May 24 / 15.30 Haydock

15.30

Good To Firm

Betfred Temple Stakes (Group 2)

  • Prize money: £70887.5
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
ITV
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Betfred Temple Stakes (Group 2)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

Form: 63910- D

Last run: 167 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Two wins at York (5f, good to soft) last year before fine third in the Group 1 Nunthorpe there (5f, good to firm) and he won the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (5f, firm) in November; lacks a recent run and carries a 5lb penalty but holds leading claims if returning at the top of his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(4)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:33 Carlisle

Starlust

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Top-class form when third in Group 1 Nunthorpe at York and when winning Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar, both in 2024; rusty on last year's reappearance but showed he retains plenty of ability when fourth of 20 in Group 1 King Charles III at Royal Ascot on only subsequent outing; leading claims if showing his best after layoff, although that's not guaranteed.

4/1

9

(14)

17th Jun 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Starlust

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Dabbles at both sprint trips but 5f on fast ground suits him well as he showed both when finishing an excellent third in the Group 1 Nunthorpe at York (good to firm) in August and for his win in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar (firm) in November; should come on plenty for last month's reappearance and the weather has been kind.

12/1

1

(7)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

Starlust

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Two wins at York (5f, good to soft) last year before fine third in the Group 1 Nunthorpe there (5f, good to firm) and he won the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (5f, firm) in November; lacks a recent run and carries a 5lb penalty but holds leading claims if returning at the top of his game.

7/1

Form: 310-11 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
2-2 this season with 5f handicap wins at Musselburgh (good to soft) and York (good to firm); did it nicely in a big field last week and this highly progressive 5yo could take the rise in grade in his stride.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(10)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

American Affair

9st 6lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Highly progressive in 2025, winning the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm); also won on good to soft last year; it was his first run since when down the field at York recently and he may have needed it, but a dramatic transformation is required just ten days on.

9/1

10th

3

(12)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:30 York

American Affair

9st 10lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Has built up a good strike rate over 5f/5.5f and registered a neck success at Royal Ascot (good to firm) upped to Group 1 level when last seen; landed a handicap at this meeting 12 months ago; very progressive and has possibilities provided he's as effective back at 6f.

9/1

1

(16)

17th Jun 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

American Affair

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Made outstanding progress in 5f handicaps and the way he raced to the front at York (good to firm) in May showed that a switch to Group company wouldn't be at all fanciful; unable to show what he was made of behind Mgheera in a Group 2 at Haydock (5f, good) since, as a gap shut as he was about to go through it, and he remains one to keep on the right side.

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: 10110- D

Last run: 258 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced front-runner who won three times last season (5f, good/good to firm) and could still have more to offer; however, he takes a leap in grade on this reappearance and has bundles to find.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(4)

27th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 7y

Class 4

16:05 Hamilton

Law Of Average

9st 5lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Chelsea Banham

Progressive 3yo but his form headed south last year; back to winning ways when making all at Bath (5f, firm) four weeks ago; his head carriage has always been a bit ungainly but he's tough to pass when on song; major player despite the 4lb rise.

2/1

1st

3

(6)

29th Apr 2026

Firm

0m 5f 10y

Class 5

17:20 Bath

Law Of Average

9st 6lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Chelsea Banham

Front-runner who has won four times from 20 starts; mostly struggled last year and failed to beat a rival home at Southwell when last seen 132 days ago; down another 2lb but others have stronger claims.

8/1

Form: 7551-1 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
2yo Group 3 winner in October 2022 who posted his first win since in a Listed race at Ascot (5f, soft) last October; reappeared with a career best to win the Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket (5f, good) three weeks ago and he's a major player on the back of that performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(5)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:55 Newmarket

Rumstar

9st 9lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Acts on flat tracks but he comes into his own when tackling a stiff test at 5f, as when winning this race last year, taking C&D record to 2-2, and roaring home to win a Group 3 at Sandown (good to firm) in July; cheekpieces worn in October are discarded; yard in form; not to be underestimated.

5/1

6th

1

(10)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 34y

Class 1

13:30 Newbury

Rumstar

9st 6lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Three-time winner at Group 3 level, two of them this year, including when defying a penalty at Sandown in July (5f, good to firm); ran a stormer when fifth in the Nunthorpe four weeks ago; versatile ground-wise and he should make another bold bid.

3/1

5th

5

(14)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Rumstar

10st 1lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Can look good over 5f, as when winning either side of a winter break and, more recently, when outstaying She's Quality in a Group 3 at Sandown (good to firm) in July; however, he's had some wobbles too and his fifth to Arizona Blaze in a Group 2 at the Curragh last time was one of them; quite capable of a good show on his best form and has been supplemented.

