May 03 / 14.55 Newmarket

14.55

Good To Firm

Betfred Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £51540
  • 1m 6f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
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Betfred Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 2/21-5

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
All of his Flat success for this yard has been on AW, albeit with good-ground hurdle wins too and he was runner-up at Goodwood (1m6f, good to firm) last August; has a run under his belt this term but to win this would require a new best performance on turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

12

(2)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Goblet Of Fire

8st 3lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Nicky Henderson

All of his Flat success for this yard has been on AW, albeit with good-ground hurdle wins too and he was runner-up at Goodwood (1m6f, good to firm) last August; has a run under his belt this term but to win this would require a new best performance on turf.

7/1

5th

9

(9)

6th Apr 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

15:30 Kempton (AW)

Goblet Of Fire

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Nicky Henderson

Was a more convincing Wolverhampton winner (2m) in October than the narrow margin suggests, making it 4-5 on sand for this yard, including at 1m3f and 1m4f on this track; well held over hurdles in November but had wind operation since; by no means out of it.

13/2

1st

3

(3)

25th Oct 2025

Standard

2m 0f 120y

Class 4

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Goblet Of Fire

9st 11lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Nicky Henderson

Mainly seen over hurdles these days but he finished second of ten at Goodwood (1m6f, good to firm) in October and had a good AW record last year (1112) including a win here (1m4f); attempts this far for the first time on the Flat and is off a career-high mark, but good chance if he stays.

6/4

6/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 8404-1 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Thereabouts on occasions in 2025, crept down the weights and broke his losing run in clearcut style when he reappeared five weeks ago wearing restored cheekpieces in the Queen's Prize at Kempton (2m, AW); back up 4lb but showed plenty of bottle in that win and may have turned a corner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(10)

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Goodwood

Align The Stars

9st 5lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Charlie Johnston

2024 C&D winner who broke his losing run in clearcut style when he reappeared with restored cheekpieces at Kempton (2m, AW) in March; second in valuable race at Newmarket (1m6f) confirmed that he's turned a corner and must remain in serious calculations.

3/1

2nd

5

(1)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Align The Stars

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Charlie Johnston

Thereabouts on occasions in 2025, crept down the weights and broke his losing run in clearcut style when he reappeared five weeks ago wearing restored cheekpieces in the Queen's Prize at Kempton (2m, AW); back up 4lb but showed plenty of bottle in that win and may have turned a corner.

6/1

1st

4

(2)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Kempton (AW)

Align The Stars

9st 9lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Charlie Johnston

On a losing run of 13 since his hat-trick in summer 2024; has dropped in the weights, was thereabouts on occasions in 2025 and it can be argued that today's headgear switch will help, but there's a bit for him to prove on AW (it's only his third AW race) and others have more pressing claims.

12/1

10/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 1650-4 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won two 1m6f handicaps last term and two respectable efforts in valuable races in late summer; just 10-1 for 2m2f Cesarewitch at Newmarket on final 3yo outing, which did not work out, and he was just 15-8 when fading into fourth of six at Newbury (2m) 16 days ago on first run since he was gelded; connections now turn to a visor and drop him back in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(11)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Pole Star

9st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Charlie Johnston

Won two 1m6f handicaps last term; back-to-form third with a first-time visor at Newmarket (1m6f) four weeks ago, so he re-enters calculations despite earlier lesser efforts over 2m2f and 2m.

9/2

3rd

10

(10)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Pole Star

8st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Charlie Johnston

Won two 1m6f handicaps last term and two respectable efforts in valuable races in late summer; just 10-1 for 2m2f Cesarewitch at Newmarket on final 3yo outing, which did not work out, and he was just 15-8 when fading into fourth of six at Newbury (2m) 16 days ago on first run since he was gelded; connections now turn to a visor and drop him back in trip.

10/1

OUR TIP

5/1

Form: /6091- D

Last run: 233 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Excellent 3yo season culminated in his Listed win at Ascot (1m6f, soft) and, after a delayed reappearance last year, he found career-best form to win a good handicap at Doncaster (14.5f, good to soft; tongue tied second time) in September on final outing; the Yorkshire Cup and Ascot Gold Cup entries are striking but ideally he would be on ground softer than good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(12)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Subsequent

9st 12lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Excellent 3yo season culminated in his Listed win at Ascot (1m6f, soft) and, after a delayed reappearance last year, he found career-best form to win a good handicap at Doncaster (14.5f, good to soft; tongue tied second time) in September on final outing; the Yorkshire Cup and Ascot Gold Cup entries are striking but ideally he would be on ground softer than good.

5/1

1st

1

(11)

12th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 6f 115y

Class 2

13:15 Doncaster

Subsequent

9st 12lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Sometimes slowly away; 4-8 last year, culminating in his Listed win at Ascot (1m6f, soft) in October; not seen this term until July and back to form when a creditable, staying-on ninth of 22 at 40-1 in the Ebor at York (1m6f, good to firm; tongue tied first time) three weeks ago; down 2lb and a return to more testing ground may well suit.

