June 16 / 17.00 Ascot

17.00

Good To Firm

Ascot Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £61848
  • 2m 3f 210y
  • Class 2
  • 20 runners
ITV
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Ascot Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 20 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

18/1

  • Place: £10.10

Form: 147-04

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Unraced on firmer than good and his form claims are pretty flimsy; however, he's one of the dark horses of the race after just six starts and he's shaped at 1m6f as if he may well be an out-and-out stayer; has tried cheekpieces and a visor once each, and now blinkers are given a go; close relation Middle Earth was third over 2m in last year's Melbourne Cup.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(15)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 4f 137y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Defiantly

9st 7lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Lightly raced 4yo; proved that he does indeed possess serious stamina when upped from 1m6f to 2m4f at Royal Ascot (good to firm) last time, bang there almost throughout in first-time blinkers and beaten a head; back up 4lb but has a big shout.

6/1

2nd

10

(7)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Defiantly

9st 5lb

J: James Doyle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Unraced on firmer than good and his form claims are pretty flimsy; however, he's one of the dark horses of the race after just six starts and he's shaped at 1m6f as if he may well be an out-and-out stayer; has tried cheekpieces and a visor once each, and now blinkers are given a go; close relation Middle Earth was third over 2m in last year's Melbourne Cup.

18/1

4th

1

(1)

12th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 44y

20:10 Killarney

Defiantly

9st 12lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Highly tried at Listed level last season after winning his maiden here; the concern is a very laboured comeback run on handicap debut at Cork.

4/1

20/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: 131

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Last year he was a bumper winner (sole attempt) and ran twice over hurdles; now he's a useful prospect, at the least, under Flat rules having won a maiden at Bellewstown (11.4f, soft) and conditions event at Listowel (1m, good) and he kept on well behind Kizlyar over 1m6f in between, all from off the pace; this race is radically different but he is promising and seriously unexposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

19

(19)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Tim Toe

9st 3lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Henry De Bromhead

Last year he was a bumper winner (sole attempt) and ran twice over hurdles; now he's a useful prospect, at the least, under Flat rules having won a maiden at Bellewstown (11.4f, soft) and conditions event at Listowel (1m, good) and he kept on well behind Kizlyar over 1m6f in between, all from off the pace; this race is radically different but he is promising and seriously unexposed.

20/1

1st

1

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

15:50 Listowel

Tim Toe

10st 7lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Henry De Bromhead

Bumper winner and fair maiden hurdler; won Bellewstown maiden over 1m3f; third in slowly-run 1m6f heat at Killarney and opening mark likely flatters him; surely beatable over this trip.

6/1

3rd

4

(7)

12th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 44y

20:10 Killarney

Tim Toe

9st 12lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Henry De Bromhead

Bumper winner (on good) who added a 1m3f maiden at Bellewstown last month (soft); he'll need to better that form if he's to be winning this.

6/1

4th
3 (3)
Barnso

25/1

Form: 44460-

Last run: 248 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Markedly progressive overall when trained by Natalia Lupini in Northern Ireland, rounding it off with an always-prominent fourth of 16 at Royal Ascot 2025 (1m6f, good to firm; 2lb lower today); respectable show at Goodwood last summer, ten weeks before running poorly in the Cesarewitch when going beyond 1m6f for first time was not to blame; bit to prove on first run since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(3)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Barnso

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Markedly progressive overall when trained by Natalia Lupini in Northern Ireland, rounding it off with an always-prominent fourth of 16 at Royal Ascot 2025 (1m6f, good to firm; 2lb lower today); respectable show at Goodwood last summer, ten weeks before running poorly in the Cesarewitch when going beyond 1m6f for first time was not to blame; bit to prove on first run since.

25/1

3

(14)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Barnso

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Markedly progressive overall when trained by Natalia Lupini in Northern Ireland, rounding it off with an always-prominent fourth of 16 at Royal Ascot (1m6f, good to firm); changed hands before a respectable show at Goodwood ten weeks ago; while going beyond 1m6f for the first time looks worth a go, it's hard to know whether it will help sufficiently to win this top handicap.

28/1

6th

6

(11)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:55 Goodwood

Barnso

9st 3lb

J: David Egan

T: Alan King

Markedly progressive overall trained by Natalia Lupini in Northern Ireland, rounding it off on last two outings with fourth of six in slowly run Listed race at Navan (1m6f, soft) in April and always-prominent fourth of 16 in handicap at Royal Ascot (1m6f, good to firm); changed hands since; respected.

