June 07 / 15.30 Epsom

15.30

Good

Betfred Derby (In Honour Of His Highness Aga Khan IV) (Group 1) (No Geldings)

  • Prize money: £909628.4
  • 1m 4f 6y
  • Class 1
  • 18 runners
ITV
View Course
Betfred Derby (In Honour Of His Highness Aga Khan IV) (Group 1) (No Geldings)

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

40/1

Form: 11-33

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Out of a Group 3 winner at about 1m2f whose dam's wins included one over 1m6f; 2-2 as a 2yo and he's finished a close third in both starts this year, the reappearance in a Group 3 at Longchamp (1m1f, good) working out well; a Listed defeat since shows he has to rely heavily on improvement for the longer trip if he's to make his way in this company; has been supplemented.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(17)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

15:30 Epsom

New Ground

9st 2lb

J: Alexis Pouchin

T: H-F Devin

Out of a Group 3 winner at about 1m2f whose dam's wins included one over 1m6f; 2-2 as a 2yo and he's finished a close third in both starts this year, the reappearance in a Group 3 at Longchamp (1m1f, good) working out well; a Listed defeat since shows he has to rely heavily on improvement for the longer trip if he's to make his way in this company; has been supplemented.

40/1

14/1

Form: 111

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Made debut in March and is unbeaten in three starts; there was much to like about the way he raced, settling nicely and responding willingly, when making all on the promotion to Group 3 level at Saint-Cloud (about 1m2f, good; has also won on good to soft) last month; has been supplemented in honour of his owner/breeder, the late Aga Khan, after whom this Derby is named; something of an unknown quantity but his dam was a stayer and hopefully he will reward his famous connections with a great run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(4)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

15:30 Epsom

Midak

9st 2lb

J: Mickael Barzalona

T: F-H Graffard

Made debut in March and is unbeaten in three starts; there was much to like about the way he raced, settling nicely and responding willingly, when making all on the promotion to Group 3 level at Saint-Cloud (about 1m2f, good; has also won on good to soft) last month; has been supplemented in honour of his owner/breeder, the late Aga Khan, after whom this Derby is named; something of an unknown quantity but his dam was a stayer and hopefully he will reward his famous connections with a great run.

14/1

Form: 721 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
All three runs in maidens and he made all at Chester (1m4f, good) in May; low on the list in form terms but his owner, who also runs Green Storm, has had big-priced runners finish in the frame in recent Derbys, including for this yard last year, and this could be another surprise package.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(5)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

14:55 Ascot

Al Wasl Storm

9st 7lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Owen Burrows

Came up well short at Group level last summer but resumed his progression back in calmer waters with a 1m4f Newbury handicap debut success (good to firm) last August; this low-mileage sort has the potential for better again in 2026.

9/1

2

(3)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Newbury

Al Wasl Storm

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Owen Burrows

First three runs were in maidens and he made all at Chester (1m4f, good) in May; the Derby proved far too tough for him next time and so did 1m6f Group 2 at Royal Ascot 11 days later; his sights are lowered dramatically for this handicap debut and he needs a close look.

4/1

12th

1

(1)

18th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Al Wasl Storm

9st 2lb

J: David Probert

T: Owen Burrows

First three runs were in maidens and he made all at Chester (1m4f, good); the Derby proved far too tough for him only 11 days ago and he was so comprehensively out of his comfort zone that this race too looks hard.

50/1

Form: 1-32

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
460,000gns yearling; by Frankel out of a Group 2/3 winner at 1m4f; won a 7f AW novice on sole 2yo start and he's been coming into his own over more suitable distances this year; did not get the best of trips when second to Pride Of Arras in the Group 2 Dante at York (about 1m2f, good to firm) last time, being caught out wide in the straight, well apart from the winner, but putting plenty of beef into his finish; has worked pleasingly at Epsom since and should be right at home over the new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(10)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:35 Newbury

Damysus

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: John & Thady Gosden

Frankel colt who comfortably defied a 3lb penalty in Group 3 event at Newmarket (good) on seasonal debut, completing a 1m2f/1m1f hat-trick and taking overall record to 4-7; gave the impression he'll be as effective returned to 1m; progressing well and his stable has landed this prize five times, including the last two years; commands respect.

