September 05 / 14.42 Haydock

14.42

Good

Arete Foundation Stakes Handicap (Div I)

  • Prize money: £6280.8
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
RTV
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Arete Foundation Stakes Handicap (Div I)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: —

OUR TIP

Form: 973060

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent 3yo who made it 0-6 for the year when down the field at Chepstow last month; however, he's dropped down the weights and will be in with a shout if reproducing this season's best form; versatile ground-wise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(1)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 4

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

King Of Bears

9st 5lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Brian Toomey

Absent since winning in first-time blinkers (retained) over C&D three months ago on second start for new yard and on AW; unexposed in this sphere and still has leeway in the handicap (peak mark was 16lb higher).

7/1

5th

2

(1)

1st Nov 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Newmarket

King Of Bears

9st 7lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Brian Toomey

In and out for George Scott this season but not disgraced over 7f at Chelmsford (AW debut) three weeks ago; can compete off a career-low mark so would have real possibilities if revitalised by a change of stable.

10/1

5th

2

(1)

1st Nov 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Newmarket

King Of Bears

9st 7lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Brian Toomey

In and out for George Scott this season but not disgraced over 7f at Chelmsford (AW debut) three weeks ago; can compete off a career-low mark so would have real possibilities if revitalised by a change of stable.

10/1

Form: 96-867 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
5yo who is 0-12 since winning first two career starts; however, he hasn't been beaten far the last twice (5f, good/good to firm) and may be able to build on those runs when back on a slow surface; a tongue-tie goes on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(8)

19th Oct 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 4

16:55 Pontefract

Changeofmind

9st 5lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Ended a long losing run when winning over this C&D in May but he's mostly fallen short of that form since, including on his last two starts; needs much more.

16/1

7th

6

(9)

28th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

16:04 Hamilton

Changeofmind

9st 3lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Gained sole handicap success in Class 5 in May and achieved his subsequent placed form in Class 4; came up short in Class 3 last time and can be opposed kept to this grade.

16/1

10th

11

(2)

13th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

13:25 Doncaster

Changeofmind

9st 4lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Pontefract (5f, good to soft) in May saw him end a losing run and he's been competitive again on last two outings when short-headed at Newcastle (5f, AW) and close up on heavy ground at Haydock; a bit more is needed, though.

20/1

Form: 7244-9 D BF

Last run: 128 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Well beaten on stable/seasonal debut in April and unruly/withdrawn from latest intended engagement in June (5-1 at the time); however, he's well handicapped on last season's best form (on good/heavy) and his new trainer does very well with recruits from other yards; a hood goes on; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

29th May 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

20:25 Wolverhampton (AW)

Hedge Fund

9st 8lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Michael Appleby

Won over 6f on this track as 2yo; winless since that season but he's shown enough to think he can be placed to advantage off a reduced mark; had a troubled start to the season at Beverley but it's too soon to write him off; hood refitted with cheekpieces added.

10/1

7th

6

(8)

4th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:15 Beverley

Hedge Fund

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Michael Appleby

Not a prolific winner; rather disappointing for this yard in a light campaign last season, best run when third at Haydock in September (5f, good; hood on for first time); no hood this time; on a good mark and could go well.

7/1

Form: 130-48

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Disappointing at Windsor in July but this 4yo often runs well and was a close fourth on reappearance at Ayr (6f, good to soft) a fortnight earlier; handles good/soft ground; could be in the mix in a first-time hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(1)

24th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:30 Southwell (AW)

Phoenix Of Dreams

9st 9lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: John & Sean Quinn

7f winner on Newcastle AW in March when only 1lb lower; that stiffer finish suits him well and he was beaten 3l over C&D when last seen in April.

7/2

4

(11)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 5

20:00 Ayr

Phoenix Of Dreams

9st 12lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: John & Sean Quinn

7f winner on Newcastle AW in March; back on turf for the first time since last October but he's 8lb lower today and he does act on grass; however, jockey bookings suggest Highfield Viking is the stable preferred.

14/1

3rd

3

(4)

28th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:42 Southwell (AW)

Phoenix Of Dreams

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: John & Sean Quinn

Wins have been over 6f on turf and 7f on the AW (Newcastle); has been running well for a while and latest effort back at Newcastle was better than it looks.

5/1

Form: 438652 D

Last run: 76 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
8yo who isn't the force of old but is handicapped accordingly and has run some good races in defeat this year, most recently runner-up at Redcar (5f, good to firm); also runner-up on soft last August; in the shake-up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(6)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 3

16:15 Southwell (AW)

Alligator Alley

9st 4lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ruth Carr

9yo who was well beaten at 33-1 at Redcar a fortnight ago; however, he may have needed that first run since January and he completed an AW hat-trick late last year, the first leg coming over this C&D; he's won here three times and could bounce back with a bold show returned to Southwell.

