July 26 / 17.15 Ascot

17.15

Good

Whispering Angel Handicap

  • Prize money: £30924
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
SKY
View Course
Whispering Angel Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

7/1 (Won)

Form: 304560 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Has won on soft and good to firm; pulled hard and just minor late progress in the Wokingham here (first-time tongue-tie, retained) in June but he hadn't been far behind Aramram at Newbury (also 6f, good to firm) previously and a stiff test at 5f could prove ideal; can be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(11)

13th Sep 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:25 Curragh

Cover Up

9st 6lb

J: William Buick

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Has won on soft and yielding ground but best on good or quicker; beat Partisan Hero in a British-dominated Group 2 over C&D in July; ninth in the Nunthorpe, leaving him a bit to find with several of these.

14/1

9th

3

(15)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Cover Up

10st 1lb

J: William Buick

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Has won on soft and yielding ground but best on good or quicker; came from the clouds before meeting trouble in running in the King Charles III at Royal Ascot, so did well to finish about 3l behind the winner; again came from behind when leading near the line in a Group 2 at the Curragh since; in prime form but those tactics can be hard to pull off here.

14/1

1st

2

(8)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

15:25 Curragh

Cover Up

9st 9lb

J: James Doyle

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

British raider was in fine form at Meydan at the turn of the year, winning a Listed (yielding) and a Group 2 (good), both over 5f; didn't get the smoothest of runs when beaten 3.5l in the King Charles III at Royal Ascot last time (behind Rosy Affair and Jakajaro) and could get closer here if getting a clear passage.

7/1

Form: 243067 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Won the big 3yo handicap over C&D at the main meeting in 2023; seen only twice over 5f here since but there were no obvious excuses when beaten over 3l here two weeks ago and this asks for more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

13

(10)

3rd Oct 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Ascot

Rhythm N Hooves

8st 12lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Robert Cowell

Fully exposed but conditions will suit and he is on a manageable mark; should make a bold bid.

10/1

8th

10

(1)

5th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:10 Ascot

Rhythm N Hooves

8st 9lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Robert Cowell

Capitalised on a good mark at Newbury (5f, good to firm) three weeks ago; up 4lb but still feasibly weighted and this Royal Ascot winner should make another bold bid.

7/1

Form: /3757- D

Last run: 211 days

W: 8st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Well treated on several runs, including over C&D; he said goodbye to 2024 with a low-key run in December but he did run well in a conditions race at Beverley (5f, good) in September after the best part of two years off and a good comeback run is not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(5)

30th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:37 Salisbury

King Of Stars

10st 2lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Formerly useful; hasn't won since 2021 and ended last season with a pair of duck eggs; best watched on reappearance, unless the market suggests otherwise.

3/1

1

(2)

30th Sep 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 10y

Class 4

16:52 Bath

King Of Stars

10st 0lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Michael Appleby

1-1 over C&D; two good efforts since returning from latest seven-month absence but ran moderately when twelfth of 14 at York last time; 11l margin of defeat does him some disservice though (squeezed out then eased) and this drop in grade can help him bounce back; easiest task on turf for years; interesting.

7/1

10

(3)

7th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 89y

Class 2

15:00 York

King Of Stars

8st 12lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Had some long spells on the sidelines since his solid 2022 campaign; two solid efforts since returning from latest seven-month absence; has run well over C&D and should give it a good go from the front.

10/1

Form: 263430

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Some good 5f runs in the early months of the turf season but he came up well short over C&D two weeks ago and this will ask for more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(9)

17th Oct 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Catterick

Toca Madera

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

On a hat-trick after 5f wins in conditions event at Beverley (good) and handicap at York (soft) in recent weeks; first Catterick visit but it's a track which should suit this strong-travelling, prominent racer; high on the list.

100/30

1st

4

(3)

22nd Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Beverley

Toca Madera

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Several good runs for his new yard this year and likely to give his running; surprising if one, or both, of the big two didn't have his measure.

