May 16 / 14.42 York

14.42

Good To Firm

Knights Solicitors Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £30924
  • 1m 2f 56y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
ITV
View Course
Knights Solicitors Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

Form: 1314-0 C

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Gamely made all in 18-runner handicap here (1m, good to firm) last August and fourth of 20 at Ascot (1m, soft) next time; disappointing second favourite in the Lincoln at Doncaster on reappearance and this is a new trip (fair chance to get it on pedigree) but he's well regarded and he hadn't made his debut a year ago, so could still improve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(8)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:45 York

Thunder Run

9st 10lb

J: Shane Gray

T: K R Burke

Dual winner here (both on good to firm) who was sixth in this last year and was runner-up to Warrant Holder over C&D (good) this May; soundly beaten at Royal Ascot since but he's an each-way possible back at York.

18/1

15th

10

(28)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Thunder Run

9st 5lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Back to form with second at the York Dante festival (good) in the 1m2f event he'd won 12 months earlier; before racing over longer trips he was a three-time 1m winner and ran creditably in major handicap over C&D once; may remain competitive.

20/1

2nd

1

(10)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:55 York

Thunder Run

9st 12lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Disappointing in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket on final outing last season and same story in Listed race at Kempton on last month's reappearance; however, he's back down to the same mark as when winning this last year (good to firm) and can have a big say if he's back on song.

5/1

Form: 51V-41 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Looked a useful prospect on good ground last spring and confirmed it on AW in recent outings; dictated a steady pace when winning the Easter Classic Handicap at Newcastle (1m2f) four weeks ago; 4lb higher today but lightly raced and could continue on his upward curve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(5)

16th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:42 York

Salamanca

9st 10lb

J: William Buick

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Looked a useful prospect on good ground last spring and confirmed it on AW in recent outings; dictated a steady pace when winning the Easter Classic Handicap at Newcastle (1m2f) four weeks ago; 4lb higher today but lightly raced and could continue on his upward curve.

11/2

2

(5)

16th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:42 York

Salamanca

9st 10lb

J: William Buick

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Looked a useful prospect on good ground last spring and confirmed it on AW in recent outings; dictated a steady pace when winning the Easter Classic Handicap at Newcastle (1m2f) four weeks ago; 4lb higher today but lightly raced and could continue on his upward curve.

11/2

1st

10

(12)

18th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:07 Newcastle (AW)

Salamanca

8st 13lb

J: David Egan

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

made all, set steady pace, faced challenges from over 2f out, ridden and edged left over 1f out, kept on well towards finish, gamely

10/1

Form: 0335-2 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Started last season with two wins and he was third in major big-field handicaps at York and Goodwood, all over about 1m2f and the latter probably on good to firm; good second to an unexposed sort on reappearance at Goodwood 13 days ago and well capable of being on the premises.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(5)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:55 York

Tony Montana

9st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Beaten on his last 12 starts going back to May 2024 but he's run some big races in the meantime, including when beaten a head in this last year (good to firm) off the same mark as today; reappeared with solid sixth of 24 on stable debut in the Spring Cup at Newbury (1m, good); can be in the mix.

5/1

6th

14

(8)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Tony Montana

9st 4lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

In and out last season for Michael Bell, the high points coming when second in big fields at York (good to firm) in May and the Curragh (good to yielding) in September; all his best efforts have come over 1m2f so today's shorter distance is a concern but it's possible he'll be freshened up by a change of stable (same owner).

22/1

6

(15)

11th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:05 York

Tony Montana

9st 3lb

J: David Egan

T: Michael Bell

His form has been mixed this season but he went close over C&D (good to firm) in May and filled the same position in a big field at the Curragh (1m2f, good to yielding) last month; in the shake-up if he's again on song.

7/1

Form: 2/801- D

Last run: 258 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Has a very solid record on good ground and AW but below form last summer on his only start on good to firm; better than ever at Sandown (1m2f) in August, getting up in the final strides in a six-runner race; 2lb higher today and off since but he could still have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(4)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

17:22 Sandown

Flying Frontier

9st 12lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: James Tate

Second course success when winning this off 1lb higher on good to firm under Rossa Ryan last year; disappointed on Pontefract reappearance but looked back on form when keeping on from the rear for fourth (Spoken Truth second) of ten in the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar (1m2f, good to firm) at the end of May; can make a bold bid in this race again.

