July 09 / 17.20 Newmarket (July)

17.20

Good To Firm

Debenhams Handicap

  • Prize money: £15462
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 13 runners
RTV
View Course
Debenhams Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.80
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 2-2320

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Below par in first-time blinkers at Epsom last month but the good to soft ground may not have suited and he's back in a visor today, in which he went close at Windsor (1m, good to firm) in May; has an each-way shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(21)

26th Sep 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Asmen Warrior

9st 5lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: James Owen

Produced a career-best performance when a well-backed winner on the other Newmarket course (1m, good to firm) in July; a case can be made on that form but he wasn't at the same level at Ascot (1m, good to firm) subsequently and has to leave that run behind.

33/1

7th

4

(8)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Ascot

Asmen Warrior

9st 7lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: James Owen

With this visor back on, and back on better ground, he returned to form with a well-backed win at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) a fortnight ago, coming clear with a runner-up who was returning from a long absence and won at Sandown on Thursday; an 8lb rise might not stop him.

5/1

1st

7

(11)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket (July)

Asmen Warrior

9st 12lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: James Owen

Below par in first-time blinkers at Epsom last month but the good to soft ground may not have suited and he's back in a visor today, in which he went close at Windsor (1m, good to firm) in May; has an each-way shout.

7/1

2nd
12 (2)
Tawajjah

33/1

  • Place: £7.10

Form: 7/221/

Last run: 612 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Well-bred 5yo by Frankel; won a novice for Roger Varian at Wolverhampton (9.4f, AW) in November 2024 and absent since (gelded in interim); changed hands for 40,000gns in February and has joined an up-and-coming stable, but he may need this comeback outing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

13

(10)

12th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 2

16:48 Doncaster

Tawajjah

8st 10lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Oli Rix

Unraced on softer than good; absent 612 days after his novice races (including 9.4f win) in 2024 for Roger Varian; running-on second on reappearance at Newmarket (1m) and gradually asserted when favourite for six-runner race at Sandown (1m2f, again good to firm) two weeks later; up 3lb but should have more to offer at this trip.

5/1

1st

3

(5)

23rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 209y

Class 4

15:30 Sandown

Tawajjah

9st 9lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Oli Rix

Lightly raced and well-bred 5yo by Frankel; won a novice at Wolverhampton (9.4f, AW) in November 2024 for Roger Varian and then absent until Newmarket (1m, good to firm) a fortnight ago, when runner-up on his handicap and stable debut; could have a big say up in trip if avoiding the dreaded bounce.

13/8

2nd

12

(2)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket (July)

Tawajjah

9st 1lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Oli Rix

Well-bred 5yo by Frankel; won a novice for Roger Varian at Wolverhampton (9.4f, AW) in November 2024 and absent since (gelded in interim); changed hands for 40,000gns in February and has joined an up-and-coming stable, but he may need this comeback outing.

33/1

16/1

  • Place: £8.40

Form: 073100 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Well beaten at Epsom on Oaks day and he still had work to do when his path was blocked late on over this C&D three weeks ago; however, before those he won in good style on the other Newmarket course (1m, good) and he won this race in 2024 (good to soft); capable of having a say.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

(13)

19th Sep 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:55 Newbury

Sterling Knight

9st 7lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Ed Dunlop

Landed the 12th win of his career (including one over C&D) at Newmarket (1m, good) in May but hasn't hit the same level in five subsequent runs; has dipped to 1lb above the mark he defied on the Rowley Mile but others arrive with more pressing claims.

25/1

6th

5

(4)

14th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:37 Newmarket (July)

Sterling Knight

9st 11lb

J: Toby Moore

T: Ed Dunlop

C&D winner who scored on the other course here (1m, good) in May; hasn't hit the same level in four subsequent runs but he was not beaten far at Thirsk last time and he ties in with Tuscan Hills on that form; usually comes from off the pace and has possibilities if he gets the breaks.

12/1

7th

10

(6)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Thirsk

Sterling Knight

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Ed Dunlop

Campaigned mostly at the Newmarket tracks this term, winning in May and respectable third last time; has shown versatility in the past but looks weighted to the hilt off current mark and this step back up in class adds to the difficulty.

