June 06 / 15.15 Epsom

15.15

Good To Soft

Betfred Nifty 50 Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £50960
  • 1m 2f 17y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
ITV
View Course
Betfred Nifty 50 Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £31.70
  • Place: £6.80

Form: 43323- BF

Last run: 228 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Won Leopardstown maiden (1m, heavy) last April on debut for Edward O'Grady; minor honours in his two Group 3s and three Listed events, on last two occasions bang there on testing ground over about 1m4f in France (stable debut latest); starts new season gelded and needs a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(7)

26th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

14:40 York

Ecureuil Secret

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

Placed in Group 3/Listed races last year for Edward O'Grady and bolted up in handicap at Epsom (1m2f, good to soft) last month on second start for this yard; unable to reproduce that form in Listed race at Royal Ascot but maybe didn't handle the fast ground; could go well if conditions suit.

25/1

10th

7

(8)

17th Jun 2025

Good

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

17:35 Ascot

Ecureuil Secret

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

Placed at Group 3 and Listed level last year; recorded a really smart handicap performance when making his second start for Richard Fahey a winning one on reappearance at the recent Epsom Derby meeting (1m2f, good to soft), pulling 4l clear; a fairly quick turnaround is a slight worry after such a big effort but he's bang there on form; has raced only on going softer than good.

8/1

1st

3

(11)

6th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Ecureuil Secret

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

Won Leopardstown maiden (1m, heavy) last April on debut for Edward O'Grady; minor honours in his two Group 3s and three Listed events, on last two occasions bang there on testing ground over about 1m4f in France (stable debut latest); starts new season gelded and needs a second look.

12/1

10/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 244-26

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 7lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Usually held up; debut win at Tipperary (7f, soft to heavy) last May; model of consistency in defeat in her eight starts since, over 1m on last three occasions but she figured at up to 1m4f last term and it's easy to think that this step back up in trip will suit her; interesting for Irish trainer who's had a second, third and fourth from his three runners at Epsom, the first two of those at this meeting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(5)

1st Jun 2026

Good

1m 1f 120y

15:09 Gowran Park

Akecheta

9st 8lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Gained second heavy-ground win in a conditions race at this venue (7f) last September; yet to win a handicap; well supported in three of her four races this term, including the Irish Lincoln; has not run to expectations; new headgear combination tried.

9/2

5th

1

(7)

10th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

16:50 Leopardstown

Akecheta

10st 0lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Gained second heavy-ground win in conditions race at Gowran (7f) last September; yet to win a handicap; well supported in two of her three races this term, including the Irish Lincoln; has not run to expectations, but perhaps premature to write off.

10/1

6th

8

(2)

24th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 2f 100y

19:45 Cork

Akecheta

9st 4lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Gained second heavy ground win in conditions race at Gowran (7f) last September; yet to win a handicap, well held both starts this term at the Curragh (well-backed favourite for the Irish Lincoln on return), never counting over 1m2f latest; bit to prove now.

25/1

3rd
10 (1)
Westerton

18/1

  • Place: £3.60

Form: 037-66 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Sole win (19 races) remains a maiden on good to firm in 2023 and last year was pretty disappointing, on Flat and over hurdles; made some late headway on both starts (1m2f; 25-1) this term and he's edging back down the weights, so there could be cause for some renewed hope.
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: 6/270-

Last run: 350 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Won debut as 2yo and his four races since were Group 2 or Listed; C&D second (good) was a good start to last season, followed however by seventh in Lingfield Derby trial and tailed off in 1m4f Group 2 at Royal Ascot; gelded not long afterwards and not seen since; needs overall improvement but catches the eye on handicap debut for trainer who won this in 2018, 2019 and 2022.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(9)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Newbury

Defiance

9st 12lb

J: William Buick

T: Roger Varian

Unraced on soft; record of 0-7 since debut success but is heading back in the right direction, having posted form figures of 432 this term, latest effort in notable handicap at Hamilton (1m4f, good to firm); turn looks near.

