June 20 / 18.10 Ascot

18.10

Good To Firm

Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions Race) (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £64800
  • 2m 5f 143y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
ITV
View Course
Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions Race) (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

Form: /3-221

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Has very low mileage for an 8yo and has Flat form figures of 221 since the tongue-tie went on; unraced over this far but he looks all about stamina, having finished second in an Irish Cesarewitch (2m1f) and one better in last month's Chester Cup (2m2f, good; has run well on faster); that latest race went like clockwork from his low stall but he seems very uncomplicated, and this was nominated as his next target straight after that win; big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(10)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

A Piece Of Heaven

9st 4lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Has very low mileage for an 8yo and has Flat form figures of 221 since the tongue-tie went on; unraced over this far but he looks all about stamina, having finished second in an Irish Cesarewitch (2m1f) and one better in last month's Chester Cup (2m2f, good; has run well on faster); that latest race went like clockwork from his low stall but he seems very uncomplicated, and this was nominated as his next target straight after that win; big player.

7/1

1st

2

(1)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

A Piece Of Heaven

9st 6lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

One of three runners for the yard; lightly raced 8yo who was second in the 2m1f Irish Cesarewitch in 2024 and also in non-handicaps over 10.5f and 1m6f on his latest two starts this year; will probably be in good form but needs a career best.

7/1

2nd

3

(7)

3rd Apr 2026

Soft

1m 6f 0y

17:27 Curragh

A Piece Of Heaven

9st 5lb

J: Shay Wallace

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Second runner for yard; three-time Flat winner was second in the 2024 Irish Cesarewitch; has had his issues since but despite being very weak in the betting, ran a lovely second at Dundalk in February (ahead of Dallas Star); entitled to improve but unproven on soft.

7/2

Form: 1-0116

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Good strike-rate of 7-17 and he should have brighter prospects than some of staying this extreme trip given he wasn't stopping at the end of the Chester Cup over an extended 2m2f last time; has raised his game in cheekpieces (fitted in only his last two races) and he could outrun his odds if coping okay with fast ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(9)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Berkshire Sundance

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Good strike-rate of 7-17 and he should have brighter prospects than some of staying this extreme trip given he wasn't stopping at the end of the Chester Cup over an extended 2m2f last time; has raised his game in cheekpieces (fitted in only his last two races) and he could outrun his odds if coping okay with fast ground.

16/1

6th

6

(15)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Berkshire Sundance

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Missed most of last season but won on good/AW in four of his six starts since, the latest in clearcut fashion with first-time cheekpieces at Newcastle on AW Championships day; raised another 7lb, drawn wide and lacks any race experience at this track, but he's going from strength to strength.

10/1

1st

9

(12)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Berkshire Sundance

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

In and out on his five runs since returning from an absence in October but he's won three of them, most recently at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) in January; has also won on Tapeta; this steadily progressive 6yo has gone up just 2lb for last time and could again be involved; cheekpieces go on.

9/1

OUR TIP

80/1

Form: 1-2154

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
All eight Flat wins have been on the AW, though he's won twice over hurdles at up to 2m4f; very capable at the right level but this isn't it; faces a mammoth task on all the figures.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(12)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Carlton

9st 4lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: James Owen

All eight Flat wins have been on the AW, though he's won twice over hurdles at up to 2m4f; very capable at the right level but this isn't it; faces a mammoth task on all the figures.

80/1

4th

9

(1)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:10 Chester

Carlton

9st 5lb

J: David Probert

T: James Owen

Highly fruitful in his two and a half years with this yard, including two wins (Flat/hurdles) this February/March; needs to bounce back from a rare flop but the chief concern is his 0-15 record on Flat turf.

18/1

5th

4

(4)

9th Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell (AW)

Carlton

9st 9lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: James Owen

Thriving at present and he followed up 1m6f Chelmsford success in February with an emphatic victory over hurdles at Huntingdon last month; big shout once more.

