16.25
SoftRacing To School Reaches 250,000 Handicap
- Prize money: £18039
- 0m 6f 0y
- Class 2
- 19 runners
Runners: 19 runners
Type: Flat Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Light rain
12/1
Form: 7-6787
Last run: 34 days
W: 10st 0lb
5 yo Colt
OR: 97
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 9 (3) |
31st May 2026 Good 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
8st 13lb |
Beaten on his last 20 starts going back to June 2023 but he's shown promise in fifth this spring on his first two starts for this yard, most recently behind a couple of these in a big field at York (6f, good); he continues to edge down the weights and might not be far away. |
10/1 |
|
5th 14 (1) |
13th May 2026 Good 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
8st 13lb |
Beaten on his last 19 starts going back to June 2023 but, following a wind op, he was an encouraging fifth off his reduced mark behind Strike Red on last month's stable and seasonal debut at Leicester (6f, good to firm), where he was short of room late on; could build on that with a big run today. |
12/1 |
|
5th 9 (1) |
25th Apr 2026 Good To Firm 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
8st 12lb |
Two 5f wins for Roger Varian but latest was in June 2023 and he was quiet last season; returns for new yard after wind surgery but he has a mixed record when fresh and this is highly competitive; down the list. |
10/1 |
16/1
Form: 822130 C
Last run: 14 days
W: 9st 12lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 95
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 1 (8) |
25th May 2026 Good 0m 5f 217y Class 4 |
9st 11lb |
Getting on for four years since he last contested a Class 4 handicap; in better form than his figures suggest, having nowhere to go at a crucial stage at Windsor two weeks ago, and he is one to take seriously. |
6/1 |
|
6th 3 (7) |
11th May 2026 Good To Firm 0m 6f 12y Class 3 |
9st 6lb |
C&D win off a 3lb higher mark last July; none too consistent on AW over the winter but it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see him bounce back to form returned to turf. |
12/1 |
33/1
Form: 7-8200 D
Last run: 35 days
W: 9st 11lb
6 yo Colt
OR: 94
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 1 (6) |
30th May 2026 Good 0m 6f 0y Class 5 |
10st 0lb |
Ex-Irish 7yo who had a much higher mark this time last year; well backed all day and on course when winning over C&D 12 days ago, and there's every chance he can defy a 3lb rise under Ashley Lewis, who has plenty of experience for his 3lb claim in this company. |
Evs |
|
1st 3 (4) |
18th May 2026 Good 0m 6f 0y Class 5 |
9st 9lb |
Useful in Ireland in his younger days but has come 22lb down the weights in the space of a year for this yard; capable of popping up at this lower level but others have stronger claims. |
12/1 |
16/1
Form: 000-00 CD
Last run: 35 days
W: 9st 11lb
6 yo Colt
OR: 94
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 (14) |
6th Sep 2025 Soft 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 11lb |
Looked the proverbial Group horse in a handicap when sauntering to success over C&D in May 2023 on soft ground; more bad days than good since then but flashes last season that he was still a top-notch sprinter on his day, as when third in the Wokingham off a 6lb higher mark than today's; no better than midfield in two feature handicaps this summer but he didn't run too badly at Goodwood and he has too much ability to discount under these conditions. |
16/1 |
|
14 (3) |
2nd Aug 2025 Soft 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 2lb |
Has let his supporters down in a host of top handicaps since looking to have the sprinting scene at his mercy in early 2023; has run to form only sporadically in the last two years but his good days are still very good, as when third in last season's Wokingham off a 3lb higher mark; never threatened in this year's Wokingham but it was after an absence and better can be expected this afternoon; stable won this in 2015 and 2019. |
25/1 |
|
17th 15 (26) |
21st Jun 2025 Good To Firm 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 2lb |
