June 13 / 13.50 York

13.50

Good To Firm

Andy Thornton Hospitality Furniture 50th Anniversary Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £12885
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
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Andy Thornton Hospitality Furniture 50th Anniversary Apprentice Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.20
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 374707 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Beat Mereside Diva (5lb worse off) when winning over C&D in May last season (good to soft); decent run when 5.5l seventh over C&D last time; each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

21th

14

(10)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

Feel The Need

9st 3lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Michael Herrington

Most of his 14 races at York have been over 7f, including wins in this race in 2024 and another last June; absent since second on AW in January and that's the longest break he's had for two years, which asks a question, but he has to be considered off his last winning mark.

16/1

2nd

7

(3)

23rd Jan 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Feel The Need

9st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Michael Herrington

Easy to make a case on last year's peak form but signed off with two quiet runs and now back from three months off; not without hope if the break has done him good; has form here.

14/1

11th

7

(7)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

17:00 Doncaster

Feel The Need

9st 9lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Herrington

Enters the equation on best 7f form this year but his latest run at York, where he often goes well, was a letdown; seems to handle heavy ground, having finished close up in his sole attempt on it, but it's not necessarily a plus and he has a shade to prove now.

14/1

OUR TIP

7/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 80-000 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Four wins last season, three over C&D including this race off an 11lb lower mark with Shay Farmer riding; hasn't been in quite the such good form this season, although decent run when 11th of 15 in Victoria Cup last time (7f, good to firm); could bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

12

(11)

6th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Tolstoy

9st 4lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Brian Ellison

Too headstrong in a clear lead at Southwell (7f) last time, so did fairly well to be beaten only 2l in the end; gained last win off 10lb higher at Newcastle in August 2024; fighting chance provided he settles.

10/1

4th

6

(6)

23rd Jan 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Tolstoy

9st 6lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Well treated on last year's high points and it wasn't a bad run from off the pace at Chelmsford 12 days ago, given how that race panned out (pulled hard/got behind/found trouble); the cheekpieces are worth persevering with.

4/1

7th

13

(5)

13th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:15 Doncaster

Tolstoy

8st 9lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Brian Ellison

Well suited by York and went close there in June; inconsistent otherwise during a 2025 campaign that has been markedly less productive than 2024; cheekpieces refitted for the first time since 2022; opposed.

40/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 224-48 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Has won five races on turf, including at Haydock (7f, good to firm) and Thirsk (7f, good to soft) last season; not disgraced either start this term (eighth over C&D last time); each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

7

(1)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

Mereside Diva

9st 6lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Second when favourite for this race in 2024, with mixed fortunes in her five subsequent C&D appearances but she was a creditable third last June; seen in regular action this year, including when second at Wetherby last month but not so good here eight days ago; her last two wins (2024 and this February) were in small fields, so others make more appeal today.

20/1

8th

13

(2)

15th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 York

Mereside Diva

9st 7lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: David & Nicola Barron

Versatile as regards ground; form this year features an AW success in February and close second at Wetherby (7f) last time; five-time winner on turf and C&D record includes two placed efforts; not ruled out.

12/1

2nd

1

(6)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:05 Wetherby

Mereside Diva

10st 2lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: David & Nicola Barron

Two good runs at Southwell preceded her Newcastle success in February (7f; blinkered first time); she hasn't run badly at Lingfield twice since, for all she has finished down the field, and this test may prove more suitable; key player.

6/1

4th
6 (6)
Yaaser

11/2

Form: 0-3164 D BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Won at Ayr in April (7f, good); creditable runs over C&D and over this trip at Newmarket in his two runs since; should go well again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(4)

27th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 68y

Class 5

17:05 Hamilton

Yaaser

9st 6lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Smooth win at Newcastle (7f) in December and now rated 2lb lower; that is a result of beating just one horse home in four subsequent starts; jury out for now.

14/1

9th

4

(9)

6th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:00 Newcastle (AW)

Yaaser

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Justified favouritism over C&D in December; not in anything like the same form, beating a total of just one rival, in three outings since.

20/1

9th

6

(1)

16th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

13:05 Newcastle (AW)

Yaaser

9st 10lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

Justified favouritism at Newcastle (7f) but failed to match the form in two starts on consecutive days later in December; yet to win over this trip; others preferred.

