June 17 / 17.00 Ascot

17.00

Good

Ascot Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £56694
  • 2m 3f 210y
  • Class 2
  • 20 runners
ITV
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Ascot Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 20 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

20/1 (Won)

  • Win: £26.85
  • Place: £6.70

Form: /221-1

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Sole attempt on good to firm was debut; fairly useful hurdler who has reverted to the Flat with two seconds and two wins; the wins came in handicaps at Dundalk (2m, AW; easily at 2-5) and Cork (1m4f, good; hard fought) and he looks a live prospect for this race despite his speedy pedigree.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(3)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 1

14:35 Ascot

Ascending

9st 4lb

J: W J Lee

T: Henry De Bromhead

Landed the Cork Derby (1m4f) last May and a Royal Ascot handicap (2m4f) last June, before his excellent second in the Ebor Handicap at York (1m6f) in August; not disgraced on final start but needs a serious advance to mix it with the best of these in today's Group 3.

16/1

7

(24)

28th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 170y

16:22 Curragh

Ascending

9st 10lb

J: W J Lee

T: Henry De Bromhead

Landed the Cork Derby (1m4f, good) in May off 93 and followed up in the Ascot Stakes off 95 (2m4f, gd-fm); runner up in the Ebor on latest off 98; can give another good account off 3lb higher.

8/1

2nd

17

(16)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Ascending

9st 2lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: Henry De Bromhead

Reverting to Flat has proved a huge success, most notably with his 2m4f win in a 20-runner handicap at Royal Ascot (good to firm) latest outing but he also scored over 1m4f the time before and the way he went through the Ascot race is not a disincentive; up 3lb in a stronger race but still of major interest.

12/1

11/1

  • Place: £7.15

Form: /644-0

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Well beaten at 80-1 in Group 2 Queen's Vase here in 2023; staying-on fourth over hurdles/fences at last two Cheltenham Festivals, in 2m4f handicap this March; last month's Flat run was over just 1m2f and the big pointer to his chance is that he passed stacks of rivals to take fourth in last September's Irish Cesarewitch at the Curragh (nearly 2m1f, good); the widest draw here will probably demand an even bigger effort from off the pace, and cheekpieces (worn in two good jumps runs) are now worn for first time on Flat.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

2nd Nov 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

14:45 Cork

Nurburgring

11st 0lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Dual-purpose Flat, hurdles and chase winner; rated 144 over fences but just one win from six chase starts; pulled up on last chase start in the Galway Plate when the 6-1 favourite; again below best when beaten 24l back on the Flat latest; capable but others arrive in better form.

7/2

4th

3

2nd Nov 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

14:45 Cork

Nurburgring

11st 0lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Dual-purpose Flat, hurdles and chase winner; rated 144 over fences but just one win from six chase starts; pulled up on last chase start in the Galway Plate when the 6-1 favourite; again below best when beaten 24l back on the Flat latest; capable but others arrive in better form.

7/2

14

(15)

28th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 170y

16:22 Curragh

Nurburgring

9st 6lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

One of seven for yard and the stable jockey rides; dual-purpose; pulled up when favourite in the Galway Plate on latest; neck second behind Ascending on last Flat start in the Ascot Stakes and 2lb better off with that rival now; blinkers replace cheekpieces; big chance.

12/1

22/1

  • Place: £8.40

Form: 2/071-

Last run: 247 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Unraced on firmer than good; fairly useful hurdler (stays 2m6f) on his day in 2024, below form in two festival runs this spring; ran in three big-field Flat handicaps last autumn, back to form when winning with a strong late challenge at Naas (2m, yielding) on third occasion, so he's not entirely ruled out despite an apparently tough British mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(5)

3rd May 2026

Yielding

1m 4f 30y

15:43 Cork

Comfort Zone

9st 7lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Three-time hurdle winner went close in 2m4f Ascot Stakes last June; finished well when close third in 2m Naas handicap in October; this trip is on the short side.

