September 19 / 14.12 Ayr

14.12

Good

Western House Hotel EBF Novice Stakes (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4123.2
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
RTV
View Course
Western House Hotel EBF Novice Stakes (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.30
  • Place: £1.70

Form:

Last run:

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
March foal by New Bay; 140,000gns foal, 45,000euros breeze-up 2yo; first foal; dam Listed-placed 1m2f/11.4f winner (RPR 99), closely related to 1m4f winner Polar Ice, half-sister to winners King Of Ice (7f) and Klimova (1m2f), out of 1m4f Listed winner; stable does having winning 2yo newcomers and market support would be interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(5)

10th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:40 York

Hornsea Bay

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Debut at Ayr last September remains his only win but three of his last four starts (two over 1m2f at Ayr, one C&D) suggest he is capable of getting seriously involved.

7/2

8

(2)

18th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

14:45 Ayr

Hornsea Bay

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Won 2yo debut here (1m, good) last September and clear second behind well-handicapped winner in handicap over this C&D (good) in July; has shown promise on good to soft (unraced on softer); close fifth at York 11 days ago and he could play a leading role now back here.

5/1

10

(10)

7th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 3

16:00 York

Hornsea Bay

9st 3lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: David O’Meara

Second to an unexposed Haggas horse at Ayr before racing too freely for his own good when favourite for a Racing League handicap at Chepstow (1m2f, good to soft); if giving himself a better chance here he might not be far away.

15/2

OUR TIP
2nd
1 (11)
Bambalam

10/11

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 7

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
600,000gns breeze-up purchase; surrounded by subsequent winners when seventh of 17 in the Convivial Maiden at York (7f, good to firm; 11-1) last month; that was a promising start and he is high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(9)

17th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Bambalam

9st 10lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

Cost 600,000gns as a breezer in April 2024; consistent rather than progressive to date and although he wasn't beaten far at Wolverhampton 13 days ago, he didn't look an easy ride.

8/1

5th

1

(8)

4th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 5

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bambalam

9st 12lb

J: Stevie Donohoe

T: Richard Fahey

Made rather disappointing return from 343-day absence when well-held fourth in 1m Pontefract maiden last month but his three 2yo runs were all promising and he remains unexposed; switches to AW for handicap debut.

5/1

4th

2

(5)

18th Sep 2025

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

16:23 Pontefract

Bambalam

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

Absent since last October (gelded in interim) but could be a contender if retaining the promise shown on his three 2yo starts (7f/1m, good to firm/good); interesting to see how he goes in the betting.

4/1

3rd
8 (2)
Methgal

5/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 46

Last run: 47 days

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
From a prolific family and showed signs of promise alongside inexperience in two starts over 7f at Haydock and Goodwood; qualifies for a mark after this, but has suggested he is capable of better; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(7)

30th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 3y

Class 6

16:00 Yarmouth

Methgal

9st 10lb

J: Kyle McHugh

T: Dylan Cunha

Ex-Irish 4yo; found one too good when favourite for last month's stable debut here (7f) but was evidently suited by combination of drop back to 6f and refitted blinkers when scoring at Windsor (also good to firm) 17 days ago; 4lb higher now but capable 7lb claimer Kyle McHugh is booked; can cope if the ground softens; good chance.

5/2

1st

2

(10)

13th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 6

18:11 Windsor

Methgal

9st 9lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Dylan Cunha

Ran three times as a 2yo for Karl Burke before moving to Ireland, where he won a handicap at Dundalk (7f, AW) in March; joined this yard for 6,000gns and finished second at Yarmouth last month (6-5f; 7f); this is a belated first go at 6f but he has shown early speed.

7/2

2nd

5

(2)

28th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 3y

Class 6

17:25 Yarmouth

Methgal

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Dylan Cunha

Ran three times as a 2yo for Karl Burke before moving to Ireland, where he won a handicap at Dundalk (7f, AW) in March; makes his debut for last year's winning stable having changed hands for 6,000gns this month; market useful.

3/1

4th
12 (9)
West Tyrone

16/1

Form: 4

Last run: 51 days

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
20-1 and ran green when fourth of six on Beverley debut (7f, good to firm) in July; may need more time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(10)

10th Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:45 Ayr

West Tyrone

10st 2lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Front-runner; started off for new stable with two down-the-field runs over 1m in the spring, but fared much better when third at Carlisle (1m3f, good to soft) in June and remains on a good mark.

7/1

3rd

4

(6)

9th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 3f 39y

Class 5

20:12 Carlisle

West Tyrone

9st 4lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Ex-Kevin Ryan; won a 1m AW handicap in March 2025; stays 1m2f but below-par when tried over further; bit to prove.

