July 05 / 17.10 Leicester

17.10

Good To Firm

Dark Horse Chardonnay Handicap

  • Prize money: £3663.8
  • 1m 2f 0y
  • Class 6
  • 10 runners
RTV
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Dark Horse Chardonnay Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Form: 0754-3

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
A maiden after eight starts but ran game race from the front when third on last month's seasonal debut at Bath (1m2f, good) and has obvious claims if in similar form again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(4)

1st Jul 2026

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 6

20:07 Epsom

Ricardo Phillips

9st 12lb

J: Nicola Currie

T: Henry Candy

Bar one blip he was consistent last term and he clung on to score at Leicester (1m4f, good) last July; nothing wrong with this mark and he ran with credit on last season's reappearance; solid each-way claims.

10/1

1

(8)

15th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 198y

Class 6

15:42 Brighton

Ricardo Phillips

9st 9lb

J: Nicola Currie

T: Henry Candy

Finished close up in his first three runs this season before making the breakthrough (11th attempt) at Leicester (1m4f, good) in July; that was a narrow front-running win but he's only 1lb higher here and is still unexposed at this trip; respected.

9/2

1st

3

(3)

30th Jul 2025

Good

1m 3f 179y

Class 6

20:13 Leicester

Ricardo Phillips

9st 9lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Henry Candy

Handy sort who is 0-10, but was only just caught over C&D (good to firm) 13 days ago; 2lb higher but still respected, especially if again allowed to dictate.

7/2

Form: -29912 D BF

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 51

Form & Verdict
Made all in Lingfield classified (1m2f, good to firm) last month and lost out only by a nose in same grade at Bath (1m, firm) a week later; still 2lb lower than when close second in C&D (good to firm) handicap in May; leading contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(1)

15th Jul 2026

Firm

1m 3f 137y

Class 6

16:31 Bath

Offiahs Boy

9st 8lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Joe Tickle

Dual C&D winner on fast ground, including when 2lb higher last August; backed that up with success from 5lb higher at Salisbury (1m2f) next time but has been nowhere near that level since; well beaten here latest and plenty to prove at present.

25/1

5th

3

(3)

1st Jul 2026

Firm

1m 3f 137y

Class 6

20:53 Bath

Offiahs Boy

9st 7lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Joe Tickle

Won four times on fast ground last summer, two of them over C&D; possible to make excuses for most of his runs since (the latest on ground slower than ideal and after 164 days off) and this race, under optimal conditions, should be a better guide as to just where he stands at present.

20/1

11th

4

(2)

15th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

14:20 Chepstow

Offiahs Boy

10st 13lb

J: Mr Henry Moore

T: Joe Tickle

Won four times on good to firm/firm ground last summer, latterly off a 1lb higher mark; lost his way since a fall over hurdles last autumn and has achieved little on going that includes the word 'soft'; needs to bounce back following a layoff.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 01-770

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
Reportedly benefited from return to a left-handed track when rewarding market support at Southwell (1m, AW) in December but all three AW runs this year have been disappointing and it's curious to see him back on a right-handed track for this turf return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

(8)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 179y

Class 6

20:00 Leicester

Naughty Niall

9st 3lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Ian Williams

Three-time winner, the most recent coming at Wolverhampton (1m4f, AW) in November; runner-up there over 9.5f in April but he was well beaten at Windsor (1m2f, good to firm) three weeks ago and needs to bounce back.

16/1

10th

5

(16)

23rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

19:30 Windsor

Naughty Niall

9st 9lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Good run of turf form last summer included when making all at Yarmouth (1m2f, good to soft; acts on quicker) in July; mostly creditable efforts on AW since winning at Wolverhampton (1m4f) in November and he's far from ruled out back on grass despite tricky stall.

13/2

6th

1

(1)

17th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

17:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Naughty Niall

9st 9lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Ian Williams

Can be relied upon to give his true running around here, as was the case last week when passed late on by Port Noir; solid chance.

