Date: 17th September 2025

This briefing document provides an overview of key races, notable horses, trainer performances, market movements, and track conditions across four racecourses in the UK and Ireland for today’s fixtures: Beverley, Kelso, Sandown, and Yarmouth.

I. General Overview & Track Conditions

• Beverley: “GOING SOFT, HEAVY IN PLACES (GoingStick 5.0) (Mostly cloudy)”. This indicates very challenging ground conditions, which will heavily influence race outcomes.
• Kelso: “GOING GOOD (GoingStick 6.5) (Watered) (Light rain)”. The ground here is considerably firmer than Beverley, despite some light rain and watering.
• Sandown: “GOING SOFT, Good to soft in places on Round course (GoingStick: Round 5.0, Sprint 4.4) (Rail movements: 2.35, 3.05, 3.35, 4.10, 4.45 & 5.17 +24yds) (Light rain)”. Soft ground is prevalent, with some slightly better patches on the round course. Rail movements are in place for several races.
• Yarmouth: “GOING GOOD TO SOFT, Good in places (GoingStick 5.0) (Light rain)”. Yarmouth has a mixed bag of good to soft with some good patches.

Key takeaway: Beverley and Sandown present particularly soft/heavy conditions, which will be a significant factor in all races. Kelso and Yarmouth have firmer ground by comparison.

II. Market Movers (Backed In)

Several horses have seen significant support, indicating confidence from bettors:

• Beverley 4.53 (We Are Christmas Party Central Handicap):Changeofmind (Declan Carroll): Moved from 12.00 to 4.00 (73% move). “on an attractive mark now and soft ground suits.”
• Elegant Erin (P. Midgley): Moved from 8.50 to 4.00 (60% move). Has a strong course record, having “Won this in 2022 (soft) and last year (good to firm)”.
• Beverley 5.24 (Season Finale Is Next Tuesday Handicap):Whatacracker (Mark Walford): Moved from 11.00 to 4.50 (65% move).
• Sandown 2.35 (Sporting Times Sri Lanka Novice Stakes):Morshdi (W. Haggas): Moved from 3.25 to 2.20 (47% move). Described as “in a top yard and the betting should be revealing.”
• Beverley 3.48 (Topmark Solutions National EV Bay-Marking Specialist Nursery):Singarda (Tony Coyle): Moved from 10.00 to 6.00 (44% move). Identified as “one who could do a fair bit better when handicapped.”
• Kelso 6.30 (Belhaven Brewery Handicap Chase):Dog Fox (O. Greenall & J. Guerriero): Moved from 4.50 to 3.50 (29% move). “this 5yo is a major player if taking to fences at the first attempt.”
• Kelso 3.53 (Borders Carers Centre Novices’ Hurdle):Jackson Lamb (J. McConnell (IRE)): Moved from 1.67 to 1.50 (25% move). Sets “the standard here” and “stable won this last year”.

Key takeaway: Strong market support for horses often indicates insider confidence or perceived value. Several horses with solid form on softer ground or from in-form trainers are being backed.

III. Market Drifters (Drifted Out)

Horses with declining market confidence:

• Sandown 2.05 (Sporting Times Sri Lanka Handicap):Twilight Madness (S. Hodgson): Moved from 6.50 to 19.00 (227% move). “whether he wants the ground this testing is a moot point.”
• Fiorella Princess (L. De Souza): Moved from 7.00 to 12.00 (83% move). Has “something to prove on slow ground”.
• Kelso 5.00 (RBC Brewin Dolphin Handicap Chase):Cracking Destiny (Ewan Whillans): Moved from 6.00 to 15.00 (180% move).
• Kelso 6.00 (Abbey Fine Wines Handicap Hurdle (Div II)):Huit Reflets (Mark Walford): Moved from 3.00 to 6.00 (150% move).
• Sandown 2.35 (Sporting Times Sri Lanka Novice Stakes):Esna (B. Meehan): Moved from 1.73 to 2.50 (105% move). Despite strong debut, market may be reacting to unknown soft ground or late support for rivals.
• Beverley 2.45 (Topmark Solutions Facilities Management EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes):Ophelia Grace (K. P. De Foy): Moved from 1.67 to 2.38 (106% move). “soft ground is an unknown.”
• Kelso 5.30 (Abbey Fine Wines Handicap Hurdle (Div I)):Ambassador (Micky Hammond): Moved from 3.00 to 4.33 (67% move). Despite a “dominant display” last time, the drift suggests caution.

Key takeaway: Drifting odds often point to concerns about ground conditions, fitness after a break, or a lack of confidence relative to rivals.

