July 22 / 14.25 Newbury

14.25

Good

Mettal UK Handicap

  • Prize money: £38655
  • 2m 0f 110y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
ITV
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Mettal UK Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

7/2 (Won)

Form: 22-21

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Unexposed gelding from a top yard; very well handicapped on his close second to the subsequent Group-placed Saint George in 1m3f AW novice in April and good to see him make the most of a straightforward opening at Doncaster (1m4f, good to firm); has his quirks (sported headgear from the outset) but he's an intriguing candidate now raised in distance for his handicap debut; has an Ebor entry.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(4)

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 50y

Class 1

18:12 Sandown

Sweet William

9st 9lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

Won this in 2024 and has added three more Group-race wins, the latest on reappearance in this month's Sagaro Stakes at Ascot (2m, good to firm) where he was clear with subsequent Group 1 winner Caballo De Mar; leading claims despite 5lb penalty.

Evs

1st

2

(9)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 1

14:35 Ascot

Sweet William

9st 9lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

Headgear and Rab Havlin all starts; not straightforward but he nearly always gives his running, including at this track; he did not have the top stayers to worry about last September when winning his second Doncaster Cup and the same seems to apply today, so he's a leading player.

2/1

2

(4)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 209y

Class 1

12:55 Ascot

Sweet William

9st 9lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

Headgear and Rab Havlin all starts; not straightforward but he nearly always gives his running and was third and second in the last two runnings of this race; he did not have the top stayers to worry about last month when winning his second Doncaster Cup and while he had the edge over third-placed Trawlerman in this 12 months ago, he's found that rival too tough to crack in their two clashes this season.

5/1

Form: 2-1127 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Form figures of 121127 since sent beyond 1m4f; won by 6l over C&D before finishing second to Zinc White in the Chester Plate (2m2f); his improvement has come on softish ground and he just lacked a finishing kick when 4l away in the 2m4f Ascot Stakes, with good ground perhaps a factor in that; with rain about and dropping back to 2m, he's a must for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(5)

6th Apr 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

15:15 Kempton (AW)

Novel Legend

10st 0lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Fanshawe

Ended last term with heavy defeats in the Irish Cesarewitch and Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak; up to that he'd had a cracking campaign in handicaps, in which the first of three wins came over C&D first time out (his last AW run), and he still looks on a highly competitive mark if reappearing at the top of his game.

11/2

4th

1

(5)

6th Apr 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

15:15 Kempton (AW)

Novel Legend

10st 0lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Fanshawe

Ended last term with heavy defeats in the Irish Cesarewitch and Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak; up to that he'd had a cracking campaign in handicaps, in which the first of three wins came over C&D first time out (his last AW run), and he still looks on a highly competitive mark if reappearing at the top of his game.

11/2

15th

4

(32)

24th Sep 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 165y

16:10 Curragh

Novel Legend

10st 0lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: James Fanshawe

in touch with leaders

14/1

Form: 141663

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Low-mileage 4yo; won twice (1m4f/2m) on Kempton AW early this year and delivered a career best to hit the frame in the Northumberland Plate (AW) last time when just ahead of Nathanael Greene; reportedly unsuited by soft ground when tailed off here on penultimate start so watch the weather.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(4)

10th May 2024

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:40 Chester

Aztec Empire

8st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Dual Polytrack winner; won just the second of his eight handicaps but clocked up two placings in hot 2m races on good or good to firm last summer (neck second to Forza Orta at York) before a disappointing show in September when last seen; gelded since; seriously involved if back to form and it looks like he'll have his ground; in the mix.

11/2

4th

9

(4)

10th May 2024

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:40 Chester

Aztec Empire

8st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Dual Polytrack winner; won just the second of his eight handicaps but clocked up two placings in hot 2m races on good or good to firm last summer (neck second to Forza Orta at York) before a disappointing show in September when last seen; gelded since; seriously involved if back to form and it looks like he'll have his ground; in the mix.

11/2

33/1

Form: 347619 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Never better than when making all at Haydock (2m, good to firm) before finishing midfield in the 2m4f Ascot Stakes (good); career-high mark spells danger in this strong a handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

21st Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

17:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Solent Gateway

11st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Four-time Flat winner; got off the mark over hurdles on his sixth attempt when making all over C&D (good) 15 days ago with first-time blinkers (retained) replacing cheekpieces; has solid claims to defy penalty.

