April 25 / 14.05 Leicester

14.05

Good To Firm

Caffreys Black Stout King Richard III Cup Handicap

  • Prize money: £25770
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
ITV
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Caffreys Black Stout King Richard III Cup Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £13.00
  • Place: £3.40

Form: 0800-3 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
On lengthy losing but he's a smart handicapper on his day and he returned from five months off with a good third at Newcastle (6f, AW) two weeks ago; should benefit from that run and he remains well treated on his second in the Stewards' Cup last August; interesting contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(6)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Strike Red

8st 12lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Soundly beaten behind Dark Thirty and others at York (6f, good) last time but his high draw proved to be a negative; won at Leicester (6f, good to firm) two starts ago and he could bounce back today and be involved.

9/1

10th

17

(17)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Strike Red

8st 12lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Reappeared with close third at Newcastle (6f, AW) last month then snapped a losing run when winning at Leicester (6f, good to firm); there's still mileage in his mark judged on old form (including two C&D wins); chance.

14/1

1st

12

(8)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Strike Red

8st 7lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

On lengthy losing but he's a smart handicapper on his day and he returned from five months off with a good third at Newcastle (6f, AW) two weeks ago; should benefit from that run and he remains well treated on his second in the Stewards' Cup last August; interesting contender.

6/1

7/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 138-50 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Won four times during a progressive campaign last year but he's come up short in Listed/Group 3 events this spring; seems ideally suited by fast ground but he's still 4lb higher than for his last win and has some work to do back in a handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(8)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

19:15 Salisbury

Prince Of India

9st 7lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Marco Botti

Made good progress over 6f last season; better than ever with his second at Leicester four weeks ago (6f, good to firm); still has more to give but this looks deep for a Listed contest.

5/1

2nd

3

(10)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Prince Of India

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Marco Botti

Won four times during a progressive campaign last year but he's come up short in Listed/Group 3 events this spring; seems ideally suited by fast ground but he's still 4lb higher than for his last win and has some work to do back in a handicap.

7/1

10th

8

(2)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Prince Of India

9st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Marco Botti

Only fifth when favourite for AW event on reappearance but is reasonably interesting back on turf, provided he gets ideal ground; has form figures of 12113 on good/firmer, the final effort in Listed grade behind Elmonjed; may still have more to offer.

12/1

14/1

  • Place: £4.60

Form: 644-55 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Listed winner (5f/6f) for his previous yards and he's run respectably in two 5f handicaps for his new trainer this spring; needs to find some extra spark but he's edging down the weights and this step back up in trip looks a good move.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(7)

25th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

15:53 Windsor

Kylian

9st 9lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Robert Cowell

Useful for previous yards; 0-4 this term for new stable but penultimate effort shows that he retains plenty of ability and today's assignment looks a touch easier than his latest one.

7/1

13th

3

(13)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Kylian

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Robert Cowell

6f German Listed win for Archie Watson last June and looked as good as ever when 1l third of 13 to Strike Red in recent Leicester handicap (good to firm), when back up to 6f on his third run for this yard; may not be far away.

16/1

3rd

4

(5)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Kylian

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Robert Cowell

Listed winner (5f/6f) for his previous yards and he's run respectably in two 5f handicaps for his new trainer this spring; needs to find some extra spark but he's edging down the weights and this step back up in trip looks a good move.

14/1

Form: 024-03 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Completed an AW hat-trick when scoring on his handicap debut at Newcastle (6f) last April; held in six subsequent runs but he went close off this mark at Southwell in November and was a creditable third at Newcastle three weeks ago; now returns to turf but he ran well in a fast-ground Listed event last spring and he's still unexposed in this sphere; in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(6)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Berkshire Whisper

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Has made the frame at Newcastle (AW; behind Wiltshire) and Leicester since being gelded; good fourth in the Listed Carnarvon Stakes on this card last year; 0-3 on turf but has each-way claims.

8/1

4th

6

(7)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Berkshire Whisper

9st 5lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

Completed an AW hat-trick when scoring on his handicap debut at Newcastle (6f) last April; held in six subsequent runs but he went close off this mark at Southwell in November and was a creditable third at Newcastle three weeks ago; now returns to turf but he ran well in a fast-ground Listed event last spring and he's still unexposed in this sphere; in the mix.

13/2

3rd

9

(2)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Berkshire Whisper

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

He was completing a hat-trick when landing the 3yo sprint on this card 12 months ago, a race where he enjoyed a clear run while several in behind met trouble; he hasn't looked ahead of the handicapper in three runs this winter but likely this has been the main target and he has been gelded since his latest run.

