August 23 / 19.05 Hamilton

19.05

Soft

Phoenix Utilities Ltd Lanark Silver Bell Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

  • Prize money: £51540
  • 1m 4f 15y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
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Phoenix Utilities Ltd Lanark Silver Bell Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

Form: 13-4P3 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Won this in fine style last year (good to soft) when with Roger Varian; hasn't really shone in either code since joining this yard but a market move would be interesting; tongue-tie/cheekpieces combined for first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

2

(6)

26th Jun 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Postileo

9st 6lb

J: David Nolan

T: Alan Brown

Big chance on best 2023 efforts for Roger Varian but he did not shine last year (hurdles/Flat) for Emmet Mullins; 8,500gns buy in September and heavily beaten at 100-1 in a hot AW handicap (2m; first-time visor) in April; others are more solid at present.

50/1

Form: 636-86

Last run: 106 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Won French Group 2 in May 2022 and he ran well when Listed third at Chester on stable debut last September; however, he's finished down the field on his three starts since and needs to turn things around.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

7th Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

13:05 Newbury

LAstronome

11st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: James Owen

novicey jumping, in touch with leaders

9/2

Form: 2512-6 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Won at Doncaster (1m2f, soft) last September and good second at York (1m2f, soft) next time; reappeared with respectable sixth at Ascot (1m4f, good) last month and this lightly raced 5yo could build on that latest performance now back on a slow surface; firmly in calculations for top yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(8)

14th Sep 2024

Heavy

1m 4f 63y

Class 1

14:05 Chester

La Yakel

9st 5lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: William Haggas

in touch with leaders on outer

13/8

3

(4)

23rd Aug 2024

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

19:05 Hamilton

La Yakel

9st 11lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Won at Doncaster (1m2f, soft) last September and good second at York (1m2f, soft) next time; reappeared with respectable sixth at Ascot (1m4f, good) last month and this lightly raced 5yo could build on that latest performance now back on a slow surface; firmly in calculations for top yard.

5/1

6th

3

(5)

13th Jul 2024

Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:07 Ascot

La Yakel

9st 11lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Lightly raced 5yo; C&D winner in 2022 and went close in this race on 2023 reappearance, both on good to soft; career-best form last autumn on his latest two runs (1m2f on soft) and he needs respect.

3/1

Form: 1/466- D

Last run: 464 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Soft-ground Listed winner in France in October 2022 and creditable sixth of 15 in York handicap (1m4f, good) last May; however, he's been absent since and is in a hot race on his comeback; may be best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(10)

23rd Aug 2024

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

19:05 Hamilton

Surrey Mist

9st 11lb

J: David Allan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Soft-ground Listed winner in France in October 2022 and creditable sixth of 15 in York handicap (1m4f, good) last May; however, he's been absent since and is in a hot race on his comeback; may be best watched.

33/1

6th

4

(15)

17th May 2023

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

13:50 York

Surrey Mist

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Four wins in 2022, notably for new stable in October over 11.4f at Windsor (good) and 12.5f at Deauville (soft; Listed race); made a creditable reappearance at Saint-Cloud, making most, but ran poorly in another Group 3 at Newbury (soft) five weeks later; needs to resume improvement.

14/1

6th

8

(5)

22nd Apr 2023

Soft

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:30 Newbury

Surrey Mist

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Four wins in 2022, notably for new stable in October and he took a Deauville Listed race (12.5f, soft) on final outing; made a creditable reappearance in a 1m2f Group 3 at Saint-Cloud five weeks ago, making most, but this race demands overall improvement.

20/1

Form: 27-484

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Fair effort when fourth of nine at Ripon (1m4f, good) last month and today's slower ground should be right up his street, with his two handicap wins coming on soft/heavy going; high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(4)

15th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 50y

Class 3

15:14 Nottingham

Mr Alan

9st 13lb

J: Alexandra Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

His last two wins came in this race in 2022 (soft) and 2023 (heavy), when trained by George Boughey; he may prefer deeper ground than he'll get today but he ran well when third of nine at Pontefract (1m2f, good to soft) three weeks ago and the promising Alexandra Egan removes a useful 7lb; respected.

