June 19 / 15.05 Ascot

15.05

Good To Firm

King George V Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £56694
  • 1m 3f 211y
  • Class 2
  • 22 runners
ITV
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King George V Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 22 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

Form: 1-71

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Newmarket Listed race (1m1f, good to soft; 7-1) in April saw him tailed off, but he'd earlier won his only 2yo start (AW) and went on to score at Nottingham (1m2f, good) this May in another novice; 6-4 favourite in the latter but looked an unlikely winner at one stage before battling back to see off three challengers headed by Boatswain; gelded three days later and that performance suggests that 1m4f for this handicap debut will suit him well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(13)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:05 Ascot

Masai Moon

9st 9lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Newmarket Listed race (1m1f, good to soft; 7-1) in April saw him tailed off, but he'd earlier won his only 2yo start (AW) and went on to score at Nottingham (1m2f, good) this May in another novice; 6-4 favourite in the latter but looked an unlikely winner at one stage before battling back to see off three challengers headed by Boatswain; gelded three days later and that performance suggests that 1m4f for this handicap debut will suit him well.

12/1

1st

3

(1)

9th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 50y

Class 5

19:35 Nottingham

Masai Moon

9st 11lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

disputed lead early, led clearly after 1f, ridden under 2f out, headed over 1f out, carried left but rallied inside final 110yds, led again final strides

4/1

1st

3

(1)

9th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 50y

Class 5

19:35 Nottingham

Masai Moon

9st 11lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

disputed lead early, led clearly after 1f

4/1

OUR TIP

Form: 44-12

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Won a Cork maiden (soft) on return and ran well when the runner-up that day made the most of a weights concession from him at Roscommon (good) over three weeks later, both at about 10.5f; likely to stay and has had just four races but he needs to raise his game again for this handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(4)

8th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 0y

19:32 Tipperary

Nautical Force

9st 9lb

J: Ben Coen

T: J P Murtagh

Off the mark in a Cork maiden on return and even better form in defeat since including a 3l fourth at Royal Ascot behind Merchant (form boosted); turned over when favourite at Navan last month but wasn't seen to best effect (allowed winner to get first run) and he can gain compensation here.

2/1

1

(3)

13th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 40y

14:50 Navan

Nautical Force

9st 10lb

J: Ben Coen

T: J P Murtagh

100-rated Cork maiden winner (10.5f, soft) ran an excellent race off 94 on handicap debut in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot last month (1m4f, gd-fm); this shorter trip is fine and he holds leading claims.

4/5

2

(2)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:05 Ascot

Nautical Force

9st 8lb

J: Ben Coen

T: J P Murtagh

Won a Cork maiden (soft) on return and ran well when the runner-up that day made the most of a weights concession from him at Roscommon (good) over three weeks later, both at about 10.5f; likely to stay and has had just four races but he needs to raise his game again for this handicap debut.

28/1

Form: 122 BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Impressive debut at Lingfield (AW) in January and lost out oh so narrowly in further 1m2f novice events at Nottingham (good; against Masai Moon, hung left in front) and Leicester (good to firm); mounted such a powerful finish last time that 1m4f has to be well worth a go on today's handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(5)

27th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Boatswain

9st 7lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Ready winner on debut last year (1m2f, Polytrack) and ran to an RPR in the 90s each start after; returned from nearly eight months off with lacklustre effort at Ascot and is suddenly best watched; cheekpieces return.

14/1

13th

5

(13)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

14:55 Ascot

Boatswain

9st 5lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

His progress stalled at the end of last season but returns as a still relatively unexposed 4yo who could kick on again in 2026; betting informative.

14/1

13

(9)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 5f 61y

Class 2

14:05 Newbury

Boatswain

8st 7lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Won on debut at Lingfield (1m2f, AW) in January and runner-up in 1m2f novices on next two starts (good/good to firm); hasn't kicked on as might have been expected in handicaps since but he wasn't disgraced when 7l eighth of 12 in the usually strong Melrose at York (1m6f, good to firm) last time and being eased another 2lb can only help now taking on older opposition for the first time; also wears first-time cheekpieces.

