October 04 / 16.30 Ascot

16.30

Heavy

BetMGM Handicap

  • Prize money: £23193
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
SKY
View Course
BetMGM Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 221107 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Won at York (6f, good to soft) in June and followed up in dominant fashion here (5f, good); returned to form with close seventh of 22 in the Portland at Doncaster (5.6f, good) three weeks ago and, while he needs to raise his game, he's now back at the scene of his career-best performance; chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(1)

12th Jul 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:50 Ascot

Holkham Bay

9st 12lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: William Knight

Progressive last year, with his three wins including two at Ascot (one over C&D); confirmed his affinity for the track with a good fourth in the Wokingham three weeks ago, a race where he was finishing fast up the stands' rail and comfortably beating the others to race on that part of the track; 1lb rise manageable but with the stalls on the stands' side there must be a query over the suitability of stall 1.

7/2

4th

29

(29)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Holkham Bay

9st 0lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: William Knight

Regularly runs well in big-field sprints and in fine form here in 2024, finishing a close second of 26 over C&D before winning both subsequent starts (good and soft); may be high in the weights relative to this class of race but he shouldn't be far away following a luckless Goodwood run and then slightly short of room at York since.

20/1

7th

3

(12)

14th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:42 York

Holkham Bay

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: William Knight

Made good progress last season, winning handicaps over C&D and twice at Ascot (5f and 6f); unplaced twice this year but looked to need the run at Southwell and then met plenty of trouble at Goodwood 12 days ago (saw little daylight between 2f out and 1f out as the race was unfolding); 1lb lower today and Oisin Murphy, who won on him at Ascot in October, takes over; still has something to prove on good to firm, albeit he had a bleak draw when well held at the Ebor meeting last year.

6/1

11/2

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 140133 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
3yo who made it four wins from his six starts when scoring at Chester (6f, good) in July, and he's been a close third the next twice (6f/7f, good); won on debut on good to soft (unraced on softer); he could still have more to offer and may be in the shake-up this afternoon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(6)

7th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:18 Pontefract

Garfield Shadow

9st 13lb

J: James Doyle

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Useful for Richard Fahey, winning five times the latest of which was a 7f handicap in Qatar in November 2024; makes his debut for his new yard (gelded in the meantime) and, like his stablemate The Strikin Viking, whether he is on a favourable mark remains to be seen; the choice of James Doyle, though, so interesting to see what the market says.

4/1

2nd

8

(2)

4th Oct 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Garfield Shadow

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

3yo who made it four wins from his six starts when scoring at Chester (6f, good) in July, and he's been a close third the next twice (6f/7f, good); won on debut on good to soft (unraced on softer); he could still have more to offer and may be in the shake-up this afternoon.

11/2

3rd

14

(21)

14th Sep 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

17:10 Leopardstown

Garfield Shadow

9st 2lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard Fahey

dwelt start, towards rear, raced in last under 2f out, headway 1f out, ran on well inside final furlong, went third towards finish, nearest finish

12/1

9/1

  • Place: £3.60

Form: 113005 D BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Kicked off campaign with two wins (6f, AW) and he's also a two-time turf winner (heavy/good to firm); returned to form with close fifth at Kempton (6f, AW) last month, when denied a clear run, and might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(1)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 6y

Class 2

19:15 Hamilton

Ferrous

10st 0lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Jack Channon

Unraced on turf this year and his best form has come on AW; however, he has a lower mark on grass and was third in a Listed race at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) last August; capable of playing a leading role.

6/1

6th

4

(6)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:10 Newcastle (AW)

Ferrous

9st 5lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Jack Channon

Third to Diligent Harry in this race 12 months ago; four creditable runs on AW earlier in the year but others bring more pressing claims.

14/1

5th

4

(15)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Ferrous

9st 10lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Jack Channon

Handicap mark not impossible judged on his C&D win last May off 3lb lower; running okay in defeat this winter and it would be no surprise to see him in the thick of the action.