12/1

14th

6

(6)

3rd Apr 2026

Soft

1m 2f 0y

16:17 Curragh

Comfort Zone

9st 8lb

J: Gary Halpin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Third runner for yard; three-time hurdle winner went close in 2m4f Ascot Stakes off 93 last June; stayed on for midfield finish in Irish Cesarewitch here in September; finished well when close third in 2m Naas handicap in October; this trip is on the short side.

11/1

4

(3)

12th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 7y

16:20 Naas

Comfort Zone

9st 4lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Last year's winner from 8lb lower went close in the Ascot Stakes off 93 in June (2m4f, good to firm); ran better than his finishing position suggested in the Petingo premier handicap when he was interfered with at the start; stayed on in the Irish Cesarewitch last time but was never near enough to challenge; can go well with a clear run.

18/1

Form: /13-14

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Has had only fives races; won a 1m2f maiden and 1m4f handicap (made all) on turf in Ireland; second favourite when upped to 2m2f for the Chester Cup (good; unraced on firmer) on latest outing but looked tricky to restrain in front, doing well to be headed only just over 1f out and hang on for fourth; up 2lb, with potential but wide draw may require a change in tactics.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(4)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

19:22 Leopardstown

Leinster

9st 8lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Fourth in Chester Cup and Ascot Stakes last season, won a four-runner St Leger Trial at the Curragh in August, readily brushing aside front-running Dallas Star; failed to do himself justice when tailed off in the Irish St Leger, made late progress into fourth behind Scandinavia at Navan on return; should be sharper now and may reverse form with runner-up Dallas Star.

8/1

4th

3

(3)

25th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 6f 0y

15:05 Navan

Leinster

9st 8lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Stepped outside of handicap company (fourth in Chester Cup and in Ascot Stakes) to win a four-runner St Leger Trial at the Curragh last August, readily brushing aside front-running Dallas Star in the final furlong; faced a very stiff task but ran no sort of race when tailed off in the Irish St Leger.

14/1

9th

6

(8)

14th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 6f 0y

16:25 Curragh

Leinster

9st 10lb

J: W J Lee

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Stepped outside of handicap company to land 4-runner St Leger Trial over C&D last month, readily brushing aside front-running Dallas Star final furlong; lot more on his plate here.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 80-230

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 11lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Went close in this race (good to firm) last term off 2lb lower; has since come up short with higher marks and higher grades; perhaps forgiven latest start, in the Chester Cup, and a return to form is not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(5)

20th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 2y

Class 2

16:03 Pontefract

Divine Comedy

9st 1lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Harry Eustace

0-6 this year but has often run really well, finishing second at Goodwood (2m, heavy) last month and fourth of 22 in the Cesarewitch (2m2f, good to firm) nine days ago; she's a leading candidate today.

2/5

2

(4)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Divine Comedy

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Harry Eustace

No win this year but she's run with credit every time except for in the Chester Cup; serious traffic problems when fifth of 20 off today's mark at Royal Ascot (2m4f, good to firm) on penultimate start; each-way player.

12/1

1

(2)

2nd Sep 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:08 Goodwood

Divine Comedy

10st 2lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Harry Eustace

Perhaps handicapped about right but was bang there in the 2m4f Ascot Stakes (good to firm) when last seen in June and today's softer surface will be welcomed; good chance.

9/4

9/2

Form: 4314-1

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
One of the top juvenile hurdlers last season and he justified warm favouritism when returned to the Flat in 15-runner Chester Cup (2m2f, good) over five weeks ago, never far away before strength of stamina took him to the front inside the final 1f; below-form outsider last April/June on his only two starts on good to firm (one at this meeting); up 8lb since Chester but may well be capable of another advance if the ground is okay.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(6)

25th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

16:10 Newmarket

East India Dock

9st 5lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: James Owen

One of the top juvenile hurdlers last season and he justified warm favouritism when returned to the Flat for the Chester Cup (2m2f) in May; respectable efforts off 8lb higher when sixth of 20 in the Ascot Stakes and Northumberland Plate in June; freshened up since; needs improvement to win at this level.

