September 06 / 15.00 Haydock

15.00

Good

Betfair Exchange Old Borough Cup Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £51540
  • 1m 6f 1y
  • Class 2
  • 15 runners
ITV
View Course
Betfair Exchange Old Borough Cup Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 149-51

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Looked one to follow when impressive on handicap debut at Ascot (1m4f, soft) last September; failed to kick on from that initially but got back on track with convincing win in small field at Ripon (1m4f, soft) in July; could have more to offer for top yard now things have clicked again, especially now back up in trip, and he's not necessarily a soft-ground specialist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

1st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

13:40 Leopardstown

The Reverend

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: W P Mullins

Gained a fourth Flat win with a hard-earned success in the 1m6f Old Borough Cup at Haydock last September; stamped himself as a useful recruit to hurdling when scoring at Cork last month.

7/1

1st

6

(7)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

15:00 Haydock

The Reverend

9st 5lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Looked one to follow when impressive on handicap debut at Ascot (1m4f, soft) last September; failed to kick on from that initially but got back on track with convincing win in small field at Ripon (1m4f, soft) in July; could have more to offer for top yard now things have clicked again, especially now back up in trip, and he's not necessarily a soft-ground specialist.

4/1

1st

1

(5)

19th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

1m 4f 10y

Class 2

15:55 Ripon

The Reverend

10st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: William Haggas

Looked potentially smart when smooth winner on 1m4f Ascot handicap debut (soft) last September in first-time cheekpieces; hasn't progressed as might have been expected in three subsequent runs (favourite each time) but not disgraced either and may have found good to firm ground too lively (raced on softer than good otherwise) when fifth of 12 in a York Dante meeting handicap on reappearance (no headgear); still has time on his side and a potential class act giving weight away to lesser opposition in refitted cheekpieces.

4/7

8/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 1001-6

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Having been gelded he returned to form for last-gasp win at Newcastle (12.4f, AW) last October, and first run since when a close sixth of ten at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) last month, when he stayed on well from off a slow pace; has shown promise on good to soft; this 4yo remains lightly raced for his top yard and the step back up to 1m6f could be just what he needs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(4)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Dramatic Star

8st 12lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Improved last year without quite winning; each-way claims if back to best with first-time headgear after two rather disappointing runs in 2026.

9/2

7th

5

(9)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Dramatic Star

9st 3lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Not quite at his best at Kempton last month but that came after 94 days off and he could improve for it; held up in slowly run race at Kempton in October when 2l fourth on his sole previous crack at 2m, and he may yet be capable of better at this sort of trip; has won here and could be involved.

11/2

6th

2

(6)

2nd Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

16:37 Kempton (AW)

Dramatic Star

9st 11lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Won twice in 2024, including over 1m4f on Tapeta; had only five runs last year but he went close on two occasions, including in a Class 2 at Southwell (1m4f) in November; 2lb higher on his return but he hit a personal best last time and he's a key player on this drop back in grade.

3/1

7/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: 210594 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Progressive 5yo who won here (1m4f, good) in May and looked better than ever when fourth in the Ebor at York (1m6f, good to firm) a fortnight ago; has won on soft/heavy ground; respected for trainer who won this last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

16

(5)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Stressfree

9st 1lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Probably no ground worries; not a prolific winner, with his waiting tactics, but he was fourth in the Ebor last year off a 2lb higher mark; ran creditably on reappearance, before none of his three starts since panned out favourably; can be given a place chance.

33/1

8th

5

(3)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Stressfree

9st 6lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: David O’Meara

Not a prolific winner, with his waiting tactics, but he was fourth in the Ebor at York (1m6f, good to firm) last August off a 2lb higher mark; ran creditably on reappearance, before neither start since panned out favourably; only ninth in this last year on his only run at Goodwood.

