September 19 / 17.20 Ayr

17.20

Soft

Slater Menswear Handicap

  • Prize money: £4710.6
  • 1m 5f 26y
  • Class 5
  • 13 runners
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Slater Menswear Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Form: -08244 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Won this in 2022 and 2023; returns for another crack in reasonable form and certainly not handicapped out of contention; seems fine on most ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

12

(4)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 8y

Class 4

17:15 Thirsk

Valley Of Flowers

8st 4lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Consistent last July-September and nicely treated on that form; however, she hasn't been at the same level on her two outings this year.

20/1

7th

3

(5)

3rd May 2026

Good

1m 3f 15y

Class 5

17:35 Hamilton

Valley Of Flowers

9st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Made the frame four consecutive times last July-September (1m3f-2m), but made a low-key reappearance last week and is probably better suited by a stiffer test of stamina than this now.

7/1

6th

1

(4)

23rd Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 23y

Class 5

15:52 Beverley

Valley Of Flowers

9st 9lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Ended last season with a spell of consistent efforts and has frame possibilities provided she returns in similar form; whether she can end a losing spell is another matter (no win since 2023).

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 672036

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Both wins at 1m2f, on good to firm and the AW; third at Beverley last month before struggling in a Class 4; could go well, though has mostly steered clear of slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(10)

17th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

16:55 Newcastle (AW)

Flickering Halo

9st 3lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

Recent form has been patchy, but he's now 5lb lower than when winning over C&D in May; each-way claims if he can reproduce that sort of form; stable also runs Hosanna Power.

16/1

2

(10)

19th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:20 Ayr

Flickering Halo

10st 2lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Both wins at 1m2f, on good to firm and the AW; third at Beverley last month before struggling in a Class 4; could go well, though has mostly steered clear of slow ground.

14/1

Form: 831469 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 1lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Below best on last two runs and he loves Hamilton; however, could be happier than some on this ground and he has run well here in the past.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

9th May 2026

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

18:47 Hexham

Two Auld Pals

12st 0lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Not really firing on all cylinders when last seen in the winter but returns from 12-week break on a good mark and is versatile regarding ground; gained his only hurdle win over C&D; no surprise if he features.

8/1

8th

12

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Carlisle

Two Auld Pals

11st 4lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Five-time Flat winner who has a consistent profile over hurdles; handles soft ground but has a bit to find with He's Bresilian on last month's Ayr form.

10/1

3rd

3

25th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

15:20 Kelso

Two Auld Pals

11st 10lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Showed fair form at a juvenile hurdler two seasons ago, winning at Hexham in March 2024 (2m, heavy); didn't progress in handicaps after that; has since won twice over 1m5f on the Flat at Hamilton (good/soft) but below his best on last two Flat runs.

5/1

Form: 803272

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Now 0-11 but was just ahead of a few of these when second to Perseus Way at Hamilton (1m5f, good to soft) and would have won had he not wandered around for pressure; slower ground is a grey area but firmly enters the reckoning.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(5)

17th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 6

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Alnayef

9st 11lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

0-16, he has shown bits of form when placed but his latest effort when eighth of 11 at Wolverhampton (1m6f) three weeks ago following a break was discouraging; his mark continues to fall but hard to recommend for win purposes.

6/1

4th

3

(7)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 5

16:10 Southwell (AW)

Alnayef

9st 12lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

13-race maiden but there have been some near misses, notably a short-head defeat at Hamilton last month (1m5f, good to soft); soft ground and the trip (2m) possible excuses for two lesser efforts but others are more appealing options.

12/1

4th

3

(7)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 5

16:10 Southwell (AW)

Alnayef

9st 12lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

13-race maiden but there have been some near misses, notably a short-head defeat at Hamilton last month (1m5f, good to soft); soft ground and the trip (2m) possible excuses for two lesser efforts but others are more appealing options.

12/1

Form: 422834 C

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
9yo who hasn't won for ages but he was bang there at Hamilton (1m5f, good to soft) last time in the race won by Perseus Way; should be in the thick of it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(8)

18th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 32y

Class 5

15:30 Carlisle

Billy No Mates

8st 7lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Rallied for third of six at Redcar (1m6f, good) on seasonal debut and remains well handicapped on historical data; just no certainty to step forward, being a veteran who hasn't won since 2023.

