September 14 / 15.00 Doncaster

15.00

Good

Betfred “The Classic Bookmaker” Handicap

  • Prize money: £36078
  • 0m 6f 111y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
ITV
View Course
Betfred “The Classic Bookmaker” Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Form: 6320-5

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
He's run just once this year but that was a fairly encouraging performance when fifth of nine at Chepstow (7f, good to soft) last month; he could build on that and he's on a competitive mark on last season's best efforts over 6f and 7f; effective in big-field handicaps and not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(3)

2nd Aug 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 7f 0y

16:00 Galway

Vafortino

9st 12lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Charlie Fellowes

Well-travelled and well-exposed 8yo is a long time winless; was running in stakes races in Dubai during the winter; held in handicap company in Britain last twice.

20/1

9th

8

(20)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Vafortino

9st 8lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: Charlie Fellowes

Landed the Victoria Cup over C&D in 2022 and hasn't had the smoothest of passages in two attempts in this contest (finished 11th that year and tenth in 2023); losing run is mounting up, however, and he doesn't look particularly solid on his form for current stable.

33/1

8th

4

(7)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Vafortino

9st 6lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charlie Fellowes

8yo who is without a win since December 2023 but he showed spark in Dubai this winter and ran big races on his two previous visits to York; returns to a handy on a fair mark and could have an each-way shout.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 026872

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Hasn't won for just over two years and whether the extra half-furlong suits remains to be seen, but he kept on well for a head second of 20 at York (6f, good to firm) three weeks ago and that performance bodes well for a prominent showing today; versatile ground-wise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(1)

3rd Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:54 Ripon

Commanche Falls

9st 11lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Runner-up twice in a row in Bahrain (6f, good/good to firm) in January; this 9yo hasn't shone on his three starts since and his losing sequence goes back to September 2023, but perhaps the drop back in grade will trigger a revival for this C&D winner; not ruled out.

7/1

11th

5

(15)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:00 York

Commanche Falls

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Veteran who ran a cracker behind a stablemate over C&D at last season's Ebor meeting; runner-up twice in Bahrain in January; low-key return to Britain last week; on a good mark but this is a tough race in which to try and rebound.

25/1

7th

2

(2)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 6y

Class 2

19:15 Hamilton

Commanche Falls

10st 0lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Michael Dods

9yo whose last win was in September 2023 and it's possible that he'll need this first outing since February; however, he won this in 2021 and showed spark when twice finishing second in Bahrain this January (6f, good/good to firm); not ruled out.

11/1

Form: -47906

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Placed in Group 3/Listed races on slow ground last term; he hasn't hit the same heights this season but encounters with a slow surface have been scarce and he's down to a dangerous mark; interesting; rain would aid cause.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

(9)

30th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:35 Goodwood

Purosangue

9st 6lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Robert Cowell

No win since 2023 but he has raced mainly over 5f for new yard and may show the benefit of this return to 6f; attractively treated on plenty of form and can't be dismissed.

7/1

8th

2

(10)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 2

19:30 Hamilton

Purosangue

9st 12lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Robert Cowell

He hasn't won since a Listed success at York (6f, soft) in October 2023, but he's started for Robert Cowell with a trio of creditable efforts in competitive handicaps; could click for this yard at some point.

15/2

5th

3

(5)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

19:28 Newcastle (AW)

Purosangue

9st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Robert Cowell

He hasn't won since a Listed success at York (6f, soft) in October 2023; in the meantime he has often attracted support, favourite in the 2024 Stewards' Cup and last season's Ayr Gold Cup; two perfectly creditable efforts for Robert Cowell this year and he showed promise in one Tapeta run last spring; not discounted for a trainer who runs four.

6/1

Form: -42208

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Went very close in the Lincoln here (1m, good to soft) in March and mid-division in the Racing League at Newcastle (7f, AW) last month, when held-up in a race in which the first three raced prominently; cheekpieces return (blinkers were tried last time); capable of having a say.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(6)

30th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:00 Goodwood

Oliver Show

9st 10lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Four AW wins, including over 1m; 0-16 on turf but he's in form, having finished fourth at Goodwood (7f) in last two starts; remains on a workable mark and enters calculations.

9/2

4th

18

(11)

29th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:40 Goodwood

Oliver Show

9st 4lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

A couple of close calls led to a frustrating campaign last year but it was a good effort when a running-on fourth to Crimson Spirit over C&D (good) in May; not seen since but he's dipped below his last winning mark and this may have been the plan; big run might be on the cards.

8/1

4th

5

(7)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:52 Goodwood

Oliver Show

9st 9lb

J: Jack Callan

T: George Boughey

Useful on his day but losing run is mounting up and two duck eggs this year leave a question mark over his current form; chance partly depends on how well he responds to the removal of usual cheekpieces.

