September 07 / 17.15 Haydock

17.15

Good To Soft

Betfair Podcasts Handicap (Div II)

  • Prize money: £10468
  • 1m 0f 37y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
RTV
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Betfair Podcasts Handicap (Div II)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 002459 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
0-12 since winning in 2022 on his third start and he was soundly beaten at Windsor three weeks ago; however, continues to edge down the weights and a case can be made on this season's best efforts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(2)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

14:45 Chester

Obelix

10st 0lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Julie Camacho

Got back on the scoresheet at Wetherby (7f, good to firm) last month and he backed that up with a 2l fifth from off the pace at Doncaster three weeks ago; should get a good tow into this race and has possibilities if he gets some luck.

3/1

5th

5

(9)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

19:30 Doncaster

Obelix

9st 7lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Resumed winning ways in 14-runner handicap at Wetherby (7f) 16 days ago; up 5lb but scored cosily there so this strong traveller is a likely player again for his in-form yard.

9/2

1st

7

(6)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:42 Wetherby

Obelix

9st 7lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

7f and 1m winner on good; has been unable to return to the heights of his most recent win at York last July, in six subsequent starts; back on a handy mark; could be better for his reappearance and is not written off.

12/1

11/2

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 912332 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
3yo who won here (1m2f) in June on second stable start and has been placed on his four outings since, most recently runner-up over 1m at Redcar where he was denied a clear run; firmly in calculations for in-form yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

5

(16)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 177y

Class 4

16:50 York

Empire Of Light

9st 9lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Front-runner who completed a hat-trick when seeing off 12 rivals at Thirsk (1m, good) four weeks ago; the runner-up franked the form with a good second at Epsom last week, while reopposing third Frankie's Dream has also run well since; the draw hasn't been kind given his run style but it's likely his mark is still workable.

7/1

1st

9

(14)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 3

16:47 Thirsk

Empire Of Light

9st 1lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

All three wins for this yard at about 1m2f on a wide range of surfaces, most recently when making a winning return to action at Haydock (made all, just hung on) in April; also effective at 1m but raised 4lb to a career-high mark; non-runner 2.55 York on Friday.

10/1

20/1

  • Place: £3.90

Form: 221666 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
3yo who gained a deserved win at Hamilton in June but has finished sixth on his three starts since and needs to raise his game today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(10)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

17:30 Doncaster

Mysteryofthesands

9st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tim Easterby

Second in a division of this last year (soft) and three wins this term; ran okay when fifth of 13 at Beverley last time and not ruled out.

10/1

8

(12)

23rd Sep 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:08 Beverley

Mysteryofthesands

9st 10lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

A dual C&D scorer in the summer; didn't fire in 1m Haydock handicap 17 days ago but no surprise if he bounces back here.

10/1

6

(2)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 0f 37y

Class 4

16:40 Haydock

Mysteryofthesands

9st 7lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

Three wins on turf (good/soft) since May and he may well have had a fourth here last month but for meeting trouble; last week's fourth of 13 in a Racing League event at Southwell (1m) shows he's still in form; considered.

15/2

10/1

Form: 111264 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who won three in a row in the spring (1m/7f, good to soft/good) and has continued in pretty good heart, finishing a close fourth at Carlisle (7f, good) last month following a break; could make a bold bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

18

(18)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ayr

Kelpie Grey

8st 11lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Gained all four wins over 7f+ and is yet to hit top gear this season but attracted stewards' attention when keeping on for sixth under tender handling over C&D (soft) last month and remains well handicapped; one to keep a close eye on in the betting.

14/1

6th

12

(11)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:23 Ayr

Kelpie Grey

9st 2lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

Four-time winner, all over 7f-1m, but none since May 2024; has run well over C&D in the past and rain won't bother him; beaten favourite in Class 5 events on his last two starts and this is tougher.

7/1

8th

2

(3)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 6y

Class 5

14:51 Hamilton

Kelpie Grey

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

His losing sequence goes back 16 races to May 2024 and his form has gone the wrong way; however, he's dropped to a dangerous mark and ran respectably when fifth of nine over 7f at Ayr a fortnight ago (11-8 favourite), when shaping as though the return to 6f may help; not ruled out.

