June 07 / 19.15 Doncaster

19.15

Good To Firm

Happy Birthday Nigel Kirby Handicap

  • Prize money: £9630.56
  • 0m 7f 6y
  • Class 3
  • 14 runners
SKY
View Course
Happy Birthday Nigel Kirby Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.10
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 283-87 CD BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Had excuses in both 6f runs this season (met trouble on first occasion and never threatened from the rear in a race dominated by the pace influences last time); only 1lb higher than for his C&D win last June; now goes back up in trip and has solid claims if he can get back near best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(6)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 3

18:27 Doncaster

Akkadian Thunder

9st 10lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Dual course winner (both 7f, good) who turned in a solid effort when second to a progressive rival on his C&D comeback (nudged up 2lb) in March; happiest coming from off a strong pace and the question is whether this will be run to suit on good to firm ground.

2/1

2nd

5

(1)

29th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 3

17:15 Doncaster

Akkadian Thunder

9st 3lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

His last two wins have come at this track (7f); returns from a 141-day absence on a good mark, 6lb lower than when second at Royal Ascot last June (7f, good to firm); unplaced in each of his three seasonal debuts but he would have gone close at Leicester on last spring's return had he seen any daylight; the owners also run Sixtygeesbaby, while this 6yo is also one of three runners for David O'Meara.

11/1

5

(4)

24th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 6f 2y

Class 2

13:33 Doncaster

Akkadian Thunder

9st 6lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Solid record at Doncaster comprises two wins over 7f and two placed efforts, including over 6.5f when a shade unlucky; return to this location looks a plus but the drop back to bare 6f may prove a negative.

16/1

13/2

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 004-83 C

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Had some smart handicap form last year, placed at Royal Ascot (7f) and twice at Glorious Goodwood (including third in the Stewards' Cup); well handicapped on that form and he caught the eye with his late headway at Leicester (6f, good) when last seen in April; looks interesting back up in trip and he seems versatile ground-wise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(7)

1st May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:05 Newmarket

Billyjoh

8st 13lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

His losing sequence goes back 22 races to February 2024; however, he's often run well in the interim and he's been given a bit of help from the handicapper ahead of this reappearance; can be in the mix if fully tuned up.

10/1

8th

11

(9)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

13:30 York

Billyjoh

8st 10lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

5yo whose 31 starts have been at 5f-7f and his losing spell goes back to February 2024; however, he's run many big races in the interim, most recently at Goodwood (7f, good to firm) in August when finishing strongly for a share of third, and on that evidence this first crack at 1m is well worth a go.

8/1

13/2

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 978-12 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Returned to form with a win on reappearance at Newcastle (7f, AW) and he backed that up with close second in big field at York three weeks ago; up another 3lb but he remains well handicapped on best form and should be fine if the forecast rain arrives; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

19

(12)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Eldrickjones

8st 2lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Roger Fell

Well handicapped on last year's best form (including on turf) and ran okay when third of six at Southwell (1m, AW) last month; however, he's been hard to win with on grass and looks vulnerable back up in grade.

33/1

3rd

1

(1)

9th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

16:55 Southwell (AW)

Eldrickjones

9st 10lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Roger Fell

Scored at Newcastle (7f) in December and in good nick until only sixth back there (7f) 35 days ago; the sort to bounce back though.

5/1

6th

5

(1)

5th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Eldrickjones

9st 1lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Roger Fell

Bagged a fourth C&D victory in December and he's continued in good nick, fourth of 12 in 1m Southwell handicap 13 days ago; he ought to be thereabouts once more.

7/1

13/2

Form: 476-34 BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Record of 1-15 but he often runs well in deep handicaps and has had a near-miss at Newmarket (6f, good) and a good fourth at York in his two runs this season; now steps up to 7f for the first time but he's been strong at the finish in last two runs and still looks on a workable mark; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(18)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Two Tribes

9st 5lb

J: George Wood

T: Richard Spencer

Had some season to have already bagged an International (C&D, good) and the Stewards' Cup (6f, good to soft); he might not be done yet as he was beaten under a length at the Ebor meeting and then never nearer than at the finish after starting slowly in the Ayr Gold Cup; may have little margin for error off current mark but can see him running well.

