September 12 / 17.20 Doncaster

17.20

Good

Danum Homes Excellence In Build Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £11514.8
  • 0m 6f 2y
  • Class 4
  • 15 runners
SKY
View Course
Danum Homes Excellence In Build Apprentice Handicap

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

Form: 650080

Last run: 7 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Disappointing on suitably soft ground at Ascot last Friday in 7f classified event he'd won 12 months earlier; 0-6 for current yard and now drops to sprinting for first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

(1)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

19:45 Hamilton

Lord Bertie

9st 12lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

His wins have come on slow ground but he was beaten only 3l in a big field at York (7f, good to firm) last month; that was a creditable effort after a slow start and he ran well over this trip at Ayr on his penultimate run; could be dangerous.

8/1

Form: -45362 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Best on good/softer in this sphere; largely consistent in defeat this year, close second on AW last week; won off this mark over C&D last term and looks a major player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(1)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

Knebworth

9st 5lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Reliable operator on AW and after wins at Chelmsford and Wolverhampton he found only Tuco Salamanca too strong in his hat-trick bid in March; better off with that rival today but not sure he's quite so progressive.

16/1

2nd

3

(3)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:03 Kempton (AW)

Knebworth

9st 7lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

2-2 this year, winning 6f handicaps at Chelmsford in January and at Wolverhampton three weeks ago; 6lb rise for latest success takes him to a career-high mark but he is well drawn and should give it another good go.

6/1

1st

5

(4)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 3

14:05 Wolverhampton (AW)

Knebworth

9st 6lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Richard Hughes

Running in this race for the third time, having finished second in 2024 and fourth last year; those runs were after a break but he has the benefit of a run this time around, winning a 6f handicap at Chelmsford five weeks ago; still on a feasible mark and he is a key player for a stable going well.

3/1

Form: -24005 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Not in top form since reappearance but will be an interesting type when back on slower ground; has a record of 1112 in 6f contests on softer than good; mark is workable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(7)

3rd Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Bob Mali

8st 12lb

J: David Egan

T: Charles Hills

All three wins on ground slower than good, the latest two on heavy, and he's been taken out of races on good and quicker ground; rarely seen the best of him in 2025 but a latest close second of 15 at Doncaster (6f, good) offered hope; rain welcome; yard runs two.

7/1

3

(14)

12th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

17:20 Doncaster

Bob Mali

9st 13lb

J: Tommie Jakes

T: Charles Hills

Not in top form since reappearance but will be an interesting type when back on slower ground; has a record of 1112 in 6f contests on softer than good; mark is workable.

12/1

Form: 343739 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Has made the frame in most outings this term and could well rebound from a lesser effort last time; scored over C&D (good to firm; off 2lb lower) last year; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

(5)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

15:37 Doncaster

Rock Opera

9st 9lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Resumed winning ways at Pontefract (6f) in June but below par in big-field 6f handicaps at York on his last two runs; this course scorer needs to bounce back on a rare run over 7f.

9/1

13th

22

(14)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:00 York

Rock Opera

8st 2lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Run of in-frame efforts came to an end here two weeks ago but he still ran with more promise than his finishing position suggests; still likely vulnerable at this level.

25/1

Form: 051000 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Recorded a comfortable success over C&D (good to firm) in June but the rest of his 2025 form is mostly duck eggs; not sure what to expect, even though he's back here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(1)

1st Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Ripon

Another Investment

9st 5lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Rattled the crossbar on three occasions this summer, missing out by a nose at Carlisle (6f, good; 5-2 favourite) in early July; failed to fire (only sixth) back there three weeks ago and he's probably missed his opportunity for now.

14/1

6th

4

(3)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 5

16:15 Carlisle

Another Investment

9st 13lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Runner-up three consecutive times since returning from short break in June, losing out only by a nose over C&D (good) on second occasion; creeping up the weights but ought to be right in the thick of things again.

7/2

2nd

1

(8)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 5

18:00 Doncaster

Another Investment

9st 11lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

C&D winner; runner-up on last two starts, beaten a nose at Carlisle (6f, good; 5-2 favourite) four weeks ago; that form looks solid, with the winner running well in a Class 4 at York subsequently; 1lb higher, but does have Alex Jary's 3lb claim to assist; key player.

4/1

Form: -29050 CD

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
All out to win over C&D (soft; off 2lb higher) last October; has lacked consistency since, including here; chance partly depends on how well he responds to new headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(10)

22nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 5

19:30 Redcar

Irish Nectar

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Michael Herrington

Winless since 2024 but he comes here in good nick, not seen to ideal effect when ninth of 12 in 6f Southwell AW handicap last month when racing wide; of some interest off a 3lb lower mark with yard going very well.