9/2

11/2

Form: 923149

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Came from the rear to win on his handicap/stable debut at Chester (7.5f, good) in June and has suffered trouble in running both starts since; this 3yo retains potential and could play a leading role if getting the breaks.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

9

(2)

2nd Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:55 Kempton (AW)

Native King

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

midfield

10/1

5th

6

(3)

7th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 37y

Class 4

17:15 Haydock

Native King

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Came from the rear to win on his handicap/stable debut at Chester (7.5f, good) in June and has suffered trouble in running both starts since; this 3yo retains potential and could play a leading role if getting the breaks.

11/2

Form: 141116 D BF

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
3yo who made it 6-9 in handicaps when completing a front-running hat-trick (1m-1m1f, soft-good) at Hamilton in June; only sixth off new mark at Hamilton last month following a 68-day break but he shouldn't be written off in view of his previous highly progressive form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(7)

20th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 20y

Class 4

14:42 Ayr

Good Morning Alex

9st 2lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

7-24 with his last win coming when joined on the line at Ripon (1m, good; 3-1 favourite) in April 2025; struggled on AW through the winter (0-4), and was pestered for the lead, weakening to finish fifth (beaten 8l), at Ripon five weeks ago; an easing mark isn't enough to tempt.

16/1

5th

4

(1)

16th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:25 Ripon

Good Morning Alex

9st 8lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: David & Nicola Barron

Dead-heated over C&D (good) last April and went very close at Carlisle in June; well handicapped on that form but a long way below his best on AW this year; the return to turf needs to trigger a major revival.

16/1

8th

5

(10)

6th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

17:30 Newcastle (AW)

Good Morning Alex

9st 4lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Two C&D wins on his record but he has finished down the field in three runs back from a break this year; only dropped 3lb for those defeats and he may need some more help from the handicapper.

50/1

7th
11 (8)
Utilis

7/1

Form: 020001 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent and winless across his first 17 starts before scoring in first-time tongue-tie/blinkers at Thirsk (1m, good) three weeks ago; needs to back up that latest performance but he won with something to spare and a 5lb rise may not stop him if the headgear maintains its positive effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

(8)

7th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 37y

Class 4

17:15 Haydock

Utilis

9st 2lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Brian Ellison

Inconsistent and winless across his first 17 starts before scoring in first-time tongue-tie/blinkers at Thirsk (1m, good) three weeks ago; needs to back up that latest performance but he won with something to spare and a 5lb rise may not stop him if the headgear maintains its positive effect.

7/1

1st

3

(9)

16th Aug 2024

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

20:15 Thirsk

Utilis

9st 9lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Brian Ellison

17-race maiden; best run this term when second at Doncaster in June (1m, good to soft); beaten just 5.5l when tenth of 17 in refitted cheekpieces at York last time (7f, good to firm; met trouble); blinkers now tried; chance

9/1

10th

16

(10)

26th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Utilis

8st 13lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Runner-up at Doncaster (1m, good to soft; also effective on fast ground) last month and he's of interest on that form; however, well beaten the next twice and now 0-16; cheekpieces return (has run okay in them previously).

25/1

Form: 640022 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Creditable fourth in the Carlisle Bell in June and has gone very close on AW the last twice; he's more reliable on AW than turf nowadays but is still entitled to respect in view of his strong recent form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(9)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Al Rufaa

10st 0lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Now 2lb lower than when keeping on well for close second behind course specialist in quite valuable Brighton Mile this summer, but recent Tapeta form has been underwhelming and he remains without a win since 2023.

10/1

1

(9)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Al Rufaa

10st 0lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Now 2lb lower than when keeping on well for close second behind course specialist in quite valuable Brighton Mile this summer, but recent Tapeta form has been underwhelming and he remains without a win since 2023.

10/1

7

(5)

3rd Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Al Rufaa

9st 9lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Patchy record this year but he is on the same mark as when a close second in a competitive race at Brighton in August; each-way shout.

10/1

Form: 23-906

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Well handicapped on last year's 3yo form and could bounce back to form at some stage; however, he has something to prove having finished down the field on all three outings this season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(5)

8th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 0f 75y

Class 4

15:58 Nottingham

Urban Sprawl

9st 10lb

J: Archie Young

T: Charlie Johnston

Already a three-time scorer (around 1m) in 2025 and he comes here on the back of a very good second of 13 in 1m Newcastle handicap; must enter calculations off an unchanged mark.

9/2

2nd

5

(12)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Urban Sprawl

9st 12lb

J: Archie Young

T: Charlie Johnston

Career win number eight when prevailing narrowly in a Class 4 at Beverley (extended 1m) and tends to find Class 2s too tough these days, so excused his Doncaster run; only 1-17 on the AW but could be a factor.

