Tomorrow / 15.05 Ascot

15.05

Good To Firm

Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) (No Geldings)

  • Prize money: £396970
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 22 runners
ITV
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Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) (No Geldings)

Runners: 22 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

Form: 11-632 D BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
2-2 in truncated 2yo campaign, including 6f Group 3; 0-3 this year but appeared suited by the drop back to 6f when neck second to Song Of The Clyde in Listed race at Newbury (good) last month, faring best of those who raced in the centre group; improvement needed but he's Ryan Moore's mount of the Ballydoyle three and could still have more to offer; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(4)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Newbury

Albert Einstein

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Has rather compromised his chance by taking a good hold in 7f events this term, latest at Newbury (Group 3) when still running creditably in a hood that is now removed; skipped the Guineas option and heads down the Commonwealth Cup route instead; 2-2 previously, both wins over 6f in May 2025, including Curragh Group 3; retains potential.

5/2

3rd

1

(4)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:00 Newbury

Albert Einstein

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Rare runner in the Greenham for his powerful connections, who are still working out whether the highly regarded colt is a Guineas prospect or needs a return to 6f over which he was 2-2 as a 2yo (both on good ground); only sixth when favourite for Curragh Listed race (7f, soft to heavy; took a good hold) on return from ten-month absence but retains potential and could well take a big step forward, as well as settle better, in first-time hood with the outing under his belt; adds great interest to this field.

2/1

OUR TIP

Form: 33-730 D

Last run: 3 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Third in Group 3 Cornwallis (5f, good) and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (5f, firm) on final two 2yo starts, and also third in Listed race at York (5f, good) last month; respectable midfield finish in King Charles III Stakes here (5f, good to firm) on Tuesday but needs a career best today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

24

(20)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Aspect Island

9st 1lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: James Owen

Best 2yo form when dropped to 5f on final two starts, signing off with a close third of 12 in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (firm); he needed to progress as 3yo to have a chance today but that hasn't happened, so the first-time visor has a big job to do.

80/1

3rd

1

(2)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

16:40 York

Aspect Island

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: James Owen

Won Yarmouth nursery (6f, soft) in September but better form when third in Group 3 Cornwallis at Newmarket (good) and Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (again 5f, firm) the following month; looked to have trained on when beaten around 2l in all-aged Group 3 at Newmarket four weeks ago; holds Group 1 entries over 5f and 6f at Royal Ascot and now drops back into his own age group; sets the standard.

11/4

Form: 222-64 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in two top-level races last autumn, namely the Middle Park at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (5f, firm); a long way below that level on both outings this term and arrives with plenty to prove but he's an each-way possible if cheekpieces prompt a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(1)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:58 Haydock

Brussels

9st 2lb

J: Sean Levey

T: A P O’Brien

Runner-up twice in Group 1 company as a juvenile, including in the Middle Park at Newmarket with Coppull narrowly behind in third; however, he made an underwhelming start to his 3yo career when only sixth to Coppull (Division third) in 6f Ascot Group 3 on reappearance 22 days ago; possible he simply needed the run but arrives with a point to prove.

7/1

6th

3

(6)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Ascot

Brussels

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Won a 6f maiden at the Curragh on debut before a string of good efforts in defeat in good races, notably second-place finishes in the Middle Park (0.75l behind Wise Approach and 5lb better off) and the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint; should be in the shake-up.

7/2

Form: 111-18 C BF

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Impressive in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes here (5f, good to firm) last June on fourth and final 2yo start; reappeared with Listed win at Navan (6f, good to yielding) in April and he was eased at Naas last month after Ryan Moore felt he lost his action; Moore rides stablemate Albert Einstein but this fellow remains one to be interested in; wears first-time blinkers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(3)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 205y

16:56 Naas

Charles Darwin

9st 8lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Beaten on debut at Cork before going the rest of the season unbeaten; landed a Navan maiden (6f, soft), a four-runner conditions event here (5f, good) and ultimately the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm); workmanlike when justifying short odds at Navan on seasonal return (6f, good to yielding) and there is likely improvement to come; holds Group 1 entries for Ascot.

