17.20
Good To FirmSky Bet Steve Birch Finale Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
- Prize money: £51540
- 1m 2f 56y
- Class 2
- 15 runners
Runners: 15 runners
Type: Flat Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Mostly cloudy
16/1 (Won)
- Win: £12.00
- Place: £2.90
Form: 1-3961 CD
Last run: 43 days
W: 9st 0lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 88
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 (1) |
18th Sep 2025 Good To Soft 1m 2f 0y Class 2 |
9st 11lb |
Front-runner who won when upped to 1m2f at York (good) in July and followed up in a big field there (1m2f, good to firm) at the Ebor meeting; has also won here and shown promise on soft ground; unexposed at today's trip and has gone up just 3lb for last time; can make another bold bid. |
11/2 |
|
1st 8 (8) |
23rd Aug 2025 Good To Firm 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 0lb |
Back to form with a bang when seeing off his eight rivals over C&D (good) six weeks ago, albeit benefitting from a fine front-running ride from Danny Tudhope, poaching a clear early lead which he never looked like relinquishing; doubtful he'll be allowed as much rope this time. |
16/1 |
|
2 (2) |
11th Jul 2025 Good 1m 2f 56y Class 4 |
10st 0lb |
Won last three races last season, all over 1m on good ground; not hit top form so far this term; tries this trip for first time. |
14/1 |
14/1
- Place: £3.00
Form: 352363
Last run: 2 days
W: 8st 8lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 82
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 12 (9) |
30th May 2026 Good To Firm 1m 3f 39y Class 2 |
8st 10lb |
Won off 2lb lower at Newcastle last autumn but hasn't repeated the form and slow starts are becoming a habit; needs to get back on track. |
22/1 |
|
13th 10 (13) |
15th May 2026 Good 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
8st 13lb |
Neck second of 15 over C&D (good to firm) last August and his seventh of 12 at Musselburgh (1m1f, good) last month can be upgraded as he was slowly away in a race which favoured those ridden more prominently; he's one to consider back up in trip. |
20/1 |
|
7th 6 (4) |
12th Apr 2026 Good 1m 0f 208y Class 3 |
9st 2lb |
Won three of his first four starts for Ollie Sangster between July 2023 and April 2024, but has only been successful in one of his last 17 starts and that was on the AW; needs to step up from his Doncaster return (1m2f, good to soft) a fortnight ago. |
20/1 |
100/30
- Place: £3.00
Form: -52121 D
Last run: 25 days
W: 9st 12lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 100
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
20th 3 (12) |
27th Sep 2025 Good 1m 1f 0y Class 2 |
9st 4lb |
Progressive 4yo who impressed in big-field handicap at Glorious Goodwood (1m2f, good) and was a close third of 15 at York (1m2f, good to firm) subsequently; his surplus stamina may be no bad thing in what is likely to be a strongly run race and he's respected for his top stable. |
9/1 |
|
3rd 1 (7) |
23rd Aug 2025 Good To Firm 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 12lb |
Carries his head high but his profile has been progressive since cheekpieces have gone on and he produced a smart handicap performance when comfortably accounting for his 17 rivals over this trip at Glorious Goodwood (good) 25 days ago; his two other wins came on good to firm; an 8lb rise demands further improvement but no surprise were he to find it. |
100/30 |
|
17 (8) |
29th Jul 2025 Good 1m 1f 197y Class 2 |
8st 8lb |
Both wins on good to firm at Windsor; carries his head high but recorded two seconds and a win over 1m3f, 1m2f and an extended 1m3f from his three starts since the cheekpieces went on this term, putting him on an upward curve. |
16/1 |
16/1
- Place: £3.00
Form: 315-31
Last run: 53 days
W: 8st 12lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 93
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10th 10 (11) |
30th May 2026 Good To Firm 1m 3f 39y Class 2 |
9st 1lb |
Respectable sixth over 1m2f both starts this year, the latter in a warm race at York when shaping as if worth another try over 1m3f+; gets that here and has each-way hopes. |
10/1 |
|
6th 7 (9) |
15th May 2026 Good 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 3lb |
Close third of 15 on stable debut over C&D (good to firm) last August when 3lb higher; he hasn't kicked on subsequently but last month's reappearance sixth at Doncaster gives him something to build on; not discounted. |
