July 27 / 16.50 Ascot

16.50

Good

Betfred Handicap

  • Prize money: £32400
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
Betfred Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

2/1 (Won)

  • Win: £2.38
  • Place: £1.40

Form: /221-1 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Beaten favourite on his first three starts before making quite heavy weather of winning a three-runner maiden at Lingfield last August (1m1f, good to firm); gelded soon afterwards and he looked more professional when easily seeing off his 11 rivals in a Class 2 handicap at Newcastle last month (1m); hit with a 10lb rise for that but it's quite possible there's a fair bit more in the tank; strong claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(14)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:35 Ascot

Elnajmm

9st 6lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Lightly raced 4yo who looked highly progressive when winning handicaps at Newcastle (1m, AW) and over C&D (good to firm) in the summer; unraced on softer than good and he's failed to continue his improving ways the last twice, but perhaps first-time cheekpieces will give him a boost; not discounted.

11/1

5th

5

(5)

18th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:23 Sandown

Elnajmm

9st 6lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Progressive form in justifying favouritism in 1m handicaps at Newcastle (AW) and Ascot (good to firm) before hanging for pressure and finishing only midfield in a deep one at York; has to bounce back from that but a QEII entry gives plenty of hope that he might.

9/2

9th

4

(17)

22nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

15:00 York

Elnajmm

9st 7lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

prominent, outpaced and hung badly left over 2f out, no impression when bit short of room and raced awkwardly over 1f out, hung left and weakened gradually final 110yds

11/4

14/1

  • Place: £4.55

Form: 423640 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 10st 3lb

7 yo Horse

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Acts on any going; multiple winner in Germany/Italy; mixed RPRs for new yard this year but nearly won a Group 3 at Meydan in February; travelled well in the Royal Hunt Cup over C&D last time but his effort petered out in the final furlong; this doesn't look quite so demanding and he's a contender despite conceding chunks of weight all round.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(8)

5th Jul 2025

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

17:15 Sandown

Sean

9st 8lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Useful weights turnaround with Flying Frontier on C&D form last August and also with Arabian Light from Meydan (1m1f) in February; however, some question marks about his form since and whether he really wants a stiff test at 1m2f has yet to be proved.

20/1

10

(23)

18th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Sean

9st 7lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Record of 0-17 for current yard doesn't tell the whole story, as he's capable of very useful form; last few efforts don't augur well, however, and he came up short (finished 11th) in this race in 2024.

50/1

2

(3)

26th May 2025

Good

1m 0f 31y

Class 2

15:55 Windsor

Sean

9st 6lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Well handicapped on his best form last year, but losing run is up to 17 and he was always in rear in a Class 2 handicap at Newmarket (1m1f, good) 23 days ago; others preferred.

10/1

OUR TIP

20/1

  • Place: £9.65

Form: -37900 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Has won on good to firm but his best efforts have been on a slower surface; as good as ever when third in the Irish Lincolnshire (1m, heavy) on his reappearance in March but that has been the only bright spot in 2024; on a dangerous mark but others are likely to have his measure unless there's a deluge.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

5

(14)

16th Mar 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

15:45 Curragh

Raadobarg

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Raphael E Freire

Winner of this race for Johnny Murtagh, third of 19 last season when trained by George Boughey; generally disappointing since and the most recent of his five wins was for Murtagh in a 7f conditions race at Tipperary in April 2022; change of stable for 2025 campaign.

8/1

6th

2

(7)

28th Sep 2024

Soft

1m 0f 37y

Class 2

13:30 Haydock

Raadobarg

10st 0lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: George Boughey

Well handicapped on his third on heavy ground at the Curragh (1m) in March but he's been generally disappointing since and was only tenth of 14 at Doncaster two weeks ago; new headgear is now tried but his last win was in 2022 and others are more convincing.

7/1

10th

4

(15)

14th Sep 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:25 Doncaster

Raadobarg

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: George Boughey

Finished third in this race in 2021 and filled the same position at Ascot last time; not guaranteed to repeat the form, having been inconsistent this year, and his long losing run is another negative.

