October 24 / 15.18 Doncaster

15.18

Heavy

William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap

  • Prize money: £15702
  • 0m 7f 6y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
ITV
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William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

Form: -03020 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Form this term features a good effort, behind the subsequent QEII winner, at Sandown (Listed) on penultimate run; did too much up front latest; 2-2 over C&D (soft-ground novice wins) and looks interesting back here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

5

(16)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Balmacara

9st 5lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Useful but he is 0-12 since a Doncaster novice double in spring 2024 and not particularly solid on 2026 form; on a difficult mark returned to handicap level and isn't sure to uphold a consistent Sandown record.

33/1

6th

1

(4)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:58 York

Balmacara

9st 8lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Useful but is 0-12 since completing a Doncaster novice double in spring 2024, essentially proving quite difficult to place; hasn't strictly improved for a switch to hold-up tactics this term (seemingly being taught to settle better); unlikely to regain the winning thread on these terms.

40/1

7th

2

(4)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 1

13:30 Epsom

Balmacara

9st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Listed runner-up at Sandown (1m, soft) last September and third in the same grade at Haydock (7f, good) four weeks ago on reappearance; however, he was comfortably beaten in that latest start and is 0-11 since winning novice contests at Doncaster in spring 2024 on second and third starts; up against it.

28/1

Form: 6-0804 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Suited by ground softer than good; proved resurgent last time in Redcar Listed contest he'd won a year earlier; on a workable mark returned to handicap level and Jack Dace takes off a bonus 5lb; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(5)

24th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 2

15:18 Doncaster

Greys Monument

9st 13lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Ralph Beckett

Suited by ground softer than good; proved resurgent last time in Redcar Listed contest he'd won a year earlier; on a workable mark returned to handicap level and Jack Dace takes off a bonus 5lb; shortlisted.

13/2

4th

1

(1)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:56 Redcar

Greys Monument

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Ralph Beckett

Came good in the mud last autumn, winning an Ascot handicap in September and following up in this race; hasn't come close to that level this season, including back on soft ground in that same Ascot handicap four weeks ago, but still no surprise were he to revive in refitted blinkers.

11/2

1

(7)

5th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Greys Monument

10st 0lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Two 7f soft-ground wins last term were kicked off in a similar handicap on the Saturday of this meeting one year ago; followed that up with a Redcar Listed success under Rossa Ryan one month later; hasn't matched that in two starts this term but this tends to be his time of year and he stays 1m; respected down to his last winning mark.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 372-67 BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo; campaigned mostly at 1m but his two efforts this term, including when sixth in the Lincoln here, suggest this return to 7f is worth exploring; good second at Doncaster (soft) 12 months ago; possibilities, provided he takes well to first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(8)

4th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 2

13:55 Musselburgh

Midnight Gun

9st 8lb

J: James Doyle

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Faded in a 1m Listed race at Saint-Cloud (heavy) in November; had previously won a novice and a handicap (good) at that trip but the return to 7f worked well for him at Doncaster (soft) in October when he was bumped and later met trouble, only just failing against one on the crest of a wave; that strong form gives him solid claims.

9/4

3

(10)

24th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 2

15:18 Doncaster

Midnight Gun

9st 10lb

J: James Doyle

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Lightly raced 4yo; campaigned mostly at 1m but his two efforts this term, including when sixth in the Lincoln here, suggest this return to 7f is worth exploring; good second at Doncaster (soft) 12 months ago; possibilities, provided he takes well to first-time headgear.

9/2

7th

2

(11)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 212y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

Midnight Gun

9st 13lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Wrapped up a good 3yo campaign with smart effort for second of 12 in 1m Doncaster handicap (soft) last October; couldn't justify favouritism but still made a respectable return to the track when sixth of 22 in the Lincoln there (1m, good to soft) in March; off a further six months since but evidently capable when fresh and remains with untapped potential.

4/1

Form: 010060 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Suited by ground softer than good but his ideal locations are Goodwood (firstly) and Epsom (secondly); on this course he's not sure to take advantage of same mark as for this year's Golden Mile win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(1)

31st Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 3

15:00 Epsom

Rhoscolyn

9st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

On a reduced mark and this two-time C&D scorer can't have the ground soft enough; not at his best at Goodwood on Saturday.

6/1

8th

12

(9)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:00 Goodwood

Rhoscolyn

8st 6lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: David O’Meara

Well suited by ground softer than good; six-time winner at Goodwood and had an excuse (unsuitable conditions) in most recent course start; doesn't have the prettiest form figures this term but he has slipped to a very attractive mark; record in this race reads 3100.

11/2

12/1

Form: 0-1179 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
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.
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

Form: 350367 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Landed a valuable prize on soft ground last October and has shown bits of useful form this year, notably third in Ascot handicap (three starts ago); fighting chance, provided he responds well to first-time hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19th

2

(3)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:25 York

Mirabeau

10st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Dominic Ffrench Davis

Snapped a losing sequence in big field at Newbury (6f, good) in April and good second there (6f, good) since; won over C&D in 2024 2yo campaign and he should be fine back up to 7f; bang in form and he's one to consider.

