August 23 / 13.50 York

13.50

Good To Firm

Sky Bet Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

  • Prize money: £61848
  • 1m 3f 188y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
ITV
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Sky Bet Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

OUR TIP

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £8.90
  • Place: £2.90

Form: 412-02 D BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Much improved in his two races (good/soft) once sent handicapping last autumn and he returned to form when close second at Ripon (1m4f, good) five weeks ago, hanging right over 1f out but rallying well; fast ground would be a worry, as he ran poorly when prominent in the betting at Royal Ascot on reappearance, which was his only experience of good to firm.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

13

(9)

21st Aug 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

16:10 York

Shadow Dance

9st 1lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

No ground worries but his career highlights (1m4f/1m6f) were in 2024, including a win in this race; 6lb lower today but that's after a rather muted 2025 when still with Roger Varian and his form went badly the wrong way in three runs this January-April for new connections; tongue-tie and/or cheekpieces, both fitted for the first time, need to work the oracle.

20/1

13th

3

(4)

4th Apr 2026

Good

1m 5f 216y

Class 3

15:05 Musselburgh

Shadow Dance

9st 6lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

Career highlights (1m4f/1m6f) for Roger Varian were in 2024 and he managed only mid-division in his three handicaps (at top meetings) last July-September; rather worse in both runs (his first races on AW) for new connections early this year but he returns to turf 8lb below his career-high mark.

28/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.75

Form: 801212 CD BF

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
In the form of his life since returned to 1m4f this summer, with two wins (York and Chepstow, both good to soft) and two close seconds; beaten a neck at Windsor (good to firm) eight days ago; will be 4lb higher in future handicaps and should be on the premises.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(14)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 5f 61y

Class 2

14:05 Newbury

Lieber Power

8st 13lb

J: William Buick

T: Andrew Balding

Mostly creditable efforts in defeat this season, including second of nine at Windsor (11.5f, good to firm) last month; below-par sixth in this race on heavy ground last year; William Buick up but others arrive with more pressing claims.

11/1

2nd

4

(10)

14th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 99y

Class 3

19:30 Windsor

Lieber Power

9st 9lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Andrew Balding

Had a good summer over about 1m4f last term, including when beaten a neck by Night Breeze in this race; some minor honours this season, without being quite in peak form but he is in serious each-way calculations.

11/2

3rd

2

(11)

7th Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

20:00 Chepstow

Lieber Power

9st 11lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

Had a good summer over about 1m4f last term, including a win in this race (good to soft) off 6lb lower; the handicapper has been winning the argument since but recent efforts have been creditable and he ought to be competitive again.

6/1

14/1

  • Place: £6.65

Form: -00192 CD

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
C&D winner last July and a fair eighth in this race; has lacked consistency but he won at Hamilton (1m5f) this June and was a good second of five at Ayr (1m5f, good to firm; hung badly left) on latest start, so is not entirely ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

18

(2)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

17:20 York

Dark Moon Rising

8st 10lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Back to form with a bang when scoring comfortably over C&D (good to firm) six weeks ago, his 20th outing at this track; retains handicapping scope on old form after a 6lb rise but he's yet to win back to back.

16/1

1st

4

(9)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:30 York

Dark Moon Rising

9st 12lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

His 19 course starts have yielded five places and a win over 1m4f back in 2023 but he hasn't been at his best on turf here the last twice; back on a good mark but need to see more.

20/1

11/2

Form: 6-4231

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Acts on good to firm; progressive in handicaps; third in a Class 2 at the Newmarket July meeting before ridden from the front in six-runner race at Sandown (again 1m2f on good) and asserting in plucky, clearcut fashion; up 7lb but he's now shaping as if worth a go at 1m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(2)

26th Sep 2024

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 3

15:10 Pontefract

Mr Monaco

9st 9lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Third in a Class 2 at the Newmarket July meeting before 4l winner from the front at Sandown (both 1m2f, good) in August; creditable fourth of 12 in 1m4f York Ebor meeting handicap (good to firm) last time and has to be a player back in slightly calmer waters; showed promise on soft last year.

7/2

4th

9

(5)

23rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

13:50 York

Mr Monaco

9st 1lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

midfield

11/2

1st

1

(3)

8th Aug 2024

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 4

19:15 Sandown

Mr Monaco

9st 11lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

7f novice win as 2yo; better form in defeat in handicaps this year, finishing second over 1m1f here (good to firm) before a good third of ten in a traditionally very strong 3yo event at the Newmarket July meeting (1m2f, good) four weeks ago; should go well.