IV. Key Races & Horses to Watch

A. Beverley

• 2.15 EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes (5f, Soft):Bravo Hotel (M & D Easterby): Spotlight verdict: “sets a clear standard on his previous third at York. He should take some stopping if he can recapture that form”. Half-brother to a soft-ground winner.
• Quantum Power (T. Clover): “Ran green on Southwell debut… runner-up at Ripon… open to more progress on this drop in trip”.
• Finnic (R. Fahey) & Brave Traveller (B. Smart): Both £21,000 yearlings with appealing pedigrees, requiring “a close look on debut” and “watching in market on debut” respectively.
• 2.45 Topmark Solutions Facilities Management EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes (5f, Soft):Ophelia Grace (K. P. De Foy): “sets a good standard” but “soft ground is an unknown”.
• Lady Youmzain (K. A. Ryan) & Tea Queen (K. Burke): Both interesting newcomers from powerful stables, needing a “market check”.
• 3.15 EBF Fillies’ Restricted Novice Stakes (7½f, Soft):Lady Hornblower (J. O’Keeffe): Won over C&D last month but “form has taken some knocks” and “could be vulnerable under a penalty”.
• Cotton Bud (K. P. De Foy): “Attracted support… couldn’t make any impression; should leave that behind… could take a big step forwards today”.
• Caim (E. Bethell) & Trotamunda (Charlie Johnston): Newcomers of interest; Caim is “marginally preferred” by the spotlight.
• 3.48 Topmark Solutions National EV Bay-Marking Specialist Nursery Handicap (1m½f, Soft):Dunkeld Dreamer (K. Burke): “looks the type to keep her nose ahead of the handicapper… should appreciate the greater emphasis on stamina today”. Unraced on slower than good.
• Singarda (T. Coyle & K. Wood): Spotlight pick: “York effort in July marked him down as one who could do a fair bit better when handicapped.”
• Isambard Kingdom (Charlie Johnston): “not fully exposed as a miler”.
• 4.18 Westwood Handicap (1m½f, Soft):Jimmy Henry (M. Herrington): Spotlight pick: “fancied to get off the mark having shown this trip to be within range at Leicester last time.”
• Oilisa (M. Walford): “lightly raced… open to improvement”.
• Elettaria (J. Wainwright): “Finished third in this race last year”.
• Back From Dubai (S. R. Bowring): “has won here (soft) and is back on his last successful mark”.
• 4.53 We Are Christmas Party Central Handicap (5f, Soft):Tiriac (P. Midgley): Spotlight pick: “won on heavy going… had no luck at Thirsk last time and is dangerously handicapped now”.
• Elegant Erin (P. Midgley): “Won this in 2022 (soft) and last year (good to firm)”. A “key player” with a strong course record.
• Changeofmind (Declan Carroll) & Good Earth (M. Herrington): Both “well-treated” and “conditions are fine” for them.
• 5.24 Season Finale Is Next Tuesday Handicap (1m2f, Soft):Dr Rio (Declan Carroll): Spotlight pick and ‘nap’: “All six of his British wins have been Beverley… has won on soft ground in the past; key player”.
• Star Start (Mrs R. Carr): “Acts on good to firm and soft… looks on a workable mark and is respected”.
• Into Combat (Sir M. Prescott): Handicap newcomer for “in-form yard” needs a “close look”.