16/1

Form: 31199- BF

Last run: 228 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
1m4f festival wins off much lower marks at Chester and Epsom preceded his 100,000gns purchase last July; two Flat runs (including 2m Irish Cesarewitch) last autumn didn't work out but there was encouragement to be drawn from his two hurdle races last month (second on latest) and he scored over an extended 1m6f in 2024; not entirely dismissed, from stable which runs seven.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(10)

19th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Small Fry

9st 6lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Returned to Flat with an eye-catching effort at Royal Ascot (2m4f); going back down to 1m6f didn't look a problem at Glorious Goodwood (again good to firm) 18 days ago but he suffered a nightmare passage before running on into second of 13 (Valedictory fifth); a 4lb rise adds salt to the wounds but he could still have a big chance.

5/2

2nd

13

(11)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Small Fry

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

1m4f festival wins off much lower marks at Chester and Epsom last July when trained by the Moores; returned to Flat with an eye-catching effort at Royal Ascot (2m4f, good to firm; 12-1) last month, turning for home towards rear but running on into sixth of 20; back down in trip but one to note.

6/1

6th

12

(17)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Small Fry

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

1m4f festival wins off much lower marks at Chester and Epsom preceded his 100,000gns purchase last July; two Flat runs (including 2m Irish Cesarewitch) last autumn didn't work out but there was encouragement to be drawn from his two hurdle races last month (second on latest) and he scored over an extended 1m6f in 2024; not entirely dismissed, from stable which runs seven.

18/1

Form: 000-24

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Unraced on firmer than good; second at Navan (1m6f, heavy) in March on Flat handicap debut; backed that up with her excellent, close fourth of 15 when third favourite for the Chester Cup (2m2f, good; 1lb higher today) in May, coming from towards rear after a slow start; has to be considered but such a wide draw may mean she again has to come from well back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(12)

8th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 4f 0y

18:30 Galway

Galileo Dame

9st 9lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Two wins and eight seconds in a 23-race career; chance would be improved by heavy ground; several of the stable's runners are more appealing.

10/1

3rd

6

(6)

31st Jul 2026

Yielding

1m 6f 14y

20:40 Galway

Galileo Dame

9st 0lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Best on very testing ground and was well held in the QR handicap here on Monday when 8.5l behind Teed Up; big swing in the weights with that rival but would make more appeal if the ground was heavy; cheekpieces go on.

5/1

10th

3

(5)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Galileo Dame

11st 11lb

J: Mr B O’Neill

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Dual-purpose mare; only Flat win came in Leopardstown 3yo maiden (1m2f); good form this term in very competitive handicaps, second at Navan, close fourth of 15 in 2m2f Chester Cup, seventh of 20 behind a stablemate in 2m4f Ascot Stakes; most recent run was in a Group race; one of five for the stable.

12/1

12/1

Form: 322360

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm; 9lb higher today) last October and had some very solid AW form over 1m2f-2m this year; not nearly so good in his two races back on turf but his recent run at Epsom (1m2f) should have teed him up nicely for this; current mark and tactical issues coming from the rear are the chief worries.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(8)

11th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 197y

Class 1

15:00 Doncaster

Beylerbeyi

9st 7lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Ian Williams

Acts on good to soft but soft would be a worry; tricky to settle and is held up in rear (a good pace would help) but he's 2-4 at Doncaster; won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f) last October and looked just as good on most handicap starts since; fifth of 22 in the 1m6f Ebor at York last time, with Ascending fourth as they both made late gains; player in below-par renewal.

7/2

5th

15

(21)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Beylerbeyi

9st 3lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Ian Williams

Acts on good to soft but soft would be a worry; tricky to settle and is held up in rear; won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f; 10lb higher today) last October and he's looked just as good on most starts since, without winning but late traffic woes seemingly prevented him from going close last time; without his usual jockey Billy Loughnane today but he was a close second last term under Clifford Lee; probably involved if he can get the breaks.