11/4

1

(1)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:35 Hamilton

Defiance

9st 12lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Roger Varian

Lightly raced 4yo who has returned this season having been gelded, keeping on well for fourth at Epsom (1m2f, good to soft) and doing likewise when third of 18 at Glorious Goodwood (1m2f, good); this step back up in trip looks the right move and he's high on the list.

9/4

10

(17)

29th Jul 2025

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

13:20 Goodwood

Defiance

9st 1lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Roger Varian

Lightly raced 4yo who was not seen last year after a Group 2 at Royal Ascot; 11-2 for handicap debut on Oaks day at Epsom (1m2f, good to soft) on reappearance, hanging left on the camber but making late headway into fourth of 13, up with his best form; has the same mark today and clear chance he can build on that performance.

4/1

Form: 146-51 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Came up shy in his first three handicaps but, with blinkers reinstated, he made most to score by 6l in a six-runner race at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm) on latest; more to prove on softer ground and given he's 10lb higher in a much stronger race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(8)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Mutaawid

9st 10lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: John & Thady Gosden

Blinkers reinstated for last two starts, on first occasion making most to score by 6l in a six-runner race at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm); had this 10lb higher mark when fair fifth of 13 at Epsom (1m2f, good to soft) two weeks ago, galloping on as if a return to this trip (he won a 1m4f novice last term) would be okay; needs to resume improvement, though.

14/1

5th

2

(5)

6th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Mutaawid

9st 7lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: John & Thady Gosden

Came up shy in his first three handicaps but, with blinkers reinstated, he made most to score by 6l in a six-runner race at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm) on latest; more to prove on softer ground and given he's 10lb higher in a much stronger race.

4/1

2

(5)

18th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

18:15 Newmarket

Mutaawid

9st 7lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: John & Thady Gosden

6l novice win at Kempton (1m4f, AW) last July with first-time blinkers; has come up shy in handicaps on all three starts since, absent since August (gelded) when fifth of 11 at Goodwood 15 days ago; kept hanging in the closing stages that day and the blinkers are reinstated; unraced on firmer than good; this is a small field but others are still a bit more persuasive.

11/4

20/1

Form: 317-47 D BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Had 1m2f wins last May and September, latterly having to bide her time when she scored in last-gasp fashion at Haydock (good to soft; acts on good to firm) and she's 3lb higher today; C&D reappearance looked promising in April, followed by rather a shocker when favourite at Chester four weeks ago but it's too early to forget the previous encouragement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(6)

12th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 197y

Class 2

15:40 Doncaster

Warda Jamila

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Has not made the progress that seemed likely and although she was a close fourth of seven at Goodwood (second attempt over this far) last time, that was when setting a steady pace; acts on good to soft, unraced on soft.

12/1

6

(2)

23rd Aug 2025

Good

1m 3f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Goodwood

Warda Jamila

9st 3lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

Campaigned mostly at shorter but latest effort (1m3f, AW debut) suggests this return to 1m4f is worth exploring; back on last winning mark and ran well in sole Goodwood attempt; clear possibilities.

6/1

6th

3

(5)

13th Jul 2025

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 3

16:40 Southwell (AW)

Warda Jamila

9st 12lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Looked set for better this term but it's not arrived yet, following what had looked an encouraging reappearance; below form on sole attempt beyond 1m2f, admittedly at 2024 Royal Ascot, and this is her AW debut.

12/1

12/1

Form: 14111- D

Last run: 244 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
All turf starts have been on ground softer than good; won five of her eight races, including 1m2f/1m3f handicaps on four of her last five; highly versatile regarding tactics (made all to score by a neck at Newmarket in October when last seen) and, although she's gone up another 6lb, it's hard to rule out further improvement if she returns on song.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(2)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

18:53 Newcastle (AW)

Ashariba

9st 7lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: David Menuisier

Listed winner at Saint-Cloud (1m2f, soft) last October and reappeared with respectable Listed second in France (1m2f, soft) last month; has run well here in the past, but this 5yo's form needs to go to a new level today if she's to come out on top.

