17.40
Good To FirmHampton Court Stakes (Group 3)
- Prize money: £85065
- 1m 1f 212y
- Class 1
- 12 runners
Runners: 12 runners
Type: Flat Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Mostly cloudy
8/1 (Won)
- Win: £10.30
- Place: £3.15
Form: 17-13 BF
Last run: 42 days
W: 9st 2lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 108
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 6 (12) |
20th Jun 2024 Good To Firm 1m 1f 212y Class 1 |
9st 2lb |
Fast-ground 2yo winner; made it 2-3 with authoritative front-running win at Newmarket (1m1f, good) on return; about 3l behind runner-up Bracken's Laugh when Listed third of four at Chester (10.3f, good) latest but carried 3lb penalty; could improve upon that form if settling better; not discounted. |
8/1 |
|
3rd 1 (5) |
9th May 2024 Good 1m 2f 70y Class 1 |
9st 5lb |
King Edward VII and Eclipse entry; won debut on the Newmarket July course (7f, good to firm) and 6l seventh in Longchamp Group 1 (good to soft) on his only other 2yo start; returned in impressive fashion when always front rank to win ten-runner Listed race at Newmarket (1m1f, good) three weeks ago; the extra distance can help and he looks set for further improvement. |
11/4 |
7/4
- Place: £1.55
Form: 812-1 D
Last run: 33 days
W: 9st 2lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 107
| 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 |
9st 3lb |
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 |
9st 2lb |
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 |
9st 5lb |
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 |
20/1
- Place: £3.50
Form: 241-17 D
Last run: 19 days
W: 9st 2lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 104
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 1 (5) |
2nd May 2026 Good 1m 4f 0y Class 2 |
10st 0lb |
Seemingly ring-rusty on Group 3 return at Newbury two weeks ago, the same story as in 2025 when he followed that race with a win at this meeting in a four-runner 1m4f Group 2 with first-time cheekpieces; they were kept for two modest efforts last June but have not been called on this season; this is his first handicap and he has a big chance if springing back to his best. |
7/1 |
|
5th 4 (7) |
18th Apr 2026 Good 1m 4f 0y Class 1 |
9st 2lb |
Won Group 2 at Newmarket (1m4f, good) last May in first-time cheekpieces, which were kept for two modest efforts in June but not today; first run since a gelding operation in September; ring-rusty on his 2025 reappearance in this race and the market may reveal whether the same is expected this time. |
12/1 |
|
9th 3 (9) |
21st Jun 2025 Good To Firm 1m 3f 211y Class 1 |
9st 3lb |
Displayed improved form in first-time cheekpieces (retained since) when winning the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket (1m4f, good) last month; flopped in the Group 1 Coronation Cup at Epsom subsequently but was reportedly unsuited by the good to soft ground; he could be just the type of older horse his trainer excels with and he's not ruled out. |
25/1 |
9/2
Form: 21-322
Last run: 18 days
W: 9st 2lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 116
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 4 (5) |
18th Oct 2025 Good 1m 1f 212y Class 1 |
9st 7lb |
Supplemented for this race at a cost of £75,000; French 4yo who has completed a hat-trick with Listed, Group 3 and Group 2 wins, latest at Longchamp (1m2f, very soft) two weeks ago; faces a stiffer assignment in this field but could acquit himself well, being in the form of his life. |
20/1 |
|
4th 5 (3) |
20th Jun 2024 Good To Firm 1m 1f 212y Class 1 |
9st 2lb |
Has improved with each of his five starts, finishing second in Group 3 Prix de Guiche at Chantilly (1m1f, good to soft) last month then occupying the same position in the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club there (10.5f, heavy); that latest performance makes this French challenger a key player today. |
9/2 |
6/1
Form: 15-12
Last run: 42 days
W: 9st 2lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 108