3/1

1st

1

(3)

15th Apr 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Damysus

9st 5lb

J: James Doyle

T: John & Thady Gosden

Third in good-ground Sandown Classic Trial and second in Group 2 Dante at York (good to firm) last spring; finished last in the Derby but firmly back on track when landing a 1m2f Listed race at Deauville (good to soft) in August and signed off with Group 3 C&D win in October; carries 3lb penalty but holds a Group 1 Lockinge Stakes entry and he's the sort to kick on again this year.

6/4

4

(5)

11th Oct 2025

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 1

13:15 Newmarket

Damysus

9st 1lb

J: James Doyle

T: John & Thady Gosden

Third in the Sandown Classic Trial in April and second in Group 2 Dante at York (good to firm) in May; ran poorly in the Derby but bounced right back when readily landing a 1m2f Listed race at Deauville in August; needs another step forward to take this and the drop back in trip might not be ideal, but he surely retains potential.

6/4

OUR TIP

Form: 212-11

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
By Dubawi out of a much admired mare who won 13 races, including six Grade/Group 1s at up to about 1m, and who has bred a 1m6f Group 1 winner; became well seasoned during a 2yo career which ended with a hard-fought second in the Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster (1m, soft) and has returned with two Group 3 wins at Leopardstown (1m2f; on good to yielding and good), the former from Lambourn and announcing new depths in the latter; still improving and he won't mind what the weather does.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(4)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

16:05 Ascot

Delacroix

9st 3lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: A P O’Brien

Ballydoyle colt who is progressive in the main; justified favouritism in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown (good to yielding) most recently, taking his form figures over 1m2f to 11121 and overall strike-rate to 6-11; unable to match Ombudsman's late acceleration in the International but had got up late on to collar that rival in the Eclipse and is set for another gripping rematch.

3/1

1st

5

(8)

13th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 2f 0y

17:30 Leopardstown

Delacroix

9st 3lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: A P O’Brien

Won two Derby trials over C&D and bounced back from Epsom failure to win the Eclipse at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm); deserved much credit for overhauling Ombudsman late on, having found trouble in running in the straight; beaten by the same top-class rival at York; reputation largely restored all the same; major player for stable denied six in a row in this last year.

10/11

2nd

6

(3)

20th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:35 York

Delacroix

9st 1lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Won two Derby trials this spring and bounced back from Derby disappointment to win the Group 1 Eclipse at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm) last month; he deserves immense credit for overhauling Ombudsman late on last time having found trouble in running in the straight and got behind, and it was a performance that suggests he could take plenty of beating today.

15/8

Form: 2122-4

Last run: 53 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Dam won five Group races at up to 1m4f and was touched off in the Irish Oaks; six 2yo runs yielded one win at 1m1f before seconds in Group races over 1m2f at Newmarket (good to soft) and Saint-Cloud (heavy); this new trip should suit but he dropped right out at Newmarket (1m1f) in April.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(10)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

17:35 Ascot

Green Storm

9st 2lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charlie Johnston

Second of three in Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud last October (1m2f, heavy) and respectable seventh of 18 in the Derby 13 days ago (1m4f, good); back down in grade today but his eight starts have yielded just one win, in a maiden at Yarmouth, and he's probably vulnerable once more.

14/1

4

(8)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

15:30 Epsom

Green Storm

9st 2lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charlie Johnston

Dam won five Group races at up to 1m4f and was touched off in the Irish Oaks; six 2yo runs yielded one win at 1m1f before seconds in Group races over 1m2f at Newmarket (good to soft) and Saint-Cloud (heavy); this new trip should suit but he dropped right out at Newmarket (1m1f) in April.

100/1

4th

2

(6)

15th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:25 Newmarket

Green Storm

9st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Charlie Johnston

took keen hold, pressed leader early, soon led, edged right and headed 2f out, soon weakened

5/1

Form: 115-21 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Out of a smart sprinter but it's stamina that he's inherited from his Derby-winning sire Australia and, following a French Listed win (1m, very soft) last year and a second to Delacroix at Leopardstown in March, he sent out a strong staying message when beating Lazy Griff in the Group 3 Chester Vase (about 1m4f, good) last month; his potential at 1m4f+ is clear but the tactical speed, on the Chester run, is less so at this stage.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(2)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 1

14:35 Chester

Lambourn

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Very much at the top his generation last year, winning the Chester Vase at this meeting before going on to classic glory at Epsom and the Curragh (all three wins over 1m4f on good ground); he was undeniably disappointing in the Great Voltigeur (1m4f, good to firm) and St Leger (14.5f, soft), but this looks a good starting point for his 4yo career given the race conditions and he should take the beating if anything like back to his best; cheekpieces are given a go.

