April 18 / 15.10 Newbury

15.10

Good

Win Unique Experiences At OLBG Prizes Spring Cup Handicap

  • Prize money: £36078
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 24 runners
ITV
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Win Unique Experiences At OLBG Prizes Spring Cup Handicap

Runners: 24 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

OUR TIP

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £12.30
  • Place: £3.20

Form: /3351- C

Last run: 168 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
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.
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

12/1

  • Place: £5.50

Form: 42128- D BF

Last run: 245 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Chased home Ebt's Guard and Urban Lion in this race last year and he's better off at the weights with both; ran a cracker when dropped to 7f for valuable event at Ascot last summer; hasn't been seen for eight months but he'll be dangerous if cherry ripe.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(12)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Classic

9st 6lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Prevailed by a neck from Indalo at Newbury in May but has been unable to confirm the placings in the Royal Hunt Cup and Coral Challenge; current mark is stiffer than the one off which he finished sixth, amid traffic issues, in this race two years ago.

16/1

8th

6

(5)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Classic

9st 1lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Prevailed by a neck from Indalo at Newbury in May; unable to confirm the placings in the Royal Hunt Cup but wasn't disgraced; successful on this card in 2023 (7f handicap) and 2025 (this race); solid claims back here.

10/1

12/1

  • Place: £6.70

Form: 0220-0

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
On a 14-race losing sequence but he was runner-up three times last term, including when beaten a head at Glorious Goodwood (1m1f, good); went off third favourite in a big field at the Curragh on reappearance but didn't give his running; on a retrieval mission with Ryan Moore booked.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(4)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

14:05 Chester

Whip Cracker

9st 6lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Richard Hughes

0-16 on turf but usually runs his race; runner-up at this track (10.5f, good) when last seen in May; may find this on the sharp side having not been seen in races less than 1m since his juvenile days.

7/1

2nd

7

(12)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Whip Cracker

9st 4lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Richard Hughes

Without a win since his second start as a 2yo, but several good efforts since as when beaten a length into third of 24 in the Newbury Spring Cup (1m, good ) last month; Ryan Moore keeps the ride and rain shouldn't be an issue, but the draw could have been kinder.

6/1

3rd

16

(22)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Whip Cracker

9st 1lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Richard Hughes

On a 14-race losing sequence but he was runner-up three times last term, including when beaten a head at Glorious Goodwood (1m1f, good); went off third favourite in a big field at the Curragh on reappearance but didn't give his running; on a retrieval mission with Ryan Moore booked.

12/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 15324- C

Last run: 166 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo; consistent last season, winning in cosy fashion at this meeting (7f, good) and going down narrowly when stepped up in trip at Goodwood (1m, good) in the autumn; reappears having been gelded and with his stable in form; interesting contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(3)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Newbury

Back In Black

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Fanshawe

Useful handicapper, runner-up in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) in July; however, well beaten at Ascot since and now faces a much higher calibre of opposition.

33/1

10th

8

(3)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Ascot

Back In Black

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Fanshawe

Admirably consistent in defeat this term and he was a close second to Aalto in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) recently; races off the same mark today (due a 2lb rise) and could again be thereabouts.

13/2

2nd

9

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Newmarket (July)

Back In Black

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Fanshawe

Reliable sort, this year over 7.5f/1m since being gelded; second on Newcastle AW with tongue-tie fitted last time; has gained both wins over a bare 7f; strong claims back down in distance.

9/2

7/1

Form: 1111-2

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Progressive 4yo; 5-6 over 7f but showed he's just as effective at 1m when making Urban Lion pull out all the stops in the Lincoln at Doncaster (good to soft) three weeks ago; 1lb better off for a nose defeat and there should be little between the pair again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(12)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Rogue Diplomat

9st 8lb

J: Harry Davies

T: James Owen

Seriously progressive this season in 1m handicaps, including a near miss in the Lincoln (good to soft; won on soft) and victory in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot (good to firm); dispelled any doubts about his Group-race credentials when emerging from last in a steadily run race to push Lake Forest to a neck in the 7f Lennox at Glorious Goodwood (good); that effort deserves an upgrade, so he's in the mix.