10/11

1st

1

(4)

25th Apr 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 180y

14:30 Navan

Charles Darwin

9st 10lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Brother to Bluebeard (Prix Morny and Middle Park); only fourth of seven when 4-6 for his Curragh debut (5f, good) last April; made handsome amends with wins in a C&D maiden (soft), a four-runner Naas conditions event (5f good) and the Norfolk Stakes, at the main expense of Middle Park winner Wise Approach; top-class sprinting prospect, reportedly in good shape.

1/2

Form: 3153-1 CD

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Third in the Coventry here (6f, good to firm) last June before 2l win in the Group 2 Richmond at Goodwood (6f, good), and campaign concluded with close third in the Group 1 Middle Park at Newmarket (6f, good to firm); reappeared with Group 3 win in the Trial over C&D (good to firm) and he's respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(8)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Ascot

Coppull

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Third in the Coventry Stakes over C&D before winning the Group 2 Richmond Stakes at Glorious Goodwood (6f, good); rounded off his juvenile campaign with a close third in the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes (6f, good to firm), finishing on the heels of the reopposing Wise Approach and Brussels; stable won this race with Jasour, also a Group 2 winner as a 2yo, in 2024; one to take seriously.

4/1

Form: 115-32 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Listed winner at York (6f, good) last October and reappeared with close third behind Coppull and Midnight Tango in the Group 3 Trial over this C&D (good to firm), finishing strongly after blowing the start; failed to settle and perhaps not seen to best effect when 3l second to Venetian Sun in Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock (6f, good to soft) last time; could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(4)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:58 Haydock

Division

9st 2lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Raced at 6f; won three times last year, notably a York Listed race (good; also won on good to soft); improved again when coming with a strong late run (started slowly) for 0.5l third to Coppull in Ascot Group 3 (good to firm) on reappearance three weeks ago; probably capable of better again.

5/2

3rd

6

(1)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Ascot

Division

9st 3lb

J: James Doyle

T: William Haggas

Promise on good to firm on debut; won his next three starts, two novice events and a York Listed race, before pulling his chance away over C&D on Champions Day; improvement required now upped to a Group 3 but he's in excellent hands and still has some potential.

12/1

Form: 2346-3 C

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
0-5 since winning the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes here 12 months ago (5f, good to firm) and couldn't threaten Song Of The Clyde and Albert Einstein when third in Listed race at Newbury (6f, good) on reappearance; however, he was held up in a race in which the first two were in front throughout, and today's big field and stiff finish may well see him to better effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(8)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Newbury

Havana Hurricane

9st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Held by Wise Approach on Group 1 Middle Park running (6f) but otherwise proved a useful and consistent sprinter last term, winning at Royal Ascot (Listed) and making the frame in several other notable races; solid claims, assuming he has trained on.

12/1

5

(4)

27th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Havana Hurricane

9st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Windsor Castle winner who has proved a solid operator and ran creditably in the Flying Childers (5f, good; Group 2) at Doncaster most recently, taking record to 121234; very likely to give his running but has seemingly reached his ceiling (form has levelled off).

16/1

Form: 21-111

Last run: 66 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Won over 1m/6.5f earlier this season and made it four wins from his five starts when landing a Group 3 by a neck at Chantilly in April (5.5f, good; from Kimi Rey); he needs another step forward today but this French challenger is progressive and might have more left in the tank; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 59-110 D

Last run: 83 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Won two conditions races at Meydan (7f/6f, good) early this year then finished down the field against older horses in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint there (6f, good) in March; Jamie Spencer being on board is a positive on the straight course here but this 3yo has something to find.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(8)

25th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newmarket

Northern Champion

9st 2lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Cost 820,000euros at the breeze-ups in May and was sent off favourite when winning a valuable newcomers' sales race at Deauville (7f, soft) last month; the runner-up has since won a maiden at Ascot; trainer believes there will be improvement to come and he could have a part to play.