25/1

11th

2

(13)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Stressfree

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Not a prolific winner, with his waiting tactics, and never involved when 7-1 for last year's 1m4f Duke of Edinburgh at this meeting; however, it would be unwise not to recall his fourth in the Ebor at York last August (1m6f, good to firm) off a 1lb higher mark and he was unsuited by the steady pace at York last time out (1m4f); could get competitive should this pan out favourably; stable won this in 2022.

16/1

Form: 747578 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
He's lower in the weights than when completing a hat-trick last summer and has shown some signs of spark this season; however, he's been below his best on last two outings; wears first-time blinkers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22th

13

(17)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Align The Stars

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Charlie Johnston

Not often seen on softer than good but he won on good to soft in June 2024; failed to shine at this meeting in 2024 or 2025, during a long losing run; he's broken that with two 2m wins on the AW this year, most notably in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle in June, and also second at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) in May, but only mid-division behind Hopewell Rock at Goodwood three weeks ago; others seem more likely.

40/1

7th

2

(10)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Align The Stars

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Charlie Johnston

Won this race in 2024 before embarking on a long losing run; he's broken that with two 2m wins on the AW this year, most notably in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle last time; second in valuable race at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) in May was followed by a blip here; back up another 4lb since Newcastle but not entirely ruled out.

12/1

1st

4

(14)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Align The Stars

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Charlie Johnston

Broke his losing run in clearcut style when he reappeared at Kempton (2m, AW) in March with restored cheekpieces, which have been kept since; good second in valuable race at Newmarket (1m6f) but he needs to bounce back from a disappointing show at Goodwood five weeks ago.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: -13211

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
5yo who has thrived this season and made it two 1m4f wins in a row when powering ahead at Hamilton (good to firm) a fortnight ago; also effective here (and on soft ground) and has hinted he could be even better now tackling 1m6f for the first time; trainer won this in 2015 and 2017; player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

11

(14)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Paddy The Squire

9st 6lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Markedly improved last year and even better this term, all on good or good to firm, although he had lots of soft-ground form in previous seasons; wore cheekpieces when staying-on third of 16 to Daiquiri Bay at Royal Ascot (1m6f) and close second at Newmarket (1m4f) 18 days later; raised another 3lb but each-way player if the ground is okay for him.

20/1

2nd

3

(6)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Newmarket (July)

Paddy The Squire

9st 10lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Much improved last year, including after his second to Plage De Havre in this race at Haydock; York sixth to Klassleader on reappearance but back to his best when staying-on third of 16 at Royal Ascot (1m6f, good to firm) 18 days ago; needs respect.

7/1

3rd

3

(4)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Paddy The Squire

9st 12lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Had a ball last year after being gelded, winning three of his six starts and as good as ever when a close fifth stepped up to 1m6f at Haydock in September; however, he is a 6yo and perhaps high in the weights now, a suspicion seemingly confirmed by his York run one month ago; there's no obvious significance in the return of cheekpieces.

22/1

Form: 30-240 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Mixed form this season and disappointing at Goodwood last month; however, he won over C&D last September (good; also effective on soft) and is on a handy mark for his in-form stable; not discounted now back here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

7

(5)

21st Aug 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

16:10 York

Master Builder

9st 4lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: David Menuisier

Floundered on testing ground in the last two November Handicaps at Doncaster but he ran well on soft at this track in October 2024; well-backed favourite off a good mark when he reappeared over C&D (good) in May and he scored smoothly, in charge from 2f out; off since and back up 7lb but has to be considered seriously.

5/1

1st

2

(6)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Master Builder

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Menuisier

Last seen floundering on heavy going in the November Handicap at Doncaster; the clear highpoint of that campaign was his second at Epsom (1m4f, good; stays 1m6f) in April, which came first time out and points up his chance given that he is now 11lb lower; needs a second look.

6/1

9

(13)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 5f 61y

Class 2

14:05 Newbury

Master Builder

9st 0lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: David Menuisier

Progressive last year so his mixed form this season has been a little disappointing, albeit his latest sixth (Dramatic Star second, Stressfree third) in the Old Borough Cup at Haydock (1m6f, good) was respectable.

