June 20 / 15.40 Ascot

15.40

Good To Firm

Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £56694
  • 1m 3f 211y
  • Class 2
  • 20 runners
ITV
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Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 20 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.25
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 31/24- D BF

Last run: 364 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Tricky to settle but fourth in this race last year (good to firm) off 2lb lower and the same this March in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham; ran respectably in his latest hurdle race too and this is his first time hooded in a Flat race; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(21)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Ethical Diamond

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: W P Mullins

A bit tricky to settle and he was hooded for first time in a Flat race in 18-runner handicap at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) nine weeks ago, coming with a relentless run from mid-division to lead final 1f and score with great authority; has an 8lb higher mark today and a longer trip, but he made up a lot of late ground to take fourth in the 2m1f County Hurdle at Cheltenham in March and the best of him on the Flat is probably still to come.

11/2

1st

18

(7)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Ethical Diamond

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: W P Mullins

Tricky to settle but fourth in this race last year (good to firm) off 2lb lower and the same this March in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham; ran respectably in his latest hurdle race too and this is his first time hooded in a Flat race; considered.

4/1

7th

1

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:15 Ayr

Ethical Diamond

11st 12lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Easily won maiden hurdle at Punchestown (2m, heavy) in February and highly creditable fourth in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham (2m1f, good to soft) last month; effective on good ground on the Flat; could have more to offer in this code and he's a major player up 1lb for last time.

11/4

14/1

  • Place: £4.80

Form: 46-515 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Blinkers reinstated for last two starts, on first occasion making most to score by 6l in a six-runner race at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm); had this 10lb higher mark when fair fifth of 13 at Epsom (1m2f, good to soft) two weeks ago, galloping on as if a return to this trip (he won a 1m4f novice last term) would be okay; needs to resume improvement, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(8)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Mutaawid

9st 10lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: John & Thady Gosden

Blinkers reinstated for last two starts, on first occasion making most to score by 6l in a six-runner race at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm); had this 10lb higher mark when fair fifth of 13 at Epsom (1m2f, good to soft) two weeks ago, galloping on as if a return to this trip (he won a 1m4f novice last term) would be okay; needs to resume improvement, though.

14/1

5th

2

(5)

6th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Mutaawid

9st 7lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: John & Thady Gosden

Came up shy in his first three handicaps but, with blinkers reinstated, he made most to score by 6l in a six-runner race at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm) on latest; more to prove on softer ground and given he's 10lb higher in a much stronger race.

4/1

2

(5)

18th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

18:15 Newmarket

Mutaawid

9st 7lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: John & Thady Gosden

6l novice win at Kempton (1m4f, AW) last July with first-time blinkers; has come up shy in handicaps on all three starts since, absent since August (gelded) when fifth of 11 at Goodwood 15 days ago; kept hanging in the closing stages that day and the blinkers are reinstated; unraced on firmer than good; this is a small field but others are still a bit more persuasive.

11/4

3rd
6 (11)
Naqeeb

20/1

  • Place: £13.50

Form: 200-65 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
2024 proved very disappointing, a false dawn when beaten a head at Newbury (2m, good to firm) in July off today's mark; left William Haggas for 170,000gns and seems to be getting his act together again judged on two 1m4f handicaps this term; needs a second look in his bid to emulate exalted half-brothers Baaeed and Hukum who both had spectacular days at Ascot.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(2)

22nd May 2026

Soft

1m 1f 197y

Class 1

16:17 Goodwood

Naqeeb

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Performed well twice over C&D last term but had the run of the race when belying his 33-1 odds for neck success at Listed level in September (good to soft) and looks no certainty to defy a 3lb penalty back here, unless things again fall his way.

12/1

5th

3

(1)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Naqeeb

9st 8lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Has raced as far as 2m1f in 2024 and never shorter than 1m2f; third at last year's Royal Ascot came over 1m4f but he broke a losing sequence when diverted from top handicaps to a 1m2f Listed race at Goodwood last September; the prospect of 1m now doesn't seem so ridiculous but a career best is needed.

16/1

1st

4

(4)

24th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 1f 197y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Naqeeb

9st 4lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

On a two-year losing spell and is 0-6 for current yard; still capable of very useful form, having been placed in handicaps at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood this summer; however, this seems a harder task.