10/1

Form: 53-948 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Hasn't the best of strike-rates, but one of his four wins was over C&D in July 2023; creditable efforts over C&D last twice; best form with give in the ground so any rain a bonus.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

(7)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

Quest For Fun

9st 6lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Plenty of C&D form in big fields, notably wins on good to soft in 2023 and July 2025; while not so striking as Leadman, he didn't have the best of runs when fifth of 22 over C&D eight days ago, so might step up a bit today.

10/1

5th

12

(8)

15th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 York

Quest For Fun

9st 7lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Has plenty of C&D form, notably wins in 2023 and 2025 (good to soft) and respectable fourth (off current mark) in this race 12 months ago; thereabouts provided he improves on efforts elsewhere this term.

13/2

5th

8

(4)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:23 Thirsk

Quest For Fun

9st 3lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

He finished down the field in this race 12 months ago but he has had the benefit of a run this time around and a promising effort it was too, shuffled back at a crucial stage but keeping on close home (7f, good to soft); his record at York suggests one eye may be on next month's Dante meeting but he's more than capable off this mark.

12/1

25/1

Form: -40850

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Won three on the bounce over 1m/8.5f last season (good/good to firm); has struggled a bt since and well beaten over C&D last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(9)

6th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Bowood

9st 2lb

J: Elle-May Croot

T: Ivan Furtado

Scored comfortably twice over C&D in the autumn and ran creditably, amid traffic issues, returned to this scenario last time (effort can be marked up); may yet show that he can defy this sort of mark.

14/1

1st

2

(5)

27th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Bowood

9st 8lb

J: Elle-May Croot

T: Ivan Furtado

Has run well to make the frame over 1m at Southwell (Tapeta) and Kempton (Polytrack) the last twice, but a record of 0-16 on the AW and a losing run of 17 suggests others are more likely.

100/30

1st

2

(5)

27th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Bowood

9st 8lb

J: Elle-May Croot

T: Ivan Furtado

Has run well to make the frame over 1m at Southwell (Tapeta) and Kempton (Polytrack) the last twice, but a record of 0-16 on the AW and a losing run of 17 suggests others are more likely.

100/30

8/1

Form: 08-224

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Only one win in 20 attempts but three sound runs when in the frame this term, including last time at Ayr (7f, good) when 2l fourth; place chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(2)

17th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

16:35 Redcar

Leap Day

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Has lost his form since a consistent spell and still has a poor strike-rate, with sole success in 2023; no certainty to take advantage of his reduced mark.

12/1

7th

9

(9)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

14:45 Newcastle (AW)

Leap Day

9st 4lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Just one win from 26 starts and he hasn't been firing on all cylinders of late, including when fitted with blinkers at Redcar on Wednesday; full revival required.

14/1

2

(6)

24th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

17:45 Redcar

Leap Day

9st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Sole win from 25 starts came in a novice at Southwell in December 2023; ran well when fourth there last month but he needs to bounce back from two disappointing runs since; blinkers now replace cheekpieces.

12/1

Form: 287-46 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Best form on the AW (has won over 6f/7f) and yet to win in seven runs on turf, although beaten less than 3l when sixth over 1m at Doncaster last time (1m, good); this looks harder.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

(15)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Project Geofin

9st 0lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Two wins last summer, with two minor honours in the autumn including one here; ended last year on a low note and started this one with another, while pedigree leaves him with plenty to prove on this first go at 1m4f.

28/1

7th

8

(3)

30th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 3

16:30 Redcar

Project Geofin

8st 10lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Tailed off last November when last seen but enjoyed a good season in the main otherwise, winning two in a row in the summer and finishing second over C&D (good) on his penultimate start; his record when fresh in the spring is pretty decent and he's one to consider.

9/1

Form: -45640 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Eighth to Tolstoy in this race last season (good to soft); has since won twice on the AW (7f/1m); not at his best over C&D last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(1)

26th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 4

15:50 Redcar

Eligible

9st 6lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Veteran who won over 7f at Southwell in January but has been rather below his best since; equally effective on turf and has won over 1m on fast ground; others look better handicapped.

16/1

8th

4

(8)

25th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Eligible

9st 6lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

Seven of his 12 wins have been here (five over this trip); has never won off a mark this high however and most likely needs to drop a few pounds.