14/1

18/1

Form: 3-12 BF

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Well-backed winner of a maiden at Chester, coming from off the pace to score by 5l; beaten at evens in a Doncaster novice (again about 1m2f on good) 13 days ago but by only a neck and it was a creditable effort; dam won at up to 2m and he shapes as if stepping up to 1m4f will suit him well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(8)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Newmarket

Daiquiri Bay

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Sole win in eight runs was a Chester maiden; best efforts, however, when third in both the 1m6f Melrose at York (good to firm; led over 2f out) and another valuable handicap over C&D (good; finishing strongly) in October; gelded soon afterwards; interesting prospect as 4yo.

5/1

3rd

1

(5)

10th Oct 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:30 Newmarket

Daiquiri Bay

9st 9lb

J: James Doyle

T: Alan King

Sole win in seven runs was a Chester maiden; good third in the 1m6f Melrose at York (good to firm) on penultimate start, having led over 2f out; failed to back that up at Ascot two weeks later, when soft ground rather than the 1m4f could have been the issue; one to consider.

8/1

5th

4

(3)

6th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:15 Ascot

Daiquiri Bay

9st 1lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Alan King

Sole win in six runs came in a Chester maiden but showed his best form yet to finish third in the 1m6f Melrose at York (when 2lb lower) and expect another positive ride back at 1m4f; something to prove on this slower surface but has form claims.

6/1

Form: 421-1

Last run: 81 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Big-race entries; won a maiden at Leopardstown (1m, soft) final 2yo start; always close up to justify favouritism again in a 16-runner handicap at same track (1m2f, good; unraced on firmer) on return, working his way to the front late on as Light As Air flashed home for a close second; needs further improvement but likely to stay; one of three for Aidan O'Brien.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(1)

29th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

16:10 Curragh

Serious Contender

9st 2lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: A P O’Brien

Won a 1m maiden on soft at Leopardstown on final juvenile start; maintained progression when winning a 16-runner handicap over 1m2f at same track on return; now helps to make up the numbers following a solid handicap display over this trip at Royal Ascot.

33/1

5

(21)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:05 Ascot

Serious Contender

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Big-race entries; won a maiden at Leopardstown (1m, soft) final 2yo start; always close up to justify favouritism again in a 16-runner handicap at same track (1m2f, good; unraced on firmer) on return, working his way to the front late on as Light As Air flashed home for a close second; needs further improvement but likely to stay; one of three for Aidan O'Brien.

7/2

1st

5

(4)

30th Mar 2025

Yielding

1m 2f 0y

16:20 Leopardstown

Serious Contender

9st 9lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

in touch with leaders, went fourth but pushed along over 2f out, ridden and went second final 110yds, ran on well to lead towards finish

7/2

Form: 531-1

Last run: 55 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Irish Derby entry; scraped home at Goodwood (1m2f, heavy) last September and raised his game to follow up in clearcut style in a 12-runner handicap at Sandown (1m2f, good; made most) on return; changed hands since; up 7lb but pedigree and performance suggest strongly that a move up to 1m4f will suit, just as it did for the stable's winners of this race in 2021 and 2024.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(3)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Sing Us A Song

9st 4lb

J: James Doyle

T: Ralph Beckett

Disappointed over 1m4f at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood last summer but returned from a gelding operation to win at Haydock (sole run at 1m6f, good to soft) in September; made a satisfactory reappearance at Epsom 15 days ago and is still lightly raced, so could have more to offer; good ground and softer would probably be better for him than good to firm.

4/1

3rd

1

(5)

28th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 6y

Class 3

15:50 Epsom

Sing Us A Song

9st 9lb

J: James Doyle

T: Ralph Beckett

Won heavy-ground Goodwood maiden at two and it was a convincing success on last year's reappearance/handicap debut at Sandown (1m2f, good) one year ago; disappointed at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood subsequently but had been gelded when back on the scoresheet at Haydock (1m6f, good to soft) in September; drops in trip for this comeback but not fully exposed.