16/1

14/1

Form: 437-44

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Acts on firm; sole win is a maiden last June on first start in headgear (some form has been kept for all starts since); made an encouraging return over 9.5f before disappointing at 1m4f (which she does stay) in another Listed race later in May; tongue-tie is added and she needs overall improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(3)

9th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Bath

Siege Of Troy

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: J P Murtagh

Not at best when upped to 1m6f for Ebor Handicap at York (good to form) in August but posted two good efforts over 1m4f before that, the latter in Leopardstown Group 3 (good); well worth another go at this trip and has a decent chance on the figures here.

4/1

15th

14

(13)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Siege Of Troy

9st 3lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: J P Murtagh

Sole win (11 races) was a maiden last June; career-best form on last two outings, though, with tongue-tie joining the other headgear for her fourth of 18 to Ethical Diamond at Royal Ascot (good to firm) and close third of six in a Group 3 at Leopardstown; 7lb claimer is recruited and those last two 1m4f races gave plenty of encouragement for today's first crack at 1m6f, as does being a half-sister to today's rival and last year's Ebor second Kihavah.

14/1

6

(6)

7th Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

18:53 Leopardstown

Siege Of Troy

9st 6lb

J: Ben Coen

T: J P Murtagh

Sole win came in a 1m2f maiden last season; career-best when third in valuable 1m2f contest at Kentucky Downs last September; overall Irish form not as encouraging, but another good effort abroad when fourth of 18 in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes.

8/1

8/1

Form: 312-45 CD

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Unraced on firmer than good; first and second in strong 1m4f handicaps last July/October, winning here on first occasion; creditable fourth to Teumessias Fox on return (AW) this March and seemed to show improved form when fifth of six in 1m5f Group 3 at Chester six weeks ago; the latter also earned him a 4lb rise in his handicap mark but he needs plenty of respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(7)

7th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 84y

Class 1

15:05 Chester

Mount Atlas

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Close second in Listed events at Chester (12.5f) last September and Musselburgh (1m6f) on reappearance, latter behind Al Qareem who gave 5lb and is now better off; further behind that opponent when fifth of six in this race last year; needs a personal best.

25/1

2nd

3

(1)

4th Apr 2026

Good

1m 5f 216y

Class 1

14:30 Musselburgh

Mount Atlas

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Had a very solid campaign last season bar one blip (front-running was blamed); all but one of those races was at 1m4f, with a creditable fifth of six thrown in over the extended 1m5f at Chester in May (Group 3) but there is a bit for him to prove on this first foray over 1m6f.

4/1

4th

5

(2)

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Mount Atlas

9st 6lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Maiden win in 2024 was his only run on soft, unraced on heavy; ran a shocker at York (front-running was blamed) on penultimate start in what has otherwise been a solid campaign, including when beaten half a length by Hamish in 1m4f Listed race at Chester last time; the winner, however, also gave him 3lb that day, helping to show that this 4yo needs improvement.

10/1

Form: 1/11-9 C BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Won the Golden Gates at Royal Ascot (1m2f, good to firm) in what turned out to be his final start last term; well below form when favourite again despite this 11lb higher mark at Newmarket (1m1f, good) seven weeks ago; more to prove over this trip too but there's some stamina in the family, he's lightly raced and the way he went clear 12 months ago can't be forgotten.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(3)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Newbury

Hand Of God

9st 10lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Harry Charlton

Talented 5yo, but has endured some lengthy absences in his career and was returning from another 280 days off when seventh of 24 in the Spring Cup here (1m, good) last month; return to this trip is not a problem and he's interesting down in grade.

9/2

7th

12

(2)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Hand Of God

9st 4lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Harry Charlton

Won the Golden Gates Handicap at Royal Ascot (1m2f, good to firm) in June 2024; seen only three times last season and wasn't at his best, although each run came in a highly competitive race; may need a positive ride to get away with this shorter trip on his reappearance, but the handicapper has given him a chance and he's certainly not ruled out.

16/1

6/1

Form: 397-22 BF

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Went the wrong way last year after his third in the Dante at York, starting off when well beaten at 40-1 in a 1m4f Group 2 at this meeting (his only start on firmer than good); left Owen Burrows for 155,000gns in October, gelded and returned with two seconds in 1m6f conditions events in Ireland, which gives renewed hope even though his form chance still relies on that run last May in the Dante; blinkered final 3yo start and now tries cheekpieces, for same connections who won this race last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

14

(3)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 0y

14:30 Curragh

War Rooms

9st 0lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: Gerard Keane

Third in the 2024 Dante and generally kept good company on the Flat in Britain; started brightly in Ireland last spring; has become disappointing; plenty to prove at this stage.

