July 18 / 18.35 Hamilton

18.35

Good

G4 Claims Not At Fault Claims Made Easy Scottish Stewards’ Cup Handicap

  • Prize money: £18039
  • 0m 6f 6y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
RTV
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G4 Claims Not At Fault Claims Made Easy Scottish Stewards’ Cup Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

Form: /64-70

Last run: 62 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Very lightly raced 5yo; well held in 1m2f Kempton listed event and 1m Newbury handicap (weakened quickly) this year; remains to be seen if this significant drop in trip is what's required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(12)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Crown Board

9st 12lb

J: Mme Frida Valle Skar

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

He has returned from the Middle East with fine efforts at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) and over 1m on the straight course here (good to firm) in July; should remain competitive under these conditions.

7/1

2nd

2

(10)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Ascot

Crown Board

9st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Inconsistent but he's just 1lb higher than when making all at Chelmsford (1m, AW) last December and he returned from a break with an encouraging third at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) three weeks ago, when again making the running; might not face much opposition for the lead; chance.

13/2

3rd

2

(10)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Newmarket (July)

Crown Board

10st 1lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Pops up with the odd very big run, such as when capitalising on an easy lead at Chelmsford (1m, AW) last December; he's just 2lb higher today and is not ruled out but he's inconsistent and this is his first start since a heavy Group 3 defeat on dirt at Meydan in February.

16/1

Form: 8-7026 CD

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Winner of this in 2021; on a losing run but C&D second off this mark in June shows he's still capable of smart form; excuses for a lesser run at Ripon since and his yard's good recent form provides hope that he can bounce back now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(1)

3rd Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:54 Ripon

Commanche Falls

9st 11lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Runner-up twice in a row in Bahrain (6f, good/good to firm) in January; this 9yo hasn't shone on his three starts since and his losing sequence goes back to September 2023, but perhaps the drop back in grade will trigger a revival for this C&D winner; not ruled out.

7/1

11th

5

(15)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:00 York

Commanche Falls

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Veteran who ran a cracker behind a stablemate over C&D at last season's Ebor meeting; runner-up twice in Bahrain in January; low-key return to Britain last week; on a good mark but this is a tough race in which to try and rebound.

25/1

7th

2

(2)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 6y

Class 2

19:15 Hamilton

Commanche Falls

10st 0lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Michael Dods

9yo whose last win was in September 2023 and it's possible that he'll need this first outing since February; however, he won this in 2021 and showed spark when twice finishing second in Bahrain this January (6f, good/good to firm); not ruled out.

11/1

Form: -62568 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Very useful sprint handicapper on his day, winning a valuable prize at York (6f, soft) last autumn; as good as ever when second at Leicester (6f, good) in April but needs to shrug off below-par efforts on his last two starts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(6)

30th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:35 Goodwood

Strike Red

9st 4lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Held on narrowly from Ferrous in the Scottish Stewards' Cup at Hamilton last time; has performed well twice in the Stewards' Cup over C&D; may remain competitive.

9/1

1st

4

(7)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 6y

Class 2

19:15 Hamilton

Strike Red

9st 5lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

8yo who can be in and out but he won at Leicester (6f, good to firm) in April and has run well in defeat on his last two starts, at Epsom (6f, soft) and Newcastle (6f, AW); he was a close second of 14 last time and this C&D winner can be in the mix if he's once more on a going day.

11/2

2nd

14

(5)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

Strike Red

8st 13lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Twice a C&D winner; ended losing run with a hard-fought success at Leicester in April and he ran creditably at Epsom on Derby day; minor money perhaps his best hope.

14/1

Form: 3113-0 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Strong 6f form as a 2yo, winning twice and good third in the Redcar Two-Year-Old Trophy (soft) on final start; weakened as if needing the run in strong 3yo handicap at York (6f, good to firm; Double Rush third) on reappearance five weeks ago; could leave that well behind, particularly with the yard firing on all cylinders again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(7)

11th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:15 York

Northern Ticker

9st 10lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

Lightly raced 3yo who posted a personal best when winning over C&D at the Ebor meeting (good to firm); far from disgraced when sixth of 25 in the Ayr Gold Cup (soft) last month, finishing second in the near-side group; 2lb lower today and still has untapped potential; very interesting back at York and looks the one to beat.

