August 09 / 18.42 Ayr

18.42

Good

Celebration Of Les Dodds Handicap

  • Prize money: £5234
  • 1m 2f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
RTV
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Celebration Of Les Dodds Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

Form: 221875

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Taken a shine to Hamilton this season and looked a bit unlucky not to go closer there last time (8.3f); remains unexposed over tonight's longer trip and this is weaker, so he's one to consider for a yard in decent nick.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(2)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:00 Ayr

Starliner

8st 9lb

J: William Pyle

T: Linda Perratt

Beat Donna Nook over C&D in May when rated 1lb higher; put a couple of lesser efforts behind him when chasing home Runninsonofagun here last week; 7lb better off for 2l defeat so has a handicapping chance; new visor replaces cheekpieces; others still more appealing.

6/1

2nd

3

(9)

13th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

15:30 Ayr

Starliner

9st 7lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Linda Perratt

C&D winner in May (good to firm) and decent third at Hamilton later in the month (8.5f, good to firm); disappointing in two runs since, first-time cheekpieces latest (retained); could go well back on good to firm ground.

13/2

8th

1

(11)

6th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:00 Ayr

Starliner

10st 2lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Linda Perratt

Just held on to score over C&D (good to firm) in May and looked unlucky at Hamilton (8.3f, good to firm) two starts ago (persistently denied clear run) but has become rather inconsistent and it's hard to predict whether the first-time cheekpieces will get the best out out him.

10/1

OUR TIP

5/1

Form: 944626 C BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Hasn't won in almost two years and isn't quite as good now, looking to have no excuses when favourite at York last time, despite being carried left late on; remains consistent, though, and is still capable with Jack Callan taking off 7lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(14)

24th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 2f 43y

Class 5

17:03 Doncaster

Tele Red

10st 1lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

In-form 8yo who recorded a 2l success at Pontefract (1m2f, soft) on Monday, ending two-year losing spell; incurs 4lb penalty but Jack Nicholls takes off useful 5lb; could well remain competitive.

4/1

1st

14

(5)

20th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 4

16:33 Pontefract

Tele Red

9st 1lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

8yo who has been beaten on his last 17 starts going back to October 2023 but he's been runner-up on his last two outings (1m, good/soft), most recently here when beaten a neck; he should be fine now back up to 1m2f and he has a strong record here; could be thereabouts.

9/1

10

(4)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 0f 37y

Class 4

17:15 Haydock

Tele Red

8st 13lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

In form and pretty consistent but he's exposed and hasn't won for almost two years; likely to give his running but vulnerable to younger legs.

12/1

Form: 729178 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Excuses since her Ballinrobe win off 5lb lower, latterly when waited with in a Galway handicap (8.6f) in which the pace held up; improved for being upped to this trip this year and is shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

4

(6)

11th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

14:08 Dundalk (AW)

Si Senior

10st 2lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: M K Flannery

Nothing like her best form in ten races since a 1m2f Ballinrobe win last June; unappealing in a sprint handicap at this stage of her career, although she won a maiden at around 6f at two.

33/1

Form: -18383

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Didn't quite see out 1m3f at Hamilton in June but conversely found 1m an inadequate test here last time; fair claims of giving his trainer (also runs Bint Al Karama) a fourth win in this race in the space of five years.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(6)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 5

18:09 Carlisle

Izzari

10st 2lb

J: Cara Tuke

T: Iain Jardine

His close fourth at Newcastle (1m, AW) on his reappearance in March would make him a threat off this mark but it's been downhill since; finished well beaten in this race last year.

33/1

12th

18

(11)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

17:18 York

Izzari

8st 13lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Has won on turf (1m on good ground at Musselburgh in April last year) but seems better on the AW and has run well below his best on last two starts.

33/1

10th

6

(11)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 15y

Class 4

18:45 Hamilton

Izzari

9st 9lb

J: Mohammed Tabti

T: Iain Jardine

Raced at 1m this season, for a good fourth on reappearance but well-beaten second favourite here next time; this is a rethink on trip but a C&D third last June and 1m2f win last September are encouraging.

