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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
16th 5 (17) |
22nd Aug 2026 Good To Soft 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 7lb |
Formerly a miler but has gained last three wins over 1m2f, including this race on good (made all) last year; latest success came in Bahrain in January; well beaten in the John Smith's Cup on his return to Britain but bounced straight back with a career-best second of 11 over 1m at Thirsk (good) under Lexie Clarkson three weeks ago; going softer than good would be a slight question mark. |
33/1 |
|
2nd 2 (1) |
1st Aug 2026 Good 0m 7f 218y Class 2 |
9st 11lb |
Formerly a miler but has gained last three wins over 1m2f, the most recent in Bahrain; well held in major handicap returned to home soil last time; bit to prove off current mark back down in trip; Lexie Clarkson claims 7lb but has limited experience. |
25/1 |
|
18th 9 (21) |
11th Jul 2026 Good To Firm 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 6lb |
Well beaten in Bahrain in February when last seen and a wide draw could prove tough for this front-runner; however, he won two C&D handicaps last summer (good/good to firm) and was back on the scoresheet in Bahrain in January; unbeaten at York and could make a bold bid at a big price. |
40/1 |
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 11 (7) |
30th Aug 2026 Soft 1m 1f 207y Class 3 |
9st 4lb |
Ran okay in a Class 2 AW handicap last time as that race didn't go to plan; exposed but he's on a career-low mark and has won on soft ground; couldn't put a line through him. |
12/1 |
|
8th 13 (4) |
6th Aug 2026 Standard 1m 3f 23y Class 2 |
8st 2lb |
Infrequent winner but is 2-4 on Tapeta, his latest win coming from 3lb lower at Newcastle (1m2f) last September; could go well at a price. |
16/1 |
|
4th 7 (7) |
18th Jul 2026 Good 1m 4f 10y Class 3 |
9st 4lb |
He's won just one of his last 23 starts and has failed to fire on his last two outings; however, he had a tough assignment in the John Smith's Cup at York last Saturday and he's dropped to a handy mark; runner-up to the 4-7 favourite in this race last year and he's not ruled out. |
9/1 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 14 (3) |
22nd Aug 2026 Good To Soft 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
8st 13lb |
Won on soft as 2yo; good C&D record includes a third in this race last year and two placed efforts (latterly John Smith's Cup) in a hood this summer; the hood was left off when well beaten over 1m4f at Ascot a fortnight ago but returns now; capable of bouncing back with each-way claims at a venue which suits, particularly with the yard going well. |
18/1 |
|
9th 7 (8) |
8th Aug 2026 Good To Firm 1m 3f 211y Class 2 |
9st 8lb |
Can race freely and hooded for his last two races at York, in the latest finishing a highly respectable third (promoted from fourth) in the John Smith's Cup (extended 1m2f; good to firm) for which he was 4lb well in; now 3lb higher and surprisingly goes without any headgear, but he's got some momentum behind him. |
6/1 |
|
3rd 17 (7) |
11th Jul 2026 Good To Firm 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
8st 9lb |
Has been headstrong in the past and he returned to form in a first-time hood (retained) with a close second of 16 over C&D (good) four weeks ago; today's company is tougher but he seems to like it here and remains well treated on last season's best efforts; due a 4lb rise; each-way chance. |
16/1 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 18 (2) |
22nd Aug 2026 Good To Soft 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
8st 10lb |
Back to form with a bang when scoring comfortably over C&D (good to firm) six weeks ago, his 20th outing at this track; retains handicapping scope on old form after a 6lb rise but he's yet to win back to back. |
16/1 |
|
1st 4 (9) |
10th Jul 2026 Good To Firm 1m 2f 56y Class 4 |
9st 12lb |
His 19 course starts have yielded five places and a win over 1m4f back in 2023 but he hasn't been at his best on turf here the last twice; back on a good mark but need to see more. |
20/1 |
|
12th 14 (2) |
12th Jun 2026 Good To Firm 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
8st 8lb |
18 starts here have yielded five places and a win over 1m4f back in 2023, although he wasn't at his best when beating one home in this race last year; in fair form over this trip on AW in the spring but his return to turf, when beaten 8l over 1m4f here one month ago, will need improving on. |
20/1 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12th 3 (11) |
22nd Aug 2026 Good To Soft 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 10lb |
Fourth in the John Smith's Cup over C&D and Cambridgeshire over 1m1f at Newmarket (both good to firm) on joining this yard last year and opened the current campaign with a win back at Newmarket (1m1f, good to firm again) in May; another creditable effort when sixth of 28 in Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot since, despite leaving the impression even a stiff 1m was a little on the short side; had winning form on softer than good in Ireland much earlier in his career; likely to be on the premises. |