10/1

Form: 410-11 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
No match for the front three (including Venetian Sun and Wise Approach) when fourth of six in the Group 1 Prix Morny at Deauville (6f, good) last August but unbeaten over sprint trips otherwise; he's posted ready wins in two conditions races in the US this year and his US trainer has enjoyed plenty of success at Royal Ascot, winning this race in 2021; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 9226-6 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Second in the Gimcrack at York (6f, good to firm) last August but well beaten in the Mill Reef at Newbury (6f, good to soft) next time and same story in the Sandy Lane at Haydock (6f, good to soft) last month; cheekpieces and the return to fast ground could help but others have less to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(5)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:58 Haydock

Rock On Thunder

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Raced at 6f; smart 2yo, notably second in the Gimcrack at York; below par tackling going softer than good for the first when sixth in the Mill Reef at Newbury on final start, which is a bit of a concern should the ground here remain on the soft side; on a positive note, his yard has won this twice since 2019, including with Inisherin in these silks two years ago.

10/1

4

(2)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:15 Newbury

Rock On Thunder

9st 3lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Campaigned exclusively over 6f on good/firmer; has shown very notable form the last twice, beating all bar the smart favourite in C&D Listed event then clear second in the Gimcrack at York; leading form claims.

3/1

Form: 111-24 D BF

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Won Group 3 and Group 2 races over 6f at Chantilly (good to soft/soft) last autumn and reappeared with solid second in Group 3 at Deauville (7f, good to soft); perhaps unsuited by heavy ground when below par at Chantilly last month and he retains potential, but others have stronger credentials.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 125-41 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Won a sales race at York (6f, good to firm) last August and his form went to a new level when an all-the-way Listed winner at Newbury (6f, good) last month, narrowly from Albert Einstein; this is his first Group-race assignment and further improvement is needed but he's an each-way possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

(11)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Newbury

Song Of The Clyde

9st 2lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Clive Cox

Posted good performances (won/second) in sales races last term and ran creditably off top weight in Newmarket handicap (6f, good) on reappearance; however, has something to find on ratings in this field.

10/1

4th

1

(15)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Newmarket

Song Of The Clyde

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Beaten favourite in the Two Year Old Trophy at Redcar when last seen but otherwise a progressive sort and may do better still; performed well in sales races at York (won) and Doncaster (close second; form has been strongly franked); capable of playing a big role, even off top weight.

13/2

Form: 794-00

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Eight runs last season, the highlight his 6f Group 2 near-miss at Chantilly in July; however, he was inconsistent and hasn't shown anything like enough on his two runs this term to suggest he'll make an impact today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(7)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 York

Super Soldier

9st 6lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Eight runs last season, the highlight his 6f Group 2 near-miss at Chantilly in July; however, he was inconsistent and finished down the field on his reappearance at Doncaster in March (Listed); others appeal more.

33/1

11th

12

(10)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 1

13:50 Doncaster

Super Soldier

8st 11lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Winless after debut (5f, good to firm) last spring but he did finish second in Listed race (5f, good to soft) and Group 2 (6f, soft) in France; however, this looks a stern assignment for his reappearance and it's over 20 years since a 3yo won this race.

20/1

Form: 131-54 C

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Runner-up to Charles Darwin in the Norfolk here (5f, good to firm) 12 months ago and won the Group 1 Middle Park at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) in September; hasn't hit the same heights in races won by Coppull and Song Of The Clyde this season but he's not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(1)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Newbury

Wise Approach

9st 7lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Campaigned only on good/firmer; progressive 2yo campaign featured 6f wins at Newbury (Listed) and Newmarket (Group 1 Middle Park Stakes); may be back in top form with Ascot reappearance (Group 3) under his belt; major player, despite conceding weight all round.

