Tomorrow / 16.40 Epsom

16.40

Good To Soft

HKJC World Pool Handicap

  • Prize money: £38655
  • 1m 0f 113y
  • Class 2
  • 18 runners
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HKJC World Pool Handicap

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

Form: 5248-0 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Ex-French gelding who won four times there, the last two coming over 8.5f (AW) and 1m1f (good) at Chantilly last spring; changed hands for 75,000euros in November; 80-1 when 19th of 24 at Newbury (1m, good) in April on his British debut and he's probably one for further down the line.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 212270

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Seven wins include three on good to soft/soft; also won on AW at Kempton (1m) in February but only midfield in valuable events at Newcastle (AW) and Ascot (good) on his last two starts; however, latter effort was better than it looks having been poorly drawn.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

7

(2)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Popmaster

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Ed Walker

Campaigned on AW since December, proving consistent until coming up a tad short on finals day last time; has loads of Ascot form but three defeats in this race (finishing positions 074) suggest he can be opposed, especially now aged eight.

33/1

7th

4

(2)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Popmaster

9st 2lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Ed Walker

Arrives in fine form, beating The Lost King at Kempton in February and runner-up on his two runs since; sneaking back up the weights and he was only fifth in this race 12 months ago off today's mark.

20/1

Form: 140-16 BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Unraced on ground softer than good; Chester maiden (7.5f) winner who made all on Newmarket's July course last August; had been gelded when repeating those tactics on his comeback at Newmarket (also 1m) in April but below that form back there at the Guineas meeting the following month; not dismissed, with Oisin Murphy sticking with him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

(2)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Newmarket

Mister Winston

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Down the field when 33-1 in C&D Cambridgeshire last September, before being gelded; however, he was reliable and progressive earlier last season and reappeared with a front-running 1m win here (favourite) 18 days ago; has 5lb penalty (same as his revised mark) but needs plenty of respect.

4/1

1st

4

(2)

14th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Newmarket

Mister Winston

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Easily made all in small field on the other Newmarket course in August on just his second handicap start; after a 10lb rise he turned in a respectable fourth of 11 at Goodwood (also 1m) a fortnight later but was down the field here in September's Cambridgeshire (1m1f, also good to firm); has been gelded and might have more to offer this term.

7/2

Form: 02-700

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Soft-ground specialist who landed a fifth success when scoring at Ayr (1m) in September; yet to get going in three starts this year but he's edging down the weights and the booking of Colin Keane catches the eye; requires monitoring in the market with every drop of rain in his favour.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(13)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Thunder Roar

9st 1lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

7yo who was better than ever last season, a campaign that concluded with a fine second of 17 over C&D (good); races off the same mark today but he hasn't shone on his two outings this year.

33/1

Form: 09-310 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
7yo who was 6lb lower when landing this race (good to soft) last season; this year's running is more competitive but his success in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) last month was close to a career best and he had a possible excuse when failing to back that up at York; can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

9

(2)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Mirsky

8st 13lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

7yo who has returned in top form this term, finishing third at Musselburgh (1m1f, good) then winning the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) 12 days ago; effective over C&D; could be bang there once more up 3lb for last time.

9/1

1st

8

(8)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Mirsky

9st 2lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Hit a hot spell at the beginning of last summer, winning over C&D (good to firm) before following up at the Epsom Derby meeting (8.5f, good to soft); creditable third (Sea Force sixth) of 12 on Musselburgh reappearance (1m1f, good) three weeks ago; likely to be competitive again.

8/1

Form: 2156-0

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
He has a similar profile to stablemate Ozat, boasting good form in France but 80-1 when down the field in that same Newbury race on his British debut; others look more likely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 1820-7 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Proved progressive last year having joined this yard, winning three times (good to firm/AW) including when making all at Wolverhampton (8.5f) in July; also ran really well when second of 17 at Ascot (1m, soft; off current mark) in September but he was beaten a long way on his final start of that term and again at Lingfield on his reappearance four weeks ago; needs to put those efforts behind him but that's not out of the question.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(4)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 135y

Class 3

15:15 Lingfield

Mr Swivell

9st 9lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Good second of 16 (AW) on his stable debut/reappearance last April and went on to land similar events in June and July; turf no issue and was second of 17 at Ascot (also 1m, soft; acts on good to firm) in September; career-high mark but still respected on this return.

7/1

Form: -60731

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Versatile regards ground and he was winning his 12th race when beating Jimmy Speaking and Final Night at Newmarket (1m, good) three weeks ago; that was a comfortable win and he has the assistance of Ryan Moore but this demands more (has never won off a mark this high).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(11)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:42 Newmarket

Sterling Knight

9st 11lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Ed Dunlop

Having dropped 1lb below his last winning mark he returned to form when third of 13 over C&D a fortnight ago (good to firm; Final Night second); he can be in the mix back up 1lb if backing up that latest performance.

