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

5th

3

(4)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

18:45 Doncaster

Akkadian Thunder

10st 1lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

In good form last June, winning off this mark over C&D (good) before an excellent second at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm); some fair efforts this season and on a good mark now; not out of it.

4/1

6th

7

(1)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Newmarket (July)

Akkadian Thunder

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Beaten on his last 14 starts and he's been expensive to follow in that time, but he was denied a clear run at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) last month and again ran well when fifth of 19 at York (7f, good) last time; could be thereabouts.

11/2

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

8th

6

(10)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

19:30 Doncaster

Eldrickjones

9st 7lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Roger Fell

Scored at Newcastle (7f) in December and largely in good form after on AW; only 13th on rare turf start in 1m York handicap last time though so needs to take a step forward.

20/1

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

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

5th

2

(10)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Two Tribes

9st 13lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Richard Spencer

Won a valuable 7f handicap here last summer before bolting up in the Stewards' Cup one week later; another fine course run here last month when second of 16 and he was heavily supported for a Stewards' Cup repeat, only to stumble leaving the stalls; that run is easily excused but he is back up 2lb today and his stamina for 1m has to be taken on trust.

15/2

27th

8

(13)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Goodwood

Two Tribes

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Richard Spencer

Surged to the front 1f out when dominant in this race (good to soft) 12 months ago; 7lb higher this time around but he was better than ever when second in a hot handicap at Ascot last week (7f, good to firm) when coming from further back than ideal; 2lb ahead of the handicapper and he has a fine chance of becoming the fifth horse to win back-to-back Stewards' Cups (Commanche Falls in 2021 and 2022 was the latest).

8/1

2nd

4

(1)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Ascot

Two Tribes

9st 12lb

J: David Egan

T: Richard Spencer

Won this last year (good) and followed up in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood (6f, good to soft); after a very good start to this year at Meydan he hasn't hit the same heights since; his recent seventh in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket was a step back in the right direction but he needs another today.

20/1

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

10th

4

(1)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

19:45 Hamilton

Lord Bertie

9st 12lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

His wins have come on slow ground but he was beaten only 3l in a big field at York (7f, good to firm) last month; that was a creditable effort after a slow start and he ran well over this trip at Ayr on his penultimate run; could be dangerous.

8/1

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

1st

1

(8)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:10 Newmarket (July)

Havana Blue

9st 12lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Campaigned mostly over 7f; on a two-year losing spell but he's finished runner-up on his last three outings, including when dropped back to 6f here (good to firm) last Friday; races from the same mark and this previous course winner looks sure to be involved.

3/1

2nd

1

(10)

7th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:12 Newmarket (July)

Havana Blue

10st 0lb

J: James Doyle

T: Julie Camacho

Campaigned mostly over 7f; on a two-year losing spell but his turn looks near, having finished second at Ascot (good to firm) the last twice; successful on both Newmarket tracks and the way he races suggests this drop back to 6f is worth exploring; respected.

11/4

2nd

2

(13)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:40 Ascot

Havana Blue

10st 2lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Julie Camacho

He recorded the last of his three victories back in August 2024 but his mark had reflected that when very good neck second of 17 over C&D (good to firm) a fortnight ago; up 3lb but another good show can be expected.

7/2

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

5

(5)

12th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 75y

Class 4

15:45 Beverley

Glenfinnan

10st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Michael Dods

Course winner in May and only a length away at Carlisle three starts later; not sure what happened at Thirsk 11 days ago but has a big run in him.

7/1

12th

13

(3)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:47 Thirsk

Glenfinnan

8st 12lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Won at Beverley (7.4f, good to firm) in May and has run well in defeat at Carlisle (1m, good to firm) and Beverley (7.4f, good to firm) on his last two starts; he's in with an each-way chance.

20/1

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

3rd

4

(4)

17th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

19:42 Pontefract

Sailthisshipalone

9st 4lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Ivan Furtado

Kickstarted 2026 with C&D win in April and posted another solid effort with third of nine over C&D ten days ago; considered off the same mark.

5/1

3rd

1

(6)

7th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

16:18 Pontefract

Sailthisshipalone

10st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Ivan Furtado

Back off the same mark as when making a successful stable debut/reappearance over C&D (good to soft; first-time tongue-tie) in April; possible to forgive his latest effort on the AW and holds good claims otherwise, albeit good to firm ground may pose a small question.

13/2

9th

3

(1)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

18:18 Newcastle (AW)

Sailthisshipalone

9st 13lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Ivan Furtado

Won on stable/seasonal debut at Pontefract (1m, good to soft) and he's remained in good heart on both starts since (1m, good/good to firm); each-way claims provided the return to AW isn't an issue.

8/1

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

9th

10

(14)

29th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:40 Goodwood

Superposition

9st 7lb

J: William Buick

T: Ed Dunlop

In good form since returning to turf in the spring, getting the better of Silver Ghost to score at Newmarket (good) in May before solid third on the July course (again 7f, good to firm) the following month; just caught out by a drop to 6f when fourth at Ascot 19 days ago but that form is working out well; player back at 7f with William Buick taking over.

16/1

4th

4

(5)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:55 Ascot

Superposition

10st 0lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Ed Dunlop

Dual winner at 1m who was dropped back down to 7f when he scored at Newmarket (good) in May; stayed on for third over that trip on the July course a fortnight ago so this first start at 6f is something of a surprise.

14/1

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

2nd

5

(8)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

16:25 Doncaster

Apotheosis

9st 6lb

J: William Buick

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Dual turf winner (7f, good) who won on AW at Newcastle in December, but he's not easy to predict and was beaten 11l when sixth at Lingfield (7.6f, good to firm) last month; has bit to prove again after that and he's still 6lb higher than for his last win; regular hood is removed.

8/1

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

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