15.00
SoftClose Brothers Handicap
- Prize money: £20616
- 1m 0f 0y
- Class 2
- 14 runners
Runners: 14 runners
Type: Flat Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Mostly sunny
12/1 (Won)
- Win: £14.10
- Place: £4.10
Form: 8302-8 D
Last run: 17 days
W: 9st 6lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 97
| 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 |
9st 0lb |
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 |
9st 12lb |
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 |
7/1
- Place: £1.90
Form: 1222-7 D
Last run: 17 days
W: 9st 8lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 99
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10th 11 (8) |
25th Jul 2026 Standard To Slow 1m 0f 5y Class 4 |
9st 1lb |
A fair 1m1f winner in 2025 but arrives out of sorts, beating one in 1m handicap at Pontefract eight days ago; others are preferred. |
40/1 |
|
5th 5 (2) |
17th Jul 2026 Good 1m 0f 6y Class 4 |
9st 3lb |
A dual winner (around 1m) in 2025 but he's yet to fire this season, only ninth of 11 in 1m Redcar handicap four weeks ago; others appeal more. |
20/1 |
|
9th 11 (3) |
19th Jun 2026 Good 0m 7f 219y Class 3 |
9st 2lb |
Has dropped 8lb lower than when last winning a handicap for good reason; his last two starts didn't suggest a return to winning ways was imminent. |
14/1 |
16/1
- Place: £5.00
Form: 0/25-0
Last run: 17 days
W: 9st 2lb
5 yo Colt
OR: 93
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 6 (1) |
12th Aug 2024 Good To Soft 1m 2f 0y Class 4 |
9st 12lb |
His only win was back in 2020 in a Tipperary maiden; has threatened a few times since and wasn't beaten all that far at York last time, but others appeal more for the win; tries cheekpieces. |
13/2 |
|
8th 5 (1) |
12th Jul 2024 Good To Soft 1m 3f 188y Class 4 |
9st 12lb |
Only win in 23 attempts was at Tipperary on second juvenile start (7f, good to yielding) when with Joseph O'Brien; some fair form since, notably when third over C&D off 4lb higher in May (good); poor run over C&D (good to soft) latest. |
10/1 |
|
13th 7 (1) |
15th Jun 2024 Good 1m 3f 188y Class 3 |
9st 13lb |
Acts on soft; beaten all 22 times since winning in 2020 on second start; creditable third in two of six races this season, including in 20-runner C&D race on penultimate outing; case can be made but not the percentage call. |
18/1 |
25/1
Form: 3007-0 D
Last run: 17 days
W: 8st 11lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 88
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 8 (10) |
1st Nov 2025 Good 1m 0f 0y Class 3 |
9st 3lb |
8yo who has won five times on the July Course here, including two this year; 0-9 on this track but latest fifth of 23 in the Cambridgeshire was highly creditable; another who can't be discounted. |
11/1 |
|
4th 8 (10) |
1st Nov 2025 Good 1m 0f 0y Class 3 |
9st 3lb |
8yo who has won five times on the July Course here, including two this year; 0-9 on this track but latest fifth of 23 in the Cambridgeshire was highly creditable; another who can't be discounted. |
11/1 |
|
5th 23 (11) |
27th Sep 2025 Good 1m 1f 0y Class 2 |
8st 2lb |
8yo who has run well in this race previously and won two in a row on the other Newmarket course in July; however, he's finished no better than fifth across his last five outings and it's probably best to look elsewhere. |
33/1 |
14/1
Form: 1/607-
Last run: 214 days
W: 9st 4lb
4 yo Filly
OR: 95
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 1 (4) |
14th Sep 2023 Good 1m 2f 0y Class 4 |
10st 3lb |
led early, soon raced in second |
14/1 |
|
9th 2 (5) |
5th Aug 2023 Soft 0m 7f 0y Class 3 |
10st 2lb |
took keen hold, in touch with leaders |
20/1 |
|
8th 7 (9) |
12th May 2023 Soft 0m 7f 127y Class 2 |
8st 13lb |
Won her only 2yo start, then highly tried in three races last year; made an encouraging handicap debut at Newmarket (1m, good to soft; fifth of 13) last month and may build on that effort; not dismissed. |
16/1 |
12/1
Form: 3120-1 C
Last run: 32 days
W: 9st 2lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 93
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11th 8 (4) |
22nd Aug 2026 Good To Soft 1m 0f 177y Class 1 |
9st 7lb |
Slow ground would be a worry (non-runner due to unsuitable good to soft here on Thursday) and he's unraced over this far; however, this front-runner has an extremely solid record in 1m handicaps here and was a Group 2 runner-up at Ascot (1m) last July; capable of bold bid if conditions suit. |
16/1 |
|
2nd 3 (3) |
26th Jul 2026 Good To Firm 1m 0f 6y Class 1 |
9st 7lb |
Front-runner; successful in this race in 2024 but that wide-margin win represents his last victory; solid fourth in a good York handicap in May; should be in the thick of it. |
9/4 |
6/1
Form: 45-436
Last run: 17 days
W: 9st 7lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 98
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10th 2 (9) |
