August 01 / 13.50 Goodwood

13.50

Good To Firm

Highclere Castle Gin Summer Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £61848
  • 1m 6f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV
View Course
Highclere Castle Gin Summer Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

Form: 17-385 D

Last run: 78 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
The future looked bright when he won the Melrose at York (1m6f, good to firm) last August but he's not built on that significantly; well held back in Britain for two Group races this May when last seen; off 12lb higher than in the Melrose, this return to a handicap may also be tough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

(7)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

16:05 York

Tarriance

9st 3lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Andrew Balding

Won the C&D Melrose Handicap (good to firm) last August, before the St Leger proved too tough; gelded soon after and creditable third in Saudi Arabia (1m7f) in February, but he needs to bounce back with a big career best after his heavy defeat in 2m Ascot Group 3 (9-1) two weeks ago.

25/1

8th

8

(8)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 1

14:35 Ascot

Tarriance

9st 3lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Andrew Balding

Won the Melrose Handicap at York (1m6f, good to firm) last August, before the St Leger proved too tough; gelded soon after and ran well when third in Saudi Arabia (1m7f) in February; runner-up Tabletalk conceded him 11lb that day and it's only 1lb today, but this 4yo should retain potential for 2m+.

9/2

OUR TIP

Form: 4-1261 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Won this race in 2024 before embarking on a long losing run; he's broken that with two 2m wins on the AW this year, most notably in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle last time; second in valuable race at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) in May was followed by a blip here; back up another 4lb since Newcastle but not entirely ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(14)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Align The Stars

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Charlie Johnston

Broke his losing run in clearcut style when he reappeared at Kempton (2m, AW) in March with restored cheekpieces, which have been kept since; good second in valuable race at Newmarket (1m6f) but he needs to bounce back from a disappointing show at Goodwood five weeks ago.

16/1

6th

3

(10)

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Goodwood

Align The Stars

9st 5lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Charlie Johnston

2024 C&D winner who broke his losing run in clearcut style when he reappeared with restored cheekpieces at Kempton (2m, AW) in March; second in valuable race at Newmarket (1m6f) confirmed that he's turned a corner and must remain in serious calculations.

3/1

Form: 293706

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
2023 Royal Ascot winner who has also tasted the high life in top hurdle races; his attentions have been turned back to the Flat this year and he hasn't been in peak form; falling in the weights but still needs a revival; good 5lb claimer is enlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(2)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Newmarket (July)

Burdett Road

9st 12lb

J: Luke Morris

T: James Owen

2023 Royal Ascot winner who has also tasted the high life in top hurdle races; his attentions were turned back to the Flat for four races (UAE and Saudi Arabia) this January-March and he wasn't in peak form, before 12l tenth at Royal Ascot (1m4f; restless in the stalls) continued that trend; falling in the weights but needs a revival.

40/1

10th

1

(11)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Burdett Road

9st 12lb

J: Luke Morris

T: James Owen

Won 1m2f handicap at this meeting in 2023 and has also tasted the high life in top hurdle races; attentions were turned back to the Flat for four races (UAE and Saudi Arabia) this January-March and he wasn't in peak form, but edged down the weights as a result and this drop back in trip can help.

28/1

Form: 229-36 BF

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
0-6 in handicaps, with regular progress/promise but not when favourite last time at Royal Ascot where he raced freely early on and ran out of steam after challenging over 2f out (finished 8l sixth of 17); it's much too early to forget his reappearance promise (also 1m4f on good to firm) but that latest run also casts some doubt on the suitability of this new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

(8)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Hopewell Rock

9st 8lb

J: James Doyle

T: George Boughey

Lightly raced 4yo who's without a handicap win but has mostly progressed in defeat, with the exception on heavy going; came from last to third in eight-runner race at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) seven weeks ago for a promising reappearance and the two ahead of him filled the same positions over 1m6f here on Tuesday; changed hands since and has a major chance.

9/2

3rd

4

(7)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Newmarket

Hopewell Rock

9st 8lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

2-2 as 2yo and progressive last term in his first three handicaps, short-headed by another unexposed sort at Leicester (1m4f) on third occasion; underperformed on heavy going (he won on it as a 2yo) when joint-favourite for the November Handicap at Doncaster on final outing but that's not hard to forgive and this lightly raced 4yo, gelded since latest start, surely has more to offer.