10/1

9th

2

(9)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Redcar

Alligator Alley

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ruth Carr

Enjoyed a terrific spell on AW at the end of 2025, winning four times; given a break since a lesser effort behind Spring Is Sprung at Southwell in January; runner-up in this race last year but off 14lb lower.

25/1

2

(9)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

Alligator Alley

9st 9lb

J: William Pyle

T: Ruth Carr

Has only managed to win two of his last 31 starts, though he got it right when recording his second C&D success last month (four of these behind); had excuses back here last time (blindfold removed late) and he's a big player if things pan out right this time.

4/1

Form: -62399 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
On a competitive mark on form as recent as June but hasn't been at the top of her game on her two outings for this yard; unproven on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(4)

7th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Noel Fox

9st 12lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

Both wins on turf in 2024 when trained by Ralph Beckett; ran her best race for current yard when third of ten here (6f) on AW debut ten days ago; is at least as effective over 7f and should run well.

7/2

4

(3)

27th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Noel Fox

9st 12lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

Best of three runs for this yard when fourth of 14 at Haydock (5f) three weeks ago, keeping on; at least as effective over 6f and well treated on her best form for Ralph Beckett; AW debut.

7/1

6

(9)

5th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:42 Haydock

Noel Fox

9st 7lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

On a competitive mark on form as recent as June but hasn't been at the top of her game on her two outings for this yard; unproven on slow ground.

25/1

Form: 137261 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
9yo who has been a bit up and down this season but has won twice, most recently at Catterick (5f, good) last week for which he is penalised 4lb; has won on a variety of ground and this C&D winner has to be respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(2)

31st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:10 Ripon

Glory Fighter

9st 5lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Front-running veteran who has won 11 times; his last success was off 4lb higher at Nottingham (5f, good) in April but he's been disappointing since and needs to get back on track.

20/1

6th

6

(4)

7th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:40 Thirsk

Glory Fighter

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Front-running veteran who has won 11 times including over C&D; got pestered for the lead at Catterick last time but he's been disappointing since his win at Nottingham (5f, good) in April and others are preferred.

8/1

6th

5

(1)

11th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

19:52 Catterick

Glory Fighter

9st 5lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

Two of 11 wins have been over C&D; latest success was at Nottingham (5f, good) in April but rather disappointing since; has a bit to prove.

9/1

Form: 787502 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
8yo who had struggled to get competitive in the main since winning at Musselburgh (5f, good to soft) in April, but he returned to form with a near-miss at Beverley (5f, good to firm) 12 days ago; he's another 1lb lower than last time and goes on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(15)

12th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Zarzyni

9st 4lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: David & Nicola Barron

Three-time C&D winner, including twice off higher marks in the month of April; unlucky third, having found daylight too late, in this race 12 months ago; soft ground was against him here last weekend; likely player if the cards drop right.

10/1

9th

6

(8)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

16:45 Musselburgh

Zarzyni

9st 0lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Below best on latest course start in October but has a strong C&D record otherwise, three wins include this race (good to soft) last year; now 2lb lower and primed for a good run if he avoids trouble in running.

9/2

7th

10

(4)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Zarzyni

9st 5lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Hasn't won as often as one of his ability probably should but he did score twice in 2025, the latter win over C&D; 3lb higher in a better race this time and he'll need to be somewhere near last year's best to take this after four months off.

14/1

Form: 333160 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Running consistently well prior to winning at Ayr (5f, good to soft) in July; his form has dipped on his last two starts but the return to slow ground would probably aid his cause and he could have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

11

(13)

16th Oct 2026

Heavy

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:37 Haydock

Parisiac

8st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Iain Jardine

Midfield at Ayr (6f, heavy) last Thursday and same story at York (5f, soft) on Friday; however, he twice went close on consecutive days at the end of September (5f/6f, soft/heavy) and is not ruled out under Billy Loughnane.

14/1

2nd

6

(4)

29th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:40 Ayr

Parisiac

9st 9lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Iain Jardine

Won at Hamilton (5f, good) in June and runner-up on next two starts, over this C&D (soft) on the latter occasion; three lesser runs followed but he was bang there when third back on soft ground at Hamilton (5f) yesterday and has to be considered after that revival.

9/1

3rd

9

(2)

28th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

16:04 Hamilton

Parisiac

8st 11lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Iain Jardine

Class 5 success over C&D initiated a solid start to the season; the subsequent other half of his campaign is characterised by a dip in form; no certainty to take advantage of drop back down weights.