5/1

6th

4

(14)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

East India Dock

9st 4lb

J: James Doyle

T: James Owen

One of the top juvenile hurdlers last season and he justified warm favouritism when returned to the Flat for the Chester Cup (2m2f) in May; sixth off this 8lb higher mark at Royal Ascot (2m4f) was right up with that form and he's a player if this AW surface (sole race on one was as 2yo, finished last) proves suitable.

6/1

6th

7

(18)

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

East India Dock

9st 8lb

J: James Doyle

T: James Owen

One of the top juvenile hurdlers last season and he justified warm favouritism when returned to the Flat in 15-runner Chester Cup (2m2f, good) over five weeks ago, never far away before strength of stamina took him to the front inside the final 1f; below-form outsider last April/June on his only two starts on good to firm (one at this meeting); up 8lb since Chester but may well be capable of another advance if the ground is okay.

9/2

Form: 8-3074

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Handicap hat-trick last summer (final leg at Glorious Goodwood) and he ran well in Listed event on return; not in the best of form since, though, and latest start again failed to prove he stays 2m; headgear enlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(10)

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Goodwood

Align The Stars

9st 5lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Charlie Johnston

2024 C&D winner who broke his losing run in clearcut style when he reappeared with restored cheekpieces at Kempton (2m, AW) in March; second in valuable race at Newmarket (1m6f) confirmed that he's turned a corner and must remain in serious calculations.

3/1

2nd

5

(1)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Align The Stars

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Charlie Johnston

Thereabouts on occasions in 2025, crept down the weights and broke his losing run in clearcut style when he reappeared five weeks ago wearing restored cheekpieces in the Queen's Prize at Kempton (2m, AW); back up 4lb but showed plenty of bottle in that win and may have turned a corner.

6/1

1st

4

(2)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Kempton (AW)

Align The Stars

9st 9lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Charlie Johnston

On a losing run of 13 since his hat-trick in summer 2024; has dropped in the weights, was thereabouts on occasions in 2025 and it can be argued that today's headgear switch will help, but there's a bit for him to prove on AW (it's only his third AW race) and others have more pressing claims.

12/1

Form: 1081-0

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
His three visits to Britain from Ireland last year provided a rich haul with wins in the Chester Plate (2m2f, good to firm), Northumberland Vase at Newcastle (2m, AW) and Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, soft); the latter was by a nose from Manxman and they raced on opposite sides of the track, with this one in charge on the near side from 2f out; 6lb higher today but has a run under his belt and may well be ready to take another big prize.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

15

(14)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Alphonse Le Grande

8st 9lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: A J Martin

Held up; an excellent 2024 included wins in the Chester Plate on this card (his only run here) and the Cesarewitch at Newmarket; 2025 campaign was initially promising then frustrating, including with trouble in running, but ended up being disappointing; has a recent 1m2f run under his belt and would be competitive off this slightly reduced mark if back on song.

14/1

13th

5

(17)

24th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 2f 100y

19:45 Cork

Alphonse Le Grande

9st 6lb

J: James Ryan

T: A J Martin

2024 Cesarewitch winner was winless in light campaign last year; absent since November and this trip on the short side for seasonal return.

16/1

8

(15)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Alphonse Le Grande

8st 13lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: A J Martin

Three big-race wins in Britain last year included the Chester Plate (2m2f, good to firm) and this race (soft; 6lb higher today); while nothing like that impact this term, trying to come from the back at Royal Ascot was a nightmare and it wasn't much better at York's Ebor meeting, beaten 3l in both; they suggested he could still have another big handicap win in him.