12/1

40/1

Form: 97-830

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in the Portland at Doncaster (5.6f, good) three weeks ago and needs to leave that run miles behind, but prior to that he showed some spark at Goodwood (6f, good to soft) and testing ground would be right up his street judged on past evidence; not a forlorn hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

(8)

1st Jun 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

21:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Wodao

9st 6lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Steph Hollinshead

Listed winner in Ireland as a 2yo who regressed sharply for Jamie Osborne; been off for four four months since well held over C&D and the change of scenery will need to have done the trick.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 256346 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
0-8 this year and hasn't been at his best, but he's run creditably in defeat in the two handicaps he's tackled this season (6f, good to firm) and he's versatile ground-wise; headgear swapped; could be in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(2)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 6y

Class 2

19:15 Hamilton

Commanche Falls

10st 0lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Michael Dods

9yo whose last win was in September 2023 and it's possible that he'll need this first outing since February; however, he won this in 2021 and showed spark when twice finishing second in Bahrain this January (6f, good/good to firm); not ruled out.

11/1

7

(9)

11th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:15 York

Commanche Falls

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

A tremendous campaigner over the years with two Stewards' Cups to his name; in and out this season and only twelfth in the Ayr Gold Cup three weeks ago, but he has clear possibilities on his fast-finishing second to stablemate Northern Ticker over C&D in August; 1lb lower today.

16/1

8

(16)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ayr

Commanche Falls

9st 5lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Two years since his last win but this dual Stewards' Cup winner is more realistically treated these days and he gave his younger stablemate Northern Ticker a race at York last month; not so good at Doncaster last week and he will do well to win this race in his fourth attempt (seventh in 2021, runner-up in 2022 and sixth last year).

16/1

6/1

Form: 707074 C

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
He's had a disappointing campaign but has dropped down the weights and took a big step back in the right direction in first-time blinkers (retained) when a close fourth at Ripon (6f, soft) last Saturday, having been slowly away; this course winner may be able to build on that latest performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(5)

26th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

16:25 Doncaster

Baradar

9st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Won the International at Ascot and a 6.5f course handicap on soft at the St Leger meeting in a very good 2023 campaign; has failed to hit the same heights this year but now dangerously well handicapped and recent efforts have been a bit better.

11/1

6th

5

(6)

4th Oct 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Baradar

9st 1lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: George Boughey

He's had a disappointing campaign but has dropped down the weights and took a big step back in the right direction in first-time blinkers (retained) when a close fourth at Ripon (6f, soft) last Saturday, having been slowly away; this course winner may be able to build on that latest performance.

6/1

4th

2

(10)

28th Sep 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Baradar

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: George Boughey

It's been a struggle for him so far this year, including back under favourable conditions at Doncaster 13 days ago, but he's down to a good mark and possible the switch to blinkers will pique his interest.

9/1

Form: 3-9610 D

Last run: 53 days

W: 8st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Flopped at Windsor (6f, good to firm) in August but has had a short break since and he won at Windsor (6f, good to firm) two starts ago; won on soft ground last October and this 3yo retains potential; a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(4)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 1

15:52 Chester

Palmar Bay

9st 7lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Ralph Beckett

Comfortable winner of a C&D handicap (good to firm) last August; better than ever when a close fourth in a Listed event at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) in March but he's been well held in both subsequent runs and latest was in a C&D; has bit to prove again and this looks a tough task on the figures.

14/1

10th

1

(5)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:30 Chester

Palmar Bay

9st 12lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Ready winner of a C&D handicap last summer off a 12lb lower mark; better than ever when a close fourth in a Wolverhampton Listed race in March and he faced a stiff task at Haydock three weeks ago; should give his running but could find one or two stronger back in handicap company.

6/1

4th

8

(10)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 1

15:40 Haydock

Palmar Bay

9st 10lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

5-19; creditable fourth in Listed races last two starts, not beaten far at Wolverhampton (7f) on latest; should give his running again but quite a few of these have more obvious claims on the figures.

