October 04 / 17.05 Ascot

17.05

Heavy

Victoria Racing Club Classified Stakes

  • Prize money: £10800
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
Victoria Racing Club Classified Stakes

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.20
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 232066 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Unlucky second in 3yo handicap at Glorious Goodwood (1m, good to firm) in August and creditable sixth of 31 in last Saturday's Cambridgeshire at Newmarket (1m1f, soft), when shaping as though today's return to 1m would be a positive; leading claims if this run doesn't come too soon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(4)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Ebts Guard

9st 6lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Similar type to Cerulean Bay in that he ran creditably in the Royal Hunt Cup (fourth) last time but is getting little help from the assessor, having proved largely consistent since his last win; solid contender all the same.

11/1

4th

8

(32)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Ebts Guard

9st 6lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Dual winner at Ascot; hindered by trouble in the Spring Cup on reappearance and ran creditably kept to Newbury last time; far from disgraced when seventh in this contest last year but has a stiffer mark this time and his ceiling has seemingly been reached already.

25/1

4th

1

(8)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Ebts Guard

9st 12lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Tough and consistent sort who won the C&D Spring Cup on 2025 reappearance but couldn't get a clear run in it this time round; third in this race last year and 9lb higher today but he's an each-way contender.

10/1

9/4

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 411 D

Last run: 76 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) in June on second start and followed up in Haydock novice (1m, soft) in July; this 3yo close relation to Group 1 winner Nezwaah has considerable potential for her top trainer and could be significantly better than today's grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

11

(2)

4th Oct 2024

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:05 Ascot

Tareefa

9st 4lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Won at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) in June on second start and followed up in Haydock novice (1m, soft) in July; this 3yo close relation to Group 1 winner Nezwaah has considerable potential for her top trainer and could be significantly better than today's grade.

9/4

1st

1

(5)

20th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 212y

Class 4

20:30 Haydock

Tareefa

9st 9lb

J: Jason Watson

T: William Haggas

in touch with leaders, switched to near side over 4f out, good headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 2f out, soon edged right, kept on well

6/4

11/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: -10533

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Solid efforts when third at Newmarket the last twice (7f/1m, good to firm/good); this 3yo may be a contender if handling conditions; unraced on slow ground; non-runner due to heavy/soft going the last twice.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

(6)

4th Oct 2024

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:05 Ascot

Monkey Island

9st 4lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Brian Meehan

led

11/1

Form: 323982 BF

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Won three times on soft/heavy ground last season and he was back on song when going very close at Haydock (7f, heavy) last Friday; also effective at 1m; he would be better off if this was a handicap but the expected slow ground means he's entitled to respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

4

(13)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Thunder Roar

9st 8lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Soft-ground specialist who landed a fifth success when scoring at Ayr (1m) in September; yet to get going in three starts this year but he's edging down the weights and the booking of Colin Keane catches the eye; requires monitoring in the market with every drop of rain in his favour.

25/1

11th

7

(13)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Thunder Roar

9st 1lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

7yo who was better than ever last season, a campaign that concluded with a fine second of 17 over C&D (good); races off the same mark today but he hasn't shone on his two outings this year.

33/1

5th
12 (10)
Thyer

13/2

Form: 31-1 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
All three starts on good ground; won at Thirsk (1m) last September on second and final 2yo outing and belatedly followed up on last month's stable debut in Windsor novice (1m); this likeable prospect could have plenty more to offer and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

(2)

5th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Ayr

Thyer

9st 11lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Maurice Andrew Ahern

Fair 1m winner in 2024 for Marco Botti; took a big step back in the right direction for his current yard with sixth of 20 in 1m handicap at the Curragh nine days ago, staying on well having been set a lot to do; very much one to consider.

5/1

6th

7

(17)

26th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

17:35 Curragh

Thyer

9st 11lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Maurice Andrew Ahern

Two wins over this trip when trained in UK; soundly beaten in four runs over various trips for this yard last year; needs his best on return but the lively ground will suit.

25/1

10th

3

(7)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

13:55 Curragh

Thyer

9st 12lb

J: Dylan O’Connor

T: Maurice Andrew Ahern

Won two in Britain for former stable but not much encouragement to take from three starts for current yard and his best form is on good ground.

33/1

13/2

Form: 445582 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won at Pontefract (1m, soft) in May and returned to form when back on soft ground at Chester three weeks ago, finishing a close second; today's forecast slow conditions are in his favour and he could be in the shake-up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(3)

13th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

16:30 Ayr

Pearl Eye

10st 2lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Came good for Jim Goldie at third attempt, in refitted cheekpieces at Hamilton last month, and bettered that form when close third in competitive race at York (also 1m1f, good) soon afterwards; not quite at same level over the extended 1m2f at York last time but still a major player here.

2/1

6th

7

(12)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:50 York

Pearl Eye

10st 11lb

J: Miss Kayleigh Williams

T: Jim Goldie

Only his third run for Jim Goldie when scoring at Hamilton (1m1f, good) and off a 2lb rise he was a closing third over 1m1f here (good) when not assisted by his track position; bang in form and should run well.