6/4

4th

3

(1)

13th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 6f 115y

Class 1

15:40 Doncaster

Lambourn

9st 3lb

J: Sean Levey

T: A P O’Brien

Set the pace when winning the Derby at Epsom by nearly 4l and helped to set it when he dug deep to follow up in Irish Derby at the Curragh (again 1m4f on good) later in June; 3l fifth when 4-5 in the Great Voltigeur at York last month looked disappointing, notwithstanding the sprint from early in the straight, but his trainer has stressed that it was a stepping stone to bigger prizes in the autumn; the two Derby wins suggest this trip won't be a problem and they are the best form in this field.

11/4

Form: 0131-2

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Sizeable advance in form when making all in a Group 3 at Chantilly (1m1f, good) on final 2yo start and he looked to have gone the right way over the winter on reappearance in Group 3 Chester Vase (about 1m4f, good) when it wasn't a breeze for Lambourn to get past him; aims much higher now, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(2)

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 50y

Class 1

18:12 Sandown

Lazy Griff

9st 3lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Johnston

Runner-up in the Derby at Epsom (1m4f, good) last June and kept on well for third in the Irish Derby at the Curragh (1m4f, good) later that month; absent since but this lightly raced 4yo could be suited by the step up in trip and he's a major player if ready to rumble after his absence.

7/2

3

(4)

29th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

16:10 Curragh

Lazy Griff

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Johnston

Made all in a Group 3 at Chantilly (1m1f, good) on final 2yo start; has matured into a high-class performer, outrunning his odds on two occasions, 25-1 when making Lambourn work for victory in the Chester Vase and 50-1 when chasing home the same opponent in the Derby; stays well and would benefit from further easing in the ground.

10/1

6

(3)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

15:30 Epsom

Lazy Griff

9st 2lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: Charlie Johnston

Sizeable advance in form when making all in a Group 3 at Chantilly (1m1f, good) on final 2yo start and he looked to have gone the right way over the winter on reappearance in Group 3 Chester Vase (about 1m4f, good) when it wasn't a breeze for Lambourn to get past him; aims much higher now, though.

50/1

Form: 3-13 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Tough display when winning a 1m4f novice on AW on return; however, he couldn't hang on to the first two in the Listed Lingfield Derby Trial (extended 1m3f, good to firm) and is down this pecking order.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(9)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Newmarket

Nightime Dancer

9st 10lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

100-1 for the Derby at Epsom but showed improvement in making late headway from the back to finish eighth of 18 runners; similar form later last summer in Group 3s at Newmarket and Newbury; gelded in March and some improvement is needed but he is lightly raced and may be capable of it.

15/2

4th

5

(3)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 5f 61y

Class 1

13:50 Newbury

Nightime Dancer

8st 12lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

100-1 for the Derby at Epsom (1m4f, good) but showed improvement in making late headway from the back to finish eighth of 18 runners; again stuck to his task well when creditable second of five to a very classy winner in Group 3 at Newmarket (1m5f, good to firm) and this lightly raced 3yo could still prove capable of better; considered.

6/1

2nd

3

(4)

10th Jul 2025

Good

1m 5f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Newmarket (July)

Nightime Dancer

9st 3lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Finished third in the Lingfield trial, then was an outsider in the Derby but appeared to show further improvement in making late headway from the back to finish eighth of 18 runners; possibilities back down in class with this longer distance worth exploring.

9/2

Form: 313-35

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Frankel colt whose dam never won beyond 6f but she bred a dual Grade 1 winner at 1m1f and her high-class siblings, including St Leger winner Logician, weren't short of staying power; he didn't have the clout for the Group 3 at Newmarket (1m, good to soft) won by Delacroix from Stanhope Gardens in October, for Sir Michael Stoute, but he was always likely to make a better 3yo; this might come too soon in his career but he was one of a few to come home strongly in the Group 2 Dante at York (about 1m2f, good to firm); now has cheekpieces fitted; the best is yet to come.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(5)

3rd Oct 2025

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 1

16:05 Ascot

Nightwalker

9st 3lb

J: Colin Keane

T: John & Thady Gosden

Sole win remains his maiden as 2yo, admittedly appearing mostly in Group races since; gelded before penultimate start but also put in his place since in a Listed race and valuable handicap; hooded today, having tried cheekpieces and blinkers in June; this is a new trip but it's hard to have much confidence in him right now.

