August 25 / 14.45 Epsom

14.45

Good

Betfred “The Classic Bookmaker” Handicap

  • Prize money: £10308
  • 0m 7f 3y
  • Class 3
  • 9 runners
RTV
View Course
Betfred “The Classic Bookmaker” Handicap

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

13/2 (Won)

Form: 122126 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who has won three times this year and latest was over C&D in June; couldn't hang in there at Galway (sixth of 15) last time but that was a respectable effort from a tough draw and he still looks on a workable mark; dangerous dropped back in grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

6

(17)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Partisan Hero

10st 1lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: David Loughnane

Some good efforts over 5f this year but he has met his match in Group races won by Rumstar, Cover Up and American Affair on his last three starts and has it to prove in this company.

66/1

7th

6

(8)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Partisan Hero

9st 4lb

J: Colin Keane

T: David Loughnane

6yo who has been campaigned over further for the majority of his career but he's been a progressive sprinter this season, finishing third in a Group 3 at Sandown (5f, good) on July 4 then runner-up in Group 2 at the Curragh (5f, good to firm) last time; however, this tougher race demands more.

20/1

2nd

5

(2)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

15:25 Curragh

Partisan Hero

9st 9lb

J: Colin Keane

T: David Loughnane

British challenger a five-time handicap winner, most recently scoring off 92 at York in May; creditable first run in stakes company in a Sandown Group 3 last time when a 1.25l third behind the 110-rated Rumstar; that's solid form and Colin Keane keeps the faith; place chance.

12/1

Form: 196613 CD

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Made it 3-6 when landing a C&D handicap (good) last month and he found more progress when front-running third in big field at Glorious Goodwood (7f, good to soft); only 1lb higher on this drop back in grade and he's an interesting contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(2)

31st Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 3

15:00 Epsom

Aurora Majesty

9st 12lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Archie Watson

His two C&D runs last season yielded a win and a close second (in this race off a 1lb higher mark); best effort this year when third of 13 at Southwell two weeks ago; handles good to soft but untried on slower.

5/1

3rd

9

(12)

16th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

15:40 Southwell (AW)

Aurora Majesty

9st 5lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Archie Watson

2-3 on AW surfaces; he's on a handy mark on last season's best efforts and the signs were more encouraging at Thirsk 15 days ago (7f), as although only midfield he wasn't beaten all that far; others are still preferred.

20/1

7th

4

(1)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:47 Thirsk

Aurora Majesty

9st 8lb

J: William Cox

T: Archie Watson

Well beaten on final outing last season and same story on reappearance at Epsom on Oaks day (pulled hard); he has something to prove but that latest outing may have got the freshness out of him and he's on a handy mark on last season's best efforts; not written off.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 36-558

Last run: 44 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Short-headed in 3yo Listed race over C&D last May and he ran some good races in defeat in Qatar and UAE between last November and this March; however, he returned to Britain with a 9l defeat at York last month and needs to leave that form well behind; cheekpieces reapplied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(5)

12th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:47 Goodwood

Native American

9st 10lb

J: George Wood

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Kept on for third at Epsom (7f, good) in August and 6l second at Sandown (7f, soft) last time behind an improved winner; the step back up in trip could be a plus (he ran well over 1m1f at Meydan in February); chance.

12/1

2

(9)

12th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Sandown

Native American

9st 10lb

J: Faleh Bughenaim

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Useful at two and three when trained by Richard Fahey; unable to win in the Middle East last winter but he ran his best race for a while when third of nine in a 7f handicap (good) at Epsom 18 days ago, plugging on having been outpaced in the straight; today's more conventional track should suit and he'll be fine on good to soft (unraced on slower).

4/1

3rd

1

(6)

25th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 3y

Class 3

14:45 Epsom

Native American

10st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Short-headed in 3yo Listed race over C&D last May and he ran some good races in defeat in Qatar and UAE between last November and this March; however, he returned to Britain with a 9l defeat at York last month and needs to leave that form well behind; cheekpieces reapplied.

7/1

Form: 311102 CD BF

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Won three in a row on fast ground in June/July and second leg was over C&D; had tough task at Glorious Goodwood but he returned to form with a strong-finishing second at Musselburgh (7f, good) 17 days ago; looks interesting off only 1lb higher here and he's 2-4 at this track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(4)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 3

15:34 Haydock

Crimson Spirit

10st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Better than ever when landing a second 7f Goodwood success of the year in 20-runner event at last week's Glorious meeting (good to firm), with the reopposing Pellitory well behind; a further 4lb rise seems unlikely to prevent another prominent showing from this thriving 5yo.

13/8

1st

11

(10)

29th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:40 Goodwood

Crimson Spirit

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Three wins last year and he won 14-runner handicap over C&D (good) in May; solid fourth to Colombier at Epsom next time and it was a narrow career best when second of 11 at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) 18 days ago; will probably need another pb but that's not out of the question and Ryan Moore rides; considered.

15/2

2nd

1

(4)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:10 Newmarket (July)

Crimson Spirit

10st 2lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Arrives in good form having won at Goodwood (7f, good) then made the frame in competitive field at Epsom (7f, good to soft); however, he remains on a career-high mark and has to concede weight all round.

