October 22 / 13.50 Newbury

13.50

Good To Soft

Virgin Bet Horris Hill Stakes (Group 3) (Colts & Geldings)

  • Prize money: £28355
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 9 runners
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Virgin Bet Horris Hill Stakes (Group 3) (Colts & Geldings)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £11.40
  • Place: £2.60

Form: 1 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bright start to his career in Yarmouth maiden (7f, good to soft) last month, scoring nicely despite showing signs of greenness; another promising colt for an owner who landed the Mill Reef here with Sakheer five weeks ago; interesting contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(1)

5th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 209y

Class 1

16:15 Sandown

Knight

9st 9lb

J: James Doyle

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Group 3 2yo winner on heavy and best form has an older horse has also come in the mud, notably seconds in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood and a 1m Listed race here (wore first-time cheekpieces that now return); having his first run on fast ground and over 1m2f when never dangerous in the Wolferton at Royal Ascot; there are reservations on a couple of counts.

12/1

10th

10

(11)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

18:40 Ascot

Knight

9st 5lb

J: Mickael Barzalona

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Won the Horris Hill at Newbury on heavy as a 2yo and underlined his liking for testing turf when second in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood and a 1m Sandown Listed race (wore first-time cheekpieces) at the end of last summer; ended 3yo campaign on a low note at Newmarket and also ran poorly with a visor added on his Doncaster reappearance in March; given time since; no headgear now and also up in trip.

25/1

5th

5

(7)

23rd Mar 2024

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

13:20 Doncaster

Knight

9st 2lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Won the Horris Hill at Newbury on heavy as a 2yo and underlined his liking for testing turf when second in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood (Charyn over 1l back in third) and a Sandown Listed race (wore first-time cheekpieces) at the end of last summer; ran poorly in 1m1f Newmarket Group 3 when last seen in October but a bold show is assured if back to anywhere near his best in a first-time visor.

5/2

5/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 433711 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 2lb

2 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Has improved sharply for the fitting of blinkers the last twice, impressively winning nurseries at Haydock (7f, good to soft) and York (1m, good to soft) by an aggregate of about 10l; leading form contender in the retained headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(5)

24th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 2

15:18 Doncaster

Greys Monument

9st 13lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Ralph Beckett

Suited by ground softer than good; proved resurgent last time in Redcar Listed contest he'd won a year earlier; on a workable mark returned to handicap level and Jack Dace takes off a bonus 5lb; shortlisted.

13/2

4th

1

(1)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:56 Redcar

Greys Monument

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Ralph Beckett

Came good in the mud last autumn, winning an Ascot handicap in September and following up in this race; hasn't come close to that level this season, including back on soft ground in that same Ascot handicap four weeks ago, but still no surprise were he to revive in refitted blinkers.

11/2

1

(7)

5th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Greys Monument

10st 0lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Two 7f soft-ground wins last term were kicked off in a similar handicap on the Saturday of this meeting one year ago; followed that up with a Redcar Listed success under Rossa Ryan one month later; hasn't matched that in two starts this term but this tends to be his time of year and he stays 1m; respected down to his last winning mark.

12/1

12/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 21

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 2lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Solid second, behind the subsequent Richmond runner-up, at Windsor on debut; went one better at Chepstow (6f, soft; made all) and, while that form isn't so strong, he scored in the manner of a useful colt; gives the impression he'll stay 7f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

14

(14)

7th Oct 2023

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Ancestral Land

8st 13lb

J: William Cox

T: Clive Cox

Record is 1-8; gelded prior to substandard effort last month; ran creditably in cheekpieces the time before and that headgear is reapplied today; however, he has something to find on balance of handicap form.

33/1

6th

3

(4)

17th Sep 2023

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 2

14:25 Doncaster

Ancestral Land

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Seems to handle any ground; ran creditably in first-time cheekpieces at Sandown (7f) in June when last seen; possibilities if he's helped by subsequent gelding operation and change of headgear (now blinkered).

12/1

3rd

2

(7)

17th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:25 Sandown

Ancestral Land

9st 9lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Clive Cox

raced in second, ridden 2f out

10/1

4th
2 (9)
Caragio

5/1

Form: 21 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 2lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to connections' 2,000 Guineas runner-up Tip Two Win; promising second in C&D event on Mill Reef day despite hanging left, then went one better at Leicester (7f, good to firm) where he made all for a 3l win; should have plenty more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(1)

1st May 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:10 Newcastle (AW)

Caragio

9st 10lb

J: William Carson

T: Adam Kirby

Began his 3yo campaign with a BHA mark of 93; a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since but he has bounced back to form for Adam Kirby, finishing second at Chelmsford in March (7f) before an easy win at Yarmouth ten days ago (6f, good to firm); 3lb well in under a penalty; obvious chance.

6/4

1st

4

(1)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 3y

Class 5

15:45 Yarmouth

Caragio

9st 5lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Adam Kirby

A fairly useful 7f winner at his best; gambled on for his new yard and and shaped well when second of 11 in 7f Chelmsford handicap 26 days ago, just edged out having been set plenty to do; up 3lb but he can make amends with cheekpieces refitted.

2/1

2nd

3

(8)

26th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

20:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Caragio

9st 7lb

J: Tyler Heard

T: Adam Kirby

Out of sorts last year for Martin Dunne but was previously a dual winner for Roger Teal, including under Adam Kirby who has recently commenced his training career and now houses this gelding; interesting off reduced mark dropped in class, with a revival possible.