5/1

3rd

1

(3)

25th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 2f 5y

Class 3

16:28 Pontefract

Mr Alan

10st 0lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Beaten 17l on his British comeback in valuable handicap at Kempton (1m3f, AW) in March, after which he left George Boughey; far from disgraced after a 132-day break when fourth of six on stable debut at Thirsk (1m4f, good to firm) seven weeks ago; easier ground no problem and this trip is fine; far from dismissed.

7/1

1

(1)

8th Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 8y

Class 3

16:13 Thirsk

Mr Alan

9st 11lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Some good runs in Bahrain but beaten 17l on his British comeback in the valuable Rosebery at Kempton (1m3f, AW) in March, after which he left George Boughey; best known for his exploits in the mud, which isn't forecast, and probably best watched after 132 days away; stable debut.

14/1

Form: -00215 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
In-and-out profile and well beaten at Ascot last time, but the good ground may not have suited (sole turf win was on soft going); in good form on AW earlier this summer and he's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(8)

5th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 3

18:15 Southwell (AW)

The Goat

10st 0lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Clearcut winner at Kempton (1m4f, AW) in July and placed in valuable Lanark Silver Bell at Hamilton (1m4f, heavy) since but this season's record is very mixed and he was never dangerous in first-time cheekpieces (retained) last month; not an easy one to predict.

8/1

9th

6

(15)

7th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

14:25 Haydock

The Goat

9st 0lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Has an inconsistent profile but with easily his two best turf efforts having been delivered in the mud, including when third at Hamilton (1m4f) 15 days ago; stayed on late that day but underperformed in all four appearances at about 1m6f; connections reach for headgear.

11/1

6

(14)

23rd Aug 2024

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

19:05 Hamilton

The Goat

9st 5lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

In-and-out profile and well beaten at Ascot last time, but the good ground may not have suited (sole turf win was on soft going); in good form on AW earlier this summer and he's not ruled out.

7/1

Form: -41209 C

Last run: 62 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Won here (1m5f, good to soft) in May on first course visit and runner-up here (1m4f, good) next time; however, tailed off here (1m5f, good) subsequently and same story at Ayr (1m5f, good to firm) last time; major turnaround needed in first-time cheekpieces on return from two-month break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

27

(20)

21st Oct 2025

Soft

1m 2f 0y

17:00 Curragh

Capital Theory

10st 5lb

J: Sadhbh Tormey

T: H D McGuigan

Had this rider aboard when scoring at Naas nine days ago, with Considering back in third; worth considering; first reserve.

2

(16)

12th Oct 2025

Yielding

1m 2f 125y

16:55 Naas

Capital Theory

9st 12lb

J: Sadhbh Tormey

T: H D McGuigan

Step in the right direction at Bellewstown recently (1m4f, soft); drop in trip could suit.

12/1

3rd

2

(5)

1st Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 4f 110y

16:33 Bellewstown

Capital Theory

10st 0lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: H D McGuigan

Competitive but below best form in two claimers this summer for current yard and then tailed off in a 2m2f handicap at Down Royal; others appeal more.

12/1

Form: 8-1885 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row last autumn (soft/heavy) and reappeared with another victory at Doncaster (1m4f, soft) in April; below par on her three runs since (good/good to soft) but this week's rain has been in her favour; the slower the ground the better; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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: 150707

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Won at Chester (1m2f, soft) in June and it's likely he'll be back on a similar surface today; however, better could have been expected on his last few starts and he arrives with something to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

14th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 116y

17:20 Clonmel

Loyal Touch

11st 12lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Five-time Flat winner is rated 70 in that sphere; beaten 21l on hurdling debut at Down Royal recently; can do better.

14/1

10th

3

4th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 88y

13:35 Down Royal

Loyal Touch

11st 12lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

One of two runners for yard; five Flat wins when trained in UK; regressive for this yard, though running well at times; could go well on hurdles debut if jumping holds up.

20/1

Form: 110

Last run: 63 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Won on debut at Nottingham (1m2f, good) in May and followed up in Yarmouth novice (11.4f, good to soft); tailed off in Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot last time but this very lightly raced 3yo retains potential for his top yard now tackling a handicap in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(5)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Newbury

Theory Of Tides

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: John & Thady Gosden

Posted three duck eggs after his novice wins last term; gelded prior to proving resurgent at York (1m2f, good; close fourth) on belated reappearance; possibilities off same mark if building on that effort.