10/1

11

(1)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Beylerbeyi

10st 3lb

T: Ian Williams

100/30

Form: 1/17/ BF

Last run: 756 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Ran three times on the Flat in France, winning over 1m7f on testing ground on first two occasions; that was back in 2023 and spring 2024, but he was a progressive and fairly useful hurdler in the hood for this yard last season (last seen in April) and is unexposed for this Flat handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(6)

13th Sep 2026

Good

1m 6f 115y

Class 2

15:40 Doncaster

All In You

9st 0lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Warren Greatrex

Ran three times on the Flat in France, winning over 1m7f on testing ground on first two occasions; that was back in 2023 and spring 2024, but he was a progressive and fairly useful hurdler in the hood for this yard last season and not disgraced when ninth of 20 from the rear on Flat handicap debut at Royal Ascot (2m4f; 16-1) three months ago; in the mix.

9/2

9th

17

(9)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

All In You

9st 3lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Warren Greatrex

Ran three times on the Flat in France, winning over 1m7f on testing ground on first two occasions; that was back in 2023 and spring 2024, but he was a progressive and fairly useful hurdler in the hood for this yard last season (last seen in April) and is unexposed for this Flat handicap debut.

25/1

4th

8

18th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Ayr

All In You

10st 6lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Went close on stable debut in big field at Ascot (1m7f, soft) in December then won at Sandown (2m, good) in January, turning the tables on Dance And Glance who won a nice prize at Haydock this month; 5lb out of the handicap today and pulled up in the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury in February, but very few ran to form in that attritional contest; retains potential; chance.

15/2

10th
11 (13)
Bahadur

22/1

Form: 11-651

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Progressive on AW last autumn and another improved effort when he went on over 3f out to win a five-runner race at Goodwood (upped to 2m, good) on latest outing; up 4lb but could have more to give as a stayer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(4)

8th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:50 Goodwood

Bahadur

9st 11lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: S Woods

Came up well short at Glorious Goodwood last time but this looks an easier assignment; ties in with Synergism on Northumberland Plate form and scored over C&D (off just 1lb lower) in May; possibilities.

9/2

9th

12

(8)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Bahadur

9st 0lb

J: David Egan

T: S Woods

Won five-runner race here (upped to 2m, good) in May and made most when fifth of 20 in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW); no room over 1f out at Newbury two weeks ago but the speed with which he dropped out when jockey gave up was still rather disconcerting; place chance if bouncing back.

28/1

Form: 003-0P

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Always behind in his two races this spring (1m2f/1m4f; ended pulled up last time) and last season was a mixed bag; however, his strong-finishing thirds last year in this race (off 1lb lower than today) and another big-field contest at Naas (2m) show that he needs a close look, particularly as some headgear (absent this season) is reinstated.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(3)

12th Sep 2026

Good

1m 5f 0y

17:35 Leopardstown

Comfort Zone

9st 8lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Placed in last year's Ascot Stakes and in the October Handicap at Naas; came back to form in style when winning the big amateur handicap over 2m at the Galway festival; favourite for a handicap hurdle later in the week, the run may have come too soon.

14/1

13th

7

1st Aug 2026

Good

2m 6f 108y

15:12 Galway

Comfort Zone

11st 3lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Came back to form in terrific style when winning the Connacht Hotel Flat Handicap over 2m on Monday here; hasn't run over hurdles since May 2025 but can be a big player with his confidence boosted.

5/1

1st

8

(20)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Comfort Zone

11st 9lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Most recent of his five wins was in a valuable 2m handicap at Naas in October 2024; ran poorly when well fancied for this race last year, others seem more dependable; one of three in the field for his owner, Derek O'Connor rides.

14/1

OUR TIP
12th
2 (10)
Bunting

11/1

Form: 3/453-

Last run: 248 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Poor strike-rate (two maiden wins) in Flat and hurdling spheres and he went the wrong way in his latest hurdles campaign; however, he ran well in two major Flat handicaps last season, including when third to Beylerbeyi in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm); 3lb higher today but 7lb claimer Harry Vigors is booked; like so many, he has each-way hopes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

24th Aug 2026

Good

2m 1f 55y

19:00 Ballinrobe

Bunting

11st 2lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

132-rated hurdler, although only a maiden win to his name, and decent stayer on the Flat as well, third in last season's Cesarewitch; has been hard to place over hurdles, front-running sixth over 2m6f at Galway last time; not bred for this game and stiff task on chasing debut.

8/1

6th

6

1st Aug 2026

Good

2m 6f 108y

15:12 Galway

Bunting

11st 4lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Is 1-12 over hurdles; well beaten back on the Flat at Royal Ascot last time; needs a return to best hurdle form but can't be ruled out.

