April 09 / 15.35 Nottingham

15.35

Good

Beer Festival 12th April Handicap (Div I)

  • Prize money: £4187.2
  • 1m 0f 75y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
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Beer Festival 12th April Handicap (Div I)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £19.10
  • Place: £3.60

Form: 405-

Last run: 156 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Thrice-raced colt who has shown ability on AW and perhaps found 6f inadequate in sole turf attempt; may be capable of improvement now handicapping in first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(2)

17th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 4

17:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Arcturus Flame

8st 13lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Sole success came in April 2025 when trained by Darryl Holland; has performed with credit on several occasions since, resulting in him being still 6lb higher than his winning mark; place claims.

6/1

5th

3

(3)

1st Jul 2026

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

18:57 Epsom

Arcturus Flame

9st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Richard Hughes

Won Nottingham handicap (8.5f, good; first-time cheekpieces) for Darryll Holland last year; mostly very consistent for this yard and has placed in three of his four starts (9.5f to 1m6f) this term; handicapper appears to be in charge but maybe first-time blinkers and Billy Loughnane can eke out more.

6/1

2nd

2

(6)

14th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 5y

Class 4

17:32 Salisbury

Arcturus Flame

9st 8lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Solid enough run behind the favourite last time at Goodwood (1m6f, good) but he's 7lb higher than for his only handicap win and there are doubts about him on soft ground.

7/2

OUR TIP

2/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 436-1

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Had wind/gelding operations prior to 5l success at Musselburgh (1m1f, good) last week on handicap/seasonal debut, improving on his 2yo form; leading player under 6lb penalty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

(9)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 4f 98y

Class 5

16:58 Newcastle (AW)

Its Only Fun

9st 3lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Sara Ender

Was having just his third go on AW when taking a Southwell handicap (1m3f, Tapeta) last month and he backed it up with slightly unlucky second at Doncaster (1m4f, good to firm) three weeks ago; 1lb nudge looks no bother at all and he's near the top of the list.

7/1

2nd

4

(1)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 197y

Class 6

17:10 Doncaster

Its Only Fun

9st 11lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Sara Ender

Took advantage of a reduced mark when battling well to score at 20-1 at Southwell (1m3f, AW; cheekpieces reapplied) two weeks ago; back up 4lb in the weights but he remains well treated on old form and his first win was on turf; shortlisted.

5/1

1st

6

(4)

21st May 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 5

17:23 Southwell (AW)

Its Only Fun

10st 3lb

J: Mr Aiden Blakemore

T: Sara Ender

Handicapper quick to ease off this spring and he turned in his best effort for this yard when fourth behind Sisterandbrother at Doncaster last weekend; inclined to over-race back in cheekpieces there and has to prove he can do it on the AW.

10/1

16/1

  • Place: £4.60

Form: 0626-

Last run: 158 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Not entirely solid on his 2yo form for Kevin Philippart de Foy but this switch to better ground may suit (well held on soft in both turf attempts); remains in same ownership.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(8)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 50y

Class 5

16:18 Nottingham

Something Splendid

9st 8lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Peter Chapple-Hyam

Both wins have been over 1m2f on good to soft, with the most recent coming at Doncaster in September after the first past the post was disqualified for a banned substance; well beaten at Newbury on his return but this is a drop in grade.

9/1

9th

12

(1)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Newbury

Something Splendid

8st 4lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Peter Chapple-Hyam

2-13, his latest success coming off this mark at Doncaster (1m2f, good to soft) last September after the first past the post was disqualified for a banned substance; off seven months but has gone well fresh before; each-way possibilities.

25/1

Form: 0403-

Last run: 154 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Made the frame in two of his four starts last year; final effort suggested this step back up to 1m will suit on handicap debut; possibilities with progress plausible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(4)

14th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

15:48 Beverley

Lever Up

10st 2lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

12-race maiden; creditable third to a pair of subsequent winners at Carlisle last time (1m1f, good); conditions suit; should go well.

7/1

3rd

1

(2)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 0y

Class 6

14:10 Carlisle

Lever Up

9st 12lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

Made it 0-11 when sixth of 12 on last month's reappearance at Wetherby but it wasn't a bad performance and he could improve for it; his reduced mark appeals on last season's best form and he's not ruled out.

11/2

6th

12

(11)

26th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:35 Wetherby

Lever Up

9st 0lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Ten-race maiden; bits of form last summer that bring him into the reckoning and he kicks off his 4yo campaign with a tongue tie fitted; betting useful back from 236 days off.

10/1

Form: 84-704

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Ran encouragingly over 7f on AW last time (second run for new yard) but isn't certain to back up that effort, having been inconsistent since his 6f novice win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

(7)

25th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

18:45 Leicester

Mini Mac

9st 1lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

A repeat of the form which netted him a C&D second last month (good to firm) off today's mark would take him close; hard to blame his Doncaster flop since on the return to a 1m trip he has won over before.

8/1

11th

15

(3)

14th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 213y

Class 6

17:15 Doncaster

Mini Mac

9st 1lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Jessica Macey

Back in better form over 7f at Doncaster and Leicester the last twice; still attractively treated, having gained sole handicap win off 12lb higher (over 1m); respected.

5/1

2nd

8

(7)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

15:04 Leicester

Mini Mac

9st 5lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Jessica Macey

His form has deteriorated since his last win last May but he took a step back in the right direction when fourth of 16 at Doncaster (7f, good to soft) nine days ago; has another career-low mark today and is not ruled out.