20/1

8th

3

(2)

15th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 2f 0y

14:32 Leopardstown

War Rooms

9st 11lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Gerard Keane

Third in the 2024 Dante and generally kept good company on the Flat in Britain; started brightly in Ireland in the spring; failed to sustain that form; struggled in two maiden hurdle runs in December.

10/1

2

(8)

27th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 3f 180y

15:50 Galway

War Rooms

10st 0lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Gerard Keane

Was third in the Dante and generally kept good company in Britain; started brightly in Ireland in the spring; has plenty to prove at this stage; mid-division at Leopardstown last week.

12/1

13/2

Form: /2612- D

Last run: 286 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Plenty went wrong when sixth in C&D handicap for 3yos at Royal Ascot 2024; held up again for two big 1m4f handicaps afterwards as 3yo when settling better in a hood and duly raising his game for a win at Glorious Goodwood (good to firm) and second here (soft); gelded since; "a little hiccup" denied him the prep race for this which his trainer wanted but this lightly raced 4yo has been relentlessly progressive so far.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(9)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

13:50 York

French Duke

9st 4lb

J: James Doyle

T: Roger Varian

Won in a hood (kept since) over 1m4f at Glorious Goodwood last July; never-nearer eighth when racing a bit freely at Royal Ascot on 2025 reappearance and although he settled better when trying 1m6f back at Goodwood three weeks ago, his progress from the back 3f out proved very short-lived; returns to 1m4f and, having been among the market leaders for both those races this term, there's a feeling of unfinished business with this lightly raced 4yo.

9/2

10th

8

(13)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:55 Goodwood

French Duke

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: Roger Varian

Settled better in a hood (kept since) when winning over 1m4f at this meeting last year; good second at Ascot (1m4f, soft) in September and denied a prep run before his never-nearer eighth of 18 when racing a bit freely at Royal Ascot (1m4f; still second favourite) six weeks ago; new trip looks interesting (if he settles) and so does last year's peak form.

4/1

8th

12

(15)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

French Duke

9st 6lb

J: James Doyle

T: Roger Varian

Plenty went wrong when sixth in C&D handicap for 3yos at Royal Ascot 2024; held up again for two big 1m4f handicaps afterwards as 3yo when settling better in a hood and duly raising his game for a win at Glorious Goodwood (good to firm) and second here (soft); gelded since; "a little hiccup" denied him the prep race for this which his trainer wanted but this lightly raced 4yo has been relentlessly progressive so far.

13/2

Form: -63180 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Not often seen on ground firmer than good, best of those runs when creditable sixth in this race two years ago; won stylishly at Meydan (1m4f, good) in March but put in his place (behind some on today's rivals) off career-high marks back in Britain both starts since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(12)

27th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Max Mayhem

9st 9lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: George Baker

Three times down the field in Bahrain for this yard and can't support with confidence, for all moving back up in trip should help.

25/1

6th

5

(2)

5th Jul 2025

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

17:15 Sandown

Max Mayhem

9st 10lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hilal Kobeissi

Usually ridden patiently at about 1m4f in recent times but he made the running when fourth of 17 at Glorious Goodwood (good) last July, on most recent attempt at 1m2f (off this mark); found wanting since a convincing winner at Meydan in March and needs more for the now-rare 1m2f run.

10/1

Form: /143-2

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Won at a much lower level on good to firm in 2023, unraced on it since; relished return to Flat for new yard last autumn and carried on the good work this season, seeing daylight too late when beaten a head at Chester (10.3f, good) latest start; stays 1m4f; up another 3lb and drawn 4 (so needs to find his way through the pack) but his career is gathering serious momentum again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(1)

25th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Windsor

Auld Toon Loon

9st 11lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Tom Dascombe

Ended his 2025 campaign with a half-length success in Class 2 event over C&D (good to firm) and is only 2lb higher back here; possibilities with Chester reappearance under his belt.

5/1

8th

4

(14)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Auld Toon Loon

9st 6lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Tom Dascombe

All four wins at around this trip including one here (soft) in the summer of 2023; looked unlucky when beaten a head in this race off 3lb lower on his reappearance a year ago; won't mind what the weather does, but stall 14 isn't ideal.