9/2

Form: 55-270

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Not a prolific winner, with his waiting tactics, but he was fourth in the Ebor at York (1m6f, good to firm) last August off a 2lb higher mark; ran creditably on reappearance, before neither start since panned out favourably; only ninth in this last year on his only run at Goodwood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

2

(13)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Stressfree

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Not a prolific winner, with his waiting tactics, and never involved when 7-1 for last year's 1m4f Duke of Edinburgh at this meeting; however, it would be unwise not to recall his fourth in the Ebor at York last August (1m6f, good to firm) off a 1lb higher mark and he was unsuited by the steady pace at York last time out (1m4f); could get competitive should this pan out favourably; stable won this in 2022.

16/1

7th

3

(1)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Stressfree

9st 10lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Beaten a head in this race last year and fourth of 22 here in the Ebor in August; began 2026 with another solid effort, when second at Ripon; not a prolific winner with his waiting tactics but big each-way chance.

6/1

Form: -77774

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
2-5 in France and also scored in December in Bahrain for new connections; fourth of eight at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) three weeks ago was probably his best form but better is needed and he didn't settle well enough behind horses that day, so is seemingly not crying out for this longer trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 37-364

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Close third in this last year and a creditable, running-on fourth of 16 at Royal Ascot (1m6f, good to firm) latest start; strong each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

12

(3)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Aeronautic

9st 9lb

J: John R Velazquez

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Still looked a bit wet behind the ears when beaten under 4l into fifth in this 12 months ago (7-1) and has raised his game subsequently, notably when only just missing out in a 1m6f handicap at Glorious Goodwood and posting another placed effort at Meydan during the winter (1m4f, good); absent since below par in a Group 3 there in February; should have freshened up since with this presumably the plan; interesting.

9/1

9

(12)

28th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 170y

16:22 Curragh

Aeronautic

9st 8lb

J: Wayne Hassett

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

One of seven for yard; fine efforts in staying handicaps at Ascot (1m6f, gd-fm), Goodwood (1m6f, gd-sft) and Leopardstown (1m5f, gd-yld) on last three starts; this step up in trip needs to eke out a bit more if he is to get his head in front.

16/1

Form: 24-407

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Contested three Group races last summer; it's been 1m4f handicaps (good to firm) this season, registering his highest rating when fourth of eight at Newmarket in May but two disappointing shows at Ascot have followed; blinkered latest; stays at least 1m5f (unraced over this far) and he's 6lb lower than at Newmarket, but some caution is advised at present.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:12 Ascot

Nightime Dancer

10st 2lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Contested three Group races last summer; 1m4f handicaps (good to firm) this season, registering his highest rating when fourth of eight at Newmarket in May but backpedalling from over 3f out when just 9-1 at Royal Ascot; needs to bounce back in first-time headgear but his sights are lowered.

9/2

14th

7

(18)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Nightime Dancer

9st 9lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Ran creditably last summer in the Derby and two 1m5f Group 3s, while coming up well short; absent 259 days before his fourth of eight on handicap debut at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm; Hopewell Rock third) seven weeks ago, which was actually his best form and the first two also dominated a 1m6f handicap here on Tuesday, but he needs to build on that.

14/1

Form: 71-325 C

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Upset in the stalls when a disappointing favourite at this meeting last year (subsequently gelded); had a 1m6f win next time and solid performances when beaten about 3l on all three starts this season, sixth of 16 when back up to 1m6f at Royal Ascot latest; others saw it out better that day but he should have serious each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

14

(7)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Sing Us A Song

9st 9lb

J: James McDonald

T: Ralph Beckett

Record of 3-9 overall and going the right way in handicaps, finishing a clear second (from the front) over 1m4f at York (good) last time behind a sharp Haggas improver whom he'd beaten over 1m6f on final run last season (good to soft; first run after gelding operation); this return to 1m6f has to be a good thing; respected.

7/1

2nd

6

(3)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Sing Us A Song

9st 4lb

J: James Doyle

T: Ralph Beckett

Disappointed over 1m4f at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood last summer but returned from a gelding operation to win at Haydock (sole run at 1m6f, good to soft) in September; made a satisfactory reappearance at Epsom 15 days ago and is still lightly raced, so could have more to offer; good ground and softer would probably be better for him than good to firm.

4/1

Form: 1-2611 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Stepped up to 1m6f with cheekpieces enlisted for last two starts and won them both, doing it smoothly at this track (good) and having to battle when prevailing by a neck in valuable race at Newmarket (good to firm); raised another 3lb but looks a serious contender once again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(9)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Valedictory

9st 1lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

All the rage in the betting for his first two starts this season, with the line coming a touch too soon on first occasion (1m2f); rather muted on the step up to 1m4f behind Wine Dark Sea at Ascot (good to firm) next time but the combination of 1m6f and first-time headgear worked a treat at Goodwood (good) seven weeks ago when he travelled much the best on his way to a tidy win; 5lb rise may well underestimate what he had in the tank.

