August 04 / 18.45 Haydock

18.45

Good

Sky Bet Club Handicap

  • Prize money: £10359.54
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 15 runners
ITV4
View Course
Sky Bet Club Handicap

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

1st
11 (4)
Trilby

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £7.40
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 106664 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Successful on soft/heavy in April, including over C&D; did well to finish fourth at York (good to soft) most recently, having met trouble; interesting off the same mark, especially granted slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(3)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Beverley

Trilby

9st 4lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Sam England

C&D winner last spring who has largely been in good nick since cheekpieces went on in May, winning at Haydock (his fourth win there) and also at Carlisle (5f, good to soft) in June; has never won off a mark this high but he ran well from it at Hamilton last time and soft ground would hold no fears; should be on the premises.

9/2

4th

2

(12)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

20:00 Hamilton

Trilby

9st 9lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Sam England

Has won twice this year (both when ridden by P J McDonald), at Haydock (5f, soft) in May and Carlisle (5f, good to soft) in June; well beaten at York (6f, good to firm) last time, but that was a 0-105 and he wasn't best drawn; drops back down in grade and should have this run to suit.

10/1

OUR TIP

9/1

  • Place: £3.80

Form: 2-2145 CD

Last run: 107 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Scored over C&D last summer; absent since creditable fifth at Newbury in April; generally consistent but chance partly depends on how the ground is riding (suited by softer than good).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(1)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

Knebworth

9st 5lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Reliable operator on AW and after wins at Chelmsford and Wolverhampton he found only Tuco Salamanca too strong in his hat-trick bid in March; better off with that rival today but not sure he's quite so progressive.

16/1

2nd

3

(3)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:03 Kempton (AW)

Knebworth

9st 7lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

2-2 this year, winning 6f handicaps at Chelmsford in January and at Wolverhampton three weeks ago; 6lb rise for latest success takes him to a career-high mark but he is well drawn and should give it another good go.

6/1

1st

5

(4)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 3

14:05 Wolverhampton (AW)

Knebworth

9st 6lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Richard Hughes

Running in this race for the third time, having finished second in 2024 and fourth last year; those runs were after a break but he has the benefit of a run this time around, winning a 6f handicap at Chelmsford five weeks ago; still on a feasible mark and he is a key player for a stable going well.

3/1

3rd
13 (8)
Lihou

25/1

  • Place: £9.20

Form: 854726 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 8st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent since Goodwood win (5f) last August; close second at Salisbury (6f) on penultimate outing but failed to back up that effort last time; not sure what to expect from him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(5)

17th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Lihou

9st 4lb

J: George Downing

T: David Evans

12-time winner split between turf and AW; his last success was off 3lb higher at Leicester (6f) last August and he showed signs of a revival with his late headway at Southwell (5f, Tapeta) last month; has each-way claims if he can build on that and yard is in good form.

16/1

3rd

1

(7)

24th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 5

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Lihou

9st 9lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: David Evans

Not won on AW for nearly two years and mainly below form since last win at Leicester in August; 2lb badly in and plenty to prove back in distance.

16/1

3rd

1

(7)

24th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 5

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Lihou

9st 9lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: David Evans

Not won on AW for nearly two years and mainly below form since last win at Leicester in August; 2lb badly in and plenty to prove back in distance.

16/1

14/1

Form: 636013 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Acts on any going; retains plenty of ability aged eight, having won at Ayr (6f) in June; finished third of six over the same C&D since; remains in form but now goes into a deeper field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(9)

25th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

16:55 Doncaster

Be Proud

9st 2lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

towards rear, headway over 1f out, went modest third inside final furlong, no match for first two

16/1

9th

8

(10)

10th Oct 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:25 Ayr

Be Proud

9st 4lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

Beat The Caltonian over C&D off this mark in June; in and out since but he won this race 12 months ago off a higher mark and he's one of the likelier types.

10/1

9th

2

(6)

1st Oct 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Ayr

Be Proud

9st 10lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Up against it on the wrong side in the Silver Cup ten days ago but he'll be happier back in a Class 4 and now on the same mark as the latest of his three course wins (6f, good to firm) in June; one to be interested in.

13/2

Form: 4-1241 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Suited by the drop back to 6f in similar event at Thirsk (good to soft; hung left) last month on debut for another new yard, taking record to 2-5; looks open to further improvement; big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(18)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Ripon

Roberto Caro

9st 8lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Well handicapped on this year's best, including a close fourth over C&D in April; has had the odd excuse since and he ran perfectly well over an inadequate 5f at York three weeks ago (not well drawn); a big run could be on the cards.

12/1

10th

5

(13)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Roberto Caro

11st 10lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

4lb lower than for his last two 6f wins but recent efforts have been underwhelming and he's unproven over the minimum trip.

