June 24 / 18.10 Ascot

18.10

Good To Firm

Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions Race)

  • Prize money: £54000
  • 2m 5f 143y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
ITV4
View Course
Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

3/1 (Won)

Form: /412/3

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Went missing for two years after finishing runner-up in a 1m5f Group 3 when trained by Aidan O'Brien; did well over hurdles on his resumption, including victory in a 2m4f Grade 3 and third in a 2m4f Grade 1 this winter (both on soft but has form on good and good to firm); not beaten far into third on his Flat return in a recent Group 3 at Leopardstown (1m6f, good; ahead of Stratum) when a steady pace was no help to him; this test could be right up his alley.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(9)

28th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

17:45 Curragh

Dawn Rising

10st 0lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Smart dual-purpose performer but on losing run since November 2024; excellent second in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket last October but well below best in three runs this term and this trip looks far too sharp; others appeal more.

18/1

7th

2

(4)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

19:20 Curragh

Dawn Rising

9st 9lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

No wins last season but strong form in defeat in big staying handicaps; fourth in the amateur handicap at Galway, fifth in the Irish Cesarewitch and signed off with a fine second in the Cesarewitch; recent run here was over an inadequate trip, more expected of here and seemingly McMonagle's pick.

10/1

12th

1

(7)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 0y

14:30 Curragh

Dawn Rising

10st 1lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

No wins last season but strong form in defeat in big staying handicaps; fourth in the amateur handicap at Galway, fifth in the Irish Cesarewitch and signed off with a fine second in the Cesarewitch; runs over an inadequate trip here on second start of the season.

16/1

Form: /69-98 C

Last run: 4 days

W: 9st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Has a notable record at this meeting, having won the 2m4f Ascot Stakes (handicap) in 2019 and been placed in back-to-back editions of this race (2020 and 2021); likely to have a part to play again as he was beaten only 5l in Tuesday's Ascot Stakes despite meeting trouble at crucial stages of the race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(1)

6th Nov 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:13 Nottingham

The Grand Visir

9st 12lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Ian Williams

midfield, outpaced over 3f out, kept on but not pace to challenge

14/1

4th

5

(1)

6th Nov 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:13 Nottingham

The Grand Visir

9st 12lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Ian Williams

midfield

14/1

7/2

Form: 0311-5

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Won last season's Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good) and by clear daylight; just okay during a light campaign over hurdles during the winter but this may have been a plan, and a small-field Listed race over 1m4f four weeks ago was never likely to suit; big chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

2nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 110y

17:20 Limerick

Run For Oscar

11st 1lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: C Byrnes

Smart dual-purpose performer, although he has been lightly raced since taking a 3m1f Kilbeggan conditions hurdle in August 2024; absent since last October; would receive 16lb from Daddy Long Legs in a handicap.

12/1

2

16th Oct 2025

Good

2m 6f 154y

16:27 Thurles

Run For Oscar

11st 6lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Smart dual-purpose performer although hasn't won since taking 3m1f Kilbeggan conditions hurdle last summer; two recent runs under his belt could give him a fitness edge but lots to find on ratings with Hewick.

7/4

3

8th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 129y

16:50 Galway

Run For Oscar

11st 6lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Eight-time winner, including four over hurdles; disappointed on the Flat at Killarney on return from 314-days off; should strip fitter now and handles soft but the majority of his best form has come on good ground; not discounted, especially if the track dries out.

7/2

10/1

Form: 37-644

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Has struggled to get her head in front since winning twice as a 2yo, having mixed handicaps with Listed and Group races; has not been far off her best the last twice (1m4f handicap and 1m6f Group 3) but, unraced beyond about 1m6f, she'll be entering unknown territory a long way from home.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(2)

5th Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:00 Curragh

Typewriter

9st 6lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Andrew Balding

prominent, went second after 2f, weakened quickly over 3f out, eased from 1f out, tailed off

16/1

0

13

(27)

14th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Newmarket

Typewriter

9st 0lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Andrew Balding

No win since handicap debut two years ago; solid runs this year include her fourth in the 2m5f Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot (good to firm) and third over 1m6f at Goodwood (soft) last time, but career best is needed.

33/1

3rd

1

(5)

27th Sep 2023

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:50 Goodwood

Typewriter

10st 1lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Andrew Balding

Has won on soft; absent since finishing midfield in the 2m4f handicap at Glorious Goodwood; some creditable efforts otherwise this term, including in York Group 3 and the Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot; on a ten-race losing sequence and doesn't seem the easiest to place but has possibilities dropped back in trip/grade.

8/1

Form: 2- BF

Last run: 434 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up over 1m4f in Germany on his only Flat run (last April); bumper/hurdle winner but has been competing at just a fair level over jumps this year (most recent form figures of 122) and he looks out of his depth.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

12th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

20:36 Market Rasen

Estacas

11st 9lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

No win for three years but, in all fairness, he hasn't seen a massive amount of action, and he's handily weighted from this 6lb lower mark; bumped into the thriving Ice Jet at Worcester (2m4f; runner-up, beaten over 1l) latest, and a repeat of that should see him on the premises.

4/1

13/2

Form: 6518-0

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Although beaten in the last two editions of this won by Stratum, he was under 2l away 12 months ago and drying ground will aid his cause no end; good and bad under both codes in the meantime but he's one who won't be fazed by this unique test.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

7th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 116y

16:52 Punchestown

Falcon Eight

11st 4lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: D K Weld

Classy stayer on the Flat but getting long in the tooth; infrequent runner over hurdles nowadays and was well behind when unseating late on at the festival here.

