April 22 / 13.35 Epsom

13.35

Good

Betfred Handicap

  • Prize money: £10308
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
RTV
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Betfred Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.50
  • Place: £2.20

Form: /3-914 D BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Record is 3-10, the most recent win on AW in March when narrowly beating Almaty Star; didn't live up to expectations at Musselburgh since but has possibilities if taking well to first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(8)

1st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Goodwood

Spartan Arrow

9st 5lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Enjoyed an excellent 2025 when a four-time scorer, including in 5f Group 3 at Dundalk in October; yet to fire this term and failed to beat a rival in 5f Pontefract handicap last month; tried in a change of headgear here.

10/1

13th

2

(1)

7th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

15:57 Pontefract

Spartan Arrow

9st 10lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Not solid on form shown in UAE and Britain this year but is very useful on his day, being a turf Listed and AW Group 3 scorer last term, as well as close second in the Epsom "Dash".

9/1

8th

2

(11)

21st Mar 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 2

16:38 Southwell (AW)

Spartan Arrow

9st 7lb

J: William Cox

T: Archie Watson

Four wins in 2025, notably a Group 3 at Dundalk in October; struggled in two runs in the Middle East this year and he is 4lb higher than when second in last summer's Dash at Epsom, his most recent run in a handicap.

12/1

13/2

  • Place: £3.10

Form: -33432 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 8st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Consistent on AW since December and ties in with some of these rivals; capable of being involved and has each-way possibilities but brings a portion of frustration, having failed to win since 2022.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(1)

11th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 42y

Class 5

15:20 Yarmouth

Existent

9st 8lb

J: Zac Lloyd

T: Stuart Williams

Finally ended a 49-race losing run at Southwell (5f, AW) in January; now 2lb lower than for that success and this company is much easier than that he normally keeps, but his record of 1-47 on turf still makes him hard to warm to.

6/1

5th

13

(9)

13th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 42y

Class 3

14:40 Yarmouth

Existent

8st 10lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Stuart Williams

Ended a lengthy losing run at Southwell in January and posted a respectable effort at Newmarket (5f, good) last month; however, he was down the field at Ascot (5f, good to firm) 12 days ago and is now just 1-46 on turf; others preferred.

20/1

14th

15

(16)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Ascot

Existent

9st 1lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Stuart Williams

Ended a lengthy losing run at Southwell in January and he is just 1lb higher today; solid effort at Newmarket 17 days ago when not ideally positioned; each-way claims at a track where he has run well in much better races than this one.

12/1

3rd
4 (7)
Jumbeau

8/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 835-44 D

Last run: 67 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Couple of respectable efforts on AW this year; only 1-15 in handicaps but a 2022 novice success at Brighton suggests she'll take well to this venue; not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(11)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:20 Catterick

Jumbeau

8st 9lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Tom Clover

Faded in the closing stages over 6f at Newmarket last time but 5f is more her trip and her latest attempt over the minimum distance resulted in a creditable third at Lingfield (AW) at the beginning of September; has dropped to only 1lb above the mark she defied on turf at Lingfield in August.

16/1

6th

4

(3)

25th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket

Jumbeau

9st 6lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Tom Clover

Has placed form over the trip but she's 0-9 over 6f+ as opposed to 3-16 at 5f; didn't run badly on AW three weeks ago but perhaps vulnerable to stronger stayers this time.

12/1

1

(8)

4th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 3

18:20 Lingfield (AW)

Jumbeau

9st 9lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Tom Clover

Turf win here last month (5f, good); not so good at York a fortnight ago but that was a warm race; promise in each of her three AW starts thus far; not ideally drawn though and others perhaps stronger for win purposes.

13/2

OUR TIP

10/1

Form: 1-1383 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Ran creditably behind Spartan Arrow and Almaty Star in latest AW start; however, has a better strike-rate in that sphere than on grass and it's three years since his sole turf success.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(1)

6th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 4

16:15 Lingfield (AW)

Michaelas Boy

10st 4lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Robert Cowell

Two wins and a close second to his name in four runs over C&D; tended to be hot and cold in the past, twice winning back-to-back, which bodes well after bouncing back off 4lb lower at Yarmouth last time; goes well for Luke Morris too.