10/1

8/1

Form: 052-82

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
He's 0-7 in handicaps but runner-up in three, including when short-headed in this race last year (good to firm) and when returning to form at Ripon (1m2f, good) last time; could be bang there once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19th

19

(23)

26th Sep 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Parole dOro

8st 10lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Michael Bell

Runner-up at Ripon (1m2f, good) in May and some respectable efforts since but it's likely that this exposed 4yo is vulnerable once more.

33/1

9th

11

(14)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

17:20 York

Parole dOro

9st 1lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Michael Bell

Unraced on softer than good; latest seventh of 17 to Al Aali at Glorious Goodwood was respectable but took his handicap record to 0-9; others are preferred for win purposes again.

18/1

7th

17

(10)

28th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Parole dOro

8st 10lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Michael Bell

0-8 in handicaps but runner-up in three (two at 1m2f) and ran respectably when fourth at Newmarket on latest start; short of room when well held at this meeting last year; new cheekpieces join the tongue-tie.

20/1

Form: 187101 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Won on the Rowley Mile here (1m, good to firm) in May and bounced back from a lesser run at Newbury to win over this C&D (good) three weeks ago; it was a blanket finish last time but he's just 2lb higher today and the fourth has won since; this progressive 4yo is now 4-8 and is high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

10

(11)

26th Sep 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Spanish Voice

9st 0lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Won here (1m, good to firm) in May and at the other Newmarket course (1m, good) in June, and he was a close third at Ascot (1m, good to firm) two starts ago; however, it's been an inconsistent campaign and he was soundly beaten back at Ascot (1m, good) last time; others are more solid.

14/1

8th

8

(1)

4th Sep 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:48 Ascot

Spanish Voice

9st 4lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Andrew Balding

Inconsistent this year but made it three wins in 2026 when scoring at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) in July and he was a close third to Hickory over this C&D (good to firm) next time; could be in the shake-up.

8/1

3rd

6

(1)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Ascot

Spanish Voice

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Andrew Balding

Two wins on the two Newmarket courses this season (1m, good to firm/good), the latest coming last month when held up; only fifth to Asmen Warrior at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) 16 days ago but saw plenty of daylight in a prominent position and may not have been seen to best effect; this lightly raced 4yo remains one to be interested in.

11/1

OUR TIP

33/1

Form: 12-060

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
In top form at the end of last season but this 8yo hasn't performed at the same level on his three outings this year and needs to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

8

(9)

3rd Oct 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Hickory

9st 6lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Jamie Osborne

Better than ever aged eight and recent form features two course wins over 1m, taking Ascot record to 4-13; may ideally need that trip now and it was soft ground when he finished second in this contest 12 months ago.

14/1

1st

7

(11)

4th Sep 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:48 Ascot

Hickory

9st 5lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Won on this card 12 months ago and he was winning here for the third time when scoring over C&D (good to firm) in July; ran pretty well in fifth at Newmarket three weeks ago and could play a leading role back here.

10/1

5th

2

(5)

14th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:37 Newmarket (July)

Hickory

10st 2lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Has a patchy profile but he got back near best with a strong-finishing success in a Class 2 handicap at Ascot (1m, good to firm) last month; that was in a bunch finish but he's only 2lb higher and is a big player if he can repeat that form.

7/2

7/1

Form: 551-74

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Easily won Chester novice (7.5f, good to firm) last August on third and final 2yo start and reappeared with midfield finish in the Italian 2,000 Guineas, before 2l fourth of 30 on handicap debut in the Britannia at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm); firmly in calculations now against older horses.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(5)

5th Sep 2026

Good

1m 1f 212y

Class 3

15:25 Ascot

Lion Of Alba

9st 4lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

His fourth of 30 in the Britannia at the royal meeting here (1m, good to firm) in June has been this season's highlight but not disgraced when beaten under 4l at Glorious Goodwood (1m2f, good to firm; first-time tongue-tie); still has to prove himself at this trip but pedigree suggests he can do so.