14/1

3

(14)

30th Jul 2025

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

15:45 Goodwood

Ashariba

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: David Menuisier

Can make the running; four handicap wins last year and she looked back to her best when a close fifth of 11 at Newcastle (1m2f, AW; favourite) on latest outing, possibly playing her cards too soon; all turf starts have been on softer than good; may well be set for another bold show.

7/1

5th

4

(2)

26th Jun 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Ashariba

9st 5lb

J: Harry Davies

T: David Menuisier

Highly versatile regarding tactics; 2-2 on AW (Polytrack last August and September); those were the second and third of last year's four handicap wins and she ran respectably when reappearing at Epsom (11-1; a little better than the bare result suggests) three weeks ago; with that behind her, it's possible she can resume progress; strongly considered.

5/2

4/1

Form: 022-35 D

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Moved from Roger Varian (same owner) before last three starts, in which he's had a tongue-tie enlisted; below form in his two this season but three of his four runs last term, including his second in a top 1m2f handicap at York, give him a big shout and there won't be any problems if there's been lots of rain; wears cheekpieces first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(5)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Newmarket

Botanical

9st 11lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

He wasn't at his very best last year but took a step back in the right direction when front-running fourth of 21 off this mark in the Lincoln at Doncaster five weeks ago on first run for new yard; no stamina worries but there is a concern about good to firm ground.

13/2

4th

1

(3)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Botanical

9st 12lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

He wasn't at his very best last year for George Boughey, albeit he did finish third in the Listed Doncaster Mile over C&D (good to soft) on this card; now down to a mark 3lb lower than when runner-up in the John Smith's Cup at York (1m2f, good to soft) in July 2024 and his new trainer is a dab hand with topweights in big handicaps; goes well fresh and could have a big say.

14/1

Form: 0197-8

Last run: 82 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Had a mixed 2024 but it included three 1m handicap wins and she shaped better than the result suggests in hot race at the Curragh on return this March; probably stays 1m1f but her two runs over 1m2f (last June) were heavy defeats, admittedly facing stiff tasks; easily best results in the mud.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(7)

18th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

14:45 Ayr

Flying Finn

9st 8lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Getting back on slow ground is a positive and she's 5lb lower than when winning at Haydock (1m, soft) last September, but she hasn't been at the top of her game in a light campaign and a shorter trip may be preferable.

16/1

2

(1)

4th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 42y

Class 3

16:37 Haydock

Flying Finn

9st 13lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Usually kept to testing ground; 2lb lower than when winning at Haydock (1m, soft) last September; has not approached that form since and none of her three attempts at 1m2f has gone well, including three months ago on latest start, so there have to be doubts.

20/1

11/1

Form: 78-523 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Versatile with ground and trip, a reliable sort who went close over C&D (Warda Jamila close up) on penultimate start and ran much better than her when they clashed again at Chester latest; probably not far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(10)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

17:22 Sandown

Rathgar

9st 12lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Jack Channon

Better than ever with 1m2f wins at Newbury and Epsom (made all) on good ground in April but a further 5lb rise proved enough to stop him at York last time; might be vulnerable again.

9/1

9th

3

(5)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Rathgar

9st 4lb

J: James Doyle

T: Jack Channon

Very close to his best when beating 13 others to land Newbury handicap in April and he made all at Epsom (also 1m2f, good) ten days later; may have been fortunate to beat a subsequently impressive winner on the latter occasion, however, and this career-high mark demands a fair bit more.

6/1

1st

5

(1)

28th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Rathgar

8st 12lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Jack Channon

Beat 13 rivals to win at Newbury (1m2f, good) ten days ago on his second start back from some time off; back up 4lb but he's just 1lb higher than when second in this last year and he's a solid contender.