7/2

1st

3

(2)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 42y

Class 4

14:40 Yarmouth

Michaelas Boy

9st 7lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Robert Cowell

AW win in January and went close 19 days later; unplaced in both turf starts this spring and he needs to raise his game.

8/1

7th

4

(7)

13th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 42y

Class 3

14:40 Yarmouth

Michaelas Boy

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Robert Cowell

Prominent racer; won at Lingfield (5f, AW) in January on second start since returning to this stable and he went close over that same C&D next time; ran creditably back on turf at Nottingham (5f, good) 17 days ago but he has a better strike-rate on the AW (1-24 on turf).

10/1

14/1

Form: 54243- D

Last run: 137 days

W: 8st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Has gained both wins at York and may be more interesting when returned to that venue; never dangerous in last year's 3yo Dash in sole Epsom attempt; gelded over the winter.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(3)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:52 Newbury

The Coffee Pod

9st 12lb

J: David Probert

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

He's on a reduced mark and his yard is going well; however, he had a patchy campaign last season and was soundly beaten in April on his sole run this year (pulled hard on that stable debut); others have less to prove.

10/1

8th

7

(2)

13th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:52 Leicester

The Coffee Pod

9st 4lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Picked up for 4,000gns from the Hannon yard last autumn after breaking a blood-vessel for the second time in four runs; not much luck and maybe fresh is the time to catch him, going in a first-time hood, but the stiff 6f is a concern (most starts at 5f).

16/1

Form: 86-726 D

Last run: 73 days

W: 9st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Has a much better strike-rate on turf than on AW; however, ran well (close fifth) in the Dash here in 2023 and had an excuse (raced in unfavourable position) in this race last year; on an attractive mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

(8)

7th Jun 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:45 Epsom

One Night Stand

8st 2lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

Not beaten far into fifth in the 2023 renewal when rated much higher; not the obvious answer today from 4lb wrong.

33/1

7/2

Form: 1202-1 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Made all under Tom Marquand at Chelmsford on seasonal debut, comfortably beating Existent and registering a third AW win; has a consistent turf record (33422) and looks a likely player returned to this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

11

(14)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

19:28 Newcastle (AW)

Fidelius

9st 3lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Robert Cowell

Six wins and five seconds from 17 AW runs; unplaced on turf on his last two starts and although this scenario will suit better, a few others look better handicapped.

14/1

6th

2

(6)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

17:27 Goodwood

Fidelius

9st 9lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Robert Cowell

Record of 6-17 on AW includes two wins in a consistent 2026 campaign; not disgraced back on turf last time but finished only fifth of six and took record in this sphere to 0-9; others preferred.

9/1

Form: 8-2123 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
In good form on AW this year and was beaten only a whisker by Spartan Arrow on penultimate outing; Goodwood success last September suggests he'll take well to Epsom; solid claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(1)

6th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 4

16:50 Lingfield (AW)

Almaty Star

9st 11lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Robert Cowell

Front-runner who's drawn to attack and boasts a solid record over C&D; not much room for manoeuvre off this mark, though, for a yard also responsible for Ziggy's Missile.

8/1

8th

6

(5)

22nd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 3

19:17 Windsor

Almaty Star

9st 8lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Robert Cowell

Front-runner who was found an ordinary Yarmouth handicap when winning easily in the spring; handicapper had his say for that and he finished well beaten behind Dream Composer upped in class at Epsom last time; yard also runs Rhythm N Hooves.

12/1

18th

20

(13)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Almaty Star

8st 10lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Robert Cowell

Better on AW than turf but took advantage of a good opportunity at Yarmouth in April (5f, good); hit with an 8lb rise for that, bringing his turf and AW marks into line; blew the start back at Yarmouth last month but the stewards deemed him a non-runner due to having his head turned as the stalls opened; risky on the back of that and there are other pace influences to contend with today.