20/1

Form: 934040 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
3-11 on AW as opposed to 0-8 on turf but has a lower mark to work with in this sphere and he was a 3l fourth of 14 off 2lb higher at Thirsk last month on his last outing on grass; might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

11

(3)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Monks Dream

9st 4lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Has gained all four of his wins at Newcastle, with the most recent of those successes coming there over 5f 16 days ago; 3lb rise looks fair but he was well beaten when last seen over 6f.

8/1

1st

2

(4)

4th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Monks Dream

9st 8lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

All three of his wins have come at Newcastle and he has run some good races this winter, including his latest third when keeping on after an awkward start (not his first); capable at this level; respected.

9/2

Form: 5-8000 C

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 2lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Four-time course winner who has tumbled down the weights and runs here for the first time this season; however, this 11yo has been struggling this year and a major turnaround is required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(3)

20th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 5f 110y

Class 4

15:40 Chester

Hyperfocus

9st 1lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Tim Easterby

Won over C&D (good to soft) last July but he's lost his way and has been out of sorts this season; now 17lb lower than for that last win but the veteran has a lot to prove.

20/1

115

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Hyperfocus

8st 8lb

T: Tim Easterby

11

(1)

5th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:42 Haydock

Hyperfocus

9st 2lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Four-time course winner who has tumbled down the weights and runs here for the first time this season; however, this 11yo has been struggling this year and a major turnaround is required.

25/1

Form: 231453 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Won at Ayr (6f, good to soft) in July and third of eight there (6f, good to firm) last month; also effective elsewhere and at 5f, and has won on her last two encounters with slow ground; firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(2)

16th Oct 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 5

16:12 Redcar

Taygar

9st 3lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Michael Dods

No show back on AW last time but she's had plenty of close calls this season, including at Ripon (6f, good) on her penultimate run; has claims if she can recapture that form and her four turf wins include one over C&D.

12/1

2nd

6

(3)

26th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:40 Ripon

Taygar

9st 8lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

4-36 overall and has her first race here; no win since July 2025 and, having been runner-up four times this May-July, her form has deserted her lately.

12/1

9th

5

(8)

8th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 6

15:03 Catterick

Taygar

9st 11lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

String of consistent efforts in defeat before a couple of quieter runs lately; won't mind any rain, down to a career-low mark, but needs to bounce back.

6/1

12/1

Form: 840005 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Without a win since 2023 and hasn't shaped on last few starts as though he's about to snap that losing sequence; however, his last two wins have come on soft ground and this season's appearances have been on good/good to firm going; on a reduced mark; could bounce back if slow ground prevails.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

12

(11)

30th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

15:58 Musselburgh

Wen Moon

9st 0lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

C&D win on soft last November; a couple of promising efforts this year and further rain won't hurt his chance; would be of more interest at a lower level though.

16/1

7th

6

(1)

8th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:21 Catterick

Wen Moon

9st 8lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Ben Haslam

Proficient with cut underfoot (achieved three RPRs in 90s on soft/heavy, 5f-6f); absent since finishing third to Rock Of England at Ripon (5f, good) in June; capable from this mark if ready to roll; consult the market.

4/1

16/1

Form: 050080

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
9yo who has tumbled down the weights; however, he's failed to shine this year for Rebecca Menzies and needs to get back on track on stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

(6)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Arnhem

8st 6lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Jim Goldie

He did well after joining this yard last year and he's on a handy mark; he should get back on track sooner or later but this 10yo has failed to shine on his last three outings, over C&D on last two starts.

25/1

9th

15

(5)

12th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Arnhem

9st 0lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Jim Goldie

Veteran whose form has dipped in last two outings, latest over C&D eight days ago; doesn't look as if he's about to improve his poor strike-rate (long time between drinks).

20/1

8th

8

(11)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

16:45 Musselburgh

Arnhem

8st 10lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Jim Goldie

Good turf spell in the autumn included a winning yard debut at Haydock (good) and a close second over C&D (soft); has run well on AW since but looks to have his share of weight; trainer runs five and won this in 2024.

14/1

Selections

NEWMARKET:

King Of Bears

The Guardian:

Zarzyni

RP RATINGS:

Alligator Alley

TOPSPEED:

Wen Moon

SPOTLIGHT:

Taygar

POSTDATA:

Changeofmind

The Sun:

Glory Fighter

The Times:

King Of Bears

The Star:

King Of Bears

Telegraph:

Wen Moon

Daily Mirror:

Zarzyni

Daily Record:

Zarzyni

Daily Mail:

Alligator Alley

D Express:

Alligator Alley