9/2

11th
13 (13)
Son Of Man

25/1

Form: 66-322

Last run: 49 days

W: 8st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
0-13 since his 2yo debut win but knocking on the door on AW this spring, beaten a nose at Lingfield (1m2f) last time, seven weeks ago; peak turf ratings were a little better but he may be vulnerable in this high a grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

14

(6)

27th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Son Of Man

9st 4lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Jim Boyle

High marks for consistency of late and belatedly doubled his tally at Lingfield last month (1m4f, AW); better form when going down by a nose under same conditions next time and it wasn't much of a drop off when third at Windsor last week; hard to rule out.

10/1

3rd

3

(4)

18th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 4

19:40 Windsor

Son Of Man

9st 9lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Jim Boyle

Just two wins from 25 starts but latest was at Lingfield (1m4f, AW) last month and he had a near-miss on his return visit three weeks ago; up another 3lb but he remains feasibly treated and his first win was on turf; strongly respected.

7/2

2nd

7

(6)

27th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Lingfield (AW)

Son Of Man

9st 6lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Jim Boyle

Gained a first success (since his debut in 2023) when edging out Wonder by 1l in 15-runner handicap over C&D 24 days ago; 2lb worse off here but still not taken lightly.

3/1

11/1

Form: 6-0132 D BF

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Threatened last season to break his losing run and it finally happened at Ripon (1m2f, good) this April; good placed efforts on both starts since and he's been runner-up in his two appearances at Chester, suggesting he may well adapt to this track; each-way chance again.
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

22/1

Form: 4851P- CD

Last run: 209 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
An underwhelming campaign for new yard was swept aside when he came from last to first in a nine-runner race over C&D (heavy; his only visit here) last September, scoring in tidy fashion with first-time cheekpieces and never better; pulled up lame off this 5lb higher mark in the November Handicap on sole run since; good soft-ground record before that and won sole run on good to soft; considered if he gets that ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18

(10)

29th Jul 2025

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

13:20 Goodwood

Simply Sondheim

8st 7lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: George Baker

C&D winner in 2022; an underwhelming 2024 campaign for new yard was swept aside when he came from last to first in a nine-runner race at Epsom (1m2f, heavy) last September, scoring in tidy fashion with first-time cheekpieces (kept since); however, pulled up lame in the November Handicap next time and tailed off at Epsom sole run this year.

50/1

13th

6

(10)

6th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Simply Sondheim

8st 11lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: George Baker

An underwhelming campaign for new yard was swept aside when he came from last to first in a nine-runner race over C&D (heavy; his only visit here) last September, scoring in tidy fashion with first-time cheekpieces and never better; pulled up lame off this 5lb higher mark in the November Handicap on sole run since; good soft-ground record before that and won sole run on good to soft; considered if he gets that ground.

22/1

10

(19)

9th Nov 2024

Soft

1m 3f 197y

Class 2

15:45 Doncaster

Simply Sondheim

9st 2lb

J: Neil Callan

T: George Baker

His underwhelming campaign for new yard was swept aside when he came from last to first in a nine-runner race at Epsom (1m2f, heavy) six weeks ago, scoring in tidy fashion with first-time cheekpieces and never better; 5lb higher today and not proven over this far, but that win built on a good soft-ground record and he has won at 1m3f, so he enters calculations.

28/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £283.90
Straight Forecast £253.56
Tricast £2810.25
Trifecta £3560.50

Selections

The Times:

Defiance

TOPSPEED:

Have Secret

POSTDATA:

Mutaawid

Telegraph:

Ashariba

SPOTLIGHT:

Akecheta

RP RATINGS:

Botanical

LAMBOURN:

Rathgar

The Star:

Mutaawid

Daily Mail:

Ashariba

Daily Mirror:

Defiance

Daily Record:

Defiance

D Express:

Akecheta

NEWMARKET:

Botanical

The Guardian:

Have Secret

The Sun:

Have Secret