12/1 |
|
6th 3 (10) |
29th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 1m 2f 43y Class 3 |
9st 7lb |
2-6 for Karl Burke before sold for 165,000gns last July; ran well to take minor honours over 1m2f at York in two of his four subsequent starts, while 1m4f on heavy seemed to find him out in the November Handicap here on latest; can go well if sufficiently tuned up for this reappearance. |
10/1 |
18/1
Form: 1-9540 C
Last run: 30 days
W: 8st 8lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 82
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12 (3) |
7th Sep 2025 Good 1m 2f 56y Class 3 |
9st 2lb |
Enhanced his good record at York with a fifth of 15 at the Ebor meeting over this trip; handicapper is retaining a hold on him but he has each-way claims. |
14/1 |
|
5th 14 (15) |
23rd Aug 2025 Good To Firm 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
8st 8lb |
Winner here over 1m on good to soft last autumn and two creditable efforts over C&D (good to firm) in the first half of this summer; ran poorly in a Racing League event at Yarmouth last month but not without hope back here. |
18/1 |
|
13th 9 (5) |
24th Jul 2025 Soft 1m 2f 23y Class 2 |
8st 11lb |
Last season's two wins came on good to soft going (unraced on slower) and he's run pretty well in defeat at York (1m2f, good to firm) on his last two starts; could take a step forward now back on slow ground. |
8/1 |
22/1
Form: 387078 C
Last run: 28 days
W: 8st 11lb
6 yo Colt
OR: 85
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 11 (2) |
13th May 2026 Good 1m 3f 188y Class 2 |
8st 9lb |
C&D winner in 2023; no joy anywhere last season (mostly at this track) but the closest he came was a neck defeat here (1m2f; 4lb higher today) on final start; not far away on AW last three starts this year and the same may be possible on today's return to turf. |
16/1 |
|
4th 6 (7) |
3rd Apr 2026 Standard 1m 2f 0y Class 3 |
9st 7lb |
Losing run now up to 14, but his last couple of efforts have been encouraging as when second of six in a slightly stronger contest at Chelmsford (1m2f, Polytrack) last month; still on his last winning mark and holds each-way claims. |
10/1 |
|
2nd 4 (5) |
12th Mar 2026 Standard 1m 2f 0y Class 3 |
9st 5lb |
Drew a blank in 2025 but he ended that campaign with a good second in a big-field 10.2f handicap at York; two respectable AW runs this year but he will need to raise his game to take this. |
5/1 |
9/1
Form: 7000-4
Last run: 42 days
W: 9st 11lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 99
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 6 (8) |
2nd May 2026 Good 1m 1f 0y Class 2 |
9st 6lb |
Easily first home in his near-side group when strong-finishing fourth of 23 in the Cambridgeshire over C&D (good to firm) in September; just 1lb higher today and that wasn't his only solid performance in a good handicap last term, so he could be a major each-way player. |
10/1 |
|
3 (3) |
1st Nov 2025 Good 1m 2f 0y Class 1 |
9st 6lb |
Runner-up in Group races earlier in career and has shaped well in some strong handicaps for new yard this year, including first home in his group when fourth of 23 in the Cambridgeshire here (1m1f, good to firm) in September; better than result again at York three weeks ago but does have a bit to find on these terms. |
16/1 |
|
3 (3) |
1st Nov 2025 Good 1m 2f 0y Class 1 |
9st 6lb |
Runner-up in Group races earlier in career and has shaped well in some strong handicaps for new yard this year, including first home in his group when fourth of 23 in the Cambridgeshire here (1m1f, good to firm) in September; better than result again at York three weeks ago but does have a bit to find on these terms. |
16/1 |
9/2
Form: 172122
Last run: 23 days
W: 9st 7lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 102
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12th 5 (13) |
2nd May 2026 Good 1m 1f 0y Class 2 |
9st 7lb |
Went close at Glorious Goodwood (1m2f, good) last July but well beaten in C&D Cambridgeshire in September; failed to settle and suffered interference on return, doing pretty well in the circumstances, but disappointing favourite at Pontefract 11 days ago; connections turn to cheekpieces. |
12/1 |
|
5th 1 (4) |
21st Apr 2026 Good To Soft 1m 2f 5y Class 2 |
9st 9lb |
