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

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

6

(2)

17th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 179y

Class 6

15:00 Leicester

Ricardo Phillips

9st 1lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Henry Candy

0-9 but he was close up in a 1m4f AW handicap in December and, after looking likely to fade away over 1m2f here last time, he found a second wind to be involved in a tight finish; of interest now back at 1m4f.

4/1

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

5

21st Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 0f 161y

Class 5

14:15 Exeter

Offiahs Boy

11st 0lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Joe Tickle

Four Flat wins this season at up to 11.5f and likes fast ground; showed little over hurdles last season but this is his first handicap.

5/2

2

(8)

14th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:15 Leicester

Offiahs Boy

9st 8lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Joe Tickle

Four wins on good to firm/firm this season, the last two at Bath (1m3.5f) and Salisbury (1m2f) in August; hasn't done as well on easier ground on last two starts; wouldn't rule out.

12/1

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

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

2nd

1

(2)

9th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

17:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Naughty Niall

9st 9lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Course winner in November over 1m4f and he was narrowly denied over C&D in January; respectable fourth of nine here under Ryan Kavanagh 51 days ago and he enters calculations again.

9/4

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

12th

13

(9)

11th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 13y

Class 6

16:30 Catterick

The Pug

9st 0lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

He's posted a couple of respectable fourth placings on AW in 2026 but is inconsistent and has won just once since 2023; others are more compelling.

16/1

9th

11

(8)

31st Mar 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

The Pug

8st 9lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

Last of four wins came on final start for Adrian Wintle in a classified at Ffos Las (1m2f, good) last August; yet to be placed from seven starts for current yard.

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

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

5th

4

(9)

28th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Balqaa

9st 6lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Tony Culhane & Stella Barclay

Regained the winning thread in Wolverhampton classified race (9.5f) last week and may remain competitive despite a 6lb rise in her mark; well treated on best handicap form at up to 1m2f.

9/2

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

6th

8

(1)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

16:18 Newmarket

Sansanetti

8st 9lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: Stuart Williams

Had a fine time of it once handicapping over 1m2f last term, going back-to-back at Chelmsford (AW) and Leicester (good to firm) in the summer before repeating the feat in AW handicaps on her final two starts of the year; still looks competitively handicapped and no obvious reason why she shouldn't resume her progress on this return.

3/1

13

(3)

2nd Oct 2025

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

20:15 Chelmsford (AW)

Sansanetti

8st 6lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Stuart Williams

Has recorded three wins from six starts since joining her current trainer, including over C&D; gives the impression that she just does enough, so she may be able to shrug off a 2lb rise and win again (front pair over 2l clear latest); up in grade now but remains a player.

5/1

9

(1)

4th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:43 Lingfield (AW)

Sansanetti

9st 3lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: Stuart Williams

Down the field in qualifying runs for both yards but the step up in trip saw a new filly when she made a successful handicap debut over 1m2f on Chelmsford Polytrack and, after a turf win next time, she lost out very late back at Chelmsford three weeks ago; solid claims for in-form yard.

5/4

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