September 06 / 16.07 Haydock

16.07

Good

Betfair Be Friendly Handicap

  • Prize money: £25770
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
RTV
View Course
Betfair Be Friendly Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 12619- CD

Last run: 315 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Made good progress for Gemma Tutty last season, winning the 3yo Dash on Derby day before finishing second at Royal Ascot; smart form when winning a soft-ground C&D handicap last September; absent for 315 days but entirely possible he has more to offer and interesting to see how strong he is in the market after his absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(1)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

13:30 Doncaster

Blue Storm

9st 7lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Gemma Tutty

Had some useful form last year, including on soft, but he has yet to find his best in three runs in a truncated 2025 campaign; 9lb lower than when midfield in this race last year; others look safer.

12/1

4

(2)

11th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:15 York

Blue Storm

9st 7lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Gemma Tutty

Progressive last season when his two successes included the 3yo Dash on Derby day; missed the first half of this season and might have needed his first two runs back, never-dangerous fourth of ten at Haydock on latest; raced only at 5f but may now be ready for this step up in distance; still relatively low mileage and not ruled out.

20/1

1

(7)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Haydock

Blue Storm

9st 12lb

J: Sam James

T: Gemma Tutty

Progressive for Gemma Tutty last season, winning the 3yo Dash on Derby day and posting a personal best when beating nine rivals in this contest (just 1lb higher today) 12 months ago; weak in the market and might have needed the run after over ten months off when only sixth of eight here on reappearance; big player if building on that.

7/1

OUR TIP

Form: 6-0576 D

Last run: 70 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Did well for Robert Cowell last year, winning a handicap at Chester's May meeting and a Beverley Listed event (both 5f; good and good to firm but handles any ground); has not quite hit those heights this year but he's slipped in the weights and should give it a good go from the front; withdrawn at Glorious Goodwood having given trouble in the stalls.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20th

1

(3)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Democracy Dilemma

9st 12lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Robert Cowell

Front-runner; second in this race in 2024 off 3lb higher; ran away with a 5f handicap at Haydock (good ground) last September off this mark; unable to hit the same heights since but his AW third in February was a fair run; won't be inconvenienced should there be a marked deterioration in the going but a full revival is required; visor returns having been left off latest.

10/1

6th

2

(4)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 21y

Class 2

17:40 Windsor

Democracy Dilemma

9st 8lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Robert Cowell

Front-runner who looks well handicapped on his win at Haydock (5f, good) last autumn but he's been disappointing at Musselburgh and Goodwood this spring; has some questions to answer and he needs a major revival with headgear removed; stablemate of Rhythm N Hooves.

12/1

9th

1

(1)

1st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Goodwood

Democracy Dilemma

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Robert Cowell

Useful front-runner who returned with a good third in 5f AW listed event at Lingfield in February; not at his best on soft ground at Musselburgh since but can bounce back here.

8/1

Form: 13541- D

Last run: 269 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Smart 2yo for Kevin Ryan in 2021, winning two Group races in France; three 5f wins in Hong Kong since, the latest when last seen in December; 2-2 on slower than good so the ground shouldn't be an issue; hard to assess back in Britain but he's up against in-form rivals and probably vulnerable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(2)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Atomic Force

10st 2lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Edward Bethell

Won twice on AW in early part of this year and kept on well from the rear for creditable third in quite valuable C&D (good) contest last month; also suited by good to soft ground and has the early speed to race much closer to the pace from his favourable draw if that's the plan.

11/2

3rd

4

(6)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Atomic Force

9st 6lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Edward Bethell

Successful in last two AW attempts but wasn't in anything like the same form returned to turf last time (effective in this sphere in the past); remains on career-high mark and can be opposed kept to grass.

16/1

11th

4

(12)

7th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

15:57 Pontefract

Atomic Force

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Edward Bethell

Had a long spell in Hong Kong; gradually back in business since returning to Britain and gained 5f AW wins the last twice; still attractively treated, considering he was a dual Group scorer on turf as a 2yo.