12/1

Form: 050-13 D

Last run: 60 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Seems to have found his niche on the Kempton AW, where he won the 1m3f Rosebery handicap in March and was third in a 1m2f Listed race in April; however, he ran well only once from six starts on turf last season and has a career-high mark today; cheekpieces (tried once in 2023) return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(13)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Teumessias Fox

9st 5lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

Slow starts have become an unwelcome habit but he caught the eye keeping on for fifth of 13 behind King's Code over C&D in January, when denied a clear run; last of three at Lingfield since in a race that wasn't run to suit; each-way claims if getting the breaks.

9/1

3rd

2

(1)

31st Jan 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

13:05 Lingfield (AW)

Teumessias Fox

9st 4lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Smart at his peak on AW but slow starts have become an unwelcome habit and he's been operating below his very best in AW handicaps this winter; would need to bounce back to his peak form to trouble an on-song Survie.

5/1

5th

2

(14)

16th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

14:50 Newcastle (AW)

Teumessias Fox

9st 9lb

J: Alfie Redman

T: Andrew Balding

Does well on the AW and was never ideally positioned in a steadily run race over C&D two months ago; slow breaks have become an unwelcome habit but capable of being in the shake-up granted a solid pace to chase; Alfie Redman takes off a useful 7lb.

10/1

12th
14 (22)
Almoshher

5/1

Form: 1-211 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Not seen on a racecourse until the end of 2024 but he's now won three of his four starts; first three races were tight finishes on AW when trained by Charlie Fellowes; debut for this yard came in 12-runner handicap at York (1m4f, good to firm) five weeks ago when he narrowly saw off the challenge of Stressfree; up another 5lb today and has joined Wathnan Racing for their big meeting; has been racing freely and prominently, so perhaps the widest draw today will pose a challenge, but he's shaping up to be a serious talent.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(10)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Newbury

Almoshher

9st 10lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: K R Burke

Never figured at Royal Ascot then looked a non-stayer over 1m6f in the Ebor; returns to calmer waters and drops back in trip, so may tap back into earlier progress (AW/turf) that produced form figures of 1211.

9/2

12th

18

(2)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Almoshher

9st 2lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Made debut at the end of 2024; won three of his first four starts, on last occasion a 12-runner handicap here (1m4f, good to firm) in May when he led over 2f out and narrowly saw off Stressfree; had been racing freely and prominently, so the widest draw at Royal Ascot (1m4f; just 7-1) posed a challenge but he didn't really fire behind Ethical Diamond; he was shaping up to be a serious talent before that and has now been gelded.

16/1

12th

14

(22)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Almoshher

9st 5lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Not seen on a racecourse until the end of 2024 but he's now won three of his four starts; first three races were tight finishes on AW when trained by Charlie Fellowes; debut for this yard came in 12-runner handicap at York (1m4f, good to firm) five weeks ago when he narrowly saw off the challenge of Stressfree; up another 5lb today and has joined Wathnan Racing for their big meeting; has been racing freely and prominently, so perhaps the widest draw today will pose a challenge, but he's shaping up to be a serious talent.

5/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1517-4

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Unraced on firmer than good; 4-10 in France for Andre Fabre before sold for 100,000gns in October and gelded; ran well at 33-1 when never-dangerous fourth of nine for a handicap at Chester (10.3f, good) on British debut, but this new trip needs to spark some improvement and it's a bit disconcerting that he was unraced beyond 10.5f in France; tongue tied first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(9)

15th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 50y

Class 3

15:14 Nottingham

Flight Leader

10st 1lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Ex-French 5yo who continues to drop down the weights but he's struggled to get competitive since an encouraging fourth on his stable and seasonal debut at Chester (1m2f, good) in May.

33/1

10th

3

(9)

24th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Flight Leader

9st 8lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Four wins, notably Group 3, in France; ran creditably on British debut but has failed to back up that form since and has enough to prove back down in trip (raced mainly beyond 1m).

33/1

8th

4

(3)

30th Aug 2025

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

15:00 Sandown

Flight Leader

9st 11lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

4-10 in France for Andre Fabre before sold for 100,000gns last October and gelded; encouraging fourth at Chester (10.3f) in May on debut for new yard but backward steps since with tongue-tie at Royal Ascot and Chelmsford.

