July 31 / 20.30 Sandown

20.30

Good

Trustford Handicap

  • Prize money: £4448.9
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
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Trustford Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Scattered showers

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 436311 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Bang-in-form front-runner who bids to complete a hat-trick after recent 1m wins at Leicester (good to firm) and Kempton (AW); latest 5lb rise asks quite a lot of him but further progress is possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(4)

19th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 4

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Salamanca Lad

9st 10lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Front-runner; completed hat-trick in 1m handicaps in the summer, and ran creditably again when fourth of eight over 1m2f at Sandown last month; just as effective on AW; should give another good account of himself.

9/2

4th

2

(2)

18th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 1f 209y

Class 4

16:25 Sandown

Salamanca Lad

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Front-runner; completed a hat-trick in 1m handicaps this summer, the last leg at this track; disappointing at Haydock next time but better than ever when beaten a head at Southwell (1m, AW) 16 days later; all his improvement has been at 1m, having tried 1m2f twice in the spring before he was tongue tied, so this step back up in trip asks the key question.

4/1

2nd

2

(9)

26th Aug 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

17:35 Southwell (AW)

Salamanca Lad

9st 10lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Completed a hat-trick in 1m handicaps this summer but he came up short in his bid for a four-timer at Haydock 16 days ago; promise in one C&D run in March; another career best required to win.

6/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 6-5726

Last run: 45 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Weakened into sixth on last month's turf debut and still needs to prove himself on grass, but made promising handicap debut when running-on second at Lingfield (7f, AW) two starts ago and could still have significant untapped potential over this new trip; visored for first time; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

8

(3)

1st Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

14:40 Bath

Never Mind Me

9st 7lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: Andrew Balding

A mixed bag so far, going close at Chelmsford (7f, AW) in June and Sandown (1m, good to firm; first-time visor) the following month, but hasn't threatened in his other six starts; enough to prove especially in the conditions.

14/1

9th

11

(11)

10th Sep 2024

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 5

17:35 Lingfield (AW)

Never Mind Me

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Twice beaten half a length this summer, at Chelmsford (7f, Polytrack) in June and at Sandown (1m, good to firm) in July; a player on those efforts, but he reportedly bled at Kempton last month which would be a concern.

7/1

7th

10

(5)

12th Aug 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:45 Kempton (AW)

Never Mind Me

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Took his record to 0-6 but emerged with credit when second of ten at Sandown 12 days ago (1m, good to firm; visored first time), keeping on well; 2lb higher today but returning to Polytrack will be no issue and he's a leading contender.

9/2

OUR TIP

8/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 888662

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Ran on well for second when upped to 1m at Newbury (good to firm; first-time visor) four weeks ago and remains unexposed over this trip but his tendency to race too freely remains a nagging concern.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(7)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 31y

Class 6

20:50 Windsor

Flag Carrier

10st 1lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Brian Toomey

Pulled up on hurdle debut when last seen but he's a dual AW winner who is well handicapped on his second at Doncaster (1m, good) last summer; has run well when fresh in the past and he needs watching in market on reappearance; refused to enter stalls in last intended start.

11/2

8

(7)

2nd Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

18:45 Chelmsford (AW)

Flag Carrier

9st 8lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Brian Toomey

Both wins have been on AW, latest over C&D off 4lb higher in March; ran best race since when 3l second to a well-backed subsequent winner at Kempton last week (7f; blinkers on for second time); headgear retained; chance.

4/1

2nd

2

(7)

24th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

19:40 Kempton (AW)

Flag Carrier

9st 12lb

J: David Egan

T: Brian Toomey

4lb higher than for his Chelmsford win in March; his other success came over C&D in January 2024; has the ability to feature but he's disappointed at Lingfield (AW) and Brighton on last two starts; headgear now returns.