7/1 |
|
6th 18 (24) |
17th Jun 2026 Good To Firm 1m 0f 0y Class 2 |
9st 3lb |
Campaigned over 1m1f/1m2f for current yard; beat Fifth Column by half a length at Newmarket (good to firm) in sole run this season, ending a five-year losing spell and showing he retains plenty of ability aged eight; has form claims but doesn't seem to be crying out for this return to 1m. |
12/1 |
|
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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 1 (4) |
30th Jun 2026 Good 1m 0f 208y Class 3 |
10st 4lb |
A good run of form last summer included a close second of 18 in a valuable 1m2f handicap at Glorious Goodwood (good; unraced on slower); however, he's failed to live up to that form since gelded and first-time cheekpieces (discarded now) may have been more of a hindrance than a help last time; capable but risky. |
12/1 |
|
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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 4 (1) |
29th Aug 2026 Good To Firm 1m 3f 218y Class 2 |
10st 0lb |
Losing run is mounting up but he remains useful and shaped well over 1m2f at Glorious Goodwood most recently, leaving the impression this return to 1m4f is worth exploring; possibilities off the same mark. |
7/2 |
|
4th 15 (18) |
28th Jul 2026 Good 1m 1f 197y Class 2 |
8st 11lb |
Beaten on his last 13 starts going back to May 2024 but he's run some big races and wasn't discredited in his two starts this term; third and tenth in the last two runnings of this race; claimer ridden for the first time as a handicapper and worth a second look despite wide draw. |
16/1 |
|
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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 6 (1) |
29th Jun 2026 Good To Firm 1m 2f 0y Class 3 |
9st 9lb |
Maiden winner who is 0-13 in handicaps; has a reduced mark and competitive this term, including over C&D, but others are preferred for win purposes. |
7/1 |
|
2nd 3 (4) |
8th Jun 2026 Good To Firm 1m 2f 0y Class 4 |
9st 8lb |
Maiden winner who is 0-12 in handicaps but he's on a reduced mark and ran respectably in a Class 3 at Windsor (1m2f, good to firm) two weeks ago; has possibilities if he can find something extra and he won't mind what the weather does. |
9/1 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 1 (1) |
15th Jul 2026 Good To Firm 0m 7f 135y Class 3 |
9st 11lb |
Gained a third win when beating Desert Shadow at Redcar (1m, good to firm) in May and he went down narrowly over that C&D (good; third has won since) four weeks ago; leading claims from an unchanged mark. |
Evs |
|
2nd 3 (6) |
19th Jun 2026 Good 0m 7f 219y Class 3 |
10st 0lb |
Respectable effort when fourth of 12 at Newbury (1m, good to firm) this month and the return here makes him especially interesting given he is 2-2 over C&D; drying ground a positive. |
11/2 |
|
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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 18 (2) |
1st Aug 2026 Good To Firm 1m 1f 11y Class 3 |
9st 3lb |
Inconsistent and his losing sequence is up to 11 races; however, he was a close third off this reduced mark at Musselburgh (1m1f, good) last time and is an each-way contender if backing up that performance. |
10/1 |
|
3rd 6 (7) |
30th Jun 2026 Good 1m 0f 208y Class 3 |
9st 4lb |
Can lead; 2-2 on this course in 2025, over 1m (good to soft) and 1m1f (good) but he hasn't been at full strength this year, including when back over C&D in April; this is a drop in grade from Newmarket in May but a complete revival is up in the air; yard runs two. |
12/1 |
|
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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 5 (5) |
1st Aug 2026 Good To Firm 1m 4f 0y Class 3 |
9st 6lb |
Has some back-class but now 0-11 for this yard and the form he showed in initial outings last summer has not been repeated; accelerating down the weights, which gives him a chance on this year's form even, but others are more convincing. |
12/1 |
|
6th 4 (4) |
29th Jun 2026 Good To Firm 1m 2f 0y Class 3 |
10st 0lb |
Has some back-class but now 0-10 for this yard and the form he showed in initial outings last summer has not been repeated; edging down the weights but the jockey here on penultimate start reported that he hung badly; others are more convincing. |
9/1 |
|
6th 3 (3) |
12th Jun 2026 Good 1m 1f 209y Class 3 |
9st 9lb |
Has some back-class but now 0-9 for this yard after beating one home on his return to 1m2f at Windsor 18 days ago; on the plus side, this bigger field might be more to his liking and in two previous visits to Sandown he's finished first and third; no surprise if he went well under Oisin Murphy, under whom he was fourth in last year's Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood (on soft). |
7/1 |
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