April 25 / 14.35 Haydock

14.35

Good

William Hill Epic Boosts Handicap

  • Prize money: £25770
  • 0m 7f 37y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
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William Hill Epic Boosts Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.50
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 1124- D

Last run: 273 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Began his career with two 7f AW wins and he was a fine second at Chester on his handicap debut last June (7f, good); fourth of 17 in a 1m handicap at Ascot when last seen nine months ago, a run that can be marked up as he raced away from the first three home; still has potential and he returns with his stable back in better form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(13)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Cosi Bello

9st 8lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Charlie Fellowes

Not seen to best effect when mid-division in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) last time out but prior to that he kept on well to make a winning reappearance at Haydock (7f, good to firm) and this very lightly raced 4yo retains potential, especially back up to 1m.

4/1

10th

14

(26)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Cosi Bello

9st 4lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Charlie Fellowes

Found a gap on the inside and knuckled down well to justify favouritism at Haydock (good to firm) on sole start this term, taking overall record (AW/turf) to 3-5 and form figures over 7f to 1121; looks the type to improve further and commands respect up just 2lb.

7/1

1st

9

(5)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Cosi Bello

9st 2lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Charlie Fellowes

Began his career with two 7f AW wins and he was a fine second at Chester on his handicap debut last June (7f, good); fourth of 17 in a 1m handicap at Ascot when last seen nine months ago, a run that can be marked up as he raced away from the first three home; still has potential and he returns with his stable back in better form.

7/2

9/2

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 121-20 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
His latest Newcastle defeat isn't the run to judge him on and he had been progressing well beforehand; no problem with the return to turf and stepping back up to 7f will be of benefit; interesting with cheekpieces now given a go.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(11)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Sarab Star

9st 4lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Jack Channon

His latest Newcastle defeat isn't the run to judge him on and he had been progressing well beforehand; no problem with the return to turf and stepping back up to 7f will be of benefit; interesting with cheekpieces now given a go.

9/2

13th

8

(1)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Sarab Star

9st 3lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Jack Channon

Unexposed and progressive handicapper who has two wins and two seconds to his name from four AW appearances; lost little in defeat at Kempton 16 days ago when chasing home a smart rival who was winning the race for the fourth time; a stiff 6f should be fine but stall 1 might not be beneficial given the forecast of a brisk crosswind; stable also runs Ferrous.

7/1

2nd

5

(1)

18th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Sarab Star

9st 1lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Jack Channon

Ridden forward and improved each of his three starts last year, achieving a first and second over C&D before seeing off Serengeti at Wolverhampton (also 7f); looks set to make an even better 4yo and prove tough to beat.

7/4

7/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 2240-0 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Strong handicap form over 7f last summer, winning at Goodwood and Chepstow as well as finishing second in a 20-runner event at Ascot (all when wearing blinkers); still feasibly weighted on that form and he went without headgear when down the field in the Lincoln; the blinkers return today and he's a leading contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(11)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Newmarket (July)

Great Acclaim

9st 9lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Ran well, only a neck behind Elarak, in the 7f handicap at Royal Ascot to maintain his solid record in headgear; good second in the Victoria Cup the time before; threatening to win a big prize; shortlisted.

6/1

3rd

9

(23)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Great Acclaim

9st 7lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Versatile as regards ground; has a good record in blinkers and ran well switched to a visor (retained today) last time, finishing only 1l behind The Wizard Of Eye in the Victoria Cup and taking form figures over C&D to 242; solid contender who again has frame possibilities.

16/1

2nd

9

(12)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Great Acclaim

9st 7lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Six-time winner, including in first-time blinkers at Glorious Goodwood; close third at Haydock (7f) with reappearance under his belt, paving the way nicely for a crack at this prize; has made the frame in both C&D attempts; possibilities in new headgear (visor).

12/1

Form: 21103- CD

Last run: 178 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Had strong handicap form over 1m in the second half of 2025, finishing second at York's Ebor meeting (good to firm) before recording back-to-back wins at Goodwood (good to soft and good); ran well for third in a Nottingham Listed race when last seen 178 days ago; only seventh in this race 12 months ago and he's 4lb higher today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(9)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Cerulean Bay

10st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Two wins at Goodwood last autumn and admirably consistent in defeat this season, going close in a big field over C&D (good) then finishing fifth in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm; second of 20 in group); there is every chance that he will be bang there.

3/1

5th

7

(22)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Cerulean Bay

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Completed a Goodwood double during his 2025 campaign; good second in notable handicap at the York Dante festival (1m, good) most recently, going down by only a neck; he's paying the price for his consistency, however, with the assessor failing to relent.

25/1

Form: 11793- D

Last run: 183 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
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.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

11th

1

(11)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

16:25 Doncaster

Khafiz

9st 10lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Edward Bethell

Won novice events at Kempton (7f, AW) and over C&D (good) for Roger Varian last summer but has mixed record in handicaps since; made a promising stable debut when fifth at Haydock in April but he was a long way below that form in another Class 2 event at Ascot last month; now drops back in grade but regular hood is removed and he comes with risks attached.

