September 19 / 17.20 Ayr

17.20

Soft

Slater Menswear Handicap

  • Prize money: £4710.6
  • 1m 5f 26y
  • Class 5
  • 13 runners
RTV
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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

1st

3

(7)

29th Aug 2026

Good

1m 4f 23y

Class 5

14:20 Beverley

Valley Of Flowers

9st 11lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

She recorded the latest of her six wins when readily taking five-runner Carlisle handicap (1m3f, good) last month; not disgraced at York over an extended 2m on her next two starts and now drops back in trip and grade; acts on most ground and warrants consideration.

8/1

6th

9

(9)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

18:05 York

Valley Of Flowers

9st 0lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Behind a couple of these when fourth over C&D (good to firm) a fortnight ago but that was still a respectable run and she won at Carlisle (1m3f, good) prior to that; went close in this race in 2024; not ruled out.

14/1

4th

6

(11)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:20 York

Valley Of Flowers

9st 0lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Five-runner race at Carlisle (1m3f) last Saturday was first win since 2023 and she's a dependable sort who finished a C&D second (twice) and fourth in July 2024 and 2025 on her only three appearances at York; going back up 5lb since Carlisle seems to pose the difficulty but she should be on the premises.

13/2

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

4th

5

6th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

18:43 Hexham

Two Auld Pals

11st 9lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Handled testing conditions best, bounding clear to make it 2-3 over C&D (soft; a 23l winner) four weeks ago; the handicapper has reacted, and he's now 9lb higher moving up into a Class 4; still enters calculations though, with 10lb claimer Gregor Walkingshaw retaining the ride.

7/4

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

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

6th

5

(7)

7th Aug 2026

Good

1m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:24 Musselburgh

Alnayef

9st 10lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Belatedly off the mark when making all to score by 7l at Hamilton (1m5f, good to firm) in June, after a break; managed only third of five when odds-on to follow up there last month and needs to kick on again here.

14/1

3rd

1

(2)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 16y

Class 6

17:10 Hamilton

Alnayef

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Finally got off the mark when a wide-margin winner over C&D three weeks ago; able to dictate the pace there so more is probably needed from a 6lb higher mark.

6/4

1st

3

(7)

25th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 6

18:00 Hamilton

Alnayef

11st 1lb

J: Mr Eireann Cagney

T: Jim Goldie

17-race maiden who was well beaten on AW last winter on his last two starts; however, he's well handicapped on last season's best efforts, many of which came here, and Eireann Cagney has won the last two runnings of this race; no surprise to see a big performance.

6/1

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

6th

7

(2)

2nd Sep 2026

Soft

1m 5f 16y

Class 5

17:50 Hamilton

Billy No Mates

9st 2lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Trip, track and ground should all be suitable but this veteran has a point to prove after a disappointing run at Ayr when last seen 11 weeks ago; close fourth in this race last year when rated 8lb higher.

12/1

7th

5

(1)

19th Jun 2026

Good

1m 7f 0y

Class 6

20:25 Ayr

Billy No Mates

9st 9lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Began this season with two perfectly respectable 1m6f runs last month (good/soft) and continues to edge down the weights but his last win was in 2023 and he's not the percentage call in this field.

20/1

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

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

1st

1

(9)

2nd Sep 2026

Soft

1m 5f 16y

Class 5

17:50 Hamilton

Perseus Way

10st 2lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Tristan Davidson

Got up in the last stride to win the corresponding race 12 months ago off a 7lb lower mark (trained by Stuart Coltherd); in fine form for new stable in 2026 with his win in a C&D handicap in June sandwiched by a pair of hurdle wins at Hexham; another solid hurdle run 73 days ago; needs serious consideration.

9/4

2nd

1

21st Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 3

15:43 Hexham

Perseus Way

12st 0lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Bidding for a hat-trick of hurdle wins having won his last two races over 2m4f here, last time beating Well Educated by 9l; won over 1m5f on the Flat at Hamilton in between (good); 9lb higher than last win, but a chance despite dropping back in trip.

Evs

1st

6

13th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 3

15:40 Hexham

Perseus Way

11st 2lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

5lb higher mark than for last month's soft-ground C&D victory over Sunset Hill and Johnson's Blue still reads favourably next to his 2022-23 peak RPRs; Flat scorer at Hamilton since (1m5f, good), and plainly on fine terms with himself again; player.

9/4

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

5th

1

(5)

2nd Sep 2026

Soft

1m 3f 15y

Class 6

19:50 Hamilton

Annandale

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

C&D win in June (good ground) and he has performed to a fair level in defeat since; has more races in him but suspicion he would prefer quicker ground.

11/4

2nd

3

(8)

27th Aug 2026

Good

1m 3f 39y

Class 6

17:00 Carlisle

Annandale

9st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

9-70, with the most recent success coming at Hamilton (1m3f, good) in June off a 3lb lower mark than today's; consistent since and this hold-up performer has claims if things drop favourably.

5/1

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

11th

7

(8)

10th Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:45 Ayr

Glasses Up

9st 8lb

J: David Allan

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who led close home over 1m5f here (good to firm) last month, his 13th success; also suited by this shorter trip, but was effectively 3lb below that last winning mark when only fourth over C&D a week later and his new mark has taken effect; younger rivals look better treated.