7/1

7/2

Form: 3210-2 BF

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Dam is Ascot Gold Cup winner Estimate; inconsistent for Sir Michael Stoute last term, best efforts when second on good to firm in June and drubbing his opponents over 1m6f on AW in August; tailed off in the Melrose at York (6-1) final 3yo outing but made a bright start for new yard when beaten on the nod at Leopardstown (1m4f) last month; needs improvement but there is a great deal to suggest he arrives here with major potential as a stayer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

15

(1)

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Reaching High

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: W P Mullins

Dam is Ascot Gold Cup winner Estimate; inconsistent for Sir Michael Stoute last term, best efforts when second on good to firm in June and drubbing his opponents over 1m6f on AW in August; tailed off in the Melrose at York (6-1) final 3yo outing but made a bright start for new yard when beaten on the nod at Leopardstown (1m4f) last month; needs improvement but there is a great deal to suggest he arrives here with major potential as a stayer.

7/2

1

(1)

16th May 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

20:30 Leopardstown

Reaching High

10st 12lb

J: Miss J Townend

T: W P Mullins

Wide margin AW winner at Wolverhampton (1m6f) off 81 for Michael Stoute last August and 11lb higher now; best turf effort a 0.5l second of 6 at Windsor (11.5f, gd-fm); lacks a run but respected on debut for Willie Mullins.

11/2

1

(1)

16th May 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

20:30 Leopardstown

Reaching High

10st 12lb

J: Miss J Townend

T: W P Mullins

Wide margin AW winner at Wolverhampton (1m6f) off 81 for Michael Stoute last August and 11lb higher now; best turf effort a 0.5l second of 6 at Windsor (11.5f, gd-fm); lacks a run but respected on debut for Willie Mullins.

11/2

Form: 2/116

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Has seen far more action over hurdles and fences (useful at up to 2m4f) but also won under Flat rules in a Dundalk maiden (10.5f, AW) in January and gamely from the front in a conditions event at Killarney (1m6f, good) last month; put firmly in his place at 33-1 in a 1m4f Listed race last time and the handicapper hasn't obviously taken any chances with this opening Flat mark, but going further than 1m6f should suit him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18

24th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 7f 180y

16:23 Listowel

San Salvador

10st 12lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Three Flat wins this year, the latest over 1m5f at Ballinrobe in July; jumping was untidy at times on return to chasing at Galway; down the field in the Cheltenham Festival novice handicap in which Anyway finished second; plenty to prove.

10/1

4th

1

1st Aug 2025

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:00 Galway

San Salvador

11st 12lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Dual-purpose performer is 8-28 in all codes, two of his wins coming over fences in novice chases; has been plying his trade on the Flat recently with good success, including two wins; fell at Leopardstown and tailed off at Cheltenham in his last two chase starts so he has something to prove now returned to this discipline.

13/1

1

(11)

21st Jul 2025

Yielding

1m 4f 184y

19:30 Ballinrobe

San Salvador

10st 0lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Seven wins under all rules with last one coming in a Killarney conditions race in May; even better form when beaten only 4l in the Ascot Stakes h'cap last time; this trip is fine too and is a big player.

7/2

Form: /54-44

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
4yo who has had only six races; keeping on for fourth over 1m4f at Newbury (good) on 2025 reappearance hinted he may have staying potential; that wasn't confirmed over 2m here (good to firm) later in April, in his third Group 3, but that was a slowly run race and this is his first handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(6)

7th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 179y

Class 3

17:02 Leicester

Feigning Madness

10st 1lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Lightly raced since winning both races at two; ran okay in two Group 3s to start this season but has struggled to land a blow in 2m4f/1m6f handicaps the last twice; in calmer waters here but with a bit to prove.

10/1

8th

9

(2)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:55 Goodwood

Feigning Madness

9st 1lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

4yo who has had only seven races and acts on any going; fourth in 1m4f Group 3 at Newbury on reappearance hinted he may have staying potential; although running creditably, his subsequent 2m Group 3 and 2m4f Royal Ascot handicap didn't really prove his stamina and he now has his first go at 1m6f; whatever his ideal trip may be, he needs some improvement.

12/1

11th

6

(14)

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Feigning Madness

9st 9lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

4yo who has had only six races; keeping on for fourth over 1m4f at Newbury (good) on 2025 reappearance hinted he may have staying potential; that wasn't confirmed over 2m here (good to firm) later in April, in his third Group 3, but that was a slowly run race and this is his first handicap.