15/8

3rd

15

(13)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 177y

Class 4

16:50 York

Pearl Eye

8st 12lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Just his third run for Jim Goldie when taking advantage of his reduced mark at Hamilton (1m1f, good) nine days ago; only nudged up 2lb and remains well treated on old form (won last year's Spring Mile at Doncaster off 10lb higher); top of the list.

13/2

10/1

Form: 162262

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
3yo who has raced just six times and posted a career-best when runner-up in Newmarket handicap (1m, good to firm) a fortnight ago; also effective on soft ground; something to find today but she's progressive; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(5)

9th Apr 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

18:40 Kempton (AW)

Aquacell

9st 2lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Won on debut this time last year and beat a good yardstick at Southwell in November; caught wide when three places behind Blue Prince there 19 days ago and she can be given another chance, particularly as that was her first start in 93 days; hood returns.

8/1

5th

4

(5)

9th Apr 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

18:40 Kempton (AW)

Aquacell

9st 2lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Won on debut this time last year and beat a good yardstick at Southwell in November; caught wide when three places behind Blue Prince there 19 days ago and she can be given another chance, particularly as that was her first start in 93 days; hood returns.

8/1

6th

5

(5)

21st Mar 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Aquacell

9st 7lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Well backed when landing a C&D fillies' handicap in November off a 4lb lower mark; respectable effort in a Deauville Listed event in December and she is clearly well suited by synthetics; still low mileage but another personal best is required back against male opposition.

6/1

Form: 04-000

Last run: 83 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Third in the Irish 2,000 Guineas in 2022 but unable to reproduce that form last year and has struggled for his new yard this season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

(8)

26th May 2026

Standard

1m 0f 0y

17:07 Dundalk (AW)

Imperial Fighter

9st 1lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: Patrick J McKenna

Well exposed but won on Tapeta at Wolverhampton last year; second to a subsequent improver over C&D in January; poor form since.

33/1

8th

3

(6)

23rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 0y

18:45 Dundalk (AW)

Imperial Fighter

9st 12lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: Patrick J McKenna

Two minor wins on Flat in Britain; failed to build on C&D second in January; best of six subsequent runs when fourth in C&D claimer; well beaten here (7f) on latest; new headgear is tried now.

25/1

9th

4

(13)

10th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 0y

18:50 Dundalk (AW)

Imperial Fighter

10st 0lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Patrick J McKenna

Two minor wins on the Flat in Britain; failed to build on a second placing over 1m here in January; best of four subsequent runs when fourth in a claimer; down the field over hurdles last time.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 577-88 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
He could do with the ground drying out and this 10yo has finished merely eighth on his two starts this season (both in August); however, he showed some spark on the first occasion and he's been well suited by Ascot over the years; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(13)

6th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 Kempton (AW)

Accidental Agent

10st 0lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

switched sharply right soon after start, in rear

16/1

3rd

1

(13)

6th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 Kempton (AW)

Accidental Agent

10st 0lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

switched sharply right soon after start, in rear

16/1

9th

1

(5)

4th Oct 2024

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:05 Ascot

Accidental Agent

9st 7lb

J: Mia Nicholls

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

awkward start and slowly away

14/1

Form: 1-7050 C

Last run: 126 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Not at the top of his game on his four runs in the spring and absent since; however, he was a fair fifth on his penultimate start (1m, soft) and won twice on heavy going last autumn; has won here and is not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(4)

5th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:45 Ascot

Dashing Roger

9st 13lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: William Stone

C&D winner (good to soft) just over four years ago; on a losing run since going back-to-back at Nottingham and Newmarket (both heavy at around 1m) in the autumn of 2023 and recent efforts are not enough to tempt despite this falling mark.

16/1

6th

8

(8)

19th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:38 Newmarket (July)

Dashing Roger

9st 5lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: William Stone

Continues to drop down the weights but this 8yo struggled in the main last season and it was the same story on last month's reappearance; needs to turn things around.

33/1

50/1

Form: 91141- D

Last run: 521 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Progressive in spring 2023 but absent since and faces a tough task at today's weights even if retaining all of his promise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(4)

16th Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

19:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Taskheer

9st 9lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Daniel Steele

Hard-puller who ran below par in first-time cheekpieces (off tonight) last time; previously consistent at this sort of level but will need to settle better back up in trip after a six-week break.

12/1

9th

11

(5)

6th May 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Taskheer

8st 7lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Daniel Steele

Three-time Polytrack winner, twice in a hood, who goes in first-time cheekpieces; has been enjoying a consistent spell, albeit at the bottom level.

5/1

4th

6

(1)

25th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 6

14:22 Lingfield (AW)

Taskheer

9st 5lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Daniel Steele

Dual course winner who has finished placed in his last four runs including when third in a classified event at Southwell (1m) in January; should be fine on this drop back in trip and he's respected back from a short break.

7/2

Non-runners

Gushing Gold

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £18.80
Straight Forecast £15.77
Trifecta £90.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Tareefa

NEWMARKET:

Thyer

The Star:

Ebt's Guard

D Express:

Gushing Gold

The Sun:

Pearl Eye

TOPSPEED:

Thunder Roar

Telegraph:

Taskheer

POSTDATA:

Accidental Agent

RP RATINGS:

Tareefa

The Guardian:

Tareefa

Daily Mail:

Tareefa

Daily Mirror:

Tareefa

Daily Record:

Tareefa

The Times:

Thyer