10/1

Form: 13-524 BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Only fourth of nine at York (1m4f, good) in July last time but prior to that he was beaten just a neck by Stressfree when making the running here (1m4f, good) in May; effective on soft/good to soft; remains lightly raced and is not written off now back here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(15)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

15:00 Haydock

Kildare Legend

9st 1lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Only fourth of nine at York (1m4f, good) in July last time but prior to that he was beaten just a neck by Stressfree when making the running here (1m4f, good) in May; effective on soft/good to soft; remains lightly raced and is not written off now back here.

9/1

4th

2

(6)

26th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 188y

Class 3

15:50 York

Kildare Legend

10st 1lb

J: Shane Foley

T: James Ferguson

Effective on good to soft and good; record of 2-7 and better than ever when putting the pace to the race and just missing out at Haydock two months ago (1m4f); solid contender here off 3lb higher.

5/2

2nd

13

(10)

31st May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 175y

Class 2

13:13 Haydock

Kildare Legend

8st 12lb

J: Shane Foley

T: James Ferguson

All turf starts have been on softer than good; won a Southwell novice last July, followed up in 1m4f handicap at Doncaster (1m4f, good to soft) and good third of 15 off this mark in valuable 1m4f race at Newmarket; he failed to live up to favouritism at Newcastle (1m4f, AW) on reappearance but wasn't disgraced and, after just six races, may still do better.

7/1

Form: 111212 C

Last run: 81 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Highly progressive and prolific over the last 12 months or so, winning here (2m, good) in May before fine second of 16 in the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot (1m6f, good to firm); he may be okay on slow ground; could play a leading role if at the top of his game after 81 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(1)

21st Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 1

14:25 York

Caballo De Mar

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: George Scott

Registered Group 1 wins at Longchamp last October (2m4f Cadran, very soft) and this May (near 2m, soft) and every bit as good when short-headed at Ascot (good to firm) earlier in May; 7-1 for the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot (2m4f, good to firm) nine weeks ago and raced in second for a long way before cracking in the final 2f (vet reported signs of heat stress); concedes 3lb all round today but tried to go head-to-head with the best stayers around last time and they are now absent; good chance if back to form.

2/1

11th

3

(11)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 1

16:15 Ascot

Caballo De Mar

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: George Scott

Huge improver last term, including second in the 1m6f handicap at this meeting and winning two Group events in the autumn, notably the Group 1 Cadran at Longchamp (2m4f, very soft); every bit as good this season, as he gave Sweet William 2lb when short-headed here (2m, good to firm) and followed that with a narrow Group 1 win at Longchamp; today's company demands a bit more but the thorough test of stamina will suit and he's one to take seriously.

10/1

2nd

1

(7)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 1

14:35 Ascot

Caballo De Mar

9st 11lb

J: William Buick

T: George Scott

Much improved last year, best effort to land the Group 1 Cadran at Longchamp (2m4f, soft) in October; close second in the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan (2m, good) was a fine start to this campaign and his run on good to firm at Royal Ascot last June, although subsequently eclipsed, looked excellent at the time; needs respect but concedes weight all round.

7/2

16/1

Form: 12-475

Last run: 43 days

W: 8st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Won two 3yo handicaps last spring (1m4f, soft) and ran well in defeat on first two starts this season (2m, good/AW); disappointing at Ascot (2m, good) last time but holds each-way possibilities if back on song.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(2)

17th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

13:55 Haydock

Contacto

9st 12lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

4yo who has failed to progress this year but he got back on track with a nose second of six to High Point over C&D (good to soft) three weeks ago; there's every chance he'll be thereabouts once more.

9/2

2nd

3

(3)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:35 Haydock

Contacto

10st 0lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Progressive in handicaps last term; hasn't continued in the same vein during a fairly light 2025 campaign but faced a tough task in the Old Borough Cup here most recently; this is easier.