16/1

17

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 58y

14:30 Punchestown

Falcon Eight

11st 6lb

J: Hugh Horgan

T: D K Weld

Chester Cup winner in 2021, also a 2m Curragh Group 3 winner in 2023; seven Flat wins in all; at the veteran stage now; four seasons since his only hurdles success.

20/1

6th

5

(6)

3rd Apr 2026

Soft

1m 6f 0y

17:27 Curragh

Falcon Eight

9st 5lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: D K Weld

Veteran who got his seventh Flat win at Gowran last April (1m6f, yielding); hasn't counted in four handicaps since and finished last of the 20 runners at Naas when last seen in October; others preferred.

25/1

2/1

Form: 0164-8 CD

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
A battle-hardened old pro who for years has paid his way under both codes and now seeks a hat-trick in this race after winning the past two on soft and good to firm (defied a penalty 12 months ago); warmed up for his return with a satisfactory run in a 1m6f Group 3 at Leopardstown that was never likely to bring the best out of him; with stamina to burn, he looks nailed on to be involved once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(5)

21st Oct 2023

Soft

1m 7f 209y

Class 1

13:15 Ascot

Stratum

9st 9lb

J: William Buick

T: W P Mullins

always behind, lost touch 5f out, tailed off

66/1

25th

7

(22)

24th Sep 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 165y

16:10 Curragh

Stratum

9st 13lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

towards rear

50/1

2nd

7

12th Aug 2023

Good

3m 1f 0y

18:55 Kilbeggan

Stratum

11st 0lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Smart dual-purpose sort has won 11 races under all codes; has run mostly on the Flat in the last two years and ran a corker when second at Galway last week; couldn't handle testing ground at Auteuil when last seen over hurdles in November but this will suit better; the pick of Paul Townend.

6/4

Form: 05-342

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Capable dual-purpose performer who bounced back from disappointing efforts under both codes to finish runner-up in a 2m handicap at Beverley 13 days ago (good to firm; blinkers returned); this race is a whole lot tougher; should at least stay the distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(4)

16th Jul 2024

Soft

2m 0f 32y

Class 3

16:30 Beverley

Coltor

10st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: David Pipe

Front-runner (other pace in here) who was well held at a short price in this race in 2023; was beaten some way over hurdles, when back from a break following wind surgery, for new yard in June and needs to do much better.

5/1

7th

1

13th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 3

19:25 Worcester

Coltor

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Not seen over hurdles since pulled up at 2023 Cheltenham Festival but showed some useful form on the Flat last summer; makes stable debut after nine-month break; had wind op in April; market may guide.

11/2

50/1

Form: 238513

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Likeably consistent 4yo who stays 2m well and comes here in form after finishing first and third in two Goodwood handicaps; however, whether he'll stay this far remains to be seen and, in any case, he faces an uphill task at the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(10)

29th Mar 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 3

15:15 Lingfield (AW)

First Emperor

9st 6lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: John Ryan

Some creditable efforts over 2m this year and he wasn't far behind Red Flyer in a Class 2 over C&D (sixth of 13) last time; his losing run is mounting up but he's edging down the weights and could go well on this drop back in grade.

14/1

6th

13

(7)

1st Mar 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 2

15:47 Lingfield (AW)

First Emperor

8st 11lb

J: Luke Morris

T: John Ryan

pushed along soon after start, towards rear after 2f

16/1

3rd

5

(4)

24th Feb 2024

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

17:05 Southwell (AW)

First Emperor

9st 9lb

J: Luke Morris

T: John Ryan

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, headway over 3f out, soon outpaced, rallied from 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, went third towards finish, not pace to challenge

16/1

16/1

Form: 63/32-

Last run: 258 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Quirky but talented hurdler who was last seen in late April going close in a Grade 2 at Sandown; also very capable on the Flat and he's going the right way round here (much better racing right handed), but these terms are tough and place money is probably the most he can realistically hope for.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

12

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Goshen

10st 2lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

5lb out of the handicap; 9yo whose career has contained plenty of surprises and performing so manfully in 3m handicap chases on good ground at Ascot and this track on his last two starts is arguably one of them; that's nowhere near his old hurdles form but he's been sticking on as if his next reinvention could be as a stayer.

40/1

13th

12

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Goshen

10st 2lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

5lb out of the handicap; 9yo whose career has contained plenty of surprises and performing so manfully in 3m handicap chases on good ground at Ascot and this track on his last two starts is arguably one of them; that's nowhere near his old hurdles form but he's been sticking on as if his next reinvention could be as a stayer.

40/1

3rd

1

8th Mar 2025

Good

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

15:35 Sandown

Goshen

11st 12lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

9yo who is somewhat mercurial but he's run pretty well in defeat the last twice here (2m7f, heavy; hurdles) and Ascot (3m, good; fences); goes well at Sandown and drops back down in grade today; could be involved.

5/1

Non-runners

Goshen

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £20.82
Tricast £53.87

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Dawn Rising

TOPSPEED:

Stratum

Telegraph:

Run For Oscar

RP RATINGS:

Falcon Eight

Daily Mail:

The Grand Visir

The Guardian:

Run For Oscar

D Express:

Run For Oscar

The Times:

Dawn Rising

The Sun:

Dawn Rising

Daily Record:

Dawn Rising

POSTDATA:

Stratum

Daily Mirror:

Stratum

The Star:

Stratum