Today / 18.52 Newbury

18.52

Good To Firm

Highclere Castle Gin Handicap

  • Prize money: £5757.4
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
SKY
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Highclere Castle Gin Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

Form: 60-085 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Very well handicapped on last summer's exploits but he's been a long way below that level this year and a major turnaround is needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(3)

23rd Jun 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:00 Ffos Las

Arabian Cobra

9st 9lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Adrian Wintle

Won two 6f handicaps on good ground last summer when with Hugo Palmer; quiet in two runs for current yard (cheekpieces then a visor) and soft ground might not be what he wants.

20/1

8th

1

(9)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

14:08 Salisbury

Arabian Cobra

10st 0lb

J: Alfie Redman

T: Adrian Wintle

Won at Thirsk (6f, good) last June before following up at Chester (6f, good) a week later; well beaten in the Ayr Bronze Cup on his final start for Hugo Palmer and he beat only one rival home at Bath on his stable debut 27 days ago; visor back on (replacing cheekpieces worn last time).

14/1

Form: 5-7738 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Merely mid-division at Newmarket (6f, good) three weeks ago but prior to that he took a step back in the right direction when third on the Rowley Mile there (6f, good) and his stable is in fine form; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(8)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:45 Newmarket (July)

Rebel Path

9st 8lb

J: Olivia Haines

T: Stuart Williams

Beat Fiscal Policy decisively on the Rowley course (6f, good to firm) last May when rated 3lb higher; ran well for third in the same race five weeks ago; not ruled out.

10/1

3rd

11

(11)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:27 Newmarket

Rebel Path

8st 13lb

J: Olivia Haines

T: Stuart Williams

Tame end to last season and no return to form on his two starts this year; however, he's 2lb lower than when winning this under Olivia Haines last year (good to firm) and the return to the Rowley Mile could trigger a revival.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: -28324 CD BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
8yo whose losing run goes back 18 races to July 2024 but he's often run well in the meantime, including on his last two starts; each-way player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(5)

5th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 160y

Class 5

18:40 Bath

Strike

9st 4lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Last of four wins came in July 2024, but has been runner-up twice over C&D this year, latest on firm ten days ago; likes to hear his feet rattle and if the ground is in his favour then he would come into this.

9/2

2nd

4

(1)

26th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 160y

Class 5

15:30 Bath

Strike

9st 3lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Won three times in 2024 but unable to add to his haul since; retains ability but perhaps vulnerable for win purposes once more.

9/2

Form: 6368-8 D

Last run: 87 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
He's on a reduced mark and his yard is going well; however, he had a patchy campaign last season and was soundly beaten in April on his sole run this year (pulled hard on that stable debut); others have less to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(2)

13th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:52 Leicester

The Coffee Pod

9st 4lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Picked up for 4,000gns from the Hannon yard last autumn after breaking a blood-vessel for the second time in four runs; not much luck and maybe fresh is the time to catch him, going in a first-time hood, but the stiff 6f is a concern (most starts at 5f).

16/1

Form: 21-775 D

Last run: 4 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Enjoyed good spell of form over 6f last summer and the drop back in trip may help, but he hasn't shaped this year as though a win is imminent.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(6)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

14:32 Southwell (AW)

Jimmy Knocker

9st 5lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Andi Brown

6f Tapeta winner who scored at Newmarket (6f, good to soft) last August on final run of last season; hasn't shone on either outing this term but last time was a step back in the right direction and he could be working his way back into form; the return to 7f is worth a go; not ruled out.

12/1

7th

6

(17)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:45 Newmarket (July)

Jimmy Knocker

9st 7lb

J: Kyle McHugh

T: Andi Brown

Finished fourth in the corresponding event 12 months ago and won over C&D (good to soft) in August; shaped as though the run was needed at Leicester on his comeback 25 days ago; better expected.

16/1

Form: -57696 CD

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Hard to fancy on recent evidence whereas she arrived in good form prior to winning this last year (good to firm); however, she's dropped to a dangerous mark and can't be written off in her bid to make it 2-2 here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(5)

9th Jun 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:18 Salisbury

Thunderous Love

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Six wins include two over C&D and she was runner-up here on heavy ground in September off a 5lb higher mark than today's; below her best in recent starts but probably wasn't helped by racing on the wing at Goodwood four days ago; chance.

5/1

9th

2

(2)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:27 Goodwood

Thunderous Love

9st 12lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

Back on her last winning mark and perhaps stretched by 7f last time when behind Land Of Magic; fine on all surfaces and considered, despite a low draw.

14/1

Form: 21-697

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 3yo who won two nurseries last year and is below his last winning mark; Windsor last month was a step back in the right direction but he needs another today if he's to be a serious force.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(10)

8th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 12y

Class 5

17:04 Windsor

Campenaerts

9st 5lb

J: David Egan

T: Jonathan Portman

Won two 5f events (including on soft) from final three handicaps for Archie Watson; well held in two runs for new yard and may need more weight off his back; first 6f run since debut.

20/1

9th

6

(6)

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:55 Goodwood

Campenaerts

9st 5lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Had a record of 2-3 in handicaps (AW/soft) last term for previous yard; below par at Bath on stable/seasonal debut but may do better with the outing under his belt.