6/1

9th

6

(12)

27th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

18:05 Southwell (AW)

Irish Nectar

9st 7lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

Found the drop to 5f against him last time (Tapeta), following a slow start, in a Newcastle handicap in which the leaders didn't come back; become very hit and miss but a case could be made dropped 2lb.

6/1

Form: 306882

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Unproven on soft/heavy; went very close in first-time blinkers at Ripon (6f) most recently and remains well treated on peak form; enters calculations in the retained blinds.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

17

(15)

28th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Thirsk

Woodstock

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Ruth Carr

Gained a deserved first success of 2026 in 20-runner handicap at Ripon (6f) 13 days ago; not out of things despite a 5lb weights rise.

10/1

1st

7

(10)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Ripon

Woodstock

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Ruth Carr

Better known for his exploits over further but he ran well for second in a C&D handicap last August; several good runs in defeat this year but this looks a competitive race in which to end a two-year drought.

10/1

4th

15

(10)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:47 Thirsk

Woodstock

8st 10lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Ruth Carr

Without a win since August 2024 but he's been in good form since this visor went on, bumping into an unexposed 3yo when second of four at Catterick (7f, good to firm) and again finishing runner-up at Chester (7.5f, good) last time; in each-way calculations once more.

14/1

Form: 1022-0 D

Last run: 104 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Went close over C&D on final start last season (stable debut) but failed to beat a rival in sole outing this term; had wind surgery since; market may prove best guide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(3)

23rd Jan 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

17:45 Southwell (AW)

Art Design

9st 7lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Julie Camacho

Record is only 1-13 but gained the win off 3lb higher in sole C&D attempt (for previous yard); interesting back here, assuming she takes to blinkers (replacing the cheekpieces worn last time).

10/1

13

(11)

24th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

16:28 Doncaster

Art Design

8st 13lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

6f AW winner for William Haggas last summer; ran well for second (short head behind Station X and now 5lb better off) on her stable debut here last November; slow start to this campaign but there was much more to take from her latest Ayr fifth (behind Lord Bertie and Station X); unexposed on testing ground and she's one to consider.

18/1

5th

7

(1)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:25 Ayr

Art Design

9st 1lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Julie Camacho

Runner-up in two 6f nurseries on heavy/soft ground last autumn; down the field on both outings this year and has something to prove, but those were on good going and maybe today's testing conditions will trigger a revival.

11/1

Form: 15-000 D

Last run: 118 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Won off a higher mark last term (handicap debut) and is still lightly raced, however, needs a big revival having posted three duck eggs this year, all in the spring.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(6)

2nd Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 6

17:20 Hamilton

Valentine Catcher

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

No threat to the easy winner but his staying-on second at Carlisle three weeks ago was still a fair effort; conditions shouldn't be an issue but others appeal more for win purposes.

8/1

2nd

9

(7)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 5

16:15 Carlisle

Valentine Catcher

9st 3lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

Placed twice off higher marks this spring, latterly when third over nearly 7f here (good) in May; safely held twice since, though, (7f/1m) and reverts to sprinting with a bit to prove.

33/1

7th

9

(1)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 5

14:35 Doncaster

Valentine Catcher

9st 2lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Soundly beaten at Redcar (7f, good) a fortnight ago, so his losing run continues, but he was in good heart previously and kept on well when making the frame at Ayr (7f, good to firm) and Carlisle (7f, good); this first crack at 1m is worth a go and he's not ruled out each-way.

33/1

Form: 453

Last run: 107 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Showed promise in spring novice events over 7f and the form has substance; open to progress now handicapping, assuming he copes with drop in distance; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(1)

7th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 2

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Uniting

9st 5lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Ian Williams

Won twice over this trip at Kempton (Polytrack) and Newcastle (Tapeta) in November; fair third of seven behind two of these at Chelmsford (1m, Polytrack) last month; each-way claims down another 1lb if taking to this track at the first time of asking.

8/1

3rd

5

(7)

12th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Uniting

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Game effort to win at Kempton in November (1m) and followed up off the same mark at Newcastle eight days later; his form has dipped on his last two starts but he forms part of a strong hand for Ian Williams.

8/1

9th

9

(2)

30th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 4

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Uniting

9st 3lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Ian Williams

Won over 1m at Kempton and Newcastle in November; good third back at Kempton last month and not disgraced in Newcastle Class 2 with cheekpieces added (left off now) a fortnight ago; handily drawn for a prominent racer and needs considering back in a lower grade.

5/1

Form: 643511 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Increased his AW tally with wins the last twice and remains well treated on best form; likely player provided the weather works in his favour (needs soft ground on turf).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(2)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 4

17:30 Windsor

Tyger Bay

9st 9lb

J: Jack Gilligan

T: Conrad Allen

Likes soft ground, on which he was a close second (clear of rest) at Lingfield in June and that was after a break of 72 days; a wet day would make him interesting.

