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

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

3rd

7

(8)

31st Aug 2024

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

17:00 Chester

Garfield Shadow

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

3yo with an excellent strike-rate; has a 2-2 record at Chester and notched a personal best when gamely making most from stall 1 over C&D (good) five weeks ago; not so well drawn this time but he's up only 2lb and should put up another bold show.

3/1

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

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

6th

2

(4)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 1

15:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Ferrous

9st 5lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Jack Channon

Good record on AW; as good as ever this year, finishing fourth (behind Cool Hoof Luke) in a Listed race at Lingfield five weeks ago and then second in a handicap back at Lingfield last week; stamina for 7f has to be taken on trust (one turf attempt saw him finish tailed off) but he hasn't got much to find on form.

9/2

2nd

1

(4)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 2

15:12 Lingfield (AW)

Ferrous

9st 12lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Jack Channon

He was returning from a 147-day break when readily accounting for eight rivals in the corresponding event 12 months ago; 10lb higher this time around but he has earned his lofty rating; close fourth in a Listed event here four weeks ago; contender.

4/1

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

6th

3

(9)

19th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Wodao

9st 8lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Jamie Osborne

Has tumbled down the weights but without really looking like capitalising; tailed off at Chelmsford 17 days ago and has too much to prove.

25/1

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

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

3

(2)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 111y

Class 2

15:00 Doncaster

Commanche Falls

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Hasn't won for just over two years and whether the extra half-furlong suits remains to be seen, but he kept on well for a head second of 20 at York (6f, good to firm) three weeks ago and that performance bodes well for a prominent showing today; versatile ground-wise.

13/2

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

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

4th

5

(7)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 1

15:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Palmar Bay

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Steadily progressive 5yo, including two 7f handicap wins last year; took form to a higher level when fourth of 15 in a Listed race at Deauville (7.5f) in December, never far away in a race where the pace held up; should have another big run in him.

7/1

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

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

12th

10

(2)

7th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

15:57 Pontefract

Wobwobwob

8st 5lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

One of the oldest contenders in this field and has done his winning over 6f/7f, mostly on ground softer than good; could well be tapped for toe in this belated first attempt at the minimum trip.

20/1

1

(9)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

17:30 Doncaster

Wobwobwob

10st 2lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Without a win since May 2024 but runner-up on three of his last four starts (6f/7f, good to soft/heavy) and his turn may well be near.

13/2

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

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

6

(13)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Ascot

Never So Brave

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Won 7f handicap (good to firm) at the Royal meeting here and followed up in the Group 2 Summer Mile on the round course here (good to firm), before landing the hat-trick in the Group 1 City Of York Stakes (7f, good to firm); they finished in a heap at York and a bigger performance is needed in this hotter Group 1, but he's highly progressive and warrants respect.

13/2

4

(7)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Never So Brave

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

4yo for whom things have clicked in a big way this season; impressive in the Buckingham Palace Handicap at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) and followed up in Group 2 Summer Mile there last month; did well in the latter to overhaul one who had built a clear lead; respected now in a Group 1.

5/2

+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