September 20 / 16.25 Newbury

16.25

Good To Soft

Conundrum Consulting Handicap

  • Prize money: £16200
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
Conundrum Consulting Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

OUR TIP

Form: 000427 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Showed very useful form on the continent; 0-7 in Britain but recent form is encouraging, notably close second at Sandown (7f, soft) on penultimate start; could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

8

(12)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Tarkhan

9st 4lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Listed win in Germany in October 2024 and went close at Sandown and Newbury last term; however, after a disappointing October he made it 0-10 for the season and this is a tough race in which to try to break his British duck.

50/1

1

(10)

24th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:35 Newbury

Tarkhan

10st 2lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Smart on the continent, including on testing ground; 0-9 for Jamie Osborne but he has run some good races, including a near miss over C&D last month; not so good at Ascot since but returning to Class 3 will be in his favour.

12/1

9

(10)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Tarkhan

8st 12lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Smart on the continent; some notable form in eight defeats for this yard, last time going down narrowly in a Class 3 at Newbury (7f, good to soft; second-time cheekpieces); however, he was behind four of these here the time before.

16/1

Form: 129093 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Versatile ground-wise; won at Doncaster then ran well at Royal Ascot (7f) in June; unlucky third (might have won with clearer run) returned to Doncaster last Sunday; major contender off same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(4)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

18:45 Doncaster

Akkadian Thunder

10st 1lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

In good form last June, winning off this mark over C&D (good) before an excellent second at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm); some fair efforts this season and on a good mark now; not out of it.

4/1

6th

7

(1)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Newmarket (July)

Akkadian Thunder

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Beaten on his last 14 starts and he's been expensive to follow in that time, but he was denied a clear run at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) last month and again ran well when fifth of 19 at York (7f, good) last time; could be thereabouts.

11/2

Form: 5-3503 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Suited by ground softer than good; has form figures of 1153 (and progressive RPRs) over 7f, most recently running well in competitive handicap at Ascot dropped back to this trip last time; enters calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19th

2

(3)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:25 York

Mirabeau

10st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Dominic Ffrench Davis

Snapped a losing sequence in big field at Newbury (6f, good) in April and good second there (6f, good) since; won over C&D in 2024 2yo campaign and he should be fine back up to 7f; bang in form and he's one to consider.

8/1

2nd

7

(4)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Mirabeau

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Dominic Ffrench Davis

Narrowly regained the winning thread in big field over C&D (good) last time when dropped back to 6f for first time since debut; unexposed at this trip and still looks favourably treated back up just 3lb; respected.

5/1

1st

6

(4)

17th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:25 Newbury

Mirabeau

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Dominic Ffrench Davis

Campaigned over as far as 10.3f and this will be his first 6f run since his 2yo debut; well beaten in the Lincoln on his reappearance (1m, good to soft); dangerous mark judged on best 2025 effort (7f, good to soft); trip is a query but Oisin Murphy a notable booking.

16/1

12/1

Form: 3-7930

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Suited by softer than good; best effort in Class 2 handicaps over 7f this season when third at Chester in June; ran well in the Mill Reef and Horris Hill at Newbury last autumn; interesting back here and dropped in grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

4

(5)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 212y

Class 3

16:40 Haydock

Star Anthem

9st 13lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Clive Cox

Has gone off big odds and finished well held on last three starts, latest on reappearance after being gelded; slipping in the weights but needs a revival.

25/1

27th

18

(8)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Star Anthem

9st 3lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Clive Cox

Record is only 1-10, the success in 2yo maiden; has bits of useful form, including at Group level, but his handicap record is rather unconvincing; chance of doubling his tally partly depends on the effects of two physical tweaks (had gelding/wind operations since last run).

33/1

Form: 490336 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Suited by good/firmer; won the Hungerford Stakes over C&D in 2022 but failed to take advantage of a reduced mark in handicap back here most recently; losing sequence is mounting up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(8)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:32 Newmarket (July)

Jumby

9st 11lb

J: Oliver Carmichael

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

His last win was was in 2023 but that was a Group 3 event and he went close behind Where's Freddy over C&D (good to firm; 3-1 favourite) 13 days ago; on same mark here and he's a big player if he can repeat that form; visor added.

4/1

2nd

1

(4)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:42 Newmarket (July)

Jumby

10st 0lb

J: Oliver Carmichael

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

On a three-year losing run and nothing like the force of old but his current mark reflects that and this is a good bit easier than the two handicaps he tackled in the spring; no surprise were this class dropper to go well with his yard among the winners.

8/1

12th

29

(24)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Jumby

8st 12lb

J: Oliver Carmichael

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Two-time Group winner over 7f but is on a near three-year losing spell and current mark reflects that he's not the force of old (admittedly showed bits of useful form in 2025); needs to step up on reappearance effort; failed to shine in the last two runnings of this contest.

33/1

Form: 115-33 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Unraced on softer than good; couple of solid handicap efforts at Goodwood (1m1f/1m) since belated return to action, taking record to 411533; gained one of his 2yo wins over C&D; has progressive RPRs; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(20)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Linwood

9st 12lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Richard Hannon

Has a progressive profile and made it three wins from eight attempts when easily making all at Newmarket (1m, good to soft) last November; subsequently gelded; a 10lb rise means he'll need another personal best but he's a low-mileage 4yo who may have more in the tank.

