September 20 / 13.15 Ayr

13.15

Good To Soft

Ladbrokes “Free Bet At Ayr” Handicap

  • Prize money: £23193
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV
View Course
Ladbrokes “Free Bet At Ayr” Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.00
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 002084 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Back to form when disqualified from first in the Spring Mile at Doncaster (good to soft) in March; best effort since when fourth of 20 in a valuable 7f handicap at Ascot (good to soft) 14 days ago, that effort all the more commendable given he also ran the previous day; course winner on soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(7)

31st Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ripon

Thunder Roar

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Far from convincing on 2026 form and chance partly depends on the actions of the weather; may prove resurgent when he's back on ideal ground, namely soft/heavy; on last winning mark.

14/1

16th

4

(13)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Thunder Roar

9st 8lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Soft-ground specialist who landed a fifth success when scoring at Ayr (1m) in September; yet to get going in three starts this year but he's edging down the weights and the booking of Colin Keane catches the eye; requires monitoring in the market with every drop of rain in his favour.

25/1

11th

7

(13)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Thunder Roar

9st 1lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

7yo who was better than ever last season, a campaign that concluded with a fine second of 17 over C&D (good); races off the same mark today but he hasn't shone on his two outings this year.

33/1

10/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: -41507 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Two soft-ground wins last year and added another over C&D in July; hasn't fired since, despite the ground being in his favour, but still no surprise were he to revive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(9)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

1m 1f 207y

Class 3

13:40 Beverley

Theoryofeverything

10st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: David O’Meara

Off a good mark he wore down a subsequent winner at Ayr (1m, good) and getting back on softer ground is a plus; raised just 3lb and he's on the shortlist; stays this far.

10/1

1st

1

(10)

8th Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Ayr

Theoryofeverything

9st 11lb

J: Jason Hart

T: David O’Meara

Well handicapped on his best form and some of that has been here, although not on his latest visit in July when only eighth; however, he's one of a few in here who would appreciate softening ground and firmly enters the reckoning.

4/1

8th

2

(7)

5th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:00 Ayr

Theoryofeverything

10st 2lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

Has produced his peak RPR of 102 in both C&D attempts, including a win off 3lb higher in this race last year; Conor Whiteley takes off a bonus 5lb; interesting returned to this scenario.

6/1

15/2

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 119220

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Couldn't get involved in a big-field 3yo handicap at the York Ebor meeting (looked in trouble even before slightly hampered) but prior to that he'd done well, including when only narrowly denied off this mark at Glorious Goodwood (1m, heavy); capable of bouncing back with a bang.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(2)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

1m 1f 207y

Class 3

13:40 Beverley

Impartiality

9st 12lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Phillip Makin

Probably on a high enough mark but he's gone close in last two races and travelled much the best last time at Hamilton (1m1f, good); he'll enjoy this softer ground; considered.

4/1

2nd

5

(13)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 1f 35y

Class 3

19:00 Hamilton

Impartiality

9st 12lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Phillip Makin

Winner of his first three starts in 2025, including here over 8.5f (good), and also went close on heavy ground at Goodwood (1m; first-time cheekpieces) last July; below his best on his first two starts this year but bounced back when runner-up at Chester (1m2f, good to soft) in June; contender.

11/1

2nd

6

(1)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 70y

Class 3

15:23 Chester

Impartiality

8st 11lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Phillip Makin

Winner of his first three handicaps in 2025, including here (7.5f, good) at this meeting; also went close at Glorious Goodwood (1m, heavy) off 2lb higher in July; yet to get going this term but he's too well treated to ignore; first attempt at this trip.

8/1

Form: 887465 C

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Former winner at this meeting; operating a little below his really smart best so far this year but his handicap mark has edged down and his latest fifth came in a strong 17-runner handicap at the York Ebor meeting (good to firm; has won on soft); eased another 1lb; contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(4)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Thirsk

Northern Express

9st 11lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Nosed ahead in the final strides at York (7f) last time, ending a two-year losing spell and showing he retains plenty of ability aged eight; back up just 2lb he remains well treated on historical data; won the Thirsk Hunt Cup over C&D in 2023; should remain competitive.