9/2

5th

1

(3)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Ascot

Wise Approach

9st 7lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

On the up when last seen, rounding off his 2yo campaign with a comfortable come-from-behind win in the Middle Park in September (6f, good to firm); may confirm his superiority over Brussels and Coppull despite the weights turnaround and he is not fully exposed just yet.

11/8

Form: 125-56 CD BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Made all in the Group 3 Princess Margaret Stakes over C&D (good) last July; some good runs in defeat since but she again looks vulnerable today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(3)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

13:30 Goodwood

Fitzella

9st 2lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

Likeable front-runner who made up into a useful juvenile, winning Group 3 Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot and signing off with a good fifth in Newmarket's Cheveley Park Stakes; shaped encouragingly when fifth of 12 in Nell Gwyn Stakes back at Newmarket (7f) on her recent return, leading long way; this drop back to 6f promises to suit, so she's a big player.

2/1

5th

8

(5)

15th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newmarket

Fitzella

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: Hugo Palmer

Group form last summer comprised a success over 6f at Ascot flanked by good efforts at Royal Ascot and Deauville (7f); took a good hold and weakened in the Cheveley Park Stakes, suggesting she may not be crying out for this step back up in trip.

14/1

Form: 1220-1 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Runner-up to subsequent 1,000 Guineas winner True Love in the Group 1 Cheveley Park at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) last September and travelled well when a gutsy winner of the Group 3 Lacken Stakes at Naas (6f, good) on her reappearance; could build on that latest run and give a good account.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(5)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 205y

16:56 Naas

Havana Anna

9st 2lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: Donnacha Aidan O’Brien

Maiden and Listed winner over 5f; beaten only a nose in a Group 3 over the minimum trip at Longchamp, though produced her best effort when chasing home True Love in the 6f Group 1 Cheveley Park; failed to cope with the challenge of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint; appealing given her top-rating and she's unpenalised but lacks a run.

4/1

Form: 13-123

Last run: 31 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Two-time French Listed winner who has finished close up in Group 3s at Chantilly on her last two runs (5.5f/6f, good/heavy), a head behind My Calyx Cen on the first occasion; however, she has to produce something new today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 4460-2 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
0-6 in Group/Listed races since winning a maiden at Hamilton last June on her second start but she's often run well and was better than ever when a neck runner-up to Coppull in the Group 3 Trial over C&D (good to firm) on last month's return; each-way claims if backing up that performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(7)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Ascot

Midnight Tango

9st 0lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Ran well in Listed/Group 3 company last summer following her maiden win at Hamilton and her two lesser efforts at the end of the campaign can both be excused; this free-going filly shouldn't mind the return to sprinting but she will need to raise her game a notch.

33/1

10th

5

(7)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Newmarket

Midnight Tango

9st 2lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Has Listed and Group 3 form, including at Newmarket, but seems to have stopped progressing; chance partly depends on how well she responds to first-time headgear.

12/1

Form: 041-83 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Listed winner at Newmarket (6f, good) last October; respectable efforts this season when midfield in the 1,000 Guineas (1m, good to firm) and third in the Sandy Lane at Haydock (6f, good to soft) but she was no match for the winner Venetian Sun last time and today's task may well be beyond her.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(7)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:58 Haydock

Spicy Marg

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Michael Bell

Proved a useful sprinter last season, notably winning over 5f at Glorious Goodwood in the summer and over 6f at Newmarket (good-ground Listed contest) final outing; finished in front of Venetian Sun when creditable eighth in the 1,000 Guineas on her reappearance; while she shouldn't be inconvenienced by the drop back to 6f it remains to be seen whether she can confirm that superiority over Karl Burke's filly at the shorter distance.

12/1

8th

12

(18)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newmarket

Spicy Marg

9st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Michael Bell

Proved a useful sprinter last season, notably winning over 5f at Glorious Goodwood in the summer and over 6f at Newmarket (beat Azleet in good-ground Listed contest) final outing; not an obvious 1,000 Guineas player, with doubts over the new trip and the deeper waters (she's a stone below the standard required).