6/1

12th

10

(11)

12th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 143y

Class 2

14:20 Doncaster

Toca Madera

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Won here (5f, good to firm) in June; ran two fine races at Goodwood's Glorious meeting and again when third behind Air Force One at York last month (travelled best); soft ground wouldn't have been ideal when second of six at Goodwood two weeks ago; drying conditions would be in his favour and he has the ability to get involved.

9/1

Form: 3-1315 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 0lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
On the crest of another wave this year, winning two of her first three starts and losing nothing in defeat in a scramble for second place over C&D recently, after having to be switched; likely to have another say.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(3)

3rd Oct 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Ascot

Glamorous Breeze

9st 3lb

J: William Cox

T: Christopher Mason

She hasn't won yet this year but has run a series of good races, including over C&D; sliding down the weights but stable may hold stronger claims with her brother All Ways Glamorous.

14/1

5th

8

(11)

5th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:10 Ascot

Glamorous Breeze

9st 1lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Christopher Mason

Hasn't won at Ascot but she has run several good races at the track; as good as ever this year and she should be heavily involved at the business end of the race.

7/1

6th

2

(3)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 34y

Class 3

13:55 Newbury

Glamorous Breeze

10st 0lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Christopher Mason

Likeable 8yo mare with a consistent record and ten wins to her name; as good as ever when third of 23 at Glorious Goodwood (5f, good) last month, keeping on gamely; should go well again off 1lb higher.

7/1

16/1

Form: 985500 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Numerous good C&D runs to go with her three wins (good to soft and soft; has won on good to firm) but she hasn't been quite herself in 2025 and she flagged over C&D two weeks ago; needs a revival now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(9)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

13:30 Doncaster

Woolhampton

9st 7lb

J: Oliver Searle

T: Rod Millman

Never a threat after a slow start in the corresponding race 12 months ago; as good as ever when winning at Sandown and Ascot (came from well back) in August/September and two subsequent defeats excusable (ground/Listed race); 3-8 on soft or worse but might be better suited by a stiffer finish.

16/1

8th

12

(5)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Ascot

Woolhampton

8st 12lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Rod Millman

At least as good as ever this year, winning handicaps at Sandown (5f, soft) and over C&D (good to soft) in September; found things happening too quickly at Haydock last Saturday and she's in deeper today, but she does go really well at Ascot and the more rain that falls the better.

16/1

3

(2)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Haydock

Woolhampton

9st 8lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Rod Millman

Likeable mare with eight wins to her name, including at Sandown (5f, soft) and Ascot (5f, good to soft) in the last four weeks; impossible to rule out but she's gone up 13lb in total for those successes and she'll need a career best to complete the hat-trick.

100/30

Form: 073652 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Useful efforts in all four course starts at 6f and 5f and he ran his best race of the year when just nutted on the nod at Newcastle (AW) in June; back up 3lb and he shouldn't be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

12

(12)

17th Oct 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Catterick

Vintage Clarets

8st 4lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Has an excellent record in this race, with a second in 2022 and wins in 2023 and 2024 (all on soft/heavy); only fifth to Lexington Blitz on good 12 months ago but his second (Lexington Blitz third) in the Epsom Dash (good to soft) shows he's still useful, and he can be made to look well treated on that form even from 3lb out of the handicap; any easing of the ground in his favour.

9/1

7th

9

(1)

11th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

15:17 Chester

Vintage Clarets

8st 11lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Won this race in 2024 when rated 8lb higher; well handicapped on even this year's best, 3lb lower than when second in the Dash at Epsom (5f, good to soft); stall 1 not ideal for one that comes from off the pace and he will need luck in running; big chance if the gaps appear though.

5/1

6th

10

(2)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Beverley

Vintage Clarets

9st 1lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

All ten wins at 5f; last scored just over a year ago on good to firm but he's got plenty of form on a softer surface and ran well when runner-up in Epsom's "Dash" in June; also performed with credit at Glorious Goodwood and could be the type to bounce back from a lesser effort at Pontefract a fortnight ago; having just his second outing here since winning a C&D novice back in 2021.