B. Kelso

• 3.53 Borders Carers Centre Novices’ Hurdle (2m5f, Good):Jackson Lamb (J. McConnell): Spotlight pick: “will follow up his Bellewstown success for last season’s successful stable.” Posts RPR of 127.
• Magic Gloves (L. Russell & M. Scudamore): Bought for £42,000, “could be interesting”.
• Jentobello (I. Jardine): “cheekpieces might sharpen up his jumping technique.”
• 4.25 Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow Handicap Hurdle (2m5f, Good):Divilabother (T. Davidson): Spotlight pick: “plenty to like about the breakthrough victory… so he looks the way to go.”
• Rockview Consort (J. McConnell (IRE)): “very much one to consider.”
• Luttrell Lad (T. Lacey) & The Navigator (Mrs D. Sayer): “in-form pair also in the mix.”
• 5.00 RBC Brewin Dolphin Handicap Chase (2m5½f, Good):Let’s Sail Away (T. Lacey): Spotlight pick: “can race off the same mark as when a very good recent second behind a next-time-out winner”.
• Half Shot (I. Jardine): “Captured this prize a year ago… sure to go well”.
• Nickelforce (B. Case): “arrives in very good order… very much one to consider”.
• 5.30 Abbey Fine Wines Handicap Hurdle (Div I) (2m2f, Good):Ambassador (M. D. Hammond): Spotlight pick and ‘nap’: “cashed in on a reduced mark with a dominant display… remains well handicapped on old form and is a major player”.
• Guillaume (D. McCain): “has each-way claims again”.
• Heart Above (Mrs D. Sayer): “could go well after a short break”.
• 6.00 Abbey Fine Wines Handicap Hurdle (Div II) (2m2f, Good):Milajess (M. D. Hammond): Spotlight pick: “reliable MILAJESS to bag a deserved second success after a break.”
• Game Beaaa (D. Bourke): “weighted to go well and could emerge as the chief threat.”
• She’s Notjoeking (L. Russell & M. Scudamore): “handily weighted though if back on her A-game here.”
• 6.30 Belhaven Brewery Handicap Chase (2m1f, Good):Primoz (L. Russell & M. Scudamore): Spotlight pick: “retains plenty of potential and has undergone wind surgery.” Beat Pay The Piper last year.
• Pay The Piper (Mrs A. Hamilton): “Won this 12 months ago on his reappearance… should have every chance.”
• Garde Des Champs (L. Russell & M. Scudamore): “did go close 12 months ago and he is now tried in a visor”.
• 7.00 racingtv.com/freetrial Open National Hunt Flat Race (2m, Good):Nobotheratall (T. Davidson): Spotlight pick: “might not have to improve all that much on his third at Wexford to win today.”
• Gijima (L. Russell & M. Scudamore): “ran well at Perth considering she raced freely early”.
• Dotties Promise (S. Corbett): “showed enough at Hexham to believe she may also have a say”.

C. Sandown

• 2.05 Sporting Times Sri Lanka Handicap (5f, Soft):Sub Thirteen (A. Carroll): Spotlight pick: “should be at peak fitness now and he could be the answer back at 5f and on ground that won’t bother him.” Won on heavy ground last summer.
• Fiorella Princess (L. De Souza): “On a dangerous mark now… sire’s record on soft/heavy offers hope.”
• Danger Alert (G. Baker): “good record on slow ground”.
• 2.35 Sporting Times Sri Lanka Novice Stakes (7f, Soft):Esna (B. Meehan): Spotlight pick: “With improvement on the cards, she’ll be tough to beat.” Strong debut second on soft ground.
• Morshdi (W. Haggas) & Montague Menace (A. Balding): Newcomers from top yards, “likely to offer the most resistance.”
• 3.05 Sporting Times Sri Lanka British EBF Maiden Stakes (1m, Soft):Accredit (J & T Gosden): Spotlight pick: “difficult to get away from the regally bred ACCREDIT… a highly promising start.”
• Plan C (A. King): “Up to winning races but might not be in the selection’s class.”
• 3.35 Sporting Times Sri Lanka Fortune Stakes (Listed Race) (1m, Soft):Sallaal (R. Varian): Spotlight pick and ‘nap’: “progressing well and a QEII entry is a strong hint that he could be capable of a clear career best here.”
• Chantilly Lace (R. Beckett): “major threat at this level… could well approve of getting back on slower ground.” Debut win was on heavy.
• Cicero’s Gift (C. Hills): “loves soft ground and ran right up to his best” last time.
• 4.10 Sporting Times Sri Lanka Fillies’ Handicap (1m, Soft):Naga (J & T Gosden): Spotlight pick: “her handicap debut after a stretch on the sidelines… connections may have been waiting for some soft ground”.
• Niminy Piminy (O. Sangster): “could be the danger if coping with conditions”.
• 4.45 Sri Lanka Paradise Island Handicap (1m2f, Soft):Sir William (W. Haggas): Spotlight pick: “compiled a solid profile in handicaps and is taken to confirm Windsor placings with Dancing Tiger”. Handles soft ground.
• Dancing Tiger (R. Teal): “impressed on slow ground at Goodwood”.
• Jonnie (J. Boyle): Handicap debutant for a yard that has “won twice in three years” in this race.
• 5.17 Visit Sri Lanka Fillies’ Handicap (1m2f, Soft):Hot Topic (Jane Chapple-Hyam): Spotlight pick: “can improve under these conditions when her pedigree offers hope.”
• Oceans Charm (E. De Giles): “less to prove than some of these… should be in the thick of it”.
• Huggable (D. Cunha): “appeals as one of the more solid options” despite untried on slow ground.