9/4

Form: 24536-

Last run: 244 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Three wins in France included a Group 3 over 1m7f in September 2024 and he was even better in defeat last year, finishing close up in a German Group 1 (1m4f, good to soft; has won on good; unraced on faster); after joining Willie Mullins for 400,000euros (then gelded) he was runner-up in the same Killarney novice hurdle (2m4f) which Sober won on his debut for Mullins en route to winning this last year; this 5yo is firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 233254

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Group 3 winner over 1m2f at three; his losing run of 13 includes a fading fourth in this last year (good to firm); likely flattered by his close proximity to Scandinavia in a 1m6f Listed race in April and hasn't fared so well since; even if back on song, this is a tough place for front-runners.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(4)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Dallas Star

9st 4lb

J: David Egan

T: Robson De Aguiar

Group 3 winner over 1m2f at three; his losing run of 13 includes a fading fourth in this last year (good to firm); likely flattered by his close proximity to Scandinavia in a 1m6f Listed race in April and hasn't fared so well since; even if back on song, this is a tough place for front-runners.

20/1

4th

3

(5)

29th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

18:50 Down Royal

Dallas Star

9st 6lb

J: Donagh O’Connor

T: Robson De Aguiar

Won 1m2f Group 3 Ballysax Stakes in 2024 (1m2f, heavy); last win was at Dundalk early last year, having faced some stiff tasks since, career-best when front-running second to ready winner Scandinavia in Navan Listed last month; not as good behind same rival since under similar tactics in Group 3 Saval Beg; bit to find on ratings and step up to 2m looks a big ask.

10/1

5th

3

(5)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

19:22 Leopardstown

Dallas Star

9st 5lb

J: Donagh O’Connor

T: Robson De Aguiar

Won the 1m2f Group 3 Ballysax Stakes here in April 2024 (1m2f, heavy); last win was at Dundalk early last year; no match for Leinster in a St Leger trial at the Curragh last August; twice placed in small-field AW events during the winter; stronger form in defeat behind Scandinavia at Navan; not certain to uphold form with Leinster.

10/1

Form: 150-35 C

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
First-time blinkers when he was a very taking winner of last year's Copper Horse Stakes (1m6f, good to firm) at this meeting in which he came from well behind to win going away; gelded and, in no headgear, returned to that level of form when third in Group 2 at Newmarket (1m4f) on reappearance, only to then finish last of the five in new cheekpieces (retained) in the Group 3 Aston Park at Newbury; however, the first two home at Newbury were Group 1 horses, and on reflection it wasn't that bad a run; the burning question is whether he'll stay.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(6)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

French Master

9st 4lb

J: James Doyle

T: John & Thady Gosden

First-time blinkers when he was a very taking winner of last year's Copper Horse Stakes (1m6f, good to firm) at this meeting in which he came from well behind to win going away; gelded and, in no headgear, returned to that level of form when third in Group 2 at Newmarket (1m4f) on reappearance, only to then finish last of the five in new cheekpieces (retained) in the Group 3 Aston Park at Newbury; however, the first two home at Newbury were Group 1 horses, and on reflection it wasn't that bad a run; the burning question is whether he'll stay.

5/1

5th

3

(4)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:25 Newbury

French Master

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: John & Thady Gosden

Won two 1m6f handicaps last term, latterly in taking style from off the pace at Royal Ascot (good to firm) when wearing headgear first time; gelded and back to that sort of form when third of six in Group 2 at Newmarket (1m4f) 15 days ago, albeit not getting to grips with the leaders; no headgear that day (he has also tried a visor) but he's now fitted with first-time cheekpieces; bit to find if others are on their game.

6/1

3rd

3

(1)

1st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Newmarket

French Master

9st 5lb

J: David Egan

T: John & Thady Gosden

Won two 1m6f handicaps last term, latterly in taking style from off the pace at Royal Ascot (good to firm) when blinkered first time; slowly away on both subsequent starts, looking as if he was stretched by 2m in the Group 1 Goodwood Cup on first occasion (creditable) but tailed-off second favourite in the Ebor last time (visored; raced wide and made most); back to 1m4f, with headgear removed and needs overall improvement but the gelding operation may have helped.

