May 18 / 15.00 Newbury

15.00

Good

Trade Nation London Gold Cup Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

  • Prize money: £51540
  • 1m 2f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
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Trade Nation London Gold Cup Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.80
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 812- C BF

Last run: 239 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Progressive RPRs in three races, all at Newbury, last season; almost defied a penalty the final time (1m, soft) and the useful winner has advertised that form since; gives the impression he'll stay this longer distance; very solid claims on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(5)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 1

14:35 Chester

Kings Gambit

9st 3lb

J: James Doyle

T: Harry Charlton

No wins since landing two of his first four starts having been highly tried in the meantime, but he has a consistent record in Group/Listed company shy of the top level (22363522); again ran well when chasing home the smart Damysus on his return in the Earl Of Sefton at Newmarket (1m1f, good) last month; shortlisted with the run under his belt.

13/2

2nd

3

(5)

15th Apr 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Kings Gambit

9st 2lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Harry Charlton

No wins in nine Group/Listed races since landing the London Gold Cup at Newbury on his seasonal/handicap debut in 2024; frequently ran well, though, albeit with this trip looking a bare minimum when fifth of eight in York Group 3 in August on his penultimate start; can't be confidently ruled out but will need to resume in top order to make his Group-race breakthrough.

9/1

4

(4)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Ayr

Kings Gambit

9st 5lb

J: James Doyle

T: Harry Charlton

Expensive to follow in Group/Listed races on his eight starts since winning a handicap at Newbury in May 2024; however, the drop back to 1m1f was against him at York last time and he has plenty of form that puts him firmly in the picture today; seems versatile in terms of ground.

7/2

2nd
8 (10)
Poniros

12/1

  • Place: £5.20

Form: 13-2

Last run: 33 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Form figures of 132 reflect his solid record at maiden/novice level, creditable second at Windsor (1m2f, good) on seasonal debut most recently; debut success came on heavy ground; open to progress in handicaps and can't be dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Poniros

11st 10lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Belied his 100-1 odds with a remarkable success in the Triumph at this meeting (2m1f, good to soft) last year on hurdles debut, collaring Lulamba who subsequently reversed placings with him at Punchestown and is a leading contender in today's Arkle; ran below expectations at Royal Ascot but ran promisingly, with a view to this race, in the Irish Champion Hurdle on return from layoff (got detached in the back straight, ending up with plenty to do, then stayed on for third of five); could be open to plenty of further improvement with that outing under his belt and given his very low mileage in this sphere; very interesting back at Cheltenham.

14/1

3rd

4

1st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:20 Leopardstown

Poniros

11st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Made his stable/hurdles debut in the Triumph at Cheltenham, belied odds of 100-1 to win by a neck; second at Punchestown in May (despite racing freely) confirmed his high standing; ran much too freely when strongly fancied for the 2m4f Ascot Stakes.

14/1

17th

20

(10)

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Poniros

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: W P Mullins

Trained last year by Ralph Beckett, favourite when below form in the 1m1f Cambridgeshire on final outing (also below form on sole run on good to firm); made his stable/hurdles debut in March, in the Triumph at Cheltenham no less, but belied odds of 100-1 to win by a neck; second at Punchestown in May (despite racing freely) confirmed his high standing in that sphere, so he's a high-profile candidate for this return to Flat, over a very new Flat trip but his trainer usually picks the right ones for these races.

5/1

9/2

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 6223-1 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Galileo colt who comfortably justified favouritism in Leopardstown handicap (1m2f, heavy; off 10lb lower) on seasonal debut, opening his account; holds major entries and should improve further; yard landed this prize last year; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(5)

3rd Oct 2024

Soft

1m 4f 37y

16:15 Bellewstown

Chantilly

9st 10lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

led, headed and lost two places 1f out, no extra final 110yds

3/1

9th

7

(6)

14th Sep 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

16:00 Leopardstown

Chantilly

9st 1lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: A P O’Brien

never better than midfield, weakened inside final furlong

25/1

16/1

Form: 51-1

Last run: 25 days

W: 8st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Defied a penalty in Epsom novice event (8.5f, good) last month, taking record to 2-3; however, was able to dictate the pace and had little to spare at the finish; stiffer task in this warm handicap upped in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

15th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 209y

Class 4

16:35 Aintree

Into Battle

11st 2lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Robert Stephens

Useful on the Flat, of similar ability to Road To Wembley; made hurdle debut in a race won by Sober Glory, after which he had wind surgery; chased home a promising horse at Kempton and shouldn't be far away.

7/2

2nd

2

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Kempton

Into Battle

11st 6lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Robert Stephens

Had wind surgery since finishing tailed off in Newbury novice hurdle for new yard; retains potential under this code, having proved fairly useful on the Flat.