40/1

12th

11

(3)

26th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:35 Wetherby

West Tyrone

9st 1lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Didn't progress as may have been expected following a 1m win at Southwell last March; dropped away to finish eighth of the nine runners on last month's stable debut at Newcastle (1m); enough to prove for now.

33/1

7/1

Form: 35

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
From a stable not known for winning newcomers, so his third of nine on last month's Ripon debut (1m, good) was encouraging, but he didn't build on it at York (1m, good to soft) 11 days ago; nurseries beckon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(10)

27th Aug 2026

Good

1m 3f 39y

Class 6

16:30 Carlisle

Off Spin

9st 5lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

18-race maiden but he was in good form prior to a lesser effort at Redcar (1m1f, good to firm) last month; may be able to bounce back but others appeal more for win purposes.

13/2

6th

1

(8)

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 0y

Class 6

17:17 Redcar

Off Spin

9st 9lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Is 0-17 but he arrives in good form, placed for third consecutive start when runner-up in 1m2f Ayr handicap (Shifter third) two weeks ago; 1lb worse off with that rival here but he can go very well again.

7/2

2nd

2

(9)

5th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:25 Ayr

Off Spin

9st 12lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Is 0-16 but he arrives in good form, not seen to ideal effect when a running-on third of nine over C&D 16 days ago; well in the mix from the same mark.

9/2

50/1

Form: 69

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well held in two starts over 6f during the summer; from a successful family and this trip is more in line with his pedigree, but he does look one for nurseries after this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

14

(12)

31st Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 14y

Class 2

16:35 Chepstow

Homeland

8st 2lb

J: Zoe Lewis

T: Thomas Faulkner

Won at Ffos Las (1m2f, good) last month and ran with credit when third of six at Lingfield (1m2f, good to firm) 11 days later; ideally needs further than this now and has it to do from 5lb out of the weights.

16/1

3rd

1

(7)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

18:00 Lingfield

Homeland

9st 11lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Thomas Faulkner

Added to his Ripon win last summer when justifying favouritism with a comfortable success at Ffos Las (1m2f, good; 2-1) last Monday; remains feasibly treated off only 3lb higher and he has form figures of 33511 at this trip; key player.

11/10

1st

3

(9)

14th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:40 Ffos Las

Homeland

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Thomas Faulkner

Behind Racing Demon last time but was only 4l away over 1m and his sole win was at this trip; can run well.

9/4

17/2

Form:

Last run:

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
March foal by Sottsass; dam German 1m2f/Listed 10.5f winner (RPR 95), half-sister to numerous winners including Elle Shadow (triple 1m2f Group 3), Elle Gala (German 1m2f Listed), El Comodin (1m2f Listed) and El Vip (useful 1m-1m2f); nicely bred and stable has had a couple of 2yos go in first time in recent weeks; needs a market check.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

(7)

21st Aug 2026

Good

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:15 Hamilton

Elsass

8st 12lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Charlie Johnston

Won first two races this year, the second a 1m3f handicap here by 5l (good); mixed form since (faced a stiff task last time); each-way chance.

16/1

7th

8

(8)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:05 Ascot

Elsass

9st 3lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Charlie Johnston

A gelding operation saw him improve to win a pair of 1m3f handicaps in the spring, and following a blip he was back in form when third at Ripon (1m4f, good) on Saturday; that may suggest he's plateaued for now but he can't be readily dismissed.

11/1

8th
10 (3)
Sherlock

16/1

Form: 50

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has finished behind a couple of today's rivals over 7f in his first two starts; gets a mark after this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(7)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 182y

Class 5

20:39 Carlisle

Sherlock

10st 2lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Kevin Ryan

Won a 5f AW event off 6lb lower in February and there was no disgrace in chasing home a Hamilton legend at that track (6f, good to firm) in returning blinkers (retained) nine days ago; he is another that cannot be discounted.

13/2

2nd

3

(1)

25th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 6

21:00 Hamilton

Sherlock

9st 13lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Belatedly opened account at Newcastle (5f, AW) in February and has largely remained in good form since, albeit he was a shade disappointing when only sixth of ten at Ripon (6f, good; favourite) three weeks ago; can make his presence felt.

7/2

6th

3

(8)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

15:30 Thirsk

Sherlock

9st 8lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Made the breakthrough at Newcastle (5f) in February and fairly consistent since; couldn't master Yes I'm Mali over C&D (runner-up; 18-1) on penultimate start and boxed on from further back (fourth) at Beverley subsequently; a possible.