14/1

3rd

3

(6)

7th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 218y

Class 5

18:20 Redcar

Billy No Mates

9st 3lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

A veteran who is without a win since September 2023; good weights chance on last season's best but he ended the year with a modest effort; handles good ground but rarely seen on a faster surface.

7/1

9th

3

(4)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

Billy No Mates

9st 13lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Michael Dods

Made the frame, albeit quite comfortably held, over C&D on belated return to AW last time; the 9yo's losing run is mounting up but he remains well treated on plenty of turf form.

14/1

Form: 999415 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Had a few of these hot on his heels when winning at Hamilton (1m5f, good to soft) but was below par at Musselburgh last weekend.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(1)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 16y

Class 5

16:51 Hamilton

Perseus Way

9st 1lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Tristan Davidson

Won over C&D (good to soft) last September and he's just 1lb higher today; won over hurdles at Hexham (2m4f, soft) last month on his second start for this yard and there's lots to like about his claims.

7/2

1st

12

9th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 3

17:42 Hexham

Perseus Way

10st 6lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Won a Hamilton handicap for Stuart Coltherd in September (1m5f, good to soft); subsequently changed yards and promising third over 2m here on stable debut after a break last week (good); should improve on that but yet to prove he is as effective at this trip.

8/1

3rd

7

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 3

18:45 Hexham

Perseus Way

10st 13lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Won twice over hurdles in 2022-23; has changed stables three times since and perhaps best watched after a break on debut for latest new trainer, although is well handicapped now.

12/1

Form: 536471 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 10lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in this last year off a lower mark; has won four races in the meantime, the latest over C&D a month ago (good to firm); opposable on his form on slower ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(7)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 16y

Class 5

16:51 Hamilton

Annandale

8st 7lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Jim Goldie

Five-time turf winner who went close at Wolverhampton (1m6f, AW) in February when last seen; not discounted but it's possible this 8yo will improve for this first run since; question mark about slow ground nowadays.

10/1

2nd

1

(1)

17th Feb 2026

1m 5f 219y

Class 6

17:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Annandale

9st 9lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Conditions shouldn't be an excuse and this trip is more suitable than the 1m he tackled at Newcastle last month; however, he finished down the field when back up to 1m4f here last night.

15/2

6th

8

(8)

16th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Annandale

9st 1lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Drop back to 1m provides an excuse for latest effort; not disgraced in last three attempts at about 1m4f; possibilities off 7lb below last winning mark.

7/1

Form: 867945 CD

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Third in this 12 months ago; well treated on his hat-trick of wins here earlier in the year (1m2f-1m5f) but soft ground has found him out in the past.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(4)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 16y

Class 5

16:51 Hamilton

Glasses Up

8st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: R Mike Smith

11yo who was a close third over 1m1f at Ayr two starts ago and is versatile trip-wise; however, Ayr brings out the best in him and he was well beaten at Musselburgh last time; 0-4 here, with last visit coming last June.

25/1

5th

3

(5)

21st May 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 6

15:50 Musselburgh

Glasses Up

9st 8lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who has won at this track but who is better known for his exploits at Ayr; solid third at that track 16 days ago (1m1f, good to firm); shouldn't be far away if backing it up.

4/1

3rd

7

(3)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 20y

Class 6

15:30 Ayr

Glasses Up

9st 3lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who has won 11 times here, including three last year (1m2f/1m5f); on a good mark and should come on for his run at Musselburgh last week; contender.

13/2

Form: 714553

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
All three wins have come at Musselburgh on good ground, though probably handles soft; becoming frustrating but recent efforts give him definite each-way claims; up 2lb in future.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

(7)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:45 Hamilton

Trojan Sun

8st 6lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Often ridden by Lauren Young; 4-12 at Musselburgh, including three 1m6f/2m wins on good ground last May-October; also scored at Nottingham in October, a runaway win over 2m2f on heavy going which sees him 2lb higher today; returned to form when third over 2m at Musselburgh three weeks ago but this C&D makes him look vulnerable.

14/1

3rd

7

(6)

26th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 217y

Class 4

18:15 Musselburgh

Trojan Sun

9st 1lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

4-11 at Musselburgh, including three 1m6f/2m wins on good ground last May-October; also scored at Nottingham in October, a runaway win over 2m2f on heavy going which sees him 3lb higher today; soundly beaten at 40-1 here on reappearance three weeks ago and, judged on last season, it may take him another run before he refinds his form.