11/4

1st

1

(3)

26th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:10 Haydock

Sing Us A Song

9st 10lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Ralph Beckett

1-3 but all out in Goodwood maiden (heavy) this time last year; won in clearcut style on handicap debut at Sandown (also 1m2f, good; made most) on his reappearance in April; up to 1m4f but didn't shine in big festivals at Ascot and Goodwood subsequently; excuses both times, however, and there's plenty in his pedigree to suggest this trip will suit even better; definitely not one to give up on.

7/2

Form: 134

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Has run in three novice events, winning at Newcastle (1m, AW) on debut in January; bang there at Newmarket and fourth to Masai Moon at Nottingham (again 1m2f on good) was creditable; granddam was Oaks winner and he also shapes as if improvement is likely at 1m4f; handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(12)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:05 Ascot

Chess Dad

9st 5lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Has run in three novice events, winning at Newcastle (1m, AW) on debut in January; bang there at Newmarket and fourth to Masai Moon at Nottingham (again 1m2f on good) was creditable; granddam was Oaks winner and he also shapes as if improvement is likely at 1m4f; handicap debut.

28/1

4th

2

(2)

9th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 50y

Class 5

19:35 Nottingham

Chess Dad

9st 11lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

disputed lead early, raced in second after 1f, pressed leader 3f out, lost two places under 2f out, no impression final furlong

6/4

4th

2

(2)

9th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 50y

Class 5

19:35 Nottingham

Chess Dad

9st 11lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

disputed lead early, raced in second after 1f

6/4

Form: 721-31 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Favourite for his two handicaps this season, both on good to firm and the win was never in doubt through the last 3f at York last time on his step up to 1m4f; 8lb rise demands more from him but he was impressive at York and the form has been boosted; Group 1 King George entry here next month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(4)

31st Jul 2025

Good

1m 3f 218y

Class 1

14:30 Goodwood

Merchant

9st 3lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Improving colt who has strong handicap form this term and is 2-2 since upped to 1m4f, last time winning at Royal Ascot (good to firm) where he beat the subsequent Irish Derby runner-up; very much a Group performer in the making and commands major respect upped further in class.

11/10

8

(20)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:05 Ascot

Merchant

9st 4lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Favourite for his two handicaps this season, both on good to firm and the win was never in doubt through the last 3f at York last time on his step up to 1m4f; 8lb rise demands more from him but he was impressive at York and the form has been boosted; Group 1 King George entry here next month.

11/4

1st

5

(8)

15th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 3

17:25 York

Merchant

8st 12lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Edged it in the second of two very close finishes over about 1m on AW in December; failed to justify 11-10 favouritism in seven-runner handicap at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm) on reappearance 11 days ago but kept edging closer to go down by a length and 1m4f now seems plausible.

2/1

Form: 3-321

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Marked improver through his four maiden races; it was just a four-runner race when he won at Roscommon (10.5f, good; unraced on firmer) one month ago but he surged nearly 8l clear from the odds-on favourite and the third was beaten a nose next time; this handicap debut is a very different scenario but he's getting the hang of things and 1m4f looks plausible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(4)

10th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

15:05 Leopardstown

Omni Man

9st 9lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Two wins last season including a Goodwood handicap off 93 (1m4f, good); signed off with a Listed third at Dundalk (10.5f); slowly away and never involved on return at the Curragh (1m2f, soft); this ground much more his bag but not certain that the drop back to 1m will suit and overlooked by McMonagle.

12/1

9th

5

(7)

19th Apr 2026

Soft

1m 2f 0y

15:35 Curragh

Omni Man

9st 5lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Ended last year with a Listed AW third; one of three runners for the stable; will need to raise his game to feature here

16/1

3rd

11

(14)

26th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 2f 150y

19:15 Dundalk (AW)

Omni Man

9st 1lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Only had seven races and won a valuable Goodwood handicap over 1m4f in July (good) before a wide draw did for him in a valuable sales race at Deauville (1m2f); has another high stall to deal with and others may have too many gears at this trip.