10/1

4th

1

(1)

6th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:15 Ascot

Nightwalker

9st 9lb

J: Luke Catton

T: John & Thady Gosden

Won for Sir Michael Stoute at two; highly tried since that maiden win and was gelded prior to finishing third of four in a small-field Listed race at Windsor two weeks ago (extended 1m3f); on the verge of becoming a tad disappointing, but this is his handicap debut and he tries soft ground for the first time.

10/1

4

(4)

23rd Aug 2025

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 1

18:15 Windsor

Nightwalker

8st 13lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: John & Thady Gosden

Yarmouth maiden winner (7f, good to firm) for Sir Michael Stoute last September; has been taking on exalted company in his last three starts, including when a far-from-disgraced fifth of 11 in the Dante at York (1m2f, good to firm); gelded since sixth of nine in the King Edward VII at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm); no surprise if he goes well; no headgear today.

6/1

Form: 1-1

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Granddam's siblings include Brian Boru, whose two Group 1 wins included the 1m6f St Leger, and Sea Moon, a dual Group 2 winner at 1m4f; never more impressive than in the final furlong when winning a 1m maiden at Sandown (good; unraced on slower) on sole 2yo start and his finish was deadly again in the Group 2 Dante at York (about 1m2f, good to firm) when, despite having little space and taking a few strides to pick up, he dashed clear of Damysus in a matter of strides; this will be more truly run but he's making big waves and there's no knowing how far he can go.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(4)

20th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 1

15:00 York

Pride Of Arras

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Won his only race as a 2yo and the future looked bright indeed when he reappeared with a ready win in the Group 2 Dante at York (1m2f, good to firm) in May; his career has gone dramatically off the rails in the Derby (4-1 second favourite) and Irish Derby, however, and with far fewer apparent excuses in the latter, which was followed soon afterwards by a gelding operation; begins the road back by returning to the scene of his finest hour.

9/1

4

(8)

29th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

16:10 Curragh

Pride Of Arras

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Impressed despite betraying inexperience when winning a 1m maiden on good at Sandown; on sole 2yo start; became a strong Derby candidate after his winning return in the Group 2 Dante at York; nothing went right for him at Epsom (bumped at the start, failed to settle well, raced wide); one bad run can be forgiven, but wider doubts about the Dante form abound.

15/2

200/1

Form: 0-16 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Well related but he didn't improve much from a 1m4f AW maiden win over Al Wasl Storm in April when looking out of his depth in the Lingfield Derby Trial (extended 1m3f, good to firm); a similar outcome is likely today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(3)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 198y

Class 5

15:20 Brighton

Rogue Impact

9st 9lb

J: Luke Morris

T: James Owen

Highly tried after winning Lingfield maiden (AW) in April last year and he bounced back from a swing at the Derby when going close at Thirsk (also 1m4f, good) in July; that form would make him a handicap snip but it's been a real struggle since and blinkers are now reached for; only considered if the market warms to him.

8/1

7th

3

(4)

12th May 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

20:20 Lingfield (AW)

Rogue Impact

9st 8lb

J: Luke Morris

T: James Owen

Landed a C&D maiden just over a year ago, but his form since then has been patchy; down another 3lb, but more needed if he is to resume winning ways.

14/1

5th

4

(3)

27th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Lingfield (AW)

Rogue Impact

9st 6lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: James Owen

Sole victory came over C&D but he has failed to beat a rival on his last two runs, gelded before coming in last of 9 at Kempton (1m4f) on his return three weeks ago; hard to warm to.

16/1

Form: 51-18 C

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Pedigree has links to Derby and Oaks success; tenacious winner of the Listed Trial here (1m2f, good) in April but Group 1 aspirations are on hold after he finished down the field in the Dante (about 1m2f, good) at York.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(7)

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Sea Scout

9st 0lb

J: James Doyle

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Won 1m2f Listed event at Epsom in April; put in his place on next four starts (three of them Group races) but close third in Listed contest at Saint-Cloud (1m4f, very soft) on latest outing was career-best form, racing wide of the others early on and making the running for first time since debut, still in a clear lead 1f out; needs to build on that but there's renewed hope.