Made a very bright start to his handicap career when winning twice in the spring of 2023 before a never-nearer sixth of 27 in this race; maddeningly in and out since but he was nevertheless an excellent close third in this (good to firm) under Saffie Osborne 12 months ago and the lack of a recent run isn't necessarily a drawback; no surprise to see his grey head loom up late. |
14/1 |
12/1
Form: -00328 D
Last run: 14 days
W: 9st 10lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 93
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 (11) |
24th Oct 2025 Heavy 0m 6f 2y Class 2 |
9st 9lb |
Record of 0-7 this year but he has encouraging recent form; ties in closely with Brosay on penultimate effort and ran well, faring best of the near-side group, in the Ayr Gold Cup (6f, soft) latest; wears cheekpieces for first time on home soil; major contender. |
3/1 |
|
23 (14) |
20th Sep 2025 Good To Soft 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 0lb |
Reinvigorated by gelding/wind operations in March; good seconds at York and Ascot either side of a York eighth (behind Northern Ticker) where plenty went wrong; 3lb ahead of the handicapper; capable of being involved. |
16/1 |
|
5 (7) |
6th Sep 2025 Soft 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 10lb |
Gelded and underwent wind surgery after an unsuccessful stint in Bahrain over the winter; two good runs in 6f handicaps in midsummer, notably his York second in July (6f, good); only eighth back at that track two weeks ago but he stumbled leaving the stalls and then got a bump in the final furlong when still in contention for a place; missed an intended run due to soft ground as a 2yo and could probably do with it drying out. |
12/1 |
12/1
Form: -04450 D
Last run: 42 days
W: 9st 9lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 5 (2) |
16th May 2026 Good 0m 7f 0y Class 3 |
9st 4lb |
Promising reappearance after wind surgery when fourth at Newcastle (6f) but has taken two backward steps since; has his first run beyond sprint distances here and needs to bounce back after seven weeks off. |
9/1 |
|
8th 6 (2) |
27th Mar 2026 Standard 0m 6f 0y Class 3 |
9st 6lb |
Promising reappearance after wind surgery when fourth of 14 over C&D in January but failed to build on that when only sixth of seven at Lingfield (6f) four weeks ago; bounce back needed. |
11/1 |
|
6th 5 (7) |
27th Feb 2026 Standard 0m 6f 1y Class 2 |
8st 10lb |
Excelled as a 3yo but found the handicapper in command last year; promising reappearance at Newcastle six weeks ago (first run after wind surgery) and he is on a dangerous mark; widest stall to deal with but foolish to discount. |
7/1 |
16/1
Form: 314-00 CD
Last run: 42 days
W: 9st 9lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10th 2 (1) |
30th Oct 2025 Standard 0m 7f 14y Class 3 |
9st 11lb |
Useful handicapper on his day and 4lb lower than when winning at his beloved Ascot (6f, soft) in September last year, but hasn't shone in three starts on turf/Tapeta since returning in June. |
14/1 |
|
10th 2 (1) |
30th Oct 2025 Standard 0m 7f 14y Class 3 |
9st 11lb |
Useful handicapper on his day and 4lb lower than when winning at his beloved Ascot (6f, soft) in September last year, but hasn't shone in three starts on turf/Tapeta since returning in June. |
14/1 |
|
7 (15) |
6th Sep 2025 Soft 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 9lb |
Four of his five wins have come at Ascot, including when registering his only win since 2022 in the corresponding race 12 months ago; that was run at a crawl though and subsequent efforts don't suggest he is the answer. |
16/1 |
33/1
Form: 1-5970 D
Last run: 141 days
W: 9st 9lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11th 2 (8) |
16th May 2026 Good 0m 6f 2y Class 4 |
9st 9lb |
Long time since he won on turf and isn't as good now but remains consistent; returns from three months off but he can go well fresh; down to a career-low mark but he'd have preferred plenty of rain. |
14/1 |
|
6th 1 (4) |
12th Feb 2026 Standard 0m 6f 0y Class 4 |
9st 11lb |
Ran well in a 0-90 at Wolverhampton (6f, AW) in December and was only beaten around 2l when fifth of seven there nine days ago; now 5lb below his last winning mark but this isn't guaranteed to be run to suit his hold-up style. |
4/1 |
|
5th 1 (3) |
3rd Feb 2026 Standard 0m 6f 20y Class 4 |
9st 11lb |