11/2

9th

9

(12)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Subsequent

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Sometimes slowly away; 4-8 last year, culminating in his Listed win at Ascot (1m6f, soft) in October; he's not shown nearly enough on either start this season (not seen until July) and now has tongue tied first time.

40/1

5th
8 (7)
Bahadur

8/1

Form: 3111-6 D BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Made immediate progress when switched to AW in the autumn, completing a hat-trick in a 1m4f novice and 1m4f/1m6f handicaps; perhaps in need of the race (albeit joint-favourite) on reappearance four weeks ago, but now needs to show that he can serve up his best on turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(3)

22nd May 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:07 Goodwood

Bahadur

9st 9lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: S Woods

Unraced on softer than good when on turf; made immediate progress when switched to AW in the autumn, completing a hat-trick in a 1m4f novice and 1m4f/1m6f handicaps; perhaps in need of the race (albeit joint-favourite) on reappearance last month and fifth of 12 at Newmarket (1m6f) four weeks later was respectable, but settling him was an issue; suitability for a slog over 2m can therefore be questioned.

4/1

5th

8

(7)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Bahadur

8st 11lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: S Woods

Made immediate progress when switched to AW in the autumn, completing a hat-trick in a 1m4f novice and 1m4f/1m6f handicaps; perhaps in need of the race (albeit joint-favourite) on reappearance four weeks ago, but now needs to show that he can serve up his best on turf.

8/1

6th

1

(5)

6th Apr 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

15:30 Kempton (AW)

Bahadur

9st 10lb

J: James Doyle

T: S Woods

Immediate progress for switch to AW in the autumn, especially in handicaps on last two starts when a ready winner over 1m4f at Newcastle, then held off a subsequent improver at Wolverhampton (1m6f); up further 3lb; James Doyle rarely rides for yard now but 10-41 overall; can do better again.

13/2

6/1

Form: 8124-4 C

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Excellent progress last term included three handicap wins (1m2f, 1m6f and 2m) in March-July and an agonisingly close call in the Melrose at York in August; close fourth in 1m6f Listed race at Ascot on final outing; well below that form on 2026 reappearance but that may have put him right.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(5)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Many Men

9st 6lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: Jim Boyle

Excellent progress last term included three handicap wins (1m2f, 1m6f and 2m) in March-July and an agonisingly close call in the Melrose at York in August; close fourth in 1m6f Listed race at Ascot on final outing; well below that form on 2026 reappearance but that may have put him right.

6/1

4th

2

(6)

4th Apr 2026

Good

1m 5f 216y

Class 1

14:30 Musselburgh

Many Men

9st 2lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: Jim Boyle

Excellent progress included three handicap wins (1m2f, 1m6f and 2m) last March-July and an agonisingly close call in the Melrose at York in August; close fourth in 1m6f Listed race at Ascot on final outing; better still is required but his record of improvement demands respect.

7/1

5

(2)

3rd Oct 2025

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 1

16:05 Ascot

Many Men

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Jim Boyle

Progressing well, including three handicap wins (1m2f, 1m6f and 2m) this season and he went agonisingly close in the 1m6f Melrose at York on latest outing; all 2025 races have been on good or firmer but he won on soft as 2yo; respected for that improvement but plenty more is needed at this level.

6/1

Form: 6-7502 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 8st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Had underwhelming hurdle and AW campaigns before his second of five when returned to Flat turf at Beverley (2m) 18 days ago; this demands markedly better and his 2024 and 2025 turf records aren't that persuasive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Worcester

Charging Thunder

11st 13lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: James Owen

Dual hurdle winner who is 0-4 in handicaps; however, he should be on a fair mark given the level of his Flat ability and he ran quite well in a valuable Newmarket handicap at the Guineas meeting; player.

9/4

7th

9

(8)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Charging Thunder

8st 10lb

J: Luke Morris

T: James Owen

Had underwhelming hurdle and AW campaigns before his second of five when returned to Flat turf at Beverley (2m) 18 days ago; this demands markedly better and his 2024 and 2025 turf records aren't that persuasive.

25/1

2nd

1

(3)

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 32y

Class 3

16:00 Beverley

Charging Thunder

10st 0lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: James Owen

Second to Sax Appeal over C&D and successful over 1m6f at Wolverhampton (both off 2lb higher than today) last July; it's hard to be enthused by his more recent efforts, including well held at Newcastle on Good Friday, but this is a much less competitive scenario.

4/1

Form: 0-5847 D

Last run: 64 days

W: 9st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Saw daylight all too late when strong-finishing fifth in this race last year (much better than his 2024 performance in it); Meydan this January/February did not yield much (stiff tasks) but he's now 4lb lower than this time last year, too well handicapped to be ruled out; rare run in cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

24th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

15:03 Kelso

Kihavah

11st 11lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Very useful dual-purpose performer; runner-up in Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen last summer and arrives on the back of a good effort on the Flat at Newmarket three weeks ago; very much one to consider back in this sphere.

