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

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

1

(6)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 111y

Class 2

15:00 Doncaster

Vafortino

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

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.

25/1

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

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

7

(9)

11th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:15 York

Commanche Falls

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

A tremendous campaigner over the years with two Stewards' Cups to his name; in and out this season and only twelfth in the Ayr Gold Cup three weeks ago, but he has clear possibilities on his fast-finishing second to stablemate Northern Ticker over C&D in August; 1lb lower today.

16/1

8

(16)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ayr

Commanche Falls

9st 5lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Two years since his last win but this dual Stewards' Cup winner is more realistically treated these days and he gave his younger stablemate Northern Ticker a race at York last month; not so good at Doncaster last week and he will do well to win this race in his fourth attempt (seventh in 2021, runner-up in 2022 and sixth last year).

16/1

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

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

4th

4

(1)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Purosangue

9st 4lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Robert Cowell

Made late headway from the rear over 5f at Pontefract on stable/seasonal debut; interesting back up in trip, despite still being on a long losing spell; remains attractively treated on plenty of form.

8/1

4th

3

(8)

7th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

15:57 Pontefract

Purosangue

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Robert Cowell

Capable of useful form for Andrew Balding; close fourth when favourite for last year's Ayr Gold Cup; hasn't won since 2023 but looks interesting off current mark in this field on debut for new yard; remains with same owner; drops back to 5f for first time since good second (joint-best effort) in Sandown Group 3 in July 2024.

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

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

14th

20

(21)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Oliver Show

8st 13lb

J: James Doyle

T: George Boughey

Showed his effectiveness over a straight 1m when beaten a nose in the 2025 Lincoln at Doncaster (good to soft) and he's now 3lb lower; several respectable efforts afterwards, and 6f on good ground was probably too sharp on his sole outing in Bahrain over the winter; certainly well handicapped on best form and well worth a market check after 106 days off.

20/1

15

(22)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Oliver Show

8st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

0-10 on turf but he went very close behind Godwinson in the Lincoln (1m, good to soft) in March and is also effective on good ground; denied a clear run when keeping on for a close seventh of 12 at Newcastle (7f, AW) three weeks ago and he's one to be interested in now back up in trip.

25/1

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

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

8th

2

(7)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Pocklington

9st 10lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Produced an uncharacteristic below-par run at Newcastle (6f, AW) last month but he's had wind surgery since and was progressive on AW in the winter; twice finished close-up in big-field handicaps over this C&D (good/good to firm) last summer and there's every chance he will be bang there.

10/1

7th

7

(16)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Pocklington

9st 6lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Rewarded strong market support in game fashion at Southwell on New Year's Day (6f); another solid effort when second of 14 over C&D two weeks later; 2lb higher today but there is a fair chance he hasn't reached his ceiling after just 12 starts.

7/1

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

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

8th

9

(3)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Russet Gold

8st 13lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Beaten on his last 20 starts going back to June 2023 but he's shown promise in fifth this spring on his first two starts for this yard, most recently behind a couple of these in a big field at York (6f, good); he continues to edge down the weights and might not be far away.

10/1

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

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

5th

5

(13)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:25 York

Akkadian Thunder

9st 12lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

His losing sequence is up to 13 but he's 4lb lower than when runner-up at Royal Ascot last June and was denied a clear run when third at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) last Saturday; bang there if getting the breaks.

16/1

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

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

2nd

10

(5)

8th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:25 Ascot

Saint Lawrence

8st 13lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Hit the handicap heights when winning the Wokingham over C&D in 2023 on debut for Archie Watson, then close up in the Group 1 Maurice de Gheest; desperately hard to place in handicaps since but he's had wind surgery since last seen in October and, even at this late stage, he might well turn it on for Kevin Ryan off a 17lb lower mark than at the start of last year.

9/1

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

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: -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

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

7th

6

(3)

27th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

15:03 Chester

Purest Time

9st 6lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Prevailed at Windsor (6f, good to firm) last month, proving suited by the return to turf and belatedly registering a first win since joining Ian Williams; a 3lb rise still leaves him feasibly handicapped on the best of last year's form.

13/2

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

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

24

(5)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ayr

Desert Falcon

9st 0lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Julie Camacho

Front-runner; the winner of four of his last six starts, notably a game effort at Doncaster six days ago (6.5f, good to soft); a 5lb penalty for that hard-fought short-head success demands more but his fine attitude and abundant stamina will stand him in good stead on a rare 6f outing.

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