NIFFLER is unlikely to offer value as a betting proposition, but the percentage call is that he makes it 4-4 in handicaps. Wedonttellthetruth looks the main danger on first start for Fergal O'Brien.
Niffler
Wedonttellthetruth
Shopaholic
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 2 places
5. Niffler
J: Luke MorrisT: Sir Mark Prescott Bt
F: 890111
Price History:
-
Age:
3
Weight:
9-3
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
61
Days Since Last Run:
13
Verdict
Typical Sir Mark Prescott improver. Made really hard work of landing the hat-trick at short odds in a 4-runner race at Newcastle (2m) last time. Likely remains capable of better given yard's record with this type and may well maintain his unbeaten handicap record in another small-field event.
4. Wedonttellthetruth
J: Gina ManganT: Fergal O'Brien
F: 66-51692
Price History:
-
Age:
3
Weight:
9-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
65
Days Since Last Run:
99
Verdict
Made a winning handicap debut here (1½m) in March. Travelled smoothly when 1½-length second in a solid 3-y-o handicap at Nottingham (1¾m, soft) on final start for Mark Loughnane in early-June. Unexposed tackling his elders/2m for the first time on stable debut. Likely the main threat to Niffler.
2. Shopaholic
J: Billy LoughnaneT: Jack Jones
F: 579236
Price History:
5.00
Age:
4
Weight:
9-12
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
61
Days Since Last Run:
19
Verdict
Lightly raced for her age. Placed on both all-weather handicap starts (including here). Presumably failed to handle the heavy going when well-beaten favourite on first try over this trip at Beverley subsequently. Should be competitive back on this surface with Billy Loughnane taking over.
3. Billy Bathgate
J: Greg FairleyT: Ewan Whillans
F: 34346153
Price History:
23.00
Age:
10
Weight:
9-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
56
Days Since Last Run:
29
Verdict
C&D winner who gained a deserved first win of 2026 in 4-runner Redcar handicap (2m) in July. Got going too late when distant third behind Niffler over an inadequate test at Newcastle (12.5f) latest. Entitled to at least close that gap over a more suitable trip.
6. Als River
J: Darragh KeenanT: James Horton
F: 743-6483
Price History:
-
Age:
3
Weight:
9-1
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
59
Days Since Last Run:
51
Verdict
Went the right way in novices last year. Disappointing in handicaps since (well backed first 2 starts), latterly finishing well held in another change of headgear at Leicester. Hard to be confident that a significant step up in trip will prove the key to him following a further 7 weeks away.
1. Hellion
J: Silvestre De SousaT: Donald McCain
F: 33-0
Price History:
-
Age:
4
Weight:
10-2
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
65
Days Since Last Run:
73
Verdict
Fair form when third in a pair of 1¼m maidens for Brian Meehan last year. Didn't take to hurdling for current yard and well beaten on qualifying run on Flat return at Pontefract (1¼m) latest. Hopes of a revival rest on the switch to a handicap/markedly longer trip.