June 08 / 17.20 Haydock

17.20

Good

Betfred ‘Bet Builder’ Sankey Handicap (Div I)

  • Prize money: £10468
  • 1m 0f 37y
  • Class 4
  • 9 runners
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Betfred ‘Bet Builder’ Sankey Handicap (Div I)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 11-234 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won twice at Lingfield (1m, AW) late last year and has finished in the frame in all three handicaps on turf since returning in April, the latest when fourth of seven at Newmarket (7f, good) three weeks ago; the first three haven't done much for the form since, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

12

(13)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Dashing Darcey

8st 13lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Geoffrey Harker

Just second outing for Geoff Harker when runner-up off 1lb higher at Haydock (1m, good) last May but never involved when dropped to 7f at York the following month and not seen since (gelded); this is a tough race to return in.

14/1

12th

4

(13)

14th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

13:50 York

Dashing Darcey

9st 13lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Geoffrey Harker

Just second outing for current yard when adding to his good Haydock record with a closing second over 1m three weeks ago; slight doubts as to whether the drop back to 7f will be ideal but his mark is definitely workable.

11/2

2nd

7

(14)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 37y

Class 3

13:15 Haydock

Dashing Darcey

9st 5lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Geoffrey Harker

Won over C&D (good) for Roger Varian last summer and another fine effort over C&D when second on soft in the autumn; changed hands for 110,000gns after final 3yo start; never involved in the Lincoln at Doncaster on reappearance for new yard but he did meet trouble in running; stall 14 could make life tricky.

8/1

7/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 3242-7

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
In the frame in all five starts last year; failed to beat a rival on his Lingfield return (7.6f, good) a week ago but met all sorts of trouble, so that effort can be forgiven; worth a second look for stable that won this with the useful Jimi Hendrix for the same owners two years ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(5)

3rd Oct 2024

Heavy

1m 1f 201y

Class 4

16:20 Salisbury

New Chelsea

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Acts on heavy; finally off the mark in 1m novice event at Windsor in June; folded tamely in 1m3f handicap at Glorious Goodwood next time and again weakened out of it at Kempton (1m3f, AW) five weeks ago; that's led to wind surgery and today's visor, and he'd be a contender if back to his best.

7/1

6th

3

(4)

28th Aug 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 4

20:00 Kempton (AW)

New Chelsea

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Finally off the mark in 1m novice event at Windsor in June; folded tamely in 1m3f contest at Glorious Goodwood since, not exactly convincing with his stamina, but he is bred to stay this far and may see it out better in this lower grade.

11/2

7th

6

(5)

2nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 44y

Class 3

17:20 Goodwood

New Chelsea

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Met all sorts of trouble on reappearance and has otherwise been in the frame every time; second off this mark at Haydock (1m, good) before getting off the mark by a neck in a novice at Windsor (1m, good to firm) five weeks ago; this marked increase in trip is interesting, including as his dam was a 1m3f winner and close relation to a King George winner at 1m4f.

8/1

OUR TIP

8/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 51-334

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Dual AW winner over 6f/7f but 7.6f seemed to stretch him when fourth of seven at Chester (good) last month (Dashing Darcey third); stepping up again in trip has to be a concern.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(9)

27th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:25 Kempton (AW)

Gunfighter

9st 13lb

J: Liam Wright

T: John Butler

Dual winner for Hugo Palmer (6f/7f); third the best he managed for Robert Eddery; failed to see out 1m in two previous attempts so looks best watched on debut for John Butler, who runs two others, back from 292 days off.

20/1

13th

12

(3)

8th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:05 Newmarket (July)

Gunfighter

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Robert Eddery

Two AW wins when trained by Hugo Palmer; he has found the handicapper in command since joining this stable and although his penultimate third at Yarmouth was better, he doesn't look the obvious answer here; stable also run Spring Bloom.

33/1

5

(4)

25th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:10 Ascot

Gunfighter

9st 7lb

J: David Probert

T: Robert Eddery

Not totally solid on his form for current yard but has possibilities off current mark provided latest effort (third at Yarmouth) is backed up; well treated on peak figures.

14/1

Form: 16-438 BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Looked a nice prospect when winning his first two starts last summer and although he hasn't added to that, he didn't enjoy much luck here in his last two outings, particularly over this trip a fortnight ago; capable of making an impact granted a clearer run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(6)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Cerulean Bay

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Progressive last term, winning two in a row at Goodwood (1m, good to soft/good) in the autumn, and kept on well for a close fourth on last month's reappearance at Haydock (7f, good to firm); solid claims back up to 1m.

13/2

4th

3

(10)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Cerulean Bay

9st 10lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: David O’Meara

Had strong handicap form over 1m in the second half of 2025, finishing second at York's Ebor meeting (good to firm) before recording back-to-back wins at Goodwood (good to soft and good); ran well for third in a Nottingham Listed race when last seen 178 days ago; only seventh in this race 12 months ago and he's 4lb higher today.

9/1

3rd

2

(7)

29th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 0f 75y

Class 1

14:47 Nottingham

Cerulean Bay

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Won on soft last year; Goodwood double (1m, good to soft/good) in handicaps this autumn; however, only mid-division in valuable event at Ascot 11 days ago, comfortably held by Ebt's Guard, and needs to resume improvement.