13/2

Form: 4630-7

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Has some back-class on the Flat but the wheels came off big-time over hurdles for Willie Mullins and, after moving on for 15,000gns, he was tailed off at 50-1 on yard debut at Goodwood (1m6f; blinkers returned).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(2)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Hipop De Loire

9st 4lb

J: George Wood

T: Nick Scholfield

Has some back-class on the Flat but the wheels came off big-time over hurdles for Willie Mullins and, after moving on for 15,000gns, he was tailed off at 50-1 on yard debut at Goodwood (1m6f; blinkers returned).

66/1

7th

1

(3)

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Goodwood

Hipop De Loire

9st 12lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: Nick Scholfield

Sixth off 1lb higher in last year's 1m6f Ebor at York and third in the 2m2f Doncaster Cup; however, ended last season on a low note and pulled up in hot races for all three starts over hurdles this spring; left Willie Mullins for 15,000gns 16 days ago and blinkers (last worn in Germany in 2023) replace recent cheekpieces; which side he shows today remains to be seen.

66/1

7

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 190y

16:15 Punchestown

Hipop De Loire

11st 10lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

Classy sort on the Flat, third in last year's Doncaster Cup; 9yo has had just four runs over hurdles, winning Galway maiden last summer, but pulled up on both starts since last month's return, never featuring in Albert Bartlett and again in Grade 2 Fairyhouse novice (Generous Risk second); cheekpieces tried last time persisted with.

33/1

Form: 227-36 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Finished runner-up in last year's Gold Cup here (good to firm) and second again in the Goodwood version (2m, good), only narrowly failing to concede 14lb to Scandinavia; crystal clear claims on these favourable terms if returning to that level of form but he wasn't at his best when bidding for a second Ormonde at Chester and ran abysmally in the recent Coronation Cup when under the pump from a worryingly early stage (unwise to blame the rain-hit ground when he has soft-ground form); hard to dismiss but in equal measure he's hard to trust.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(13)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Illinois

9st 4lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Finished runner-up in last year's Gold Cup here (good to firm) and second again in the Goodwood version (2m, good), only narrowly failing to concede 14lb to Scandinavia; crystal clear claims on these favourable terms if returning to that level of form but he wasn't at his best when bidding for a second Ormonde at Chester and ran abysmally in the recent Coronation Cup when under the pump from a worryingly early stage (unwise to blame the rain-hit ground when he has soft-ground form); hard to dismiss but in equal measure he's hard to trust.

3/1

6th

4

(5)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

14:40 Epsom

Illinois

9st 2lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: A P O’Brien

Runner-up in two Cup races last term; only a neck behind stablemate Jan Brueghel in the 2024 St Leger but was beaten about 5l by that opponent last month when bidding for a second success in the Ormonde at Chester, doing nothing to close their current ratings differential; perhaps in here to set the pace and ensure a proper test.

40/1

3rd

4

(6)

7th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 84y

Class 1

15:05 Chester

Illinois

9st 2lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Ran as if something was amiss in the Irish St Leger on last appearance; very consistent otherwise and justified favouritism in this contest (good) 12 months ago, prior to second-place finishes in two Cup races; beaten only a neck by stablemate Jan Brueghel in the 2024 St Leger; respected in rematch with that rival.

3/1

Form: 51/2/3

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Horse

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Has form in Poland, France and Germany, beaten only 7l in a 1m4f Group 1 in the last-named country in 2023; restricted to only three runs in the meantime, the latest after an absence of 691 days when a closing third behind Scandinavia in a 1m6f Group 3 at Leopardstown last month (good; won on good to firm in Poland) on his stable debut; trainer did have him in the Gold Cup and, not only is he one of the classier acts in this field, he could be one of the strongest stayers judged on that latest effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 3434-2

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Likeable 6yo who handles any ground and can usually be relied upon to give his running, as was the case when a close second to A Piece Of Heaven in the Chester Cup (2m2f, good); Toby Moore's claim meant the winner was giving him 8lb that day, so he looks to have his work cut out to reverse those placings; can run well but probably not well enough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(8)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Maxi King

9st 4lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Likeable 6yo who handles any ground and can usually be relied upon to give his running, as was the case when a close second to A Piece Of Heaven in the Chester Cup (2m2f, good); Toby Moore's claim meant the winner was giving him 8lb that day, so he looks to have his work cut out to reverse those placings; can run well but probably not well enough.

