Today / 15.45 Musselburgh

15.45

Good

Portobello Cup Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £10468
  • 2m 2f 28y
  • Class 4
  • 11 runners
RTV
View Course
Portobello Cup Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Form: 624321 C

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Short-headed when upped in trip at Ayr (2m, good) last month on his second stable start before winning here (2m, good); he's just 1lb higher than last time and could have more to offer over staying distances; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(1)

31st Jul 2026

Good

1m 7f 217y

Class 5

20:25 Musselburgh

Inappropriate

9st 9lb

J: Greg Fairley

T: Ewan Whillans

Two solid efforts for new stable, latterly beaten a short head into second at Ayr (1m5f, good to firm) 18 days ago; twice a winner over hurdles but this will be the first time he has tackled 2m on the Flat.

4/1

2nd

1

(4)

13th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:05 Ayr

Inappropriate

9st 9lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Ewan Whillans

Placed over hurdles this season and was third (albeit no match for wide-margin winner) in Cumberland Plate at Carlisle (1m3f, good to firm; first-time cheekpieces) when back on the Flat for new stable last month; respected off same mark in this easier race.

4/1

Form: 284022 C

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Won here (1m4f, good) in April; beaten a head at Chester (1m4f, good) last month and again finished second at Haydock (1m6f, good) last time; ran well over an extended 2m at York last season and could be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(8)

7th Aug 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:18 Haydock

Fast Fred

11st 2lb

J: Miss Pippa Brown

T: Phillip Makin

Winner off 4lb lower at Musselburgh in April (1m4f, good) and back to form when runner-up at Chester last time (1m4f, good); seems to stay 1m6f so could go well.

4/1

2nd

1

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 5

17:00 Chester

Fast Fred

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Phillip Makin

Drops back in trip/grade having never landed a blow in the Northumberland Vase last time; broadly consistent otherwise this term and won at Musselburgh (12.5f) in April; 4lb higher now, though.

13/2

OUR TIP

Form: 816307 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Won this in 2024 and posted his first win of this year at Carlisle (1m6f, good) in June; soundly beaten on his last two starts but this four-time course winner could bounce back returned to Musselburgh.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

18

(9)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 4f 137y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Trojan Sun

8st 2lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jim Goldie

Running away with a 2m2f race on heavy going under 7lb claimer at Nottingham last October was a clear career best at the time; virtually matched that form in three of his races in a mixed campaign this year and maybe an increased stamina test will help, but being 5lb out of the handicap won't.

50/1

10th

4

(2)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

18:05 York

Trojan Sun

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Won at Carlisle (1m6f, good) last month and bounced back from lesser run there (1m3f, good to firm) when third over this C&D a fortnight ago (stablemate Furhaan second); might not be far away.

10/1

Form: 333611

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Exploited a reduced mark to win at Chester (1m6f, good) last month and he followed up at York (2m, good to firm), both in this visor in which he's unexposed; remains well treated on his old form and he's a key player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

(4)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

18:05 York

Vaguely Royal

8st 12lb

J: William Buick

T: Ian Williams

Some good runs in defeat this spring at up to 2m1f and he bounced back from his Newbury flop to win at Chester (1m6f, good) a fortnight ago; he was given a good ride last time but could still be a force today up 4lb.

7/1

1st

6

(4)

11th Jul 2026

Good

1m 6f 87y

Class 4

17:32 Chester

Vaguely Royal

9st 1lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Dual-purpose performer but his last Flat win was in December 2023; some creditable efforts off a falling mark on AW (2m) and turf (1m6f) this season but he was tailed off at Newbury last time and needs to bounce back after that; cheekpieces are removed and visor returns.

10/1

Form: 535

Last run: 61 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Won a Grade 2 bumper in 2023 and he's a useful hurdler; some respectable efforts switched to the Flat this year (1m3f/1m1f) and he could take a sizeable step forward now up in trip on his Flat handicap debut; certainly has potential off his opening mark in view of his hurdling ability.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(4)

25th Jun 2026

Good

1m 1f 35y

Class 4

20:00 Hamilton

Florida Dreams

10st 2lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Sandy Thomson

Grade 2 bumper winner in 2023; useful hurdler subsequently; he's run okay recently over about 1m3f on his first two Flat starts but will be of greater interest when tackling further in handicaps.

7/1

3rd

1

(5)

10th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 15y

Class 3

19:30 Hamilton

Florida Dreams

10st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Sandy Thomson

Grade 2 bumper winner in April 2023, who also won twice over hurdles (2m) for Nicky Richards; 22-1, lacked the pace to challenge when fifth of nine on Flat debut at Haydock (11.5f, soft; Yafreh about 1l ahead in fourth) three weeks ago; likely to be seen in a better light once handicapping.

8/1

Form: 00/541

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
He's won here over hurdles and he broke his Flat duck at Redcar (1m6f, good to firm) recently; he's just 3lb higher today and the longer trip may suit; could be in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(3)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 218y

Class 6

16:57 Redcar

Newport

10st 0lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Iain Jardine

Dual hurdle winner since joining Iain Jardine in the autumn and a very respectable fourth of 13 on the Flat at York (2m, good to firm) a fortnight ago; contests this easier race from the same mark; must be considered.