6/1

13/2

Form: 1-231

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Two wins and placed both starts in between; favourite for handicap/turf debut at Sandown (1m2f, good) in April but found himself with far too much to do against Sing Us A Song and made good late inroads to be third of 12; built on that with a Newcastle win (1m2f, AW) and, judged on the Sandown run in particular, looks a tempting proposition for 1m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(4)

25th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 2f 5y

Class 3

16:28 Pontefract

Gunship

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Tongue tied all starts; beat a good one on debut at Newcastle (1m, AW) last December and regained winning thread in quite valuable handicap at that track (1m2f) in May; gelded after weakening in 1m4f Royal Ascot handicap in June and weakened again on comeback at York (first-time cheekpieces) 18 days ago; blinkers tried this time and he's not one to give up on just yet.

10/1

9

(2)

7th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 3

16:00 York

Gunship

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Beat subsequent Group winner Merchant on his debut and kicked off handicap career with a third and a first over 1m2f; 6lb higher than for the last of those wins but he was only 13-2 at Royal Ascot (1m4f) and has been gelded since that 10l defeat; could still be open to further progress and cheekpieces join his regular tongue-tie.

6/1

16/1

Form: 7-21

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
One of three runners for Aidan O'Brien; runner-up at Dundalk (10.5f, AW) on return and went one better when 8-13 in another maiden at the Curragh (1m2f, good) two months later, comfortably in the end but he was pushed along over 3f out; has many a big-race entry and brings clear potential, plus probable stamina, to this handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

(2)

28th Jul 2025

Good

1m 4f 84y

19:50 Galway

Propose

10st 0lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Won a 1m2f Curragh maiden (good) in May but found things tougher stepped up to 1m4f on handicap debut at Royal Ascot (gd-fm); this less demanding and it would be no surprise if he were to bounce back.

15/2

11

(9)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:05 Ascot

Propose

9st 3lb

J: Sean Levey

T: A P O’Brien

One of three runners for Aidan O'Brien; runner-up at Dundalk (10.5f, AW) on return and went one better when 8-13 in another maiden at the Curragh (1m2f, good) two months later, comfortably in the end but he was pushed along over 3f out; has many a big-race entry and brings clear potential, plus probable stamina, to this handicap debut.

16/1

1st

6

(5)

24th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

17:55 Curragh

Propose

9st 8lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Frankel colt never landed a blow on debut in end of season course maiden (1m) last year; stepped up massively on that when runner-up in 10.5f Dundalk maiden in March; Irish Derby entry should play a major role here.

9/4

Form: 33-23 BF

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Has big-race entries; his four races have resulted in one second and three thirds; got stuck in traffic in a handicap at Leopardstown on reappearance and finished strongly to run stablemate Serious Contender to half a length; he did not build significantly on that, however, when close third at Navan (again 1m2f on good) and now sports cheekpieces; half-brother to St Leger winner Continuous; one of three in this from his top stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(21)

12th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 7y

16:20 Naas

Light As Air

8st 12lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Curragh maiden winner (1m4f) was touched off in the Petingo at Leopardstown last time by a head (1m5f, good to yielding); up 2lb now; best form is on nice ground so a drying forecast is in his favour and the new trip may help him; towards the forefront of calculations but draw a disadvantage.

9/2

17

(9)

13th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 5f 0y

18:05 Leopardstown

Light As Air

8st 7lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: A P O’Brien

Improving 3yo went close in 1m2f handicaps early in the season and off the mark in workmanlike fashion on latest in 1m4f Curragh maiden in July; blinkers replace cheekpieces here and could have more to offer at this trip; 1lb wrong but rider claims 5lb.

5/1

Form: 5-27

Last run: 58 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Well-bred maiden who went down by a neck at Doncaster (1m2f, good to soft) and appeared to show better form in Listed race at Epsom (1m2f, good) in April, albeit finishing last of seven; unexposed but also plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(3)

1st May 2026

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 4

17:53 Newcastle (AW)

The Cursor

9st 11lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Powerful yard, who won this two years ago, had a few disappoint at short prices of late; this lightly raced 400,000gns yearling holds obvious claims, having been gelded since winning his novice last summer (highly tried a couple of times prior) though.