12/1

1st

3

(9)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:17 Newmarket

Linwood

9st 12lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Richard Hannon

Low-mileage 3yo who returned with cracking thirds in 1m1f/1m Goodwood handicaps in August; didn't find much after moving up looking a threat at Newbury (7f, good to soft) last month but the Goodwood efforts are solid and he's given another chance.

4/1

Form: 03144- D

Last run: 268 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Scored at Goodwood (1m, good) during a generally consistent 2024 campaign; however, remains on career-high mark and badly lacks recent match practice having been absent since last December.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(8)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:35 Newbury

Christian David

9st 1lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

0-8 this season but he's been bubbling under, and he'd have gone close to winning at Haydock (7f, good) last Saturday but for being badly hampered inside the final 1f; dangerous if he's fully recovered from that.

11/2

3rd

5

(5)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 3

15:34 Haydock

Christian David

9st 8lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Mixed form this season but last two efforts creditable and the way his challenge petered out late on over 1m at Ascot a fortnight ago suggests this return to 7f could prove ideal.

9/2

5th

8

(6)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Ascot

Christian David

8st 10lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Mixed form this season but kept on well for close fourth at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) last Saturday; might not be far away back up to 1m.

9/1

Form: P29704 D BF

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Two wins last year for previous yard; 0-6 for current stable but was an eyecatching fourth, amid major traffic issues, when favourite at Haydock (7f, good) most recently; clear possibilities off same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(11)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 212y

Class 3

16:40 Haydock

Arctic Thunder

9st 9lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Failed to make the frame on first four starts this season but revived with a 7l win in four-runner race at Salisbury (1m, good to firm); what that form is worth is open to question and he's back up 7lb, but at least the third has won since.

15/2

1st

3

(1)

21st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:51 Salisbury

Arctic Thunder

9st 5lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Usually held up in rear; hasn't won since his 2yo days but has slipped to an attractive mark and could pop up when the cards drop right, which admittedly isn't guaranteed in this small-field scenario; less exposed at 1m than over shorter.

9/2

Form: -22246 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Low-mileage 4yo who has raced mainly on AW; unable to sustain his progressive RPRs the last twice but gives the impression he's still in form; went close in sole turf attempt and is unexposed in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(5)

25th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Believe The Storm

9st 7lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Charlie Fellowes

Made a winning debut in December 2024 and ran well in defeat on several occasions last year; signed off with a poor effort when ninth of 11 at Newbury (7f, good to soft) last September but handicapper has given him a chance if he can hit the boards running.

7/1

9

(2)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Newbury

Believe The Storm

9st 4lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Charlie Fellowes

Low-mileage 4yo who has raced mainly on AW; unable to sustain his progressive RPRs the last twice but gives the impression he's still in form; went close in sole turf attempt and is unexposed in this sphere.

12/1

Form: 243128

Last run: 51 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Punished by the assessor for a Listed effort (7f, soft) that may flatter her; failed to make much impact returned to handicap level last time and again looks unfavourably treated; gained last win off a stone lower.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(11)

3rd Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:49 Salisbury

Fleetwater

9st 3lb

J: David Egan

T: J S Moore

Won over C&D (good to firm) in June before respectable eighth of 20 at Glorious Goodwood (6f, good; second of six in near-side group); versatile ground-wise and has run really well on both visits to Salisbury; chance.

12/1

8th

7

(21)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:55 Goodwood

Fleetwater

9st 0lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: J S Moore

Close up over C&D in June (soft) and gained her first win away from Windsor when challenging 1f out and just holding on at Salisbury (6f, good to firm) on latest start; 2lb rise is no big deal but this race is way deeper.

25/1

1st

6

(1)

30th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:37 Salisbury

Fleetwater

9st 2lb

J: David Egan

T: J S Moore

Has performed creditably a few times this term but her form surprisingly dipped at Windsor last time, has gained both wins at that venue; others preferred.

10/1

Form: 320079 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Defied a higher mark at Glorious Goodwood last season and placed a few times on AW this year (up to April); not in top form since returning from a break and needs to stage a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

12

(5)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

14:05 Chester

Blue Prince

8st 10lb

J: J F Egan

T: David Evans

Normally ridden to be produced late, as when successful at Salisbury (7f, good) in June, but was given a straightforward ride to land a claimer over C&D (good) 20 days ago; this looks tougher however and more is required.

14/1

1st

4

(4)

2nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

16:22 Chester

Blue Prince

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: David Evans

The last run wasn't his best (four ran) but he was bang there in his four previous races, all handicaps at 7f/1m; drops into a claimer on favourable terms and must have every chance; has run well here before.

5/4

3rd

2

(3)

21st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:51 Salisbury

Blue Prince

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Evans

Justified favouritism at Salisbury (7f, good) on penultimate start and consistent otherwise this season; creditable third at Kempton (1m, AW) last time; still well treated on peak form, which includes a win off 4lb higher at Glorious Goodwood two years ago; solid.

15/8

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £327.80
Straight Forecast £309.70
Tricast £1717.95
Trifecta £1785.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Linwood

Daily Mirror:

Akkadian Thunder

NEWMARKET:

Believe The Storm

LAMBOURN:

Mirabeau

TOPSPEED:

Arctic Thunder

The Star:

Tarkhan

D Express:

Blue Prince

POSTDATA:

Jumby

RP RATINGS:

Linwood

The Times:

Linwood

Telegraph:

Linwood

The Guardian:

Linwood

Daily Mail:

Linwood

Daily Record:

Linwood

The Sun:

Akkadian Thunder