14/1

10th

12

(1)

13th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:15 Doncaster

Urban Sprawl

8st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Charlie Johnston

Tough sort but has done his winning this year in Class 4, including at Beverley (8.5f, good to firm) last time when taking record to 8-55; faces a tougher task back up two grades.

14/1

16/1

Form: -43547 D

Last run: 57 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Weakened quickly and tailed off at Chester in July and has something to prove after that, but he's had a break since and showed some fair form earlier in the campaign; on a dangerous mark and not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(4)

18th Jul 2026

Good

1m 4f 10y

Class 3

15:15 Ripon

Spioradalta

9st 12lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Mark Walford

Down the field at York and Windsor on his last two starts but he's won on his last four visits to Ripon (1m2f, good/good to soft), including twice this year; it's surprising he's only ever had one crack at 1m4f, given how well he kept on over that trip in 2024; firmly in calculations back here.

11/2

6th

3

(2)

27th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 3

19:45 Windsor

Spioradalta

9st 6lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

Most likeable front runner who bagged a second win of 2026 in 1m2f Ripon handicap in May; unable to lead from a poor draw when 11th at York (1m2f) 15 days ago and remains very much one to consider.

7/1

11th

7

(14)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Spioradalta

9st 1lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Mark Walford

Better than ever when he won five times last year and he's carried on that good work this term, scoring at Ripon (1m2f, good to soft) in April and again over that C&D (good) a fortnight ago; that's arguably his favourite track but he's got form here too and can't be dismissed in current mood.

12/1

OUR TIP

12/1

Form: 913309 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Exploited a reduced mark at York (1m1f, good to soft) in June and is just 2lb higher today; however, he's gone off the boil the last twice and needs to get back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(3)

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 0y

Class 6

17:17 Redcar

Pisanello

9st 6lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

On a long losing sequence and he was tried without usual cheekpieces when beating just two in 1m2f Leicester handicap 24 days ago; visor is tried again now but others still appeal more.

13/2

6th

1

(8)

25th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 179y

Class 6

19:15 Leicester

Pisanello

9st 9lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

Still capable of winning off 30lb higher exactly two years ago, but basically consistent at a lower level these days, and still well suited by a galloping turf track; this step up to 1m4f looks long overdue.

13/2

5th

1

(8)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

21:00 Beverley

Pisanello

9st 9lb

J: P J McDonald

T: David O’Meara

Has gone 0-24 since winning over 1m1f at York (good to soft) two years ago and needs to improve on this season's efforts.

6/1

12/1

Form: 212973 D

Last run: 144 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Won at Newcastle (7f, AW) in February and close third there (7f) in April when last seen; also effective at 1m; however, there's a question mark about him on turf nowadays and he lacks a recent outing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(5)

11th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Star Zinc

9st 4lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

Has often started slowly but he's taken things to the next level the past twice, refusing to jump away either time; is quite capable off this mark if in the mood but comes with obvious risks attached.

33/1

7

(5)

11th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Star Zinc

9st 4lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

refused to race

33/1

3

(8)

3rd Oct 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

16:30 Newcastle (AW)

Star Zinc

9st 13lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Rebecca Menzies

Comes with major risks attached as he was badly out of form on turf last month and refused to race at Redcar last week, while he's untested beyond about 1m; however, his last two wins have come here and he's dropped to a dangerous mark; not ruled out now back on this track.

14/1

Form: 1157/9

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Two 2yo novice wins for James Horton in summer 2022; however, he returned from a long absence at Redcar a fortnight ago and was well beaten at 40-1 on that stable debut; probably best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(6)

28th Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 5

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Sound Pressure

9st 10lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Sam England

in touch with leaders, weakened 4f out, tailed off

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £42.70
Straight Forecast £33.07
Tricast £324.15
Trifecta £390.70

Selections

POSTDATA:

Empire Of Light

RP RATINGS:

Al Rufaa

TOPSPEED:

Mysteryofthesands

The Star:

Good Morning Alex

SPOTLIGHT:

Native King

The Times:

Obelix

D Express:

Spioradalta

Daily Mail:

Empire Of Light

Daily Mirror:

Empire Of Light

The Sun:

Empire Of Light

Daily Record:

Empire Of Light

Telegraph:

Al Rufaa

The Guardian:

Al Rufaa