8/1

2nd

7

(4)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Mirabeau

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Dominic Ffrench Davis

Narrowly regained the winning thread in big field over C&D (good) last time when dropped back to 6f for first time since debut; unexposed at this trip and still looks favourably treated back up just 3lb; respected.

5/1

1st

6

(4)

17th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:25 Newbury

Mirabeau

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Dominic Ffrench Davis

Campaigned over as far as 10.3f and this will be his first 6f run since his 2yo debut; well beaten in the Lincoln on his reappearance (1m, good to soft); dangerous mark judged on best 2025 effort (7f, good to soft); trip is a query but Oisin Murphy a notable booking.

16/1

Form: 112 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Thrice-raced gelding whose form comprises AW wins (7f/1m) and good second in Haydock handicap (1m, good to soft); runs off same mark with Jack Nicholls taking off a useful 5lb; respected with further improvement plausible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

15

(8)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 11y

Class 3

17:20 Goodwood

First Ambition

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Michael Keady

5yo who won last year on first two starts before good second on handicap debut at Haydock where he was 7lb higher; however, his form has gone the wrong way since and there was no revival on last month's stable debut.

50/1

6th

3

(3)

2nd Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:33 Kempton (AW)

First Ambition

9st 9lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Michael Keady

Won his first two starts for Karl Burke last year but he hasn't kicked on from his handicap debut second (1m, good to soft) last September (RPR 95); sold for 22,000gns in April; drops in class but not a solid option.

14/1

Form: 605111 CD

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Led towards the finish in competitive field at the Doncaster St Leger meeting (good to soft) last time, completing a hat-trick and taking record over 7f to 4-5; could well continue to progress over this distance; strong contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(12)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Rogue Diplomat

9st 8lb

J: Harry Davies

T: James Owen

Seriously progressive this season in 1m handicaps, including a near miss in the Lincoln (good to soft; won on soft) and victory in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot (good to firm); dispelled any doubts about his Group-race credentials when emerging from last in a steadily run race to push Lake Forest to a neck in the 7f Lennox at Glorious Goodwood (good); that effort deserves an upgrade, so he's in the mix.

12/1

2nd

6

(8)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Goodwood

Rogue Diplomat

9st 6lb

J: Harry Davies

T: James Owen

Progressive handicapper who landed the Hunt Cup from favourable draw at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm) most recently; faces a stiffer task on these terms but possibly hasn't reached his ceiling yet and a strike-rate of 5-6 over 7f bodes well.

10/1

1st

28

(33)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Rogue Diplomat

9st 0lb

J: Harry Davies

T: James Owen

Failed to fire in French Listed race last time; broadly progressive in handicaps and went close in the Lincoln when bidding for a five-timer (ran creditably in Spring Cup next time); however, chance partly depends on the weather, as he's ideally suited by ground softer than good.

16/1

20/1

Form: 082277 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Still capable of fairly useful form aged eight, albeit isn't quite the force of old and hasn't won for over two years; best efforts this term at Musselburgh; not the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

2

(3)

7th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

15:20 Musselburgh

Gweedore

9st 11lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Katie Scott

Now 7lb lower than when making all for narrow C&D (soft) win at end of last season but is yet to strike form after five runs this year; needs a good boost from the first-time blinkers.

10/1

15th

2

(2)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ayr

Gweedore

10st 2lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Katie Scott

Ended last season with a 7f win on soft ground but made a slow start to this campaign; not the percentage call.

50/1

Form: 160869 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Recorded useful wins on AW and turf in the spring but hasn't been in quite the same form since; doesn't look as if he's about to add to his tally.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(5)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:47 Thirsk

Our Havana

9st 5lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Reappeared at York (7f, good) in June following a wind op and he beat 19 rivals to win; very much of interest based on that performance but he was well beaten back at York (7f, good to firm) last time; cheekpieces go on.

25/1

16th

11

(19)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:10 York

Our Havana

9st 0lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Ended 2025 quietly but that resulted in a drop in the weights and he bounced back to form when pipping Lir Speciale over C&D four weeks ago; that was his first run after a wind operation and he retains handicapping scope despite a 3lb rise; drawn widest.

8/1

Non-runners

God Of War

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Rogue Diplomat

LAMBOURN:

Mirabeau

D Express:

Grey's Monument

The Star:

First Ambition

The Times:

God Of War

Telegraph:

Midnight Gun

Daily Record:

Balmacara

TOPSPEED:

Rhoscolyn

RP RATINGS:

Rogue Diplomat

POSTDATA:

Rogue Diplomat

Daily Mail:

Rogue Diplomat

The Guardian:

Mirabeau

Daily Mirror:

Mirabeau

The Sun:

Grey's Monument