4/1

Form: 037624 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 49

Form & Verdict
Didn't fire in refitted cheekpieces (now discarded) at Nottingham last month and is not very reliable but has claims here if judged on his second to a very progressive rival at Windsor (1m2f, good to firm) two runs ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(3)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

17:10 Newcastle (AW)

The Pug

10st 2lb

J: Mr Josh Myers

T: Olly Murphy

Inconsistent for three previous yards, winning just once (last August) since 2023; satisfactory debut for new trainer when third at Chepstow (1m2f) 11 days ago, however, and probably effective here, so needs a second look.

7/1

3rd

11

(1)

15th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

13:50 Chepstow

The Pug

10st 2lb

J: Miss Jemima Stewart

T: Olly Murphy

Inconsistent for three previous yards, winning just once since 2023; beaten a long way back on turf five weeks ago and isn't obviously fancied for new trainer.

12/1

Form: 355563 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 49

Form & Verdict
Four-time AW winner; 0-13 on turf but kept on well for the rear for third at Beverley (1m2f, good to firm) last month and competes off the same mark here; a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(7)

17th Jul 2026

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 6

18:00 Pontefract

Balqaa

9st 9lb

J: Matthew Lloyd Slater

T: Tony Culhane & Stella Barclay

Resumed winning ways in classified event at Wolverhampton (9.5f) in March; winless on turf though and only eighth of 13 in 1m Ripon handicap last time; others appeal more.

12/1

8th

7

(2)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:50 Ripon

Balqaa

9st 7lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Tony Culhane & Stella Barclay

All five wins have came on AW; usually ridden with hold-up tactics and will need plenty of luck in running to get her head in front here.

10/1

5th

5

(4)

17th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

17:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Balqaa

9st 6lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tony Culhane & Stella Barclay

It was a classified race she won over C&D last month but this mark isn't beyond her and a slow start was no help at Southwell.

10/1

Form: -75473

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
Still a maiden after 13 starts but has not been with current stable long and is unexposed over middle-distance trips; ran well when close third in Wolverhampton classified (9.4f, AW) last month; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(5)

15th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

15:12 Newcastle (AW)

Bandello

9st 9lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Jennie Candlish

Exposed 21-race maiden; went close in 7f handicap at Wolverhampton in November but raced freely and dropped away over that C&D last month; down in grade but he will need to settle better back up in trip.

8/1

5th

5

(6)

27th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

17:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bandello

9st 3lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

0-20 but was running well when last seen in November and has a solid record at this track; thereabouts.

100/30

4th

6

(6)

20th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

16:55 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bandello

9st 2lb

J: William Pyle

T: Jennie Candlish

18-race maiden but placed in four of his last six starts (all in classified events from 6f-9.5f); experienced apprentice booked and he's more appealing than many.

7/1

Form: 355035

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 46

Form & Verdict
Ten-race maiden; seemingly aided by first-time hood when placed at Brighton (1m2f, good to firm) last month but was below that form in Lingfield classified a fortnight ago; others have more persuasive profiles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(7)

4th Aug 2025

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 6

14:53 Lingfield (AW)

Formal Address

9st 0lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Brett Johnson

Close third in a 1m2f handicap here in February but he's been well held in six subsequent runs and is now 0-11; first-time blinkers are added into the mix.

16/1

7

(9)

5th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:10 Leicester

Formal Address

9st 3lb

J: Charlie Bennett

T: Brett Johnson

Ten-race maiden; seemingly aided by first-time hood when placed at Brighton (1m2f, good to firm) last month but was below that form in Lingfield classified a fortnight ago; others have more persuasive profiles.

14/1

2

(2)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 133y

Class 6

18:20 Lingfield

Formal Address

9st 9lb

J: Charlie Bennett

T: Brett Johnson

0-9 but placed for the second time sporting a first-time hood (retained) when third of eight at Brighton (1m2f, good to firm) 19 days ago; contests his first classified and holds place claims.