8/13

1st

4

6th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

13:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Solent Gateway

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Four-time Flat winner who was placed on the last four of his five hurdling starts, most recently when close second in Sedgefield maiden (2m4f, good) last month; should be fine over today's shorter trip and has another big role to play; swaps usual cheekpieces for first-time blinkers.

7/4

2nd

3

13th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

18:10 Sedgefield

Solent Gateway

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

led, joined when not fluent last, soon headed, kept on

5/4

5th
13 (3)
Geremia

10/1

Form: -41361

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Often a slow starter and a steady pace played into his hands before arriving late on the scene at Ayr (1m5f, soft; handles faster); only 3lb higher but this is way deeper and he comes with risks at the best of times.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

(15)

23rd Aug 2024

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

19:05 Hamilton

Geremia

8st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Two wins last year (good to soft/soft; including here) and he took a six-runner C&D handicap (good) in May; however, slow starts can be an issue and he was well beaten at Thirsk last time; the cheekpieces had no positive impact on sole previous use in 2021; others are more compelling.

33/1

15th

2

(14)

16th Jun 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:15 Thirsk

Geremia

9st 8lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Three-time winner at up to 1m5f, on good or slower; latest success came at Hamilton (1m4f, good), on his penultimate start; finished over 3l ahead of Hope You Can Run when sixth back at Hamilton latest; more needed.

9/1

6th

8

(4)

2nd Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:40 Hamilton

Geremia

9st 1lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Left Jim Goldie before penultimate start; two wins from four races at Hamilton, including when he mowed down Capital Theory from the back in six-runner race (1m4f) 16 days ago; back up 4lb (peak mark was 2lb higher still) and stays further than this; another telling late challenge could be on its way.

8/1

Form: 2-2716 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Five of his last six wins have come in conditions races and has always been most prolific on the AW; ran well in the Northumberland Plate (AW) without threatening and, despite a lower turf mark, he looks up against it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

(8)

29th Mar 2024

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

13:53 Newcastle (AW)

Rainbow Dreamer

8st 9lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Alan King

Nine AW wins, the most recent in this event 12 months ago when it was still a conditions race; has slipped to an attractive mark but the veteran has a doubt over current form, having posted two duck eggs this year; perhaps on the wane.

33/1

10th

5

(11)

3rd Feb 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

19:15 Kempton (AW)

Rainbow Dreamer

9st 10lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Really smart on AW earlier in his career; wasn't beaten that far when sixth of 19 in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle last summer but he's been below that level in three AW starts this winter.

14/1

Form: 40-544 BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Record of 2-11, the wins coming on slow and fast ground; benefited from the return of cheekpieces when a staying-on fourth in the Northumberland Plate (2m, AW) and won't be far away should the new blinkers have a positive effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(7)

4th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

1m 5f 218y

Class 5

14:25 Redcar

Nathanael Greene

9st 12lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Alastair Ralph

Useful back in the day but has lost his way under both codes and is very opposable at the minute.

25/1

1

(7)

4th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

1m 5f 218y

Class 5

14:25 Redcar

Nathanael Greene

9st 12lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Alastair Ralph

Useful back in the day but has lost his way under both codes and is very opposable at the minute.

25/1

1

(7)

4th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

1m 5f 218y

Class 5

14:25 Redcar

Nathanael Greene

9st 12lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Alastair Ralph

Useful back in the day but has lost his way under both codes and is very opposable at the minute.

25/1

OUR TIP

25/1

Form: 5-4040 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Winless streak moved on to 20 when down the field in a 1m4f Haydock handicap two weeks ago; has flashes of good form at about 2m and it could be that he needs a staying trip these days; others are still preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

9

(10)

26th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 2

15:15 Doncaster

Euchen Glen

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

11yo who has won just once since 2021 but that came at Ayr (1m5f, good to firm) this June; has run well several times this year, including when fourth of 13 at York (1m2f, soft) a fortnight ago, and might not be far away.

20/1

4th

5

(6)

12th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:05 York

Euchen Glen

9st 0lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

11yo now but he's had a few bright moments this season, including second of eight to Kihavah at Ayr (1m5f, good to firm) three weeks ago; his sixth of 20 in the John Smith's Cup over C&D in July shows he's still effective over shorter trips.