15/8

11/1

Form: 924164 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 8lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Veteran who's had a superlative career and had two of his biggest wins at this track; versatile regarding distance and tactics; fifth, 11th, seventh and fourth in the last four Ebors at this meeting; not quite so good this season but Ayr in June still saw him break a losing run and he was a close fourth at Goodwood three weeks ago; well capable of a prominent finish.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

9

(10)

26th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 2

15:15 Doncaster

Euchen Glen

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

11yo who has won just once since 2021 but that came at Ayr (1m5f, good to firm) this June; has run well several times this year, including when fourth of 13 at York (1m2f, soft) a fortnight ago, and might not be far away.

20/1

4th

5

(6)

12th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:05 York

Euchen Glen

9st 0lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

11yo now but he's had a few bright moments this season, including second of eight to Kihavah at Ayr (1m5f, good to firm) three weeks ago; his sixth of 20 in the John Smith's Cup over C&D in July shows he's still effective over shorter trips.

20/1

2nd

3

(5)

21st Sep 2024

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 3

17:15 Ayr

Euchen Glen

9st 12lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

in touch with leaders against rail, going okay 3f out, keeping on and went second over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, no match for winner

6/1

Form: 165911

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Ran creditably here on final 2yo outing; well below form both starts on good to firm, including at Royal Ascot two months ago; improved since with a hood fitted, winning twice over Chester's 10.3f and doing it particularly well from the front last time; up another 7lb; also upped in trip and races a bit too freely for comfort, but he strode out very well at the finish last time and his dam won at up to 1m5f; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(1)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 2f 43y

Class 2

16:25 Doncaster

Grey Cuban

10st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Hugo Palmer

Front-runner who defied top weight at York (1m2f, good) a fortnight ago and won over this C&D (good to soft) last September; has run some good races on soft ground in the past; he's just 2lb higher than last time and can produce another bold show.

5/1

1

(9)

11th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:05 York

Grey Cuban

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Hugo Palmer

Front-runner who won at Chester (1m2f, good) in July and returned to form when third of five in Listed race there (1m4f, good to soft) last month; he's saved his best for Chester this season but has shown promise at York in the past and the drop back in trip is a likely plus; can make a bold bid.

20/1

3

(1)

13th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 1

14:05 Chester

Grey Cuban

9st 5lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Hugo Palmer

This course rather dominates his turf record, most notably with a big career best to win 1m2f handicap in July in good style from the front; the scale of his defeats at other tracks on his last two outings is a concern and although better seems likely on this return to Chester, stamina is in doubt.

14/1

25/1

Form: 553464 BF

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Won handicap/seasonal debut in March; 0-10 since but he came fourth and fifth in two hot, large-field 10.2f races here this May/June; has largely held his form and this first attempt beyond 10.3f has to be worth a go.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(8)

3rd Sep 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

14:17 Newcastle (AW)

Qitaal

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Charlie Johnston

Has posted some good efforts this season but is without a win since September 2024, and finished behind Amidst The Chaos at Doncaster last time; visor returns and he has an each-way chance.

7/1

5th

6

(1)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 43y

Class 5

14:00 Doncaster

Qitaal

9st 5lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Charlie Johnston

Winless since 2024 but in good form this season until last of six (in refitted cheekpieces) in 1m2f Epsom handicap 16 days ago; headgear is quickly dispensed with and this course scorer is the sort to bounce back.

5/1

6th

1

(3)

30th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 17y

Class 5

17:30 Epsom

Qitaal

9st 12lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Charlie Johnston

Without a win since 2024 but earns good marks for his consistency in recent months and lost out only by a head off today's mark at Ripon (1m2f, good) in June; probably won't be far away.

3/1

8th
2 (6)
Insanity

8/1

Form: 15-121 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Two wins and a close second from three races this term, all on good (unraced on firmer); latest start came 13 days ago in a Shergar Cup race at Ascot (1m4f) where he moved like a dream until over 1f out and knuckled down well to score by a head from Dream Harder; up 4lb but he's a rising force.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(10)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Insanity

10st 1lb

J: Mme Marie Velon

T: Alan King

Has history in this race, having won it two seasons ago and only a length behind Night Breeze last year (good to firm; could have done with a truer gallop); just 2lb higher than 12 months ago and perhaps unwise to come down too harshly on his defeat at Royal Ascot, especially when his comeback run was so encouraging; shortlisted.

11/2

13th

14

(3)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Insanity

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

C&D winner who mostly ran well last season and did so again when second at Pontefract (1m2f) on reappearance this April; each-way chance if he can avoid trouble from an inside stall.

25/1

2nd

2

(9)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 5y

Class 2

15:27 Pontefract

Insanity

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Soundly beaten on final run last term but on heavy ground, and it was a campaign in which he frequently ran really well, going close off this mark at York (1m2f, good) in October; won on his reappearance in 2024; respected.