14/1

12th

2

(10)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Bunting

9st 10lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: W P Mullins

Poor strike-rate (two maiden wins) in Flat and hurdling spheres and he went the wrong way in his latest hurdles campaign; however, he ran well in two major Flat handicaps last season, including when third to Beylerbeyi in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm); 3lb higher today but 7lb claimer Harry Vigors is booked; like so many, he has each-way hopes.

11/1

Form: 00-071

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Officially unraced on firmer than good; ex-Polish and German, placed in 1m2f Group races in 2024 before a 260,000euros sale; failed to fire last year (including one 2m1f race) but shaped nicely on second start this term and landed a gamble in clearcut fashion in 24-runner handicap at the Curragh (1m6f, good) on latest, challenging 2f out; he was ridden that day as if stamina is a strength and, despite his revised mark, is one to note.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

(7)

12th Sep 2026

Good

1m 5f 0y

17:35 Leopardstown

Westminster Moon

9st 2lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: A J Martin

Ex-Polish/German, placed in 1m2f Group races in 2024; took a while to find his level in Irish handicaps but decisively landed a gamble in a 24-runner race at the Curragh (1m6f, good) in May; mid-field over longer trips in the Ascot Stakes and at Galway, closer to his best when fourth at York.

14/1

4th

11

(1)

19th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Westminster Moon

9st 1lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: A J Martin

Ex-Polish and German, placed in 1m2f Group races in 2024; took a while to find his level in Irish handicaps but decisively landed a gamble in a 24-runner race at the Curragh (1m6f, good) in May; should stay this far but never threatened at Royal Ascot (2m4f, sole start on officially good to firm) next time and weakened right out of it at Galway (2m1f) on latest, which leaves him with something to prove again.

18/1

13th

7

(11)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Westminster Moon

11st 10lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: A J Martin

Ex-Polish and German, placed in 1m2f Group races in 2024; took a while to find his level in Irish handicaps; decisively landed a gamble in a 24-runner handicap at the Curragh (1m6f, good) in May; never threatened in the Ascot Stakes; this trip should be within his range; live each-way chance.

12/1

Form: 003-86

Last run: 60 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
1m4f winner from the front off this mark at Newmarket last May who also scored with a prominent ride over hurdles at Cheltenham (2m5f) in November; has a bit to prove over 2m on Flat, including having been always behind on both starts this year; now tries a visor (often wears cheekpieces) and maybe there will be a change of tactics.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(12)

21st Aug 2026

Good

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:15 Hamilton

Lavender Hill Mob

9st 3lb

J: Shane Gray

T: James Owen

Versatile 5yo whose latest win was a handicap hurdle at Cheltenham last November (2m5f, soft); hasn't been at his best on the Flat this year (2m-2m4f) although not beaten far in the Shergar Cup last time; not sure drop in trip will suit.

22/1

8th

2

(5)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Lavender Hill Mob

9st 8lb

J: Jamie Melham

T: James Owen

Useful 1m4f performer and pretty good on his day over hurdles; however, hasn't found his best form this season at 2m/2m4f and has yet to convince as a stayer in this discipline; tried a visor last time at Royal Ascot and cheekpieces return.

16/1

14th

5

(2)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Lavender Hill Mob

9st 6lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: James Owen

1m4f winner from the front off this mark at Newmarket last May who also scored with a prominent ride over hurdles at Cheltenham (2m5f) in November; has a bit to prove over 2m on Flat, including having been always behind on both starts this year; now tries a visor (often wears cheekpieces) and maybe there will be a change of tactics.

40/1

20/1

Form: 1020-1

Last run: 78 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Brought from Ireland last year for Glorious Goodwood (2m4f, soft; second off 6lb lower than today) and the Cesarewitch (2m2f, good to firm; 14th); reappeared this spring with a career best on Flat to win at Navan (1m6f, heavy) and a creditable third in 3m hurdle race, but another career high is needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

6

(15)

19th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Mordor

9st 4lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Gordon Elliott

Thorough Flat stayer who reappeared this spring with a career best on Flat to win at Navan (1m6f, heavy) and a creditable third in 3m hurdle race; good ground looked okay for him last season but a muted display at Royal Ascot nine weeks ago perhaps confirmed that anything firmer is not ideal; either way, another career best is needed today.