9/2

1st

1

(13)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:10 York

Northern Express

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

High-class handicapper at 7f/1m; winless since landing a valuable 7f handicap at Ascot in July 2024 but he is now 7lb lower and he retains plenty of ability; should be sharper with last month's reappearance behind him; bold bid expected as he attempts to win this race for a second time.

10/1

20/1

Form: 516874 D

Last run: 2 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Aided by a first-time visor when gaining career win number three in 1m Haydock handicap in April; not disgraced since, including fourth of 13 over 1m2f here (good to soft) on Thursday; won't be inconvenienced by the drop back to 1m; his stable has won this twice with Revich in recent years.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(6)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:45 Redcar

Sex On Fire

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Richard Spencer

Haydock winner off 3lb lower in April (1m, good; visor on first time); has come back to form on his last two starts (both at Ayr) finishing fourth over 1m2f on first occasion (good to soft) and fifth over 1m (soft) last time; chance.

4/1

4th

5

(6)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:45 Redcar

Sex On Fire

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Richard Spencer

Haydock winner off 3lb lower in April (1m, good; visor on first time); has come back to form on his last two starts (both at Ayr) finishing fourth over 1m2f on first occasion (good to soft) and fifth over 1m (soft) last time; chance.

4/1

5th

10

(8)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:15 Ayr

Sex On Fire

8st 11lb

J: George Wood

T: Richard Spencer

Aided by a first-time visor when gaining career win number three in 1m Haydock handicap in April; not disgraced since, including fourth of 13 over 1m2f here (good to soft) on Thursday; won't be inconvenienced by the drop back to 1m; his stable has won this twice with Revich in recent years.

20/1

16/1

Form: 304144 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Mostly running well this year, winning over 1m at Haydock (good to firm) in August; respectable fourth twice since, latterly behind the reopposing Duke's Command back at Haydock (good) a fortnight ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(5)

5th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:00 Ayr

Leadenhall

9st 5lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

In-form 6yo who scored at Nottingham in May/June and ran well when favourite for the Carlisle Bell most recently; revised mark has kicked in but he defied it last summer; solid chance.

8/1

2nd

13

(13)

24th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

16:35 Carlisle

Leadenhall

9st 5lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Creditable sixth of 16 at York (1m1f, good) before winning at Nottingham (8.5f, good) under Jake Dickson four days ago, making it two wins from his last three starts; escapes a penalty for that success and can't be dismissed.

8/1

1st

4

(1)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 75y

Class 4

18:35 Nottingham

Leadenhall

9st 6lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Recorded his fourth win when scoring over C&D (good) last month and he backed that up with a creditable sixth in a big field at York (1m1f, good); remains feasibly treated on his best form and he's in the mix back at this track.

13/2

7th
11 (10)
Barley

14/1

Form: 255224 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Just one win from his last 34 starts and that was last June; recent efforts highly creditable but probably worth taking on for the win again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(8)

19th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 5

17:30 Carlisle

Barley

10st 1lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

C&D winner; on a losing run but he has run several good races in defeat this year, including here; more minor money on the cards.

8/1

4th

11

(3)

15th Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Ripon

Barley

9st 0lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Made the frame for the seventh consecutive time, albeit beaten 7l, when second of 14 at Redcar (1m, good to firm) a week ago; holds no secrets from the handicapper but ought to give another good account.

15/2

2nd

12

(4)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 219y

Class 4

15:12 Redcar

Barley

9st 5lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Beaten under 1l when third of 15 at York (1m, good to firm) a fortnight ago and has now made the frame six consecutive times; holds no secrets from the handicapper but ought to give another good account.

8/1

OUR TIP
8th
1 (13)
Hi Royal

16/1

Form: -20630 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Soft-ground second in the 2,000 Guineas in 2023; smart handicapper nowadays but his only success remains a C&D novice win at the 2022 Western meeting; two good placed efforts over 1m at Thirsk this year but well held at Ascot latest and others are preferred for the win again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(13)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:15 Ayr

Hi Royal

9st 13lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Soft-ground second in the 2,000 Guineas in 2023; smart handicapper nowadays but his only success remains a C&D novice win at the 2022 Western meeting; two good placed efforts over 1m at Thirsk this year but well held at Ascot latest and others are preferred for the win again.