Progressive in last year's 3yo campaign, going close at Glorious Goodwood (1m2f, good) in July; did pretty well to finish sixth on last month's return at Kempton (1m3f, AW) where he failed to settle and suffered interference; that run may have got the freshness out of him; on the shortlist. |
3/1 |
|
6th 6 (3) |
28th Mar 2026 Standard To Slow 1m 2f 219y Class 2 |
9st 7lb |
Dual AW winner early in career; ran well for most of 2025 and his form peaked when he went close at Glorious Goodwood (1m2f) in July; not beaten far at York next time but he comprehensively failed to live up to his market prominence in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket on final outing (his first race since gelded); no way does that rule him out today. |
6/1 |
14/1
Form: 5-2200 D
Last run: 25 days
W: 9st 8lb
5 yo Colt
OR: 96
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 4 (5) |
15th May 2026 Good 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 8lb |
Beaten on his last 12 starts going back to May 2024 but he's run some big races in the meantime, including when beaten a head in this last year (good to firm) off the same mark as today; reappeared with solid sixth of 24 on stable debut in the Spring Cup at Newbury (1m, good); can be in the mix. |
5/1 |
|
6th 14 (8) |
18th Apr 2026 Good 1m 0f 0y Class 2 |
9st 4lb |
In and out last season for Michael Bell, the high points coming when second in big fields at York (good to firm) in May and the Curragh (good to yielding) in September; all his best efforts have come over 1m2f so today's shorter distance is a concern but it's possible he'll be freshened up by a change of stable (same owner). |
22/1 |
|
6 (15) |
11th Oct 2025 Good 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 3lb |
His form has been mixed this season but he went close over C&D (good to firm) in May and filled the same position in a big field at the Curragh (1m2f, good to yielding) last month; in the shake-up if he's again on song. |
7/1 |
20/1
Form: 42-030
Last run: 23 days
W: 8st 12lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 93
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 6 (7) |
25th May 2026 Good To Firm 1m 2f 0y Class 3 |
8st 13lb |
Maiden winner who is 0-11 in handicaps and failed to improve for a visor (retained) most recently, while also failing to build on an encouraging reappearance effort; otherwise well treated on best efforts. |
11/2 |
|
6th 9 (12) |
7th May 2026 Good 1m 2f 70y Class 3 |
9st 5lb |
Sole win was a maiden as 2yo on his only run at this track; none too consistent in his 11 starts since but recent reappearance was respectable and this return to 1m2f should be okay; record with blinkers or cheekpieces (both absent last time) gives encouragement for today's first-time visor; wide draw. |
16/1 |
|
4th 5 (4) |
20th Apr 2026 Good To Firm 0m 7f 219y Class 3 |
9st 6lb |
0-7 last season and inconsistent; however, he was a close third of 11 at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) last July and also showed spark when third at Southwell (1m4f, AW) in September; on a career-low mark and not ruled out. |
12/1 |
11/1
Form: 123146 C BF
Last run: 43 days
W: 8st 12lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 86
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 1 (9) |
1st Jun 2026 Good To Firm 1m 0f 0y Class 4 |
9st 13lb |
Took full advantage of the drop into Class 4 company when readily seeing off five rivals at Redcar last week (1m, good to firm); penalised in a deeper race but he still commands serious respect. |
5/2 |
|
1st 1 (5) |
26th May 2026 Good 0m 7f 219y Class 4 |
9st 9lb |
Two wins last season, over C&D in April (good) and off 1lb lower over 1m1f at York in June (good to firm; beat Cosmos Raj by a nose); not disgraced in two competitive handicaps this season and is the one to beat now down in grade. |
11/8 |
|
6th 13 (12) |
2nd May 2026 Good 1m 0f 0y Class 3 |
9st 7lb |
Ended last season with a good third to Man Of La Mancha over 1m1f on this course (good to firm); shaped as if retaining all his ability when seventh of 22 in the Spring Mile at Doncaster, short of room closing stages; should be spot-on with that run behind him and looks ready to strike. |
7/1 |
25/1
Form: 50-605 CD
Last run: 21 days
W: 9st 1lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 89
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 2 (6) |
7th May 2026 Good 0m 7f 219y Class 3 |
9st 6lb |
