Tomorrow / 13.55 Doncaster

13.55

Good

Betfred ‘The Classic Bookmaker’ Handicap

  • Prize money: £36078
  • 0m 6f 111y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV
View Course
Betfred ‘The Classic Bookmaker’ Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

Form: 100204

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Came from the rear for a head second in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot (head second) and very close fourth in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood, both 6f on good to firm; there's a bit more to be proved on this likely surface and beyond 6f but he has to be high up the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

(11)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Goodwood

Completely Random

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Harry Charlton

Finished eighth behind Two Tribes in this race 12 months ago when 4lb lower; he is a better horse now, as emphasised by two 6f AW wins in January and a fine second in the Wokingham (cheekpieces first time) but he finished behind Two Tribes at Ascot last week and others look more appealing for win purposes.

14/1

Form: 824-00

Last run: 123 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Pretty lightly raced for his age, particularly in handicaps because on last four outings he contested a Listed race and three Group events; gelded after the heavy defeats on his two races in the spring this season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

6

(8)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:30 York

Crestofdistinction

9st 10lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Jack Channon

Produced peak performance over C&D, namely close second to Elmonjed in Listed event; however, faces a stiffer assignment in this higher grade and his reappearance effort (heavy defeat in Newmarket Group 3) hardly bodes well.

33/1

13th

3

(10)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Crestofdistinction

9st 9lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Jack Channon

Record of 0-5 on turf compared to 2-3 on AW; admittedly registered his peak RPR in this sphere when second Elmonjed in York Listed contest (6f) on penultimate appearance; however, needs an even bigger effort to go one better in this field.

20/1

Form: -39280

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Impressive Newmarket win in May 2025 saw him hit hard by the handicapper and he hasn't added to it; mixed results this year, the standout when second at Epsom (6f, soft) in June; out the back in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood last time and others look safer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

26th

15

(3)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Goodwood

Invictus Gold

9st 4lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Tom Clover

His impressive Newmarket success last May saw him hit hard by the handicapper and he hasn't added to it; chasing home Sondad at Epsom (6f, soft) in June represented his best run of the year but he failed to build on it at Windsor last time; others look safer.

50/1

Form: 60-485

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Returned from a year off with fine fourth at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm); not quite at the same level since in major 1m handicaps at Glorious Goodwood or York, but this first attempt at short of 7f is interesting judged on the Royal Ascot performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(5)

20th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

15:00 York

Blue Brother

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Returned from a year off with fine fourth in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm); not quite at the same level in the Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood (good to firm) since and could do with settling better, but he was effective over 1m in France (including on testing ground) and is capable of playing a leading role if at the top of his game.

8/1

8th

11

(8)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Blue Brother

9st 5lb

J: James Doyle

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Reached a useful standard in France; well supported for handicap attempts at Royal Ascot in 2025 (hindered by traffic issues) and 2026 (stable debut; creditable fourth over 7f) since racing in Britain; may well build on the reappearance effort and show progress; one to consider.

6/1

Form: -03480

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
He has done all his winning on AW (3-8) and has never finished better than fourth in his five starts on turf; hung badly right when behind in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood latest and connections now turn to cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

23th

21

(19)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Goodwood

Berkshire Whisper

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

He has done all his winning on AW but his fourth at Leicester (6f, good to firm) in April is a comparable standard; can win races on the grass but perhaps not this one.

33/1

8th

3

(6)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Berkshire Whisper

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Has made the frame at Newcastle (AW; behind Wiltshire) and Leicester since being gelded; good fourth in the Listed Carnarvon Stakes on this card last year; 0-3 on turf but has each-way claims.

8/1

Form: 1/2113 BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Absent nearly two years after making a winning debut at Newmarket in 2024; made up for lost time with two wins this summer, latterly on handicap debut at Thirsk (7f, good) and his close third of 13 from a wide draw at Chester (7.5f, good to soft) was another good effort; very much one to note.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(12)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

14:05 Chester

Asuka

9st 3lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Absent nearly two years after making a winning debut at Newmarket in 2024, he has made up for lost time recently and bagged his third win on handicap debut at Thirsk (7f, good; 15-8) three weeks ago; there should be plenty more to come from him and he needs to be taken seriously here off 3lb higher.