12/1

2nd

6

(8)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Goodwood

Rogue Diplomat

9st 6lb

J: Harry Davies

T: James Owen

Progressive handicapper who landed the Hunt Cup from favourable draw at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm) most recently; faces a stiffer task on these terms but possibly hasn't reached his ceiling yet and a strike-rate of 5-6 over 7f bodes well.

10/1

1st

28

(33)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Rogue Diplomat

9st 0lb

J: Harry Davies

T: James Owen

Failed to fire in French Listed race last time; broadly progressive in handicaps and went close in the Lincoln when bidding for a five-timer (ran creditably in Spring Cup next time); however, chance partly depends on the weather, as he's ideally suited by ground softer than good.

16/1

Form: 00920- C

Last run: 189 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
In and out last season for Michael Bell, the high points coming when second in big fields at York (good to firm) in May and the Curragh (good to yielding) in September; all his best efforts have come over 1m2f so today's shorter distance is a concern but it's possible he'll be freshened up by a change of stable (same owner).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(1)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 218y

Class 2

14:35 Goodwood

Tony Montana

10st 0lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Losing run is mounting up but he remains useful and shaped well over 1m2f at Glorious Goodwood most recently, leaving the impression this return to 1m4f is worth exploring; possibilities off the same mark.

7/2

4th

15

(18)

28th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Tony Montana

8st 11lb

J: Toby Moore

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Beaten on his last 13 starts going back to May 2024 but he's run some big races and wasn't discredited in his two starts this term; third and tenth in the last two runnings of this race; claimer ridden for the first time as a handicapper and worth a second look despite wide draw.

16/1

8th

4

(5)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:55 York

Tony Montana

9st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Beaten on his last 12 starts going back to May 2024 but he's run some big races in the meantime, including when beaten a head in this last year (good to firm) off the same mark as today; reappeared with solid sixth of 24 on stable debut in the Spring Cup at Newbury (1m, good); can be in the mix.

5/1

Form: 1/960- D

Last run: 280 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
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.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:45 York

Hand Of God

9st 8lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Harry Charlton

5yo who has raced only ten times; looked very promising in the first part of the 2024 season and things clicked again with a 2l win at Newbury (1m2f, good) two months ago; possible player after a 5lb rise.

9/1

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

16/1

Form: 21456- C

Last run: 204 days

W: 8st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Reliable last season, going close under a positive Sam Hitchcott ride over C&D (good) in May; met some trouble at Newmarket on final start; not discounted, although he'll need a career best from his current mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(8)

3rd Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:24 Salisbury

Boyfriend

10st 2lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Has not had much racing for his age and never better than this summer, producing another career best when runner-up at Goodwood (about 1m1f, good), going down narrowly to one who was ahead of his mark, both suffering interference; up 2lb; solid form chance back at 1m.

7/2

2nd

3

(12)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 11y

Class 3

17:20 Goodwood

Boyfriend

9st 10lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Fifth of 16 in this last year in a race that favoured those ridden more prominently and he's been in career-best form at Sandown on his last two starts, posting a win (1m, good) and a very creditable third of 12 (1m2f, good); could be involved.

11/1

3rd

2

(9)

12th Jun 2026

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 3

15:23 Sandown

Boyfriend

9st 9lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Usually gives his running and won with a bit in hand over 1m here two weeks ago (1m, good); goes further this afternoon and off a career-high mark (4lb higher), so likely to need more.

6/1

9th
22 (17)
Stem

12/1

Form: /3022- C BF

Last run: 210 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Has run only five times and he signed off for last season with a personal best when second of 15 over C&D (good to soft) in September; has been gelded and makes his reappearance with his potential still intact; one of four runners for Richard Hannon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

12

(6)

29th Aug 2026

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

14:15 Sandown

Stem

9st 1lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Only 2lb higher than when winning over C&D (good to firm) in July, and he's still well handicapped judged on the pick of his form from last autumn; saddle slipped when down the field in the Shergar Cup three weeks ago; tactically versatile, and plenty of rain would not inconvenience him in the slightest; has rock-solid credentials.

