June 28 / 19.00 Doncaster

19.00

Good To Firm

Howcroft Group Handicap

  • Prize money: £4396.56
  • 0m 7f 6y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
SKY
View Course
Howcroft Group Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

8/1 (Won)

Form: 940-38

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Never lived up to the high promise of a persevering third at Newmarket (6f, good) in August, to Shadow Of Light and one now on a mark in the 90s; left Brian Meehan for 20,000gns; quite promising yard debut on AW but a forward move never materialised under William Buick at Nottingham (extended 1m) in May; that was disappointing but the potential remains.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

22

(7)

15th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 York

War Howl

9st 4lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

Well treated on his warm spell (finishing positions 112) last summer; not in anything like the same form this year for new yard, however, and is best watched unless the market suggests otherwise.

40/1

11th

9

(5)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:58 Thirsk

War Howl

9st 1lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

Two 7f wins for Mick Appleby last summer; back to his last winning mark but that is a result of showing little in three starts for current connections; only of interest if attracting support.

25/1

2nd
9 (10)
Bantz

11/2

Form: 326130 CD

Last run: 4 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Has had plenty of racing, winning twice over 7f for this yard, including over C&D (good to firm) in April; found wanting at Beverley on Tuesday but he might have been unsuited by that stiff finish; not ruled out in a race where most have questions to answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(6)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

14:57 Redcar

Bantz

9st 1lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Alan Brown

Ran a couple of fair races over this trip on fast ground for Gemma Tutty last season; below par on the AW later in the season and was bought for 4,500gns in October and then gelded; well beaten on stable debut but should improve for the run.

25/1

14th

6

(8)

4th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

17:56 Beverley

Bantz

9st 3lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Alan Brown

Eventually lost his form for Gemma Tutty, having scored twice over 7f earlier in 2025; sold for 4,500gns and gelded since last run; enough to prove back up in trip on reappearance but he is on a dangerous mark.

20/1

5/1

Form: 211118 BF

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Four quick 1m wins in the spring; non-stayer upped to 1m2f at Beverley six weeks ago although it wasn't certain he'd have won at 1m; needs to get back on the boil after a break in his first 7f handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(3)

28th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

19:00 Doncaster

Zappata

9st 6lb

J: Liam Wright

T: George Scott

Four quick 1m wins in the spring; non-stayer upped to 1m2f at Beverley six weeks ago although it wasn't certain he'd have won at 1m; needs to get back on the boil after a break in his first 7f handicap.

5/1

8th

1

(2)

13th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

16:12 Beverley

Zappata

10st 5lb

J: Liam Wright

T: George Scott

prominent

6/4

8th

1

(2)

13th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

16:12 Beverley

Zappata

10st 5lb

J: Liam Wright

T: George Scott

prominent, lost position gradually over 1f out, weakened final 110yds

6/4

8/1

Form: 21-20 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Won 7f AW novice on final 2yo start; good return at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) when losing out to one who later won a big-field York handicap, in which this one failed to settle and faded (said to have suffered from post-race ataxia); should still have potential if fitting a hood helps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(3)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 195y

Class 6

16:45 Carlisle

Singoura

9st 9lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Gemma Tutty

0-7 on turf but only beaten just over a length in her last two starts, the latest when second of eight at Redcar (7f, good) this month; that form is working out well and respected off 1lb higher.

7/2

2nd

5

(2)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

18:50 Redcar

Singoura

9st 3lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Gemma Tutty

AW winner as a juvenile but has drawn a blank in eight handicaps since; latest fourth of 16 at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) was creditable but underlines she needs a bit more from this mark.

9/1

4th

9

(8)

24th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

14:15 Doncaster

Singoura

9st 8lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Gemma Tutty

1-2 (AW) as a juvenile and although winless last term her best efforts both came over C&D (good to firm); midfield finish (C&D, good to soft) after two-month break wasn't devoid of promise last time; interesting.

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: 535

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Late foal who never ran as 2yo; broke out of the stalls and withdrawn on latest intended start but he showed signs of ability at 6f on latest start, finishing alongside a subsequent impressive novice winner, on Wolverhampton AW in May; bred to stay 7f; interesting on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(1)

2nd Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Mister Invincible

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: David O’Meara

Eight-race maiden; creditable third in a 7f handicap last month on only previous run here; can be forgiven a below-par run back on turf on first try at 1m last time (soft ground); needs to find a bit more.

12/1

8th

5

(2)

19th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:45 Ayr

Mister Invincible

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Not progressing in handicaps, despite making the frame at Newcastle last week (7f); unraced on ground this slow and has stamina to prove.

10/1

3

(3)

11th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

21:00 Newcastle (AW)

Mister Invincible

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Six-race maiden who hasn't really progressed since handicapping; didn't look suited by the drop back to 6f at Doncaster (good to firm) 40 days ago and now steps back up in trip on this second AW run.

8/1

Form: 55-446

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Promising effort in a 7f novice at Thirsk last year that worked out well; respectable handicap efforts beyond that trip this year and getting more cover than at Chester last time out should help; this first handicap over a bare 7f may well suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:30 Worcester

Arbitration

10st 11lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Won over 9.4f on the AW last September for Karl Burke and bought for 67,000gns at the sales; the hood could be a significant addition as he pulled way too hard when beaten 9l behind the favourite at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good).

3/1

2nd

6

13th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 4

17:30 Newton Abbot

Arbitration

10st 10lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Won over 9.4f on the AW last September for Karl Burke, his only win in 12 outings; of useful ability and he fetched 67,000gns at the sales.