40/1

15th

6

(12)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Mordor

9st 6lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Gordon Elliott

Brought from Ireland last year for Glorious Goodwood (2m4f, soft; second off 6lb lower than today) and the Cesarewitch (2m2f, good to firm; 14th); reappeared this spring with a career best on Flat to win at Navan (1m6f, heavy) and a creditable third in 3m hurdle race, but another career high is needed.

20/1

3rd

1

15th May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 50y

18:30 Kilbeggan

Mordor

11st 12lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Dual hurdles winner was last seen over timber finishing eighth of 24 in the 2025 Martin Pipe (2m5f, good to soft); kept on Flat since then and added a third win in that sphere when successful at Navan last time (1m6f, heavy); most of his wins came on good ground, so leading contender back over obstacles fit and in form.

9/4

Form: 7/31-7 BF

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Won 4yo handicap hurdle at 2025 Cheltenham Festival and took a huge prize for Irish Cesarewitch on Flat at the Curragh (2m1f, yielding) last September, in the latter bursting clear 1f out and scoring with considerably more authority than the margin suggests; underwhelming over hurdles before last month's Chester Cup, in which he also had the widest draw, but he started favourite nevertheless and made some headway from the back to finish seventh of 15; he didn't have the rub of the green that day and is shortlisted even though connections also now resort to headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

6

30th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Puturhandstogether

10st 13lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Won 4yo handicap hurdle at 2025 Cheltenham Festival and had a massive payday in last season's Irish Cesarewitch; down the field in three big handicap hurdles between late November and April; not much luck when unplaced favourite for the Chester Cup; flopped when well-fancied for the Ascot Stakes; questions to answer but could not be ruled out.

7/1

16th

16

(5)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Puturhandstogether

9st 4lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Won 4yo handicap hurdle at 2025 Cheltenham Festival and took a huge prize for Irish Cesarewitch on Flat at the Curragh (2m1f, yielding) last September, in the latter bursting clear 1f out and scoring with considerably more authority than the margin suggests; underwhelming over hurdles before last month's Chester Cup, in which he also had the widest draw, but he started favourite nevertheless and made some headway from the back to finish seventh of 15; he didn't have the rub of the green that day and is shortlisted even though connections also now resort to headgear.

6/1

7th

10

(17)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Puturhandstogether

8st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

One of three for Joseph O'Brien; won 4yo handicap hurdle at 2025 Cheltenham Festival and also took a huge prize for last September's Irish Cesarewitch on Flat at the Curragh (2m1f, yielding); underwhelming in his three handicap hurdles in November-April, which is a concern, as is today's widest stall, but his Curragh win (bursting clear 1f out) was delivered with considerably more authority than the winning margin suggests; respected.

9/1

Form: 1637-5

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Wore cheekpieces last six starts, winning in late summer last year on first two occasions; a late effort took him from last to fifth of 14 when he made a good reappearance here (1m4f, good to firm) last month but venturing beyond an extended 1m4f for first time provides a huge question mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

9

(18)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Siempre Arturo

9st 6lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Wore cheekpieces last six starts, winning in late summer last year on first two occasions; a late effort took him from last to fifth of 14 when he made a good reappearance here (1m4f, good to firm) last month but venturing beyond an extended 1m4f for first time provides a huge question mark.

33/1

5th

1

(9)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

14:55 Ascot

Siempre Arturo

9st 9lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

The winner of eight of his 22 starts, the latest success coming at Kempton (1m4f) off a 2lb lower mark; ended 2025 with a couple of lesser runs and might be best watched on return.

33/1

6th

1

(3)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 3

16:30 Newcastle (AW)

Siempre Arturo

10st 4lb

J: Nicola Currie

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Has gone 2-2 in the cheekpieces, nicely on top late on at Windsor and Kempton (1m4f); two 5lb rises asks a question of him but something seems to have clicked.

5/1

Form: 31011-

Last run: 246 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
A heavy defeat over hurdles five weeks ago was his only race since October; however, he won three of his four starts once equipped with this headgear on Flat last July-October; the furthest of those wins was 1m5f and he was well beaten trying 1m6f, but it may be rash to dismiss him as a stayer, given he's brother to Magellan Strait who won the 2023 Irish Cesarewitch (2m1f) and half-brother to Lagostovegas who won this race in 2018.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

9

(15)

12th Sep 2026

Good

1m 5f 0y

17:35 Leopardstown

Glenroyal

9st 2lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

In rear in the Ascot Stakes after a moderate run over hurdles; down the field behind Comfort Zone at Galway; won over 1m4f at last year's Galway festival; showed good form on soft ground last autumn, winning twice, including over this trip at Down Royal.