22/1

11th

4

(9)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:23 Ayr

Roberto Caro

10st 2lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Drawn wide when down the field at Beverley (7.4f, good to firm) last time; his earlier 6f form brings him right into the reckoning and rain would be a positive; solid chance.

10/1

20/1

Form: 3-0258 D

Last run: 145 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Mixed results on AW this year; absent since March; has gone well fresh, including when third off this mark in the 2023 Ayr Silver Cup; heed the market signals for further guidance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(6)

9th Jun 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:20 Pontefract

Admiral D

10st 0lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

Has a poor strike-rate since 2022 and isn't particularly solid on 2025 efforts; however, drops in grade off a reduced mark and can't be dismissed; very similar type to Illusionist.

11/1

9

(3)

26th May 2025

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

17:10 Redcar

Admiral D

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

He's dropped to a dangerous mark and showed the odd hint of spark on occasions towards the end of last year; can go well fresh but he's been regressive and has a poor strike-rate over the last few years.

14/1

9

(3)

26th May 2025

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

17:10 Redcar

Admiral D

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

He's dropped to a dangerous mark and showed the odd hint of spark on occasions towards the end of last year; can go well fresh but he's been regressive and has a poor strike-rate over the last few years.

14/1

8/1

Form: 069013 CD

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Has shown career-best form over C&D (good/good to firm) the last twice, justifying favouritism in June then creditable third to Sergeant Pep; major contender off unaltered mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

10

(8)

4th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

Grant Wood

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Landed a pair of 6f Newcastle handicaps early in 2026; back in good form of late, and first home in his group when sixth of 20 in 6f Ripon handicap 20 days ago; this C&D winner is very much one to consider.

7/1

6th

6

(7)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Ripon

Grant Wood

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

Impressive in this race in 2024 when rated 3lb higher; mixed bag this summer but his two best turf runs have come over C&D and this represents an ease in grade; can't rule out.

7/1

4th

7

(5)

3rd Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:54 Ripon

Grant Wood

8st 11lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

C&D winner who won two in a row at Newcastle (AW) at the start of the year and was a close third over C&D (good) in May; he's dropped back down to a handy mark but has finished down the field on his last three outings.

12/1

Form: -06605 CD

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Ran encouragingly at Yarmouth ten days ago; sole attempt over C&D (good to firm) resulted in a win off 6lb higher in May 2023; good chance, provided he takes well to first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

(2)

1st Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Ripon

Spirit Of Applause

9st 3lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

C&D winner (September 2022); reliable in 2026, inching ever closer; beaten a nose by the in-form Mr Cool at Redcar (6f, good; 12-1) ten days ago; small 2lb rise, coupled with less favourable low draw, enough to further frustrate?

3/1

2nd

7

(2)

22nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 5

19:00 Redcar

Spirit Of Applause

9st 6lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Reliable sort who comes here on the back of a good second of nine in 5f Pontefract handicap 17 days ago; can make his presence felt off the same mark.

5/1

2nd

3

(4)

5th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

16:15 Pontefract

Spirit Of Applause

9st 11lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Posted two good thirds at the start of last month (5f/5.6f, good to firm) before midfield finish in big-field Class 4 at York (6f, good to firm); the drop back in trip/grade can help and he could be in the mix.

11/2

13/2

Form: -74301 CD

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Best on good/softer; regained the winning thread in C&D contest (off 4lb lower) one month ago, leading in the final half-furlong and posting a career-best performance; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(2)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 4

17:00 Windsor

Sergeant Pep

9st 11lb

J: Georgia Dobie

T: Clive Cox

Five-time winner after 32 starts so he's exposed, but he was in a good vein of form when last seen in the spring, and he won't mind what the weather does.

5/1

2nd

3

(7)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

15:12 Lingfield (AW)

Sergeant Pep

9st 3lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Clive Cox

Twice a runner-up over 6f this winter, including here, but he raced too freely in one 7f run and he still has to prove he needs this far.

7/2

3rd

7

(10)

6th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Sergeant Pep

9st 5lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Clive Cox

He has finished second on his last two attempts at this trip, chasing home Hundred Caps at Southwell 17 days ago; 4lb better off with his old rival today; each-way claims.

8/1

10th
14 (7)
Al Shabab

33/1

Form: 3302-0

Last run: 9 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Placed a few times over 7f last term for Andrew Balding; inauspicious reappearance (last of ten) at Ascot nine days ago; this 3yo maiden has enough to prove dropped back in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(5)

17th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Al Shabab

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Evans

Currently 1-33 and the fact he's been beaten at 7-2 or shorter ten times tells its own story; will again be popular under Rossa Ryan after a solid second to Arlecchino's Rex in a C&D handicap a fortnight ago though.

