September 28 / 15.15 Haydock

15.15

Soft

My Pension Expert Handicap

  • Prize money: £30924
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
ITV
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My Pension Expert Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Scattered showers

OUR TIP

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £10.50
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 1-4126 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
A fine advert for his trainer's skills, having a mark of 82 when starting out for her last November and now 17lb higher having won the 3yo Dash at Epsom before finishing second at Royal Ascot; Listed race was a step too far at Beverley four weeks ago but that was after a break and he could yet resume his progress; promise on heavy but peak effort was on fast ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(1)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

13:30 Doncaster

Blue Storm

9st 7lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Gemma Tutty

Had some useful form last year, including on soft, but he has yet to find his best in three runs in a truncated 2025 campaign; 9lb lower than when midfield in this race last year; others look safer.

12/1

4

(2)

11th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:15 York

Blue Storm

9st 7lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Gemma Tutty

Progressive last season when his two successes included the 3yo Dash on Derby day; missed the first half of this season and might have needed his first two runs back, never-dangerous fourth of ten at Haydock on latest; raced only at 5f but may now be ready for this step up in distance; still relatively low mileage and not ruled out.

20/1

1

(7)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Haydock

Blue Storm

9st 12lb

J: Sam James

T: Gemma Tutty

Progressive for Gemma Tutty last season, winning the 3yo Dash on Derby day and posting a personal best when beating nine rivals in this contest (just 1lb higher today) 12 months ago; weak in the market and might have needed the run after over ten months off when only sixth of eight here on reappearance; big player if building on that.

7/1

3/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 01-101

Last run: 91 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Looked a likely type for big sprint honours when overcoming adversity to win a competitive Newbury handicap on his seasonal/stable debut in April (6f, good to soft); flopped back at Newbury in May (messy race) before taking another step up the sprinting ladder with an impressive win at Newcastle (AW) in July; drying ground has interfered with his plans since but there's a strong suspicion he's still ahead of his mark; the concern today is the drop to 5f given his propensity to miss the break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

2

(3)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Wiltshire

9st 10lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Had wind surgery prior to 6f success on finals day at Newcastle last time, taking AW record to 4-9; no certainty to follow up, being only 1-8 on turf and back on a tougher mark.

7/1

1st

11

(5)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Wiltshire

9st 1lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Smart form in 2024, including over C&D; only ran once in 2025 and he has finished out of the places in all three starts this year but that doesn't tell the whole story as he made some striking late headway into sixth over C&D in January; he has undergone wind surgery since last seen and now sports a tongue tie; looks on a dangerous mark and could be a major player if he can avoid forfeiting too much ground at the start.

6/1

5th

2

(1)

14th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:10 Lingfield (AW)

Wiltshire

9st 8lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Has bundles of ability but slow starts have become a feature and he hasn't been able to get away with it in good company; latest Newcastle effort offered hope of a revival and he has won over 7f in the past; handicapped to win and one to keep a close eye on, especially with Newcastle on Good Friday in mind.

4/1

4/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 743480 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
0-11 this year but he's dropped 15lb in the weights and there have been good runs in defeat; the big positive today is the return to testing ground given he produced two mighty efforts in the mud last year, travelling supremely well on both occasions; strong claims with blinkers replacing a visor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(2)

2nd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:48 Pontefract

Aberama Gold

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Multiple winner down the years and gained his most recent success (narrowly, three starts ago) off current mark; subsequent dip in form is the negative.

12/1

11th

1

(15)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

18:15 Hamilton

Aberama Gold

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Getting on but retains a lot of his old ability, is still consistent enough and has won over C&D before; rare off-day at Thirsk a fortnight ago, having beating a subsequent winner in a small field off 1lb lower previously; quite capable of bouncing back.

12/1

6th

2

(5)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Thirsk

Aberama Gold

9st 9lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Retains a large portion of his ability despite his advanced years and took advantage of a reduced mark at Cattterick (6f, good) ten days ago; only nudged up 1lb for that narrow success.

7/2

Form: -43102 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Won from American Affair over C&D in August (good) and quickly put a low-key AW run behind him when second over C&D three weeks ago; able to race off the same mark here and he's proven on slow ground; one to take seriously.
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

14/1

Form: 4148-0 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Positives include a competitive mark and a proven ability on bad ground; on the downside, her reappearance at York's Ebor meeting (in a race she'd won twice before) was a low-key one; tongue-tie tried there is now dispensed with; enough to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

11

(10)

26th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

14:05 Doncaster

Designer

8st 10lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: John Butler

Made low-key return to action at York's Ebor meeting but showed much more when fifth of ten to Blue Storm at Haydock (5f, soft) four weeks ago; down another 2lb and now turns up in the race in which she was runner-up (off 6lb higher) in 2022; she'll be fresher than most of these and should go well.