9/1

10th

10

(3)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Stem

9st 6lb

J: Jamie Melham

T: Richard Hannon

Looked as though he needed further than 1m when a rallying fourth at Newmarket in June and he duly obliged returned to 1m2f at Sandown; didn't have a lot in hand that day but only went up 2lb and he could approve for going even further this afternoon.

7/1

1st

8

(6)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

17:22 Sandown

Stem

9st 5lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Off the bridle a long way out over 1m at Newmarket 15 days ago but he did stick at it for fourth of 13, suggesting this return to 1m2f for the first time this year may suit; nicely handicapped on his second at Newbury on his final 3yo start.

7/1

Form: 43639- D

Last run: 206 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Pretty consistent in Listed/Group races in 2025 without performing to his very best; losing sequence now stands at 18 and he reappears after seven months off in his first handicap since July 2022; cheekpieces left off and others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

7

(6)

20th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

15:00 York

Checkandchallenge

9st 3lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: William Knight

7yo who is winless since November 2023 but has dropped down the weights and was 4l third of 13 to The Lost King over C&D (good to firm) last month; each-way claims if acting on the ground; his last win came on heavy going but subsequent slow-ground form has been mixed.

20/1

3rd

3

(7)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Checkandchallenge

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: William Knight

He's contested quality handicaps at Newbury and Ascot on his three starts this term, performing respectably and beaten around 4l each time; this 7yo probably needs something extra to snap a long losing run but he's edging down the weights and has run some big races here; worth a second look.

10/1

10th

14

(30)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Checkandchallenge

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: William Knight

Very useful on his day and has plenty of Listed/Group form; however, needs to improve on his Newbury handicap efforts this season (beaten 4l both times) and remains badly out of the winning habit, with losing spell stretching back to 2023.

20/1

Form: 15100- D

Last run: 182 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Below par on his last two 3yo starts but he'd previously won competitive 1m events at Newmarket and York (both good to firm) in the summer, and he did well to prevail at York after having to wait for a run; only 3lb higher here and he'll be a major player if ready to roll after six months off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

15

(14)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Fifth Column

9st 4lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

A regular in notable handicaps, bagging three (over 1m) during his progressive period last term and proving resurgent when close second to Erzindjan at Newmarket (1m1f) latest start; first home in the unfavoured group in the Britannia at this meeting 12 months ago; looks set to go well.

12/1

2nd

4

(12)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Newmarket

Fifth Column

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

1m winner at Newmarket and York last summer but failed to shine on last two outings, when co-second favourite for the C&D Cambridgeshire on first occasion; only mid-division when 13-2 in the Spring Cup at Newbury two weeks ago but not beaten far and the draw looked a problem; not ruled out.

8/1

11th

7

(4)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Fifth Column

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

Below par on his last two 3yo starts but he'd previously won competitive 1m events at Newmarket and York (both good to firm) in the summer, and he did well to prevail at York after having to wait for a run; only 3lb higher here and he'll be a major player if ready to roll after six months off.

10/1

20/1

Form: 7242-2 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Equally effective at 7f and 1m and arrives in good form from the AW; could be thereabouts again, although he finished behind several of these when only seventh in this race 12 months ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(9)

12th Aug 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Cogitate

9st 7lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Dual winner (7f/1m) who has posted some good efforts at this track, including when runner-up over this C&D in March off a 4lb higher mark; two solid runs since joining this stable and has to be considered with first-time visor replacing cheekpieces.

4/1

4th

1

(6)

27th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

17:30 Southwell (AW)

Cogitate

10st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Useful 7f and 1m form in 2026, including when fifth in a higher grade at Sandown (first-time cheekpieces) in June on yard debut; however he's won just once in the last three years and although he showed useful form in a C&D novice as a 3yo, his AW runs since have come on Polytrack; shade to prove.

9/1

5th

11

(8)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:17 Sandown

Cogitate

9st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Losing run is mounting up but he ran respectably over C&D most recently (final start for Charles Hills) and ties in with unexposed Raammee on that form; possibilities off same mark, provided he takes well to first-time headgear; remains with same owner.