3/1

1st

3

(2)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:47 Thirsk

Asuka

9st 8lb

J: Jack Callan

T: George Boughey

Impressive on 2yo debut in 2024 (6f, good) then absent until last month, when going very close at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) before easy win at 1-50 at Lingfield (6f, good to firm); could be on a good mark for this first handicap.

7/4

Form: -33953

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Took very well to AW but always-prominent third of ten at Goodwood (6f, soft) two weeks ago was his best turf form; needs to build on that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(3)

30th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:35 Goodwood

Lakers

9st 7lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Has reached a useful level on AW; absent since respectable effort in competitive field at Newbury in April; one to bear in mind, especially if the market speaks favourably.

11/1

5th

2

(8)

17th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:25 Newbury

Lakers

9st 9lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Unexposed at 6f; this mark is in range judged on his two placed efforts this winter; failed to fire on Good Friday but he received a kick before the start which won't have helped; no surprise to see him bounce back.

10/1

Form: 0-1120 C

Last run: 78 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Reliable operator on AW, which saw his mark rise before he was below form at Newcastle (33-1) in June latest, after three months off; he's effective at this track (including a win under 7lb claimer) but his 2025 turf form isn't good enough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(1)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

Knebworth

9st 5lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Reliable operator on AW and after wins at Chelmsford and Wolverhampton he found only Tuco Salamanca too strong in his hat-trick bid in March; better off with that rival today but not sure he's quite so progressive.

16/1

2nd

3

(3)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:03 Kempton (AW)

Knebworth

9st 7lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

2-2 this year, winning 6f handicaps at Chelmsford in January and at Wolverhampton three weeks ago; 6lb rise for latest success takes him to a career-high mark but he is well drawn and should give it another good go.

6/1

Form: -00442 BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Held up these days; four AW wins (7f/1m) but none since 2024; 0-17 on turf but he's been competitive at Goodwood (7f/1m) on last two outings and was a close fourth in this race last year; blinkered once (below form) last year and now it's a visor which replaces his usual cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(6)

30th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:00 Goodwood

Oliver Show

9st 10lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Four AW wins, including over 1m; 0-16 on turf but he's in form, having finished fourth at Goodwood (7f) in last two starts; remains on a workable mark and enters calculations.

9/2

4th

18

(11)

29th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:40 Goodwood

Oliver Show

9st 4lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

A couple of close calls led to a frustrating campaign last year but it was a good effort when a running-on fourth to Crimson Spirit over C&D (good) in May; not seen since but he's dipped below his last winning mark and this may have been the plan; big run might be on the cards.

8/1

Form: 892133

Last run: 34 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
It's a long time since he raced beyond 6f (or on softer than good) but he's played prominent roles on his last four outings, including a Thirsk win, and remains on a competitive mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(1)

10th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

19:15 Windsor

Indian Run

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Lost his way as a 3yo but he had smart 6f handicap form last May and a close second to Diligently over C&D (good to firm) in June signalled a return to better days; a Thirsk win at 6f and a close third over 5f at Ascot have followed and he can be in the thick of it.

9/1

3rd

8

(3)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:20 Ascot

Indian Run

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Stays 6f well but he isn't short of speed and this belated first attempt at 5f looks an interesting move; arrives in top form, successful at Thirsk (6f, good to firm) 24 days ago, and a 4lb rise still leaves him with handicapping potential.

13/2

Form: 151126

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish and made a flying start for current stable, winning at Kempton (1m, AW) and second of 20 at Glorious Goodwood (7f, good to firm); form dipped back at Kempton eight days ago but he needs a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(1)

5th Sep 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Kempton (AW)

The Liffey

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Hayley Burton

6-16; has kept up the good work since joining current stable, winning over C&D and running a cracker when second of 20 at Glorious Goodwood; again well drawn and impossible to discount.