8/1

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

16/1

Form: 9410-7 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Came good at Goodwood last August (7f, good to firm), running on strongly to bag a Class 2 handicap; faced a stiff task in a Thirsk conditions event on his reappearance two weeks ago; opposable with his usual visor remaining absent.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

2

(9)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 3

13:55 York

Darkness

10st 2lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Has won over 1m but raced mainly at 7f; not solid on 2026 form and he came up short when a 50-1 shot in big field at York most recently; opposed in another competitive race, back up in trip.

25/1

11th

4

(2)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:25 York

Darkness

9st 13lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David O’Meara

He won two 7f handicaps last season and took a step back in the right direction with close sixth of 12 at Haydock in April; however, well beaten at Newmarket since and others arrive with less to prove.

33/1

20/1

Form: 8320-0 C

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Well beaten at Doncaster on his return but he wasn't well drawn and has a modest record fresh; stepping up to 7f will give him more time to claw back the ground he's likely to forfeit at the start; on a dangerous mark and he's a lively outsider, for all his losing run stretches back to October 2023.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(12)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:40 Newcastle (AW)

Korker

9st 1lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Slow starter; on a long losing run; creditable effort at Chester four weeks ago but this stiff 7f isn't sure to suit.

20/1

6th

7

(11)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:30 Chester

Korker

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: K R Burke

Slow-starter; on a dangerous mark but he is without a win since October 2023 and one 7f run didn't see him improve for the trip.

28/1

10th

9

(13)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Korker

9st 1lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: K R Burke

Useful on his day but is on a long losing run and has a doubt over current form; by no means sure to take advantage of a reduced mark.

25/1

OUR TIP

10/1

Form: 67-538 BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Close third in Listed company at Wolverhampton last month on his first attempt at 7f and he wasn't beaten for a lack of stamina; not at his best in a hot sprint handicap at Newcastle on Good Friday; no surprise to see him bounce back with a big run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(7)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Marshman

9st 11lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Close third in Listed company at Wolverhampton last month on his first attempt at 7f and he wasn't beaten for a lack of stamina; not at his best in a hot sprint handicap at Newcastle on Good Friday; no surprise to see him bounce back with a big run.

10/1

8th

5

(9)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Marshman

9st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Did well in early 2025 on AW, winning a C&D handicap in good style and following up in Listed company at Lingfield; finished third in the corresponding race 12 months ago when rated 5lb higher; running himself back into form this winter, most recently a close third over 7f four weeks ago, and he looks primed to give Clifford Lee a winning return to the saddle.

6/1

3rd

4

(6)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 1

15:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Marshman

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Strong AW form in the first half of 2025; awkward leaving the stalls in his two runs this winter and the form has been well short of his best; steps up to 7f for the first time.

6/1

Form: 1/012/ D

Last run: 1038 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Progressive handicapper for the Crisfords and he was last seen finishing second in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) in June 2023; sold for 20,000gns in May 2024; only dropped 3lb during his 1038-day absence; likely best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

4

(7)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:10 York

Croupier

9st 6lb

J: David Nolan

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Top handicap form for the Crisfords in 2023, including at York; absent for 1038 days prior to his Haydock return in April and duly well beaten; better run here at the Dante meeting and he should be at concert pitch now.

40/1

9th

10

(16)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Croupier

8st 12lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Won this for the Crisfords in 2023 when 1lb higher; missed all of 2024 and 2025 and down the field at 40-1 on last month's stable debut at Haydock; he may have needed that run but has to prove how much ability he retains.

66/1

11th

8

(2)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Croupier

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Progressive handicapper for the Crisfords and he was last seen finishing second in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) in June 2023; sold for 20,000gns in May 2024; only dropped 3lb during his 1038-day absence; likely best watched.

33/1

12th
4 (12)
Caburn

7/1

Form: 001-83

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Won a valuable pot as a 2yo; slow to come to hand as a 3yo but he changed yards last summer and made an impressive winning return from a gelding operation last September (6f, good to soft; cheekpieces on for the first time); fine reappearance when third in the Listed Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster (6f, good to soft) four weeks ago; raised 3lb for his troubles and still has to prove his stamina for 7f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(10)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

Caburn

9st 12lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: James Tate

Useful as 2yo sprinter; successful when sights lowered at Yarmouth last September and his third in a 6f Listed race at Doncaster (good to soft) in March was his best form; hard to call him well handicapped now though.

33/1

12th

4

(12)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Caburn

9st 7lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: James Tate

Won a valuable pot as a 2yo; slow to come to hand as a 3yo but he changed yards last summer and made an impressive winning return from a gelding operation last September (6f, good to soft; cheekpieces on for the first time); fine reappearance when third in the Listed Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster (6f, good to soft) four weeks ago; raised 3lb for his troubles and still has to prove his stamina for 7f.

7/1

16/1

Form: 62/90-

Last run: 420 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 1301-7 D

Last run: 72 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £17.00
Straight Forecast £13.91
Tricast £64.80
Trifecta £88.20

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Cosi Bello

POSTDATA:

Sarab Star

D Express:

Khafiz

Daily Mirror:

Caburn

SPOTLIGHT:

Great Acclaim

TOPSPEED:

Korker

NEWMARKET:

Cosi Bello

The Times:

Cosi Bello

Telegraph:

Cosi Bello

LAMBOURN:

Sarab Star

Daily Mail:

Sarab Star

The Star:

Caburn

The Sun:

Khafiz

Daily Record:

Khafiz

The Guardian:

Great Acclaim