16/1

10th

4

14th Jan 2026

Good

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

12:35 Newbury

Into Battle

11st 2lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Robert Stephens

Took his Flat record to 3-14 with 1m2f success (RPR 82) on last appearance; sold out of Ed Walker's stable for 50,000gns later in October; market may give further guidance switched to this code.

16/1

Form: 8214-4 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Registered his 2yo win over 1m2f on soft ground; ran respectably over same trip at Newmarket (good) on reappearance but needs to improve on that effort and gives the impression he may ideally need further now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(4)

4th Oct 2024

Heavy

1m 6f 34y

Class 1

15:57 Ascot

Go Daddy

9st 3lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

held up in rear

2/1

3rd

5

(3)

17th Aug 2024

Good

1m 5f 61y

Class 1

13:50 Newbury

Go Daddy

8st 12lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

raced in third, headway over 3f out, led narrowly over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, soon no chance with winner, no extra and lost second towards finish

6/1

3rd

15

(8)

20th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:05 Ascot

Go Daddy

8st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

2yo win was 1m2f on soft; no improvement this season and although his sixth of 13 in the London Gold Cup at Newbury (1m2f, good; unraced on firmer) last time was creditable, others seem to shout out more loudly for 1m4f.

33/1

Form: 1-21 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Thrice-raced colt who is 2-2 on turf, the latest performance in Sandown handicap (1m2f, good to soft; beat Brioni; won going away off 7lb lower); the other success came on soft ground; looks the type to improve further; one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(3)

11th Oct 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Newmarket

Goodwood Odyssey

9st 6lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: David Menuisier

Unraced on firmer than good; highly competitive in five of his seven races, winning three; blinkered on last two starts (1m4f, soft) when winning at Goodwood but racing too freely at Ascot, and the headgear is absent today; needs to resume improvement.

12/1

5th

3

(7)

7th Sep 2024

Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Goodwood Odyssey

9st 7lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: David Menuisier

took keen hold, midfield, lost position 2f out, edged right over 1f out, kept on but no impression inside final furlong

7/2

1st

7

(3)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 218y

Class 2

15:50 Goodwood

Goodwood Odyssey

9st 5lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: David Menuisier

Only seventh in the London Gold Cup at Newbury but highly competitive in his other four races, winning twice and good third to the progressive Lord Of Love at Newmarket (1m4f, good) on latest start six weeks ago; looked a little awkward (hung left) at Newmarket (hung left) and blinkers are enlisted this time; big player if the headgear has a positive effect.

7/2

Form: 124-43

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Record is 1-7; ran well behind Goodwood Odyssey and Brioni at Sandown most recently but seems unlikely to reverse the placings; looks a touch more exposed than those rivals and plenty of the others too.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(6)

20th Jul 2024

Soft

1m 1f 170y

Class 4

15:20 Ripon

Prepschool

9st 5lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: Michael Bell

Put two rather disappointing shows behind him with a creditable third at Sandown (1m2f, soft) two weeks ago; not far away on that evidence.

5/1

3rd

5

(3)

6th Jul 2024

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 4

16:12 Sandown

Prepschool

9st 7lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Michael Bell

Rather disappointing at Newbury and Epsom last two starts; hopes hinge on a return to the same C&D as his career-best third in April.

20/1

12th

10

(10)

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

13:25 Epsom

Prepschool

8st 11lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Michael Bell

Sole win from eight starts came last August, following a close call at this track (soft) the time before; has contested three 1m2f handicaps this term, easily best of those efforts when third at Sandown (good to soft; 2lb lower today) on second occasion; never dangerous in London Gold Cup at Newbury latest; others may bring more potential.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 31-61 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Front-running colt who beat six rivals in Newmarket handicap (1m2f, good; off 7lb lower) most recently, taking record to 2-4; open to further progress but isn't sure to get such an easy lead in this bigger field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(8)

22nd Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 2

17:40 Ascot

Black Run

9st 7lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Paul & Oliver Cole

Front-runner for his two wins, latterly against six rivals in handicap at Newmarket (off 6lb lower) in May; tongue tied that day and when well beaten in the London Gold Cup at Newbury (also 1m2f on good) five weeks ago, when he raced in mid-division; others bring more compelling claims.

20/1

9th

1

(5)

18th May 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newbury

Black Run

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Paul & Oliver Cole

Front-running colt who beat six rivals in Newmarket handicap (1m2f, good; off 7lb lower) most recently, taking record to 2-4; open to further progress but isn't sure to get such an easy lead in this bigger field.

14/1

9th

1

(5)

18th May 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newbury

Black Run

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Paul & Oliver Cole

Front-running colt who beat six rivals in Newmarket handicap (1m2f, good; off 7lb lower) most recently, taking record to 2-4; open to further progress but isn't sure to get such an easy lead in this bigger field.