14/1

Form: -53086 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Two wins, three seconds and a third to his name in nine runs over C&D; last three efforts haven't been great but he's had excuses and is on an attractive mark if he's able to dictate (not certain) and settles better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(5)

13th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

16:30 Ayr

Pol Roger

9st 12lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Yet to add to his two C&D wins in spring 2024 but got back in the groove with two placed runs last month, the latter in Class 4 C&D contest; ought to pose a potent threat at this lower level.

7/2

3rd

8

(8)

19th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

19:17 Ayr

Pol Roger

8st 13lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Yet to add to his two C&D wins in spring 2024 but got back in the groove with a close second at Pontefract (1m2f, good) this month, his second run this season, and remains well handicapped on some of last year's placed form; a possible.

6/1

2nd

2

(6)

2nd Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 5

16:48 Pontefract

Pol Roger

9st 8lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

On a handy mark and may be back in better form with Thirsk reappearance under his belt; however, he's on two-year losing spell and record suggests he'll be more interesting when returned to Ayr.

9/1

Form: 111867 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Front-running veteran who completed a course hat-trick in the spring, latterly off tonight's mark, to take his career win total here to 11; not in the same form since, though, and this looks competitive enough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(2)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Glasses Up

9st 7lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who was recording his 12th win at the track when leading close home over 1m5f last week; able to race off a 3lb lower mark today and he has to be of interest from a handicapping perspective.

5/1

1st

6

(3)

13th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:05 Ayr

Glasses Up

8st 4lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: R Mike Smith

Long in the tooth now and needs to better his recent efforts but was close third off 4lb higher at Hamilton (1m1f, good to firm) in May and is probably better suited by today's trip; can't rule out.

10/1

5th

3

(1)

5th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:25 Ayr

Glasses Up

9st 11lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who last May gained a ninth C&D win; his more recent form is not so encouraging, though, just fifth of eight over C&D 16 days ago; needs to bounce back.

20/1

Form: 316-89

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Ex-German mare who won a seller on her debut for this yard last autumn; two awful efforts over C&D this summer leave her hard to fancy in a first-time tongue-tie (Izzari clearly her trainer's best chance).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(5)

13th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 5

13:52 Musselburgh

Bint Al Karama

10st 6lb

J: Miss Hannah Crawford

T: Iain Jardine

Has posted her most encouraging British performances in C&D sellers, respectable third in latest start; has unconvincing handicap form but may fare better off current mark.

10/1

4

(1)

1st Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 4

15:30 Musselburgh

Bint Al Karama

9st 3lb

J: Cara Tuke

T: Iain Jardine

Won the equivalent race 12 months ago; however, this is a stronger race and she's found things very tough this season.

25/1

9th

4

(5)

19th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:45 Ayr

Bint Al Karama

9st 8lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Won a seller in October but no worthwhile form in five handicaps since then.

25/1

Form: 237164

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Looked to have no excuses at York last time (previous effort best ignored) but it's still early days with him; will need to improve for the longer trip either way (stamina not assured on pedigree).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(4)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 43y

Class 4

15:55 Doncaster

Obito

10st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Won twice last year on good ground, latterly over 1m2f; close to best form when second at Hamilton in June but has disappointed either side of that.

7/1

5th

1

(9)

19th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

19:17 Ayr

Obito

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Scored over C&D (good; also suited by soft) last summer and left his low-key reappearance run behind when keeping-on second at Hamilton (1m1f, good) a fortnight ago; still on a workable mark; live claims.

9/2

2nd

1

(1)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 35y

Class 4

15:21 Hamilton

Obito

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Always towards the rear on reappearance over C&D (good) three weeks ago but may have needed that run; won twice last summer (1m/1m2f, good; including here) and he's on a competitive mark on last autumn's form (including on soft ground); he can be in the mix if bouncing back.

6/1

7/1

Form: -51041 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent filly who proved 1m4f within range off 3lb lower last time, when coming away with a subsequent winner, despite again pulling hard; should be fine with the drop back in trip if in the same mood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

(10)

5th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Ayr

Idyllic

8st 11lb

J: Paula Muir

T: Wilf Storey

A dual 1m3f/1m4f scorer in 2025; underwent wind surgery before only fifth of six in 1m4f handicap at Doncaster three weeks ago; needs to take a step forward.