11/2

4th

1

(6)

25th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 1y

Class 2

16:07 Redcar

Flying Frontier

9st 13lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: James Tate

6yo with only 13 races behind him and ran just three times last year, winning at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm) on the second occasion; 1lb lower than that day but he does need to rebound from a desperate comeback run at Pontefract.

16/1

8th

5

(7)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 5y

Class 2

15:27 Pontefract

Flying Frontier

9st 4lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: James Tate

Ran just three times last year, winning at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm) on the second occasion, and soft ground there may not have suited when last seen; also unproven on good to soft; this lightly raced 6yo is capable of having a big say if fully tuned up and handling conditions.

8/1

7/1

Form: 7210-8 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Improved form once he was gelded last summer, pipped at Glorious Goodwood (1m2f, good to firm) before drawing 4l clear at Ascot (1m2f, soft); below form both starts since but may have needed last month's reappearance outing (weak 11-1) and his stable is among the winners.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(8)

28th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 17y

Class 3

16:05 Epsom

Brioni

10st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Has become inconsistent but looks interesting back down in grade, having recorded 1m2f wins at Ascot and Sandown in last two attempts in Class 3; admittedly on a tougher mark now.

8/1

7th

6

(14)

30th Aug 2025

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

15:00 Sandown

Brioni

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

4yo who won twice last year and got back on track to score over C&D (good; acts on soft) this June in first-time cheekpieces, which have been kept since; did not get run of the race in a top York handicap seven weeks ago and not discredited; needs a second look.

16/1

10

(18)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Brioni

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

4yo who won twice last year and got back on track to win in first-time cheekpieces at Sandown (1m2f, good) last month; appeared to have more in hand than the 1l winning margin suggests and he might have more to offer in the headgear; could be in the mix under a 5lb penalty.

14/1

16/1

Form: 0037-6 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Sole win (18 races) remains a maiden on good to firm in 2023 and last year was pretty disappointing, on Flat and over hurdles; 25-1 when 4l behind Tony Montana at Goodwood on reappearance 13 days ago but dropped a further 3lb since and made some late headway, so all hope isn't lost.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:12 Cartmel

Westerton

11st 11lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jennie Candlish

Useful on the Flat; back over hurdles for new stable this season, with by far the best of three runs a close second at Warwick (2m, good) two starts ago; pulled up over 2m1f since and not easy to predict over this new trip.

9/2

3

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

17:00 Newton Abbot

Westerton

11st 11lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Jennie Candlish

Built on the promise of his seasonal return when a close second at Warwick (2m, good) last month, despite making a mistake at the last; a 5lb rise asks a little more, though Lewis Stones's 3lb claim helps offset that, and he still looks favourably treated on his best Flat form; with further progress likely, he's high on the shortlist.

9/4

2nd

1

20th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:30 Warwick

Westerton

11st 12lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jennie Candlish

Sole success came on the Flat in a Sandown maiden in 2023 when trained by Alan King; beaten 29l on stable debut at Uttoxeter (2m, good) 18 days ago in his first handicap hurdle; best watched.

9/1

Form: 026-01 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Threatened last season to break his losing run and it finally happened at Ripon (1m2f, good) four weeks ago when he led over 2f out and raced nearly 5l clear; going back up 8lb may demand a career best but he's effective over C&D and on good to firm ground, and he might have turned a corner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

13

(19)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:45 York

Have Secret

9st 1lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Won at Pontefract (1m2f, good) in April and respectable fifth of 15 to Warrant Holder over this C&D (good) in May; the return to Epsom maybe didn't suit latest (well beaten) but he needs to bounce back with a career best.