6/1

4

(19)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ayr

Northern Ticker

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

Progressive 2yo, including on soft; improved run by run this year, getting off the mark for the season with a doughty effort at York's Ebor meeting (6f, good to firm); that run promised more and although he's not well in under his 5lb penalty, he looks the type to make up into a Pattern-race performer; easy to see him in the thick of it.

6/1

7

(10)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Northern Ticker

9st 5lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Michael Dods

Lightly raced 3yo; ended 2yo campaign with a fine third in the Redcar Two-Year-Old Trophy (6f, soft); seemed rusty here first time out this term but ran promisingly when fourth of 14 at Hamilton (6f, good) next time; anything but exposed and represents a yard in top form; high on the list.

14/1

Form: 4-9107 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Fifth win when accounting for six rivals at Ripon (5f, good) in April but below par in a pair of York handicaps since (had wind surgery in between); the yard has other more obvious contenders.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(5)

1st Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:13 Ripon

Venture Capital

9st 13lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Scored over 5f here last April; without a victory since though and beat only one on the back of a wind operation in 5f Hamilton handicap last time; others appeal more.

11/1

9th

12

(5)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 2

19:30 Hamilton

Venture Capital

8st 13lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Below par in three AW outings this year and a return to turf and first-time blinkers failed to spark a revival at Beverley in April; absent since (has had wind surgery for a second time).

16/1

8th

6

(5)

15th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

15:25 Beverley

Venture Capital

8st 13lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Below par in three AW outings this year but is well treated on last year's turf exploits if first-time blinkers spark him back to life.

9/1

10/1

Form: 785214 C BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Back to winning ways in competitive 5f course handicap (good to soft) in June; respectable fourth of 14 in the Gosforth Park Cup at Newcastle (5f) since; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(9)

27th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Bergerac

9st 13lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

A fair 5f winner in 2025 but yet to fire this season, tenth of 12 in 6f Hamilton handicap 16 days ago; needs to take a big step forward.

16/1

10th

11

(8)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

20:00 Hamilton

Bergerac

9st 1lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Kevin Ryan

Course winner last June off a 10lb higher mark than today's, but he's been struggling in recent starts and hasn't won over 6f since August 2022; best watched at present.

33/1

10th

9

(7)

1st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:10 Thirsk

Bergerac

9st 8lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Fine servant down the years but he hasn't won over 6f since August 2022; on a good mark and can pop up soon but would like to see more from him before getting involved.

20/1

Form: 4-5042 D BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
6f winner as a 2yo but his very best form as been achieved over 5f, including worn down late in course handicap (good) three weeks ago; a 2lb nudge still leaves him feasibly handicapped but needs to prove he's as effective at 6f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(5)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

18:45 Hamilton

Vantheman

9st 10lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Has done well since the blinkers went on but appears to have no margin for error off this mark, 2lb above his win in May; behind two of these here last time.

6/1

5th

7

(9)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 2

19:30 Hamilton

Vantheman

9st 4lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Back in form since fitted with blinkers, scoring over C&D (good) in May; has reached the frame on all three outings since, although latest fourth of seven at Pontefract was no more than respectable.

11/1

4th

5

(1)

17th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

19:07 Pontefract

Vantheman

9st 8lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Took this prize in 2024; back in fine form of late since fitted with blinkers, scoring at Hamilton (5f) in May and in the frame in big-field 5f handicaps at Thirsk and Newcastle since; ought to be thereabouts.