5/1

Form: 0-5213 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Has a healthy AW strike-rate; off the mark on turf when favourably positioned at Redcar (5f, good to firm) in June and her next race, when third at York one week later, may have come too soon; this will be harder.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(7)

19th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 34y

Class 1

13:02 Newbury

Azure Angel

9st 0lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Edward Bethell

Listed winner who has a few duck eggs in her recent form figures but those were tough tasks; chance of landing this race partly depends on the effects of new headgear (visor replaces blinkers).

40/1

17th

13

(14)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Azure Angel

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Edward Bethell

Has not yet won above Listed level; anything but disgraced when mid-division in the King Charles III at Royal Ascot or when a close fifth to Redorange in a C&D Listed race after, but it's hard to see her in this picture.

150/1

15th

9

(10)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Azure Angel

9st 1lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Edward Bethell

Respectable effort in midfield in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm) last month before 1l fifth of 13 in Listed race at York (5f, good to firm); however, a career best is needed today.

25/1

7/2

Form: 222164 BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
A very good marker in top 6f handicaps this year, including when close up in the Wokingham at the Royal meeting; fascinating to see him dropped to 5f, presumably testing the waters for a possible tilt at the Group 1 Nunthorpe next month (also holds a Group 1 entry over 6f); intriguing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(10)

3rd Oct 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Ascot

Aramram

9st 3lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Escapes a penalty for his Listed win at Doncaster (6f, good to soft) in March; his last two runs haven't been his best but there have been mitigating factors; has a course win on his record and he should go well.

16/1

18th

3

(18)

19th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Aramram

9st 10lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Only seventh in this race 12 months ago when 10lb lower; his improved form this spring has warranted this lofty mark and he ran well in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last month (off 1lb higher), doing best of the far-side group; still looks up against it here.

40/1

6th

3

(9)

5th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Haydock

Aramram

9st 5lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Listed winner at Doncaster (6f, good to soft) in March before close second in Group 3 Abernant at Newmarket (6f, good); returned to form when first of four in the far-side group in the Great St Wilfrid Handicap at Ripon (6f, good) three weeks ago; has something to find in today's company but he's 2-3 on soft ground and is not ruled out each-way.

20/1

20/1

Form: 834302 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Useful strike-rate on AW but 1-21 on turf; has run respectably over C&D in the past but there's more to be done than when narrowly giving best at Chepstow (5f, good to firm) recently.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(1)

26th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

17:55 Southwell (AW)

Michaelas Boy

9st 11lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Robert Cowell

Straightforward gelding who's fine on any surface and generally consistent; there's not much room for manoeuvre off this mark, though, and Kylian may be his trainer's best chance.

12/1

5th

9

(1)

12th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 3

16:00 Lingfield (AW)

Michaelas Boy

9st 4lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Robert Cowell

Two wins and a close second to his name in five runs over C&D; weighted to his best currently, following a Yarmouth win off 3lb lower in June, and Kylian may be his trainer's best shout.

8/1

33/1

Form: 519100 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
All British wins at Chester, over 6f and 5f; an outsider and he ran accordingly in the Wokingham here in June, nor did he put up much of a show over C&D since (first-time blinkers, now visored); has it to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(9)

11th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

15:17 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 11lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

C&D win at the May meeting off a 1lb higher mark; not so good since, including when well backed over 6f here three weeks ago; conditions should be fine but a lower draw would have been preferred.

6/1

7th

1

(5)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

17:00 Chester

Roman Dragon

10st 0lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Hugo Palmer

Back to the mark off which he won a 5f handicap at the May meeting; not had optimal conditions since but returning to 6f and dropping in class could see a revival from this eight-time course winner.

5/1

6th

3

(6)

2nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:52 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 13lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

Eight course wins to his name, the latest in May (5f, good) off a 2lb lower mark; had form over 7f in his youth but this year's two C&D runs haven't been convincing.