10/1

1

(18)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ayr

Two Tribes

9st 10lb

J: David Egan

T: Richard Spencer

One Newmarket blip aside it has been a fine season for him, winning big pots in successive weekends in July/August, the International at Ascot (7f, good) and an emphatic one in the Stewards' Cup (6f, good to soft); another solid effort when close up in fourth behind Northern Ticker at the Ebor meeting four weeks ago, making up a lot of ground in the penultimate furlong; this stiffer test should suit and in the thick of it if the ground proves suitable (disappointed in one run on soft but it was a farcical contest).

8/1

1

(2)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Two Tribes

9st 12lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Richard Spencer

Upwardly mobile 4yo who won prestigious events at Ascot (7f International; good) in July and Goodwood (6f Stewards' Cup; good to soft) in August; has gone up a total of 13lb on the basis of those efforts but he may have more in the tank and he wasn't beaten far in this race (good to firm) in 2024.

13/2

20/1

Form: 8120-6 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Triple turf winner on slow ground, but he ended last season with disappointing run over C&D and he started this campaign with a 13l defeat at Musselburgh (7f, good to soft); hood is now added on his second run for David O'Meara and he needs to get back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(6)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

18:38 Doncaster

Lord Bertie

9st 10lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: David O’Meara

Four wins have come on good to soft/soft ground later in the year and he wants a good test over this trip on good ground; turned in a solid comeback effort over C&D in March but there's little room for error off this mark and he has his quirks.

8/1

6th

7

(6)

29th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 3

17:15 Doncaster

Lord Bertie

9st 1lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: David O’Meara

Hasn't fulfilled the huge promise of his early form for William Haggas but he retains a good chunk of ability and enjoyed a resurgence last autumn, notably when a comfortable winner over C&D (soft) in October; disappointed when last seen but he should be in for another good year; back from a break is perhaps not the time to catch him but market should give clues.

16/1

10/1

Form: 65124- D

Last run: 266 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Got back on the scoresheet at Beverley (7.5f, good to firm) last June; was only just caught at Sandown next time and he ended last season with creditable fourth in a valuable handicap at Leopardstown (7f, good); had wind surgery since and he's a big player if he can pick up where he left off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

(8)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:00 Beverley

Havana Blue

9st 4lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

C&D winner; back from five months off with respectable sixth of ten in 7f Haydock handicap three weeks ago; can build on it from an easing mark.

11/1

6th

7

(5)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 4

16:15 Haydock

Havana Blue

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Struggled last summer but underwent wind surgery in September and he ended 2025 with two solid AW runs; returns from a five-month break in a competitive race.

16/1

5th

7

(4)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

17:15 Newcastle (AW)

Havana Blue

9st 6lb

J: John Fahy

T: Julie Camacho

Has dropped to a handy mark, but modest in three starts since a promising return from nine months off in June, including when last of 12 on AW debut at Kempton (7f, Polytrack) in September; has since had a third wind operation; enough to prove.

25/1

14/1

Form: 502203 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Just two wins from 31 starts but he's been placed in three of his last four runs including a close third at Thirsk (1m) three weeks ago; should go well again dropped back in trip and he won't mind what the weather does.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(8)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 2

16:30 Redcar

Rhythm Master

9st 12lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Geoffrey Harker

Mostly creditable efforts in 2025 and he won at Thirsk (7f, good to firm) in August; Chester's extended 1m2f possibly stretched his stamina last time; could bounce back but as a 7yo he's more exposed than some of these.

10/1

7th

3

(2)

13th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Rhythm Master

9st 8lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Geoffrey Harker

Modest strike-rate of 3-37 but his last win was at Thirsk (7f) last month and he ran another good race when a close third at Newmarket (1m) last time; now goes into unknown territory at this trip but he ran well over 1m1f in July and he's not ruled out; acts on good to firm and good to soft.

