June 03 / 15.55 Epsom

15.55

Good

Betfred Lester Piggott Handicap

  • Prize money: £38655
  • 1m 2f 17y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV4
View Course
Betfred Lester Piggott Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

OUR TIP

Form: 3-12

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Late foal, bred to be smart; first two starts were on soft ground, 1-4 when winning a three-runner novice race at Nottingham (1m) on reappearance; improved again when second of six in novice at Sandown (1m2f, good to soft) 18 days ago, giving Artistic Star plenty to think about and he's in the Derby; brings potential to this handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(9)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Newmarket

Torito

9st 6lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: John & Thady Gosden

Minor honours in Group 3 and Listed race at Royal Ascot 2023 and 2024; however, he was not so hot at that meeting this year and finished last of six in 1m1f course Group 3 last time after a further four months off; plenty to prove at present.

11/1

7

(9)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Newmarket

Torito

9st 6lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: John & Thady Gosden

Minor honours in Group 3 and Listed race at Royal Ascot 2023 and 2024; however, he was not so hot at that meeting this year and finished last of six in 1m1f course Group 3 last time after a further four months off; plenty to prove at present.

11/1

3

(6)

11th Oct 2025

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 1

13:15 Newmarket

Torito

9st 5lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: John & Thady Gosden

Minor honours in Group 3 and Listed race at Royal Ascot 2023 and 2024, both on good to firm; however, he was not so hot at that meeting this year, wearing first-time cheekpieces after a year's absence; very lightly raced for his age and he has a chance if back on song.

11/1

12/1

Form: RR52-1

Last run: 46 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Refused to race on his first two appearances; hooded on next two outings, notably when second in 1m2f maiden on Lingfield AW, and the first two drew well clear when he improved to win without the headgear in maiden at Southwell (1m, AW) on reappearance in April; return to 1m2f (dam 2m winner) may prompt better still but this is a very strong race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(7)

17th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 212y

Class 3

15:05 Haydock

Silver Sword

10st 0lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Dylan Cunha

Gained last success off just 1lb lower at Meydan in March; hasn't scored on home soil for over two years but ran respectably in competitive field at York (1m) last Friday; possibilities back down in grade.

13/2

5th

13

(16)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

13:30 York

Silver Sword

8st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Dylan Cunha

Failed to kick on after big-field handicap win at Meydan (1m, good to firm) in March but returned from a break in the Cambridgeshire (1m1f, good to firm) a fortnight ago and was denied a clear run when finishing an encouraging 11th of 23; he may be able to build on that performance.

16/1

11th

20

(1)

27th Sep 2025

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Silver Sword

8st 8lb

J: J F Egan

T: Dylan Cunha

Won a big-field handicap at Meydan (1m, good to firm) in March; however, didn't really threaten in Britain on his next three starts in April and May, and returns from a break today; others are more appealing.

40/1

Form: 43-2

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Showed promise and plenty of ability when taking minor honours at Nottingham (1m, soft) and Kempton (7f, AW) last autumn; late foal with a useful pedigree and he was beaten a neck in novice at Salisbury (7f, good to soft) on reappearance, making most and sticking to his task well despite persistently hanging left; open to further improvement, particularly as he's stepped up in trip like his stablemate Promoter.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(3)

23rd Sep 2023

Heavy

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Newbury

Balance Play

9st 1lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

in touch with leaders, cajoled along 4f out, pushed along 3f out, hung left but headway on near side of group 2f out, ridden over 1f out, led inside final furlong, soon edged left, went clear final 110yds, comfortably

7/2

10th

11

(9)

25th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

13:50 York

Balance Play

9st 3lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Creditable third at Epsom (1m2f, good to firm) on handicap debut, before making all at Chester (1m2f, good to soft) and asserting final 1f at Glorious Goodwood (1m3f, good to soft); 1m4f looks manageable and 7lb rise may be too, given he was comfortably on top for both wins; steadily progressive.