8/1

Form: 50-91 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Unexposed filly who improved for the big step up in trip when causing 25-1 surprise on last month's handicap debut at Chelmsford (1m2f, AW); 6lb higher here but could easily have a lot more to offer if suited by the return to turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(3)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

20:20 Windsor

Sansanetti

9st 3lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: Stuart Williams

Progressive once handicapping over this trip last year, winning four from six (three on Polytrack), latterly off a 2lb lower mark; held in three runs this season but she wasn't beaten far at Lingfield last time and that was more like it; not ruled out.

15/2

4th

6

(2)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:55 Lingfield

Sansanetti

9st 4lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: Stuart Williams

Progressive once handicapping over this trip last year, winning four from six (three on Polytrack), latterly off a 3lb lower mark; held in two runs back but this is easier and she ought to fare better.

4/1

6th

8

(1)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

21:00 Leicester

Sansanetti

9st 1lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: Stuart Williams

Progressive last year, winning four times over 1m2f (AW/good to firm turf); weak in the betting and left the impression her first start for 225 days was needed when sixth of eight at Newmarket (1m2f, good) last month; may take a step forward.

11/1

Form: 0-700

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 51

Form & Verdict
Unexposed after only four runs but was well beaten when 100-1 for handicap debut a fortnight ago (1m); moves up in trip with visor added here; could be considered only if much stronger in the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(4)

29th Jul 2025

Good

1m 4f 23y

Class 6

14:45 Beverley

Fasnelli

9st 2lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

It's not saying much but her eighth of ten at Leicester (1m2f, good to firm) was perhaps a little better as she was beaten under 5l in a first-time visor; stamina doubts over this far, though, and no headgear this time.

20/1

9

(8)

5th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:10 Leicester

Fasnelli

8st 12lb

J: Nathan Evans

T: Michael & David Easterby

Unexposed after only four runs but was well beaten when 100-1 for handicap debut a fortnight ago (1m); moves up in trip with visor added here; could be considered only if much stronger in the betting.

33/1

15

(9)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 219y

Class 6

16:45 Redcar

Fasnelli

8st 11lb

J: Nathan Evans

T: Michael & David Easterby

Has offered little on all three runs, not looking an easy ride when tenth of 11 in 7f Thirsk maiden 15 days ago; she needs this switch to handicaps to spark major improvement.

50/1

25/1

Form: 0-4085

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
Struggled on last month's handicap debut at Chelmsford (1m2f, AW; race won by Sansanetti) and fared only slightly better when fitted with today's headgear combination for recent Yarmouth classified.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

(1)

24th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 6

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Rolling Luck

8st 8lb

J: George Wood

T: S Woods

3yo maiden; in a consistent vein of form at about 1m4f this summer and shaped like a non-stayer when stepped up to 1m6f at Chelmsford latest (treated as if still in form).

11/1

6

(1)

9th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:35 Chelmsford (AW)

Rolling Luck

8st 7lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: S Woods

3yo maiden; in a consistent vein of form at about 1m4f of late; chance of winning depends on whether he improves for new trip.

6/1

4th

8

(4)

3rd Sep 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 6

13:35 Lingfield (AW)

Rolling Luck

9st 1lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: S Woods

Beaten only a neck in a classified event at Yarmouth (1m4f, good) in July; respectable effort over that same C&D next time before finishing fourth of ten here on turf (1m4f; first-time cheekpieces) 22 days ago; hood and cheekpieces are now replaced by blinkers on this return to AW.

11/2

Non-runners

Jester Queen

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £21.70
Straight Forecast £22.11
Tricast £279.75
Trifecta £229.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Sansanetti

POSTDATA:

Offiah's Boy

Daily Mirror:

Ricardo Phillips

RP RATINGS:

Balqaa

WEST COUNTRY:

The Pug

NEWMARKET:

Sansanetti

The Times:

Sansanetti

Telegraph:

Sansanetti

The Guardian:

Sansanetti

The Star:

Sansanetti

Daily Mail:

Offiah's Boy

Daily Record:

Offiah's Boy

The Sun:

Ricardo Phillips

D Express:

Balqaa