50/1

12th

12

(7)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Have Secret

8st 11lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

6yo who has a career-high mark on the strength of his win at Pontefract (1m2f, good; acts on soft/heavy) in April; creditable fifth at York next time but the chief disincentive is probably that he ran poorly in this race last year on his only visit to Epsom.

25/1

5th

5

(6)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:55 York

Have Secret

9st 7lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

6yo who is on a career-high mark but he looked better than ever when winning by just over 2l at Pontefract (1m2f, good) last month; close third in this last year (good to firm) and could again be thereabouts.

10/1

Form: 230-42 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Two wins (1m2f/9.4f) last summer and back to form when taking minor honours under an inexperienced claimer over 1m on both starts this term; second of 15 over C&D (good to firm) last August off 3lb lower was one of her peak efforts, so she's firmly in the picture.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(4)

11th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 5

17:15 Southwell (AW)

Bint Al Daar

9st 6lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Kevin Frost

C&D winner against her own sex under Joanna Mason early last month off a 2lb lower mark; continued in form since and this is less competitive, so she needs a look.

7/1

8th

7

(11)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:00 Lingfield (AW)

Bint Al Daar

9st 5lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Kevin Frost

Ended a 19-race losing run at Southwell (1m3f, Tapeta) last month, but couldn't get going in time when fifth of 12 at Wolverhampton (9.5f, Tapeta) 16 days later; appears to stay this far and holds each-way claims.

20/1

5th

12

(2)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 4

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bint Al Daar

8st 11lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Kevin Frost

Mostly well below form in 2025 but came back down the weights and has often been competitive since October; indeed, Southwell (1m3f, Tapeta) 16 days ago saw her first win since a C&D race in summer 2024; it's possible that she is on her way back but this is a warmer contest.

10/1

Form: 534-06

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won twice over 1m last July for Roger Varian; 0-5 for current yard and little help from the handicapper but he ran on nicely from a poor position when sixth of 14 at Chester (1m2f, good; acts on good to firm) eight days ago, nearly 3l behind Austrian Theory but it looked encouraging.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(1)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 2

16:30 Redcar

Deboras Dream

9st 6lb

J: William Pyle

T: Jennie Candlish

Right back to form under William Pyle on his last two starts, finishing second to Double Parked over C&D before winning over 1m2f here 18 days ago; handles good to firm and soft ground and should be thereabouts.

11/2

1st

4

(6)

16th Sep 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 4

17:05 Redcar

Deboras Dream

9st 9lb

J: William Pyle

T: Jennie Candlish

His last win was 14 months ago but he responded well to cheekpieces when going close off a reduced mark here (1m, good to firm) last month; kept on well in that race and he's respected off only 1lb higher on this step back up in trip.

11/2

1

(4)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 219y

Class 4

19:00 Redcar

Deboras Dream

9st 12lb

J: William Pyle

T: Jennie Candlish

Slipped down the weights and he wasn't beaten far in a Class 4 at Windsor six weeks ago; tongue-tie worn there now left off and new cheekpieces are deployed; one to consider.

8/1

Form: 410-22 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Won once in each of his four previous seasons; no better than fourth in his five races here but he rallied strongly when second at Redcar (1m) and Chester (1m2f) in his two runs this term, which demands respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(9)

24th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 4

17:05 Carlisle

Austrian Theory

9st 6lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Not the force of old but, after a couple of modest efforts, his latest fifth of 18 at York (10.5f, good; first-time cheekpieces) was a step back in the right direction; shaped as though this stiffer test might suit on that occasion so interesting to see if the headgear works a second time for in-form yard.

16/1

5th

12

(15)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

17:18 York

Austrian Theory

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Not the best of strike-rates and not been in top form this year; cheekpieces now tried but has a tricky draw to overcome; well handicapped now.

20/1

7th

8

(1)

28th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 3

15:40 Ripon

Austrian Theory

8st 10lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

On a losing run and went backwards from C&D reappearance fifth to Spioradalta when well held at Hamilton a fortnight ago; on a career-low mark but need to see more.