20/1

Form: 1124-1 D

Last run: 68 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Record of 3-5 (on AW) since wearing headgear, making all at Chelmsford switched to blinkers (from cheekpieces) most recently; has won on turf; respected in the retained blinds, with further progress plausible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(7)

14th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 4

17:55 Wolverhampton (AW)

Twilight Fun

9st 9lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Chelsea Banham

Five AW wins, the latest from the front off 2lb lower at Newcastle (6f) in February; well below that form on turf lately but still worth keeping an eye on in the betting.

14/1

8th

3

(8)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:11 Newmarket (July)

Twilight Fun

9st 13lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Chelsea Banham

Only turf win came off a much lower mark more than two years ago and he remains weighted to his AW best after a couple of no-shows at Yarmouth last month; some way down the pecking order.

16/1

4th

3

(6)

28th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

16:23 Yarmouth

Twilight Fun

9st 9lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Chelsea Banham

Tends to lead; started the year well on AW but it all went wrong at Newcastle in March and he could only beat one home in seven-runner 5f course handicap a fortnight ago; easy ground probably no help that day and it's not impossible this C&D winner can stage a revival.

16/1

Form: 31396- D

Last run: 190 days

W: 8st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Well exposed but was a profitable sprinter to follow last summer, having won at 12-1 and 16-1; likely to handle Epsom, having scored at Brighton in 2023; could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(4)

7th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 60y

Class 6

20:50 Brighton

Faustus

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Rachel Cook & John Bridger

Trailblazer who is not the force he once was, but was runner-up at Windsor (5f, good to firm) last month; should give his supporters a run for their money but vulnerable to a late closer.

7/2

6th

8

(6)

2nd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 34y

Class 5

21:00 Newbury

Faustus

9st 3lb

J: Alexandra Egan

T: Rachel Cook & John Bridger

Twice a winner over C&D, including the corresponding event 12 months ago when rated 11lb higher; back to form when second at Windsor ten days ago, failing to hold the late thrust of Just Jump; his supporters should get a run for their money but he could just prove vulnerable late on.

6/1

2nd

6

(6)

22nd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 6

20:20 Windsor

Faustus

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Rachel Cook & John Bridger

Returned to form when third off 5lb higher at Lingfield (5f, good to firm) in May; this 8yo has finished soundly beaten on both starts since but has been without cheekpieces, which return today and could be key.

9/1

11th
10 (6)
El Bufalo

14/1

Form: 536145 D BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Campaigned mostly on AW; took well to first-time blinkers in February but has failed to build on that success and this return to turf presents a stiffer assignment; headgear retained.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(3)

29th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:22 Ffos Las

El Bufalo

9st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: Thomas Faulkner

Done his winning on the AW but is fine on turf; not best drawn when behind All Ways Glamorous at Ascot in the spring (now 2lb worse off) before not looking to see out 6f last time; needs a career-best off his current mark but this is less competitive.

6/1

9th

14

(3)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:25 York

El Bufalo

9st 8lb

J: Zac Lloyd

T: Thomas Faulkner

Has done most of his racing on AW (4-20) but seems at least as effective on turf and he went close at Chepstow three weeks ago; all wins over 5f but he tends to finish strongly and should be just as good at 6f; may not be fully exposed and the booking of young Aussie star Zac Lloyd catches the eye.

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £66.10
Straight Forecast £59.84
Tricast £375.48
Trifecta £460.10

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Fidelius

POSTDATA:

Almaty Star

SPOTLIGHT:

Twilight Fun

LAMBOURN:

Spartan Arrow

TOPSPEED:

Faustus

The Times:

Fidelius

Telegraph:

Fidelius

The Guardian:

Fidelius

Daily Mirror:

Fidelius

The Sun:

Fidelius

The Star:

Fidelius

Daily Record:

Fidelius

NEWMARKET:

Almaty Star

D Express:

Almaty Star

Daily Mail:

Twilight Fun