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 8 (6) |
24th Aug 2024 Good To Firm 1m 2f 0y Class 1 |
9st 0lb |
slowly into stride |
11/2 |
|
5th 3 (1) |
20th Jun 2024 Good To Firm 1m 1f 212y Class 1 |
9st 2lb |
Won two hot conditions races (1m, soft/AW) from his first three starts before close second of four in Listed Dee Stakes at Chester (10.3f, good) in May; this has been the target since and he could play a leading role. |
6/1 |
14/1
Form: 1-33
Last run: 28 days
W: 9st 2lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 103
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 1 (2) |
7th May 2026 Good 1m 5f 84y Class 1 |
9st 7lb |
Very useful for current yard; has been on his travels this year, winning 1m7f handicap at Riyadh then creditable fourth over 2m at Meydan, both Group 2; however, incurs 5lb penalty and faces a stiffer assignment conceding weight all round in this field. |
16/1 |
|
3rd 2 (1) |
13th Sep 2025 Soft 1m 4f 0y |
9st 12lb |
Several decent efforts in defeat at Listed/Group 3 level for Jane Chapple-Hyam in 2024 and again earlier this term before making the breakthrough at this level in Ballyroan Stakes over C&D last month, dictating throughout on first attempt at this trip; stiffer task here. |
13/2 |
|
3 (2) |
7th Aug 2025 Good 1m 4f 0y |
9st 9lb |
Several decent efforts in defeat at Listed/Group 3 level for Jane Chapple-Hyam in 2024; third to Galen in 1m2f Curragh Group 3 on seasonal/yard debut in April with Crystal Black in fourth; not a bad run when highly tried in the Group 2 Mooresbridge Stakes; worth a first shot at this trip after staying-on fifth of 16 in the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot. |
2/1 |
18/1
Form: 1212-7 C
Last run: 35 days
W: 9st 2lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 108
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 1 (7) |
2nd Aug 2024 Good To Firm 1m 0f 0y Class 1 |
9st 3lb |
Runner-up in Group 2 Royal Lodge (1m, good to firm) last September and returned to form with Listed win at Newmarket (1m, good to soft) three weeks ago; had something to spare last time and holds leading claims. |
11/4 |
|
1st 1 (6) |
11th Jul 2024 Soft 1m 0f 0y Class 1 |
9st 5lb |
Listed winner over 1m last year and signed off his 2yo campaign with a second to Ghostwriter in the Group 2 Royal Lodge on the Rowley Mile (good to firm; won debut on good to soft); below that form in Group 2/3 events over 1m2f in recent months and needs a return to 1m to have a positive effect. |
7/1 |
|
7th 1 (9) |
20th Jun 2024 Good To Firm 1m 1f 212y Class 1 |
9st 2lb |
Flopped in the Dante at York on last month's return (1m2f, good; backed into 4-1) but trainer reported subsequently "his bloods were off"; Listed winner at Haydock (1m, good) last September then came second in the Group 2 Royal Lodge at Newmarket (1m, good to firm); could bounce back with bold show. |
18/1 |
10/1
Form: 43-241
Last run: 14 days
W: 9st 2lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 106
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 3 (2) |
13th Oct 2024 Yielding 2m 0f 23y |
9st 9lb |
Second of three runners for yard; 3yo colt is closely matched with stablemate Chemistry; won a Listed at Leopardstown in June (1m4f, good); not a bad effort in a Group 3 at Newmarket on latest (1m5f, good to soft); didn't look like he was crying out for this sort of trip though and not bred for it either; well-drawn but others preferred. |
9/2 |
|
3rd 3 (4) |
11th Jul 2024 Soft 1m 5f 0y Class 1 |
9st 3lb |
Has raced ten times and is more exposed than his rivals, but it was his first crack at 1m4f when keeping on well for a narrow Listed win at Leopardstown last month (good) and 1m2f looked inadequate at Royal Ascot most recently; versatile ground-wise; not discounted now up in trip. |
15/2 |
|
8th 8 (6) |
20th Jun 2024 Good To Firm 1m 1f 212y Class 1 |
9st 2lb |
Fourth in Group 3 Classic Trial at Sandown (1m2f, good to soft) before Listed win at Leopardstown (1m4f, good); that was his ninth race and others are less exposed and have stronger form, but he's the sole runner for Aidan O'Brien who has won two of the last six runnings, so is worth a second look. |