14/1

10th
9 (3)
Brioni

12/1

Form: 32-12 BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Justified favouritism in Kempton maiden (1m, AW) on seasonal debut, then ran well in Sandown handicap (1m2f, good to soft) when collared by Goodwood Odyssey, having perhaps gone for home a shade too soon; in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(8)

28th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 17y

Class 3

16:05 Epsom

Brioni

10st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Has become inconsistent but looks interesting back down in grade, having recorded 1m2f wins at Ascot and Sandown in last two attempts in Class 3; admittedly on a tougher mark now.

8/1

7th

6

(14)

30th Aug 2025

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

15:00 Sandown

Brioni

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

4yo who won twice last year and got back on track to score over C&D (good; acts on soft) this June in first-time cheekpieces, which have been kept since; did not get run of the race in a top York handicap seven weeks ago and not discredited; needs a second look.

16/1

10

(18)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Brioni

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

4yo who won twice last year and got back on track to win in first-time cheekpieces at Sandown (1m2f, good) last month; appeared to have more in hand than the 1l winning margin suggests and he might have more to offer in the headgear; could be in the mix under a 5lb penalty.

14/1

Form: 2-31 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Thrice-raced colt who made all in Windsor maiden (1m2f, good to soft) most recently, battling on well; this Dubawi colts holds a Group 2 Royal Ascot entry and should have more to offer; interesting contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

(6)

21st Nov 2024

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 4

18:40 Wolverhampton (AW)

Fighter Command

9st 8lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

Interesting on bits of form but has proved headstrong at times and his two efforts since being gelded leave a lot to be desired; chance depends on how well he responds to first-time headgear.

8/1

11th

8

(6)

21st Nov 2024

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 4

18:40 Wolverhampton (AW)

Fighter Command

9st 8lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

Interesting on bits of form but has proved headstrong at times and his two efforts since being gelded leave a lot to be desired; chance depends on how well he responds to first-time headgear.

8/1

14th

6

(11)

16th Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 4

19:15 Kempton (AW)

Fighter Command

9st 9lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: John & Thady Gosden

Has looked fairly useful but his headstrong tendency has been an issue, particularly last time (well beaten; first run since being gelded); now wears tongue-tie; has the ability to figure if settling better.

10/1

Form: 2325-2 BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Well bred and has some encouraging form; creditable second, albeit no match for impressive winner, in Musselburgh handicap (1m, good to soft) most recently; the only maiden in this field but pedigree suggests he may improve for the new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

9th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 0y

13:53 Killarney

Individualism

11st 12lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: E McNamara

One of three for trainer; won twice on the Flat for Charlie Johnston on good ground; rated 83 in that sphere; signed off British career with a tailed off finish at Hamilton in September; makes hurdling/stable debut now in a first-time tongue tie.

11/1

3

(4)

29th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 1f 35y

Class 3

15:35 Hamilton

Individualism

9st 8lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Charlie Johnston

Acts on good to soft but both wins (at 1m3f and about 1m) on good; ran up to his best when a close second of seven at Beverley (1m2f, good to firm) in August but needs to pull out more against in-form rivals.

13/2

Form: 71-1 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Showed promise in the Convivial Maiden at York on debut; successful in novice events at Ayr (1m, good to soft) and Ripon (1m2f, soft) since; improving colt who is an interesting handicap prospect for the Easterbys; could go well off low weight.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

(7)

28th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 3

15:40 Ripon

Spirit Of Acklam

9st 0lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Scored with a fair degree of authority at Ayr (1m2f, good; from 2lb lower) in April 2025; absent since toiling at Chester 362 days ago, which raises concerns, but he did win over C&D on his 2024 reappearance; the betting should help to guide expectations.

11/1

4

(5)

31st May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

15:55 Chester

Spirit Of Acklam

9st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Lightly raced 4yo who was all the sharper for his reappearance when resuming his progression with a 2l win at Ayr (1m2f, good); the runner-up was 6l clear of the third so the handicapper could have put him up by more than 4lb; could be more to come from him now stepping up to 1m4f for the first time.

3/1

Form: 7101-3

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Mare

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Successful over 6f on turf and 1m on AW last term; useful form in Kempton conditions race (1m, AW) on reappearance, finishing third to subsequent 2,000 Guineas winner Notable Speech; possibilities off unaltered mark, provided he stays the new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Non-runners

Hot Fuss

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £98.70
Straight Forecast £60.45
Tricast £238.26
Trifecta £655.10

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Fighter Command

Daily Mail:

Goodwood Odyssey

SPOTLIGHT:

King's Gambit

POSTDATA:

Chantilly

THE NORTH:

Individualism

TOPSPEED:

Brioni

The Times:

Fighter Command

The Star:

Fighter Command

Daily Mirror:

Goodwood Odyssey

Daily Record:

Goodwood Odyssey

RP RATINGS:

King's Gambit

The Sun:

King's Gambit

The Guardian:

Chantilly

D Express:

Chantilly

Telegraph:

Individualism