12/1

4th

6

(2)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Glasses Up

9st 7lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who was recording his 12th win at the track when leading close home over 1m5f last week; able to race off a 3lb lower mark today and he has to be of interest from a handicapping perspective.

5/1

1st

6

(3)

13th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:05 Ayr

Glasses Up

8st 4lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: R Mike Smith

Long in the tooth now and needs to better his recent efforts but was close third off 4lb higher at Hamilton (1m1f, good to firm) in May and is probably better suited by today's trip; can't rule out.

10/1

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

3rd

3

(1)

25th Aug 2026

Good

2m 2f 28y

Class 4

15:45 Musselburgh

Trojan Sun

9st 6lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Won this in 2024 and posted his first win of this year at Carlisle (1m6f, good) in June; soundly beaten on his last two starts but this four-time course winner could bounce back returned to Musselburgh.

12/1

7th

18

(9)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 4f 137y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Trojan Sun

8st 2lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jim Goldie

Running away with a 2m2f race on heavy going under 7lb claimer at Nottingham last October was a clear career best at the time; virtually matched that form in three of his races in a mixed campaign this year and maybe an increased stamina test will help, but being 5lb out of the handicap won't.

50/1

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

(3)

2nd Sep 2026

Soft

1m 3f 15y

Class 6

19:50 Hamilton

Sophiesticate

9st 8lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: R Mike Smith

She had been running with credit this season prior to her comfortable win at Musselburgh (1m5f, good); up 6lb but she still has handicapping scope on last year's best; all wins on good ground but appears to handle soft.

3/1

1st

4

(1)

31st Jul 2026

Good

1m 5f 0y

Class 6

17:45 Musselburgh

Sophiesticate

9st 7lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: R Mike Smith

Three times a course winner for Jim Goldie, the latest (extended 1m4f) last August off a 9lb higher mark; solid efforts on her last three starts; big run expected.

7/2

3rd

7

(4)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Sophiesticate

9st 5lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: R Mike Smith

Third in 1m4f handicaps at Musselburgh on her last two starts, staying on nicely on both occasions; drop back in trip on faster ground isn't sure to suit.

10/1

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

7th

1

(5)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

2m 0f 32y

Class 5

17:05 Beverley

Elemental Eye

10st 0lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Iain Jardine

A clearcut winner at Wolverhampton (1m4f, AW; first-time blinkers) and nearly followed up at Ayr, over 1m5f on good; stays this far and handles slow ground, so has to be considered.

7/2

2nd

1

(8)

6th Jul 2026

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:30 Ayr

Elemental Eye

10st 2lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Seemed to benefit from combination of drop back in trip and change of headgear when clearcut winner at Wolverhampton (1m4f, AW; first-time blinkers) nine days ago; 6lb higher here and too inconsistent to rely upon heavily but the return to turf won't be a problem.

4/1

1st

12

(1)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 4f 98y

Class 5

16:58 Newcastle (AW)

Elemental Eye

9st 2lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

0-5 on AW and he was never a threat over C&D in March; remote third over 2m at Musselburgh (good) three weeks ago and he now drops back in trip with added blinkers.

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

3rd

11

(1)

2nd Sep 2026

Soft

1m 5f 16y

Class 5

17:50 Hamilton

Ebony Maw

9st 0lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Ewan Whillans

Finished third behind Perseus Way in this race 12 months ago and he is rated 5lb lower this time around; comes here on the back of three solid efforts, including a 1m5f win at Ayr, and holds each-way claims again.

8/1

3rd

1

(3)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 6

20:30 Hamilton

Ebony Maw

9st 12lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Ewan Whillans

Has never run on ground faster than good and has a couple of heavy-ground wins to his name; 0-13 here but has gone close more than once and arrives in form, having responded well to a switch to front-running at Ayr last month; leading claims upped 2lb.

4/1

1st

7

(1)

6th Jul 2026

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:30 Ayr

Ebony Maw

9st 1lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Ewan Whillans

Dual C&D winner; on a losing run of 17 but was seemingly perked up by refitted cheekpieces when third here (1m7f, soft; just behind La Tosca) last month and competes off another career-low mark today.

8/1

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

7th

9

15th Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

14:50 Perth

Just Dottie

11st 4lb

J: Ben Smith

T: R Mike Smith

Four course wins (all over 2m); lacked the pace to challenge when third over that trip here (good; 4-1) early last month; finished down the field back on the Flat (1m2f) since; stablemate Follow Charlie has more to recommend.

5/1

7th

6

(5)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:20 Ayr

Just Dottie

9st 6lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: R Mike Smith

Four-time hurdle winner who was a respectable third at Perth (2m, good) 25 days ago; still lightly raced on the Flat but she's 5lb higher than for her win here (1m5f, soft) last autumn and not sure this drop back to 1m2f will suit; others are more persuasive.

10/1

3rd

4

2nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

14:48 Perth

Just Dottie

11st 4lb

J: William Maggs

T: R Mike Smith

Four C&D wins, the most recent when justifying favouritism from 2lb higher in May 2025; Flat winner since (last September); reportedly never travelling when only fifth of 12 (Ravenscraig Castle third) here on latest start.

9/2

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