4/1

1st

2

(13)

4th Aug 2023

Heavy

1m 3f 44y

Class 3

17:20 Goodwood

Balance Play

9st 8lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

midfield

9/2

Form: 24-121 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Showed promise on good to firm ground on debut and on good next time; improved form in blinkers this year, including when ridden up with the pace for wins in a novice at Kempton (1m3f, AW) and seven-runner handicap at Ascot (1m2f, soft); hung on narrowly last time but that was after being sent for home entering the straight and, although up 4lb today, he's progressive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(5)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 198y

Class 5

15:20 Brighton

Maasai Mara

9st 8lb

J: William Carson

T: John O’Shea

Regressed over hurdles last year but there was some encouragement with a hood deployed when fourth of seven at Wolverhampton (1m4f, AW) on his Flat return last month; blinkers (retained) were back on when a pace bias and wide draw did for him at Chester three weeks ago; not entirely ruled out.

14/1

12th

7

(12)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

17:20 Chester

Maasai Mara

9st 10lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: John O’Shea

Lost his way over hurdles last year and made only a mildly encouraging return to the Flat when keeping-on fourth of seven at Wolverhampton (1m4f, AW; first-time hood) last month; not the most obvious answer.

40/1

4th

4

(5)

4th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 4

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Maasai Mara

9st 2lb

J: William Carson

T: John O’Shea

Lost his way over hurdles, running poorly in two runs back from a break last November; the usual cheekpieces are replaced by a first-time hood and it's hard to believe he's still up to this sort of mark on the Flat.

33/1

14/1

Form: 715-5

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Unraced on good or firmer; won 7f Chepstow novice (soft) last September; slowly away all starts and never seriously involved in a Group 3 at Newbury (7f, heavy) in October or handicap at Chester (7.5f, soft) last month; he did make late gains in the latter, however, and has stacks of stamina on the dam's side, so this step up in trip can see him in a much better light.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

(5)

14th Oct 2023

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:45 York

Promoter

9st 5lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

dwelt start and slowly into stride, in rear

13/2

3rd

3

(4)

28th Sep 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

17:53 Newmarket

Promoter

9st 7lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Ralph Beckett

Unable to threaten on last three starts but he's well treated on form as recent as June and perhaps the first-time blinkers will give him a boost.

9/4

5th

3

(4)

15th Sep 2023

Soft

1m 2f 70y

Class 4

16:30 Chester

Promoter

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Ralph Beckett

held up in last

7/1

Form: 644-1 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Improved to win under Harry Davies at Newmarket (1m2f, good; unraced on firmer) 16 days ago on handicap/seasonal debut, leading over 1f out and drawing clear; raised 9lb and will stay further but he probably still retains potential for 1m2f as well and has to be considered seriously.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

(8)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Fox Journey

9st 3lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

No win since May 2024 when trained by Sir Michael Stoute (below form last year for Kevin Ryan) but second of 14 off almost a career-low mark at Musselburgh (1m4f, good; under Zak Wheatley) one month ago was easily his most competitive show since; back up 2lb and needs to build on that revival.

13/2

2nd

5

(4)

12th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 4

17:45 Musselburgh

Fox Journey

9st 6lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

No win since May 2024 when trained by Sir Michael Stoute; below form last year for Kevin Ryan, followed by a 22,000gns sale in October; he's 23lb below his peak mark but the tide needs to turn.

25/1

5

(3)

13th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 4

19:40 Kempton (AW)

Fox Journey

9st 9lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Kevin Ryan

On a losing run but he comes here on the back of a solid fifth of nine in 1m2f handicap at Pontefract 18 days ago; he can make his presence felt from a slipping mark with cheekpieces added.

12/1

16/1

Form: 71-55

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Won novice at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) last June on second and final 2yo start; outsider but improved form this term when fifth in Listed race at Newmarket and handicap at Newbury (both races 1m2f on good); the latter was in a bunched finish but a very strong race and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

13

(1)

27th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:25 Kempton (AW)

Forca Timao

9st 4lb

J: Matthew Lloyd Slater

T: Mark Pattinson

Outsider of four when belatedly doubling his tally at Southwell last April (1m3f); hit the frame last two starts (1m2f) but not sure dropping back to 1m will see him play a bigger role this evening; Penfolds Grange looks connections' best hope.

20/1

4th

10

(9)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

17:25 Lingfield (AW)

Forca Timao

8st 9lb

J: Tyler Heard

T: Mark Pattinson

On a losing run and he's yet to hit top form this season, going keenly when a fading fourth of 11 over C&D in February; needs to take a step forward.

