September 07 / 15.00 Haydock

15.00

Good To Soft

Betfair Be Friendly Handicap

  • Prize money: £25770
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
ITV
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Betfair Be Friendly Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.25
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 235415 D BF

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Running well this year prior to winning big-field 3yo handicap at Glorious Goodwood (5f, good to firm) and close fifth of 22 at York (5.4f, good to firm) since; today's race is less competitive and he could play a leading role if conditions suit (unproven on slow ground); trainer won this last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(1)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 1

13:50 Sandown

Shagraan

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Dual Listed winner who faced a stiff task in deep waters at Royal Ascot last time; respectable third to Rumstar in this race last year and was only one place behind that rival in the 2026 Palace House; in the mix.

8/1

17th

11

(10)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Shagraan

9st 7lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Clive Cox

Ended 2025 with 5f Listed wins at Beverley (good to firm) and over C&D (soft) either side of a Group 2 second to First Instinct at Newbury; has a lot to find on those efforts and also on this year's runs for a new yard.

50/1

11th

8

(4)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

Shagraan

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

His form took a surge forward towards the end of last season with 5f Listed wins for Mick Appleby at Beverley (good to firm) and Ascot (soft); reappeared with 3l third of 14 to Night Raider on stable debut in the Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket (5f, good to firm) and he's open to improvement on this second start of the season; one to consider.

13/2

8/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 0-4310 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Disappointing at Southwell (5f, AW) nine days ago and it's hard to be confident on the back of that, but he looked progressive previously and won over this C&D (good) two starts ago; shouldn't be written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(11)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Jer Batt

9st 8lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: David & Nicola Barron

Without a win since August 2024 but well treated on last year's best efforts and he shaped when seventh of 14 over C&D three weeks ago as though he'd be sharper for that comeback run; seems to like it here; on the shortlist.

7/1

7th

12

(9)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 2

15:42 Musselburgh

Jer Batt

8st 6lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: David & Nicola Barron

A losing sequence is mounting but he has a win and a third from just two attempts over C&D, and the latter was first time out last season; 7lb lower here and he's of obvious interest if cherry ripe after 161 days off (has had wind surgery); one of two very plausible candidates for the Barrons.

11/2

11

(5)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

13:30 Doncaster

Jer Batt

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: David & Nicola Barron

Close second in this race 12 months ago (Oisin Murphy on board) when rated 4lb higher; knocking at the door this season and the addition of cheekpieces could give him a lift; shortlisted.

11/2

4/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: -12122 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Two wins from five races this year, latest at Thirsk (5f, good to soft) in June; close second to Jer Batt over C&D (good) next time, runner-up at Pontefract (5f, good to firm) since and there's every chance he'll continue to progress, especially if settling better than last time; key player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(15)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:12 York

American Affair

9st 1lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Didn't give his running in bid for back-to-back victories in Group 1 at Royal Ascot (last of 26) last month, but he'd previously shaped well when second in the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock; this C&D winner (good to firm) takes a drop in grade and will be a danger to all if on a going day.

11/2

26th

2

(18)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

American Affair

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

A massive improver in 2025 as he was still cleaning up in handicaps in the spring before nipping home to win this race (good to firm) from Frost At Dawn; down the field on first run since, at York in May, but he came on a ton to chase home Night Raider at Haydock (5f, good to soft) latest; likely to pull out the stops for another excellent effort.

8/1

2nd

3

(10)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

American Affair

9st 6lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Highly progressive in 2025, winning the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm); also won on good to soft last year; it was his first run since when down the field at York recently and he may have needed it, but a dramatic transformation is required just ten days on.

9/1

Form: 377343 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Prominent-racer who is 0-10 this year but has often run well in defeat (on various ground), most recently a close third of 22 at York's Ebor meeting; every chance he'll produce another bold show.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

4

(1)

26th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:20 York

Looking For Lynda

11st 10lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Craig Lidster

Well handicapped on last year's C&D form for Karl Burke but refused to race in April on final outing for that yard and down the field over C&D on recent stable debut, when again awkward at the start; risks attached.

33/1

14th

6

(6)

11th Jul 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:07 York

Looking For Lynda

9st 10lb

J: Sam James

T: Craig Lidster

Beaten 16 times since his C&D win in September 2023; has often run well in defeat, including here, but he put a major black mark on his record at Nottingham in April, belatedly leaving the stalls but downing tools and bucking around immediately afterwards; the combination of a subsequent stable switch/wind surgery/change of headgear could all be beneficial and there's no doubt he has the ability to win a race like this; risky but feared.

10/1

1

(6)

9th Apr 2025

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 4

14:35 Nottingham

Looking For Lynda

9st 10lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

mounted in chute, refused to race, soon pulled up

5/2

9/1

Form: 312783 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
In good form this year since these cheekpieces went on, winning at Windsor (5f, good) in May and third of 14 at York last month (5f, good to firm; albeit no match for winner); unproven on slow ground; could be thereabouts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(11)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:20 Catterick

Jumbeau

8st 9lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Tom Clover

Faded in the closing stages over 6f at Newmarket last time but 5f is more her trip and her latest attempt over the minimum distance resulted in a creditable third at Lingfield (AW) at the beginning of September; has dropped to only 1lb above the mark she defied on turf at Lingfield in August.

16/1

6th

4

(3)

25th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket

Jumbeau

9st 6lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Tom Clover

Has placed form over the trip but she's 0-9 over 6f+ as opposed to 3-16 at 5f; didn't run badly on AW three weeks ago but perhaps vulnerable to stronger stayers this time.

12/1

1

(8)

4th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 3

18:20 Lingfield (AW)

Jumbeau

9st 9lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Tom Clover

Turf win here last month (5f, good); not so good at York a fortnight ago but that was a warm race; promise in each of her three AW starts thus far; not ideally drawn though and others perhaps stronger for win purposes.

