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

3rd

2

(8)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 1

15:40 Haydock

Balmacara

9st 10lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

None too consistent in 2025, running well when second in 1m Listed event at Sandown (soft) in September but poorly twice afterwards; returns from a layoff and may find that conditions place the emphasis too much on speed.

25/1

1

(6)

24th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 2

15:18 Doncaster

Balmacara

10st 0lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

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.

9/1

8

(1)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Balmacara

8st 13lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Lacks consistency but produced a solid run in defeat at Listed level last time (1m, soft) and this drop back to 7f will be no hardship; Charles Bishop gets off to partner Great Acclaim but this 4yo is respected off a competitive mark.

11/1

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

11th

7

(4)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Rhoscolyn

9st 3lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

Last year's Golden Mile win at Goodwood (strong record there) shows he's still smart on his day; respectable return to action when fifth in good conditions race over 7f here three weeks ago but he's gained the vast majority of his ten career wins on slower ground than he's likely to encounter this afternoon.

14/1

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

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

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

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

19th

14

(22)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Mirabeau

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Dominic Ffrench Davis

Trainer won this in 2024; ran well when third of 20 off 1lb higher at Ascot (7f, good to soft) in September but unable to match that level on final four starts last season; returns having been gelded; needs something extra.

33/1

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

19th

3

(17)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Doncaster

First Ambition

9st 11lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: K R Burke

Has been unable to sustain his early progress, most recently out of the money when a 20-1 shot in the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton; needs to raise his game.

25/1

7th

10

(3)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 2

14:42 Wolverhampton (AW)

First Ambition

8st 10lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Free-going sort who has won two of his six starts; should be sharper with last month's Southwell reappearance behind him and still has some potential.

14/1

6th

3

(9)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 3

19:00 Southwell (AW)

First Ambition

9st 7lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Made it 2-2 in a C&D novice in August and wasn't disgraced in two Class 2 handicaps before producing his worst performance yet last time at Newcastle; if forgiven that, and it was three months ago, then he's not without hope.

8/1

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

5th

11

(14)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Rogue Diplomat

9st 5lb

J: Harry Davies

T: James Owen

Progressive 4yo; 5-6 over 7f but showed he's just as effective at 1m when making Urban Lion pull out all the stops in the Lincoln at Doncaster (good to soft) three weeks ago; 1lb better off for a nose defeat and there should be little between the pair again.

7/1

2nd

12

(5)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Rogue Diplomat

9st 3lb

J: Harry Davies

T: James Owen

Won over 7f here in September (good to soft) and October (soft) to complete a four-timer; all of those wins came by less than 1l, suggesting he's a type who only just does enough, and there may be more left in the tank; worth another crack at 1m and could be in the mix if seeing it out.

10/1

9

(4)

24th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 2

15:18 Doncaster

Rogue Diplomat

9st 0lb

J: Harry Davies

T: James Owen

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.

7/2

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

4th

3

(8)

21st May 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 3

16:25 Musselburgh

Gweedore

9st 7lb

J: William Pyle

T: Katie Scott

Stable stalwart; just 1lb higher than for his front-running C&D win last November (soft) but his two runs this year have been unconvincing; will no doubt pop up at some point but perhaps in a race with less pace pressure.

16/1

14th

7

(9)

17th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:25 Newbury

Gweedore

9st 4lb

J: William Pyle

T: Katie Scott

He has been a fine advertisement for Katie Scott, winning 13 races over 7f and 1m; 0-6 at this trip but he was beaten less than one length in the 2023 Ayr Gold Cup; recent Musselburgh return should have blown away the cobwebs but others are still more appealing for win purposes.

33/1

7th

5

(10)

4th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 2

13:55 Musselburgh

Gweedore

8st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Katie Scott

Often leads; superb 9yo with six course wins, the latest over C&D (soft) in November; not weighted out of it off the same mark as his second to Persuasion here last April but he's had a much longer break this time and is drawn widest.

13/2

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

11

(7)

24th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 2

15:18 Doncaster

Our Havana

8st 10lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Richard Fahey

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.

25/1

9th

9

(1)

27th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

17:55 Newmarket

Our Havana

9st 1lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Richard Fahey

Recorded useful wins on AW and turf in the spring but hasn't been in quite the same form since, midfield at Thirsk most recently; goes back up in grade and needs to raise his game.

33/1

3

(10)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Thirsk

Our Havana

9st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

Has developed into a useful 7f handicapper, including a Musselburgh win (good) in May; hasn't managed to reproduce that in three outings since but this is a bit easier than the Bunbury Cup he contested last time and Warren Fentiman takes 5lb off; not discounted.

20/1

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