7/2

9th

15

(6)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

15:00 Haydock

Contacto

8st 6lb

J: Nicola Currie

T: Andrew Balding

Won two 3yo handicaps last spring (1m4f, soft) and ran well in defeat on first two starts this season (2m, good/AW); disappointing at Ascot (2m, good) last time but holds each-way possibilities if back on song.

16/1

10th
12 (11)
Adjuvant

16/1

Form: /749-5 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Made belated reappearance at Goodwood (1m4f, good to firm) a fortnight ago and was beaten just over 1l in fifth of seven; that was encouraging and today's longer trip and easier ground could both be positives; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(5)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 3f 218y

Class 4

20:12 Goodwood

Adjuvant

9st 12lb

J: Tyrese Cameron

T: Michael Bell

Ages since he last won but has run well now and again during his losing streak and might be happier getting back on the grass; cheekpieces belatedly tried for the first time.

12/1

6th

3

(8)

27th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Lingfield (AW)

Adjuvant

9st 8lb

J: Joe Bradnam

T: Michael Bell

Winless since May 2023 but he reappeared from five months off the track with a good third of five in 2m Southwell handicap 18 days ago; not out of things on his Polytrack debut eased 1lb.

5/1

3rd

2

(6)

9th Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell (AW)

Adjuvant

9st 12lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Michael Bell

Winless since 2023 and he signed off for last term with a below-par 14th in November Handicap at Doncaster in November; yard is going well though so no forlorn hope off a reduced mark.

8/1

Form: 3-9210 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Down the field in the Ebor (1m6f, good to firm) two weeks ago but did well to win at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) in July having had to be switched; third in last season's November Handicap on soft; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

(5)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 218y

Class 2

14:35 Goodwood

Oneforthegutter

9st 6lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Ian Williams

Beaten under 3l in the Shergar Cup Stayers last time and is possibly running into form; however, usually races over further nowadays and this drop back to 1m4f looks a negative; cheekpieces reapplied.

12/1

7th

8

(6)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Oneforthegutter

9st 2lb

J: Mme Marie Velon

T: Ian Williams

Only eighth of ten in a 1m6f handicap at Newmarket a month ago in which he was second in 2024 and won in 2025 (on good to firm); that was yet another below-par effort and hopes rest on the tongue-tie making a difference.

20/1

8th

9

(2)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Oneforthegutter

8st 11lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Second in this race in 2024 and won it last year (good to firm); now he has a 4lb lower mark than last year; that's having failed to finish in the first six in any of his seven races since, but at least his latest start was better than reappearance and it's not unheard of for runners from this stable to surge back to form.

14/1

Form: 432824 C

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Consistent sort who was third in this last year (good) and has gone close three times this season, including at Glorious Goodwood (1m6f, good to soft) last month; another good run when fourth of 13 at York (2m, good to firm) last time and he's a solid each-way contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

24

(18)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Dancing In Paris

8st 11lb

T: Ian Williams

Reserve; acts on good to soft, much more to prove on soft; came back to the boil to win a Shergar Cup race at Ascot (2m) two weeks ago and peak efforts last term, including a 2m fourth at this meeting, were a bit better; with 4lb penalty, though, a career best may nevertheless be required.

40/1

1st

4

(3)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Dancing In Paris

9st 6lb

J: L J Ferraris

T: Ian Williams

Third in a 1m4f handicap at this meeting two years ago and his run over the same trip here 15 days ago was a step back in the right direction; has some appealing form to his name at 2m, so very much in the mix.

12/1

5th

5

(3)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:05 Ascot

Dancing In Paris

9st 7lb

J: David Egan

T: Ian Williams

Course winner over 1m6f (also has two wins at 1m4f) but he hasn't scored since August 2024; posted a couple of mighty seconds in big handicaps on AW and turf last term but he's yet to get going in two starts this year; dangerous mark if he can stage a revival and the market might be revealing.