8/1

3rd

8

(2)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:55 Newmarket

Sterling Knight

9st 8lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Ed Dunlop

Fine stable servant with 11 wins to his name, although recent efforts have been underwhelming; only seventh of ten at the Craven meeting here and he needs to be revived by the presence of Ryan Moore in the saddle.

18/1

Form: 411-45 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
He had been gelded before winning at Windsor (good to firm) last May and finished that season with further wins at Sandown (also 1m, soft) and Newmarket (1m1f, good to firm); was on the premises when he suffered race-ending interference at Newbury last time and this tactically versatile sort is well drawn to sit handy; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

13

(3)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Man Of La Mancha

8st 10lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Ralph Beckett

Won three of his seven handicaps (1m-1m1f) last term, including the last two; just fourth of 13 to Spanish Voice when favourite at Newmarket on reappearance but that was respectable; player on peak 2025 effort.

10/1

4th

3

(4)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:55 Newmarket

Man Of La Mancha

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

On a roll when last seen, winning at Sandown (1m, soft) and on this course (1m1f, good to firm) in second half of last season; that form looks solid and he's been nudged up only 3lb for the second success; leading claims if ready to roll after seven months off.

11/2

Form: 345-01 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Heavy-ground winner of a Glorious Goodwood handicap (1m) last July and he had dipped below that winning mark when scoring at Nottingham (8.5f, good) last time; 2lb nudge shouldn't stop him being competitive again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(10)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 75y

Class 4

15:25 Nottingham

Principality

9st 11lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Harry Eustace

Acts on good to firm and heavy ground; won off 1lb higher at Goodwood (1m) last July but has mixed record since and was beaten 11l in the Spring Mile on his reappearance in March; this is a big drop back in grade but he's now 1-11 in handicaps and others are more convincing.

12/1

11th

4

(12)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Doncaster

Principality

9st 10lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Harry Eustace

Not disgraced (fifth of 14) in sole Doncaster attempt and current mark is workable; however, may be more interesting when back at Goodwood with this reappearance under his belt, having gained both wins there.

12/1

Form: 3022-9

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Wide-margin win (7f, heavy) on his sole start at two promised plenty and after being campaigned over 1m2f and 1m4f he recorded a clear career best when second of 15 over 1m at Newbury (good to soft) on his final start at three; subsequently gelded and his reappearance when beaten less than 4l at Newbury in April was perfectly respectable; unexposed and he's respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

22

(17)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Stem

8st 10lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

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.

12/1

Form: 32/1-5 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won on good to soft as a juvenile and reappeared with good-ground C&D success at last year's Spring meeting; that was his only start in 2025 and he made a respectable comeback despite hanging when fifth of 11 at Newbury (1m2f) three weeks ago; drops back down in trip with cheekpieces added and his best days are almost certainly ahead of him; player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(5)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Newbury

Celeborn

9st 4lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Unexposed 4yo who was returning from seven months off when winning at Epsom (8.5f, good) in April last year; off again since and 9lb higher, but he is clearly proven fresh and his sire should ensure that this longer trip is within range; respected.

5/1

Form: 224-77 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
He only made his debut as a 4yo but it was a winning one at Newcastle (1m); subsequently useful form on AW included another narrow win back at that venue (1m2f) in August for George Scott and he went mighty close over latter C&D on stable debut in November; niggled along at various stages when seventh on his turf debut (10.5f) last month and some guesswork is involved as to whether this test will bring out the best in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(1)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Bragbor

8st 13lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Both wins have come on the AW at Newcastle (1m/1m2f) and was far from disgraced on his return in the Easter Classic there (1m2f) five weeks ago; makes his turf debut in a competitive race, albeit stall 1 has taken three of the last eight runnings.

11/1

7th

9

(11)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Bragbor

8st 12lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Two-time course winner who went close on his stable debut over C&D in November; things didn't go his way when fourth of 13 at Chelmsford (1m2f) ten days later; this very lightly raced 5yo goes well fresh and remains open to further improvement; could be a contender following a break.

11/1

Form: 10-310 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Four-time winner who landed a third success at Pontefract (1m, good) on his penultimate start, having attracted support; also effective on a softer surface but it was this mark he raced from when well held at York three weeks ago and this demands a career best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

16

(5)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Walsingham

8st 5lb

J: Harry Davies

T: David O’Meara

Ran just four times last year, winning on three occasions (1m, good/soft), and back on the scoresheet at Pontefract (1m, good) a fortnight ago on his second start of the season; did it cosily last time and a 4lb rise may not stop this thriving 6yo.