11/4

8th

2

(6)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Kihavah

9st 7lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Saw daylight all too late when strong-finishing fifth in this race last year (much better than his 2024 performance in it); Meydan this January/February did not yield much (stiff tasks) but he's now 4lb lower than this time last year, too well handicapped to be ruled out; rare run in cheekpieces.

10/1

3

19th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:50 Kempton

Kihavah

11st 2lb

J: James Bowen

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Useful on Flat and over hurdles; good second in notable summer handicap at Market Rasen on last attempt in this sphere; filled the same position, albeit comfortably beaten by Rubaud on same terms, in this contest 12 months ago; needs a personal best to go one better.

6/1

Form: 344160 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Moving up to 1m4f worked well in December and comparable form at 1m6f/2m since, including another win three starts back; he's come up a bit short in warmer races this year, though, including behind Align The Stars at Kempton, and none of his turf form (admittedly at up to 1m2f) is close to this mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(11)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Brasil Power

9st 1lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Moving up to 1m4f worked well in December and comparable form at 1m6f/2m since, including another win three starts back; he's come up a bit short in warmer races this year, though, including behind Align The Stars at Kempton, and none of his turf form (admittedly at up to 1m2f) is close to this mark.

25/1

10th

6

(6)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Brasil Power

9st 2lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: George Boughey

Won three times in December (1m/1m4f) and continued in good form, getting back on the scoresheet in a five-runner handicap at Wolverhampton (1m6f, Tapeta) last month; didn't run badly over 2m at Kempton last Saturday; drops back in trip here and may find today's company to be too competitive.

40/1

6th

2

(3)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Kempton (AW)

Brasil Power

9st 13lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Basically progressive in a busy winter AW campaign and probably stays 2m, although the last three wins were over 1m4f (twice) and 1m6f (latest start); raised another 3lb but needs respect.

8/1

Form: 617-16 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 8lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Industrious and dependable sort over 1m6f-2m2f, who's fit from AW, but his turf strike-rate is just 1-17 and that makes him look vulnerable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

5

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Artisan Dancer

9st 8lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Charlie Johnston

Industrious and dependable sort at 1m6f-2m2f but turf strike-rate is 1-19; not discredited on latest start (1m5f) but others are preferred.

16/1

4th

6

(5)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:45 Hamilton

Artisan Dancer

9st 6lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Charlie Johnston

Industrious and dependable sort over 1m6f-2m2f but his turf strike-rate is just 1-18 and return to turf last time saw him well held.

25/1

10th

11

(3)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Artisan Dancer

8st 8lb

J: David Probert

T: Charlie Johnston

Industrious and dependable sort over 1m6f-2m2f, who's fit from AW, but his turf strike-rate is just 1-17 and that makes him look vulnerable.

20/1

Form: 942-67

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Improved last year without quite winning; each-way claims if back to best with first-time headgear after two rather disappointing runs in 2026.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(4)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Dramatic Star

8st 12lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

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

9/2

7th

5

(9)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Dramatic Star

9st 3lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

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

11/2

6th

2

(6)

2nd Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

16:37 Kempton (AW)

Dramatic Star

9st 11lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

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

3/1

12/1

Form: 17606- D

Last run: 232 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Started 2025 with a bang for new connections when winning a slowly run, four-runner Group 3 at Ascot (2m, good to firm) in April; remote with ambitious targets on next three starts and although sixth of 11 in 2m handicap at Chester in September was an upturn, markedly better is required to win this..
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

(9)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Yashin

9st 7lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Michael Bell

Started 2025 with a bang for new connections when winning a slowly run, four-runner Group 3 at Ascot (2m, good to firm) in April; remote with ambitious targets on next three starts and although sixth of 11 in 2m handicap at Chester in September was an upturn, markedly better is required to win this..

12/1

1

(2)

13th Sep 2025

Good

1m 7f 196y

Class 2

14:40 Chester

Yashin

9st 12lb

J: Archie Young

T: Michael Bell

Given wind surgery and tongue tied for new connections this season, which he started with a bang when winning a slowly run, four-runner Group 3 at Ascot (2m, good to firm) in April; remote since, however, in the Gold Cup there, a French Group 2 and the Ebor at York; this is a lesser handicap but he does not inspire great confidence even so.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £29.20
Straight Forecast £29.75
Tricast £159.19
Trifecta £178.00

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Many Men

TOPSPEED:

Align The Stars

D Express:

Subsequent

LAMBOURN:

Goblet Of Fire

NEWMARKET:

Yashin

SPOTLIGHT:

Kihavah

POSTDATA:

Charging Thunder

The Times:

Many Men

The Star:

Many Men

The Sun:

Subsequent

Daily Mirror:

Align The Stars

Daily Record:

Align The Stars

Telegraph:

Goblet Of Fire