5/2

Form: 605861 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
5-30 in Ireland for Eddie Lynam, most recently winning a Dundalk claimer (7f, AW); return to 6f is less of a concern than the tougher task; hasn't won a handicap since 2022.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

14

(14)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

16:20 Listowel

Rough Diamond

8st 12lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: John G Carr

Smart handicapper back in the day for Eddie Lynam; wasn't able to add to his tally of five wins when moving to Britain; operating at a much lower level nowadays, but not showing much for present trainer.

33/1

11th

7

(13)

3rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 61y

14:45 Sligo

Rough Diamond

9st 4lb

J: James Ryan

T: John G Carr

Smart handicapper back in the day for Eddie Lynam; wasn't able to add to his tally of five wins when moving to Britain; operating at much lower level nowadays, but not showing much for present trainer who tries blinkers here.

18/1

6th

9

(6)

10th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

17:42 Dundalk (AW)

Rough Diamond

9st 9lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: John G Carr

C&D winner, five-time scorer in all; has struggled in three 7f runs since joining John Carr after a spell in Britain.

50/1

Form: 3-4362 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Record of just 1-19 overall and 0-7 for current stable; however, went close at York (5f, good to soft) most recently, finishing strongly; possibilities with the return to 6f looking ideal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(9)

11th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Thankuappreciate

9st 9lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Stable yet to get rolling for the year but he was a bright spot when springing a surprise over C&D off 3lb lower in February; not entirely convinced over 7f a couple of times since and holds each-way claims.

10/1

4th

7

(6)

11th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:15 Southwell (AW)

Thankuappreciate

9st 5lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

6f winner here on his penultimate start and he didn't fail through a lack of stamina when third at Chelmsford 13 days ago; he was well positioned in a race where nothing challenged from the rear there though and others appeal more for win purposes.

8/1

3rd

6

(3)

26th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Thankuappreciate

9st 5lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Strong at the finish when winning a 6f handicap at Southwell two weeks ago; the subsequent 4lb rise looks less of a concern than the additional furlong.

8/1

11/2

Form: 8/94-1 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Had wind surgery prior to his career-best performance in C&D event (good; off 7lb lower) last month on seasonal debut, belatedly adding to his AW wins; did it tidily and still looks well treated; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(2)

31st Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Baba Reza

9st 4lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

Missed a few chunks of his career and is on the decline now; remains consistent, though, is well drawn for one happiest on the sharp end and is being given every chance by the handicapper.

10/1

4th

5

(6)

6th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

19:51 Southwell (AW)

Baba Reza

9st 6lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Julie Camacho

8yo who has been beaten ten times since his last win in July 2024 but he's been placed on both starts this summer (6f, soft/Tapeta); chance.

13/2

3rd

4

(4)

6th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Baba Reza

9st 7lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

Hasn't won for two years but made an encouraging return from his second wind op and a six-month layoff when runner-up at Carlisle (6f, soft) last month; holds claims if he can back up that run.

7/1

25/1

Form: 0-6900 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Recorded back-to-back wins off higher marks last September; however, has lost his way since and needs to stage a major revival; best watched unless the market speaks positively.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(9)

19th Sep 2024

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:12 Ayr

Call Me Ginger

9st 9lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

towards rear

12/1

1

(9)

28th Aug 2024

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 5

17:05 Musselburgh

Call Me Ginger

9st 11lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

17lb lower than when winning at Ascot last September (5f, good to firm; completing a quick double) having been badly out of form since; usually ridden by Amie Waugh; down to Class 5 in a handicap for the first time.

16/1

40/1

Form: 826066

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Campaigned on AW for previous yard, winning once (7f); holds weak claims on his turf form for new stable; plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(2)

27th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

17:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Rogue Thunder

9st 0lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Patrick Morris

Wins have been here over 6f and at Chelmsford over 7f; recent efforts not overly encouraging, the latest here four days ago.

9/1

5th

7

(6)

23rd Jan 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

15:02 Wolverhampton (AW)

Rogue Thunder

9st 9lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Patrick Morris

C&D winner; ended 2025 with some fair runs here but he needs to raise his game if he is to record a second win.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £81.30
Straight Forecast £73.26
Tricast £2228.27
Trifecta £1940.70

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Trilby

SPOTLIGHT:

Baba Reza

The Sun:

Roberto Caro

Daily Mirror:

Grant Wood

Telegraph:

Sergeant Pep

D Express:

Call Me Ginger

Daily Record:

Roberto Caro

TOPSPEED:

Trilby

The Times:

Trilby

POSTDATA:

Baba Reza

The Star:

Baba Reza