January 31 / 15.20 Lingfield (AW)

15.20

Standard

Midnite Ain’t Your Grandad’s Bookie Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £5652.72
  • 1m 7f 169y
  • Class 4
  • 9 runners
SKY
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Midnite Ain’t Your Grandad’s Bookie Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Polytrack

Weather: Mostly cloudy

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £1.50

Form: /181-0 D BF

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Has won four of his last seven races, including at Kempton (2m) in December, but he ran unaccountably poorly when favourite at Newcastle two weeks ago; needs to rebound but he's back in a lower grade here and it's possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(17)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 4f 137y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Berkshire Sundance

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Cheekpieces enlisted for last three starts, winning on first occasion and good sixth in the Chester Cup (2m2f, good); 16-1 for Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot (2m5f) six weeks ago but weakened right out of it in the last half-mile; that was his first race on firmer than good since start of career three years ago, so there's a big question mark about the ground.

16/1

8th

2

(9)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Berkshire Sundance

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Good strike-rate of 7-17 and he should have brighter prospects than some of staying this extreme trip given he wasn't stopping at the end of the Chester Cup over an extended 2m2f last time; has raised his game in cheekpieces (fitted in only his last two races) and he could outrun his odds if coping okay with fast ground.

16/1

6th

6

(15)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Berkshire Sundance

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Missed most of last season but won on good/AW in four of his six starts since, the latest in clearcut fashion with first-time cheekpieces at Newcastle on AW Championships day; raised another 7lb, drawn wide and lacks any race experience at this track, but he's going from strength to strength.

10/1

9/2

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 4444-1 C

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Holding his form well and gamely made all over this trip at Kempton three weeks ago; nudged up just 2lb and should be in the mix again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

(5)

10th Aug 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

17:00 Kempton (AW)

Barenboim

9st 7lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Tom Dascombe

Six AW wins include two here and it was at this venue where he was headed late on over C&D a month ago; he did have the run of things up front that day, though.

16/1

3rd

3

(7)

8th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

19:13 Kempton (AW)

Barenboim

9st 5lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Tom Dascombe

Kickstarted 2026 with C&D win in January but his more recent form is far less encouraging, last of nine at Chester (2m) last time; others are preferred.

40/1

9th

4

(3)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 196y

Class 4

16:37 Chester

Barenboim

9st 5lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Tom Dascombe

Six-time AW winner, most recently off today's mark in January; struggled when back on turf this month, though, and ground slower than good will be a serious worry here.

33/1

9/2

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 985-52 C

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 2lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Had slipped in the weights prior to a creditable second to Knight Templar at Kempton last time, showing his effectiveness over this distance; dangerous again off just 1lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(4)

6th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:08 Newmarket (July)

Educator

9st 13lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Henrietta C Knight

Eventually drew clear from two rivals at Yarmouth (1m6f, good to firm) last week, having taken a while to respond to Billy Loughnane's urgings; previously effective over 1m4f and, even with 4lb penalty, remains well treated on peak form.

13/8

OUR TIP

6/1

Form: 3/442-

Last run: 336 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
In good form when last seen on the Flat, going down narrowly over 1m3f at Southwell last March, and successful three times over hurdles since; however, she ran poorly in that sphere in November and has stamina to prove on her return to the AW.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(8)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 3

16:17 York

Therapist

9st 0lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Peter Niven

Formerly trained by Andrew Balding and Nicky Henderson; sole Flat win came over 1m2f in 2023 but she has since won five times over hurdles; ran creditably over 2m at Lingfield at the start of the year before being sold for £6,000 in May; worth a check in the market.

22/1

4th

2

(4)

31st Jan 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

15:20 Lingfield (AW)

Therapist

9st 7lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Nicky Henderson

In good form when last seen on the Flat, going down narrowly over 1m3f at Southwell last March, and successful three times over hurdles since; however, she ran poorly in that sphere in November and has stamina to prove on her return to the AW.

6/1

10/1

Form: 2114-4 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Reliable type who returned from over three months off with a creditable fourth over 1m4f here three weeks ago; versatile trip-wise and stays this far; each-way hopes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(4)

12th Aug 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 5

21:00 Kempton (AW)

Naasma

10st 0lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Pat Phelan

Course winner over 2m in October 2024 but her last three wins have been at Windsor over 11.5f; well held in three starts this year, albeit she wasn't helped by being caught wide at Lingfield last month.

16/1

6th

6

(8)

13th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:40 Lingfield (AW)

Naasma

9st 7lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Pat Phelan

Six-time winner, with four at Windsor (11.4f) and two on Polytrack (1m2f/2m); her last success was off 2lb higher last autumn but she's been disappointing in last two runs and needs to get back on track.