20/1

2nd

3

(5)

21st Sep 2024

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 3

17:15 Ayr

Euchen Glen

9st 12lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

in touch with leaders against rail, going okay 3f out, keeping on and went second over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, no match for winner

6/1

Form: 69-982 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Enhanced his notable record at last month's Royal Ascot with an unlucky fifth over 2m4f and a near miss behind a progressive one in the closing 2m5f Alexandra Stakes; has plenty of solid form at this shorter trip and is unlikely to be far away.
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

14/1

Form: 1/53/2

Last run: 50 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Three wins for Roger Varian from 1m2f to 1m6f; changed hands for 55,000gns in October 2021 and not seen again until 50 days ago, but that was a big run when beaten a neck at Doncaster (1m4f) and 2m may suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(7)

4th Feb 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

13:32 Lingfield (AW)

Apparate

10st 2lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Won the 2020 Mallard at Doncaster for previous yard; mixed results for new stable since returning from long absence but looks quite interesting off a handy mark dropped in class for second AW attempt.

14/1

5th

3

(3)

15th Dec 2023

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Apparate

9st 13lb

J: Shane Kelly

T: Jamie Osborne

Solid start for this yard when second of eight at Doncaster in June; not quite so good in two runs since and his stamina for 2m is still to be proven.

14/1

4th

2

(1)

26th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

14:45 Newmarket (July)

Apparate

9st 12lb

J: Shane Kelly

T: Jamie Osborne

Down the field at Newbury last month but prior to that he'd returned from a long absence with a near-miss at Doncaster (1m4f, good to firm) and he's won over 1m6f in the past; not written off.

5/1

11th
1 (5)
Postileo

10/1

Form: 471/16

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Disputed the lead in a 1m6f handicap at Royal Ascot but got outpaced when it mattered on the good ground; all three wins have been with some give underfoot so any rain is very much welcomed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

2

(6)

26th Jun 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Postileo

9st 6lb

J: David Nolan

T: Alan Brown

Big chance on best 2023 efforts for Roger Varian but he did not shine last year (hurdles/Flat) for Emmet Mullins; 8,500gns buy in September and heavily beaten at 100-1 in a hot AW handicap (2m; first-time visor) in April; others are more solid at present.

50/1

8/1

Form: -23307

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Competitive in 1m2f/1m3f Listed races this season; raced wide early and never involved when upped to 1m6f in the Queen's Vase and not a lot went his way in the consolation race for the Northumberland Plate (2m); has staying potential in his pedigree and could leave his recent troubles behind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

5

(15)

25th Aug 2023

Good To Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:55 Hamilton

Hadrianus

9st 3lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Charlie Johnston

Has shown some useful form without getting his head in front this season; beat only one in 2m Newbury handicap last month though so needs to get back on track.

20/1

12th

14

(6)

22nd Jul 2023

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Hadrianus

9st 0lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Charlie Johnston

in touch with leaders

8/1

33/1

Form: 55-830

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Has won on good to firm but peak efforts on good or AW; looked back to his best when third of 14 at Kempton (1m4f, AW) and it wasn't his first modest effort at Ascot when down the field at the Royal meeting; whether he'll stay this far (unraced beyond 1m4f) is the burning issue.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

(5)

30th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Stay Well

8st 11lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Hughie Morrison

No win since 2021 but he should be competitive off this mark judged on some 2023 turf form and some 2023 and 2024 AW form; not dismissed.

16/1

2nd

2

(7)

20th Jun 2024

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:10 Chelmsford (AW)

Stay Well

9st 5lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Hughie Morrison

took keen hold, prominent

7/2

Non-runners

Zinc White, Cormier

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £11.05
Tricast £108.05

Selections

POSTDATA:

Novel Legend

SPOTLIGHT:

Sweet William

TOPSPEED:

Apparate

D Express:

Nathanael Greene

Daily Mail:

Zinc White

RP RATINGS:

The Grand Visir

NEWMARKET:

Sweet William

Telegraph:

Sweet William

The Star:

Sweet William

The Times:

Novel Legend

Daily Mirror:

Novel Legend

The Sun:

Novel Legend

Daily Record:

Novel Legend

The Guardian:

Apparate