10/1

8/1

Form: 0714-9 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Raced too freely in the Lincoln and ended up shaping nicely in a never-nearer ninth; had ended 2025 on a high with a smooth success at Ascot (1m, soft) and a fine fourth in the Balmoral Handicap (good) over the same C&D; gets on really well with Oisin Murphy and he's back in the saddle today; still unexposed and now looks ready to strike.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

24

(26)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Shout

9st 1lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Versatile as regards ground; perhaps didn't take to visor in the Britannia at this meeting 12 months ago; creditable fourth in major handicap last October when bidding for a C&D double; possibilities back in this scenario, especially as latest effort (third at York) represented a return to form.

14/1

3rd

6

(4)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Shout

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Progressive 3yo last season (on various ground), winning a big-field 1m handicap at Ascot in September; reappeared with encouraging run in the Lincoln at Doncaster and he's not written off, but he was somewhat underwhelming in the Spring Cup at Newbury last time when favourite.

11/2

13th

9

(5)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Shout

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Raced too freely in the Lincoln and ended up shaping nicely in a never-nearer ninth; had ended 2025 on a high with a smooth success at Ascot (1m, soft) and a fine fourth in the Balmoral Handicap (good) over the same C&D; gets on really well with Oisin Murphy and he's back in the saddle today; still unexposed and now looks ready to strike.

8/1

20/1

Form: 4795-0 D

Last run: 106 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Showed his effectiveness over a straight 1m when beaten a nose in the 2025 Lincoln at Doncaster (good to soft) and he's now 3lb lower; several respectable efforts afterwards, and 6f on good ground was probably too sharp on his sole outing in Bahrain over the winter; certainly well handicapped on best form and well worth a market check after 106 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(6)

30th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:00 Goodwood

Oliver Show

9st 10lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Four AW wins, including over 1m; 0-16 on turf but he's in form, having finished fourth at Goodwood (7f) in last two starts; remains on a workable mark and enters calculations.

9/2

4th

18

(11)

29th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:40 Goodwood

Oliver Show

9st 4lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

A couple of close calls led to a frustrating campaign last year but it was a good effort when a running-on fourth to Crimson Spirit over C&D (good) in May; not seen since but he's dipped below his last winning mark and this may have been the plan; big run might be on the cards.

8/1

4th

5

(7)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:52 Goodwood

Oliver Show

9st 9lb

J: Jack Callan

T: George Boughey

Useful on his day but losing run is mounting up and two duck eggs this year leave a question mark over his current form; chance partly depends on how well he responds to the removal of usual cheekpieces.

7/1

15th
25 (10)
Hot Cash

33/1

Form: 15654- D BF

Last run: 202 days

W: 8st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Best efforts when ridden up with the pace; form tailed off in 2025 but he's now back to the same mark as when winning at Carlisle (1m, soft; handles good) last summer; gelded since last seen; stablemate of Urban Lion.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

(11)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

1m 0f 100y

Class 4

15:20 Beverley

Hot Cash

9st 7lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Jack Channon

Possible to excuse his last two efforts and was running well in defeat before that; 2lb lower than when successful at Carlisle (7.7f, soft) in June last year and, with the likely conditions not an issue, he makes the shortlist.

7/1

10th

1

(14)

25th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Hot Cash

10st 2lb

J: Rose Dawes

T: Jack Channon

Fairly useful 1m winner in 2025; back on track when runner-up in handicaps (around 1m) at Thirsk and Epsom this summer but only eighth at Sandown (1m) last time; needs to bounce back.

7/1

8th

9

(3)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:17 Sandown

Hot Cash

9st 3lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Jack Channon

Back in form and threatening to regain the winning thread, having finished a creditable second in last two starts, latest at Epsom (8.5f, good to soft) on Oaks day; back up another 2lb but can't be ruled out.

12/1

40/1

Form: -23316 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Kept busy on AW during the winter, winning over 7f at Newcastle and far from disgraced in a valuable 1m event there on Good Friday; however, his turf form is at a lower level and he'll do well to regain the winning thread.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(9)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:32 Newmarket (July)

Nikovo

9st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Michael Herrington

In-form 7yo who has reached the frame in his last three runs including when third of 11 in a C&D handicap (good to firm) three weeks ago; finished ahead of Exposure in that race and he has each-way claims again.

