May 18 / 20.40 Newmarket

20.40

Good To Soft

Lope Y Fernandez At The National Stud Handicap

  • Prize money: £5234
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 13 runners
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Lope Y Fernandez At The National Stud Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £2.50

Form: 7-3611 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Has unearthed sudden improvement under Luke Catton to win handicaps at Chelmsford (6f AW) and Brighton (7f, good to firm; defying a penalty), both with a nice bit in hand; 9lb higher than last time but the potential is there to deal with that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

(13)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:30 York

Quinault

9st 10lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Stuart Williams

Front-runner who has a strike-rate of 12-34 overall and 3-4 at York, the most recent course success in 7f Group 3 last June (equally effective at 6f); ties in with some of today's opponents on penultimate effort; removal of usual hood backfired last time; likely to go well.

10/1

6th

6

(3)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:55 Newmarket

Quinault

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Stuart Williams

Front-runner whose 12 wins include a Group 3 at York (7f, good) last June; he was an excellent third of 19 in the Group 1 Champions Sprint at Ascot (6f) in October; has since run up to his best in a 5f AW race at Newcastle in January and it will be interesting to see how he gets on back at this trip on turf with his regular hood discarded; ran creditably in 6f Group 3 at Newmarket last time.

8/1

3rd

9

(5)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Quinault

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Stuart Williams

Very useful front-runner whose strike-rate is 12-32; bagged Group 3 honours at York (7f) last June and a valuable pot at Doha (6f) most recently; unbeaten (4-4) in 6f contests on the Newmarket courses and has shown that he can win in sizeable fields; likely to make a bold bid back here.

9/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 542-1 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Clearly went handicapping off a competitive mark as he didn't enjoy the clearest of runs before getting up at Pontefract (6f, good; in this first-time headgear combination); did lug left that day and perhaps not straightforward, but the front two were clear and the second has won since; up 5lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(4)

8th Jul 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 18y

Class 5

19:12 Nottingham

Ertebat

9st 12lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Hugo Palmer

Two good 6f runs in May, winning at Pontefract before chasing home a rapid improver at Newmarket; not so good over 7f twice since; returns to this trip with new headgear tried.

10/1

7th

9

(5)

20th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:30 Thirsk

Ertebat

9st 5lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Hugo Palmer

Made good progress since handicapping, winning at Pontefract last month (6f, good; these accessories for the first time) and then chasing home Quinault (won twice since) at Newmarket a fortnight later; reportedly didn't face the kickback when disappointing at Kempton 13 days ago; still has more to come back on turf.

5/1

7th

9

(9)

7th Jun 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:20 Kempton (AW)

Ertebat

9st 2lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Hugo Palmer

slowly into stride, held up in rear, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and no impression from 3f out

11/2

3rd
2 (9)
Fierce

12/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 53234-

Last run: 154 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced maiden who was twice placed over this trip on turf last season before finishing close up dropped to 5f at Southwell (AW); there are races to be won off this mark and market can guide after a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(7)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

14:30 Carlisle

Fierce

9st 2lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Paul Midgley

Placed in AW contest on reappearance and has a fighting chance provided he builds on that effort; still well treated on his two wins (handicap/claimer) last summer.

10/1

3rd

8

(6)

7th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 5

17:30 Southwell (AW)

Fierce

9st 3lb

J: John Fahy

T: Paul Midgley

A dual 6f scorer in 2025 but he's been off since coming in last of seven in 6f seller here in October; handily weighted if resurgent after a break though.

16/1

5th

8

(5)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

Fierce

9st 2lb

J: John Fahy

T: Paul Midgley

Went close on his reappearance here in March and has since won a Pontefract handicap (6f, good) and a Wolverhampton claimer (6f, Tapeta); gave the impression a return to further may suit when fifth of nine behind Dark Kestrel over C&D last month.

12/1

Form: 313-34

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Nursery winner over 5f off 4lb lower; has performed reasonably well in 5f/6f AW handicaps this year without looking ahead of her mark; gives the impression that this stiff 6f might suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

(8)

2nd Dec 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 3

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Champagne Sarah

9st 2lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Mike Murphy

Began the season with placed efforts at Windsor and Ascot (third of 26); not quite so good the last twice and she returns from five months off in a competitive race for the grade.

10/1

10th

4

(8)

2nd Dec 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 3

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Champagne Sarah

9st 2lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Mike Murphy

Began the season with placed efforts at Windsor and Ascot (third of 26); not quite so good the last twice and she returns from five months off in a competitive race for the grade.