10/1 |
18/1
Form: 19-316 D
Last run: 35 days
W: 9st 2lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 109
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 (5) |
20th Sep 2025 Good To Soft 1m 2f 0y Class 1 |
9st 5lb |
Listed winner for Karl Burke (1m2f, good) last May and he's gone very close in Listed races this summer on his first two runs for William Haggas (1m2f/11.4f, good to firm), making the running each time; has shown promise on good to soft (unraced on softer); might not be far away. |
11/2 |
|
2 (2) |
23rd Aug 2025 Good 1m 3f 99y Class 1 |
9st 7lb |
Won a Newmarket Listed event (1m2f, good) for Karl Burke in May last year; sold for 520,000gns last autumn and having been gelded he made a fine return/stable debut when beaten a nose in a Sandown Listed contest (1m2f, good to firm) in June; much respected if building on that; holds a Qipco Champion Stakes entry. |
13/8 |
|
2 (6) |
4th Jul 2025 Good 1m 1f 209y Class 1 |
9st 9lb |
Maiden winner in 2023 for Andrew Balding and Listed scorer in 2024 for Karl Burke; sold for 520,000gns and gelded since last run; returns from absence and debuts for William Haggas; heed the market signals. |
9/2 |
16/1
Form: 421-3
Last run: 39 days
W: 9st 2lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 103
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10th 11 (5) |
20th Jun 2024 Good To Firm 1m 1f 212y Class 1 |
9st 2lb |
Comfortably won Dundalk maiden (1m, AW) on third and final 2yo start and close third of five in Group 3 Derby Trial at Leopardstown (1m2f, good) on reappearance; changed hands for £480,000 on Monday (remains in same yard); in excellent hands to continue to progress and could be involved. |
16/1 |
|
3rd 5 (4) |
12th May 2024 Good 1m 2f 0y |
9st 5lb |
dwelt start, in touch with leaders |
14/1 |
|
3rd 5 (4) |
12th May 2024 Good 1m 2f 0y |
9st 5lb |
dwelt start, in touch with leaders |
14/1 |
33/1
Form: 115-22
Last run: 25 days
W: 9st 2lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 102
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 (2) |
20th Oct 2024 Soft 1m 2f 0y |
9st 3lb |
Dual winner at two is a useful colt but it's been tricky to find a spot for him this term; runner-up in Group 3 at the Curragh in May and placed in Listed contest at Deauville in August, both times over this trip, and not shamed in very valuable Grade 3 at Kentucky Downs last time when tried in cheekpieces (left off here); handles easy ground well and should be involved. |
5/1 |
|
11th 10 (11) |
20th Jun 2024 Good To Firm 1m 1f 212y Class 1 |
9st 2lb |
Two easy 2yo wins (minor races) and runner-up in Group 3 Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh (1m2f, good to yielding) last month; however, he was no match for the winner and doesn't appear to be progressing; something to find. |
33/1 |
50/1
Form: 261-45
Last run: 55 days
W: 9st 2lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 101
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 12 (9) |
7th May 2026 Good To Firm 1m 0f 31y Class 5 |
8st 10lb |
Ended a long losing run at Lingfield (1m2f) in February and backed it up with a solid fourth of 12 in 1m2f handicap there the following month; considered. |
8/1 |
|
4th 9 (5) |
27th Mar 2026 Standard 1m 2f 0y Class 5 |
10st 9lb |
He had been badly out of sorts prior to popping up at 80-1 in a C&D handicap four weeks ago; still has handicapping scope up 3lb but it remains to be seen if he can back that effort up. |
5/1 |
|
1st 9 (5) |
27th Feb 2026 Standard 1m 2f 0y Class 6 |
9st 6lb |
His mark continues to tumble but he isn't giving any obvious indication he's likely to take advantage, failing to beat a rival on all three AW starts this winter. |
33/1 |
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £32.70 |
| Straight Forecast | £20.61 |
| Tricast | £144.34 |
| Trifecta | £452.30 |
Selections
The Times:
King's GambitThe Guardian:
King's GambitDaily Mail:
King's GambitThe Sun:
King's GambitThe Star:
King's GambitTelegraph:
Caviar Heights