Conditions suit and he ran well for third in a stronger race over C&D in late December; not so good at Newcastle two weeks ago but he's still a key player dropped into a Class 4. |
3/1 |
8/1
Form: 15-127 D BF
Last run: 57 days
W: 9st 9lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 94
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11th 7 (16) |
13th May 2026 Good 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 7lb |
Lightly raced 4yo who, having been gelded, won two in a row over 6f on AW earlier this year; further progress cannot be ruled out but he's finished seventh on his last two starts and needs something extra today. |
14/1 |
|
7th 5 (9) |
25th Apr 2026 Good To Firm 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 6lb |
Dual turf winner who made it 2-2 on AW when completing a double at Newcastle (6f; off 4lb lower) last month; didn't fire in his hat-trick bid at Kempton but he still has potential and is not ruled out in suitable conditions back on turf. |
11/2 |
|
7th 1 (11) |
28th Mar 2026 Standard To Slow 0m 6f 0y Class 3 |
9st 13lb |
He has taken well to AW this winter, winning 6f handicaps at Lingfield and Newcastle; up only 7lb for those wins and it's quite possible there is more in the tank; not ideally drawn but Ferrous overcame stall 11 in this race two years ago. |
4/1 |
10/1
Form: 266618 D
Last run: 27 days
W: 9st 7lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
26th 25 (5) |
9th May 2026 Good 0m 7f 0y Class 2 |
8st 13lb |
Gained his final win for previous yard and sole placed effort for current stable over 7f; overall record at this trip is 2-5; gelded prior to never landing a blow in another 6f event on seasonal debut; could go well, with this step back up in distance a plausible plus. |
20/1 |
|
10th 6 (1) |
15th Apr 2026 Good 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 0lb |
Gained his final win for previous yard and sole placed effort for current stable over 7f; beaten favourite in Italian Listed race over 6f when last seen; gelded since; may ideally need a step back up in trip. |
14/1 |
|
3rd 11 (10) |
27th Sep 2025 Good 0m 7f 0y Class 2 |
9st 1lb |
Record of 2-4 over 7f includes a York success in June on final start for previous yard; still unexposed at this distance and now returns to it for first time since joining new connections; interesting. |
16/1 |
20/1
Form: 1-6700 D
Last run: 58 days
W: 9st 7lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 2 (6) |
4th Oct 2025 Good 0m 5f 0y Class 1 |
9st 3lb |
Came good last autumn, winning three times, and he confirmed that this is his time of year by posting a personal best to beat his 24 rivals in the Ayr Silver Cup (6f, soft; made all) two weeks ago; hasn't run over 5f since the early part of his 2yo campaign but gives the impression this trip may well suit; well worth his place back in a Listed race and set for a bold show. |
9/2 |
|
1st 10 (16) |
20th Sep 2025 Good To Soft 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 10lb |
Often leads; ended 2yo season with a flourish, three 6f wins including one at this meeting and a Listed Redcar race (good and soft); has failed to shine this year but conditions are more in his favour today; revival possible; one of three for the yard. |
12/1 |
|
11 (19) |
6th Sep 2025 Soft 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 7lb |
Ended 2024 in fine form, completing a hat-trick when winning the Listed Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar last October (6f, soft); the handicapper has been in command this year but he's dropped 6lb in his last two starts and getting back on a slower surface is in his favour; has the rail draw and can make the runnning; revival expected. |
20/1 |
33/1
Form: 1-9680 D
Last run: 35 days
W: 9st 7lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
16th 6 (9) |
29th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 0m 6f 2y Class 3 |
9st 3lb |
Sprung an 80-1 surprise at Chelmsford in October (6f; dead-heated) but failed to back it up at Southwell two weeks later; others look safer. |
33/1 |
|
11th 9 (12) |
31st Oct 2025 Standard 0m 6f 16y Class 3 |
9st 6lb |
Listed winner at 2yrs for Karl Burke; struggled initially for this yard but he returned to from out of the blue when making all to win (dead-heated with reopposing Artagnan) at Chelmsford two weeks ago; still has handicapping scope despite a 2lb rise. |