7/1

Form: 00-253 BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who has been beaten less than 1l in competitive 6f handicaps on his last three starts, most recently third of 20 at York; he's kept on well each time and today's extra yardage could be right up his street; unraced on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

9

(10)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Pocklington

9st 6lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Geoff Oldroyd

All wins on AW but he is fully effective on turf; unplaced in two C&D runs this year, however, and hopes appear to rest on the return of a visor giving him a lift.

14/1

14th

1

(2)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:00 York

Pocklington

9st 12lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Rated 5lb higher than when a close fifth in this race 12 months ago; has done well on AW since, winning at Southwell (well backed) on New Year's Day and finishing a good fourth at Newcastle four weeks ago; not obviously thrown in but could still have a bit more to come.

10/1

4th

4

(9)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

Pocklington

9st 12lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Heavily backed when winning a 6f handicap at Southwell on New Year's Day; ran well over C&D a fortnight later but short of his best twice since, including after wind surgery when eighth of 22 at York last month; returning to AW can help and seems highly likely to run his race.

15/2

Form: -67878

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
He's not easy to fancy on this year's form but is well handicapped on last October's third in a Group 3 at Ascot (6f, soft) and significant rain would be a major boost to his claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(5)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

18:45 Pontefract

Russet Gold

9st 7lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Encouraging start for this yard with two fifth-place finishes off higher marks in the spring; however, his form has gone the wrong way subsequently and he needs to turn things around.

9/1

8th

9

(6)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:55 Ascot

Russet Gold

9st 6lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Kevin Ryan

Encouraging start for this yard with two fifth-place finishes at Leicester and York (also 6f) in the spring but his last two starts haven't been as promising; nicely treated and he does have form here so a revival isn't out of the question.

14/1

5th

2

(2)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Pontefract

Russet Gold

9st 13lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Ran well in Listed/Group races in 2024; on a three-year losing spell but his Class 2 form this term for new yard includes a couple of encouraging efforts; possibilities off current mark back down in grade.

5/1

Form: 712909 C

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Has gone off the boil on his last three starts but he won here (7f, good) in June and his course form-figures read 131 (including on soft ground); on a handy mark if the return to Doncaster sparks a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(4)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

18:45 Doncaster

Akkadian Thunder

10st 1lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

In good form last June, winning off this mark over C&D (good) before an excellent second at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm); some fair efforts this season and on a good mark now; not out of it.

4/1

6th

7

(1)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Newmarket (July)

Akkadian Thunder

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Beaten on his last 14 starts and he's been expensive to follow in that time, but he was denied a clear run at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) last month and again ran well when fifth of 19 at York (7f, good) last time; could be thereabouts.

11/2

20/1

Form: 7-9810 C

Last run: 50 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent 6yo who hasn't gone beyond a bare 6f for a long time and finished down the field at York in July when last seen; however, he won at Pontefract (6f, good) earlier that month and has shown some strong form here in the past (including a soft-ground win); could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(9)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Aleezdancer

9st 6lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

C&D winner; responded well to a change of tactics when making all at Pontefract in July (6f, good); not so good in either start since but not handicapped out of things if bouncing back.

12/1

11

(12)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 111y

Class 2

15:00 Doncaster

Aleezdancer

8st 12lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Inconsistent 6yo who hasn't gone beyond a bare 6f for a long time and finished down the field at York in July when last seen; however, he won at Pontefract (6f, good) earlier that month and has shown some strong form here in the past (including a soft-ground win); could go well.

20/1

12

(2)

26th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:00 York

Aleezdancer

9st 0lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

C&D winner; exploited his drop down the weights when making all at Pontefract 18 days ago (6f, good); still has handicapping scope despite a 4lb rise; one to consider.

12/1

Form: 770007

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 11lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Beaten 18 times since making a winning stable debut in the 2023 Wokingham; his seventh of 20 at York three weeks ago was a step back in the right direction but he needs another today to exploit his falling mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(4)

3rd Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:54 Ripon

Saint Lawrence

9st 3lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Having dropped down the weights he was a good second on his seasonal and stable debut at Ascot (6f, good) in May; however, two lesser runs have followed and this 8yo remains without a win since June 2023.

7/1

5th

5

(8)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 6y

Class 2

19:15 Hamilton

Saint Lawrence

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Having dropped down the weights he was a close second at Ascot (6f, good) in May on his stable/seasonal debut, and perhaps the soft ground didn't suit at Epsom last time; not written off but this 8yo has been regressive and remains without a win since June 2023.

10/1

12th

16

(1)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 3y

Class 2

17:55 Epsom

Saint Lawrence

8st 9lb

J: Sam James

T: Kevin Ryan

Proved resurgent with close second at Ascot (6f, good) on stable/seasonal debut; defied a stone higher mark in the Wokingham three years ago and has possibilities even though he hasn't won since.