25/1

Form: 477-36

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Steep drop in trip to 1m2f counted against him last time but he'd previously shaped well when third to Barenboim over this distance at Kempton; now meets the winner on 4lb better terms; has to be of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(7)

12th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Vice President

9st 6lb

J: Oliver Hoodless

T: Richard Hughes

Sole win from ten starts came in July 2024 on his final outing for Aidan O'Brien; unsuited by the drop back to 1m2f when sixth here last month and he shaped as if he would have benefited from a stronger gallop at Lingfield (2m, AW) 12 days ago; return to shorter may not suit.

9/1

6th

3

(8)

31st Jan 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

15:20 Lingfield (AW)

Vice President

9st 7lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Steep drop in trip to 1m2f counted against him last time but he'd previously shaped well when third to Barenboim over this distance at Kempton; now meets the winner on 4lb better terms; has to be of interest.

10/1

6th

3

(9)

15th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

20:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Vice President

9st 12lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Maiden winner at the third attempt for Aidan O'Brien in 2024; has dropped 8lb since joining this yard and returned to form in the returning cheekpieces (now left off) when a keeping-on third at Kempton (2m, AW) eight days ago; not sure to be suited by the drop back in trip and now has the hood added.

11/1

8/1

Form: 032-34 CD

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Hasn't won since the summer of 2023 but he arrives in form, not beaten far behind Knight Templar and Educator at Kempton on latest; should be on the premises, although others appeal more for the win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

22nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

16:30 Worcester

Bashful Boy

11st 5lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

On a long losing sequence but returned to some form when back from a break and finishing a 12l third of five over C&D 12 days ago, ridden by Rian Corcoran; respected off 4lb lower.

9/1

3rd

5

10th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

19:51 Worcester

Bashful Boy

11st 8lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Without a win since 2023 and was out of form when last seen over hurdles in the autumn; this year's Flat form has been fairly respectable but he's on the downgrade and makes only limited appeal back in this sphere.

14/1

4th

4

(6)

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 24y

Class 5

16:15 Bath

Bashful Boy

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: David Pipe

Veteran who hasn't won since 2023 but he's been in fair form on AW this spring including when fourth on Polytrack (2m) in his last two starts; should be in the mix again but he needs to find more to make a big impact; cheekpieces are removed and blinkers return.

9/2

Form: 1113/1 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
4-12 on the Flat, returning from hurdling when winning at Kempton (2m) ten days ago, never far away; that was his best effort in this sphere and he may not have reached his ceiling just yet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

(11)

30th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:20 Goodwood

Knight Templar

9st 1lb

J: David Probert

T: Robert Stephens

Had a good year on the Flat and over hurdles, and ran well back from a break to finish second to Personal Best at Sandown; however, he failed to back that up in a big way when tailed off at Kempton; goes on all ground.

20/1

10th

8

(11)

10th Aug 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

17:00 Kempton (AW)

Knight Templar

9st 7lb

J: David Probert

T: Robert Stephens

Had a productive year over hurdles and on the Flat, last time returning from a break and boxing on for second at Sandown (1m6f); he was bang there over C&D the time before; solid chance.

9/1

2nd

3

(4)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:20 Sandown

Knight Templar

9st 6lb

J: David Probert

T: Robert Stephens

In good form over hurdles and on the Flat earlier this year, last time going close in a 2m AW handicap off 1lb lower; if in the same form after his break then should be involved.

6/1

20/1

Form: /3568- C

Last run: 274 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Three AW wins (1m2f-2m) in 2023; lightly raced since and now returns from another layoff.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(7)

4th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

18:00 Kempton (AW)

Haaland

9st 8lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Made the most of a drop in class when regaining winning form at Southwell (16.5f, Tapeta) last month (third has won since); 4lb higher and back up in grade, but he still holds more compelling claims than a few.

5/2

1st

1

(8)

2nd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

19:48 Southwell (AW)

Haaland

9st 12lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Three AW wins for previous stable; 0-8 for current yard and his form has declined rather sharply; however, he may produce a resurgent display back at this level, being 2-2 in Class 6.

14/1

11th

12

(8)

21st Feb 2026

Standard

1m 5f 0y

Class 5

14:33 Lingfield (AW)

Haaland

9st 2lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Three AW wins (1m2f-2m) in 2023; lightly raced since and he's been well held back from another break in his two runs this winter; mark continues to fall but he needs a major revival back at this trip.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £28.10
Straight Forecast £25.45
Tricast £123.18
Trifecta £132.60

Selections

The Guardian:

Knight Templar

RP RATINGS:

Barenboim

The Times:

Educator

TOPSPEED:

Bashful Boy

SPOTLIGHT:

Vice President

Daily Mail:

Berkshire Sundance

D Express:

Knight Templar

Daily Mirror:

Knight Templar

The Sun:

Knight Templar

The Star:

Knight Templar

Telegraph:

Educator

LAMBOURN:

Barenboim

Daily Record:

Barenboim

POSTDATA:

Bashful Boy