8/1

Form: -00145 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 8st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Not far off his very best when beating 13 rivals in a 5f handicap at Doncaster in June; not so good twice since and needs a full revival but he is bidding to provide Mick Appleby with a third consecutive winner of this race; blinkers return today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

11

(6)

29th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

19:00 Windsor

Baldomero

9st 1lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Michael Appleby

Multiple wins but he's won just once on turf in nearly two years and is suited by good or slower ground; two fair efforts of late (no help from the draw at Chester recently) but there may be other days.

20/1

7th

2

(7)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

13:35 Chester

Baldomero

9st 2lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

His turf wins (5f to 6.5f) have come on good or slower; well held in three runs this spring but he offered more at Doncaster one week ago, when third despite blowing the start; mark fine and he needs respecting on this first visit to Chester on his 70th start.

11/2

3rd

5

(2)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

14:30 Doncaster

Baldomero

9st 7lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Michael Appleby

His turf wins have come on good or slower including heavy ground; well held in three runs this spring but he won three times on AW during the winter and was successful in this race last year; now 2lb lower than for his last win and has claims if he can rediscover his spark.

9/1

Form: 2-3583 CD

Last run: 44 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Strong C&D form last year, including a defeat of American Affair and a close second in this race when rated 3lb higher; the form of his Musselburgh third in April could hardly have worked out better (winner and second both Group-race winners since) and he was again third at Yarmouth when last seen six weeks ago; obvious claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(11)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Jer Batt

9st 8lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: David & Nicola Barron

Without a win since August 2024 but well treated on last year's best efforts and he shaped when seventh of 14 over C&D three weeks ago as though he'd be sharper for that comeback run; seems to like it here; on the shortlist.

7/1

7th

12

(9)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 2

15:42 Musselburgh

Jer Batt

8st 6lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: David & Nicola Barron

A losing sequence is mounting but he has a win and a third from just two attempts over C&D, and the latter was first time out last season; 7lb lower here and he's of obvious interest if cherry ripe after 161 days off (has had wind surgery); one of two very plausible candidates for the Barrons.

11/2

11

(5)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

13:30 Doncaster

Jer Batt

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: David & Nicola Barron

Close second in this race 12 months ago (Oisin Murphy on board) when rated 4lb higher; knocking at the door this season and the addition of cheekpieces could give him a lift; shortlisted.

11/2

Form: 50-034

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Appeared to run well when a close third at Hamilton last month but that effort is sandwiched by two lesser efforts; down in the weights but stable may have stronger claims with Democracy Dilemma.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(6)

16th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Chelmsford (AW)

Alaskan Gold

9st 12lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Robert Cowell

Not beaten far at Hamilton in August (5f, good) but only four ran there and he hasn't built on it since; will be 3lb lower from the weekend and easy enough to have reservations.

25/1

2

(11)

7th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Leicester

Alaskan Gold

9st 9lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Robert Cowell

Smart on his day, as when close up in a Group 3 at Newbury (7f, good to soft) in April 2024; showed he was sharp enough for 5f when going down in a tight finish at Hamilton (good; four ran) in August and although below that level since he'll be suited by a return to good to soft ground in this lower grade than of late; has run well in a visor and it's now refitted.

8/1

6

(3)

6th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:07 Haydock

Alaskan Gold

8st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Robert Cowell

Appeared to run well when a close third at Hamilton last month but that effort is sandwiched by two lesser efforts; down in the weights but stable may have stronger claims with Democracy Dilemma.

33/1

Form: 115113 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
One of the success stories of the season, winning six times (including C&D); only third at York 17 days ago but she did best of the prominent racers and it was another step forward from her; 3lb rise shouldn't prevent her making another bold bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(3)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 1

13:50 Sandown

Luna A Inbhir Nis

9st 2lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Katie Scott

Scottish raider who has shown great progress, having gone from winning off a mark of 57 early last season to running well in Listed grade a couple of times, including on penultimate start; this is harder.