10/1

10/1

Form: 450702 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Won two Group 3 races in 2022; has tumbled down the weights and he returned to some form with a close second behind Sterling Knight at Newmarket 16 days ago (1m, good to soft); 2lb rise in a stronger race could find him out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(9)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Tempus

9st 8lb

J: William Cox

T: Archie Watson

1lb lower than when scoring in an amateur riders' event at Goodwood (1m, good) in June, but hard to win with these days and latest close third of six came in a Newcastle seller (1m, Tapeta); look elsewhere.

11/1

6

(9)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Tempus

9st 8lb

J: William Cox

T: Archie Watson

1lb lower than when scoring in an amateur riders' event at Goodwood (1m, good) in June, but hard to win with these days and latest close third of six came in a Newcastle seller (1m, Tapeta); look elsewhere.

11/1

4

(2)

17th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Tempus

10st 3lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Multiple winner in his young days including over C&D, but has only managed to win two of his last 31 starts, one of which was on Jersey; may find a couple too strong.

7/1

10/1

Form: 0-0024 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Two solid efforts since undergoing wind surgery in May; had a few traffic issues at Redcar last time without looking an unlucky loser; hood is added; 2lb out of the weights but not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(6)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:42 Wetherby

Obelix

9st 7lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

7f and 1m winner on good; has been unable to return to the heights of his most recent win at York last July, in six subsequent starts; back on a handy mark; could be better for his reappearance and is not written off.

12/1

12th

1

(13)

15th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 York

Obelix

9st 9lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Lacks both consistency and recent match practice (absent for 200 days) but holds a fighting chance provided he's in top form; has gained both handicap wins off 2lb higher, including over C&D (good) last July.

25/1

4

(11)

27th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Obelix

9st 11lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Won a 1m novice here easily as a 2yo when trained by the Gosdens; back off the same mark as when successful at York (7f, good) in July and wasn't beaten far, albeit only eighth of 14, at Kempton (7f, Polytrack) 19 days ago; not ruled out.

12/1

6/1

Form: -50111

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Revived by Brian Ellison this summer, winning two 7f handicaps in two days at York last month and completing his hat-trick in good style two weeks ago; 5lb higher on quicker ground but he still has handicapping scope and he looks worth a crack at 1m; William Buick replaces an inexperienced apprentice; should go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

12

(11)

6th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Tolstoy

9st 4lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Brian Ellison

Too headstrong in a clear lead at Southwell (7f) last time, so did fairly well to be beaten only 2l in the end; gained last win off 10lb higher at Newcastle in August 2024; fighting chance provided he settles.

10/1

4th

6

(6)

23rd Jan 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Tolstoy

9st 6lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Well treated on last year's high points and it wasn't a bad run from off the pace at Chelmsford 12 days ago, given how that race panned out (pulled hard/got behind/found trouble); the cheekpieces are worth persevering with.

4/1

7th

13

(5)

13th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:15 Doncaster

Tolstoy

8st 9lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Brian Ellison

Well suited by York and went close there in June; inconsistent otherwise during a 2025 campaign that has been markedly less productive than 2024; cheekpieces refitted for the first time since 2022; opposed.

40/1

11/1

Form: 306101 C

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Most of career has been spent sprinting but he was progressing over 7f and took his form to the next level when winning from Tempus at Newmarket 16 days ago on his first crack at 1m; 3lb higher in a deeper race but Oisin Murphy retains the ride and this 5yo may have more to offer as a miler.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(11)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:42 Newmarket

Sterling Knight

9st 11lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Ed Dunlop

Having dropped 1lb below his last winning mark he returned to form when third of 13 over C&D a fortnight ago (good to firm; Final Night second); he can be in the mix back up 1lb if backing up that latest performance.

8/1

3rd

8

(2)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:55 Newmarket

Sterling Knight

9st 8lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Ed Dunlop

Fine stable servant with 11 wins to his name, although recent efforts have been underwhelming; only seventh of ten at the Craven meeting here and he needs to be revived by the presence of Ryan Moore in the saddle.

18/1

Form: 111216 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
He's flourished for his new stable, winning five handicaps at around 1m since December; only sixth of 15 at Sandown six weeks ago (1m, good to soft) when he couldn't really get a clean shot at it and also hung right for pressure; 2lb out of the handicap and minor money is perhaps his best hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(4)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 0f 75y

Class 5

17:25 Nottingham

Great Blasket

9st 5lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

C&D winner; 5lb lower than for his last success; ran a solid race on this month's return to turf at Windsor; one to consider.