5/1

Form: 31-000 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Won two 6f handicaps on soft ground last year; has yet to find the same form in three outings this year but back on a good mark if reviving after a short break; one to note in the market.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

16

(19)

28th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Thirsk

Eye Of Dubai

9st 6lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Scored at Ripon (6f) in September but yet to hit top form in four runs this season, beating only one back there (6f) 13 days ago; mark is plummeting but he still needs to take a step forward.

25/1

13th

9

(1)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Eye Of Dubai

8st 2lb

J: James Sullivan

T: John & Sean Quinn

His record over C&D reads 121 and he has slipped to a dangerous mark after three low-key runs in 2026; looks the type to revive soon but perhaps when faced with slower ground than he'll encounter today.

20/1

8th

1

(1)

25th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

19:30 Hamilton

Eye Of Dubai

10st 2lb

J: P J McDonald

T: John & Sean Quinn

He's failed to shine on both starts this season but is on a handy mark on last season's best form and is likely to get back on track sooner or later; today's drop back in grade could help in that regard.

10/1

5/1

Form: 4112-1 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Made it three wins and a second in her last four starts (all under Oisin Murphy on soft/heavy ground) when shading a close finish on 7f Goodwood reappearance 40 days ago; only nudged up 2lb but might be best to look elsewhere unless further rain arrives.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

(6)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Nariko

9st 1lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Hugo Palmer

Kept taking steps forward, most recently when a cosy winner at Hamilton (6f, good; has won on heavy) in July so a hefty defeat as favourite for the Ayr Silver Cup since was a blow; perhaps fitting cheekpieces will help, perhaps not; up against it on these terms either way.

20/1

11th

7

(18)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Ayr

Nariko

9st 10lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Has an outstanding record for Oisin Murphy, winning four of five starts for him and unfortunate to not to make it a clean sweep in the other; has won over 7f and is effective on all surfaces; she tends to cut it fine but was again strong when it mattered at Hamilton (6f, good) in July and continues on the upgrade; solid chance.

5/1

Form: 4-2150 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
All 22 starts over 5f, winning twice in the mud here last summer; added to his tally in Carlisle Class 4 (good to soft) in May but not in the same form twice since; the return to Hamilton is a plus but his effectiveness at this trip has to be taken on trust.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(1)

10th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:10 Thirsk

Moonstone Boy

9st 12lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Jennie Candlish

Four wins over 5f for Iain Jardine, but unplaced in three starts on the AW since returning for this yard in January; 8lb below last winning mark, but drying ground and return to 6f pose questions; cheekpieces return.

12/1

7th

2

(12)

5th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Moonstone Boy

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jennie Candlish

A fair 5f scorer for Iain Jardine; shaped encouragingly for his new yard when fourth at Southwell (5f) in January but raced too freely over 6f when seventh at Wolverhampton since; can bounce back here.

16/1

Form: 45-113 D BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Much improved this year, winning an AW maiden in fine style on his reappearance and rewarding market support when seeing off nine rivals in a handicap at the Newmarket Craven meeting (6f, good to soft); raced away from the main action and shaped very well when third of 18 in traditionally strong 3yo handicap at York (6f, good to firm) five weeks ago; non-runner due to unsuitable ground (good to firm) at Newmarket last week; almost certainly still on a good mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(11)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Double Rush

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Smart handicapper who brings excellent stats, being 3-3 at Newmarket (on the other course, admittedly, but it bodes well) and 3-3 (much improved) this term for new yard; prevailed only narrowly in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot (good to firm) most recently but seems on his way to becoming a Group performer; adds great interest.

8/1

1st

4

(24)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Double Rush

9st 9lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Andrew Balding

The talking horse in good 6f handicaps this spring and he delivered, coming clear with no fuss under Oisin Murphy at Newmarket (good) on yard debut and not having to work much harder under a penalty there (good to firm) in May for Shane Foley; 10lb higher than last time but could be on his way to better things.