4/1

3rd

5

(6)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:10 Newmarket (July)

Nikovo

9st 11lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Michael Herrington

Gained last three wins on Newcastle AW; ran respectably back there on latest start; has bits of encouraging turf form this term but it's over two years since his last success in this sphere.

8/1

3rd

4

(10)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:40 Newcastle (AW)

Nikovo

9st 4lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Michael Herrington

Well suited by conditions and his last-gasp C&D win in March came off just 2lb lower; creditable efforts off his lower turf mark more recently; may find a few of his younger rivals better treated.

10/1

40/1

Form: 03000- D

Last run: 240 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Mostly well held last year and unplaced on five of his six starts; falling in the weights and dangerous if revived by a winter break, but his losing run goes back to September 2023 and he needs to turn over a new leaf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

19

(2)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Ancient Rome

9st 0lb

J: David Egan

T: Charles Hills

Landed the Chesterfield Cup at this meeting in 2023, initiating a notable double; however, has failed to score since and current mark reflects a broad decline in his form; drop to Class 3 had no effect last time and he looks a shadow of his former self.

33/1

9th

5

(3)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket (July)

Ancient Rome

10st 0lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Charles Hills

He's fully 7lb lower than when a close third at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm) last July but was soundly beaten on his final three outings last season and it's been the same story on his two starts this term.

33/1

7th

3

(8)

25th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:47 Newcastle (AW)

Ancient Rome

9st 1lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Charles Hills

Often held up in rear, so he saw very little daylight when 50-1 off career-low mark in the Spring Cup at Newbury in April; dropped another 2lb since but he last won in September 2023 and failed to make an impact in all but one of his races in 2025, so does not look the percentage call.

12/1

Form: 38224- C

Last run: 138 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Tough and consistent sort who won this race (good ground) on his reappearance 12 months ago and finished second in the Balmoral Handicap at Ascot in the autumn; starts the new season on a career-high mark but he's impossible to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(2)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Goodwood

Ebts Guard

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Has lots of form in major handicaps, including a good effort over C&D last year; consistent in the main but faces a stiffer assignment upped to Group level for the first time.

20/1

4th

5

(7)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Ebts Guard

9st 12lb

J: Suraj Narredu

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Defied a 5lb lower mark in the corresponding race 12 months ago; many good runs in defeat since then, including his fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup, and he is unlikely to be too far away.

7/1

9th

3

(3)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Ebts Guard

9st 11lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Currently in a consistent vein of form that ties him in with some of today's opponents; creditable third to Indalo at Sandown most recently; Goodwood record comprises a couple of second-place finishes at this meeting, including in this race last year; solid claims.

9/1

20th
19 (13)
Old Cock

33/1

Form: /0140- D

Last run: 240 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
4-10 for Edward Bethell, winning the Hambleton Handicap at York's Dante meeting (1m, good to firm) last spring; changed hands for 26,000gns last autumn; only 3lb higher than at York and doesn't have many miles on the clock.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

15

(8)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Old Cock

8st 8lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Won this off 1lb lower last year (good to firm); however, soundly beaten over C&D (good to firm) last August on final run for Ed Bethell and down the field on last month's stable/seasonal debut at Newbury (1m, good).

25/1

20th

19

(13)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Old Cock

9st 0lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

4-10 for Edward Bethell, winning the Hambleton Handicap at York's Dante meeting (1m, good to firm) last spring; changed hands for 26,000gns last autumn; only 3lb higher than at York and doesn't have many miles on the clock.

33/1

14th

12

(13)

21st Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

15:00 York

Old Cock

9st 6lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Lightly raced 4yo who was a well-backed winner of the Hambleton Handicap over C&D (good to firm) in May with a late bid, from Sisyphean; respectable fourth of nine to Remmooz and Sisyphean back over C&D for his only start since, coming from last, and it would not be a surprise were he to resume improvement today; one for the shortlist.