10/1

10/1

Form: 60-1

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Out of an AW winner and duly improved for the Polytrack when all out to win a 7f maiden at Kempton; 100-1 chance who was well held on her debut finished second, so the form looks dubious; bit to prove mark-wise and on this return to turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(1)

27th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:50 Newbury

Ajjaj

9st 5lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

led, faced challenge from 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no match for winner

10/1

4th

10

(7)

7th Jun 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:20 Kempton (AW)

Ajjaj

8st 11lb

J: Dane O’Neill

T: Richard Hannon

in touch with leaders

14/1

5th

6

(6)

18th May 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:40 Newmarket

Ajjaj

9st 7lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Richard Hannon

Out of an AW winner and duly improved for the Polytrack when all out to win a 7f maiden at Kempton; 100-1 chance who was well held on her debut finished second, so the form looks dubious; bit to prove mark-wise and on this return to turf.

10/1

11/2

Form: 472461 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Profile of 2-16 but it was only his fourth run on turf when winning comfortably at Windsor ten days ago (6f, soft); only 1lb well-in with the penalty, and remains to be seen if proper soft ground is the key to him on grass.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(13)

23rd Oct 2025

Soft

0m 6f 18y

Class 5

14:30 Nottingham

Hiatus

9st 11lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Conrad Allen

Down the field in two AW runs back from a break, the latest at Chelmsford last week; due to be 2lb lower from the weekend but he has a good record on soft ground and a revival wouldn't be a complete bolt from the blue.

16/1

10

(7)

16th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:45 Chelmsford (AW)

Hiatus

8st 11lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Conrad Allen

Easy win over C&D in December off 3lb lower; should be sharper with his recent return to action behind him but others preferred at this level.

25/1

11th

7

(12)

3rd Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Hiatus

9st 9lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Conrad Allen

In good order last winter, winning easily at Chelmsford last December and finishing second over C&D (off 2lb higher) in January; drawn wide on his return from 226 days off and likely there will be other days.

20/1

Form: 389

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 5lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
Beaten in the region of 7l in her three novices (6f/7f); has much to prove, but she's with a respected yard and should be seen to better effect in handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(3)

23rd Apr 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

21:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Mine That Ship

9st 5lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Michael Wigham

0-11, though 7f has looked too far at Southwell the last twice and she is 2lb lower than when just beaten on stable debut at Chelmsford (6f, Polytrack) the time before, when back from seven months off; interesting with first-time blinkers replacing cheekpieces.

12/1

7th

6

(3)

23rd Apr 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

21:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Mine That Ship

9st 5lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Michael Wigham

0-11, though 7f has looked too far at Southwell the last twice and she is 2lb lower than when just beaten on stable debut at Chelmsford (6f, Polytrack) the time before, when back from seven months off; interesting with first-time blinkers replacing cheekpieces.

12/1

9th

3

(10)

31st Mar 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Mine That Ship

9st 9lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: Michael Wigham

4yo maiden who ran well (close second) over 6f at Chelmsford on stable/seasonal debut; lesser effort over this C&D since; may need a drop back in trip.

10/1

Form: 671-0 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Her Kempton novice win over 6f (first two runs at 7f) is very much her standout run as she's not offered a lot otherwise, including when bringing up the rear on her handicap debut two weeks ago (6f, good to soft).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(12)

6th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Haydock

Skallywag Bay

9st 12lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Three-time AW winner who got off the mark on turf at the 14th attempt, at Brighton (5.2f, good to firm) on Monday; also effective on good to soft; she won that four-runner handicap in fine style and is entitled to respect under a 5lb penalty, but today's company is more demanding.

4/1

1st

2

(3)

2nd Sep 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 60y

Class 5

16:52 Brighton

Skallywag Bay

9st 9lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Triple AW winner who is 0-13 on turf but she's run respectably at Lingfield (5f, good to firm) and Nottingham (5f, good) in her last two runs; returns after another short break but she's generally reliable and shouldn't be far away.

2/1

9th
5 (11)
Pierce

11/1

Form: 662-4

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Definite promise on all three 2yo starts and then gelded; only fourth on his handicap debut at Wolverhampton but a truer pace would have helped and he now goes in blinkers; could be interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

13

26th Oct 2023

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 6

16:15 Lingfield (AW)

Pierce

9st 6lb

T: Julia Feilden

towards rear, outpaced 2f out, hung left home turn, weakened inside final furlong

20/1

7th

7

(9)

16th Oct 2023

Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 5

16:35 Yarmouth

Pierce

9st 8lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Julia Feilden

midfield

14/1

5th

1

(6)

10th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 16y

Class 5

18:55 Chepstow

Pierce

9st 9lb

J: John Fahy

T: Clive Cox

dwelt start, in rear, outpaced and niggled along soon after start, edged left and lost touch from over 2f out

6/1

16/1

Form: 6-3424

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Well-in with Hiatus on their 1-2 on the AW in January and when well behind that same rival at Windsor he was slowly away (not for the first time) and probably failed to go on the soft ground; can be given another chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(6)

21st Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Confederation

9st 9lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Clare Hobson

Regressive for Dylan Cunha in first half of 2024 and made low-key reappearance for new stable in this grade at Lingfield 12 days ago; entitled to have needed that recent outing but his current ability is hard to gauge.