16/1

3

(13)

5th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Hi Royal

9st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

Soft-ground second in the 2,000 Guineas in 2023; smart handicapper nowadays who still has just one novice success to his name; went close in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (good) on reappearance and it was a step back in the right direction when close third of five at that track (also 1m, good to firm) last month; hasn't shone in three starts here (admittedly twice in Group 1s) but handicapper is gradually relenting.

20/1

2

(4)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

16:40 Thirsk

Hi Royal

9st 12lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Kevin Ryan

Runner-up in the 2,000 Guineas in 2023 but just a useful handicapper nowadays; comes into the reckoning on his second in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (good ground) on reappearance but hasn't repeated the form and carries risks.

6/1

Form: 0-117

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Gelded after finishing down the field on his only 2yo start and returned to win 7f novice events in a hood at Kempton (AW) and Doncaster (good) in the first half of the summer; unable to make a significant impact in a Deauville Group 3 without the hood (left off again) six weeks ago but it was still a career-best RPR and he heads into handicaps with an unexposed profile; unraced on slower than good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

5

(7)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Khafiz

8st 8lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Roger Fell

Won twice in novice company (7f) for Roger Varian; yet to win a handicap but he has run two sound races (1m and 7f) for his new stable; returns to 6f for the first time since his debut and he should have enough pace to cope.

10/1

4th

6

(3)

2nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:52 Chester

Khafiz

9st 8lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Roger Fell

Yet to win a handicap but he is easing down the weights and his stable debut at York (1m, good to firm) was encouraging; well drawn back at 7f and he's one to consider.

10/1

4th

8

(6)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Khafiz

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Roger Fell

Following an encouraging reappearance fifth at Haydock in April he was beaten a long way on his final two starts for Ed Bethell; however, he's well treated on last season's form and perhaps he'll have been revived by a change of scenery; market check advised on stable debut.

20/1

10/1

Form: 280661 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Looked on the way back when a never-nearer sixth (Northern Express fifth) at the York Ebor meeting and confirmed those impressions when comfortably on top late on at Haydock (1m, good) a fortnight ago; should remain competitive off 5lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

14

(10)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Dukes Command

8st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

Two 1m wins on turf last season and added another on AW at Lingfield (1m2f) in December; however, he needs to produce a bigger performance than he's managed across his four outings this year.

40/1

5th

2

(5)

28th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Dukes Command

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: David O’Meara

Won at Lingfield (AW) in December on first crack at 1m2f and raced wide when sixth of 14 at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) last month; this two-time turf winner remains unexposed at today's trip and is not ruled out.

7/1

6th

8

(12)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Dukes Command

9st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Won at Lingfield (Polytrack) in December on first crack at 1m2f; another big run when third of five in Listed race there (1m2f) next time; bounced back from lesser run when staying on for seventh of 12 at Wolverhampton (8.6f, Tapeta) recently and he could be in the mix now back up in trip.

15/2

16/1

Form: 121074 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Spring performances over 1m (121) represented a very solid start to his career; came up well short in a pair of strong 3yo-only handicaps in the summer but back on track after a gelding operation when fourth of 11 at Ascot (7f, soft) 15 days ago; that was his first outing for two months so he might come on for it; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(8)

16th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Chelmsford (AW)

Arctic Grey

9st 10lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Richard Hannon

Form figures of 121 to start his career in the spring, including a 1m win off this mark at Goodwood on handicap debut, but he's not lived up to that; gelded before penultimate start, which was a fair effort at Ascot, but he did not show much at Ayr on latest (both on soft).

14/1

11th

9

(9)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:15 Ayr

Arctic Grey

8st 13lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Spring performances over 1m (121) represented a very solid start to his career; came up well short in a pair of strong 3yo-only handicaps in the summer but back on track after a gelding operation when fourth of 11 at Ascot (7f, soft) 15 days ago; that was his first outing for two months so he might come on for it; not discounted.

