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

6th

7

(3)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ayr

Lord Bertie

9st 13lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

Didn't run badly when midfield at York (7f, good) last month, having been dropped in from stall 20 of 20, and is back on a good mark now; not ruled out, particularly if there's significant rain about.

20/1

11th

4

(20)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:50 York

Lord Bertie

9st 13lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: David O’Meara

Encouraging return when sixth of 19 at Doncaster (6f, good to soft) in March, but didn't back that up when last back there (6f again) three weeks ago; only 1lb above his winning mark from last autumn but he'll need things to fall right from stall 20.

25/1

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

9th

14

(2)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Rock Opera

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Hold-up sprinter who ended a near two-year losing run at Pontefract (6f, good) last month; better form when second there three weeks ago; has plenty of C&D form in big fields and he has each-way claims.

17/2

2nd

6

(4)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Pontefract

Rock Opera

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Belatedly regained the winning thread in C&D event (good) last time, perhaps benefiting from the removal of visor and beating a subsequent scorer (pair clear); still favourably treated even though he's gone back up 5lb; strong contender.

3/1

1st

9

(9)

2nd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:48 Pontefract

Rock Opera

9st 0lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

In reasonably good form having made the frame in last two starts, rallying both times; on a two-year losing spell but remain 7lb below last winning mark; enters calculations.

6/1

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

2nd

1

(8)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 182y

Class 5

20:39 Carlisle

Another Investment

10st 9lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Modest win record but he scored at Doncaster (6f) off 5lb higher around a year ago and it was his first go in this grade when running well for second over that C&D (also good to firm) a fortnight ago; Faye McManoman knows him well; respected.

7/2

2nd

2

(1)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 5

20:00 Doncaster

Another Investment

9st 10lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Ended a long losing run over C&D last June but there's been little to enthuse about since, tenth in 6f Ripon handicap in April; needs to take a big step forward after a break.

9/1

10th

15

(3)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:45 Ripon

Another Investment

8st 8lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

More modest runs than good ones in 2025 but he did bolt up at Doncaster last June (6f, good to firm) and he is 4lb lower now; needs to leave his reappearance effort well behind him and he has finished down the field in his two visits here.

40/1

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

1

(8)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:03 Newcastle (AW)

Irish Nectar

9st 9lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

His two standout efforts for this yard have come over 6f at Kempton; dropping into a Class 5 can help; each-way shout.

12/1

10th

20

(11)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:25 York

Irish Nectar

9st 5lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

Not beaten far on AW at Kempton last time but previous turf run was a poor one; would benefit from plenty of rain (all three wins on soft).

25/1

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

2nd

4

(1)

15th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

16:10 Catterick

Woodstock

9st 4lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ruth Carr

Performed with credit when twice reaching the frame in May; a stumble at the start did not help when only sixth at Thirsk latest but he's winless since 2024 and that wait for a next success may go on unless a change of headgear (first-time visor for regular cheekpieces) gives him a lift.

13/2

6th

6

(3)

16th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:02 Thirsk

Woodstock

9st 11lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ruth Carr

Winless since 2024 but he comes here in good form, fourth of 11 to This Farh in 7.5f Beverley handicap 20 days ago; considered.

7/1

4th

1

(6)

27th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 96y

Class 5

15:15 Beverley

Woodstock

9st 9lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ruth Carr

On a 16-race losing run but down the weights as a result and he was on the heels of the winner when third of 12 at Thirsk (7f) 11 days ago; having his first race here; thereabouts if he takes to it.

9/2

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

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

9th

2

(12)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

14:15 Redcar

Valentine Catcher

9st 8lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Course winner (6f) who has been running well in defeat lately having fallen down the weights, as when third of nine at Carlisle (7f, good) three weeks ago; losing run now up to 16, though.

8/1

3rd

3

(7)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 195y

Class 6

16:45 Carlisle

Valentine Catcher

9st 8lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Still 3lb lower than when second of eight at Pontefract (6f, good) last month, but losing run up to 15 and he does seem best at shorter.

6/1

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

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

9th

5

(8)

26th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Tyger Bay

9st 7lb

J: Jack Gilligan

T: Conrad Allen

Retains plenty of ability aged nine and rallied well for neck success over C&D most recently, taking AW record to 11-69; back up the weights but won off this mark in 2022 and 2024; may remain competitive.

13/2

1st

3

(4)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Tyger Bay

9st 8lb

J: Jack Gilligan

T: Conrad Allen

Ten-time AW winner who boasts a consistent record over C&D; high enough in the weights but his latest Kempton effort, back from a break, is best overlooked and the return here won't hurt.

8/1

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

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

3rd

12

(11)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:42 Ripon

Bay Breeze

8st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Half of his wins have come over C&D and he finished sixth (Fortamour third) in this race in 2024; runner-up in added blinkers at Hamilton (6f, soft; 11-2) last September, but has failed to sparkle since (0-3); easing mark and a return to Ripon are the positives.

20/1

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

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

6th

5

(2)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 10y

Class 4

13:38 Sandown

Charlie Mason

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Tony Carroll

Consistent 5yo who came clear with the second when justifying market support last weekend at Lingfield (6f, soft); carries a 5lb penalty and Myla Coppins claimed 7lb on Saturday, so these terms are tougher; still a likely contender and any rain welcomed.

7/2

1st

7

(6)

6th Jun 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

20:10 Lingfield

Charlie Mason

9st 4lb

J: Myla Coppins

T: Tony Carroll

Modest strike-rate in the last 14 months but he is generally consistent and is versatile as regards surfaces; form figures off current mark read 222; could go one better, with Myla Coppins taking off 7lb.

5/1

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

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

2nd

10

(12)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:23 Thirsk

City Captain

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Harriet Bethell

The winner of four of his eight starts last year (6f, good or slower); perhaps needed the run on his return to action at Newcastle last month, running respectably in the smaller stands' side group; the more rain to fall the better for him.

7/1

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

6th

4

(2)

10th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 5

20:30 Hamilton

Impressor

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: Phillip Makin

A three-time winner (including over C&D) here who got back on track when third of nine over C&D six days ago; goes well on soft ground, so this veteran is in the mix, especially if the rain comes.

7/1

3rd

4

(6)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 6y

Class 5

14:51 Hamilton

Impressor

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: Phillip Makin

Underwhelming on his three starts since promising reappearance run at Doncaster in March; however, he has a strong record at Hamilton and is running here for the first time this season; slow ground would be a positive.

13/2

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