9/2

1st

6

(2)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:45 Newmarket

Double Rush

9st 6lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Andrew Balding

Promising for Charles Hills as a 3yo, winning a C&D handicap at the Craven meeting before a good third from a tricky draw at York; ended 2025 with a low-key run at Ascot but, having been switched to Andrew Balding's stable, he created a huge impression here 17 days ago, supported as though defeat was out of the question and winning accordingly; 8lb well in and looks a Group horse in waiting; obvious chance for the stable that won this prize in 2021 and 2024.

10/11

20/1

Form: 143618 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Fifth win (all under William Pyle) in excellent spell since joining Ruth Carr when seeing off Jonny Concrete in a big field at York (6f, good to firm) last month; does need to bounce back from a lesser run at Thirsk since, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

20

(5)

28th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Thirsk

Kats Bob

9st 0lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Ruth Carr

A five-time scorer in 2025, including over C&D; runner-up in 6f handicaps at York and Redcar this summer and not ideally drawn with 14th in 6f Ripon handicap last time; not ruled out.

25/1

14th

5

(5)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Ripon

Kats Bob

9st 9lb

J: William Pyle

T: Ruth Carr

4lb lower than when third of 15 in this race last year; yet to strike in 2026 but there have been some good runs along the way, including his last two starts; looks the likeliest to grab the far rail if the field split into two groups; one to consider.

10/1

2nd

4

(5)

29th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

14:05 Redcar

Kats Bob

9st 6lb

J: William Pyle

T: Ruth Carr

Had a fine year in 2025, winning five times; in and out this year but his latest York second (of 19) was a fine run and he needs serious consideration despite a 3lb rise.

3/1

Form: 91-122 D BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Prominent-racer who has been progressive in these cheekpieces, winning three times, including 7f Musselburgh reappearance (good) in April; good runner-up efforts over 6f on fast ground at Carlisle and York (to Kats Bob) since; no reason why he won't give another good account.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(9)

7th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

15:20 Musselburgh

Jonny Concrete

9st 12lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Iain Jardine

Ran well in defeat on first four starts this season then held on gamely to win 18-runner York handicap (7f, good to firm) a fortnight ago; effectively 4lb higher here if Jack Nicholls' reduced claim is considered but ought to be right in the thick of things again.

5/1

1st

4

(10)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:32 York

Jonny Concrete

9st 8lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Iain Jardine

Prominent racer who has been running well in defeat over 6f this season, including here; his last win came over 7f at Musselburgh last April and he could be in the mix back up in trip.

7/1

14/1

Form: 014704 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Five-time winner, most recently off this mark at Beverley (5f) in April; respectable fourth of 12 to Bergerac over 5f here (good to soft) last month; has undergone wind surgery since; has a particularly good record on soft/heavy and would enter the reckoning should the ground ease.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(3)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Beverley

Trilby

9st 4lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Sam England

C&D winner last spring who has largely been in good nick since cheekpieces went on in May, winning at Haydock (his fourth win there) and also at Carlisle (5f, good to soft) in June; has never won off a mark this high but he ran well from it at Hamilton last time and soft ground would hold no fears; should be on the premises.

9/2

4th

2

(12)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

20:00 Hamilton

Trilby

9st 9lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Sam England

Has won twice this year (both when ridden by P J McDonald), at Haydock (5f, soft) in May and Carlisle (5f, good to soft) in June; well beaten at York (6f, good to firm) last time, but that was a 0-105 and he wasn't best drawn; drops back down in grade and should have this run to suit.

10/1

Non-runners

Sophias Starlight

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £22.30
Straight Forecast £13.44
Tricast £87.47
Trifecta £98.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Double Rush

THE NORTH:

Nariko

Telegraph:

Northern Ticker

NEWMARKET:

Crown Board

RP RATINGS:

Jonny Concrete

The Guardian:

Trilby

The Sun:

Strike Red

Daily Mail:

Bergerac

TOPSPEED:

Double Rush

POSTDATA:

Double Rush

The Times:

Double Rush

D Express:

Double Rush

Daily Record:

Double Rush

Daily Mirror:

Nariko

The Star:

Nariko