16/1

3

(5)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

18:20 Lingfield

Confederation

9st 9lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Clare Hobson

Just 1-30 and looked regressive when last seen; makes his stable debut (same owner) after 432 days off; watch market.

20/1

6th

4

(1)

3rd Jun 2024

Good

0m 5f 60y

Class 6

17:00 Brighton

Confederation

9st 9lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Dylan Cunha

Runner-up twice at Lingfield (5f, AW) in February but he's finished down the field in his last five runs and is now 1-29; others preferred.

15/2

11th
11 (12)
Warminster

20/1

Form: -15360 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Finished last in a valuable AW handicap on Good Friday and hasn't progressed from his January maiden win at Kempton (6f); enough to prove returned to turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(3)

17th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Warminster

9st 0lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Katie Scott

Well treated on his old form but he's an infrequent winner who has finished down the field in his last six starts and last two have been on Tapeta; down the list.

10/1

6th

6

(10)

1st Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:25 Newcastle (AW)

Warminster

9st 3lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Katie Scott

taken down early, led, headed over 1f out, weakened final 110yds

16/1

6th

6

(10)

1st Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:25 Newcastle (AW)

Warminster

9st 3lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Katie Scott

taken down early, led, headed over 1f out, weakened final 110yds

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 224-26

Last run: 78 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
0-5; beaten only 2l on the AW in his first handicap but dropped away to be sixth of eight in the latest and he's a speedy sort who may struggle to get home on this stiffer course.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(3)

18th May 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:40 Newmarket

Beautiful Sunrise

9st 11lb

J: Ross Coakley

T: James Ferguson

0-5; beaten only 2l on the AW in his first handicap but dropped away to be sixth of eight in the latest and he's a speedy sort who may struggle to get home on this stiffer course.

12/1

6th

1

(1)

1st Mar 2023

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 5

14:30 Lingfield (AW)

Beautiful Sunrise

9st 11lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Yet to win but matched pick of turf form on reappearance/AW debut (firsst run since gelded) at Kempton last month; should give a good account from same mark.

7/2

2nd

1

(10)

4th Feb 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Beautiful Sunrise

9st 11lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Raced three times as a 2yo, finishing second over 5f at Newmarket and York then posting a lesser effort over 6f at Goodwood where he ran too freely; gelded since; provided he settles better, may be capable of progress now handicapping.

11/2

20/1

Form: 070-

Last run: 147 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Didn't offer much last season (6f/7f) but has been gelded ahead of going handicapping and the tongue-tie is another notable addition; watch out for any confidence behind him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(4)

1st Aug 2023

Good To Firm

1m 0f 3y

Class 6

16:45 Yarmouth

Mont Vallon

9st 2lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Stuart Williams

Two poor efforts since his 1m2f Chepstow third, including on soft ground last week, and the tongue-tie is given a second go as he switches from cheekpieces to a visor.

12/1

6th

4

(2)

26th Jul 2023

Good To Soft

1m 0f 53y

Class 6

18:45 Leicester

Mont Vallon

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Stuart Williams

Only just missed out on second place on his first run over 1m2f at Chepstow (good to firm) but faded right out at Yarmouth two weeks ago and now slips back to 1m; not entirely sure what to expect.

9/1

7th

8

(6)

12th Jul 2023

Good To Firm

1m 2f 23y

Class 6

15:50 Yarmouth

Mont Vallon

9st 0lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Stuart Williams

The closest he's got when just missing out on second spot on his first go over this far at Chepstow (1m2f, good to firm); unlikely to be far away with a repeat of that.

6/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £27.00
Straight Forecast £23.83
Tricast £96.37
Trifecta £140.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Ertebat

TOPSPEED:

Fierce

RP RATINGS:

Quinault

POSTDATA:

Hiatus

Telegraph:

Pierce

Daily Mirror:

Ertebat

The Sun:

Ertebat

Daily Record:

Ertebat

The Times:

Fierce

The Guardian:

Fierce

Daily Mail:

Fierce

D Express:

Quinault

The Star:

Quinault

NEWMARKET:

Hiatus