3/1

1st

10

(7)

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Goodwood

Valedictory

8st 8lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: John & Thady Gosden

All the rage in the betting for both starts this term; the line came a touch too soon for his strong finish at Newbury (1m2f) on handicap/seasonal debut, while trying to come from further off the pace did not work out at Ascot on the step up to 1m4f but he did muster some late headway (despite hanging right); that sees him upped further in trip today with first-time headgear; it will be interesting to see whether his backers dare go in again.

15/8

Form: 8-0451

Last run: 56 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Both wins in the mud at Epsom, the first as 2yo and the latest when wearing first-time cheekpieces over 1m4f under Warren Fentiman on Derby day last time out (back up 6lb now); comfortably held over C&D behind Valedictory on penultimate start, which looks the more likely pointer to his chance today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22

(16)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Too Soon

9st 1lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Reserve; has usually run with credit here, including on good to firm in May, and scored (from Night Breeze) with first-time cheekpieces under Warren Fentiman at Epsom 13 days ago; however, his only two wins from 15 races have both been at Epsom in the mud and he's also now gone back up 6lb.

33/1

17

(5)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Too Soon

9st 6lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Gary & Josh Moore

First reserve; has never won away from Epsom, where he excelled on a mud-splattered Derby day ten days ago (1m4f, soft; first-time cheekpieces); it's unwise to take that form at face value and a 6lb rise can find him out, especially on this forecast faster surface.

20/1

12 (8)
Bahadur

Form: 651057 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
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.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(1)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Bahadur

9st 10lb

J: William Buick

T: S Woods

Progressive on AW last autumn and he's been a bit better this season too; won five-runner race at Goodwood (upped to 2m, good) in May and, having been mid-division at Royal Ascot (2m4f), made most when fifth of 20 in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW); in the mix.

11/2

5th

6

(17)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Bahadur

9st 3lb

J: William Buick

T: S Woods

Progressive on AW last autumn, including here, and another improved effort when he won a five-runner race at Goodwood (upped to 2m, good) this May; mid-division at 14-1 in the 2m4f Ascot Stakes 11 days ago, not discredited but he probably needs to resume improvement in another major handicap today.

16/1

Form: 1199-6 D

Last run: 46 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
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.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

2nd

11

30th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 100y

14:41 Listowel

Small Fry

11st 12lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Five Flat wins in UK and ran respectably in two autumn Flat starts for this yard after 100,000gns purchase; previous efforts over hurdles were modest but there was promise in his run at Down Royal (2m2f, good) earlier this month when staying on for fourth; entitled to improve over that return; contender.

9/4

Form: 9-2385

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Two big runs over 1m4f here, including when third of nine in Listed race in May; not quite so good in two Ascot handicaps (1m6f/1m4f) since and there's a bit more to prove at this trip but that Listed run reads well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(7)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

16:23 Ascot

Incensed

9st 10lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Amanda Perrett

Four-time winner whose third of nine in Goodwood Listed race (1m4f, good) in May looks all the better now; midfield finish in the 16-runner 1m6f Copper Horse handicap at the Royal meeting was no disgrace and she's not dismissed.

12/1

8th

16

(11)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Incensed

9st 6lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Amanda Perrett

It wasn't a strong Listed race in which she finished third at Goodwood (1m4f, good) in May and the steady pace casts further doubts about that form; the handicapper saw fit to raise her 5lb and that spells danger in this competitive race back up in trip.

16/1

Betting Forcast

10/1 Tarriance, 9/1 Align The Stars, 25/1 Burdett Road, 5/1 Hopewell Rock, 20/1 Stressfree, 25/1 Nesthorn, 6/1 Aeronautic, 20/1 Nightime Dancer, 5/1 Sing Us A Song, 4/1 Valedictory, 12/1 Too Soon, 25/1 Bahadur, 8/1 Small Fry, 20/1 Incensed

Verdict

Valedictory has turned things around spectacularly since being stepped up to this trip and has another big chance. Slight preference, however, is for SMALL FRY who has unfinished business after failing to get the run of the race at Royal Ascot. His stablemate Aeronautic is third choice ahead of Wathnan pair Sing Us A Song and Hopewell Rock.[Richard Austen]

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Aeronautic

SPOTLIGHT:

Small Fry

POSTDATA:

Burdett Road