16/1

12th
4 (11)
Apiarist

14/1

Form: 103840 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Seems at his very best on AW and behind Northern Express at last month's York Ebor meeting; only ninth in this race 12 months ago and others are preferred again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(10)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Apiarist

9st 8lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Inconsistent sort who made it 1-20 on turf (that grass win came here in 2yo campaign) when well beaten at Royal Ascot last month; however, two starts ago he was a close sixth in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) when he was denied a clear run, and he's not ruled out.

7/1

18th

12

(18)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Apiarist

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Eye-catcher, amid traffic issues, in the Thirsk Hunt Cup last time; form over C&D comprises a respectable eighth (off current mark) in this contest last year and creditable third (did well having been hampered) later in 2025; still has a much better strike-rate on AW than on turf, however.

22/1

6th

4

(15)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Apiarist

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Three fine efforts on AW to start the year but his run of good form came to a halt when well behind Blue Rc at Newcastle over Easter; acts on turf but has a much better strike-rate on AW; drawn widest.

20/1

13th
8 (6)
Naepoint

12/1

Form: 011-06 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Won three of four 1m handicap starts to end last season, including on soft; disappointed in the Spring Mile at Doncaster on reappearance (final start for Ed Bethell) but better signs when sixth of 13 in 1m Southwell Racing League event last month on his first outing for Richard Fahey; entitled to come on for the run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(2)

18th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 4

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Naepoint

10st 0lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Three turf wins over a straight 1m for Edward Bethell as a 3yo, latterly off a 2lb lower mark, before struggling during a limited campaign last year; would need a career-best effort for his new yard (also responsible for Spaceman) back from 11 months off.

33/1

13th

8

(6)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:15 Ayr

Naepoint

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

Won three of four 1m handicap starts to end last season, including on soft; disappointed in the Spring Mile at Doncaster on reappearance (final start for Ed Bethell) but better signs when sixth of 13 in 1m Southwell Racing League event last month on his first outing for Richard Fahey; entitled to come on for the run.

12/1

2

(12)

28th Aug 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 3

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Naepoint

9st 12lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

Three wins last season from his first four handicaps; well beaten in the Spring Mile in March on sole run this year and has since left Ed Bethell (remains in same ownership); not written off but others have less to prove.

14/1

Form: 790038 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Dual winner for Ger Lyons in Ireland; 0-12 for this yard but returned to form when beaten just over a length into third of 19 at York (1m, good) in July; repeatedly denied a clear run and easy to ignore subsequent Haydock run behind Leadenhall; doesn't look the easiest (can hang left) but he's well capable off this mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(4)

22nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 4

17:25 Redcar

Mr King

10st 0lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Geoffrey Harker

Third run for this yard when a head winner at Thirsk (7f, good) and was bang there in a big field at York (good to firm) despite a troubled passage; stays 1m and plenty to like.

11/2

8th

5

(16)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:32 York

Mr King

9st 7lb

J: David Nolan

T: Geoffrey Harker

Returned to form to exploit a reduced mark at Thirsk (7f, good) last month on his third start for this yard; a modest 3lb rise has followed and he's a contender if backing up that latest performance.

10/1

1st

8

(7)

16th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:02 Thirsk

Mr King

9st 11lb

J: David Nolan

T: Geoffrey Harker

Winless for Iain Jardine (also refused to race once); failed to build on Redcar sixth for his new yard when seventh of ten in 1m Carlisle handicap 17 days ago; not one to rely on.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £52.30
Straight Forecast £47.96
Tricast £324.08
Trifecta £386.00

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Northern Express

SPOTLIGHT:

Impartiality

The Times:

Arctic Grey

NEWMARKET:

Khafiz

The Star:

Naepoint

Daily Mirror:

Apiarist

The Guardian:

Mr King

TOPSPEED:

Barley

Telegraph:

Impartiality

POSTDATA:

Northern Express

Daily Mail:

Northern Express

D Express:

Northern Express

The Sun:

Northern Express

Daily Record:

Northern Express