4/5

1st

5

(1)

24th Jul 2025

Soft

1m 3f 197y

Class 2

15:45 Doncaster

The Cursor

9st 4lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

Solid second in Doncaster maiden on seasonal debut (1m2f; useful winner has advertised the form since); seemingly out of his depth in Epsom Listed event and Royal Ascot handicap since; respected back in calmer waters.

7/4

Form: 2-1443

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
His eight runs have yielded one win, in a 1m2f AW maiden in March; on last two outings he showed he stays 1m4f at York (behind Merchant) and 14.5f at Doncaster (hooded) but he needs to find more and faces a ton of rivals who are far less exposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

(3)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:05 Ascot

Pantile Warrior

9st 1lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

His eight runs have yielded one win, in a 1m2f AW maiden in March; on last two outings he showed he stays 1m4f at York (behind Merchant) and 14.5f at Doncaster (hooded) but he needs to find more and faces a ton of rivals who are far less exposed.

33/1

2

(8)

7th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 6f 115y

Class 2

18:15 Doncaster

Pantile Warrior

9st 3lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: John & Thady Gosden

His six runs have yielded one win, in a 1m2f AW maiden in March; improvement is needed but he stayed on well for fourth when upped to 1m4f in a handicap at York (good to firm) last time, and today's extra distance could be right up his street; unraced on slow ground; wears a first-time hood.

11/2

4th

3

(3)

15th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 3

17:25 York

Pantile Warrior

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: John & Thady Gosden

1-6 for a Chelmsford maiden (1m2f, AW) on reappearance but had to work to land the odds; last summer's form on turf (three seconds) was better but his return to good ground for handicap debut at Doncaster (1m2f) on latest start proved disappointing, leading until over 1f out; a revival is needed but he should stay if he settles.

9/1

Form: 4-231 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Second on second start (1m2f, AW) looks his best form but he seems to have got 1m4f okay on both outings since (good ground); landed odds of 8-15 in a two-runner novice at Chepstow on latest, in workmanlike style but the runner-up has won since; cheekpieces go on for this demanding handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(4)

30th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 3

16:30 Redcar

Ammes

9st 8lb

J: Jason Hart

T: James Owen

Caught wide when down the field at Lingfield in February on last Flat start and when well beaten over hurdles on his last two runs he was contesting hot 4yo races; on a competitive mark on last summer's Flat form and he was a Listed hurdle runner-up in October; not ruled out back in this code.

6/1

7th

1

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 209y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Ammes

11st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: James Owen

Good Flat horse who won his first two starts over hurdles before a close second behind Minella Study in a Listed race at Wetherby (2m, good) in October; still has potential in this sphere but he was only 12th in the juvenile handicap at Cheltenham last month and needs to resume his progress in this tough race; visor added.

25/1

12th

14

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Ammes

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: James Owen

Good Flat horse before embarking on hurdling career and his odds-on defeat to Triumph contender Minella Study at Wetherby in October (Listed; good) doesn't look too shoddy now given the winner's subsequent exploits; appears to have been saved for this since and last month's run on the AW (sixth) should have cleared the pipes; good ground seems his preference but effective on good to soft.

15/2

Form: -12312

Last run: 33 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Bang there in 1m2f handicaps on last four starts, winning by a neck at Newmarket on third occasion and beaten by a neck when front-running on latest (both on good to firm); while that might suggest he's a bit exposed, the latest race was the London Gold Cup at Newbury, always a strong contest, and it looks like 1m4f will suit him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

(19)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:05 Ascot

Lightening Mann

8st 13lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Jack Channon

Bang there in 1m2f handicaps on last four starts, winning by a neck at Newmarket on third occasion and beaten by a neck when front-running on latest (both on good to firm); while that might suggest he's a bit exposed, the latest race was the London Gold Cup at Newbury, always a strong contest, and it looks like 1m4f will suit him.

12/1

2nd

10

(10)

17th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

14:00 Newbury

Lightening Mann

8st 7lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Jack Channon

Has form figures of 1231 (on AW/turf) this year, the latest performance in Class 3 handicap at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm); upped further in grade but he's steadily progressive and receives weight all round; could go well.

