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

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

1st

3

(5)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 3f 39y

Class 5

19:39 Carlisle

Valley Of Flowers

10st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Five-time winner who hasn't won since 2023 but she's run with credit on many subsequent occasions, including on her only visit here when second under Joanna Mason in this race last year; back in form on her last two starts and she's in calculations.

4/1

4th

3

(2)

22nd Jun 2026

Good

1m 7f 189y

Class 5

16:35 Catterick

Valley Of Flowers

9st 6lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

No win since completing a three-timer at 1m4f-2m in the autumn of 2023; however, she ran her best race of the year when going close at Thirsk (1m4f, good) last month; has a good run in her back up in trip.

13/8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1st

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

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

4th

5

(2)

13th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:05 Ayr

Annandale

8st 7lb

J: Oliver Carmichael

T: Jim Goldie

Gained three of his nine wins over this C&D and gave good account when staying-on third over C&D (good) a week ago; still on the same workable mark and has another big role to play.

5/2

3rd

3

(6)

6th Jul 2026

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:30 Ayr

Annandale

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Gained three of his nine wins over this C&D; disappointing favourite when well-held third of six at Hamilton (1m5f, good to firm) 11 days ago but won over 1m3f there a week earlier and has claims if judged on that form.

5/1

3rd

4

(5)

25th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 6

18:00 Hamilton

Annandale

11st 1lb

J: Miss Kayleigh Williams

T: Jim Goldie

8yo who won here (1m3f, good) last Wednesday on his second start back from a break; he'll be fine back up in trip and Kayleigh Williams made a dream start to her riding career when winning on a stablemate this month; strong claims under a 4lb penalty.

4/5

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

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

5th

3

(1)

5th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:25 Ayr

Glasses Up

9st 11lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who last May gained a ninth C&D win; his more recent form is not so encouraging, though, just fifth of eight over C&D 16 days ago; needs to bounce back.

20/1

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

4

(6)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:20 York

Trojan Sun

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Probably best known for Musselburgh exploits but last two wins were at Nottingham last October and Carlisle last month; below form on sole start here (last October) but probably best forgiven being well beaten 17 days ago as that was just 1m3f; chief concern is that he needs another career best.

20/1

6th

6

(2)

24th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 4

17:05 Carlisle

Trojan Sun

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Made it win number six when scoring here (1m6f, good; has won at up to 2m2f) last Monday; 5lb penalty makes life tough and he's never won at shorter than 1m6f; evidently in good heart, though.

11/1

1st

10

(3)

15th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 32y

Class 5

15:20 Carlisle

Trojan Sun

9st 5lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Won four times last season (1m6f-2m2f) and looked as good as ever when clear third in quite valuable Musselburgh handicap (2m, good) in April but didn't fire at Hamilton last month and has now disappointed on four of his last five appearances.

9/1

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

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

3rd

2

(6)

30th Jun 2026

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 6

16:30 Musselburgh

Sophiesticate

9st 9lb

J: Kyle McHugh

T: R Mike Smith

Last three wins came over C&D; hit flat spot but rallied for third under these conditions last week; obvious claims of turning the tables on winner Gemini Man given she was beaten two necks and has a 4lb pull; 7lb claimer Kyle McHugh enlisted too.

11/4

3rd

6

(2)

22nd Jun 2026

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 6

15:45 Musselburgh

Sophiesticate

8st 10lb

J: William Pyle

T: R Mike Smith

A three-time C&D winner for Jim Goldie; much better signs for her new yard with sixth of 11 in 1m4f Hamilton handicap 18 days ago when set a lot to do; well in the mix if building on that here.

12/1

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

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

3rd

5

(5)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 217y

Class 5

13:50 Musselburgh

Elemental Eye

8st 12lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Two wins last season, the latter gained by 10l here (1m6f, soft; also suited by much quicker ground) in October; not in same form on either outing since returned to the Flat in March (1m4f/2m; cheekpieces refitted last time) but still considered.

9/2

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

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

3rd

7

(9)

19th Jun 2026

Good

1m 7f 0y

Class 6

20:25 Ayr

Ebony Maw

9st 4lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Ewan Whillans

Won over C&D in 2024 and is well handicapped on some of last year's placed efforts; yet to strike form after two starts this year but is of renewed interest now that tongue-tie and cheekpieces are refitted; versatile regarding ground; dangerous to ignore.

20/1

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

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

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

5th

5

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

15:17 Perth

Just Dottie

11st 9lb

J: William Maggs

T: R Mike Smith

Fourth of six on the Flat last time out and beaten 22l here the time before that; a four-time winner in this discipline but reservations at the minute.

20/1

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

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