14/1

Form: 130093 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
3yo who returned to form when third in first-time blinkers at Wolverhampton (6f, AW) last month, a performance that can be marked up as he had a wide trip; also effective on turf and he's a major player if the blinkers maintain a positive effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(11)

16th Jun 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

18:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Wyle Cop

9st 9lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Jack Jones

Made all when winning his maiden over C&D in March (stall 11 doesn't look ideal); completely lost the plot of late, including twice in cheekpieces, and is now given a go in first-time blinkers; plenty to prove.

12/1

9th

5

29th May 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 5

19:50 Wolverhampton (AW)

Wyle Cop

9st 7lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Jack Jones

Off the mark in a 6f maiden here on his reappearance in March; fair third at Southwell later that month but his form has nosedived on turf (handled it fine as a 2yo) on his last two starts (both in cheekpieces which are absent today); hopes pinned on the step up to 7f and the return to AW sparking a revival.

11/1

Form: 3-6531 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
3yo who has worked his way back into form this term and posted a good third at Doncaster (6f, good to soft) in May before winning there (6f, good to firm) last month from one who won next time out; also effective elsewhere; respected up 4lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(3)

26th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 6

12:45 Doncaster

Black Endeavour

9st 9lb

J: David Egan

T: Mark Rimell

Steadily back to form this term, creditable third over C&D most recently; has slipped back to the mark off which his 2yo success was gained; this is a drop in class; therefore interesting on a few counts.

3/1

3rd

9

(1)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 2y

Class 5

19:08 Doncaster

Black Endeavour

9st 4lb

J: David Egan

T: Mark Rimell

Consistent since handicapping and is back around the mark off which he won a Nottingham nursery last August; hit traffic on the return to 6f last time and is one of the likelier winners.

7/1

Form: 357607 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
Didn't run badly when 4l seventh of 13 at Windsor (5f, good to firm) ten days ago and she has another career-low mark this evening; however, she hasn't been threatening of late and others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(2)

29th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 6

19:30 Windsor

The Feminine Urge

9st 12lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Grace Harris

Two wins off higher marks last season, including C&D, and promising third at Bath this April on her stable/seasonal debut; however, her form has gone the wrong since and she needs to raise her game substantially.

25/1

11th

1

(1)

22nd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 6

20:20 Windsor

The Feminine Urge

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Grace Harris

Two wins off higher marks last season, including C&D, and promising third at Bath in April on her stable/seasonal debut; however, her form has gone the wrong since and she has to raise her game.

14/1

Form: 0-8207

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Bumped into smart prospect when 6l second at 150-1 in Kempton maiden (6f, AW) in May on third start for Jack Channon, but down the field in two handicaps since (6f, good/AW); may be best watched on stable debut; remains in same ownership.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

12

(4)

16th Jun 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

18:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Nzuri

9st 0lb

J: Rose Dawes

T: Jack Channon

Split two subsequent winners when outrunning her odds from the front in a Kempton maiden early last month; easy to back on her handicap debut (turf) last time, having got loose beforehand; it will be interesting to see how she goes in the market this time.

16/1

10th

5

(1)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 12y

Class 6

20:10 Windsor

Nzuri

9st 6lb

J: George Bass

T: Jack Channon

Modest form on first two starts but encouraging to see the way she ran from the front at Kempton (6f, AW) recently, when no match for a Haggas improver but punched on to regain second; of interest now realistically placed in an ordinary handicap.

9/2

Form: -36073 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent this season but he won three times last year and returned to form when third over C&D (good to firm) recently; another 1lb lower today and can be in the mix if backing up that latest performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

12

(10)

23rd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:35 Newbury

Roman Spring

8st 13lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Rachel Cook & John Bridger

Three wins last year and he's below his last winning mark; reappeared with fairly encouraging third at Salisbury (6f, good to firm) last month but he's failed to shine on his three outings since.

16/1

7th

8

(8)

9th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 60y

Class 5

20:51 Brighton

Roman Spring

8st 8lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Rachel Cook & John Bridger

Dual course winner over 6f but he won over 5f on the Lingfield AW in November; becoming better handicapped but others are more appealing on recent efforts.

16/1

Betting Forcast

25/1 Arabian Cobra, 7/1 Rebel Path, 7/1 Strike, 10/1 The Coffee Pod, 12/1 Jimmy Knocker, 7/1 Thunderous Love, 12/1 Campenaerts, 4/1 Wyle Cop, 3/1 Black Endeavour, 25/1 The Feminine Urge, 33/1 Nzuri, 11/1 Roman Spring

Non-runners

Phoenix Moon

Verdict

Having run a promising race in first-time blinkers at Wolverhampton last month, WYLE COP gets the nod. The 3yo Black Endeavour won at Doncaster a fortnight ago and, with that form having been franked by the runner-up, he is second choice ahead of recent C&D third Roman Spring.[Ben Hutton]

Selections

The Times:

Black Endeavour

RP RATINGS:

Strike

Daily Mail:

Thunderous Love

WEST COUNTRY:

The Feminine Urge

SPOTLIGHT:

Wyle Cop

NEWMARKET:

Jimmy Knocker

Telegraph:

Black Endeavour

The Guardian:

Black Endeavour

D Express:

Black Endeavour

The Sun:

Black Endeavour

Daily Record:

Black Endeavour

The Star:

Thunderous Love

POSTDATA:

Strike

LAMBOURN:

Strike

Daily Mirror:

Strike