40/1

Form: 113-01 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
5-5 over sprint trips, including 2yo wins at this meeting (C&D, good to firm) and in the Group 1 Prix Morny at Deauville (6f, good); having failed to stay 1m in the 1,000 Guineas, she was dropped back in trip in the Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock (6f, good to soft) four weeks ago and won in fine style; leading claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

(3)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:58 Haydock

Venetian Sun

8st 13lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Top 6f 2yo, completing a notable hat-trick with wins in Group 3 at Royal Ascot, Group 2 at Newmarket (July) and Group 1 at Deauville (all good/good to firm); seemed fine at 7f (ran on after meeting trouble) when third in the Moyglare at the Curragh (yielding) on her final start but shaped like a non-stayer when stepped up to 1m for 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket on reappearance; remains open to progress back at 6f; leading claims.

9/4

11th

19

(1)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newmarket

Venetian Sun

9st 2lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Absent since finishing third to Precise in the Moyglare Stud Stakes when upped to 7f at the Curragh, losing her unbeaten record but far from disgraced and sticking on in a manner that suggests she'll stay 1m this year; 4-4 previously and completed a notable 6f hat-trick with wins in Group 3 at Royal Ascot, Group 2 at Newmarket (July) and Group 1 at Deauville; may well rate higher still and add to an already impressive tally; pleased her trainer in a racecourse gallop last month; highly respected.

9/2

Form: 121-9

Last run: 40 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Enjoyed the run of the race against the rail when making virtually all to win the Group 2 Rockfel at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) last September on her third start, but there was still lots to like about that performance and the runner-up went on to finish fourth in the 1,000 Guineas; soundly beaten in the French 1,000 Guineas (1m, heavy) on sole outing this year but she's lightly raced and could be suited by this first crack at sprinting; chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(10)

26th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:25 Newmarket

Zanthos

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Registered an easy win in newcomers' race on the July course (7f, good to firm); readily outgunned by Touleen at Leicester, having pulled hard, but may make the rematch tighter provided she settles better; still of interest.

5/2

2

(1)

9th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Leicester

Zanthos

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

48,000euros yearling who fetched 1,000,000euros at a breeze-up sale in May; started odds-on for a Newmarket newcomers' maiden a month ago, when winning impressively from the front (third successful since) and has plenty of potential.

4/6

Betting Forcast

9/2 Albert Einstein, 100/1 Aspect Island, 66/1 Brussels, 12/1 Charles Darwin, 11/1 Coppull, 11/1 Division, 33/1 Havana Hurricane, 40/1 My Calyx Cen, 66/1 Northern Champion, 16/1 Outfielder, 50/1 Rock On Thunder, 25/1 Samangan, 14/1 Song Of The Clyde, 100/1 Super Soldier, 14/1 Wise Approach, 100/1 Fitzella, 12/1 Havana Anna, 40/1 Kimi Rey, 40/1 Midnight Tango, 50/1 Spicy Marg, 7/4 Venetian Sun, 16/1 Zanthos

Verdict

Last season's Group 1 Prix Morny winner VENETIAN SUN was seriously impressive when dropped back to 6f in the Group 2 Sandy Lane at Haydock last month and she can maintain her unbeaten record at sprint trips. Havana Hurricane won at last year's Royal meeting and could prove best of the rest on this return to a similar big-field scenario, having been a promising third at Newbury on his reappearance. The pacy and lightly raced filly Zanthos is an intriguing contender on her first crack at sprinting and is next on the list. Coppull and Division ran big races in the C&D Trial and could be involved, while Charles Darwin may also feature despite Ryan Moore looking elsewhere.[Ben Hutton]

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Venetian Sun

TOPSPEED:

Havana Anna

RP RATINGS:

Venetian Sun

POSTDATA:

Venetian Sun