28/1

8th

5

(16)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Glenroyal

11st 10lb

J: Mr H C Swan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

In rear in the Ascot Stakes after a moderate run over hurdles; breakthrough win was over 1m4f at last year's festival; showed good form on soft ground in the autumn, winning twice, including over 1m5f.

16/1

19th

15

(1)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Glenroyal

9st 4lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

A heavy defeat over hurdles five weeks ago was his only race since October; however, he won three of his four starts once equipped with this headgear on Flat last July-October; the furthest of those wins was 1m5f and he was well beaten trying 1m6f, but it may be rash to dismiss him as a stayer, given he's brother to Magellan Strait who won the 2023 Irish Cesarewitch (2m1f) and half-brother to Lagostovegas who won this race in 2018.

14/1

9/4

Form: 10/29- BF

Last run: 364 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Dam is Ascot Gold Cup winner Estimate; inconsistent for Sir Michael Stoute in 2024; beaten on the nod at Leopardstown (1m4f) last May on debut for new yard, after which he was all the rage for this race but it was a nightmare for favourite backers, as he was shuffled back (from stall 1) and towards the rear entering straight before running on nicely until denied any room again in the last half furlong; absent since but same mark today and he is surely capable of significantly better; granted better luck, he should have a big shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

22nd Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 100y

13:25 Killarney

Reaching High

11st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

AW Flat handicap winner in Britain over 1m6f; ran three times for this stable, second at Leopardstown off 92 before luckless run in Ascot Stakes; returned after 12 months off in same race last time and ran too bad to be true; very useful staying handicapper and fascinating recruit to hurdling for top jumps stable; should stay well.

2/1

20th

4

(8)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Reaching High

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: W P Mullins

Dam is Ascot Gold Cup winner Estimate; inconsistent for Sir Michael Stoute in 2024; beaten on the nod at Leopardstown (1m4f) last May on debut for new yard, after which he was all the rage for this race but it was a nightmare for favourite backers, as he was shuffled back (from stall 1) and towards the rear entering straight before running on nicely until denied any room again in the last half furlong; absent since but same mark today and he is surely capable of significantly better; granted better luck, he should have a big shout.

9/4

9th

15

(1)

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Reaching High

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: W P Mullins

Dam is Ascot Gold Cup winner Estimate; inconsistent for Sir Michael Stoute last term, best efforts when second on good to firm in June and drubbing his opponents over 1m6f on AW in August; tailed off in the Melrose at York (6-1) final 3yo outing but made a bright start for new yard when beaten on the nod at Leopardstown (1m4f) last month; needs improvement but there is a great deal to suggest he arrives here with major potential as a stayer.

7/2

14 (4)
Ismahane

25/1

Form: 42322-

Last run: 206 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Officially unraced on firmer than good; trained last year in Germany, including when runner-up in Group 3 Italian St Leger (1m7f, heavy) before changing hands for 72,000euros; well held when taking minor honours over hurdles (January and May) in her two runs for new yard, but cheekpieces (tried once last year) return and getting back to the Flat may suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 0-1370

Last run: 54 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
4-22 in France, including two 2m wins and latest came with a very late bid in January (AW); peak efforts (not his last two) give him a form chance on this first start since changing hands and leaving Andre Fabre.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 321-01

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
French 1m6f winner who tried hurdling for new yard last winter; tailed off in the heavy-ground handicap won by Mordor on return to Flat but dictated the pace and kept his challengers at bay in a six-runner conditions event at Killarney (1m6f, good; Tim Toe third and Defiantly fourth) five weeks ago; improvement is needed but he's still something of an unknown quantity.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £813.70
Straight Forecast £555.06
Tricast £5405.97
Trifecta £11209.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Reaching High

POSTDATA:

Mordor

RP RATINGS:

Bahadur

Telegraph:

Tim Toe

Daily Mail:

Puturhandstogether

The Guardian:

Galileo Dame

TOPSPEED:

Barnso

Daily Mirror:

Westminster Moon

The Times:

Reaching High

D Express:

Reaching High

The Sun:

Reaching High

The Star:

Reaching High

Daily Record:

Mordor