13/2

2

(7)

7th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 3

16:00 York

Theory Of Tides

9st 12lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

Launched career with two novice wins last May (good/good to soft); struggled badly in his three subsequent starts, a Group 2 and a pair of handicaps, when trying cheekpieces and blinkers; remains of interest having been gelded during his absence and for the fact that connections are persevering; in the Cambridgeshire; market could be informative.

20/1

14/1

Form: 453621 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Ended long losing sequence at Ayr (1m2f, good) last Monday and under a 4lb penalty he's lower in the weights than when fourth in this in 2022 (soft) and when third last year (good to soft); each-way contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(8)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:35 Hamilton

Faylaq

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

9yo who was well beaten in the John Smith's Cup at York last month but won two in a row here (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and continued in good form until his blip last time; not ruled out now back here.

12/1

9

(12)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Faylaq

9st 4lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Two wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and creditable fifth in the Northumberland Plate a fortnight ago (2m, AW); he's a 9yo who has never won off a mark this high but is versatile in terms of trip and ran well over C&D last month; not ruled out each-way.

22/1

5th

7

(2)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Faylaq

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Third and sixth in last two runnings of the C&D Vase on this card; in the groove with successive wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f) this May; however, he's been held off this mark when back up to Class 2 in his three starts since, still in form but suggesting that others will have the edge today.

18/1

33/1

Form: -36160 CD

Last run: 68 days

W: 8st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Two wins last year (good to soft/soft; including here) and he took a six-runner C&D handicap (good) in May; however, slow starts can be an issue and he was well beaten at Thirsk last time; the cheekpieces had no positive impact on sole previous use in 2021; others are more compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

(15)

23rd Aug 2024

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

19:05 Hamilton

Geremia

8st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Two wins last year (good to soft/soft; including here) and he took a six-runner C&D handicap (good) in May; however, slow starts can be an issue and he was well beaten at Thirsk last time; the cheekpieces had no positive impact on sole previous use in 2021; others are more compelling.

33/1

15th

2

(14)

16th Jun 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:15 Thirsk

Geremia

9st 8lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Three-time winner at up to 1m5f, on good or slower; latest success came at Hamilton (1m4f, good), on his penultimate start; finished over 3l ahead of Hope You Can Run when sixth back at Hamilton latest; more needed.

9/1

6th

8

(4)

2nd Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:40 Hamilton

Geremia

9st 1lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Left Jim Goldie before penultimate start; two wins from four races at Hamilton, including when he mowed down Capital Theory from the back in six-runner race (1m4f) 16 days ago; back up 4lb (peak mark was 2lb higher still) and stays further than this; another telling late challenge could be on its way.

8/1

Form: 532-17 BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Won at the Galway festival (1m6f, soft) three weeks ago in his first Flat handicap, when well clear with the unexposed runner-up; soundly beaten there the following day but that run may have come too soon; this Irish raider could bounce back and play a leading role today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

10

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 100y

17:35 Ballinrobe

Toll Stone

11st 1lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

Sole success over hurdles a Fairyhouse maiden (2m, heavy) in February 2024; beaten a head off 3lb lower at the Galway Festival last August (2m1f, good); shaped like this trip might suit when remote third behind Jacovec Tavern at Punchestown (19.5f, yielding) in sole start since; could go well.

5/1

3rd

10

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 58y

14:30 Punchestown

Toll Stone

11st 11lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: Emmet Mullins

Won over 1m6f on the Flat at the 2024 Galway festival; never landed a blow when 6-1 for the big amateur handicap at the same fixture last July; different proposition later that week, only just denied in a valuable 2m1f handicap hurdle; could be a big player if fit and ready.

9/1

2nd

14

2nd Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 175y

14:37 Galway

Toll Stone

10st 9lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

Won over 1m6f on the Flat at this meeting last year; never landed a blow when 6-1 for the Q.R. Flat race earlier this week; best form is on testing ground so rain would enhance his chance.

12/1

Non-runners

Two Brothers, Belgoprince

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Mr Alan

NEWMARKET:

Theory Of Tides

The Times:

Postileo

TOPSPEED:

Flash Bardot

Telegraph:

La Yakel

The Guardian:

Surrey Mist

POSTDATA:

Faylaq

Daily Mail:

Theory Of Tides

Daily Record:

Theory Of Tides

RP RATINGS:

Mr Alan

D Express:

Mr Alan

The Sun:

Mr Alan

Daily Mirror:

Postileo

The Star:

Postileo