20/1

2nd

3

(8)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Maxi King

9st 5lb

J: Toby Moore

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Reliable sort with a good first-time-out record, and he looks well worth this first foray beyond 14.5f, but there is something to prove if the ground if firmer than good; promising 7lb claimer has his first ride at Chester.

14/1

1

(3)

21st Oct 2025

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 2

16:50 Newcastle (AW)

Maxi King

10st 2lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Lightly raced for a 5yo; has twice made the frame since returning from another seven months off in June, finishing fourth of 13 in the Mallard at Doncaster (14.5f, good to soft) last month (runner-up has since won the Cesarewitch); placed in both starts on AW as a 2yo including one here; not dismissed.

11/4

Form: 22541-

Last run: 269 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Like stablemate Columbus, he was a Group 3 winner on the Flat (1m2f, heavy; effective on good; never encountered quicker); bought for 80,000euros and gelded after winning over 1m4f in France last September; should pay his way under both codes for new connections, though he was 7.5l behind Columbus when both made their debuts for Willie Mullins over hurdles at Killarney last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 255-19

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Signed off for the Crisfords with a 1m6f win on the AW in a Class 4 handicap, in first-time blinkers; well held over 2m here on yard debut (tried cheekpieces) and this is highly ambitious on all the figures.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(5)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Aajej

9st 3lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Richard Phillips

Signed off for the Crisfords with a 1m6f win on the AW in a Class 4 handicap, in first-time blinkers; well held over 2m here on yard debut (tried cheekpieces) and this is highly ambitious on all the figures.

150/1

9th

1

(8)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 209y

Class 4

17:10 Ascot

Aajej

9st 13lb

J: Owen Lewis

T: Richard Phillips

Unplaced both turf starts and both 2m races; inconsistent on AW but took advantage of career-low mark to score by a neck over 1m6f in January on final start for the Crisfords; sported first-time blinkers that day and sold for 31,000gns the following month; cheekpieces are today's headgear and he has something to prove back on turf at 2m.

9/1

1st

5

(3)

30th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 4

15:38 Southwell (AW)

Aajej

9st 9lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

His first three attempts on AW were encouraging but he has been disappointing over 2m on his last two runs (visored latest); drops back in trip with blinkers given a go; well treated if back to his best.

9/2

Form: 7985-7

Last run: 105 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
7f winner for previous yard but very minor form under both codes for this one and it would be the shock of all shocks if he won this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

(11)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Pivotal Days

9st 3lb

J: George Downing

T: Syd Hosie

7f winner for previous yard but very minor form under both codes for this one and it would be the shock of all shocks if he won this.

250/1

6th

7

22nd May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:11 Worcester

Pivotal Days

10st 12lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Syd Hosie

Won over 7f on the Flat for Ed Walker in 2024; has shown only modest form in two runs over hurdles for current yard.

100/1

9th

10

6th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 4

18:12 Fontwell

Pivotal Days

10st 10lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Syd Hosie

7f winner who joined this yard for 7,500gns; finished 22l behind La Cadalora on hurdle debut at Wincanton.

50/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £17.00
Straight Forecast £18.79
Tricast £200.62
Trifecta £187.50

Selections

Telegraph:

Le Destrier

POSTDATA:

Illinois

RP RATINGS:

A Piece Of Heaven

SPOTLIGHT:

Columbus

NEWMARKET:

French Master

D Express:

Mr Hollywood

LAMBOURN:

Berkshire Sundance

TOPSPEED:

Hipop De Loire

The Times:

Illinois

The Star:

Illinois

Daily Mirror:

A Piece Of Heaven

Daily Record:

A Piece Of Heaven

The Guardian:

Le Destrier

Daily Mail:

Le Destrier

The Sun:

Le Destrier