5/2

4th

13

(6)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

18:05 York

Newport

8st 6lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Some good form over hurdles, including a win at Hexham (2m, good) last month; shaped when fifth in this code at Hamilton (1m3f, good) in May as though he could do with a longer trip, and he gets it today; interesting.

13/2

Form: 213153 C

Last run: 24 days

W: 8st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Very lightly raced 7yo who won here (2m, good) in May and at Ayr (1m7f, soft) in June; returned to form with good third at Hamilton (1m5f, good) last time and he's a possible contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

(11)

1st Aug 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

19:00 Hamilton

Gallus Norman

9st 2lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Lightly raced 7yo who won at Musselburgh (2m, good) in May and Ayr (1m7f, soft) in June; however, he seemed to find the trip too sharp over C&D (good) in between and ran poorly over 2m when favourite at Musselburgh on Friday.

9/2

5th

6

(7)

31st Jul 2026

Good

1m 7f 217y

Class 5

20:25 Musselburgh

Gallus Norman

9st 0lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Jim Goldie

Improved for the switch to handicaps this year, making all for wins over C&D and at Ayr (1m7f, soft); there could well be more in the tank and he's a strong contender despite his latest 4lb rise.

13/8

Form: -62351

Last run: 25 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 64

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

Form: 097523

Last run: 32 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Runner-up at York (16.2f, good to firm) last month and good third to Vaguely Royal there (16.2f, good to firm) last time; this in-form 4yo has an each-way shout once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

11

(11)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

18:05 York

Furhaan

8st 6lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Jim Goldie

He's gradually worked his way back into form for his new yard this year, finishing second over C&D (good to firm) a fortnight ago; one to consider.

11/1

2nd

10

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:20 York

Furhaan

8st 6lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Won handicap debut for Ed Walker off 4lb higher last September (extended 1m3f, heavy); got closer to that level in on his last two runs for his new connections and seemed to stay 2m at Chester last time, but he was only fifth of seven in that race and others have more pressing claims.

14/1

Form: 213433 C

Last run: 25 days

W: 8st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Easily made all here (2m, good) in June and he's run well in third on his last two starts, most recently behind Inappropriate here (2m, good); could give it a good go from the front but this is warmer than he's used to.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(3)

31st Jul 2026

Good

1m 7f 217y

Class 5

20:25 Musselburgh

Cascade Hall

8st 12lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Two wins this summer, including C&D, and he wasn't beaten far at Ayr (1m5f, good to firm) 18 days ago; stable may have stronger claims with Gallus Norman.

3/1

3rd

4

(6)

13th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:05 Ayr

Cascade Hall

8st 12lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Jim Goldie

Two wins this spring, latterly when making all to score by over 6l at Musselburgh (2m, good) last month; safely held when making the frame on next two outings (2m/2m1f) but still enters calculations.

11/4

Form: 114221 C

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 9lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Made it 3-6 since joining Daragh Bourke when winning at Doncaster (14.5f, good to firm) ten days ago, when she idled in front and was value for more than the 0.75l winning margin; went close over 16.2f at Newcastle previously; she might still be ahead of the handicapper up 3lb for last time; a first-time visor replaces cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(8)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 115y

Class 6

17:20 Doncaster

Is She Now

10st 2lb

J: Toby Moore

T: Daragh Bourke

Winner at Ayr (1m5f) and Musselburgh (1m4f) in June and has run well on all three starts since, runner-up over 1m3f and 2m on last two occasions; latest was quite a rare run in cheekpieces; should be bang there.

7/2

2nd

4

(4)

31st Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

15:20 Newcastle (AW)

Is She Now

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Daragh Bourke

Winner at Ayr (1m5f) and Musselburgh (1m4f) in June and ran another sound race when neck second at Carlisle last time (1m3f); fair efforts on previous tries at 2m; one to consider.

3/1

Betting Forcast

8/1 Inappropriate, 10/1 Fast Fred, 12/1 Trojan Sun, 11/2 Vaguely Royal, 6/1 Florida Dreams, 7/1 Newport, 11/1 Gallus Norman, 15/2 Ned Broy, 9/1 Furhaan, 14/1 Cascade Hall, 5/1 Is She Now

Verdict

There are lots of in-form contenders to consider but useful hurdler FLORIDA DREAMS is on an attractive mark for his Flat handicap debut and could relish the step up in trip. The rejuvenated Vaguely Royal is on a hat-trick and is may be the chief danger ahead of the thriving mare Is She Now, but last month’s winners Inappropriate and Ned Broy could also have big parts to play.[Ben Hutton]

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Florida Dreams

The Guardian:

Furhaan

The Sun:

Inappropriate

POSTDATA:

Is She Now

Daily Mirror:

Vaguely Royal

RP RATINGS:

Cascade Hall

TOPSPEED:

Trojan Sun

D Express:

Furhaan

Daily Record:

Inappropriate

Telegraph:

Is She Now

The Star:

Vaguely Royal

THE NORTH:

Florida Dreams

The Times:

Florida Dreams

Daily Mail:

Florida Dreams