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

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

15th

5

(17)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Thunder Roar

9st 8lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

First past the post in the Spring Mile over C&D last March (good to soft; demoted due to interference) and showed even better form in the autumn (on soft/good); a career-best is needed from this 7yo but further improvement can't be ruled out and he has an excellent record at Doncaster; each-way player, in the expectation he's improved for his recent comeback run on AW.

25/1

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

5th

13

(14)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Theoryofeverything

8st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: David O’Meara

Second of 14 off 1lb higher behind Thunder Roar at Ayr (1m) last September on his favoured soft ground, and didn't run badly when 4l 11th of 21 in the Lincoln at Doncaster (1m, good to soft) on his reappearance; however, others have more compelling credentials.

25/1

11th

16

(10)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Theoryofeverything

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: David O’Meara

Second of 14 off this mark behind Thunder Roar at Ayr (1m) last September on his favoured soft ground; however, he was below that level more often than not last season and is likely to find this too competitive.

33/1

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

8th

6

(9)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 3

16:47 Thirsk

Impartiality

9st 4lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Phillip Makin

Winner of his first three handicaps in 2025 (up to about 1m; good) and showed this mark wasn't beyond him when going close at Glorious Goodwood (1m, heavy) last July; should come on for his recent reappearance and have a say with cheekpieces back on.

10/1

9th

7

(11)

12th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 3

17:15 Musselburgh

Impartiality

9st 0lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Phillip Makin

Won his first three starts in 2025 so the 195-day absence isn't a major concern, but he is still 12lb above his last winning mark; cheekpieces worn in last four outings removed.

12/1

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

5

(11)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

13:30 York

Northern Express

9st 1lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

7yo who hasn't been able to reproduce his very best form this season but he's dropped down the weights accordingly and there have been promising signs on his last few starts, finishing fifth of 17 over C&D (good to firm) in August and fourth of 14 at Ayr (1m, soft) last time; in the mix.

5/1

4th

2

(2)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:15 Ayr

Northern Express

9st 13lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

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.

11/2

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

1st

3

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 0f 75y

Class 5

17:25 Nottingham

Leadenhall

9st 6lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

6lb lower than when winning at Haydock last summer (1m, good to firm); two creditable runs in defeat this season and he now drops in class.

3/1

7th

14

(2)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 3

16:47 Thirsk

Leadenhall

8st 7lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Ended 2025 in poor form but he built up a head of steam to take a late fourth on his recent Pontefract return (1m, good); now 4lb lower than his Haydock win (1m, good to firm) last August so weighted to be competitive.

9/1

12

(11)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 75y

Class 4

15:25 Nottingham

Leadenhall

8st 12lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Now 4lb lower than for his win at Haydock (1m, good to firm) last summer and he wasn't beaten far on his reappearance at Pontefract (1m, good) ten days ago; should get a decent tow into this race and has claims if he can build on that last run.

7/1

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

3rd

8

(9)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:10 Ripon

Barley

9st 5lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Just three wins from his 47 starts, the latest back in June 2024; however, he was short-headed off this career-low mark at Hamilton (8.3f, good to firm) last Wednesday and could be in the mix once more; versatile ground-wise.

9/2

2nd

4

(3)

27th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 68y

Class 5

17:05 Hamilton

Barley

9st 5lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Not a prolific winner but he is operating off a reduced mark and there were more encouraging signs dropped to a Class 5 at Thirsk 11 days ago; another 3lb lower today and minor money could be on the cards.

5/1

6th

8

(4)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

16:12 Thirsk

Barley

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Not badly treated on his best form at about 1m but his losing run goes back nearly two years and he's dropped right out in both runs this year.

25/1

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

25th

12

(18)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Khafiz

9st 6lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Lightly raced 4yo who ties in with Great Acclaim on a stable/seasonal debut effort at Haydock that took his form figures over 7f to 1135; may resume progress with that outing under his belt; one to consider, especially if the market signals speak positively.

12/1

5th

6

(4)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Khafiz

9st 4lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Began 2025 with 7f novice wins at Kempton and Doncaster; ended his 3yo campaign with a close third at Doncaster (7f, soft) 183 days ago; sold out of Roger Varian's stable for 85,000gns in October; still has low mileage, is yet to run a poor race when wearing a hood and is starting out for a trainer in great form; lots to like.

9/2

5

(9)

24th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 2

15:18 Doncaster

Khafiz

9st 4lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Low-mileage 3yo who is possibly flattered by peak effort and may still be on a tough mark; however, he's 2-2 over 7f and wearing a hood, including for a Doncaster win; interesting back in same scenario.

12/1

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

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

12th

6

(1)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Apiarist

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Finished a good third in this race 12 months ago when rated 2lb lower; arrives in good form, having beaten Popmaster at Lingfield (1m) before a good third at Kempton (7f) 16 days ago; chance if stall 1 proves no hindrance.

10/1

3rd

4

(3)

18th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Apiarist

9st 4lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Beat very good yardstick in Popmaster for fourth AW win from just eight tries at Lingfield 19 days ago (1m; ridden by Jack Callan for the first time); up just 3lb, and no issue with this shorter trip, but he's never been to Kempton and trainer is just 1-14 here last five years.

3/1

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

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

8

(15)

29th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Doncaster

Naepoint

9st 9lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Edward Bethell

Looks versatile as regards ground; record of 3-4 since handicapping, most recently winning the Straight-Mile Series Final at Redcar last October; gelded since; improving sort who is 1-1 over C&D and commands respect.

7/1

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

7th

6

(10)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

17:28 Carlisle

Mr King

9st 7lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Geoffrey Harker

Modest 2-26 strike-rate and refused to race once in the autumn; however, he's often run well in competitive races, as when third of 19 at York (1m, good) last July and was hampered next time; creditable return for new yard at Redcar (first-time hood, cheekpieces now refitted) this month; involved.

14/1

6th

6

(9)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

19:20 Redcar

Mr King

8st 13lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Geoffrey Harker

Successful twice (1m2f/1m) in Ireland earlier in his career; talented but failed to win in 14 starts for Iain Jardine, including refusing to race on his penultimate outing last year; it's possible a change of stable (same owner) could spark a revival but a watching brief is still the percentage call here; hooded first time.

22/1

16th

9

(11)

11th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

17:05 York

Mr King

9st 8lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

2-24 with both wins coming for Ger Lyons in Ireland (1m/1m2f); finished a close third of 19 behind Billyb here (1m, good) in July, but he refused to race at Ayr three weeks ago and has enough to prove after that.

12/1

+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