28/1

14/1

Form: 003-12

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Tailed off last June in the Derby and 1m4f Group 2 at this meeting; gelded and reappeared this season with two improved performances in 2m handicaps on good ground at Goodwood, winning the first in emphatic style and collared close home by Manxman on latest; up another 2lb but another bold show may well be on its way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(1)

1st Jul 2025

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

20:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Mr Hampstead

9st 10lb

J: David Egan

T: Raphael E Freire

Showed improved form (won/second) in 2m handicaps at Goodwood in May; came up short at Royal Ascot (2m4f) since but may have more to offer back down in trip/grade; tongue-tie applied.

8/1

12th

19

(7)

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Mr Hampstead

9st 2lb

J: David Egan

T: Raphael E Freire

Tailed off last June in the Derby and 1m4f Group 2 at this meeting; gelded and reappeared this season with two improved performances in 2m handicaps on good ground at Goodwood, winning the first in emphatic style and collared close home by Manxman on latest; up another 2lb but another bold show may well be on its way.

14/1

3

(5)

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Goodwood

Mr Hampstead

9st 10lb

J: David Egan

T: Raphael E Freire

Gelded prior to emphatic success over C&D (good) this month on handicap/seasonal debut, proving suited by the new trip and opening his account at the seventh attempt; respected with further improvement plausible.

3/1

33/1

Form: /47-74

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Third in the 1m4f King Edward VII at this meeting two years ago was the pick of his five runs in Group contests; handicaps on last three outings, racing a bit freely when always-prominent fourth of ten at Newmarket (good to firm) last time on step up to 1m6f but he also stuck to his task very well to give hope for 2m+; 7lb claimer is recruited.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

12th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 6f 44y

Class 2

18:45 Salisbury

Artistic Star

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Without a win since May 2023 and only four ran when second in a 2m Newbury handicap in July; new cheekpieces did nothing for him when down the field at York last time and he now goes in blinkers.

6/1

2

(8)

20th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Artistic Star

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Ran creditably on good to firm ground on his first and penultimate turf attempts this season; beaten a neck by Almuhit over 2m in the latter but in just a four-runner race; edging down the weights but others are a bit more persuasive; no win since May 2023 and connections turn to headgear.

14/1

5th

5

(7)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:55 Goodwood

Artistic Star

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Ran respectably on soft here two years ago; downgraded from Group contests to handicaps for last five outings, running creditably on first and latest attempts this season; they were over 1m6f and 2m, beaten a neck last time but in just a four-runner race; this event is more competitive.

18/1

Form: 561-60 C

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Won 2m5f Queen Alexandra here in 2023 (third in it last year, again on good to firm) and 2m Curragh Group 3 last November; also effective in top, big-field handicaps but put up a very lacklustre display in the Chester Cup on latest outing, admittedly from a wide draw; competitive if back on song with tongue tied first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(4)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

19:20 Curragh

Dawn Rising

9st 9lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

No wins last season but strong form in defeat in big staying handicaps; fourth in the amateur handicap at Galway, fifth in the Irish Cesarewitch and signed off with a fine second in the Cesarewitch; recent run here was over an inadequate trip, more expected of here and seemingly McMonagle's pick.

10/1

12th

1

(7)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 0y

14:30 Curragh

Dawn Rising

10st 1lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

No wins last season but strong form in defeat in big staying handicaps; fourth in the amateur handicap at Galway, fifth in the Irish Cesarewitch and signed off with a fine second in the Cesarewitch; runs over an inadequate trip here on second start of the season.

16/1

8th

1

(3)

30th Mar 2026

Heavy

1m 6f 0y

15:18 Navan

Dawn Rising

10st 2lb

J: Gary Halpin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

No wins last season but ran some excellent races in defeat; finished fourth in the QR handicap at Galway, fifth in the Irish Cesarewitch and then signed off with a fine second in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket; course winner over hurdles but might just need this run.