14/1

8th
4 (1)
Rohaan

100/30

Form: 808030 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent this year and the visor worn on his last three starts is now left off; however, he has a very good record here, winning this race last season (good) and finishing a close third over C&D (soft) two starts ago when the slow pace was against him; firmly in calculations off a handy mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19

(10)

6th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Ascot

Rohaan

8st 12lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: David Evans

Has five C&D wins on his resume, including two Wokinghams and two Group 3s; getting on for two years since his last win though and this might be too competitive these days.

14/1

3

(11)

28th Aug 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Rohaan

10st 0lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: David Evans

Hold-up sprinter who has been a source of frustration since his last win in October 2023; on a lowly mark and his four C&D runs this year have all been competitive; shouldn't be far away.

9/1

8th

7

(5)

8th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Pontefract

Rohaan

8st 11lb

J: P J McDonald

T: David Evans

Landed the Wokingham in 2021 and 2022; on a long losing sequence but ran encouragingly in big field at Newbury most recently; fighting chance off current mark.

11/2

Form: 100657 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 8st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
He's had a mixed campaign and was soundly beaten at Haydock (6f, soft) last Saturday; however, he's just 1lb higher than when winning at Thirsk (6f, good to soft) in May and is also fine on soft/heavy; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

10

(7)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:50 York

Wobwobwob

9st 7lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Losing run stretches back over two years; best effort this year when fifth of eight over 7f at Goodwood (soft) on Sunday, but he'll need more if he's to exploit his reduced mark.

20/1

5th

5

(7)

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Goodwood

Wobwobwob

9st 2lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Losing run stretches back over two years and neither start this year suggests he is ready to exploit his lowly mark; the prospect of slow ground does pique interest though.

14/1

9th

6

(1)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

16:43 Redcar

Wobwobwob

9st 5lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Six-time winner, notably the 2023 Ayr Silver Cup, but two years have passed since the last victory; retained ability in a mixed 2025 campaign and he should be sharper with a run under his belt; drying ground won't be in his favour here though.

12/1

Form: -11672 BF

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
3yo who kicked off campaign with two wins (7f/7.5f, soft/good) and was solid second of five at Chelmsford (7f, AW) latest; travelled well most recently and pedigree also hints he'll be suited by sprinting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(5)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:58 York

Never So Brave

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Smart performer; completed a notable hat-trick (on good to firm ground) last summer, culminating in Group 1 honours over C&D; avoids a penalty for that success and holds a leading chance assuming he's back in similar form; best to forgive Epsom Group 3 effort last time (unsuited by the way the race unfolded).

4/5

5th

5

(8)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 1

13:30 Epsom

Never So Brave

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Merely mid-division in the Group 1 QEII at Ascot (1m, good) last October and again below his best on reappearance at Sandown (1m, good) in April; however, he pulled hard last time and holds leading claims if rediscovering the form of his Group 1 City Of York win (7f, good to firm) last August; mixed messages in his form regarding the suitability of slow ground.

5/4

5th

6

(4)

24th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Sandown

Never So Brave

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Did very well (3-5) last season for new stable, completing a notable summer hat-trick (7f/1m, good to firm) that culminated in Group 1 success at York; not disgraced from unfavourable draw in the QEII on final outing; may rate higher still and looks likely to go well.

13/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £30.20
Straight Forecast £37.84
Tricast £344.89
Trifecta £271.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Rohaan

Telegraph:

Baradar

The Guardian:

Garfield Shadow

Daily Record:

Never So Brave

D Express:

Ferrous

NEWMARKET:

Holkham Bay

TOPSPEED:

Wobwobwob

RP RATINGS:

Rohaan

POSTDATA:

Rohaan

The Times:

Rohaan

Daily Mail:

Rohaan

The Sun:

Rohaan

Daily Mirror:

Baradar

The Star:

Baradar