16/1

10/1

Form: 87886-

Last run: 204 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
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.
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

17:45 Thirsk

Russet Gold

8st 13lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

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

14:55 York

Russet Gold

8st 13lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

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

14:05 Leicester

Russet Gold

8st 12lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

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

OUR TIP

16/1

Form: 701-77 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Ended last season with a game win in Group 3 at Ascot (6f, soft) in October; repeatedly met trouble when only seventh in Saudi Arabia (a race he'd won two years earlier) in February and things didn't really go his way again in a Listed race at Doncaster last month; has possibilities on this drop back in class and his last handicap win was off 1lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

1

(1)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Annaf

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Michael Appleby

Group 3 winner at Ascot (6f, soft) last October and he's versatile ground-wise; down to a dangerous mark but he hasn't been at the top of his game on his four runs this year, in handicaps on the last two occasions, and he needs to turn things around in a first-time tongue-tie and reapplied cheekpieces.

14/1

13th

1

(5)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Annaf

9st 12lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Michael Appleby

Successful in major handicap in 2023 and a few Group races since but balance of 2026 form suggests he's unlikely to defy top weight in this field.

14/1

6th

1

(12)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Annaf

9st 12lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

Ended last season with a game win in Group 3 at Ascot (6f, soft) in October; repeatedly met trouble when only seventh in Saudi Arabia (a race he'd won two years earlier) in February and things didn't really go his way again in a Listed race at Doncaster last month; has possibilities on this drop back in class and his last handicap win was off 1lb higher.

16/1

11/2

Form: 70-117 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
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.
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

14:55 York

Fast Track Harry

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Clive Cox

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

14:05 Leicester

Fast Track Harry

9st 6lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Clive Cox

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

17:03 Kempton (AW)

Fast Track Harry

9st 13lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Clive Cox

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

8/1

Form: 341-48 C

Last run: 99 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Record of 5-10 for Harry Charlton and his last win was in a conditions event at Kempton (6f, AW) in October; ran without his declared tongue-tie when fourth on stable debut at Southwell in January but he finished down the field in another Class 2 handicap at Newcastle two weeks later; conditions should be fine on this return to turf but he needs to step up again after another break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(3)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:33 Carlisle

Ten Pounds

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Joey Ramsden

5-10 at 6f/7f for Harry Charlton; unplaced all four outings since joining current stable, finishing in midfield in Victoria Cup at Ascot most recently; unproven at 5f; wears headgear for the first time; others appeal more.

14/1

13th

4

(29)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Ten Pounds

9st 10lb

J: Andrea Pinna

T: Joey Ramsden

Broadly progressive for previous yard but proved disappointing in this race last year, having raced freely; ran well in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot next time; not particularly solid on his 2026 form for new stable and it remains to be seen whether he settles returned to this C&D.

25/1

8th

2

(11)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Ten Pounds

9st 10lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Joey Ramsden

Record of 5-10 for Harry Charlton and his last win was in a conditions event at Kempton (6f, AW) in October; ran without his declared tongue-tie when fourth on stable debut at Southwell in January but he finished down the field in another Class 2 handicap at Newcastle two weeks later; conditions should be fine on this return to turf but he needs to step up again after another break.

8/1

Form: 0515-0 CD

Last run: 18 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
C&D winner who ended his 2025 campaign with a success and creditable effort over 5f at Newcastle (AW); was as good as ever in those two runs but he was well below form on his reappearance at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) 18 days ago; may have needed that run but he needs more progress to defy this mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(12)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Dark Cloud Rising

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Had a solid 2025, winning three times (5f/6f), but hasn't finished in the first eight this year; dropping in the weights but needs to turn a corner; perhaps a change of headgear will help.

25/1

16th

15

(10)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Dark Cloud Rising

8st 13lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Three handicap wins during last season's 3yo campaign (6f/5f, including on good/good to firm) and the return of cheekpieces may be a plus; however, he's been unplaced on both runs this year; has to raise his game.

25/1

9th

8

(13)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Dark Cloud Rising

8st 13lb

J: Jason Hart

T: David O’Meara

C&D winner who ended his 2025 campaign with a success and creditable effort over 5f at Newcastle (AW); was as good as ever in those two runs but he was well below form on his reappearance at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) 18 days ago; may have needed that run but he needs more progress to defy this mark.