20/1

8th

3

(8)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Eligible

9st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

No signs of age dimming his enthusiasm, completing a December/January hat-trick (second leg over 1m here); a slow start didn't help when sixth of 12 at Southwell last time and he can be treated as if still in form.

14/1

25/1

Form: 62-600 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Went up 13lb for his four wins last season, the latest at Ayr in July (7f, good to firm); hasn't been in top form this season, but back on his last winning mark; not out of it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(3)

20th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 50y

Class 5

16:12 Ayr

Al Muqdad

9st 7lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

His form has been patchy since an easy win at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) last November but he's 2lb below that last winning mark and his form figures at Ayr read 3112, so it will be no surprise if he's in the mix.

7/2

6th

6

(7)

31st Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 5

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Al Muqdad

9st 4lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

Ran away with a 0-70 handicap over C&D in November but hit with a 10lb rise and he has come up short in eight subsequent runs; now back to his last winning mark and cheekpieces return after being left off at Southwell ten days ago; one to consider.

10/1

10th

6

(2)

21st Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:43 Southwell (AW)

Al Muqdad

9st 6lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

Below best this year, managing only sixth of eight in refitted cheekpieces (now removed) at Newcastle (7f) a fortnight ago, but he's effective over this C&D, well drawn and too well handicapped to rule out.

10/1

12/1

Form: 708-23 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Won over 6f/7f in 2023 when with Aidan O'Brien; yet to win for present connections, but has been dropped 18lb and two fair runs this year, including third over 6f at Ascot (runner-up has since won twice on the AW)
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

6

(12)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

16:58 Southwell (AW)

The Caribbean

9st 5lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Heather Main

Notched his first win for this trainer at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) in December and again ran well there when third having been drawn wide 39 days ago; another wide draw to contend with here but he holds solid claims.

6/1

2nd

8

(9)

4th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

The Caribbean

9st 1lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Heather Main

On a good mark and suited by this C&D but out of form lately and has quite a bit to prove; non-runner 2.20 Ascot Friday.

16/1

Form: 4611-2 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Sound efforts last three runs, winning 7f handicaps at Thirsk and Ayr on last two starts last term (good/good to firm) and when second on Thirsk reappearance last month (7f, good to firm); career-high mark; contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

8

(14)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Desert Falcon

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Front-runner who performed with great credit on all five starts last season, finishing second at Thirsk (7f, good to firm) on his reappearance and beaten just a neck in the Ayr Gold Cup (6f, soft) when last seen; has had wind surgery since; no surprise if he makes a bold bid on this return.

16/1

24

(5)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ayr

Desert Falcon

9st 0lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Julie Camacho

Front-runner; the winner of four of his last six starts, notably a game effort at Doncaster six days ago (6.5f, good to soft); a 5lb penalty for that hard-fought short-head success demands more but his fine attitude and abundant stamina will stand him in good stead on a rare 6f outing.

16/1

1

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Desert Falcon

10st 3lb

T: Julie Camacho

Form: 24-241 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Irish raider; both wins have been at Ayr, the latest over 7f last month (good to firm; second won next time, Leap Day fourth); now 6lb higher in a stronger race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(3)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

17:45 Musselburgh

Little Empire

9st 6lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: Anthony McCann

Running consistently well over 6f/7f on AW this winter and when a close fifth of seven at Lingfield (6f, AW) two months ago it was a tough Class 2; five runs on turf have yielded two wins and this Irish challenger is on the shortlist back down in grade and back on grass.

10/1

5th

7

(3)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 2

15:12 Lingfield (AW)

Little Empire

8st 4lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Anthony McCann

All four wins have come over further; in good form on AW this winter, most recently finishing a close third at Newcastle (7f; cheekpieces first time) three weeks ago; more on his plate in this grade.

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £27.20
Straight Forecast £21.21
Tricast £106.78
Trifecta £166.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Tolstoy

The Guardian:

Little Empire

POSTDATA:

Yaaser

Telegraph:

Eligible

TOPSPEED:

Leap Day

Daily Record:

Desert Falcon

RP RATINGS:

Feel The Need

The Sun:

Little Empire

The Times:

Tolstoy

Daily Mirror:

Tolstoy

The Star:

Tolstoy

D Express:

Yaaser

Daily Mail:

Eligible