14/1

Form: 21005-

Last run: 241 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Looked one to follow when easily winning a Doncaster maiden (6f, good) last summer; well held in three starts afterwards, albeit facing stiff tasks in the first two and meeting trouble in the third; returns from eight months off having been gelded; market may be revealing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(1)

29th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 6

17:08 Pontefract

Hows The Guvnor

9st 8lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

Won on turf as a 2yo for Clive Cox; dual AW winner (1m/7f) for this yard in January but poor last time when the race reportedly came too soon; has been freshened up and might bounce back.

5/1

7th

1

(6)

4th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

13:32 Southwell (AW)

Hows The Guvnor

9st 9lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Jennie Candlish

C&D winner in January, when 12lb lower; followed up at Wolverhampton (7f, Tapeta); went close from this mark when fourth back there (8.5f) on his penultimate start; respectable second at Lingfield latest but if back in the form of that penultimate effort, he'd have strong claims.

6/1

2nd

1

(2)

28th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 6

15:10 Lingfield (AW)

Hows The Guvnor

9st 9lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Jennie Candlish

Two Tapeta wins in January, over 1m and 7f, and better form when a close fourth (off this mark) at Wolverhampton 11 days ago (8.6f); the second and third there have both won since and he is a solid contender back down into a Class 6.

7/2

Form: 12-35 BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Did well in two starts as a 2yo, winning at Southwell (7f, AW) and going close at Redcar (7f, good), but having been gelded he has been a bit disappointing this term and was behind Dashing Darcey at Newmarket (7f, good) three weeks ago; more needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

14

(13)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Gressington

8st 7lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Katie Scott

Out of sorts since December AW success, finishing in midfield at York (40-1) on return to turf last time; beginning to look well handicapped but needs a revival.

40/1

11th

19

(11)

15th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 York

Gressington

9st 5lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Katie Scott

Campaigned exclusively on AW for current stable; out of sorts since December win; well handicapped on best turf form for previous yard, so has a good chance if the return to this sphere sparks a revival.

33/1

6th

4

(9)

1st May 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

19:33 Newcastle (AW)

Gressington

9st 6lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Katie Scott

Won a small-field C&D handicap over Christmas but two nothing runs in January and difficult to know what to expect from him after a break.

16/1

Form: 21-3

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
All three starts over 7f, winning on the Wolverhampton AW last October and an encouraging third of 11 on turf debut at Carlisle (good to firm) 19 days ago after seven months off; this extra furlong should be within range and she's still open to improvement on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(9)

28th Jun 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

16:05 Curragh

Secret World

9st 6lb

J: Christine Worrell

T: Gerard O’Leary

Pulled up after a very slow start at Leopardstown last month but was only beaten roughly 2l on her yard debut/seasonal return at Navan in April and was well backed that day; not ruled out.

7/1

2

(3)

16th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

18:48 Leopardstown

Secret World

9st 8lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Gerard O’Leary

AW winner yet to score on turf but has gone close on multiple occasions; carried head high when beaten 1.75l by Hurricane Helen latest on stable debut at Navan (1m2f, good) after 171 days off; up 4lb for that but should strip fitter and could turn that form around with cheekpieces applied; claims.

4/1

2

(3)

16th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

18:48 Leopardstown

Secret World

9st 8lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Gerard O’Leary

AW winner yet to score on turf but has gone close on multiple occasions; carried head high when beaten 1.75l by Hurricane Helen latest on stable debut at Navan (1m2f, good) after 171 days off; up 4lb for that but should strip fitter and could turn that form around with cheekpieces applied; claims.

4/1

Form: 5301-7

Last run: 71 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Narrowly off the mark at Chelmsford (7f, AW; first-time hood) last November, but was minus the headgear when well held in a Newcastle Listed contest (1m, AW) in March; makes his handicap debut after another 71 days off having been gelded and the hood makes a comeback; possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(1)

14th Sep 2024

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

16:23 Lingfield (AW)

Louis Quatorze

9st 10lb

J: Neil Callan

T: David Menuisier

led at steady pace

7/2

5th

8

(3)

17th Aug 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:40 Newbury

Louis Quatorze

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: David Menuisier

First-time hood (also worn on second start this term) when ending last season with a narrow 7f AW novice win; never going on handicap debut in June (1m, good) but keeping-on fourth of seven at Sandown (1m2f, good) was better; needs to build on that too but it may be possible, raised in trip again.

9/1

20/1

Form: 3-1405 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Made a successful return in a Southwell maiden (1m, AW) in March, but exposed compared to these rivals and his last two efforts leave plenty to be desired.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(10)

21st Apr 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Kempton (AW)

Invincible Aura

9st 0lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Marco Botti

towards rear, some headway inside final furlong

12/1

7th

10

(10)

21st Apr 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Kempton (AW)

Invincible Aura

9st 0lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Marco Botti

towards rear

12/1

3rd

5

(4)

14th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Invincible Aura

9st 5lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Marco Botti

Hard to crab his record on AW, winning three times and regularly placed; he'll need a good pace back at 7f but that could be on the cards.

100/30

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £36.80
Straight Forecast £43.13
Tricast £238.78
Trifecta £212.20

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Dashing Darcey

SPOTLIGHT:

Secret World

RP RATINGS:

Gressington

Telegraph:

Gunfighter

POSTDATA:

Cerulean Bay

The Guardian:

New Chelsea

D Express:

How's The Guvnor

NEWMARKET:

Dashing Darcey

Daily Mirror:

Dashing Darcey

Daily Mail:

Secret World

Daily Record:

Secret World

The Times:

Gressington

The Sun:

Gunfighter

The Star:

Cerulean Bay