20/1

5th

5

(6)

14th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 3f 197y

Class 5

14:00 Doncaster

Idyllic

9st 4lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Wilf Storey

Has won over 1m2f, 1m3f and 1m4f; however, she closed out last season under a cloud and was again below her best on reappearance despite having the run of things up front; had a wind operation in April.

13/2

Form: 334332

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Sole win came more than two years ago and, while consistent enough, he's been expensive to follow of late; headgear comes off and a first-time tongue-tie goes on, and he has to prove he wants to do it into a more competitive race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(5)

20th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Whatacracker

9st 7lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

Acts on this surface but his sole win came over 1m3f at Carlisle in 2023 and mostly campaigned at that trip and further since; major query back at 1m for first time in the best part of three years.

16/1

4

(12)

14th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:15 Leicester

Whatacracker

9st 7lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

Only win was over 1m3f at Carlisle in July 2023 (good to soft); several decent placed efforts this season, and would have a chance on that form, but rather disappointing on last two starts.

20/1

10th

14

(14)

17th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 1f 207y

Class 5

17:24 Beverley

Whatacracker

9st 4lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Mark Walford

Placed in four of his last six starts including a close call over C&D (soft) in July; on same mark here but he didn't fire at Ayr last time and that took his record to 1-21; tongue-tie worn last time is removed.

16/1

Form: /95525 CD BF

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Couple of subsequent winners just behind when a clear second to Sure And Stedfast over C&D last month, but typically failed to reproduce that when well held at a short price down to 0-60 company here a week later; capable if the mood takes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(4)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Sophiesticate

9st 5lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: R Mike Smith

Third in 1m4f handicaps at Musselburgh on her last two starts, staying on nicely on both occasions; drop back in trip on faster ground isn't sure to suit.

10/1

3rd

2

(6)

30th Jun 2026

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 6

16:30 Musselburgh

Sophiesticate

9st 9lb

J: Kyle McHugh

T: R Mike Smith

Last three wins came over C&D; hit flat spot but rallied for third under these conditions last week; obvious claims of turning the tables on winner Gemini Man given she was beaten two necks and has a 4lb pull; 7lb claimer Kyle McHugh enlisted too.

11/4

3rd

6

(2)

22nd Jun 2026

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 6

15:45 Musselburgh

Sophiesticate

8st 10lb

J: William Pyle

T: R Mike Smith

A three-time C&D winner for Jim Goldie; much better signs for her new yard with sixth of 11 in 1m4f Hamilton handicap 18 days ago when set a lot to do; well in the mix if building on that here.

12/1

Form: -84813 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Edged out Sophiesticate over C&D off a 2lb lower mark last month and ran to a similar level in defeat in better company here 12 days ago; may yet be capable of better and is one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(6)

11th Jul 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

19:20 Hamilton

Sure And Stedfast

8st 13lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Ewan Whillans

A dual winner (at up to 1m2f) last season; recorded a very good second over C&D in June and didn't enjoy a smooth run when fifth of 12 at Newcastle (1m4f) two weeks ago; remains one to be interested in.

11/2

5th

1

(10)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 4f 98y

Class 5

16:58 Newcastle (AW)

Sure And Stedfast

9st 9lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Ewan Whillans

Two-time turf winner (1m1f/1m2f) who arrives in good nick after two solid placed efforts at Hamilton (1m3f/1m5f); hasn't shone in two starts here but otherwise he's more solid than most.

4/1

2nd

3

(3)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 16y

Class 5

16:51 Hamilton

Sure And Stedfast

9st 4lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Ewan Whillans

Returned to form when third here (1m3f, good) last month on second run of the season; also effective on soft ground; could play a leading role if seeing out this longer trip, and there can be optimism on that score.

4/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £125.20
Straight Forecast £92.89
Tricast £518.74
Trifecta £1010.10

Selections

POSTDATA:

Tele Red

Daily Mail:

Sophiesticate

The Times:

Sure And Stedfast

D Express:

Izzari

SPOTLIGHT:

Si Senior

RP RATINGS:

Pol Roger

Daily Record:

Whatacracker

Daily Mirror:

Sophiesticate

The Star:

Sophiesticate

Telegraph:

Tele Red

The Guardian:

Tele Red

The Sun:

Tele Red