14/1

9th

13

(7)

4th Apr 2026

Good

1m 5f 216y

Class 3

15:05 Musselburgh

Trojan Sun

8st 4lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

Musselburgh specialist (4-10 here) who had three wins at this track on good ground last May-October; also scored at Nottingham in October, a runaway win over 2m2f on heavy going which sees him 5lb higher today; needs to hit a new high and may need to front-run back at this trip.

33/1

Form: 253221 C

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Beat four rivals with some ease at Musselburgh last month (1m4f, good) but was well beaten here on Thursday and drier ground suits her better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(5)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 6

17:22 Hamilton

Sophiesticate

9st 9lb

J: Kyle McHugh

T: R Mike Smith

Below par on final two starts last year and same story on recent reappearance over 1m at Ayr; however, she's back up to a more suitable trip today and is 6lb below her last winning mark; not written off.

14/1

7th

6

(6)

20th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

17:15 Ayr

Sophiesticate

9st 6lb

J: Joe Bradnam

T: R Mike Smith

Campaigned mostly at longer trips (stays 12.5f) and offered little back over 1m at Newcastle in early December.

33/1

7

(2)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

13:40 Ayr

Sophiesticate

9st 2lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

C&D winner who was on the scoresheet at Musselburgh (1m4f, good) in August; ran okay when third over C&D (soft) nine days ago but was no match for the first two (including Cisco Disco); needs something extra.

9/1

Form: 322136

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
An assured stayer as his sole win came over 2m on good to soft at Redcar in July; his good run of form came to a halt last time but should be staying on when others have cried enough, provided he handles the softer ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(6)

17th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:17 Ripon

Elemental Eye

9st 5lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Iain Jardine

Winner at Redcar (2m, good to soft) and Musselburgh (1m6f, soft; by 10l) last term; not disgraced back on Flat at Newcastle (1m4f) in March; cheekpieces get their first airing since October and stepping back up in trip should suit, so he needs a close look.

12/1

Form: 353383 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Handles soft ground, has competitive form over C&D and returns to Ayr after a close third at Hamilton (1m5f, good to soft; closely matched with some in here); should go well provided the new headgear doesn't backfire.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(5)

21st May 2026

Soft

2m 0f 45y

Class 5

14:00 Haydock

Ebony Maw

8st 9lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Ewan Whillans

9yo who went 0-11 last year and was soundly beaten on last month's reappearance at Catterick; however, he may have needed that latest run and is on a competitive mark judged on last season's placed form.

9/1

7th

6

(7)

8th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 13y

Class 6

15:58 Catterick

Ebony Maw

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Ewan Whillans

Course winner who is on a competitive mark on last season's efforts, which came over 1m5f-2m1f; however, this 9yo went 0-11 last term and today's reappearance trip may prove to be inadequate.

16/1

Form: 75/4

Last run: 32 days

W: 8st 12lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Not beaten too far over hurdles 11 days ago but very lightly raced on the Flat and could do with drier ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(6)

21st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 5

17:00 Musselburgh

Just Dottie

8st 11lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: R Mike Smith

Four wins over hurdles; had few chances on the Flat but she won at Ayr in September (1m5f, soft) and showed better form when third over 1m7f 11 days later; still has some potential in this sphere and a hurdle run last month should have sharpened her up; might need more of a stamina test than this though.

6/1

6th

11

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

16:10 Perth

Just Dottie

11st 2lb

J: William Maggs

T: R Mike Smith

Easy winner off a 10lb lower mark after a break at this meeting last year (fifth over 2m here in April 2024); won another race over C&D off a pound lower than here in May (good) and also on the Flat at Ayr in September (soft); interesting.

14/1

Non-runners

Fleur De Mer

Selections

The Times:

Alnayef

RP RATINGS:

Trojan Sun

The Guardian:

Sophiesticate

SPOTLIGHT:

Fleur De Mer

Daily Mail:

Glasses Up

POSTDATA:

Trojan Sun

The Sun:

Trojan Sun

Telegraph:

Alnayef

D Express:

Alnayef

The Star:

Alnayef

Daily Record:

Alnayef

Daily Mirror:

Sophiesticate