14/1

13/2

Form: 2321-3 D

Last run: 98 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Ran creditably at Lingfield in January when bidding for a 6f AW double; 8lb higher than when second at Newmarket (7f) on last turf attempt but he's proved consistent since being gelded and his first two handicap wins were on good to firm; in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(5)

11th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 3

18:17 Windsor

Zoulu Chief

9st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Heather Main

Shaped okay at Lingfield in January; down the field at Leicester last month but he was harried up front and weakened in the final furlong; dropped 2lb and this easier track will help; one to consider.

9/2

10th

10

(3)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Zoulu Chief

8st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Heather Main

Ran creditably at Lingfield in January when bidding for a 6f AW double; 8lb higher than when second at Newmarket (7f) on last turf attempt but he's proved consistent since being gelded and his first two handicap wins were on good to firm; in the mix.

13/2

Form: 0-9322 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Four-time AW winner who has finished close up on Tapeta (5f/6f) in his last three runs; record of 1-26 on turf but he's on a lower mark in this sphere and he ran well in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon (6f, good to firm) last summer; dangerous.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(14)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Fivethousandtoone

9st 3lb

J: David Probert

T: Tim Easterby

Four-time AW winner, only 1-27 on grass; never the slightest threat on return to turf at Leicester; others have more convincing profiles.

16/1

11th

11

(6)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Fivethousandtoone

8st 7lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Tim Easterby

Four-time AW winner who has finished close up on Tapeta (5f/6f) in his last three runs; record of 1-26 on turf but he's on a lower mark in this sphere and he ran well in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon (6f, good to firm) last summer; dangerous.

8/1

2nd

13

(14)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Fivethousandtoone

9st 1lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Three-time C&D winner, including this race in 2024 off a 2lb higher mark, and he has shaped well on his last two starts; he will need luck if it gets congested up the stands' rail but too much ability to rule out.

14/1

25/1

Form: 2-0587 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Well handicapped on his best form last season but he's not easy to predict and has been up and down during another spell in Bahrain since December; comes with risks attached back in Britain and most of his wins have been at Chester; tongue-tie worn last time is removed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(7)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:30 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 10lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Enhanced his excellent course record when narrowly landing a 5f handicap at the May meeting; stays 7f but rarely seen at the trip now; may prove vulnerable to stronger stayers.

11/2

1st

3

(3)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Chester specialist whose seven course wins include this race last year (off current mark under Oisin Murphy) and Listed event later in 2025; inconsistent elsewhere since but commands respect returned to the Roodee; favourably drawn.

3/1

12th

7

(4)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Roman Dragon

9st 5lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

Well handicapped on his best form last season but he's not easy to predict and has been up and down during another spell in Bahrain since December; comes with risks attached back in Britain and most of his wins have been at Chester; tongue-tie worn last time is removed.

25/1

13th
13 (2)
Betsen

20/1

Form: -44347 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Won on stable debut at Southwell (6f, Tapeta) in November and he's posted some solid efforts since then; hard to rule out another good run but this is a step back up in grade and sole turf win was 19 months ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(6)

21st May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 16y

Class 4

18:05 Chepstow

Betsen

9st 11lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Tony Carroll

Turf winner (5f, good) in Ireland who scored at Southwell (6f, AW) on his stable debut in November; that 40-1 success hasn't been built on but this represents a drop back in grade; not confidently ruled out.

3/1

9th

9

(7)

8th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:25 Ascot

Betsen

8st 13lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Tony Carroll

Quite useful on turf in Ireland; kept almost entirely to AW since moving to this yard in the autumn but he might well have been involved in the finish at Leicester (6f, good to firm) two weeks ago but for being pushed nearly over the rail a furlong out; interesting to see what he comes up with here.

7/1

13th

13

(2)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Betsen

8st 6lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Tony Carroll

Won on stable debut at Southwell (6f, Tapeta) in November and he's posted some solid efforts since then; hard to rule out another good run but this is a step back up in grade and sole turf win was 19 months ago.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £50.90
Straight Forecast £54.44
Tricast £597.50
Trifecta £600.50

Selections

The Guardian:

Zoulu Chief

SPOTLIGHT:

Strike Red

NEWMARKET:

Kylian

LAMBOURN:

Fast Track Harry

POSTDATA:

Prince Of India

The Times:

Fivethousandtoone

Telegraph:

Fast Track Harry

D Express:

Zoulu Chief

The Sun:

Zoulu Chief

Daily Record:

Zoulu Chief

Daily Mail:

Kylian

Daily Mirror:

Kylian

RP RATINGS:

Strike Red

TOPSPEED:

Strike Red

The Star:

Strike Red