10/1

6th

10

(13)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

17:35 Ascot

Sea Scout

9st 2lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Reappeared with a Listed win from Trinity College at Epsom (1m2f, good) in April but he's since come up well short in the Dante (10.2f, good to firm) and the Derby (1m4f, good) and others make greater appeal.

40/1

14

(18)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

15:30 Epsom

Sea Scout

9st 2lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Pedigree has links to Derby and Oaks success; tenacious winner of the Listed Trial here (1m2f, good) in April but Group 1 aspirations are on hold after he finished down the field in the Dante (about 1m2f, good) at York.

100/1

Form: 312-1

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Dam's winning siblings include Romsdal, placed in the Derby and St Leger; dug in late for a promising third to Ruling Court on Sandown 7f debut as 2yo and ended the season by making Delacroix pull out most of the stops in a Newmarket Group 3 (1m, good to soft); had a gift of a reappearance at Salisbury recently but if he's made the same progress over the winter as some of his rivals he'd be on the premises.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(4)

26th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

14:40 York

Stanhope Gardens

8st 13lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Pushed Eclipse winner Delacroix close in the Group 3 Autumn Stakes at Newmarket (1m, good to soft) last October and ran a fine race when fifth in the Derby (1m4f, good) last month, losing two places close home; appeals as a type whose best days still lie ahead and this trip could be ideal.

11/4

15

(2)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

15:30 Epsom

Stanhope Gardens

9st 2lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Dam's winning siblings include Romsdal, placed in the Derby and St Leger; dug in late for a promising third to Ruling Court on Sandown 7f debut as 2yo and ended the season by making Delacroix pull out most of the stops in a Newmarket Group 3 (1m, good to soft); had a gift of a reappearance at Salisbury recently but if he's made the same progress over the winter as some of his rivals he'd be on the premises.

14/1

1st

2

(2)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:50 Salisbury

Stanhope Gardens

9st 9lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Delivered on debut promise when eased-down winner of Beverley maiden (7.4f, good to firm) last summer and was close second to subsequent Group 1 Futurity second Delacroix in Newmarket Group 3 (1m, good to soft) in the autumn; holds multiple Group 1 entries for the season ahead and ought to be very hard to beat here.

1/5

Form: 3121-3

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Out of half-sister to top-class miler Rock Of Gibraltar; upgraded his 2yo form when dealing with heavy ground to beat Green Storm in a three-runner race for Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud (1m2f) in October; the race looked to be needed when he was beaten nearly 7l by Delacroix in a Group 3 at Leopardstown (1m2f, good) last month but that's quite a gap to bridge.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(6)

29th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

18:50 Down Royal

Tennessee Stud

9st 10lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Group 1-winning 2yo made the frame last year in Epsom/Curragh Derbies and career-best when winning the Group 2 Prix Chaudenay (1m7f, very soft) at Longchamp in October; disappointing when last seen in Group 2 Riyadh contest in January, fading tamely on quick ground after forcing much of pace; demands plenty of respect on overall form.

13/8

9

(10)

29th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

16:10 Curragh

Tennessee Stud

9st 2lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Coped with heavy ground to beat Green Storm in three-runner Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud (1m2f) last October; needed the race and unsuited by a muddling gallop and quick ground when around 7l third behind Delacroix in the Ballysax in May; did best of those who came from off the pace when finishing strongly for third in the Derby; holds a fighting chance in the rematch.

4/1

16

(12)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

15:30 Epsom

Tennessee Stud

9st 2lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Out of half-sister to top-class miler Rock Of Gibraltar; upgraded his 2yo form when dealing with heavy ground to beat Green Storm in a three-runner race for Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud (1m2f) in October; the race looked to be needed when he was beaten nearly 7l by Delacroix in a Group 3 at Leopardstown (1m2f, good) last month but that's quite a gap to bridge.

