August 25 / 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

11/1 (Won)

  • Win: £14.70
  • Place: £4.00

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

1st

7

(8)

25th Aug 2026

Good

2m 2f 28y

Class 4

15:45 Musselburgh

Gallus Norman

8st 13lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

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.

11/1

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

10/1

  • Place: £2.50

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

4

(1)

12th Sep 2026

Good

2m 2f 28y

Class 4

18:50 Musselburgh

Fast Fred

9st 7lb

J: Sam James

T: Phillip Makin

He won here (1m4f, good) in April and has been runner-up on his last two starts, most recently over C&D (good); his course form figures read 122 and there is every chance that he'll again be thereabouts.

7/2

2nd

2

(9)

25th Aug 2026

Good

2m 2f 28y

Class 4

15:45 Musselburgh

Fast Fred

9st 8lb

J: Sam James

T: Phillip Makin

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.

10/1

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

OUR TIP

12/1

  • Place: £2.30

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

2nd

10

(3)

26th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Haydock

Trojan Sun

8st 9lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Jim Goldie

Seen most often at Musselburgh but his last two wins were at Nottingham (2m2f, heavy) last October and Carlisle (1m6f, good) this June; he's back to the same mark today and recent efforts give him place claims.

8/1

3rd

5

(3)

12th Sep 2026

Good

2m 2f 28y

Class 4

18:50 Musselburgh

Trojan Sun

9st 4lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

Four-time course winner, the latest over C&D last October; he hasn't been at the top of his game on his last four starts, including here on his penultimate run, but he can't be ruled out at a venue he clearly relishes.

13/2

6th

8

(9)

6th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

14:40 York

Trojan Sun

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Inconsistent sort who was a soundly beaten third at Musselburgh recently; however, he won at Carlisle (1m6f, good) in June and ran well in third over this C&D (good to firm) in July; acts on any ground and might not be far away if he's on a going day.

12/1

9/1

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

2nd

2

(2)

29th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 7f 0y

Class 6

17:13 Ayr

Furhaan

9st 13lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Returned to form with a pretty good third here (1m5f, soft) 11 days ago and he also ran some good races in defeat over 2m in July; sole win came on heavy ground and he's one to consider.

4/1

3rd

7

(3)

18th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:20 Ayr

Furhaan

9st 8lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Jim Goldie

His sole win came on heavy ground and an each-way case can be made judged on his placed efforts at York (2m, good to firm) in July; however, not at the same level on his last two starts and was beaten a long way back at York (2m, good to soft) most recently; needs to bounce back.

20/1

9th

13

(6)

6th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

14:40 York

Furhaan

8st 11lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Raced prominently when placed twice in a row over C&D (good to firm) in July; 4lb out of the handicap today and finished held in fourth at Musselburgh (2m2f, good) recently, having failed to settle in midfield, but he might have an each-way shout back here; sole win came on heavy ground.

14/1

5th
6 (10)
Newport

7/1

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

4th

1

(10)

25th Sep 2026

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

16:35 Newcastle (AW)

Newport

10st 2lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Iain Jardine

Dual hurdle winner who broke his Flat duck when dropped down to a Class 6 at Redcar (1m6f, good to firm) off 2lb lower last month; moderate at a higher level in two subsequent starts but his sole AW effort was a solid one when fourth of 14 at Dundalk (Polytrack) in the spring of 2024; possibilities if he copes with this return to 1m4f.

9/2

10th

12

(1)

6th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

14:40 York

Newport

8st 11lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Iain Jardine

Fourth over C&D (good to firm) in July then broke his Flat duck at Redcar (1m6f, good to firm); has won on soft over hurdles; couldn't get into it at Musselburgh (2m2f, good) recently but is not ruled out each-way.

14/1

5th

6

(10)

25th Aug 2026

Good

2m 2f 28y

Class 4

15:45 Musselburgh

Newport

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Iain Jardine

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.

7/1

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

5th

6

(4)

2nd Oct 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 3

16:45 Ascot

Vaguely Royal

8st 13lb

J: William Buick

T: Ian Williams

Exploited his fall in the weights to win from off the pace at Chester (1m6f, good) and York (2m, good to firm) in July; failed to get competitive at Musselburgh (2m2f) on latest outing; visor returned for those last three starts; remains well treated on his old form.

5/1

6th

4

(3)

25th Aug 2026

Good

2m 2f 28y

Class 4

15:45 Musselburgh

Vaguely Royal

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

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.

11/2

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

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

2nd

4

(9)

18th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:20 Ayr

Cascade Hall

9st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Front-runner who was a clear runner-up behind a rejuvenated winner at Haydock (1m6f, heavy) a fortnight ago before a remarkable 21l win at Chester (2m, good to soft) last Friday; that latest race was an apprentice handicap so he escapes a penalty today; this course winner could be tough to beat.

6/4

1st

5

(9)

11th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 7f 196y

Class 5

17:03 Chester

Cascade Hall

9st 9lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Front-runner who won at Ayr (1m7f, good to firm) in May and at Musselburgh (2m, good) the following month; down the field at the latter track last month but bounced back to form with a good second of eight at Haydock (1m6f, heavy) a week ago, pulling clear of the rest with the winner who was since won again; may not have his own way in front but has to be respected; due to be 2lb higher.

3/1

2nd

7

(4)

4th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

13:30 Haydock

Cascade Hall

9st 5lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Jim Goldie

Registered two unchallenged wins from the front (around 2m, good to firm/good) on his first and third starts of the year; can probably be forgiven his latest effort over 2m2f ten days ago and he remains feasibly treated; considered.

8/1

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

4th

11

26th Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 2

17:30 Market Rasen

Inappropriate

10st 3lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Ewan Whillans

Ex-Jedd O'Keeffe; campaigned on the Flat (3218) by this trainer until returning to hurdles with a bang in Class 4 at Perth (2m, good; won by just over 2l, 15-2); 6lb higher in a more competitive contest but, as the Morebattle Hurdle has shown, this trainer isn't fazed by aiming high.

9/1

1st

5

7th Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

15:20 Perth

Inappropriate

11st 1lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Ewan Whillans

Disappointed on the Flat a fortnight ago but had been in good form in that sphere for new stable beforehand, most notably when winning over 2m two starts ago; reverts to hurdling on a good mark; high on the list.

11/2

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

9th

11

(7)

25th Aug 2026

Good

2m 2f 28y

Class 4

15:45 Musselburgh

Is She Now

8st 9lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Daragh Bourke

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.

5/1

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

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

4th

7

(6)

21st Sep 2026

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 5

14:47 Hamilton

Florida Dreams

9st 8lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Sandy Thomson

Smart bumper performer but wasn't as good over hurdles and hasn't reached the same heights on the Flat either (well beaten on handicap debut at York last time).

12/1

8th

9

(7)

6th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

14:40 York

Florida Dreams

9st 1lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Sandy Thomson

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 this mark given his hurdling ability; upset in stalls and withdrawn from Flat handicap last time (11-4 at the time); a hood is added.

9/2

5

(2)

25th Aug 2026

Good

2m 2f 28y

Class 4

15:45 Musselburgh

Florida Dreams

9st 3lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Sandy Thomson

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.

6/1

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

Non-runners

Ned Broy

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £117.70
Straight Forecast £97.34
Tricast £577.41
Trifecta £950.20

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