6/1

Form: 312-21

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Had a mark of just 46 this time two years ago and is now 7-13 in handicaps; went mighty close in last year's Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, soft) and emerged strongest to score by a neck from Mr Hampstead at Goodwood (2m, good) last month; first win was on good to firm in 2023, unraced on it since; up another 4lb but needs plenty of respect assuming the ground is suitable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(1)

2nd Sep 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:08 Goodwood

Manxman

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Progressive in 2023 and 2024, nearly winning last season's Cesarewitch on soft ground; fast ground and a dodgy draw were feasible excuses for his last two defeats; C&D winner and still on a competitive mark.

5/1

17th

8

(20)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Manxman

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

His march through the staying ranks included going mighty close in the Cesarewitch (2m2f) last October and winning at Goodwood (2m) last month; perhaps good to firm ground helps to explain a lesser show at Royal Ascot (2m4f) 11 days ago; acts on Tapeta but drawn widest and needs to resume progress.

16/1

40/1

Form: 16-242

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
French-trained 8yo who's won six of 53 races, the latest wins from off the pace in large-field handicaps over 1m7f last May and 2m in August; those were in the mud but he was second on officially good ground on latest outing; a likely stayer and it looks like he has a highly competitive mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

18

(2)

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Woot City

9st 3lb

J: Stephane Pasquier

T: F Chappet

French-trained 8yo who's won six of 53 races, the latest wins from off the pace in large-field handicaps over 1m7f last May and 2m in August; those were in the mud but he was second on officially good ground on latest outing; a likely stayer and it looks like he has a highly competitive mark.

40/1

17th
20 (10)
Poniros

5/1

Form: 20830- BF

Last run: 262 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Trained last year by Ralph Beckett, favourite when below form in the 1m1f Cambridgeshire on final outing (also below form on sole run on good to firm); made his stable/hurdles debut in March, in the Triumph at Cheltenham no less, but belied odds of 100-1 to win by a neck; second at Punchestown in May (despite racing freely) confirmed his high standing in that sphere, so he's a high-profile candidate for this return to Flat, over a very new Flat trip but his trainer usually picks the right ones for these races.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Poniros

11st 10lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Belied his 100-1 odds with a remarkable success in the Triumph at this meeting (2m1f, good to soft) last year on hurdles debut, collaring Lulamba who subsequently reversed placings with him at Punchestown and is a leading contender in today's Arkle; ran below expectations at Royal Ascot but ran promisingly, with a view to this race, in the Irish Champion Hurdle on return from layoff (got detached in the back straight, ending up with plenty to do, then stayed on for third of five); could be open to plenty of further improvement with that outing under his belt and given his very low mileage in this sphere; very interesting back at Cheltenham.

14/1

3rd

4

1st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:20 Leopardstown

Poniros

11st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Made his stable/hurdles debut in the Triumph at Cheltenham, belied odds of 100-1 to win by a neck; second at Punchestown in May (despite racing freely) confirmed his high standing; ran much too freely when strongly fancied for the 2m4f Ascot Stakes.

14/1

17th

20

(10)

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Poniros

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: W P Mullins

Trained last year by Ralph Beckett, favourite when below form in the 1m1f Cambridgeshire on final outing (also below form on sole run on good to firm); made his stable/hurdles debut in March, in the Triumph at Cheltenham no less, but belied odds of 100-1 to win by a neck; second at Punchestown in May (despite racing freely) confirmed his high standing in that sphere, so he's a high-profile candidate for this return to Flat, over a very new Flat trip but his trainer usually picks the right ones for these races.

5/1

18th
10 (15)
Liari

20/1

Form: 215/1

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful hurdler; 1-3 on the Flat in France early in 2023 and returned to this sphere with a front-running win in six-runner handicap at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) one month ago, going clear about 4f out and staying clear; up 7lb and into a much stronger race but he could have plenty more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(3)

11th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Liari

9st 4lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Michael Bell

Fairly useful hurdler; 1-3 on the Flat in France early in 2023 and returned to this sphere with a front-running win in six-runner handicap at the other Newmarket track (1m6f, good to firm) in May, going clear about 4f out and staying clear; front-running in the 2m4f Ascot Handicap (33-1) one month later did not work out but he might still have more to offer on the Flat.