25/1

Form: 11-6 BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Bred for middle distances but he was the sharpest tool in the box when having Ruling Court back in third in a 7f Group 3 at York (good to firm) in August on final 2yo start; inconclusive reappearance in Group 2 Dante at York in May, when he wanted to tear off early before plugging on at one pace when the cause was lost; however, he was said to be only just ready for that return and he did run a lot better there than the last two Derby winners from this yard had on their comebacks; some second-guessing is needed about the trip but he can't be ruled out with confidence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(5)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:35 Newbury

The Lion In Winter

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Disappointing in last year's Dante and Derby but subsequently showed very smart form back down in trip, including placed efforts in three top-level races over 1m, third to Notable Speech at the Breeders' Cup (firm) the final time; took advantage of a good opportunity in Leopardstown Listed event on reappearance; possibilities back up in class, provided he takes well to first-time headgear.

6/1

1st

8

(12)

15th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 0f 0y

15:07 Leopardstown

The Lion In Winter

9st 7lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Impressed in a Curragh maiden and the Group 3 Acomb Stakes at two; failed to win in a high-profile campaign last year; flopped in the Dante and the Derby; redeemed himself with smart placed form in 1m Gr 1s at Longchamp/Ascot and in the Breeders' Cup Mile; never threatened in Hong Kong Mile; easy ground a worry, though he ran well on soft in the Prix Jean Prat.

10/11

Form: 31-4

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Dam's winners include Just Fine, who won an Australian Group 1 at 1m4f; a low-profile 2yo career ended with a 1m AW maiden win but he led for a long way in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket and did well to head the pack behind the first three; he was said to be only 80% ready, so improvement can be expected but it's unlikely to be enough for him to take a hand today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

13

(4)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

17:35 Ascot

Tornado Alert

9st 2lb

J: James McDonald

T: Saeed bin Suroor

Won at Newcastle (1m, AW) last October on second start and fourth on reappearance in the 2,000 Guineas (1m, good), albeit no match for the front three; creditable sixth of 18 in the Derby at Epsom (1m4f, good) 12 days ago; he'll appreciate the drop back in grade and is not discounted.

9/1

18

(11)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

15:30 Epsom

Tornado Alert

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Saeed bin Suroor

Dam's winners include Just Fine, who won an Australian Group 1 at 1m4f; a low-profile 2yo career ended with a 1m AW maiden win but he led for a long way in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket and did well to head the pack behind the first three; he was said to be only 80% ready, so improvement can be expected but it's unlikely to be enough for him to take a hand today.

33/1

4th

9

(6)

3rd May 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newmarket

Tornado Alert

9st 2lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Saeed bin Suroor

Third on debut at Lingfield (7f, AW) last September and won Newcastle maiden (1m, AW) in October; this unexposed half-brother to Australian Group 1 winner Just Fine is a likeable prospect who can be expected to progress, but he's bottom of this pack on ratings and by some margin.

50/1

Form: 11-7

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Granddam is Oaks winner Eswarah; 2-2 as 2yo, latterly in a Listed race on soft, and ran as well as could have been expected when seventh in the Dante at York on his needed comeback; the bar is much higher here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20th

3

(4)

15th Mar 2026

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

16:20 Curragh

Tuscan Hills

9st 10lb

J: David Egan

T: Robson De Aguiar

Listed 1m winner at two; given an ambitious campaign over longer distances last year; Irish debut and first run since gelded.

20/1

6

(2)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Ayr

Tuscan Hills

9st 0lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

2-2 in 2yo campaign, impressive in Pontefract Listed race on the second occasion (1m, soft); didn't run badly when seventh in the Dante on reappearance (1m2f, good to firm), then well beaten in the Derby (1m4f, good; off since); others have stronger form but this 3yo is unexposed and the return to slow ground is an interesting angle.

10/1

Non-runners

Ruling Court

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £338.80
Straight Forecast £316.34
Tricast £8294.72
Trifecta £3431.20

Selections

The Guardian:

Pride Of Arras

SPOTLIGHT:

Delacroix

Daily Mail:

Lambourn

The Times:

Midak

LAMBOURN:

Al Wasl Storm

D Express:

Tornado Alert

NEWMARKET:

Nightwalker

Telegraph:

Tennessee Stud

RP RATINGS:

Ruling Court

TOPSPEED:

The Lion In Winter

Daily Mirror:

Pride Of Arras

The Sun:

Pride Of Arras

The Star:

Pride Of Arras

POSTDATA:

Delacroix

Daily Record:

Delacroix