12/1

Form: 8-3603

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Has not made any further progress since last summer's Epsom maiden win, but put some below-par runs behind her when third behind Hello Cotai there (8.5f, good) a fortnight ago and remains on a workable mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(7)

29th Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Kempton (AW)

Unreal Connection

10st 5lb

J: Miss Amy Collier

T: Gemma Tutty

Sole win from 19 starts came on turf at Epsom (7f fillies' maiden) in August 2023; more miss than hit since joining Gemma Tutty (0-4), although there was a slight glimmer at Wolverhampton (7f; third) in November; blinkers make a return and that potentially offers hope.

25/1

7th

5

(7)

29th Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Kempton (AW)

Unreal Connection

10st 5lb

J: Miss Amy Collier

T: Gemma Tutty

Sole win from 19 starts came on turf at Epsom (7f fillies' maiden) in August 2023; more miss than hit since joining Gemma Tutty (0-4), although there was a slight glimmer at Wolverhampton (7f; third) in November; blinkers make a return and that potentially offers hope.

25/1

7th

6

(9)

14th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 5

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Unreal Connection

9st 1lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Gemma Tutty

Sole win was in an Epsom maiden 16 months ago and she was never involved over 8.6f here (seventh of 11) last time; cheekpieces are now added but she's been in and out this year and her tactical speed will be tested back at this trip; others are more convincing.

12/1

10/1

Form: -21514 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
2-5 in handicaps for new stable this season, the latter win gained in first-time cheekpieces at Ffos Las (1m, good) last month; ought to have been suited by the good to soft ground when only fourth of five there three weeks ago, though, and now has a point to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(7)

23rd Aug 2024

Soft

0m 7f 80y

Class 6

15:10 Ffos Las

Calm Waters

9st 11lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Rod Millman

slowly into stride

11/4

5th

5

(1)

31st Jul 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

20:30 Sandown

Calm Waters

9st 4lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Rod Millman

2-5 in handicaps for new stable this season, the latter win gained in first-time cheekpieces at Ffos Las (1m, good) last month; ought to have been suited by the good to soft ground when only fourth of five there three weeks ago, though, and now has a point to prove.

10/1

4th

4

(5)

10th Jul 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:50 Ffos Las

Calm Waters

9st 1lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: Rod Millman

Well held in three runs for the Gosdens but she's been progressive for her current yard and made it 2-4 in handicaps when scoring over C&D (good; cheekpieces added) two weeks ago; a 5lb rise for that comfortable success looks fair and this well-bred filly could continue on the upgrade; big player.

11/4

6/1

Form: 362422 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
In the frame four consecutive times since returned to turf this spring, most recently when close second of 12 at Bath (1m, good) a fortnight ago; moves up from 0-60 grade and has to take a 3lb rise on the chin but the first-time cheekpieces are a possible source of improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(8)

13th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 6

19:40 Lingfield (AW)

Monks Mead

9st 9lb

J: George Bass

T: Mark Usher

Dual AW winner who was placed on turf here (1m2f) last month but he flopped on his drop back to 1m at Bath (started slowly) 12 days ago; needs to bounce back after that and he's probably more potent over longer trips these days.

12/1

10th

8

(3)

1st Jul 2026

Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

19:43 Bath

Monks Mead

9st 9lb

J: Tyler Heard

T: Mark Usher

Form figures in classified company read 35124323 but he might be tapped for toe back at 1m this evening.

9/2

3rd

4

(12)

18th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

18:00 Lingfield

Monks Mead

9st 9lb

J: George Bass

T: Mark Usher

Doesn't win very often (3-36) but has two wins at this track, the latest a similar event (1m2f, AW) in January; has run creditably since until taking a dip when eighth of 15 at Windsor (1m2f, good to firm) last month on his return to turf; has the form to run well here if putting his best foot forward.

8/1

Form: 708436

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful as 2yo for Richard Hannon but has regressed this year; last of six at Epsom (1m2f, good) on latest outing a fortnight ago and needs to get his career back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(6)

4th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

16:52 Newcastle (AW)

Commander Crouch

9st 5lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Gemma Tutty

Two creditable shows in midwinter, including over C&D, but his sole win was back in 2023 and he ran no sort of race on this track in January; needs to shrug that off.