14/1

18th

10

(15)

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Liari

9st 7lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Michael Bell

Fairly useful hurdler; 1-3 on the Flat in France early in 2023 and returned to this sphere with a front-running win in six-runner handicap at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) one month ago, going clear about 4f out and staying clear; up 7lb and into a much stronger race but he could have plenty more to offer.

20/1

1st

3

(2)

18th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:15 Newmarket

Liari

9st 5lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Michael Bell

Fairly useful hurdler who was consistent last jumps season, albeit in defeat; has left Paul Nicholls (same owners); unexposed on Flat (1-3 in France early in 2023) and needs a second look.

11/2

19th
11 (8)
Zoffee

20/1

Form: 0940-3

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Second, first and third in the last three Chester Cups and not far away in this race two years ago; back up 3lb since latest Chester Cup, however, and he didn't quite reproduce the Chester form in either the 2023 or 2024 campaigns.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(10)

13th Sep 2025

Good

1m 7f 196y

Class 2

14:40 Chester

Zoffee

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Hugo Palmer

Second, first and third in the last three Chester Cups; he didn't quite reproduce that form in the 2023 or 2024 campaigns, however, and tailed off at Royal Ascot on first attempt this season; comfortably held in fourth in this race last year; this does not look the time to catch him.

7/1

19th

11

(8)

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Zoffee

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Second, first and third in the last three Chester Cups and not far away in this race two years ago; back up 3lb since latest Chester Cup, however, and he didn't quite reproduce the Chester form in either the 2023 or 2024 campaigns.

20/1

3rd

8

(4)

9th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Zoffee

8st 11lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Hugo Palmer

led narrowly, headed after 1f, soon prominent on inner, no extra final 110yds

10/1

25/1

Form: 318-18 BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Most starts on good ground, unraced on firmer; lightly raced 5yo who had 282 days off before emerging from off the pace to win narrowly at Navan (1m6f) in April; below-form favourite behind Ascending at Cork (1m4f) six weeks ago but going beyond 1m6f for the first time is interesting and he holds possibilities if that latest run is forgiven.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(3)

10th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

20:30 Dundalk (AW)

Saturn

9st 8lb

J: Scott McCullagh

T: Mrs John Harrington

C&D maiden winner; 1m6f win (good) at Navan on seasonal reappearance in April off 91; below par in three runs since but is now 1lb lower than for that last victory; return to AW might spark a revival.

15/2

4th

3

(6)

13th Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 100y

19:05 Gowran Park

Saturn

9st 11lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Made winning seasonal debut over 1m6f at Navan in April; below-form when favourite at Cork for 1m4f event won by Ascending; tailed off behind the same horse in the 2m4f Ascot Stakes; has won over 1m4f and 1m2f.

10/1

20th

12

(3)

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Saturn

9st 5lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Most starts on good ground, unraced on firmer; lightly raced 5yo who had 282 days off before emerging from off the pace to win narrowly at Navan (1m6f) in April; below-form favourite behind Ascending at Cork (1m4f) six weeks ago but going beyond 1m6f for the first time is interesting and he holds possibilities if that latest run is forgiven.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £665.70
Straight Forecast £309.82
Tricast £10130.96
Trifecta £11658.00

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Poniros

TOPSPEED:

Mr Hampstead

D Express:

Manxman

The Times:

Reaching High

NEWMARKET:

Liari

SPOTLIGHT:

Alphonse Le Grande

Daily Mail:

Dawn Rising

POSTDATA:

Poniros

Telegraph:

Poniros

The Guardian:

Poniros

The Star:

Poniros

Daily Record:

Poniros

The Sun:

Mr Hampstead

Daily Mirror:

Manxman