4/1 |
|
9 (12) |
31st Oct 2025 Standard 0m 6f 16y Class 3 |
9st 6lb |
Listed winner at 2yrs for Karl Burke; struggled initially for this yard but he returned to from out of the blue when making all to win (dead-heated with reopposing Artagnan) at Chelmsford two weeks ago; still has handicapping scope despite a 2lb rise. |
4/1 |
10/1
Form: 220661 D
Last run: 23 days
W: 9st 6lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 91
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12th 2 (1) |
30th May 2026 Good To Firm 0m 5f 182y Class 3 |
9st 10lb |
Back-to-back 6f wins at Windsor (good to firm) and Ascot (good to soft) in 2025; has taken a while to get going this season but he shaped as if coming to the boil when sixth of 14 at Newbury (led briefly over 1f out) two weeks ago; back to his last winning mark and should be at concert pitch now. |
12/1 |
|
6th 10 (7) |
16th May 2026 Good 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 0lb |
Proved somewhat resurgent at Ascot last week in third start for Charlie Pike and may build on that effort; only 1lb above last winning mark and can't be ruled out. |
20/1 |
|
5th 3 (3) |
8th May 2026 Good 0m 6f 0y Class 3 |
9st 8lb |
Two 6f wins at the end of last summer, at Windsor (good to firm) and over C&D (good to soft); just 2lb higher than for the latter but he's hard to assess now, having been well held over an inadequate 5f on his yard debut (AW) then eased following serious interference at Newbury; too much to prove just now but one to keep an eye on. |
16/1 |
25/1
Form: 216-8 D
Last run: 181 days
W: 9st 6lb
3 yo Filly
OR: 91
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 1 (2) |
11th May 2026 Good 0m 5f 212y Class 5 |
10st 2lb |
A 2yo winner over 6f (very soft) in France but she's been high in the weights since trained in Britain and little sign of that changing in two runs this year; down another 2lb but likely that it isn't enough. |
9/1 |
|
8th 3 (7) |
23rd Apr 2026 Good 0m 5f 0y Class 4 |
9st 7lb |
Won over 6f in France (very soft) as 2yo; couldn't cope with high marks in Britain last year and made no serious impact on reappearance at Doncaster (6f, good to soft) last month; may need more weight off her back. |
20/1 |
|
9th 17 (17) |
29th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 0m 6f 2y Class 3 |
8st 7lb |
6f winner in France as a 2yo; found life tough in four sprint handicap runs for Gemma Tutty last year, showing her best form when third of eight at Pontefract on the second occasion; may need more help from the handicapper. |
50/1 |
4/1
Form: 5-1132 D BF
Last run: 50 days
W: 9st 6lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 91
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 6 (2) |
2nd May 2026 Good 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 6lb |
Promising for Charles Hills as a 3yo, winning a C&D handicap at the Craven meeting before a good third from a tricky draw at York; ended 2025 with a low-key run at Ascot but, having been switched to Andrew Balding's stable, he created a huge impression here 17 days ago, supported as though defeat was out of the question and winning accordingly; 8lb well in and looks a Group horse in waiting; obvious chance for the stable that won this prize in 2021 and 2024. |
10/11 |
|
1st 7 (12) |
15th Apr 2026 Good 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
8st 13lb |
Progressive sort for Charles Hills until disappointing in September on last appearance; commenced last season with two wins, including over C&D at this meeting, and warrants plenty of respect back here on debut for Andrew Balding with a resumption of improvement possible. |
11/4 |
|
15 (17) |
6th Sep 2025 Soft 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 6lb |
Began the season with two 6f wins (AW and good to soft); beaten in handicaps on his last two starts but he ran a screamer from a tricky draw at York and then found only one too strong in a hot renewal of the Scottish Stewards' Cup seven weeks ago; surely still ahead of his mark and he's of obvious interest on ground that won't faze him; stable hardly firing in the winners but he still makes the shortlist. |
4/1 |
5/1
Form: 14-712 D
Last run: 21 days