7/2

16/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
February foal by Ulysses; half-brother to winners Wise Words (5f; RPR 102), Walaa (6f AW 2yo; 61) and Left Alone (US 5.5f/6f); dam 1m-1m2f winner (98), closely related to useful 6f/1m winner Rudolph Valentino, out of 1m2f winner; already gelded, but yard gets its fair share of winning 2yo newcomers so he is well worth a market check; stable triple-handed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(4)

27th Aug 2026

Good

1m 3f 39y

Class 6

16:30 Carlisle

Hill O Rue

9st 12lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Course winner last May and he doubled his tally when winning at Beverley (1m2f, soft) last September; however, he's been well beaten in three starts this year, including at Ayr (1m2f, good; first-time tongue-tie) on his first start since wind surgery.

12/1

12th

1

(8)

6th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

15:00 Ayr

Hill O Rue

10st 2lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Won twice on ground slower than good last season (1m1f/1m2f) and is still quite lightly raced but looked out of sorts on both appearances this spring and needs recent wind op to have made a difference.

12/1

7th

12

(6)

22nd May 2026

Soft

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

16:05 Haydock

Hill O Rue

9st 3lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Won handicaps last season when always prominent at Carlisle (1m1f, good to soft) in May and Beverley (1m2f, soft) in September; no show when 14-1 for reappearance one month ago, his first race on good to firm, but it's not hard to think he will be a lot more potent today.

10/1

33/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
January foal by Gleneagles; closely related to winners Annandale (1m-1m5f including 2yo; RPR 92) and Belle Of Annandale (2m hurdle), half-brother to three winners including Three Castles (1m-2m Flat, 71; 2m4f hurdle) and Lady McGuffy (7f 2yo; 62); dam 1m AW winner (76); apprentice ridden on debut and winning 2yo newcomers from the yard are rare.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(4)

2nd Sep 2026

Soft

1m 3f 15y

Class 6

19:50 Hamilton

Uncle Liam

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Jim Goldie

1m4f win here (good ground) in June; two creditable runs have followed, beaten just over 2l into fourth at Ayr (1m2f, good) 59 days ago; no ground concerns; respected.

6/1

4th

5

(10)

5th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:25 Ayr

Uncle Liam

9st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Gained a first success when prevailing at Hamilton (1m4f) in June and backed it up with a solid fifth in 1m3f handicap there 18 days ago; not out of things.

6/1

Form: 95

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Beaten upwards of 10l over 6f/7f in his first two starts (gelded in between); visor is given a go but nurseries may be the way forward after this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

14

(1)

4th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

17:35 Southwell (AW)

Black Sky

8st 9lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Unplaced in all nine Flat races and was pulled up on hurdling debut at Cartmel only recently when tried in a tongue-tie; cheekpieces now added.

25/1

2

25th Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

14:20 Cartmel

Black Sky

10st 12lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Michael & David Easterby

Unplaced in all nine Flat races and now has a basement handicap mark; tongue tied for this change of codes.

50/1

5th

7

(5)

18th Jul 2025

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 6

19:20 Pontefract

Black Sky

8st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Unplaced in all eight starts (6f-1m) and his promising fifth at Newcastle (6f; November) hasn't been built on in three runs since; enough to prove back at a mile.

12/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
March foal by Circus Maximus; first foal; dam 7f-8.6f winner (RPR 88), half-sister to 5f winner Woobay, out of unraced sister to 7f 2yo Listed winner Queen Of Poland; already gelded and stable wouldn't be a noted source of winning 2yo newcomers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

9

(9)

6th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:40 Ayr

Gaelic Gladiator

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Lucinda Russell

Looks modest and was friendless in the betting when last to complete on handicap debut; much to prove.

33/1

13th

12

(14)

11th Jun 2025

Good

1m 0f 68y

Class 6

21:00 Hamilton

Gaelic Gladiator

9st 0lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Lucinda Russell

Showed minor ability last autumn on his first two starts; 250-1 and well beaten on his return from a winter break at Carlisle (1m1f, good to soft) last month; would be interesting if supported on handicap debut.

20/1

9

(5)

29th May 2025

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 5

20:20 Carlisle

Gaelic Gladiator

9st 3lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Lucinda Russell

Displayed some ability last autumn on first two starts (8.3f/1m) but not enough to suggest he's the one to be on today; upset in stalls and withdrawn at Musselburgh last month (20-1 at the time).

100/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £13.50
Straight Forecast £9.76
Trifecta £37.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Bambalam

POSTDATA:

Off Spin

D Express:

Hornsea Bay

RP RATINGS:

Methgal

The Times:

Bambalam

Telegraph:

Bambalam

The Guardian:

Bambalam

Daily Mail:

Bambalam

The Sun:

Bambalam

The Star:

Bambalam

Daily Record:

Bambalam

Daily Mirror:

Off Spin