14/1

Form: 6554-5 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Beaten in Group/Listed races on last 13 runs, last time fifth to Rumstar in the Palace House; however, he may have needed that seasonal and stable debut; has twice made the frame in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot and went close in this race in 2022; not ruled out each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

(8)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Twilight Calls

9st 1lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Richard Spencer

Losing run goes back nearly four years; no impact in sprint handicaps on turf at Meydan this year and makes a very belated AW debut on his return to Britain.

25/1

13

(4)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ayr

Twilight Calls

9st 3lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Spencer

Something of an enigma but his ability has never been in question; hasn't managed a win since April 2022 but he ran a cracker in the Stewards' Cup, coming home in fifth but doing best of the far-side group; failed to back it up behind Northern Ticker at York four weeks ago and risky, even with Warren Fentiman taking off a useful 5lb.

16/1

8

(11)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Twilight Calls

9st 5lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Richard Spencer

Competitive in Group 1s in his prime; not the force of old but his mark has dropped and he was first in the far-side group when fifth to stablemate Two Tribes in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood last time; a long losing sequence is a concern but he'll be very dangerous if building on Goodwood.

12/1

Form: 657-24 D BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Speedy sort over 6f who won the Group 3 Abernant at that trip at Newmarket (good) last April; beaten 4l by Rumstar when fourth in the Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket (5f, good) three weeks ago, when outpaced mid-race, but this may pan out more favourably and he's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(6)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:33 Carlisle

Washington Heights

9st 7lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Close third in Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock 12 months ago and made most to win Listed race at York (5f, good to firm) last summer; well below par all four starts since (short of room in Newmarket Group 3 on latest) but down in grade here and may well bounce back.

5/1

8th

9

(10)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:55 Newmarket

Washington Heights

9st 9lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Can lead; won 6f Group 3 here in 2024 but a beaten favourite in this race last year and sole success in 2025 came in a Listed York race (5f, good to firm); below best on recent comeback and a win looks unlikely.

25/1

12th

11

(6)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Washington Heights

9st 9lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Campaigned mostly over 5f last year, bagging Listed honours at York in July prior to facing stiffer tasks returned to Group 1 level; effective at 6f in the past and produced his peak RPR when landing this prize (on good ground) in 2024; not ruled out.

8/1

Form: 623-16 C BF

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
6f fillies' Listed winner here (soft) last May and placed in Group 3 races subsequently; reappeared with Listed win against fillies and mares at Bath (5f, good to firm) in April and had an excuse (high draw) when below par behind Mgheera at Longchamp two weeks ago; however, needs a career best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(6)

11th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:45 York

Electric Storm

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: James Tate

Two Listed wins to her name; ran well in the 5f Temple Stakes at Haydock in May; disappointed when favourite at Ayr three weeks ago (5f, good; behind First Instinct); career best required.

8/1

1

(2)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

17:55 Ayr

Electric Storm

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: James Tate

Likeable 5yo with four wins from 11 attempts, including in Listed race at Bath (5f, good to firm) in April; far from disgraced in face of stiff task in Group 2 at Haydock last time; leading contender.

11/4

7

(4)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

Electric Storm

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: James Tate

6f fillies' Listed winner here (soft) last May and placed in Group 3 races subsequently; reappeared with Listed win against fillies and mares at Bath (5f, good to firm) in April and had an excuse (high draw) when below par behind Mgheera at Longchamp two weeks ago; however, needs a career best.

10/1

5/1

Form: 3506-1 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
French Listed winner (5f, good) last June who, following a 250,000euros sale, was better than ever on her recent stable and seasonal debut at Longchamp (5f, good to soft) when winning the Group 3 Prix de Saint-Georges; travelled well and found plenty, and could have more to offer for her new yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

12

(11)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

Mgheera

9st 3lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Made it 2-2 for the yard (good/good to soft) when winning this last year and some good runs in defeat subsequently, including in Group 1s; could improve for her recent reappearance sixth at Longchamp; might be thereabouts.

8/1

6th

10

(14)

14th Sep 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Mgheera

9st 3lb

J: William Buick

T: Ed Walker

Beat today's rival She's Quality to win 5f Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock in May; did not compete at Royal Ascot after spreading a plate; outpointed by Arizona Blaze in a C&D Group 2 here in July; was a bit slow out of the stalls, and it was the same story in the Nunthorpe, could feature if avoiding a recurrence.

