 140y

Class 5

16:53 Haydock

Flash Bardot

10st 1lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Henrietta C Knight

A fairly useful 1m4f scorer for Jack Channon in 2024; twice placed over hurdles this season for her new stable here and at Fontwell so needs considering back on the Flat.

16/1

2nd

2

14th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 4

17:34 Fontwell

Flash Bardot

11st 4lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Henrietta C Knight

Useful over middle distances on the Flat (five wins) and made promising stable/hurdle debut when third at Haydock (1m7f, good) last month; that run came after a layoff and she'll be dangerous if it brought her on.

5/1

3rd

6

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 4

13:37 Haydock

Flash Bardot

11st 4lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Henrietta C Knight

Useful on the Flat for Jack Channon up to autumn 2024; however, her form went the wrong way last year and she was sold for 10,000gns in December; needs to turn things around on this hurdle/stable debut

12/1

Form: 967-28

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Often highly tried for previous stable; with new yard since September, for which he's had three races; second of 13 when 40-1 over C&D (good) in April, which he failed to live up to at Ascot three weeks ago but that was when tried in a hood (now discarded); bit to prove on softer than good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

26th Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:28 Worcester

Think First

10st 13lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Very useful Flat-racer who seemed to take pretty well to this game when second in three-runner juvenile hurdle at Doncaster (2m, good) in November; well beaten in valuable Epsom handicap on Derby day but still looks interesting on return to this sphere.

11/2

9

(8)

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 2

17:15 Epsom

Think First

8st 11lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Neil Mulholland

Often highly tried for previous stable; with new yard since September, for which he's had three races; second of 13 when 40-1 over C&D (good) in April, which he failed to live up to at Ascot three weeks ago but that was when tried in a hood (now discarded); bit to prove on softer than good.

18/1

8th

1

(12)

11th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

13:30 Ascot

Think First

9st 10lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Neil Mulholland

Often highly tried for previous stable; runner-up in both outings (hurdle/Flat) for new yard, latest at Epsom (1m4f, good) where he was no match for the winner but ran creditably; possibilities, provided he takes well to first-time hood.

13/2

20/1

Form: 5-4106

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Scored on good to soft as 2yo; first win since came over 1m2f in Bahrain (one of four runs there last winter) in February, form which was not matched back in Britain for the Lincoln at Doncaster (1m, soft) or handicap at Chester (1m2f; not disgraced); tries a new trip and needs a career best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(5)

13th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

19:41 Windsor

Parlando

9st 7lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Had gone badly off the boil but back in a Class 4 he came from behind to score narrowly at Chester (extended 1m2f); if he's turned a corner then likely to have some say off 3lb higher.

13/2

12

(4)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Parlando

9st 3lb

T: Ian Williams

14/1

1st

2

(6)

25th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 4

16:58 Chester

Parlando

10st 0lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Capable handicapper off this mark but has gone badly off the boil in last three races, admittedly in higher grades; still has a bit to prove now and failed to fire on his previous visit here.

10/1

Form: 06-696

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Three wins on good to soft in France in 2022; no great impact in his five British efforts and has now been dropped 11lb in the process; not proven over this far, having tried it when headgear was enlisted at Newmarket (cheekpieces) and York (visor) on last two outings; never nearer in a steadily run race latest but he's not that persuasive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(5)

6th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:33 Newmarket (July)

Percy Shelley

10st 1lb

J: George Wood

T: James Owen

Hasn't scored under this code since his French days in 2022 but looks interesting with usual visor removed, having gained all wins (Flat/hurdles) without headgear; yard also runs High Fibre.

13/2

6th

3

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 3

15:10 Cartmel

Percy Shelley

11st 11lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: James Owen

Runner-up (albeit no match for winner) off today's mark at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in May and didn't run badly on the Flat (1m6f) last month; could yet have a bigger effort in him over jumps but this drop back in trip may not be in his favour.