10/1

7th

8

(8)

30th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Lion Of Alba

9st 0lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

2yo novice winner and an always-prominent fourth of 30 on handicap debut at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm) last month; not so hot at Newmarket (1m) three weeks ago, which sees a tongue-tie enlisted today; his dam being a 1m4f/1m5f winner heightens interest in this new trip.

20/1

Form: 24109/ D

Last run: 600 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Won off this mark for Marco Botti at Doncaster (1m2f, good) in September 2024; however, absent since that November and it remains to be seen how much ability he retains; stable debut (remains in same ownership).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(12)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket (July)

Daysofourlives

10st 4lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: David Simcock

Won off this mark for Marco Botti at Doncaster (1m2f, good) in September 2024; however, absent since that November and it remains to be seen how much ability he retains; stable debut (remains in same ownership).

50/1

9th

3

(3)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Daysofourlives

9st 4lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Marco Botti

in touch with leaders

14/1

3

(3)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Daysofourlives

9st 4lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Marco Botti

Had soft ground as a possible excuse for his no show in the Balmoral at Ascot last month and solid record in handicaps before that, including fourth in Hunt Cup and a defeat of subsequent Cambridgeshire winner Liberty Lane at Doncaster (1m2f) in September; has a 2-2 AW record; no surprise were he to make his presence felt in this higher grade.

14/1

Form: 000-07 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
He's fully 7lb lower than when a close third at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm) last July but was soundly beaten on his final three outings last season and it's been the same story on his two starts this term.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

19

(2)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Ancient Rome

9st 0lb

J: David Egan

T: Charles Hills

Landed the Chesterfield Cup at this meeting in 2023, initiating a notable double; however, has failed to score since and current mark reflects a broad decline in his form; drop to Class 3 had no effect last time and he looks a shadow of his former self.

33/1

9th

5

(3)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket (July)

Ancient Rome

10st 0lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Charles Hills

He's fully 7lb lower than when a close third at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm) last July but was soundly beaten on his final three outings last season and it's been the same story on his two starts this term.

33/1

7th

3

(8)

25th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:47 Newcastle (AW)

Ancient Rome

9st 1lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Charles Hills

Often held up in rear, so he saw very little daylight when 50-1 off career-low mark in the Spring Cup at Newbury in April; dropped another 2lb since but he last won in September 2023 and failed to make an impact in all but one of his races in 2025, so does not look the percentage call.

12/1

10th
11 (14)
Final Night

11/1

Form: 316236 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Four wins at Kempton between last October and this March and placed twice in a row on the other Newmarket course in May (1m, good to firm/good) before solid sixth of 18 at Epsom (8.5f, good to soft) last month; his yard is in excellent form and he's an each-way contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(7)

5th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 7f 212y

Class 4

17:25 Haydock

Final Night

9st 11lb

J: David Egan

T: John Butler

All four wins have been over 1m at Kempton where he nearly added another last month; record of 0-9 on turf but also went close at York two runs ago, albeit on good to firm (slower might not be preferable); one or two others appeal more; first-time tongue-tie.

13/2

2nd

1

(5)

12th Aug 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Final Night

10st 2lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: John Butler

All four wins have been over C&D and latest was in March; record of 0-9 on turf but he returned to form with a close second in a big field at York last time; only 1lb higher back on Polytrack and he should get a decent tow into this race; respected.

3/1

8/1

Form: 9-3321

Last run: 26 days

W: 8st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
3yo who was placed in the spring in his first three handicaps (1m2f/1m, good) before beating his four rivals to win at Sandown (1m1f, good) last month; this is a tougher assignment but he travelled well last time and could have more to offer; possible contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

15

(15)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket (July)

The Joker

8st 10lb

J: George Wood

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

3yo who was placed in the spring in his first three handicaps (1m2f/1m, good) before beating his four rivals to win at Sandown (1m1f, good) last month; this is a tougher assignment but he travelled well last time and could have more to offer; possible contender.