12/1

8th

9

(4)

14th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Commander Crouch

8st 11lb

J: Ethan Jones

T: Gemma Tutty

It's now 19 outings since his last victory but he wasn't discredited when fourth of ten in 1m Southwell handicap 11 days ago; possibilities.

7/1

8th

9

(4)

14th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Commander Crouch

8st 11lb

J: Ethan Jones

T: Gemma Tutty

It's now 19 outings since his last victory but he wasn't discredited when fourth of ten in 1m Southwell handicap 11 days ago; possibilities.

7/1

7/2

Form: 242321

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Largely consistent in headgear this year and came good with clearcut success at Epsom (8.5f, good) a fortnight ago, his 12th start; probably needs another career best but is evidently in very good nick.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(1)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 17y

Class 5

18:55 Epsom

Hello Cotai

9st 4lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Jim Boyle

Spent last year in France; fine record here, including two wins in summer 2024 and a third off this mark in a blanket finish two weeks ago; the latter followed a Windsor win (1m2f, win); looks set for another big run.

7/2

3rd

4

(5)

1st Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 17y

Class 5

17:20 Epsom

Hello Cotai

9st 8lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Jim Boyle

Fine record here, with his four runs yielding two wins and a second for Adam West in 2024; followed that trainer to France last year but he was back to being an Epsom resident when close third on stable debut at Lingfield (AW) in April and secured first win for this yard at Windsor (also 1m2f, good to firm) one month ago; 4lb rise but he's won off higher; player.

5/1

1st

10

(5)

1st Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

20:45 Windsor

Hello Cotai

9st 1lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Jim Boyle

Three wins for Adam West including one on the AW in France; encouraging return/stable debut at Lingfield (1m2f, AW) in April but didn't build on it at Newbury (1m, good) last month; others preferred.

8/1

Form: -45787

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in 5f novice in September but has become disappointing this season and was well beaten when upped to 1m on Polytrack a week ago; has too much to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(6)

31st Jul 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

20:30 Sandown

Ottoman Force

9st 2lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Darryll Holland

Runner-up in 5f novice in September but has become disappointing this season and was well beaten when upped to 1m on Polytrack a week ago; has too much to prove.

33/1

7th

5

(9)

24th Jul 2024

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 6

14:20 Lingfield (AW)

Ottoman Force

9st 7lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Darryll Holland

Runner-up in Beverley novice last September and he's dropping down the weights after failing to make much impact this season; his sole AW run (final 2yo start) was worse; some recent headgear but none today and he is upped in trip.

25/1

8/1

Form: 0-845

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Last of five on seasonal/handicap/turf debut at Doncaster (1m, soft) three weeks ago but remains very unexposed and today's much faster ground could quite plausibly show him in a much better light.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(3)

31st Jul 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

20:30 Sandown

New Statesman

9st 3lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Ed Walker

Last of five on seasonal/handicap/turf debut at Doncaster (1m, soft) three weeks ago but remains very unexposed and today's much faster ground could quite plausibly show him in a much better light.

8/1

5th

5

(8)

11th Jul 2024

Good

0m 7f 213y

Class 5

17:30 Doncaster

New Statesman

9st 6lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ed Walker

Left behind when the pace increased at Kempton last time but the winner of that race was no less than 2,000 Guineas winner Notable Speech; gelded since; goes handicapping with potential.

6/1

4th

4

(3)

27th Jan 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:00 Kempton (AW)

New Statesman

8st 10lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Ed Walker

started quickly

100/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £53.00
Straight Forecast £46.65
Tricast £358.00
Trifecta £519.20

Selections

The Times:

Salamanca Lad

POSTDATA:

Hello Cotai

The Guardian:

Monks Mead

SPOTLIGHT:

Never Mind Me

D Express:

Unreal Connection

RP RATINGS:

Commander Crouch

Telegraph:

Hello Cotai

Daily Mail:

Monks Mead

Daily Mirror:

Salamanca Lad

The Sun:

Salamanca Lad

The Star:

Salamanca Lad

Daily Record:

Salamanca Lad