12/1

2nd

2

(8)

6th Jun 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

20:10 Lingfield

Tyger Bay

9st 9lb

J: Jack Gilligan

T: Conrad Allen

Far from solid on 2026 AW form, notwithstanding a March win, and rarely seen on turf in the last two years; others preferred.

10/1

Form: 541075 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Eight-time winner, mainly on ground softer than good, most recently at Carlisle (6f) in May; balance of subsequent form suggests a supporting role is most likely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(8)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Thirsk

Bay Breeze

9st 8lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Winner of eight races including one over C&D, but losing run up to 12 despite a slipping mark; not disgraced when fourth of 11 behind Great at Carlisle (6f, good to firm) last month, but he could really do with the ground easing.

8/1

4th

4

(2)

9th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 182y

Class 6

15:45 Carlisle

Bay Breeze

9st 13lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Eight-time winner, the latest over C&D (good to soft) 14 months ago off a 5lb higher mark; capable at this level but slower ground would have been preferable.

10/1

4th

1

(4)

9th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 182y

Class 6

18:12 Carlisle

Bay Breeze

11st 2lb

J: Mr Thomas Easterby

T: Tim Easterby

Won over C&D in May last year (good to soft); beaten 7l when third at Ripon last week (6f, good); these are his ideal conditions and should go well.

7/2

Form: 803322 D BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Versatile as regards ground; generally consistent and last two efforts (6f/5f; runner-up both times) suggests he's on his way back to winning form; one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(4)

1st Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Ripon

Charlie Mason

9st 8lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Tony Carroll

Justified favouritism at Lingfield (6f; soft) in June, that his highest ever winning mark (72); 12th of 26 (beaten 7l) in a race a number of these rivals contested at Goodwood recently; prospect of rain helpful, with Callum Rodriguez booked.

20/1

12th

11

(12)

29th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:00 Goodwood

Charlie Mason

9st 7lb

J: Myla Coppins

T: Tony Carroll

Showed career-best form when winning at Lingfield (6f, soft) under Myla Coppins last month but has failed to reproduce it twice since.

25/1

8th

9

(1)

14th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 4

17:55 Wolverhampton (AW)

Charlie Mason

9st 6lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Tony Carroll

Showed career-best form when winning at Lingfield (6f, soft) two starts ago and is also suited by this C&D but could be a shade vulnerable off a mark this high.

8/1

Form: -12114 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Record of 12114 this season for shrewd new connections, close fourth on AW last time; 3-3 in turf handicaps (6f, good/soft) and remains open to further progress; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(5)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

19:45 Hamilton

City Captain

9st 12lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Harriet Bethell

Acts on good and soft ground; record of 4-15 and his wins were in handicaps last season, including over C&D; still 8lb higher than for his last success but he was runner-up at Thirsk in April and did best of the pacesetters when fourth at Haydock (7f, good) last time; returns after a break and he's in the mix on this drop back in trip.

5/1

4th

9

(4)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 4

16:15 Haydock

City Captain

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Harriet Bethell

Did well for Harriet Bethell last season and his two runs this year have been encouraging, second of 13 to an unexposed one at Thirsk three weeks ago; mark left unchanged; big player.

3/1

Form: 17-750 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 8st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Seven-time winner who is suited by ground softer than good; on a handy mark but holds weak claims on 2025 form; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

8

(1)

2nd Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 6

17:20 Hamilton

Impressor

9st 1lb

J: Sam James

T: Phillip Makin

Conditions should be ideal for this course regular and although his 2026 record is unconvincing, he has dropped 14lb as a result; usual cheekpieces back on after one run in a visor; each-way shout.

10/1

8th

7

(1)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 6

20:15 Hamilton

Impressor

9st 9lb

J: Sam James

T: Phillip Makin

Three wins here, two over this trip, the other over 6f; well beaten when returning from a break last time; not out of it in first-time visor, but ideally needs soft/heavy ground.

14/1

Non-runners

Daring Legend

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £103.20
Straight Forecast £80.20
Tricast £4731.43
Trifecta £6515.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Knebworth

TOPSPEED:

Bob Mali

Daily Mirror:

City Captain

NEWMARKET:

Tyger Bay

D Express:

Uniting

The Sun:

Charlie Mason

POSTDATA:

Daring Legend

The Star:

City Captain

The Times:

Bob Mali

Telegraph:

Bob Mali

RP RATINGS:

Knebworth

LAMBOURN:

Knebworth

Daily Mail:

Knebworth

Daily Record:

Knebworth

The Guardian:

Tyger Bay