Developed into a very useful handicapper for Ray Craggs in 2024, including a C&D win on good to firm; failed to scale the same heights for David Thompson in 2025 but has a reduced mark to work with now back under the care of his owner. |
20/1 |
|
12th 7 (2) |
23rd Aug 2025 Good To Firm 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 1lb |
C&D winner off this mark last summer and better than the result (met trouble) when fifth to Sir Busker in this 12 months ago; shaped as if retaining all his ability when sixth on C&D return in June and there have been excuses for two lesser runs since, with Thirsk fifth last time coming over a 7f trip which is likely a little on the short side for him nowadays; no shock were he to go well. |
25/1 |
|
1 (3) |
2nd Aug 2025 Good To Firm 0m 7f 0y Class 3 |
9st 9lb |
Won two in a row on turf last May/June (1m/1m2f) for Ray Craggs (who still owns him) and fair sixth on stable/seasonal debut at York (1m2f) in June; might not have been over those exertions when well held over 1m on AW at Newcastle 13 days later; effective over 7f. |
33/1 |
11/1
Form: 106587
Last run: 16 days
W: 8st 11lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 13 (4) |
2nd May 2026 Good 1m 1f 0y Class 2 |
8st 6lb |
Won at Musselburgh last April and June; failed to make a serious impact since, albeit fourth of 12 back at Musselburgh three weeks ago; non-runner at Redcar on Thursday. |
25/1 |
|
4th 8 (8) |
12th Apr 2026 Good 1m 0f 208y Class 3 |
8st 13lb |
Efforts since last summer leave plenty to be desired, including last month's Wolverhampton reappearance (8.6f, AW; first start since being gelded); however, he is 2-2 here (1m/1m1f) and 7lb lower than when last successful; worth a second look; stable also runs Sir Paul Ramsey. |
10/1 |
6/1
Form: -84434 D
Last run: 22 days
W: 9st 9lb
5 yo Colt
OR: 97
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 5 (4) |
25th May 2026 Good To Firm 1m 2f 0y Class 3 |
9st 6lb |
Record of 0-8 for current yard but he is nicely treated on best form and latest effort ended a spell of duck eggs, while suggesting this step back up from 1m may prove beneficial, in keeping with 2023 achievements. |
7/2 |
|
4th 2 (4) |
1st May 2026 Good To Firm 1m 0f 0y Class 3 |
9st 12lb |
Made the frame in three successive quality 1m handicaps last summer, including the Royal Hunt Cup here (good to firm); however, that campaign rather petered out and he was only midfield in the Lincoln a month ago (tried a visor); he's still dangerous to dismiss off this mark in a lower grade. |
10/1 |
|
13th 13 (1) |
28th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 1m 0f 0y Class 2 |
9st 2lb |
Went off the boil on his final three runs last season but made the frame three times in a row in quality 1m handicaps last summer (good to firm/soft) and he's on a handy mark on that form; perhaps a break and/or the first-time visor will prompt a revival and his stable is in excellent form. |
14/1 |
18/1
Form: -98020 CD
Last run: 25 days
W: 9st 12lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 100
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
15th 2 (1) |
23rd Aug 2025 Good To Firm 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 12lb |
Good C&D record includes a win in this last year off 5lb higher; back on form when narrowly denied at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm) and things went wrong from the start (stumbled) when well behind Westridge at Goodwood since; could bounce back. |
18/1 |
|
6 (16) |
29th Jul 2025 Good 1m 1f 197y Class 2 |
9st 3lb |
Has a mixed 1-6 record at Goodwood, with the win in 2019, but he won a 17-runner race at the York Ebor meeting last August and went down by a neck at Sandown this month, both over 1m2f on good to firm but the ground was not an issue previously; now a 9yo but 4lb lower than for that York win; drawn wide but likely to be delivered late anyway. |
20/1 |
|
2nd 4 (3) |
5th Jul 2025 Good 1m 1f 209y Class 2 |
9st 11lb |
Resilient 9yo who can still give it plenty in competitive handicaps, as when beating 16 rivals at York (about 1m2f, good to firm; off 5lb higher) last August; however, he has less obvious claims on subsequent handicap runs, including back at York in June. |
12/1 |
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £107.00 |
| Straight Forecast | £73.11 |
| Tricast | £139.94 |
| Trifecta | £425.00 |
Selections
Telegraph:
Marhaba GhaiyyathThe Guardian:
Marhaba GhaiyyathDaily Record:
Dain Ma Nut InNEWMARKET:
WestridgeDaily Mirror:
WestridgeDaily Mail:
Sir Busker