5/1

16/1

Form: 71 D

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 2lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
From a family that has served his connections well; duly took a step forward at Chepstow (7f, soft; won comfortably) last month when having his second run; well down this pack on bare figures but should progress further.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

(5)

14th Oct 2023

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:45 York

Promoter

9st 5lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

dwelt start and slowly into stride, in rear

13/2

3rd

3

(4)

28th Sep 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

17:53 Newmarket

Promoter

9st 7lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Ralph Beckett

Unable to threaten on last three starts but he's well treated on form as recent as June and perhaps the first-time blinkers will give him a boost.

9/4

5th

3

(4)

15th Sep 2023

Soft

1m 2f 70y

Class 4

16:30 Chester

Promoter

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Ralph Beckett

held up in last

7/1

Form: 1 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 2lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to smart stablemate Bayside Boy, who won the Champagne Stakes as a 2yo and the QEII last Saturday; needed only hands and heels from Andrea Atzeni to make a winning debut at Yarmouth (7f, good) last month; very nice prospect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(1)

20th Sep 2023

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Sandown

Lord Of Biscay

9st 2lb

J: David Egan

T: Roger Varian

Well held in Group 3 on heavy on final 2yo start; won a maiden and novice either side and his French Listed fourth (1m, good to soft) in early July was up with his best form; much better is needed but early days.

11/1

1st

3

(7)

4th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

1m 0f 75y

Class 5

14:45 Nottingham

Lord Of Biscay

9st 11lb

J: David Egan

T: Roger Varian

Half-brother to the yard's 2022 QEII winner Bayside Boy; duly showed plenty of promise with his debut success at Yarmouth (7f, good) and perhaps found the heavy ground unsuitable in the Horris Hill when last seen; remains open to progress and commands respect back down in class.

4/6

6th

6

(6)

22nd Oct 2022

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Newbury

Lord Of Biscay

9st 2lb

J: Andrea Atzeni

T: Roger Varian

towards rear, pushed along and minor headway over 1f out, ridden and no extra final furlong

5/1

Form: 14 D

Last run: 63 days

W: 9st 2lb

2 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won well at Ascot (7f, good to firm) on debut, looking a potential Group-class colt; failed to confirm that impression fully in the Solario at Sandown where he finished only fourth of six, beaten about 8l; however, may still do better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

4

(8)

17th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:30 Newbury

Defence Of Fort

9st 8lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Peter Chapple-Hyam

Failed to go on after looking smart on his Ascot debut but he steadied the ship when hooded for the first time and edging home in a 1m2f handicap at Sandown (good to soft) in August; returns off a 4lb higher mark but now has to follow one good run with another.

10/1

11th

4

(8)

17th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:30 Newbury

Defence Of Fort

9st 8lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Peter Chapple-Hyam

never better than midfield

10/1

14/1

Form: 130 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

2 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Form dipped in the Goffs Million on soft ground four weeks ago; has otherwise shown plenty of promise on good/firmer, winning at Doncaster then third to Chaldean in the Acomb; has place possibilities if bouncing back from the Curragh run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(5)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 16y

Class 6

17:10 Chepstow

Oviedo

8st 10lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Alexandra Dunn

Very useful over middle-distances in his prime but was badly out of sorts on AW when last seen in the winter; drops back in trip and sports first-time cheekieces; considered if lively in the betting.

20/1

9th

8

(1)

23rd Jan 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

16:45 Southwell (AW)

Oviedo

9st 5lb

J: George Wood

T: Alexandra Dunn

Started out for this yard last August rated 40lb higher; will find his level at some point but only of interest if backed.

33/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 2lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Represents the powerful Appleby/Buick team who had four 2yo winners at Newmarket on Wednesday; looks another good prospect for them, having recorded a comfortable debut win at Sandown (7f, soft) last month; again wears a hood; has to be feared.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(8)

29th May 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:48 Leicester

Striking Star

9st 9lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

All five races at 7f, the first four on soft and heavy, but good ground made no difference to him when runner-up to an improved one at Newmarket nine days ago (hood discarded); beaten favourite on last four starts but the drop to 6f is well worth a go.

11/4

2nd

2

(2)

20th May 2023

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:15 Newmarket

Striking Star

9st 8lb

J: Adam Kirby

T: Charlie Appleby

All four starts over 7f on soft/heavy ground; won on debut last September and good second over C&D a fortnight ago in his first handicap; up 5lb but open to further progress for top trainer and he's on the shortlist.

7/2

2nd

5

(2)

6th May 2023

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:50 Newmarket

Striking Star

9st 7lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Raced only on soft/heavy; debut scorer last September; disappointing in the Horris Hill (subsequently gelded) but fared better at Doncaster on reappearance and that form has substance; nicely bred and should still have more to offer; has to be feared.

15/8

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £62.30
Straight Forecast £52.20
Tricast £790.75
Trifecta £761.80

Selections

RP Ratings:

Grey's Monument

POSTDATA:

Striking Star

SPOTLIGHT:

Lord Of Biscay

LAMBOURN:

Ancestral Land

The Star:

Knight

The Times:

Lord Of Biscay

Daily Record:

Lord Of Biscay

NEWMARKET:

Striking Star

Daily Mirror:

Striking Star

The Sun:

Striking Star

Telegraph:

Ancestral Land

TOPSPEED:

Grey's Monument

The Guardian:

Grey's Monument

Daily Mail:

Grey's Monument

D Express:

Grey's Monument