10/1

8th

12

(7)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Mgheera

9st 12lb

J: William Buick

T: Ed Walker

Has given trouble at the start and refused to enter the stalls at Royal Ascot but she's smart on her day, as when coming through strongly to win a Group 2 at Haydock (5f, good) in May; outpointed by Arizona Blaze in a Group 2 at the Curragh in July, though, and another slow start could cost her on this track.

10/1

Form: 6610-2 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Prominent-racer who won a Listed race by 3l in first-time blinkers (retained since) at Tipperary (5f, good) last September and reappeared with a good second to Rumstar in the Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket (5f, good) three weeks ago; this Irish challenger might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

12

(13)

14th Sep 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Shes Quality

9st 3lb

J: James Ryan

T: Jack W Davison

1-15 in stakes race, that win gained in a 5f Listed event last season; despite that poor strike rate, she deserves plenty of credit for consistency this season; runner-up in four consecutive British Group 2/3 races before well held in mid-field behind Asfoora in the Nunthorpe.

10/1

10th

13

(11)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Shes Quality

9st 12lb

J: James Ryan

T: Jack W Davison

She doesn't hang around and can lead but she found the stiff 5f at Sandown (good to firm) against her when run down late on by Rumstar in July; ridden much more patiently in Group 2 at Goodwood since, setting to work with a will but failing by a neck to overhaul Jm Jungle; this track can see her to good advantage and she can go well; blinkers return in place of cheekpieces.

10/1

2nd

12

(8)

1st Aug 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Goodwood

Shes Quality

9st 1lb

J: James Ryan

T: Jack W Davison

Speedy filly; better than ever in 2025, notably when runner-up, after getting no cover and racing apart from the winner, in a warm Group 2 at Haydock (5f, good; had form on soft early in career) in May; perhaps found the steep 5f at Sandown rather too much since but this test can suit; in the thick of it.

8/1

Form: 040-53 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Fine fourth of 16 in the Group 1 Sprint Cup here (6f, good) last September and fair third in Listed race for fillies and mares at Newmarket (6f, good) three weeks ago; rain would be in her favour but her losing run is up to 18 races and she needs to raise her game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(12)

11th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:50 Newmarket

Vadream

9st 3lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charlie Fellowes

Has won and gone close in Group 3s (5f) on this track; seems to have lost some firepower this year but she wasn't far away in a 6f Listed race here in May nor was she disgraced in the Group 1 Flying Five in Ireland recently; might have a better chance than these terms suggest, at least for a place.

16/1

11th

13

(6)

14th Sep 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Vadream

9st 3lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charlie Fellowes

On a long losing run, and now to 93 from the 107 mark she held when failing to make an impact in this event last season; in rear in the Temple Stakes won by Mgheera; down the field in the Wokingham and the Coral Golden Handicap.

66/1

19

(5)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:05 Goodwood

Vadream

9st 1lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charlie Fellowes

Losing run stretches back over two years; happiest on slow ground; tailed off in the Wokingham six weeks ago and returning cheekpieces aren't enough to make her of interest.

28/1

Form: 4132-5

Last run: 18 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Progressive 2yo last year, concluding with a close third in a Group 3 at Ayr (6f, good to firm) and good second in a Group 3 at Newmarket (5f, good to soft) when clear in the centre group; could improve for this month's reappearance fifth at Cork and she's an each-way possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(10)

24th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

19:15 Dundalk (AW)

Grande Marques

9st 11lb

J: Shane Foley

T: J A Stack

Had a couple of these behind when making all in the Listed Abergwaun Stakes at Tipperary in August (5f, yielding); soundly beaten upped to Group 1 level in the Flying Five latest; unraced on AW and will need a career-best here.

12/1

12th

14

(9)

14th Sep 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Grande Marques

9st 2lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: J A Stack

Placed in Group 3s at Ayr and Newmarket last season; Listed-placed in third behind Saratoga Special at Ayr in June; made all to beat Erosandpsyche in a 5f Listed race at Tipperary two weeks ago.

33/1

13

(14)

31st Aug 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

16:30 Tipperary

Grande Marques

9st 0lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: J A Stack

Placed in Group 3s at Ayr and Newmarket last season; Listed-placed at Ayr in June, overall form this term not strong enough to inspire confidence.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £83.30
Straight Forecast £82.62
Tricast £1137.91
Trifecta £890.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

American Affair

RP RATINGS:

Rumstar

The Times:

Electric Storm

Daily Record:

Mgheera

POSTDATA:

American Affair

Telegraph:

American Affair

D Express:

American Affair

The Sun:

American Affair

The Star:

American Affair

TOPSPEED:

Rumstar

LAMBOURN:

Rumstar

The Guardian:

Rumstar

Daily Mail:

Rumstar

Daily Mirror:

Rumstar