8/1

21th
8 (25)
Serengeti

33/1

Form: 125-45

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Has had several trainers in his short career to date; two 7f wins for Aidan O'Brien; not at his best on his last three outings, never dangerous at Kempton on latest (sole run for James Ferguson); probably best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

(5)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Serengeti

9st 5lb

J: C Y Ho

T: Mike Murphy

Four runs for Mike Murphy have yielded three heavy defeats and a shock 1m2f win at Windsor in May; opposable on balance of form.

33/1

15th

19

(6)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Serengeti

9st 3lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Mike Murphy

In his third yard since leaving Aidan O'Brien last autumn; third run for current trainer when upped to 1m2f and tongue tied first time at Windsor (good to firm) last month, starting 50-1 in a six-runner race but leading 1f out and narrowly holding off two challengers; back up just 1lb but this is another new trip and it's a vastly more competitive race.

66/1

1st

3

(6)

25th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Windsor

Serengeti

9st 9lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Mike Murphy

Not particularly solid on his 7f/1m form for a few yards since leaving Ballydoyle; chance largely depends on the effects of new trip and first-time tongue-tie.

14/1

50/1

Form: 39/05-

Last run: 308 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Very lightly raced 5yo; Group-placed in 2024 for Aidan O'Brien; has failed to beat a rival in three runs for current stable, always behind after stumbling early on at Sandown (behind Urban Lion) last June; hard to recommend on recent form but he has been dropped a chunk in the weights and gelded, and he now reappears in a hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(5)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 4

15:45 Ascot

Samuel Colt

9st 9lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Amanda Perrett

0-8 since his winning debut as 2yo for Aidan O'Brien; six starts for this yard and four were Class 2 handicaps but he didn't fare any better in a 1m2f Class 3 at Sandown (40-1) and whether he can take advantage of a small-field Class 4 today has to be in doubt; hooded this season except today.

14/1

10th

10

(10)

12th Jun 2026

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 3

15:23 Sandown

Samuel Colt

9st 4lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Amanda Perrett

0-7 since his winning debut at two for Aidan O'Brien; has contested strong Class 2 handicaps since being gelded last summer (hooded) but was beaten about 10l on both occasions; others appeal more.

50/1

4th

10

(8)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

16:00 Goodwood

Samuel Colt

8st 11lb

J: David Probert

T: Amanda Perrett

Useful ex-Irish winner but he's offered little in a handful of runs for his current yard, beating just two in 1m Newbury handicap on his recent return; others are much preferred.

66/1

9/1

Form: 5309-1 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Goes well in a big field over a straight 1m; beaten a neck in this race last year (good ground) and made a winning return in the Lincoln at Doncaster (good to soft; beat Rogue Diplomat a nose) three weeks ago; should be in the thick of things again off a 4lb higher mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(4)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Ascot

Urban Lion

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Jack Channon

Good fifth over C&D in last season's Royal Hunt Cup (good to firm) and he reappeared with a win in the Lincoln at Doncaster (1m, good to soft) in March; however, well beaten on both starts since; has to get back on track.

14/1

26th

12

(20)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Urban Lion

9st 4lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Jack Channon

Good fifth in this race last year but was in a progressive vein of form at the time; some inconsistency has crept in and he finished last (admittedly lost a shoe) in the Spring Cup at Newbury most recently, failing to back up the form of his narrow success in the Lincoln on reappearance.

33/1

50/1

Form: 85248- D

Last run: 158 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

40/1

Form: 72156- D

Last run: 160 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Non-runners

Al Mubhir, Jimmy Speaking

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £301.10
Straight Forecast £174.26
Tricast £4962.59
Trifecta £8514.80

Selections

The Times:

Back In Black

RP RATINGS:

Stem

SPOTLIGHT:

Shout

TOPSPEED:

Urban Lion

POSTDATA:

Cogitate

Daily Record:

Rogue Diplomat

D Express:

Stem

NEWMARKET:

Shout

Telegraph:

Back In Black

The Guardian:

Back In Black

Daily Mail:

Back In Black

Daily Mirror:

Back In Black

The Sun:

Back In Black

The Star:

Urban Lion

LAMBOURN:

Cogitate