11/1

2nd

10

(10)

17th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

14:00 Newbury

Lightening Mann

8st 7lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Jack Channon

Has form figures of 1231 (on AW/turf) this year, the latest performance in Class 3 handicap at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm); upped further in grade but he's steadily progressive and receives weight all round; could go well.

11/1

Form: 221

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Closely related to very smart Secret Advisor; made debut in late April; short-priced favourite on all three starts, travelling best on first two occasions but failing to get the job done; put that right by a neck when front-running at 4-7 in a Redcar maiden (1m2f, good to firm) but that's no great recommendation for this red-hot race on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(1)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 4

13:45 Beverley

Mafting

9st 3lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: David O’Meara

Failed to crack it in 2025 handicaps but reappeared to win off a reduced mark in nine-runner race at Redcar (1m2f, good to firm) this April; backed that up when second at Doncaster (1m4f, good to firm) and this is easier than the York Dante meeting handicap he contested last time.

5/1

9th

8

(12)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Mafting

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Failed to crack it in 2025 handicaps but reappeared to win off a reduced mark in nine-runner race at Redcar (1m2f) this April; second of six when 10-11 at Doncaster (1m4f, again good to firm) 12 days later, which was just as good on form; each-way contender but a bit extra is needed if he's to take this.

6/1

2nd

1

(4)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 197y

Class 5

19:02 Doncaster

Mafting

9st 13lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Took advantage of a drop in class and a career-low mark when making it 2-3 at Redcar on his recent comeback; tonight's extra distance and similarly long home straight won't hurt and he holds obvious claims off 4lb higher.

6/4

Form: 224-12

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Won handicap at Goodwood (1m2f, good) in May in taking fashion from the rear; last to first in a nine-runner handicap at Epsom (1m2f, good to soft) 12 days ago but another strong finisher sentenced him in the dying strides to his fourth second place from six outings; up another 4lb and not crying out as loudly for 1m4f as some of today's rivals.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(5)

17th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

16:55 Newcastle (AW)

Grecian Legacy

9st 10lb

J: David Egan

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Not at his best in recent outings and still 6lb higher than for his successful reappearance at Goodwood (1m2f, good; first-time tongue-tie) in May; others preferred.

14/1

4

(1)

2nd Oct 2025

Good

1m 1f 201y

Class 4

16:50 Salisbury

Grecian Legacy

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Returned from winter break with an impressive Goodwood win (1m2f, good) in May, when overcoming trouble in running; has had plausible reasons for defeats since and could well have more to offer back with what look ideal conditions.

5/1

4th

1

(7)

27th Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 4

19:37 Kempton (AW)

Grecian Legacy

9st 9lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Came up short in handicaps at major festivals the last twice; respectable form otherwise this term, winning at Goodwood then close second at Epsom; ran well here in sole AW attempt; not dismissed at this level.

7/1

Form: 5-3243

Last run: 38 days

W: 8st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Had three AW runs over the winter and two on turf (soft/good) this spring but still no win; Nautical Force finished ahead in those last two outings (10.5f); needs to show something new on this handicap debut and he's not so stoutly bred as some of these.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

15

(10)

30th Jul 2025

Good

1m 4f 43y

19:15 Galway

Waterford Flow

11st 1lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Twice placed in AW maidens during the winter; held his own when finishing in mid-division in the King George V Stakes (handicap) in which the Irish Derby runner-up Serious Ciontender was second.

9/4

2

(6)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 70y

17:00 Limerick

Waterford Flow

10st 3lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Some decent placed efforts in maidens up to 1m2.5f; not a bad effort either stepped up to 1m4f in a Royal Ascot handicap last time; this is much less competitive so should go closer.

15/8

19

(4)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:05 Ascot

Waterford Flow

8st 10lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Had three AW runs over the winter and two on turf (soft/good) this spring but still no win; Nautical Force finished ahead in those last two outings (10.5f); needs to show something new on this handicap debut and he's not so stoutly bred as some of these.

40/1

50/1

Form: 3416

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Reserve; scoped wrong on second start; won by a head in another Newbury maiden (1m2f, good) next time but outgunned by Grecian Legacy and four others on handicap debut at Epsom (1m2f, good to soft); needs a huge advance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(7)

26th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 4

17:30 Chester

Meblesh

9st 6lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Richard Hannon

Beat only two rivals in a 1m1f fast-ground handicap at Lingfield but coped well with the 4lb rise to finish close up at Ascot (1m2f, good to firm); firmly enters the reckoning.