8/1

1st

4

(3)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 3

13:32 Sandown

The Joker

9st 4lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Seven-race maiden who has largely consistent form, latterly 332 since handicapping, latest effort behind Law Court at Sandown (1m); along with that rival, looks a solid contender.

7/2

2nd

4

(9)

28th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

20:20 Sandown

The Joker

9st 9lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

0-6 record includes three runs here but he's run well on all of those visits, including when third of six in a hot Class 4 on his April return; filled that position again at Newmarket (also 1m2f, good) 12 days ago and this free-going sort may benefit from today's drop back to 1m; player.

7/1

12th
9 (4)
Priapos

10/1

Form: 2-7411 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won at Carlisle (1m, good to firm) in May and followed up in reapplied cheekpieces (retained) in the Carlisle Bell (1m, good to firm) a fortnight ago to make it four wins from his last seven starts; climbing the weights but this thriving 4yo could give another good account.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(3)

30th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 208y

Class 4

14:13 Musselburgh

Priapos

10st 3lb

J: Sam James

T: Phillip Makin

Won a total of four 1m handicaps at Newcastle (AW) and Carlisle between last November and June; broadly not in the same form since; others are more appealing at the weights.

8/1

6th

1

(4)

12th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

17:10 Chester

Priapos

9st 12lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Phillip Makin

Went up the weights for his 1m wins on fast ground at Carlisle this summer but back to some form with a 4l fifth on heavy at Beverley 13 days ago; hard to know whether the return of cheekpieces (in which he's 5100) is a good thing or not.

14/1

5th

1

(3)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

1m 0f 100y

Class 4

15:20 Beverley

Priapos

9st 9lb

J: Sam James

T: Phillip Makin

Gained back-to-back wins at Carlisle (7.7f, good to firm) in May/June, but a rise in grade has caught him out in his last two starts; back in quieter waters, but the likely ground conditions may not play to his strengths.

20/1

7/2

Form: 13-1

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Won on 2yo debut at Newbury (6.5f, soft) last October and similar form when third at Kempton (7f, AW) next time; reappeared with a last-gasp novice win at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) and this Frankel colt, who is out of 1,000 Guineas winner Special Duty, is open to further improvement tackling 1m on his handicap debut; could play a leading role.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(9)

22nd Sep 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

16:55 Southwell (AW)

Shipbourne

9st 12lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Made winning debut on soft ground at Newbury (6.5f) last October and made a winning reappearance in a Doncaster novice (7f, good to firm) in June; however, he's been disappointing in two handicaps since, including at Salisbury last time on his first start since being gelded, and now has a bit to prove.

5/1

9th

9

(10)

3rd Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:24 Salisbury

Shipbourne

9st 7lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Ralph Beckett

Well-bred 3yo who has won on soft (extended 6f) and good to firm (7f); went off favourite for handicap debut over 1m at Newmarket in July but ran way below expectations; gelded since which could work wonders and he should be capable of much better.

4/1

13th

13

(13)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket (July)

Shipbourne

9st 0lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Won on 2yo debut at Newbury (6.5f, soft) last October and similar form when third at Kempton (7f, AW) next time; reappeared with a last-gasp novice win at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) and this Frankel colt, who is out of 1,000 Guineas winner Special Duty, is open to further improvement tackling 1m on his handicap debut; could play a leading role.

7/2

Non-runners

Shafdar, Longlai

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £155.50
Straight Forecast £121.49
Tricast £3486.69
Trifecta £4722.40

Selections

POSTDATA:

Lion Of Alba

LAMBOURN:

Shipbourne

SPOTLIGHT:

Spanish Voice

The Guardian:

The Joker

Daily Mirror:

Priapos

NEWMARKET:

Parole d'Oro

TOPSPEED:

Longlai

The Times:

Shipbourne

The Star:

Shipbourne

Daily Record:

Shipbourne

THE NORTH:

Lion Of Alba

Telegraph:

Lion Of Alba

D Express:

Lion Of Alba

The Sun:

Lion Of Alba

RP RATINGS:

Spanish Voice

Daily Mail:

Spanish Voice