5/1

4th

5

(11)

7th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 31y

Class 5

15:27 Windsor

Great Blasket

9st 6lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Bagged a pair of 1m handicaps at Chepstow and Sandown last summer; failed to fire on the AW over the winter but yard is going well so he could bounce back returned to turf after a break.

7/1

9th

3

(6)

26th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Great Blasket

9st 11lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Course winner (8.6f) who has dropped 2lb below his last winning mark, but his four efforts since returning to the AW in Sepember leave plenty to be desired.

33/1

14/1

Form: 0-0734

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
He's taken a while to find his feet for his new stable but his last two runs have been more encouraging, notably when keeping on for fourth at Ripon last week (1m, good to soft); should be winning soon but this is a step up in class.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(14)

25th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:43 Doncaster

Bennetot

9st 8lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

in rear, some headway over 1f out, no telling impression

12/1

11th

4

(4)

12th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:05 York

Bennetot

9st 1lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Won at Windsor (1m, good to firm) last month and has run well in defeat on his four starts since, on the latest finishing fourth of 31 in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket (1m1f, soft); one of two solid contenders for the yard.

9/1

4th

23

(6)

28th Sep 2024

Soft

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Bennetot

8st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: David O’Meara

Won at Windsor (1m, good to firm) last month and has run well in defeat on his three starts since (1m/1m2f, good to firm-soft); each-way possible.

20/1

10/1

Form: 478837 D

Last run: 57 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Hold-up handicapper who is now 6lb lower than when placed in last season's Cambridgeshire; ran well for third at York's Dante meeting and he's ready to win but this isn't guaranteed to be run to suit; withdrawn at Royal Ascot having got upset in the stalls.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(9)

14th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Newmarket

Bopedro

9st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

10yo who won this in 2023; frequently runs well in quality handicaps and he's 5lb lower than when a cracking third in the Royal Hunt Cup last June; scratched from the Lincoln when running a temperature on his intended comeback last month and he tends to improve for a run these days; also winless since 2023.

15/2

11th

2

(1)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:17 Newmarket

Bopedro

9st 12lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

9yo who has drawn a blank since winning on the July Course in summer 2023 and needs everything to drop right but he often runs extremely well in defeat, including when third in the Royal Hunt Cup in June; another respectable effort when sixth of 20 in Balmoral at Ascot (1m, good) a fortnight ago; not discounted in this slightly easier race.

6/1

16/1

Form: -54707 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Smart handicapper on his day and he won the big 7f handicap on this card 12 months ago off a 2lb lower mark; has not really got going this season and although he stays 1m, there may be others finishing off their race with more purposes; best form on good or slower.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(5)

26th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

16:25 Doncaster

Baradar

9st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Won the International at Ascot and a 6.5f course handicap on soft at the St Leger meeting in a very good 2023 campaign; has failed to hit the same heights this year but now dangerously well handicapped and recent efforts have been a bit better.

11/1

6th

5

(6)

4th Oct 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Baradar

9st 1lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: George Boughey

He's had a disappointing campaign but has dropped down the weights and took a big step back in the right direction in first-time blinkers (retained) when a close fourth at Ripon (6f, soft) last Saturday, having been slowly away; this course winner may be able to build on that latest performance.

6/1

4th

2

(10)

28th Sep 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Baradar

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: George Boughey

It's been a struggle for him so far this year, including back under favourable conditions at Doncaster 13 days ago, but he's down to a good mark and possible the switch to blinkers will pique his interest.

9/1

Form: 2-4887 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Flourished in 2023, notably with his win in a 1m handicap at York's Ebor meeting; 2024 is proving more challenging but he's back down the weights now and cheekpieces could give him a lift.
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

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £25.00
Straight Forecast £23.28
Tricast £557.58
Trifecta £740.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Elnajmm

RP RATINGS:

Bopedro

POSTDATA:

Bennetot

TOPSPEED:

Tolstoy

NEWMARKET:

Sterling Knight

The Times:

Elnajmm

Telegraph:

Elnajmm

Daily Mail:

Elnajmm

D Express:

Elnajmm

The Sun:

Elnajmm

The Star:

Elnajmm

Daily Record:

Elnajmm

The Guardian:

Bopedro

Daily Mirror:

Bopedro