9/1

OUR TIP

25/1

Form: 2779-4

Last run: 83 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Multiple winner in Uruguay and was runner-up in 1m4f Group 1 (dirt) there last January; last four starts have been in the UAE and he's been well held in handicaps in last three runs; now starts out for Marco Botti and has something to prove back at 7f on his British debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(1)

3rd Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Rock Walk

9st 12lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Marco Botti

Had Group-race form in Uruguay in 2023/24; well beaten in three handicap runs for Marco Botti this year though and although he's down in the weights and tried in cheekpieces, he has plenty to prove.

33/1

9th

2

(2)

14th Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:45 Chelmsford (AW)

Rock Walk

10st 0lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Marco Botti

Second in 1m4f Group 1 in Uruguay, then 0-4 during a spell in UAE; seemed unsuited by the drop back to 7f (good; 33-1) on British debut in June but weakened over that trip at Newmarket (good to firm; 100-1) later that month; mark is tumbling but he has something to prove and last win was almost two years ago.

10/1

20/1

Form: 100-00 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Defied this mark at Sandown (7f, good) last August but he's lost his way since and has been well held in two big-field handicaps over 6f this season (better than result on first occasion); goes back up in trip and down in grade but he needs a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

(7)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:00 Beverley

Glenfinnan

9st 2lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Winless since August 2024 but he's hinted at promise of late, set plenty to do (also slipped on bend) when seventh of 12 in 7f Thirsk handicap two weeks ago; needs considering off a falling mark.

9/1

7th

10

(8)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:25 Thirsk

Glenfinnan

8st 13lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Hasn't won for nearly two years but he's well handicapped now and he shaped much better than the result suggests when seventh of ten at Haydock (7f, good; badly hampered over 1f out) last Saturday; should go close if getting the rub of the green this time.

10/1

7th

6

(2)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 4

16:15 Haydock

Glenfinnan

9st 6lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Michael Dods

He should be winning races off this mark and his down-the-field effort at Doncaster six weeks ago isn't the race to judge him on; better can be expected back up at 7f.

10/1

25/1

Form: /1070- D

Last run: 371 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
7f winner on soft in France; scored on stable debut at Newcastle (6f, AW) last March but was well below that form in final three runs last spring, including over C&D last time; now only 2lb higher than for last win but has something to prove after a year off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(2)

5th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Grand Traverse

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Geoffrey Harker

A dual 7f scorer for Archie Watson in 2025 and he signed off for the yard with a solid sixth at Kempton (7f) 57 days ago; since changed hands for 20,000gns and he can't be discounted for his new handler.

14/1

6th

6

(12)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Grand Traverse

9st 8lb

J: William Cox

T: Archie Watson

Prominent racer; the winner of three of his nine runs for Archie Watson, including two wins and a second from three AW starts; bumped into a promising filly at Kempton six weeks ago but his subsequent 3lb rise won't help matters.

7/1

1

(4)

19th Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Kempton (AW)

Grand Traverse

9st 11lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Archie Watson

Has lacked consistency on turf but remains unexposed on AW and his C&D success last week took record in this sphere to 2-2; highly respected under 5lb penalty kept to this scenario.

5/2

Form: 46506- D

Last run: 232 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Won a Thirsk novice (7f, good) in August 2023 but he's 0-8 since and was out of sorts in his final two runs last season; on reduced mark but has plenty to prove back from 232 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(1)

29th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

15:23 Pontefract

Sailthisshipalone

9st 2lb

J: George Wood

T: Ivan Furtado

Soft-ground win for Richard Fahey last November (1m); tongue tied for the first time when making a winning stable debut over C&D three weeks ago (good to soft); 3lb higher in a better race and going without cheekpieces today; handles good ground but perhaps wouldn't want it any faster.