50/1

22/1

Form: /6240-

Last run: 365 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Won the first of seven Flat races for Richard Hannon, last seen in this sphere when among the backmarkers in the 1m Britannia here (33-1; sole start on good to firm) 12 months ago; very hit and miss in his four hurdle races for the champion jumps trainer, albeit in top races when he failed to fire; connections are enough to earn him respect but Ethical Diamond is presumably their principal hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

7

1st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:52 Leopardstown

Blue Lemons

11st 0lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Grade 2 juvenile hurdle winner last year but has disappointed over hurdles and on the Flat since; pulled-up over 2m4f here last time but can do better back to 2m.

20/1

14th

17

(3)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Blue Lemons

9st 4lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: W P Mullins

Won the first of seven Flat races for Richard Hannon, last seen in this sphere when among the backmarkers in the 1m Britannia here (33-1; sole start on good to firm) 12 months ago; very hit and miss in his four hurdle races for the champion jumps trainer, albeit in top races when he failed to fire; connections are enough to earn him respect but Ethical Diamond is presumably their principal hope.

22/1

9th

1

3rd May 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

16:50 Punchestown

Blue Lemons

11st 0lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

always behind

7/1

14/1

Form: 7-4321 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Comes from off the pace and has often met trouble in running; built an extremely solid sequence at about 1m2f nevertheless and now he's set off in the same vein at 1m4f, when beaten a head at York (first run on good to firm) and swooping to snatch a useful race at Haydock (good); raised another 5lb but has to be in each-way calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(1)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Stressfree

9st 10lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Beaten a head in this race last year and fourth of 22 here in the Ebor in August; began 2026 with another solid effort, when second at Ripon; not a prolific winner with his waiting tactics but big each-way chance.

6/1

2nd

1

(4)

25th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 10y

Class 2

15:35 Ripon

Stressfree

9st 10lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Smart handicapper who won at Haydock (1m4f, good) off 4lb lower last May and recorded several good efforts in defeat later in 2025; has gone well fresh before.

9/2

1

(6)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 5f 61y

Class 2

14:05 Newbury

Stressfree

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Likeable hold-up performer who has run crackers in top handicaps over 1m6f on last two starts, fourth of 22 in the Ebor at York (good to firm) before third of 14 to The Reverend (Dramatic Star second) in the Old Borough Cup at Haydock (good); all ground seems to come alike; each-way claims again.

8/1

Form: 17-113

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Spent most of last term over 1m3f/1m4f (won a maiden); hasn't looked back for new connections this year, winning her first two starts and going close in a 14-runner Listed race on latest; all those progressive runs were going left-handed on soft ground over 1m2f in the French provinces, keeping on well; she's a rising force but this is clearly a different test.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

16

(9)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Brodure

9st 4lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: Xavier Blanchet

Spent most of last term over 1m3f/1m4f (won a maiden); hasn't looked back for new connections this year, winning her first two starts and going close in a 14-runner Listed race on latest; all those progressive runs were going left-handed on soft ground over 1m2f in the French provinces, keeping on well; she's a rising force but this is clearly a different test.

66/1

25/1

Form: 90-923

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Progressive in 2023 and well handicapped on best of that form; it's not been repeated and she finished last in her only two races (last August) on firmer than good; while there's renewed hope to be gained from the competitive displays on her last two outings, others look more potent as win prospects.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

19

(2)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Satin

9st 3lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Progressive in 2023 and well handicapped on best of that form; it's not been repeated and she finished last in her only two races (last August) on firmer than good; while there's renewed hope to be gained from the competitive displays on her last two outings, others look more potent as win prospects.

25/1

3rd

5

(1)

16th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

19:23 Leopardstown

Satin

9st 2lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Smart handicap form in 2023 included C&D win in premier handicap; below par during a light campaign last year but much more encouraging effort on second start this term when forcing pace in 1m4f Cork handicap 10 days ago, rallying well when beaten a neck; less negatives than some of these regarding trip and ground so could be the one to follow Kyprios home.