16/1

12th
11 (5)
Mesaafi

7/1

Form: 821193

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Can lead; won two in a row on AW (6f) in June and he's shown a liking for Ascot in two starts this year, significantly on the return to 5f when he didn't lose by much over C&D last time; should figure.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

(2)

14th Oct 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Mesaafi

9st 3lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Ross Burdon

Prevailed by a whisker in blanket finish over C&D last week, taking AW record to 4-19; that was a timely success in a qualifier but he faces a stiffer assignment under 5lb penalty in this series final.

10/1

1st

3

(5)

5th Oct 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:45 Kempton (AW)

Mesaafi

9st 9lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Ross Burdon

Spent most of the season over 5f and generally proven consistent on turf; fine on the AW and is capable off this mark, given a third try in a visor in place of the usual blinkers.

5/1

7th

13

(9)

5th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:10 Ascot

Mesaafi

8st 7lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Ross Burdon

Conditions no problem and he ran creditably for third at Nottingham (5f, good to firm) last month; this is tougher but more minor money could be on the cards.

14/1

Form: 2898-1 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Often leads; his form tailed off in 2024 for previous trainer but he was in fine fettle last summer and it took a very smart one to head him near the line in this race 12 months ago; returned to action with a convincing Newmarket win (5f, good to firm) two weeks ago for this yard and although back up 5lb he looks sure to give it plenty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

(8)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:20 Ascot

Emperor Spirit

8st 11lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Michael Keady

Ran a stormer over C&D on his seasonal return; the ground went against him at Epsom on Derby day and he has quickly bounced back with placed efforts at Beverley and Newmarket; up 2lb for latest near-miss but still on a good mark; Oisin Murphy booked; decent chance.

7/1

3rd

9

(8)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Newmarket (July)

Emperor Spirit

9st 5lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Michael Keady

First run for Michael Keady when winning this race 12 months ago off a 3lb higher mark; two good runs on fast ground this year (below par on slower going in the Epsom Dash) and he's likely to make another bold bid.

5/1

2nd

3

(3)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:02 Beverley

Emperor Spirit

9st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Michael Keady

Blows hot and cold but he is on a dangerous mark and his second of 17 at Ascot (5f, good to firm) in May was a fine effort; subsequent run in the Dash at Epsom can be forgiven (ground) and this should be more to his liking; other pace influences on show.

7/1

Form: 14-610 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in the Group 2 Norfolk at the Royal meeting last term; both wins in Listed company at 5f on good to firm and he never had a foothold in the Group 1 King Charles III here in June; switches to a different type of race on handicap debut but probably still capable of better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(8)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 3

16:15 Southwell (AW)

Tropical Storm

9st 6lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Hasn't been at his best since a Listed win at York last May but he's on a reduced mark and showed some spark when third at Goodwood in May; he's had wind surgery since a midfield finish at York later in May and it will be no surprise if he runs well on AW debut.

8/1

12th

11

(8)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Tropical Storm

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

His best form is at 5f and he hasn't been at the top of his game since a Listed win at this meeting last May; however, he kept on well for third at Goodwood (5f, good) recently, suggesting the return to 6f is worth exploring, and his two career wins have both come here; a visor goes on.

10/1

3rd

7

(3)

1st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Goodwood

Tropical Storm

9st 0lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Bagged 5f York listed event last May; off seven months/gelded before posting an encouraging eighth of 14 in 5f Musselburgh handicap 27 days ago, nearest finish having lost ground when hampered soon after start; not without interest off a reduced mark.

6/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £61.92
Tricast £1747.78

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Emperor Spirit

TOPSPEED:

Cover Up

LAMBOURN:

Tropical Storm

The Times:

Mesaafi

The Guardian:

Aramram

POSTDATA:

Azure Angel

RP RATINGS:

Vintage Clarets

D Express:

Tropical Storm

The Star:

Mesaafi

NEWMARKET:

Cover Up

Telegraph:

Cover Up

The Sun:

Aramram

Daily Mail:

Emperor Spirit

Daily Mirror:

Emperor Spirit

Daily Record:

Emperor Spirit