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
RTV
View Course
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

3rd

4

(9)

1st May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:35 Goodwood

Arcturus Flame

9st 6lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

8lb higher than for his only handicap win gained nearly a year ago; kept on for a closing fifth at Newbury last time but that was over 1m2f and there are doubts about him over this far.

4/1

5th

14

(11)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

16:55 Newbury

Arcturus Flame

9st 1lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

While a Nottingham 1m handicap last April remains his only win, he's run well over about 1m2f in three of four starts for his current yard; that gives him each-way claims and the return of headgear (tried by his previous stable and he ran well, including for the win) could be a help.

12/1

3rd

3

(4)

30th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 4

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Arcturus Flame

9st 6lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

It was over 1m3f when he went down narrowly at Kempton on final run in early December but he's effective at this sort of trip and hasn't had many chances on the AW; couldn't be ruled out.

5/1

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

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

4th

4

(1)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 197y

Class 6

16:50 Doncaster

Its Only Fun

9st 6lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Sara Ender

Won on handicap debut at Musselburgh (1m1f, good) last April but he's 0-9 since and has been well held in four runs this year; now 10lb lower than for his win but he weakened quickly at Nottingham three weeks ago and others are preferred; cheekpieces (tried once last year) are reapplied.

8/1

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

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

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

4th

5

(2)

2nd Sep 2025

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 5

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Lever Up

9st 3lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

Remains winless but he's proving a reliable sort and comes here on the back of a good fourth of eight in 1m2f handicap at Haydock 24 days ago; he ought to be thereabouts once more.

4/1

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

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

4th

6

(10)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

20:45 Doncaster

Mini Mac

9st 6lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Jessica Macey

One win apiece for his previous two yards but he looks far from solid on 2026 form for another new stable; best watched unless the betting suggests a big run is likely; cheekpieces are removed and blinkers return.

25/1

8th

6

(6)

23rd Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

16:52 Beverley

Mini Mac

9st 4lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

One win apiece for his previous two yards but looks far from solid on 2026 form for another new stable; best watched unless the betting suggests a big run is likely.

14/1

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

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

12th

2

(10)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:42 Newmarket

Dream Illusion

10st 2lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Michael Herrington

Best form on AW and she's 0-7 on turf; exposed filly but she landed her fourth AW handicap when scoring at Southwell (1m) in March and was back in that career-best form when second over that C&D a fortnight ago; chance if she can transfer those efforts to grass.

6/1

2nd

6

(3)

29th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

16:05 Southwell (AW)

Dream Illusion

9st 6lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Michael Herrington

Three wins this year (two over C&D) and bounced back from disappointing Newcastle run with close sixth of eight over C&D this month, when the slow pace was against her; possible player.

9/1

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

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

10th

6

(12)

11th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

17:12 Windsor

Bownder

10st 12lb

J: Mr McKenzie Graham

T: Jonathan Portman

Won twice over 1m2f in 2025, on good ground at Goodwood and AW at Lingfield; this mark not excessive but he needs to rebound quickly from a heavy defeat at Doncaster six weeks ago; yard going well.

10/1

14th

4

(1)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 5

16:40 Doncaster

Bownder

9st 11lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

Successful over this trip on Polytrack at Lingfield in December and mostly creditable efforts since, including second back at Lingfield (1m2f again) last time; just as effective on turf (won at Goodwood off 1lb lower last summer); acts on soft; has to enter calculations.

5/1

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