12/1

Form: 050693

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Returned to form when third of 14 at Thirsk (6f, good) recently and he retains the same mark, which is 6lb lower than when 3l fourth of nine in this last year (soft); might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(9)

2nd Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:33 Kempton (AW)

Spangled Mac

9st 10lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Three good runs over the winter (two of them from five runs in Bahrain) but he has struggled in two 7f runs back in Britain since April; handicapper slow to relent and this step up to 1m isn't sure to spark a revival.

16/1

13th

6

(2)

11th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:30 Newbury

Spangled Mac

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

7yo who was well beaten in Bahrain and at Chester on his last two starts; however, he was drawn wide at Chester and showed some good form in Bahrain in January; he's run really well on both previous attempts at this C&D and is not ruled out each-way off a competitive mark.

20/1

12th

3

(10)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Spangled Mac

9st 8lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Campaigned back in Bahrain since December, best efforts when placed twice over 6f; well treated on historical data but hasn't won a domestic race since 2023; returns to 7f for first time since last July.

25/1

Form: 001459 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
He's failed to threaten on his last two starts and needs to get back on track but he's won on both previous visits to Doncaster, in this race last year (soft) and over 5f this June (good); a visor returns (has won in it; replaces cheekpieces); has to be in calculations in view of his record here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

(11)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Beverley

Baldomero

9st 0lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Michael Appleby

Yet to score this term but his sixth of 21 at the Ebor festival (6f, good to firm) indicated he might be rediscovering his level; that didn't prove the case at Windsor last time but he's too well handicapped to ignore and rain would certainly not hinder him.

10/1

9th

16

(11)

10th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

19:15 Windsor

Baldomero

8st 10lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

Saw out 2025 with three AW wins from his final four starts but he's played only minor roles in turf handicaps this year, including when beaten nearly 5l behind King Of Light over C&D in May; could do with some rain or, failing that, a return to the AW as he's well treated now.

25/1

6th

15

(12)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:00 York

Baldomero

8st 10lb

J: Toby Moore

T: Michael Appleby

Ended 2025 in fine form on AW; 0-7 in 2026 but he has slipped 6lb below his last winning mark and has Toby Moore taking another 7lb off his back; suspicion a few will prove stronger.

33/1

Form: -09722 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Three-time French winner (all on good to soft, including at 6.5f) who has worked his way back into form for this yard, finishing runner-up on his last two starts (6f, AW/good to firm); he's kept on well on those last two outings and today's extra yardage could be a firm plus; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

14

(4)

10th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

19:15 Windsor

Purest Time

8st 11lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Smart on his day, as when runner-up to a top 6f handicapper at York (good) last October, and he saw off Desert Cop, Badri and Diligently in some style over C&D in May, despite being switched twice; not so good in two runs since but he's too talented to overlook back on this track.

25/1

9th

10

(2)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:55 Ascot

Purest Time

9st 6lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Ian Williams

First win for nearly two years when he picked up a Windsor handicap (6f, good to firm) off 3lb lower in May and his subsequent effort at Chester, when never competitive, was a puzzling one a fortnight ago; same mark but it would not be a big surprise if he bounced back.

20/1

Form: 11-213 BF

Last run: 43 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Two wins last September (7f, good/good to firm) and another at Haydock (7f, good) this July on second run of the year; again ran well when third at Thirsk (7f, good to firm) latest; unraced on slow ground; there can be optimism this front-runner will be fine at today's trip and he's respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

18

(8)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Desert Falcon

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Ended 2025 with a Doncaster win and a narrow defeat in the Ayr Gold Cup (6f, soft); had a wind operation after the Ayr run but two heavy defeats this summer have seen him undergo another wind surgery; on a dangerous mark but Ayr next month might be the big target; cheekpieces back on today.

50/1

9th

2

(12)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

16:25 Doncaster

Desert Falcon

9st 10lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Front-runner who performed with great credit on all five starts last season, including a win here (6.5f) in September and a narrow defeat in the Ayr Gold Cup (6f); returned after wind surgery with a low-key effort at York last month but he may have need that run and has claims if he can get back near best; acts on most ground and four of his six wins have been at 7f.

6/1

14th

8

(14)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Desert Falcon

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Front-runner who performed with great credit on all five starts last season, finishing second at Thirsk (7f, good to firm) on his reappearance and beaten just a neck in the Ayr Gold Cup (6f, soft) when last seen; has had wind surgery since; no surprise if he makes a bold bid on this return.

16/1

Non-runners

Ten Pounds, Aalto, Royal Velvet, Indian Run

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £41.10
Straight Forecast £27.79
Tricast £133.95
Trifecta £249.30

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Royal Velvet

TOPSPEED:

Purosangue

NEWMARKET:

Oliver Show

Daily Mirror:

Commanche Falls

The Star:

Pocklington

POSTDATA:

Purest Time

SPOTLIGHT:

Baldomero

Telegraph:

Royal Velvet

The Sun:

Royal Velvet

The Times:

Purosangue

D Express:

Oliver Show

Daily Record:

Commanche Falls