8/1

Form: 3-3074

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Better known on AW, with sole turf win (12 races on turf) coming over 1m3f on soft at Chester last July off 2lb lower than today; had two runs in two days there last month, running respectably and it may well be that this step back up in trip will suit; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(3)

4th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

13:30 Haydock

Dream Harder

10st 2lb

J: Hope Regan

T: Mark Loughnane

A tongue-tie was added to cheekpieces when off the mark for this yard, getting up late at Epsom (1m4f, good to firm) in July; weak in the market under a penalty when beaten 5l in amateur riders' event over C&D (good) the following week; combination of this trip and slow ground will be new to him.

8/1

4th

1

(5)

7th Aug 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:18 Haydock

Dream Harder

11st 3lb

J: Mr Jack Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

Ex-Ian Williams; first win for current yard with first-time tongue-tie at Epsom last week (1m4f, good to firm), quickening up well after not getting best of runs; could go well with a 4lb penalty although below par two previous runs at 1m6f.

13/2

1st

2

(3)

30th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 6y

Class 5

18:40 Epsom

Dream Harder

9st 7lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Mark Loughnane

Signed off for Ian Williams with below-par AW run in the autumn and finished last on both turf starts for new stable this year; on good mark now but needs first-time tongue-tie to aid a return to form.

12/1

Form: /6-111 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Ex-French; had a hurdles campaign before winning at Windsor (good), Salisbury (heavy; by 10l) and Ascot (good) on his three Flat starts this spring; the last named was on step up to 1m4f, coming from mid-division to take a 14-runner race; racing freely is the worry but no shock if he can cope with another 5lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

28th Aug 2026

Good

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

17:15 Fontwell

Kotari

11st 12lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Regressive on the Flat and has 0-8 strike-rate over hurdles; not beaten far when fifth in first-time visor (now removed) on latest Flat start in June and returns to this code on a workable mark but others have more appealing profiles.

8/1

5th

8

(1)

5th Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Bath

Kotari

8st 13lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Hasn't won since recording a three-timer in 2024; last of six on return to action at Salisbury (1m4f, good) last month when favourite; has dropped to a career-low mark and first-time visor goes on; may be worth another chance.

13/2

Form: 206-64

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Dual novice winner for James Fanshawe; has not quite lived up to that in handicaps since, the latest three for new yard; visor returns instead of recent blinkers; acts on soft and has run creditably at 1m4f but he needs to find a bit extra.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(7)

13th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 1f 209y

Class 4

17:25 Sandown

Maso Bastie

10st 1lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Michael Bell

Good efforts in just two 1m2f handicaps for this stable, doing well against a progressive one at Newmarket (good; has won on soft) then things didn't go his way after another slow start at Doncaster in August; the return to a stiff finish can suit; has every chance.

9/1

5th

1

(4)

17th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 43y

Class 4

14:32 Doncaster

Maso Bastie

9st 10lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Michael Bell

Won novice races at Lingfield (1m, AW) and Nottingham (1m2f, soft) for James Fanshawe; yet to win a handicap but ran well when second at Newmarket (1m2f, good; cheekpieces on for first time) two runs back to one who was completing a hat-trick; headgear retained; chance on that form.

6/1

4th

3

(5)

3rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

20:10 Hamilton

Maso Bastie

10st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Michael Bell

Inconsistent but returned to form in first-time cheekpieces (retained) when runner-up at Newmarket (1m2f, good) a fortnight ago; has run well over an extended 1m4f in the past and he's one to consider; tongue-tie added.

11/4

Non-runners

LAstronome

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £33.31
Tricast £341.75

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Ziggy

The Times:

Relentless Voyager

The Guardian:

Kotari

TOPSPEED:

Flash Bardot

POSTDATA:

If Not Now

D Express:

Dream Harder

Daily Mail:

Not So Sleepy

Telegraph:

Relentless Voyager

Daily Record:

Relentless Voyager

Daily Mirror:

Kotari

The Star:

Kotari

RP RATINGS:

Ziggy

NEWMARKET:

Ziggy

The Sun:

Ziggy