12/1

5th

4

(7)

28th Sep 2024

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

Designer

9st 4lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: John Butler

Positives include a competitive mark and a proven ability on bad ground; on the downside, her reappearance at York's Ebor meeting (in a race she'd won twice before) was a low-key one; tongue-tie tried there is now dispensed with; enough to prove.

14/1

Form: 8-8620 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 1lb

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); ran well at Hamilton last month (5f, heavy) but there was more to his poor C&D run three weeks ago than just the high draw/quicker ground; no excuse with underfoot conditions today and it may all click at some point.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

1st

1

(7)

22nd May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

19:22 Pontefract

Changeofmind

9st 9lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Won his first two starts but beaten 17 times since; down the field at Thirsk on last week's reappearance but drops in grade today and the slower ground should suit.

10/1

14th

12

(14)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:37 Thirsk

Changeofmind

9st 4lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

0-16 since winning his first two races and beat just one home in a division of this race 12 months ago; now 8lb lower but he carries risks after seven months off.

20/1

25/1

Form: 926000 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Made all in this race 12 months ago off a 4lb higher mark; mixed bag this time around but he retains plenty of dash and getting back on slow ground is in his favour; not dismissed off a featherweright.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(10)

17th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:25 Haydock

Never Dark

8st 13lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Iain Jardine

C&D winner in 2023; landed a ninth win when scoring at Hamilton last September and finished third to Impressor there (also 5f, soft) last month; reared in stalls and weakened quickly at that venue one week later, though; career-low mark can only help.

16/1

6

(9)

29th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 7y

Class 5

16:45 Hamilton

Never Dark

9st 9lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Iain Jardine

Won this race off a 12lb higher mark last season (soft); mixed form this season, but creditable third over C&D last time (soft) and having dropped a further 2lb, is a contender.

9/1

4

(2)

22nd Sep 2025

Soft

0m 5f 7y

Class 5

16:08 Hamilton

Never Dark

9st 8lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Iain Jardine

8yo who has had a regressive campaign but he showed some spark at Wolverhampton (5f, AW) two starts ago; two-time C&D winner on soft/good to soft so today's conditions will be right up his street; chance.

6/1

8/1

Form: 011092 C

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Now a 10yo but retains bundles of enthusiasm, winning twice at Chester this summer and giving a well-handicapped rival a fright back there last week (5f, good to soft); hit with a 2lb rise but he's a four-time course winner and it would be folly to discount him under these conditions.
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

Form: 607106 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Well suited by 5f on testing ground, winning from Silky Wilkie at Bath in April (5f, heavy) on 1lb worse terms than today; only midfield at Doncaster 13 days ago but that was his first run for five months and he could be sharper today; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(7)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:42 Ripon

Blind Beggar

9st 7lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Jessica Macey

Has won just once since April 2024, at Sandown (5f, good; from 6lb higher) last July; joined this trainer soon after for 15,000gns, and runner-up on stable debut; nowhere near his best in three starts this year, including when twelfth of 20 at York (6f; 50-1) latest.

25/1

12th

21

(4)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Blind Beggar

9st 4lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Jessica Macey

Record of 240500 for current yard reflects that he hasn't been able to hold his form; others are much more obvious.

40/1

11th

6

(4)

12th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Blind Beggar

9st 7lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

Record of 24050 for new yard reflects that he hasn't been able to hold his form; failed to beat a rival in sole outing this year; others have better claims.

50/1

7/1

Form: 628082 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Yet to win this year but there have been some good efforts, including last week's Ayr Gold Cup second (visored for the first time); returning to 5f won't hurt and he's fully effective on slow ground; should run his race but others perhaps look stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

13

(14)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Silky Wilkie

9st 3lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Campaigned almost exclusively over sprint trips; consistent AW form this year includes two wins; effective on turf but hasn't scored in this sphere for three years and he's not the percentage call back at 7f.

25/1

3rd

5

(5)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 3

14:40 Lingfield (AW)

Silky Wilkie

9st 4lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Ended a long losing run at Newcastle (6f, Tapeta) in January and he also won at Wolverhampton (6f, Tapeta) in February; he's continued in good form on Tapeta on his last two starts and is also effective over this C&D; might have a part to play.

8/1

3rd

7

(5)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 3

14:05 Wolverhampton (AW)

Silky Wilkie

9st 5lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Ended a long losing run at Newcastle in January and successful again over C&D last month; poorly drawn when fourth at Southwell last time; one to consider.

7/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £48.40
Straight Forecast £53.60
Tricast £232.51
Trifecta £396.00

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Wiltshire

TOPSPEED:

Jer Batt

POSTDATA:

Never Dark

SPOTLIGHT:

Aberama Gold

The Sun:

Blue Storm

Daily Mail:

Changeofmind

Daily Record:

Silky Wilkie

The Star:

Blind Beggar

Daily Mirror:

Hyperfocus

The Guardian:

Jer Batt

NEWMARKET:

Wiltshire

Telegraph:

Wiltshire

The Times:

Never Dark

D Express:

Aberama Gold