W: 9st 5lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 90
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 6 (9) |
13th May 2026 Good 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 8lb |
Promising 3yo last season and things clicked in a major way with a dominant win in a big-field C&D handicap (good) last October when last seen; he's entered in the Group 1 Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and this lightly raced sort is in excellent hands to continue to progress; strong contender. |
9/2 |
|
18 (6) |
11th Oct 2025 Good 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
8st 11lb |
Patiently ridden 3yo who won in good style at Ayr (6f, good to soft) in July and was anything but disgraced after a slow start when sixth of 25 in the Silver Cup there three weeks ago; gives the impression there's still more in the tank and he'll be dangerous if getting the breaks. |
6/1 |
|
6th 13 (19) |
20th Sep 2025 Good To Soft 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 8lb |
Has benefited from the drop to 6f, dismissing his rivals in fine style over C&D (good to soft) in July and likely finding the ground on the quick side in subsequent runs at Newmarket and Ascot (where sprint times suggested the going was quicker than the official good to soft); comes right into it now the conditions have eased. |
9/2 |
25/1
Form: -12150 D
Last run: 126 days
W: 9st 4lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 89
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 5 (10) |
28th May 2026 Good To Firm 0m 6f 3y Class 4 |
9st 5lb |
Ended 2025 with two good AW runs at Kempton; down the field in three AW starts this year and he had been given a wind op before weakening on his return to turf at Windsor (6f, good to firm) 17 days ago; nothing wrong with this mark and he drops in grade but the jury's out at the moment. |
16/1 |
|
7th 10 (1) |
11th May 2026 Good To Firm 0m 6f 12y Class 3 |
8st 11lb |
Ended 2025 with two good AW runs at Kempton; down the field in three AW runs this year but he has had a wind op since last seen; unplaced in four turf runs but the defeats have been in good races and he has shown promise on grass; well drawn and his 7lb lower turf mark heightens interest. |
8/1 |
|
10th 2 (3) |
3rd Apr 2026 Standard 0m 6f 1y Class 3 |
9st 6lb |
Below best on both runs this year but failed to settle at Kempton last time, when a wide draw also didn't help; twice went close at Kempton (6f) towards the end of last year and this C&D winner is not written off. |
13/2 |
25/1
Form: -78027
Last run: 23 days
W: 9st 4lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 89
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 (7) |
23rd May 2026 Good 0m 5f 0y Class 2 |
9st 8lb |
Ended 2025 better than ever and he made an encouraging return to action when second at Goodwood (5f, good) at the start of this month; has run well over C&D in the past; solid credentials. |
15/2 |
|
2nd 9 (5) |
1st May 2026 Good 0m 5f 0y Class 2 |
8st 10lb |
Ended 2025 better than ever (cheekpieces on and tongue tied) with Haydock victory and fourth at Ascot (both 5f); yard is going well so he's very much one to consider on his return. |
10/1 |
14/1
Form: 820387 CD
Last run: 9 days
W: 8st 12lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 81
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
19 (10) |
6th Sep 2025 Soft 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
8st 12lb |
Has five C&D wins on his resume, including two Wokinghams and two Group 3s; getting on for two years since his last win though and this might be too competitive these days. |
14/1 |
|
3 (11) |
28th Aug 2025 Standard 0m 6f 16y Class 4 |
10st 0lb |
Hold-up sprinter who has been a source of frustration since his last win in October 2023; on a lowly mark and his four C&D runs this year have all been competitive; shouldn't be far away. |
9/1 |
|
8th 7 (5) |
8th Jul 2025 Good To Firm 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
8st 11lb |
Landed the Wokingham in 2021 and 2022; on a long losing sequence but ran encouragingly in big field at Newbury most recently; fighting chance off current mark. |
11/2 |
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £157.00 |
| Straight Forecast | £113.85 |
| Tricast | £416.50 |
| Trifecta | £724.80 |