25/1

6th

6

(14)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

16:08 Ayr

Luna A Inbhir Nis

9st 6lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Katie Scott

Had a wonderful year in 2025, winning six times and rounding off her campaign with a good fifth behind Beautiful Diamond in a Listed event over 5.5f here (soft); down the field on her return but she quickly rebounded with a fine third at Carlisle (Listed; 5f, good to firm) three weeks ago; still improving but the forecast rain may suit others better.

8/1

12/1

Form: 526078 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 8st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Made a bright start to the campaign but his last three runs have been disappointing; should be well treated but others come here with less to prove; the hood is left off today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22

(14)

11th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:15 York

Loom

8st 9lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Richard Fahey

Just one win to his name but runner-up in a big field at the Dante meeting here and again found only one too good at Southwell in September; however, both those runs were over 5f, he hasn't looked as effective at this trip and he never looked like getting involved over 5f here on Friday.

25/1

8

(1)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:25 York

Loom

9st 3lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard Fahey

Ran a cracker to finish second of 22 in a hot 3yo C&D handicap at the Dante meeting; unable to build on that since but he returned to form when second at Southwell 17 days ago; that was a drop in class and a 2lb rise back up in grade could find him out.

10/1

3

(3)

23rd Sep 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Loom

9st 11lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard Fahey

Started the campaign in good form, notably when second of 22 at the Dante meeting at York (5f, good to firm); his progress has stalled more recently though and hopes rest on the drop into Class 4 company perking him up.

7/1

Form: 892071 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
The winner of three races this season, the latest a 5f handicap at Pontefract three weeks ago; a 3lb rise against stronger opposition could find him out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(6)

17th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

19:07 Pontefract

Reigning Profit

9st 1lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Gained a first win of 2026 in 5f handicap at Ripon 11 days ago; usual visor goes back on now and this four-time C&D scorer is not out of things under a 4lb penalty.

7/1

1st

3

(2)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:40 Ripon

Reigning Profit

9st 11lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Ruth Carr

Markedly more exposed than Goyard but is similar in one respect, being 2-2 at Ripon; recent form is respectable enough to put him in calculations off a workable mark back at this course.

11/2

6th

7

(8)

25th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

19:30 Hamilton

Reigning Profit

9st 6lb

J: Sam James

T: Ruth Carr

Bounced back from below-par run at York with close fourth at Pontefract (5f, good) on Sunday, and his best run this season came when close second of 13 over this C&D (good) last month; not ruled out back here.

8/1

Form: 013-30 C

Last run: 45 days

W: 8st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Course winner (6f) who was a good third of 16 here in May (6f, good); down the field at Doncaster when last seen in July; drops to 5f in a useful event and minor money perhaps his best hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(7)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

15:12 Lingfield (AW)

Sergeant Pep

9st 3lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Clive Cox

Twice a runner-up over 6f this winter, including here, but he raced too freely in one 7f run and he still has to prove he needs this far.

7/2

3rd

7

(10)

6th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Sergeant Pep

9st 5lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Clive Cox

He has finished second on his last two attempts at this trip, chasing home Hundred Caps at Southwell 17 days ago; 4lb better off with his old rival today; each-way claims.

8/1

2nd

5

(4)

20th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

17:30 Southwell (AW)

Sergeant Pep

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Ran encouragingly at Lingfield (6f) on belated return to AW and the step up to 7f provides an excuse for subsequent effort; remains well treated on best turf form; possibilities.

13/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £34.30
Straight Forecast £28.46
Tricast £53.49
Trifecta £95.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Jer Batt

RP RATINGS:

Luna A Inbhir Nis

Telegraph:

Sergeant Pep

D Express:

Blue Storm

Daily Mail:

Democracy Dilemma

Daily Mirror:

Baldomero

POSTDATA:

Luna A Inbhir Nis

The Times:

Luna A Inbhir Nis

The Star:

Luna A Inbhir Nis

TOPSPEED:

Jer Batt

THE NORTH:

Jer Batt

The Guardian:

Jer Batt

Daily Record:

Jer Batt

The Sun:

Sergeant Pep