9/2

Form: 414311 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Seven-time turf winner, who has won three of his last five starts including a dominant display at Beverley (7.4f, good to firm) 12 days ago; up 7lb but he really kicked on again with that 4l win and he's open to more progress; big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

(9)

12th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 75y

Class 4

15:45 Beverley

Bell Shot

10st 3lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Michael Appleby

Races prominently; easy winner of this 12 months ago when only 2lb lower and he returns on the back of some solid efforts, the latest over 6f which has to bode well; good chance.

6/1

2nd

2

(3)

26th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:30 Pontefract

Bell Shot

9st 10lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Michael Appleby

Prominent racer; series of good runs at around 7f since May; slipping down the weights and should be a key player back at 6f.

4/1

4th

6

(6)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:42 Newmarket (July)

Bell Shot

9st 9lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Michael Appleby

Kickstarted 2026 with 6f success at Southwell off 2lb higher; respectable third of ten over 7f at Epsom (good) 17 days ago; successful on his previous outing over C&D; this prominent racer is capable of making a bold bid.

7/2

Form: 332033 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Did well at Meydan earlier in the year (7f/1m) and was a close third at Sandown (7f, good to firm) last month but he didn't really fire at Newmarket (third of six) last time; that took his record to 1-10 and others are more persuasive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(14)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:00 Goodwood

The Fingal Raven

9st 1lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Seems to need good ground or firmer; gained his only turf success at Meydan but ran well, amid traffic issues, at Glorious Goodwood (7f) most recently; another good effort is not ruled out.

20/1

3rd

8

(1)

29th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:40 Goodwood

The Fingal Raven

9st 8lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Tends to reserve his best for Meydan and he hasn't landed a telling blow in valuable handicaps at Royal Ascot and Newmarket on his last two starts; well drawn and he drops in grade, though.

25/1

20/1

Form: -26007 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Record of 2-4 as a 2yo; found more progress when a close second on seasonal debut at Newmarket (7f, good) in April but he's struggled in four subsequent runs; mark is falling but he needs a major revival with headgear added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

(9)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:09 Newmarket (July)

Fifty Nifty

9st 4lb

J: George Wood

T: Martin Dunne

Has won over 1m but recent efforts at 6f and after his C&D win he fared best of those held up when third last week; this could pan out more favourably for him.

9/1

3rd

1

(2)

14th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:02 Newmarket (July)

Fifty Nifty

10st 5lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Martin Dunne

Ended a long long losing run when coming from rear for a narrow success over C&D (good to firm) last week; that was a surprise at 18-1 but he's only 3lb higher under a penalty and two of his three wins have been at this track; respected.

3/1

1st

7

(9)

7th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:12 Newmarket (July)

Fifty Nifty

9st 6lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Martin Dunne

On a two-year losing spell and isn't totally solid on 2026 efforts but the latest is best forgiven (got no sort of run; second start for new yard); attractively treated on best form and is a course winner.

8/1

Form: 19-260 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Three turf wins in the mud in France; creditable second on British/stable debut at Kempton (7f, AW) in January but he failed to build on that at Newcastle and was virtually pulled up on his Goodwood reappearance (7f, good) last month; bled from the nose last time but he looks on a tough enough mark and others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(1)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 16y

Class 4

17:43 Chepstow

Society Man

9st 5lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Charlie Johnston

All three wins on turf came on testing ground in France and his best efforts in Britain have been on the AW, including a win at Kempton in October; below par in recent starts and has been dropped another 2lb.

11/1

6th

3

(5)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

14:50 Musselburgh

Society Man

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Charlie Johnston

His best efforts in Britain have been on AW and he was ideally suited by testing ground when trained in France; none too consistent, either.

12/1

Form: 722010

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Trounced his rivals in Windsor novice (1m, good to firm) last month but he's found things tough in Ascot handicaps (Class 2) either side of that; still unexposed and now drops back in grade but he needs more progress back at this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(2)

26th Sep 2025

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Newmarket

Competizione

9st 9lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

Has something to prove having been well beaten in handicaps on his last two starts; however, this 3yo impressed in a novice at Windsor (1m, good to firm) in July and is in top hands; too soon to write him off.

10/1

9th

5

(1)

25th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 3y

Class 3

14:45 Epsom

Competizione

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: John & Thady Gosden

Trounced his rivals in Windsor novice (1m, good to firm) last month but he's found things tough in Ascot handicaps (Class 2) either side of that; still unexposed and now drops back in grade but he needs more progress back at this trip.

7/1

12th

15

(16)

26th Jul 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Competizione

8st 10lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: John & Thady Gosden

Made no impact in the Britannia and he faced a much easier task when landing the odds in Windsor novice (1m, good to firm) next time; back in deeper waters here but he's low mileage, in good hands and hard to rule out.

11/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £18.21
Tricast £96.49

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Crimson Spirit

Daily Mail:

Aurora Majesty

POSTDATA:

Competizione

Telegraph:

Bell Shot

The Times:

The Fingal Raven

NEWMARKET:

Native American

TOPSPEED:

Partisan Hero

The Star:

Competizione

Daily Mirror:

Aurora Majesty

Daily Record:

Aurora Majesty

RP RATINGS:

Crimson Spirit

LAMBOURN:

Crimson Spirit

D Express:

Crimson Spirit

The Sun:

Crimson Spirit

The Guardian:

Bell Shot