10/1

2nd

20

(2)

29th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:40 Goodwood

The Liffey

9st 4lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Hayley Burton

He was making hay in AW claimers earlier in the year, winning three of his last four races (6f-1m) for Denis Hogan and he carried on the good work when taking a Kempton handicap (1m, AW) at 25-1 on his stable debut four weeks ago; up 4lb but he used to act on turf and can't be discounted from a good stall.

16/1

Form: -60928

Last run: 9 days

W: 8st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
On a long losing sequence and followed his second at Hamilton (6f, good) last month with a disappointing show at Haydock, notwithstanding the heavy ground; others have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(1)

4th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

Milford

10st 0lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

On a long losing sequence but he got right back on track in a refitted visor with second of 12 in 6f handicap at Hamilton last month; up 2lb but that form is proving strong and he can go well again in retained headgear.

13/2

2nd

4

(13)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

20:00 Hamilton

Milford

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Julie Camacho

Sole win from 18 starts came on his debut in a 5f maiden on soft ground in May 2024 but he has posted some good efforts since; midfield finishes in three starts this year, including when drawn wide at York over 7f on his last two outings; drops back in trip and down in grade with the visor returning.

7/1

Form: 131540

Last run: 34 days

W: 8st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
3-27 overall on turf (minor honours both starts here) but there were two turf wins this spring; needs to bounce back from two modest displays.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

12

(13)

10th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

19:15 Windsor

Justcallmepete

8st 11lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Tony Carroll

Just 3-26 on turf but this C&D does work well for him and he gained a deserved first win on the track when just fending off Uncle Don (good to firm) in May; has had going (good to soft) and trip (5f) excuses since but this company could be overwhelming.

16/1

4th

1

(6)

29th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 10y

Class 4

18:15 Sandown

Justcallmepete

10st 0lb

J: Alexandra Egan

T: Tony Carroll

Ended 2025 with three consecutive 6f AW wins and was successful twice on turf in the spring (5.7f/6f); does not have much margin for error off current mark, though, and this 63rd career start is his first over 5f.

11/2

Form: 2-1307

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Improved on turf last term and made a successful reappearance (7f, AW) this March; needs much better than on last two outings but had 12 weeks off in between and could be of renewed interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(11)

27th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Pietro

9st 10lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: James Fanshawe

Didn't look at all happy at Epsom (7f, good to soft) last time, but is just 1lb higher than when making a successful reappearance at Wolverhampton (7f, Tapeta) in March; not dismissed.

8/1

15th

12

(4)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 2

17:50 Epsom

Pietro

9st 0lb

J: George Wood

T: James Fanshawe

Progressive during last season's 3yo campaign and continued the good work when winning at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) in March on his reappearance; another good run when third to Dance In The Storm at Chester (7f, good) last month; versatile ground-wise and might not be far away.

12/1

Betting Forcast

3/1 Completely Random, 25/1 Crestofdistinction, 25/1 Invictus Gold, 9/1 Blue Brother, 12/1 Berkshire Whisper, 9/2 Asuka, 6/1 Lakers, 16/1 Knebworth, 10/1 Oliver Show, 8/1 Indian Run, 16/1 The Liffey, 33/1 Milford, 20/1 Justcallmepete, 10/1 Pietro

Verdict

Completely Random has to be shortlisted following his close calls in this summer's two biggest 6f handicaps, while Pietro at the other end of the weights makes some appeal, assuming he needed his latest start. The top two options, however, may be ASUKA, who continues to look capable of better since his return from two years off, and Blue Brother who caught the eye with his 7f performance at Royal Ascot.[Richard Austen]

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Asuka

TOPSPEED:

Invictus Gold

POSTDATA:

Oliver Show

RP RATINGS:

Asuka

Daily Mirror:

Asuka

The Star:

Asuka

Daily Record:

Asuka