D. Yarmouth

• 2.25 Sea Deer Handicap (6f, Good To Soft):Dark Side Thunder (J. Macey): Spotlight pick: “safest option… has been second and third in the last two renewals of this and has form on good to soft ground.”
• Kiniro (H. Charlton): “soft ground would be an unknown but still needs considering”.
• Arnaz (E. Walker): “has run well on soft before and he’s a player again.”
• 2.55 British EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes (6f, Good To Soft):Bintola (H. Charlton): Spotlight pick: “shaped with promise on her introduction and should know more this time.”
• Albaydaa (W. Haggas): “eye-catching pedigree for leading stable; market can help on this debut.”
• Zighy (G. Boughey): “sets the standard” but has “blown the start” previously.
• 3.25 EBF Future Stayers Maiden Stakes (7f, Good To Soft):Pandemonium (S & E Crisford): Spotlight pick: “well-bred newcomer… in-form stable’s 2yos are enjoying a good year”.
• Far Far Out (R. Varian) & King Of Berkshire (A. Balding): Well-bred newcomers from powerful stables, “of interest”.
• 4.00 EBF Stallions John Musker Fillies’ Stakes (Listed Race) (1m2f, Good To Soft):Anna Swan (W. Haggas): Spotlight pick: “has shown her best form on soft ground and may have more to offer.”
• Life Is Beautiful (J & T Gosden): “progressive filly… big player”.
• Charlotte’s Web (S & E Crisford) & Rainbows Edge (J & T Gosden): “look more solid options of the older brigade”.
• 4.35 Goffs Two Million Series Handicap (1m1f, Good To Soft):Love Beach (J. Fanshawe): Spotlight pick: “had an excuse on his handicap debut and is the least exposed runner in the field.”
• Sea Force (W. Haggas): “continues to perform with credit… commands respect.”
• Whip Cracker (R. Hughes): “ran a blinder last time and commands respect.” Acts on testing surface.
• 5.10 British EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap (1m3½f, Good To Soft):Miss Wong (D. Simcock): Spotlight pick and ‘nap’: “pedigree suggests that was the start of an upward curve.” Soft-ground loving family.
• Ghost Story (J. Butler): “registered an emphatic win… up 7lb but return to this sort of trip should be no issue.”
• Salamanca City (J. Fanshawe): “consistent when placed on last four starts; acts on an easy surface”.
• 5.40 QuinnBet Fillies’ Handicap (6f, Good To Soft):Addarella (M. Botti): Spotlight pick: “can step up again on this drop back to 6f.”
• Vinatera (S. C. Williams): “big player if potential soft ground proves okay.”
• Ironist (G. Margarson): “largely consistent form… player.”

V. Trainer Statistics

• Most Active (by runners):T. D. Easterby (12 runners across 7 races at Beverley).
• R. Hannon (Jnr) (25 runners across 9 races, mainly at Sandown and Yarmouth).
• R. M. Beckett (20 runners across 6 races, Yarmouth and Sandown).
• High Recent Win Percentage (last 14 days, min. 5 runners):Lemos De Souza (Sandown): 67% (2 wins from 3 runs).
• K. R. Burke (Beverley, Sandown, Yarmouth): 25% (11 wins from 44 runs).
• W. Haggas (Beverley, Sandown, Yarmouth): 24% (13 wins from 54 runs).
• J & T Gosden (Sandown, Yarmouth): 23% (7 wins from 31 runs).
• Notable Performances Today (Trainer/Horse relationship in sources):J. Boyle (Sandown 4.45): “has won twice in three years” in this race. His handicap debutant Jonnie is worth watching.
• P. Midgley (Beverley 4.53): “has won this in 2022 (soft) and last year (good to firm)” with Elegant Erin, and also had a winner in 2020. Tiriac is also a strong contender from his yard.
• J. McConnell (IRE) (Kelso 3.53): “stable won this last year” with Jackson Lamb, who sets a high standard.

Key takeaway: Several trainers, particularly Haggas, Gosden, and Burke, show strong recent form. Specific trainers also have excellent historical records in certain races, making their runners particularly noteworthy.

VI. Non-Runners

A number of horses have been withdrawn, impacting the fields and potentially the betting dynamics:

• Beverley: Moonlight Mirage (2.45), Miss Potomac (3.15), Elettaria (4.18), Rose Of New Jersey (4.18), Sassy Glory (4.18), Emeralds Pride (4.53), Hundred Caps (4.53), Phoenix Of Dreams (4.53), Prince Achille (5.24), Showyoutheropes (5.24).
• Sandown: Absolute Star (4.10), Miss Chester (4.10).
• Yarmouth: Kiniro (2.25), Spring Bloom (2.25), Bintola (2.55), Far Far Out (3.25), Palladas (3.25), Venetian Lion (3.25).

Key takeaway: Non-runners can significantly change race dynamics. It’s crucial to check updated racecards for final fields and adjusted odds. The withdrawal of several favoured or historically strong horses (e.g., Sassy Glory, Emeralds Pride) will open up opportunities for others.