13/2

OUR TIP

9/1

Form: -00319

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Close third to Shagraan at Glorious Goodwood (5f, good to firm) before winning at Windsor (6f, good to firm); not at the same level at Southwell (5f) last time but that was his AW debut and this 3yo could have more to offer now back on turf; unproven on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

7

(3)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:55 Ascot

Toca Madera

9st 5lb

J: Luke Morris

T: David O’Meara

Exploited his reduced mark in fine style at Doncaster (5f, good to firm) last month; came up short off an 11lb higher mark in Ireland 13 days ago, hanging left; minor placing perhaps his best hope this time.

12/1

6th

2

(8)

28th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

13:40 Curragh

Toca Madera

10st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Made all for an emphatic 5f Doncaster win early this month, his first success since August 2024; up 11lb for that; however, he had a higher mark early in his career when trained by Brian Meehan; definite chance, given the depth of the sprinting division in Britain, relative to Ireland.

9/2

1st

6

(6)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

14:30 Doncaster

Toca Madera

9st 5lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

His last win was in August 2024 but he went close off a reduced mark in a 16-runner handicap at York (5f, good) last month; back up 2lb in the weights but that was a bold bid last time and he's respected.

9/4

Form: 512591 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who has won four times this year, the latest when returning to form to beat four rivals at Catterick ten days ago; however, a 4lb rise and the step back up in grade may find him out this afternoon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(9)

24th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

17:55 Southwell (AW)

Night On Earth

9st 1lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Confirmed trailblazer who has won 13 races in his career (six on AW), but has finished out of the frame in all six starts over C&D; blinkers go on for the first time on his 86th start; others preferred.

11/1

8

(5)

23rd Sep 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Night On Earth

9st 3lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: Ian Williams

One of the faster sprinters in training and he belatedly got off the mark for the year with a front-running win at Wolverhampton 17 days ago; 6lb rise against stronger opposition could find him out.

8/1

1st

1

(3)

6th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

18:42 Wolverhampton (AW)

Night On Earth

9st 12lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: Ian Williams

Trailblazing sprinter who got no peace up front when beaten favourite in a Racing League handicap last time; ran a stormer the time before at Haydock and should give it a good shot from stall 3; has form here.

2/1

9/1

Form: 315813 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Made it 2-4 for current stable when winning at Newmarket (5f, good) in July; solid third at Goodwood (5f, good) 11 days later; unproven on slow ground but could have more left in the tank and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(4)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:33 Newmarket (July)

Rocking Ends

10st 0lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Tom Clover

He's on a hat-trick in this race and followed last year's win by also scoring at Windsor and Yarmouth (all 5f on good to firm in cheekpieces) in August; no wins since but he didn't get much cover when midfield over C&D one week ago and his race record means he can't be discounted; also ran well sole previous go in a visor.

11/4

7th

7

(12)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Newmarket (July)

Rocking Ends

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Tom Clover

C&D record reads 131, the defeat coming behind Emperor Spirit in this race last year; 5lb lower than for his last win and although he's yet to really shine this year, the booking of Oisin Murphy is notable; contender with frequent cheekpieces now discarded.

11/2

5th

1

(6)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 42y

Class 4

14:40 Yarmouth

Rocking Ends

9st 11lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Tom Clover

C&D win last August came off a 3lb higher mark; encouraging reappearance here five weeks ago and today's ground will be more suitable; solid claims dropped into a Class 4.

11/2

14/1

Form: -90110 C

Last run: 37 days

W: 8st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
10yo who won two in a row at Chester (heavy/good to soft) this summer; however, he's struggled when away from Chester this year and was well beaten at Wolverhampton (AW) last time; all turf wins have come on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(3)

20th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 5f 110y

Class 4

15:40 Chester

Hyperfocus

9st 1lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Tim Easterby

Won over C&D (good to soft) last July but he's lost his way and has been out of sorts this season; now 17lb lower than for that last win but the veteran has a lot to prove.

20/1

115

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Hyperfocus

8st 8lb

T: Tim Easterby

11

(1)

5th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:42 Haydock

Hyperfocus

9st 2lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Four-time course winner who has tumbled down the weights and runs here for the first time this season; however, this 11yo has been struggling this year and a major turnaround is required.

25/1

10/1

Form: 98-862 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo whose career has had some interruptions since he won his first two starts (good/good to soft); has improved with each of his three runs this season and went close at Hamilton (5f, heavy) a fortnight ago; not discounted but his claims may be dented if the ground dries out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(6)

10th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 110y

Class 4

19:35 Chester

Changeofmind

9st 4lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Back to winning ways with his Class 5 win at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) in May; respectable efforts twice since but he would be more appealing on slower ground.

14/1

7th

6

(1)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Changeofmind

9st 4lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Left disappointing seasonal debut behind when scoring at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) last month; not discredited in big field at Thirsk soon afterwards and has the inside draw here but others look better handicapped.

10/1

8th

5

(9)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Thirsk

Changeofmind

9st 5lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Up in grade after winning a Class 5 at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) but had dropped to a tempting mark; wouldn't count the 6lb rise against him.

9/1

Non-runners

Designer

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £22.80
Straight Forecast £21.62
Tricast £63.67
Trifecta £92.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

American Affair

POSTDATA:

Shagraan

The Times:

Jumbeau

Daily Mail:

Designer

Telegraph:

Shagraan

RP RATINGS:

American Affair

TOPSPEED:

American Affair

The Guardian:

American Affair

D Express:

American Affair

The Sun:

American Affair

The Star:

American Affair

Daily Record:

American Affair

Daily Mirror:

Jumbeau