16/1

33/1

Form: 7-3370

Last run: 81 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
In top form at start of season and kept on for Listed third at Goodwood (1m4f, good) in May; versatile ground-wise; however, she's finished down the field in handicaps on last two starts and has to turn things around.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(2)

15th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 50y

Class 3

15:14 Nottingham

Loughville

9st 12lb

J: David Egan

T: Alan King

Third on her first two runs this season (1m6f/1m4f, good to soft/good) and a case can be made on that form but down the field on her last three outings and she needs to get back on track now back down in trip.

14/1

13th

7

(8)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

15:00 Haydock

Loughville

9st 3lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Alan King

In top form at start of season and kept on for Listed third at Goodwood (1m4f, good) in May; versatile ground-wise; however, she's finished down the field in handicaps on last two starts and has to turn things around.

33/1

Form: 45-800

Last run: 57 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Continues to drop down the weights but, after finishing mid-division here in May on his seasonal/stable debut, he's been well beaten on his last two starts; plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(2)

6th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:33 Newmarket (July)

Imperial Sovereign

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Philip Kirby

On a long losing sequence, being 0-21 since debut win; however, beat all bar a subsequent scorer last time, over 1m6f at Chester, and appears to hold a fighting chance off the same mark, which is 22lb lower than his peak one.

9/2

2nd

2

(8)

11th Jul 2026

Good

1m 6f 87y

Class 4

17:32 Chester

Imperial Sovereign

9st 12lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Philip Kirby

No wins since an odds-on debut success for Karl Burke back in 2023; well handicapped on his old form but he's been well held in his last three runs including over 1m6f at York (good) two weeks ago; down the list.

9/1

4th

4

(4)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 4

15:38 York

Imperial Sovereign

9st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Philip Kirby

No wins since an odds-on debut success for Karl Burke back in 2023 but he's run with credit on plenty of occasions; that wasn't the case at Chester last time, however, and on balance he's opposable despite this career-low mark.

12/1

Form: 311/95 C

Last run: 50 days

W: 8st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Won three times in 2023, including twice here (1m4f/1m2f, good to firm/heavy), and he's below his last winning mark; missed all of 2024; didn't run badly over C&D (good) in July and could improve for that first outing since January, but this 7yo has to prove he retains his old ability.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

9

(7)

19th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

In The Breeze

9st 3lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Henrietta C Knight

Only his second attempt over this far in a 31-race career came at Goodwood (soft) ten weeks ago when he came from the rear in a six-runner race to win by 5l; 6lb higher today (with more to prove if the ground is firmer than good) but new horizons as a stayer have been opened up.

22/1

1st

2

(6)

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:10 Goodwood

In The Breeze

9st 8lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Henrietta C Knight

Had a 1m4f win for Mick Appleby last September and another for Henrietta Knight at Thirsk this April; however, no show in a more competitive race on latest start, has never won over further than 1m4f and, although probably stays 1m6f, his sole attempt at 2m (final start last term) was not persuasive.

20/1

11th

8

(14)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

14:55 Ascot

In The Breeze

9st 3lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Henrietta C Knight

Won at Pontefract (1m4f, good to soft) for Mick Appleby last September and bounced back from below-par efforts to end 2025 when making a successful start for the Henrietta Knight stable over 1m4f at Thirsk (good) four weeks ago; did that readily but this looks significantly tougher than that five-runner affair.

16/1

Non-runners

Tashkhan, Torcello

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £38.40
Straight Forecast £27.83
Tricast £259.23
Trifecta £487.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Dramatic Star

TOPSPEED:

Align The Stars

POSTDATA:

Stressfree

Telegraph:

Dancing In Paris

RP RATINGS:

Master Builder

The Guardian:

The Reverend

Daily Record:

Paddy The Squire

The Times:

Adjuvant

NEWMARKET:

Dramatic Star

The Sun:

Dramatic Star

The Star:

Dramatic Star

D Express:

Align The Stars

Daily Mirror:

Stressfree

Daily Mail:

Dancing In Paris