5/1

4

(5)

11th Jul 2025

Good

1m 1f 212y

Class 4

16:20 Ascot

Meblesh

9st 5lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Lightly raced 3yo won a 1m2f Newbury maiden and doubled his tally in a three-runner 1m1f fast-ground handicap at Lingfield 13 days ago; only 4lb higher and quite fair to factor in further improvement going forwards.

6/1

3

(2)

28th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 0y

Class 4

18:45 Lingfield

Meblesh

9st 4lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Won by a head in Newbury maiden (1m2f, good) in May; ran creditably on handicap debut at Epsom (1m2f, good to soft) next time but soundly beaten when 16-1 at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) on latest; against Hot Dancer, this one probably needs overall improvement.

4/1

50/1

Form: 434

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Reserve; beaten about 6l or 7l in his three qualifying races, sticking to his task behind Daiquiri Bay at Chester (extended 1m2f, good) on second start; while he can still do better in due course, this handicap is daunting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(2)

12th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 37y

Class 5

16:23 Bath

Criminal

9st 8lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

11-race maiden who returned to form with a near-miss over 1m2f on the AW 14 days ago, despite being slow to break; first-time headgear might do something for him; effective on grass.

5/2

2nd

3

(8)

28th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

19:20 Lingfield (AW)

Criminal

9st 9lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Ten-race maiden and out of sorts so far this year; had little chance the way the race panned out in a 1m handicap here two weeks ago but he was keeping on well at the finish, boding well for today's return to 1m2f; drops in class too and he's of interest.

4/1

8th

11

(12)

14th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 4

18:30 Lingfield (AW)

Criminal

9st 1lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Three poor efforts this year and the handicapper's proving slow to relent; this the shortest trip he's tackled, round an easy course (no problem with 1m4f last year), and he isn't obviously fancied from yet another wide stall.

20/1

Form: 323-62

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Reserve; 0-5 but has plenty of ability; never dangerous behind Merchant on handicap/seasonal debut at York (1m4f, good to firm) but proved much more potent at Doncaster (14.5f, good) 12 days ago, leading over 2f out until final strides; should be okay back at 1m4f and has races in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(1)

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:45 Goodwood

Novelista

9st 10lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Warren Greatrex

Acts on good and heavy ground; won off 2lb lower over C&D for Charlie Johnston last autumn and he ran well over hurdles last month, on his second run for current yard; seems tactically versatile and he's in the mix off a workable mark back on the Flat.

9/2

2nd

7

1st Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

16:00 Southwell

Novelista

10st 11lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Warren Greatrex

Useful on the Flat for Charlie Johnston, proving reliable and winning 2m handicap at Goodwood (heavy) last autumn (sold for 165,000gns soon after); 9-2, weakened to finish a well-held sixth of ten in Ascot juvenile (2m, soft) on hurdle debut in January; should be capable of a lot better in this sphere.

2/1

6th

8

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 157y

Class 3

12:25 Ascot

Novelista

11st 0lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Warren Greatrex

Not far off useful on the Flat for Charlie Johnston, proving reliable and winning 2m handicap at Goodwood (heavy) last autumn; changed hands for 165,000gns in October; likely to be suited by longer distances in due course but he commands respect on his hurdling debut even so.

5/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £34.80
Straight Forecast £23.29
Tricast £753.18
Trifecta £1480.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Sing Us A Song

The Times:

Merchant

RP RATINGS:

Gunship

TOPSPEED:

Lightening Mann

NEWMARKET:

Boatswain

D Express:

Serious Contender

Telegraph:

Merchant

The Star:

Merchant

POSTDATA:

Gunship

LAMBOURN:

Lightening Mann

The Guardian:

Sing Us A Song

Daily Mail:

Sing Us A Song

Daily Mirror:

Sing Us A Song

The Sun:

Sing Us A Song

Daily Record:

Sing Us A Song