14/1

Form: 1351-9 C

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
His eight handicaps have all been over 1m with two wins on good to soft last year, latterly when rallying well at York in September on the only time he's worn cheekpieces; they return today, following a heavy defeat on reappearance four weeks ago, and he's run creditably on good to firm; new trip today but there is some stamina on the dam's side.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(3)

7th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 3

16:00 York

Zain Blue

9st 2lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: John Butler

Enhanced his good record at York with a fifth of 15 at the Ebor meeting over this trip; handicapper is retaining a hold on him but he has each-way claims.

14/1

5th

14

(15)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

17:20 York

Zain Blue

8st 8lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: John Butler

Winner here over 1m on good to soft last autumn and two creditable efforts over C&D (good to firm) in the first half of this summer; ran poorly in a Racing League event at Yarmouth last month but not without hope back here.

18/1

13th

9

(5)

24th Jul 2025

Soft

1m 2f 23y

Class 2

20:40 Yarmouth

Zain Blue

8st 11lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: John Butler

Last season's two wins came on good to soft going (unraced on slower) and he's run pretty well in defeat at York (1m2f, good to firm) on his last two starts; could take a step forward now back on slow ground.

8/1

Form: 6-63

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Half brother to Derby winner Desert Crown; all three races over 1m, 200-1 for a maiden at Yarmouth (good to firm) last time but he produced a big run from off the pace to be a close third of 12; this is a warm race for handicap debut but he has potential, for sure, and 1m2f is likely to help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(1)

2nd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 3y

Class 5

16:15 Yarmouth

Man Of Desert

9st 2lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Chris Dwyer

11-race maiden but his best two efforts have been over this C&D; probably didn't stay 1m2f here 35 days ago and has since been dropped a further 3lb; tongue-tie now goes on and he has possibilities back at 1m.

6/1

4th

4

(3)

28th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 23y

Class 5

15:53 Yarmouth

Man Of Desert

9st 6lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Chris Dwyer

Ten-race maiden who has form figures of 0487057 in handicaps; had some traffic issues when prominent in the market at Kempton last week but this is competitive back on turf and he still has stamina to prove at this trip; others preferred.

11/2

7th

11

(3)

20th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Man Of Desert

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Chris Dwyer

Nine-race maiden who has form figures of 048705 in handicaps and he finished behind two of today's rivals over C&D two weeks ago; continues to drop down the weights but he needs to raise his game.

9/1

Form: 8015-2 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Three 1m2f wins on good/good to firm last season, possibly unsuited by softer ground when he appeared twice over C&D in the autumn; respectable second to Have Secret at Ripon (1m2f, good) on reappearance and he's a contender if back to his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(1)

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 4

16:08 Redcar

Financer

9st 4lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Scored three times, including over C&D, in 2024; has built up a long losing sequence since but is an in-form contender, half-length second when favourite at Carlisle most recently; on an attractive mark and Jake Dickson takes off a bonus 7lb; possibilities.

3/1

2nd

3

(9)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 5

18:09 Carlisle

Financer

10st 6lb

J: Miss Amy Collier

T: Tim Easterby

Not beaten far on his last three starts and it was a solid fifth of 14 in the 1m Carlisle Bell (first-time blinkers, retained) ten days ago; handicapped to be competitive again.

5/1

5th

16

(10)

24th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

16:35 Carlisle

Financer

9st 4lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

All three wins came in 2024 over 1m2f (good/good to firm) but he was runner-up three times last season; fair effort at York last time and now has first-time blinkers replacing cheekpieces now trying 1m for the first time since his debut.

9/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £29.70
Straight Forecast £27.80
Tricast £223.96
Trifecta £228.80

Selections

Daily Mail:

Thunder Run

Telegraph:

Tony Montana

TOPSPEED:

Have Secret

NEWMARKET:

Man Of Desert

D Express:

Salamanca

The Times:

Brioni

The Guardian:

Debora's Dream

SPOTLIGHT:

Bint Al Daar

RP RATINGS:

Westerton

Daily Mirror:

Thunder Run

The Star:

Thunder Run

Daily Record:

Thunder Run

The Sun:

Tony Montana

POSTDATA:

Have Secret