20/1

Form: 54-13

Last run: 18 days

W: 8st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Won maiden at Wolverhampton (9.4f, AW) in January on third start; raced rather freely up front on handicap debut at Sandown (1m2f, good to soft) 18 days ago but faded to be a well-beaten last of three; much better than that and perhaps needed the run but he has a lot to prove in this hot race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

22nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

17:43 Hereford

God Of Fire

11st 4lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Four-time Flat winner and quite useful, so his second in a modest maiden hurdle at Plumpton was rather underwhelming (2m, good); could build on that but needs to.

7/2

4th

2

22nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

17:43 Hereford

God Of Fire

11st 4lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Four-time Flat winner and quite useful, so his second in a modest maiden hurdle at Plumpton was rather underwhelming (2m, good); could build on that but needs to.

7/2

2nd

2

6th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 4

15:20 Plumpton

God Of Fire

11st 4lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, left in second before 2 out

6/4

Form: 814-21 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Won a Carlisle novice (1m, good to firm) on the fourth of his five races last term; runner-up at Beverley on reappearance and went one better in clearcut style at Chester last Saturday, both from the front at about 1m2f; raised 5lb and moves into a stronger race but he's on the upgrade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(7)

9th Sep 2023

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:10 Ascot

Perfect Play

8st 8lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: Charlie Johnston

One of three runners for this yard; scored over 1m2f at Chester in May and largely consistent otherwise this term, most recently second at Beverley (upped to 1m4f; good) last Saturday; appears likely to go well again.

10/1

2nd

7

(5)

2nd Sep 2023

Good

1m 4f 23y

Class 2

14:05 Beverley

Perfect Play

8st 7lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Charlie Johnston

pressed leader, led over 2f out, clear over 1f out, reduced lead final furlong, headed and no extra inside final 110yds

5/1

3rd

5

(3)

25th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Newmarket (July)

Perfect Play

9st 4lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Charlie Johnston

Can make the running; won on good to firm as 2yo; also scored at Chester in May and best form when runner-up at Redcar and Ripon on his last two starts, all over 1m2f on good; has a competitive mark but some of his rivals are less exposed.

5/1

Form: 4-14

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
King Edward VII entry; promise on good ground at Newmarket last October; justified favouritism in maiden at Kempton (1m, AW) in April and improved on that form when fourth of six to Derby candidate San Antonio in Listed race at Chester (10.3f, soft) last month, well held but that's after being badly hampered over 1f out; one of several handicap newcomers to note.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

8

(1)

18th Aug 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

20:05 Newmarket (July)

Lose Your Wad

8st 11lb

J: William Buick

T: Charles Hills

Won a Kempton maiden (1m, AW) on his reappearance in April but he's been well held in handicaps (1m2f/1m) in his last three runs; still lightly raced and mark is sliding but he needs to step up again to make an impact.

7/1

6th

9

(3)

15th Jul 2023

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:50 Newmarket (July)

Lose Your Wad

9st 2lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charles Hills

took keen hold, led overall against near rail

14/1

Form: 433-12

Last run: 18 days

W: 8st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Had wind surgery prior to winning a Wolverhampton handicap (9.4f, AW) in April, opening his account at the fifth attempt; put in his place by a Beckett-trained favourite at Sandown (1m2f, good to soft) 18 days ago, easily beating God Of Fire but only the three ran; needs to resume improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

19:50 Fontwell

Blue Universe

12st 0lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Michael Attwater

0-12 over hurdles but he ran well to finished second off this mark at Huntingdon (2m3f, soft) in February; this is a deeper race but he's versatile ground-wise and has each-way claims again after a short break.

5/1

2nd

1

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

12:50 Huntingdon

Blue Universe

12st 0lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Michael Attwater

Still a maiden over hurdles and he was beaten off current mark, having made mistakes, at Huntingdon (2m4f) on most recent attempt in this sphere.

5/1

3rd

1

17th Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 4

15:50 Fakenham

Blue Universe

11st 4lb

J: Marc Goldstein

T: Michael Attwater

A fair 1m2f Flat scorer who has shown similar form in this sphere, collared only late on when a good runner-up in 2m4f Worcester novice three weeks ago; big shout.