7/2

1st

1

(8)

7th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

15:27 Pontefract

Sailthisshipalone

9st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Ivan Furtado

Record of 2-21 for Richard Fahey; successful in most recent turf attempt but the market may prove best guide on stable debut; tongue-tie added; still in same ownership.

12/1

11/2

Form: /5-141

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
4yo who made it 2-3 on AW when surging clear in a Kempton handicap (1m) three weeks ago; 8lb higher on this drop back in trip but he's still lightly raced and is a big player if he can transfer his progress back to turf; best form in this sphere was on good to soft in Sandown maiden.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(13)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:50 Newmarket

Superposition

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Ed Dunlop

0-7 on turf and his best form (and both wins) has come on AW; below par on AW on last two starts and arrives with something to prove.

33/1

9th

3

(4)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 3

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Superposition

9st 6lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Ed Dunlop

Has usually run with credit on AW, including at left-handed Lingfield on penultimate start; something went wrong when he hung badly right at this track (first visit) on latest but he returns just 13 days later, fitted with a tongue-tie and hood both for the first time.

12/1

12th

5

(6)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 2

14:42 Wolverhampton (AW)

Superposition

9st 0lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ed Dunlop

Well suited by AW and although he is yet to win off a mark this high, he has plenty of form that gives him a fighting chance; can step up on last week's return to action and he holds each-way claims.

10/1

Form: 114-33 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won his last two novice events (7f, good) and he's finished third in the last two of his three handicaps; didn't get much luck in a Class 3 event at Goodwood two weeks ago and he still has potential after only six starts; in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(6)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 135y

Class 3

15:15 Lingfield

Apotheosis

9st 8lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Defied penalty in 3yo novice here (good) in 2024; back from a 145-day break and wind surgery when landing Class 2 at Newcastle (also 7f, AW) in December and beaten a neck at Abu Dhabi (1m, good) in March; career-high mark but still considered.

6/1

16th

5

(16)

21st Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:30 Ayr

Apotheosis

9st 12lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Confined to 7f for all his runs and the winner of two novices on good ground; didn't get the best of runs when a 3l third at Goodwood two runs back and then raced freely with no cover at Doncaster; retains potential and probably quick enough for 6f.

14/1

13th

11

(5)

7th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

19:15 Doncaster

Apotheosis

9st 5lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Won his last two novice events (7f, good) and he's finished third in the last two of his three handicaps; didn't get much luck in a Class 3 event at Goodwood two weeks ago and he still has potential after only six starts; in the mix.

11/2

20/1

Form: 5-4140 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Eight of his nine wins have been on good/good to firm; last success was at Redcar (7f) in April but that was off 4lb lower in a Class 4 event and he was well below form at York last time; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

(7)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

17:15 Newcastle (AW)

Cruyff Turn

9st 5lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Front-runner who is 2lb lower then when winning at Redcar (7f, good to firm) in April, but his form since then has been patchy; ran with credit in two starts on Tapeta (at Southwell) a year ago, but will need to be at the top of his game and is likely to face competition for the lead.

33/1

9th

3

(5)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:45 Redcar

Cruyff Turn

9st 8lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Two good runs here on fast ground this season, winning over 7f on first occasion; has rather lost his form recently; best form on faster ground.

14/1

9th

3

(5)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:45 Redcar

Cruyff Turn

9st 8lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Two good runs here on fast ground this season, winning over 7f on first occasion; has rather lost his form recently; best form on faster ground.

14/1

Non-runners

Warm Spell

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £45.20
Straight Forecast £29.52
Tricast £212.10
Trifecta £331.70

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Superposition

SPOTLIGHT:

Billyjoh

TOPSPEED:

Havana Blue

D Express:

Apotheosis

The Sun:

Rock Walk

The Star:

Akkadian Thunder

The Times:

Two Tribes

Daily Mail:

Glenfinnan

Daily Record:

Eldrickjones

Telegraph:

Superposition

The Guardian:

Superposition

RP RATINGS:

Billyjoh

POSTDATA:

Billyjoh

Daily Mirror:

Havana Blue