11/2

Form: 6-9330 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Last of 18 when 7-1 at the Galway festival three weeks ago; however, he's of major interest if that can be forgiven and he has a good record on visits to Britain, including wins last season at Hamilton (1m3f, good to soft) and Pontefract (1m4f, good to firm); suffered a nightmare run up the straight at Epsom (1m2f) on Oaks day on penultimate outing, eventually eating up the ground to finish a close third (1lb higher today); on that, he's one to note.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

5

(9)

23rd Aug 2026

Good

1m 3f 0y

17:00 Naas

Derry Lad

9st 8lb

J: Jessica O’Gorman

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Hasn't won since 2023 but the handicapper is relenting and he was only beaten 1l when fifth over 1m7f at Leopardstown last time; not beaten far over C&D in June off 4lb higher under this rider; in the mix.

15/2

5th

5

(9)

6th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 0y

20:20 Leopardstown

Derry Lad

11st 5lb

J: Mr Kenny Roussety

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Four-time winner on long losing run; shaped okay when fifth at Naas on penultimate, but didn't build on that when beaten 7l over 1m5f here on latest; needs more upped in trip.

11/1

5th

4

(3)

16th Jul 2026

Good

1m 5f 0y

20:20 Leopardstown

Derry Lad

9st 1lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Latest of four wins was over 1m4f three years ago, but he's on a good mark nowadays and came home well when around 3l fifth to Killyclogher Rose at Naas (1m3f); she's a lot less exposed though, and he might struggle to turn around that form.

6/1

100/30

Form: 25-412 BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
3yo who has had just five races; much better again in his two runs since being gelded, winning easily at 1-5 in a maiden at Hamilton (1m1f, good) and running on well from off the pace when second of seven at Goodwood (1m3f, good to firm) three weeks ago; up 3lb but has more to give, with this extra furlong highly likely to help him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

13

(10)

23rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

13:50 York

Wafei

8st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: William Haggas

towards rear

100/30

2nd

9

(7)

2nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 44y

Class 3

17:20 Goodwood

Wafei

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: William Haggas

Went close last September on debut; disappointing on next two starts but he returned from a gelding operation to win easily in a maiden at Hamilton (1m1f, good) five weeks ago; that was at 1-5 and this handicap debut is a far sterner test; likely to stay.

3/1

1st

6

(3)

27th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 35y

Class 5

19:45 Hamilton

Wafei

9st 5lb

J: James Doyle

T: William Haggas

raced in second, led going easily over 2f out

4/9

40/1

Form: 0-3007 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Had a mostly poor second half to last season and he's gone a similar way this term since his reappearance third at Chester (3lb lower today); all his races for this stable (last two seasons) have been over 2m+ but this is 1m4f; equipment (absent for last two starts) returns.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(10)

9th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:45 Chester

Law Of The Sea

9st 8lb

J: David Probert

T: Ian Williams

The vast majority of last year was disappointing; however, perhaps first time up will be the time to catch him as he reappeared with a good third in this 12 months ago; now 12lb lower; could be dangerous.

14/1

5th

5

(10)

9th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:45 Chester

Law Of The Sea

9st 8lb

J: David Probert

T: Ian Williams

The vast majority of last year was disappointing; however, perhaps first time up will be the time to catch him as he reappeared with a good third in this 12 months ago; now 12lb lower; could be dangerous.

14/1

3rd

6

13th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

13:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Law Of The Sea

11st 0lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Ian Williams

took keen hold, brief headway and went remote fourth after 3 out, mistake 2 out, went remote third run-in, no match for first two

11/2

Form: -45050

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Three wins in France last April-December; 20-1, 33-1 and 40-1 for his three starts this May/July for new connections, uncompetitive but there have been increasing signs of a revival and he's been dropped 6lb in the process; first tried cheekpieces on latest start (Goodwood); moving back up in trip gives him more to prove but he'll click again at some stage.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(1)

21st Nov 2024

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 2

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Track Of Time

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Ian Williams

Not shone in four runs for Ian Williams this summer but he's dropped 10lb in the weights and has undergone wind surgery since last seen; others look safer.

25/1

8th

6

(1)

21st Nov 2024

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 2

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Track Of Time

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Ian Williams

Not shone in four runs for Ian Williams this summer but he's dropped 10lb in the weights and has undergone wind surgery since last seen; others look safer.

25/1

12th

1

(4)

23rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

13:50 York

Track Of Time

9st 12lb

J: William Buick

T: Ian Williams

towards rear

33/1

Non-runners

Dream Harder

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £47.50
Straight Forecast £46.79
Tricast £1104.09
Trifecta £1110.90

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Wafei

POSTDATA:

Mr Monaco

Daily Mirror:

Grey Cuban

RP RATINGS:

Lieber Power

TOPSPEED:

Dream Harder

SPOTLIGHT:

Insanity

The Times:

Wafei

Telegraph:

Wafei

D Express:

Wafei

The Sun:

Wafei

The Star:

Mr Monaco

Daily Record:

Grey Cuban

Daily Mail:

Lieber Power

The Guardian:

Dream Harder