11/1

1st

3

(5)

29th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

15:23 Pontefract

Walsingham

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Completed a hat-trick last summer with the first two legs coming over C&D (good ground); promising third at Ripon on his seasonal return two weeks ago, keeping on well from 2f out having earlier clipped a rival's heels as the race was hotting up; still has more to offer and the drying ground is the only imponderable (unraced on faster than good).

4/1

Form: 62-232

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Won a Salisbury maiden (1m2f, good to firm) around a year ago when sporting first-time cheekpieces for previous yard; yet to score for current stable but he's been placed on six of those seven starts and it was a narrow defeat when second of ten at Windsor (1m, good to firm; visored) under Silvestre De Sousa latest; soft conditions would ask a question but he's well drawn to go forward and newly fitted blinkers might eke out more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(3)

25th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 31y

Class 3

17:00 Windsor

Asmen Warrior

9st 7lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: James Owen

Record is only 1-12 and most of his form is over middle distances; however, looks a possible danger at this level provided he's suited by returning to 1m for first time since debut.

4/1

3rd

6

(2)

28th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Asmen Warrior

8st 11lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: James Owen

Runner-up last July-October on three of his first four starts for this yard and he again finished second on this month's reappearance at Thirsk (1m4f, good), albeit no match for the winner; he could build on that latest effort and is not discounted.

13/2

Form: 654-02 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft going; picked up a course maiden (7f, good) in July 2024 on his debut; fair run of form last year ground to a big halt when virtually tailed off over C&D (good to soft) in September; subsequently gelded and he was back to near his best when second of 13 at Thirsk (1m, good) last time; far from dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(4)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 3

16:47 Thirsk

Hot Cash

9st 2lb

J: Rose Dawes

T: Jack Channon

Form subsided slightly on final 2025 starts but now 2lb lower than his Carlisle win (1m, soft; acts on good) last June and he ran well for a long way in a strong Newbury handicap last month; may not be far away.

9/1

Form: 00-112 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft ground; better than ever this season, winning at Doncaster (good to soft) on his return then following up at Southwell (again 7f, AW); solid second to Sterling Knight (1m, good) last time but he'll need more from the same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(10)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:42 Newmarket

Jimmy Speaking

9st 8lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Chris Dwyer

Reappeared with a win at Doncaster (7f, good to soft) in March and got up in the final strides to follow up at Southwell (7f, AW); won over 1m last summer and versatile ground-wise; this progressive 5yo is climbing the weights only slowly and could play another leading role.

11/2

1st

1

(7)

30th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Jimmy Speaking

9st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Chris Dwyer

Well backed at Doncaster (7f Class 4, good to soft) just over a month ago and that support was justified, as he drew clear of his 15 rivals; 4lb higher but no issues with AW and this long home straight should play to his strengths; the one to beat and he has Silvestre De Sousa in the saddle.

6/4

Form: -31623

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Four-time AW winner who is 0-6 on turf but his 40-1 second of 13 at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) was a good effort in May and he backed it up when third to Sterling Knight over that C&D (good) a fortnight later; sole start on good to soft (1m2f) was inconclusive but he'll do well to defy this career-high mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(9)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:42 Newmarket

Final Night

9st 4lb

J: Jack Callan

T: John Butler

Things clicked with four AW wins between October and March and he transferred that improvement back to turf when second of 13 over C&D a fortnight ago (good to firm; Sterling Knight third); could be thereabouts.

8/1

2nd

15

(3)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:55 Newmarket

Final Night

9st 1lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: John Butler

Four wins at Kempton between October and March but he could finish only sixth of nine there when a warm favourite four weeks ago; will need a personal best to regain the winning thread and his mark has risen steeply since his last go on turf.

20/1

Betting Forcast

50/1 Ozat, 33/1 Popmaster, 11/2 Mister Winston, 25/1 Thunder Roar, 12/1 Mirsky, 50/1 Nizam, 16/1 Mr Swivell, 12/1 Sterling Knight, 7/1 Man Of La Mancha, 8/1 Principality, 11/2 Stem, 5/1 Celeborn, 16/1 Bragbor, 20/1 Walsingham, 10/1 Asmen Warrior, 16/1 Hot Cash, 16/1 Jimmy Speaking, 20/1 Final Night

Verdict

Stem and Celeborn (second choice) are two unexposed sorts who warrant close inspection, while Mister Winston and Mr Swivell are contenders to step up on their latest starts. However, MAN OF LA MANCHA was done few favours at Newbury last time and is selected to gain compensation. Principality, Asmen Warrior and last year's winner Mirsky are others who need considering.[Richard Russell]

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Man Of La Mancha

POSTDATA:

Asmen Warrior

TOPSPEED:

Mr Swivell