14/1

50/1

Form: 20/0-6 D

Last run: 135 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
8yo whose last turf Flat run was in May 2024 (tailed off) with some fair hurdles form since; three seconds and two fourths from his five visits to Ascot, most notably when beaten a neck in this race two years ago off the same mark as today; that followed a 1m6f win and he's not entirely dismissed even though the 1m6f Copper Horse on Tuesday (first reserve) was seemingly his preferred engagement this week; usually wore headgear in 2021 and 2022, now tries a first-time visor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

20

(6)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

HMS President

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

8yo whose last turf Flat run was in May 2024 (tailed off) with some fair hurdles form since; three seconds and two fourths from his five visits to Ascot, most notably when beaten a neck in this race two years ago off the same mark as today; that followed a 1m6f win and he's not entirely dismissed even though the 1m6f Copper Horse on Tuesday (first reserve) was seemingly his preferred engagement this week; usually wore headgear in 2021 and 2022, now tries a first-time visor.

50/1

17

(8)

17th Jun 2025

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

HMS President

9st 3lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Alan King

Reserve; has a good record here and went close at this meeting in 2023 (1m4f, good to firm); stays 1m6f; some good runs over hurdles since last November but it remains to be seen if this 8yo is the same force as two years ago; wears a first-time visor.

40/1

11th

4

26th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:20 Sandown

HMS President

11st 8lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Useful on Flat and has a solid record (2122) over hurdles; penultimate effort in this sphere is a strong piece of form; however, rather lacks room for significant progress, having raced 41 times in total.

12/1

33/1

Form: 212-17 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
No impact sole run on good to firm; two wins at Goodwood on good ground last term and she resumed improvement with Southwell win (1m4f, AW; 5lb higher today) this April; stiff task in Group 3 latest, so that's probably forgiven, but she needs to hit major new heights in terms of her turf form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(8)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 35y

Class 3

17:45 Hamilton

Crystal Flyer

10st 2lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ben Haslam

Consistent for Tom Ward in 2025; changed hands for 70,000gns but she went too freely when beating only one home on her stable debut in a 1m4f Listed event at Goodwood on her recent return; she's the sort to bounce back.

20/1

9th

4

(4)

1st May 2026

Good

1m 3f 218y

Class 1

15:50 Goodwood

Crystal Flyer

9st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Ben Haslam

Winless in 2025 for Tom Clover but she largely performed with credit; changed hands for 70,000 guineas subsequently but this C&D scorer faces no easy task on her seasonal/yard debut.

25/1

Form: 0/600- D

Last run: 342 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Progressed into useful handicapper on turf for Charlie Fellowes, winning three times from the front (1m4f/1m2f) in cheekpieces in summer 2023; towards the rear on all three starts for new yard last term, in this race on second occasion, so has big questions to answer after 342 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(7)

28th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 99y

Class 3

15:25 Windsor

Cumulonimbus

9st 9lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: George Baker

Progressed into useful handicapper on turf for Charlie Fellowes in 2023, winning three times from the front (1m4f/1m2f) in cheekpieces that summer; well-beaten outsider on all three starts for new yard in 2024, however, and has not been seen since last July; cheekpieces are removed.

25/1

22

(20)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Cumulonimbus

9st 2lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: George Baker

Progressed into useful handicapper on turf for Charlie Fellowes, winning three times from the front (1m4f/1m2f) in cheekpieces in summer 2023; towards the rear on all three starts for new yard last term, in this race on second occasion, so has big questions to answer after 342 days off.

50/1

11th

6

(10)

13th Jul 2024

Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:07 Ascot

Cumulonimbus

9st 7lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: George Baker

Progressed into useful handicapper on turf for Charlie Fellowes, winning three times from the front (1m4f/1m2f) in cheekpieces last summer; sold for 150,000gns in October; may have had excuses for both runs since (AW and Royal Ascot) and had wind surgery in between, but others are preferred.

28/1

Non-runners

See Hector, Caviar Heights

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £58.90
Straight Forecast £43.66
Tricast £1091.93
Trifecta £1402.10

Selections

RP RATINGS:

French Duke

Telegraph:

Almosh'her

D Express:

War Rooms

TOPSPEED:

Auld Toon Loon

Daily Mail:

Mount Atlas

SPOTLIGHT:

Hand Of God

POSTDATA:

Blue Lemons

The Sun:

Ethical Diamond

Daily Mirror:

Stressfree

NEWMARKET:

French Duke

The Times:

French Duke

The Guardian:

French Duke

The Star:

Almosh'her

Daily Record:

War Rooms

LAMBOURN:

Auld Toon Loon