7/1

9/1

Form: 756

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Thrice-raced filly who is bred to do well on AW and has duly shown some ability in that sphere; possible improver in handicaps but this switch to turf presents a quandary.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(8)

8th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 3y

Class 5

14:15 Yarmouth

Dream Illusion

10st 0lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Michael Herrington

Four-time Tapeta winner, including three times this year, all off lower marks; turned in a career best on turf five weeks ago (7f, good to firm) and holds claims on that for a yard among the winners.

7/2

2nd

4

(2)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

15:42 Wetherby

Dream Illusion

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Michael Herrington

Gained all four wins on Tapeta, the last three over 1m this year; well down the field when back on turf last month, though, and this drop back to 7f may not be ideal.

20/1

Form: 212-52 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Has form figures of 31221252 (turf/AW, mainly over 1m) since handicapping, most recently running well at Lingfield (1m2f) last week; solid chance off same mark returned to grass.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(5)

7th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

19:50 Brighton

Bownder

9st 9lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Yet to score this year but has run well a few times, latest when third of five at Lingfield (1m2f, good to firm) ten days ago; should be thereabouts but would prefer some give in the ground.

4/1

3rd

2

(6)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:55 Lingfield

Bownder

9st 8lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Jonathan Portman

Wildly inconsistent this year; better from the front in a small field last time and the return to a switchback track, back up in trip, looks in his favour (fair record on the AW here); whether he reproduces the effort is the question.

7/2

3rd

1

(5)

26th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

14:30 Bath

Bownder

9st 12lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

For one who has been a model of consistency for much of his career it is slightly disconcerting that he has been well below form in three of his last four starts; the lesser runs have been in Class 5 events and his standout recent effort came when faced with Class 6 opposition, missing out by just a head at Lingfield in February (1m2f, AW); has run well over C&D in the past and a revival could be forthcoming back down in grade.

13/2

9/1

Form: 14-

Last run: 111 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Both 2yo starts on AW at Chelmsford, winning over 7f then creditable fourth over 1m; still unexposed and has a turf pedigree; could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

(8)

19th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

16:45 Lingfield

English Lady

9st 1lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Dean Ivory

Dual 7f Polytrack winner; has had only a couple of goes on turf and may be open to improvement.

10/1

7th

6

(7)

28th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

14:20 Southwell (AW)

English Lady

9st 6lb

J: Alexandra Egan

T: Dean Ivory

Dual 7f Polytrack winner; did well to finish third over C&D on recent seasonal debut, having endured a wide trip from stall 12, and is still quite lightly raced after only 12 starts; high on the list.

13/2

3rd

8

(12)

15th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:30 Southwell (AW)

English Lady

9st 6lb

J: J F Egan

T: Dean Ivory

Two wins from 11 starts, the latest of those wins coming at Kempton (1m, AW) in September off a 3lb lower mark than today's; disappointing there in November and now returns following a 161-day break.

12/1

Form: 444-

Last run: 174 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Consistent 2yo season comprised a trio of fourth-place finishes, fading late on soft ground the final time (1m); gelded since; interesting with improvement plausible on this faster surface.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(3)

8th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:10 Kempton (AW)

Bear Island

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Menuisier

Made it sixth-time lucky over C&D in July and appreciated the return to the AW when fourth of 11 at Southwell (1m, Tapeta) last month with three of these behind (winner has gone in again since); leading player.

3/1

6

(9)

4th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Bear Island

9st 9lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David Menuisier

Posted an improved effort when winning at Kempton (1m, AW) in July but he wasn't in the same form at Ffos Las (1m, good) last month following a 6lb rise; return to AW may help.

9/1

3

(6)

5th Aug 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:15 Ffos Las

Bear Island

9st 7lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: David Menuisier

Showed improved form when a well-backed winner from 13 rivals at Kempton (1m, AW) four weeks ago; had nearly 2l to spare and a 6lb rise may not stop him if the return to turf isn't an issue.

9/4

Form: 72208-

Last run: 139 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Five-race maiden who showed clear best 2yo form when runner-up over 6f and 7f at Yarmouth; always behind in 1m AW handicap final outing; something to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(11)

13th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 3y

Class 6

14:08 Yarmouth

Queen Of Good News

9st 6lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Patrick Owens

Had undergone wind surgery prior to C&D win on reappearance last month but never featured at Doncaster since; could be suited by the return to this track (form figures here read 221) and she can't be discounted.

10/1

7th

6

(10)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 6

19:45 Doncaster

Queen Of Good News

9st 7lb

J: Toby Moore

T: Patrick Owens

Underwent breathing surgery before gaining a breakthrough win on her seasonal return in 1m Yarmouth handicap two weeks ago; back up 4lb but she's not taken lightly in her current mood.

5/1

1st

9

(3)

11th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 3y

Class 6

14:02 Yarmouth

Queen Of Good News

9st 7lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Patrick Owens

12-race maiden; finished second in her two course runs as a 2yo; well handicapped on last season's best and she has undergone wind surgery during her 176-day absence; should be winning races this year but this perhaps not the day to catch her.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £63.40
Straight Forecast £48.52
Tricast £611.03
Trifecta £1015.30

Selections

POSTDATA:

Bownder

SPOTLIGHT:

It's Only Fun

D Express:

Bear Island

Daily Mail:

Arcturus Flame

NEWMARKET:

Something Splendid

RP RATINGS:

It's Only Fun

THE NORTH:

It's Only Fun

The Times:

It's Only Fun

Telegraph:

It's Only Fun

The Sun:

Bear Island

LAMBOURN:

Bownder

The Guardian:

Bownder

Daily Mirror:

Bownder

The Star:

Bownder

Daily Record:

Bownder