5/2

8th

12

(4)

8th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 2f 50y

Class 4

16:30 Nottingham

Arbitration

9st 7lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Won at Wolverhampton last month when upped to 9.4f on his only AW start; creditable fourth of 11 to Stormy Monday at Doncaster (good to soft) 12 days later when upped to 1m2f, but he raced freely at and near the front and others prove stronger late on; concern same will happen today.

10/1

9/1

Form: 7-1569 BF

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Wide-margin reappearance win over 6f on AW has cost him dear in the weights but he's continued in form and had little chance from a wide trip at Chester recently (6f; favourite); the return to 7f raises questions though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(2)

26th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

17:23 Redcar

Andalprofit

11st 0lb

J: Miss Tilly Evans

T: Nigel Tinkler

Last win was over C&D off this mark in November but he can be hard to predict and should have run better back in a 0-60 last time.

8/1

8th

1

(8)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:57 Thirsk

Andalprofit

9st 9lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

There have been enough good runs since November's Redcar win to think this mark was in range and this race is much weaker than the Haydock handicap three weeks ago in which he weakened out of things only inside the final furlong; didn't look the easiest ride there but he still makes some each-way appeal back in a 0-60.

8/1

5th

8

(9)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:55 Haydock

Andalprofit

9st 0lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Prominent racer; close second at Newcastle (6f) last month but he failed to back it up at Southwell three weeks ago; all his best efforts have come on a straight course so perhaps can be given the benefit of the doubt for last time; one of two runners for the stable; not discounted.

12/1

Form: 520-00

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Hampered but came home strongly in a 7f Chester handicap as 2yo but he's finished nearer last than first in both starts at York this year; this is less competitive so he should have more going for him today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(3)

26th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 160y

Class 5

15:30 Bath

Tuscan Point

9st 8lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Adam Kirby

Back on the up for Adam Kirby this spring, winning at Southwell (6f, AW) and Lingfield (5f, AW) as well as three second-place finishes; 0-16 on turf but effective on fast ground and this intermediate trip could be ideal.

7/4

2nd

1

(3)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 4f 217y

Class 5

16:25 Lingfield

Tuscan Point

9st 11lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: Adam Kirby

Bolted up on his stable debut at Southwell in March (6f); dropped to 5f for his last two starts, picked off late at Catterick (good ground) before a ready win on the AW track here nine days ago; another 7lb higher mark to contend with but unlikely he has reached his ceiling just yet.

7/4

1st

2

(2)

30th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 6

16:05 Lingfield (AW)

Tuscan Point

9st 9lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: Adam Kirby

Won easily in today's headgear combination on last month's seasonal/stable debut at Southwell (6f, AW) and ran big race in defeat when dropped back to 5f at Catterick (good; wore cheekpieces) last week; quickly back in action before latest 2lb rise takes effect and may still have more to offer for new trainer.

5/4

Form: 563335 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Successful handicap debut on AW (7f) for the Crisfords in December but somewhat becalmed after and sold on for 23,000gns; had wind surgery since and ran a fair race for new yard at Thirsk (6f, good) in only his second turf start; now tongue tied; return to 7f should suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(9)

7th May 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Blue Seeker

9st 1lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Sole win from 17 starts came at Wolverhampton in 2024 when trained by his previous stable and he's mostly struggled since joining this yard; off for 168 days and is best watched unless the market speaks favourably.

20/1

8th

8

(9)

30th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Blue Seeker

9st 4lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Has dropped 11lb lower than when making a successful handicap debut at Wolverhampton (7f, Tapeta) last December, for a reason though and his last three starts (including two since a second wind op) were particularly poor; swaps cheekpieces for a hood.

33/1

Form: 95-156

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Looked a non-stayer in first 7f handicap, at Yarmouth in September, and he's raced over sprint trips since, this year winning over 5f on reappearance and kept to that trip since; staying power queried for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(9)

28th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

19:00 Doncaster

Ghostman

9st 1lb

J: Kyle Strydom

T: Dylan Cunha

Looked a non-stayer in first 7f handicap, at Yarmouth in September, and he's raced over sprint trips since, this year winning over 5f on reappearance and kept to that trip since; staying power queried for now.

9/1

6th

1

(4)

16th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

18:00 Windsor

Ghostman

9st 9lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Dylan Cunha

Hindered by unfavourable draw at Lingfield last time and is better judged on his reappearance success at same venue (5f, good to firm); only 2lb higher and not ruled out.

5/1

5th

5

(1)

3rd Jun 2025

Good

0m 4f 217y

Class 5

20:15 Lingfield

Ghostman

9st 6lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Dylan Cunha

Off the mark at the tenth attempt when beating Sandscreendeliverd by a neck over C&D two weeks ago; unexposed in sprint handicaps on turf and a 3lb rise doesn't look excessive; stall 1 not ideal given the stands' rail was such an advantage here on Saturday night.

9/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £62.95
Tricast £494.99

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Arbitration

TOPSPEED:

Ghostman

NEWMARKET:

Zappata

POSTDATA:

Bantz

Daily Mail:

Mister Invincible

Telegraph:

Singoura

D Express:

War Howl

The Times:

Andalprofit

Daily Mirror:

Ghostman

Daily Record:

Zappata

RP RATINGS:

Arbitration

The Guardian:

Arbitration

The Sun:

Arbitration

The Star:

Bantz