2/1

9/1

Form: 33221-

Last run: 201 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Placed on good to firm last May and June; better form when back from a break for two AW handicaps at Wolverhampton in the autumn, firmly in charge in a five-runner race over 9.4f when last seen; will stay 1m2f; reappears in a hot race and needs better again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(1)

5th Jul 2025

Good

1m 3f 175y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

Sol Cayo

8st 12lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Fionn McSharry

Two AW wins in the winter (1m2f/1m3f) and continued the good work when easily making all in three-runner handicap at Pontefract (1m4f, good) recently after a break; 6lb higher in a much hotter race today but this progressive 5yo comfortably dispatched an in-form rival last time and is not ruled out.

14/1

3

(2)

22nd Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 3

15:10 Pontefract

Sol Cayo

9st 3lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Fionn McSharry

Ended 2024 in top form and he added a Southwell win (1m3f) to his tally in January; absent since and 0-6 on turf (3-7 on AW); still feasibly weighted but he'll need to be at the top of his game to take this.

9/2

1st

2

(3)

24th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 4

16:45 Southwell (AW)

Sol Cayo

11st 2lb

J: Mr Simon Walker

T: Fionn McSharry

in touch with leaders

2/1

33/1

Form: -68836

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on debut on good to firm; 33-1 third of five in the Listed Blue Riband Trial over C&D (soft) in April but that's far and away the best of her five outings this year; wore cheekpieces in the Cheshire Oaks last time; makes handicap debut but even her best form does not look good enough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

9

(14)

20th Sep 2023

Good To Soft

1m 2f 23y

Class 1

15:45 Yarmouth

Cite dOr

8st 13lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Harry Eustace

Third in a small-field Listed event at Epsom in April; tailed off twice since and easy to have reservations.

40/1

13th

1

(12)

3rd Jun 2023

Good

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:55 Epsom

Cite dOr

9st 9lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Harry Eustace

Runner-up on debut on good to firm; 33-1 third of five in the Listed Blue Riband Trial over C&D (soft) in April but that's far and away the best of her five outings this year; wore cheekpieces in the Cheshire Oaks last time; makes handicap debut but even her best form does not look good enough.

33/1

6th

3

(8)

10th May 2023

Good To Soft

1m 3f 75y

Class 1

14:40 Chester

Cite dOr

9st 2lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Harry Eustace

Bounced back to form with 33-1 third in Blue Riband Trial at Epsom (1m2f, soft; Listed) two weeks ago; however, she's comparatively exposed (2-10 overall) and others bring greater potential; first-time headgear.

16/1

Form: 6-8315 C BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Ran on good to soft on debut and all turf starts since have been on soft; that poses a question and he needs better than he showed at Newmarket on latest start, but he was a runaway winner of 8.5f Epsom novice the time before; bit to prove on this third attempt at 1m2f but his trainer has won three of the last five runnings of this race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(13)

3rd Jun 2023

Good

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:55 Epsom

Kadovar

8st 12lb

J: William Buick

T: Andrew Balding

Ran on good to soft on debut and all turf starts since have been on soft; that poses a question and he needs better than he showed at Newmarket on latest start, but he was a runaway winner of 8.5f Epsom novice the time before; bit to prove on this third attempt at 1m2f but his trainer has won three of the last five runnings of this race.

14/1

5th

6

(1)

7th May 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:50 Newmarket

Kadovar

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

raced centre

4/1

1st

2

(7)

25th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 4

16:10 Epsom

Kadovar

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

0-5 but he was a good third of six in a handicap at Nottingham (1m2f, soft) a fortnight ago and shaped as though he may benefit from this drop back in trip; trainer won this in 2018 and 2019 and he holds solid claims.

9/4

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £53.42
Tricast £240.23

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Torito

NEWMARKET:

Fox Journey

RP RATINGS:

Balance Play

POSTDATA:

Perfect Play

LAMBOURN:

Lose Your Wad

D Express:

Kadovar

SPOTLIGHT:

Promoter

The Times:

Torito

The Guardian:

Torito

Daily Mail:

Torito

The Sun:

Torito

Daily Record:

Torito

Telegraph:

Fox Journey

The Star:

Balance Play

Daily Mirror:

Perfect Play