4th Oct 2024 Standard 1m 0f 5y Class 4 |
9st 11lb |
slowly away, in rear |
9/2 |
|
12th 6 (12) |
7th Sep 2024 Standard To Slow 1m 0f 0y Class 2 |
9st 3lb |
Runner-up twice in a row at Newcastle (7f/1m, AW) in March; not at his best in two turf starts this summer but his mark has eased 4lb as a result and his better AW record provides hope for a revival. |
25/1 |
|
5th 8 (2) |
8th Aug 2024 Good To Firm 0m 7f 16y Class 2 |
9st 0lb |
Runner-up twice in a row at Newcastle (7f/1m, AW) in March; handed tough assignment in Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot when back from a break (well beaten) but he's now just 1-17 on turf and others have more compelling credentials; wears a first-time tongue-tie. |
20/1 |
15/2
Form: 3522/1 D
Last run: 16 days
W: 8st 4lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 81
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
14th 3 |
9th May 2026 Good 1m 7f 144y Class 1 |
11st 8lb |
Front-runner who regularly gives his all and was beaten off only on the run-in when third to Dance And Glance over C&D (good) five weeks ago; should make another bold bid but several of these look less exposed. |
20/1 |
|
3rd 2 |
4th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 144y Class 2 |
11st 13lb |
Front-runner who was second over C&D (good) in December and bounced back from being pulled up in the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury (heavy) to make all in four-runner handicap at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft); has a career-high mark in this hotter race but he did it comfortably last time; could make a bold bid. |
8/1 |
|
1st 2 |
14th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 0f 190y Class 3 |
11st 13lb |
Poached a nice advantage but unable to hold off a progressive rival at Haydock (2m, good; in added cheekpieces) on penultimate start; pulled up in deep in a Premier Handicap at Newbury (50-1) latest; chance back in calmer waters. |
4/1 |
7/1
Form: 6-5143 D BF
Last run: 11 days
W: 9st 1lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
13th 10 (3) |
1st Aug 2023 Good To Soft 1m 1f 197y Class 2 |
8st 12lb |
prominent |
12/1 |
16/1
Form: 198-64 D
Last run: 17 days
W: 8st 13lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 90
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10th 4 (11) |
4th Nov 2023 Heavy 1m 0f 0y Class 3 |
9st 8lb |
towards rear |
25/1 |
|
5th 4 (4) |
6th Oct 2023 Good 1m 0f 0y Class 3 |
9st 7lb |
Veteran who won this race in 2016 and 2022, albeit was in ostensibly better form at the time on both occasions; absent since a below-par effort over C&D five months ago; the market signals may prove helpful. |
14/1 |
9/1
Form: 11313- CD
Last run: 181 days
W: 8st 10lb
4 yo Filly
OR: 87
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 5 (5) |
6th Jul 2023 Standard To Slow 1m 0f 0y Class 4 |
9st 7lb |
Close at Lingfield last June in her sole AW race; three wins over 1m on the two Newmarket tracks last year but she has not shone in her three starts this season, two of which were also at Newmarket; just 1lb above her last winning mark but the first-time headgear needs a seriously positive response. |
20/1 |
|
11th 9 (8) |
17th Jun 2023 Good To Firm 1m 0f 0y Class 2 |
9st 6lb |
Three wins over 1m on the two Newmarket tracks last year, but well held in both starts on the Rowley Mile since returning in April; interesting to see how she copes with going around a bend again and has a bit to prove at the moment. |
20/1 |
|
7th 1 (5) |
19th May 2023 Good To Soft 1m 0f 0y Class 4 |
9st 11lb |
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon weakened |
13/2 |
7/1
Form: 113-81 D
Last run: 17 days
W: 8st 9lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 86
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 9 (10) |
24th Jan 2026 Standard 1m 2f 42y Class 6 |
9st 2lb |
Third over C&D in November and that was off a 4lb higher mark; two lesser efforts have followed and his long losing run looks set to continue. |
12/1 |
|
5th 9 (1) |
23rd Oct 2025 Soft 1m 0f 75y Class 6 |
9st 6lb |
Runner-up at Carlisle (1m1f, soft) in June and now 4lb lower; however, his subsequent form has been patchy and his long losing run continues; the first-time visor needs to spark something. |
16/1 |
9/2
Form: 21/112 D BF
Last run: 38 days
W: 9st 6lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 97
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
26th 17 (18) |
22nd Jun 2023 Good 0m 7f 0y Class 2 |
9st 4lb |
Sparingly raced and first six runs on the AW, showing progressive form in 1m handicaps; modest first attempt on turf in April (good to soft) but his latest third, on good ground at Newbury, was more reassuring; proven stamina can stand him in good stead back at 7f and he should have more to give for top yard. |
5/1 |
|
3rd 10 (2) |
20th May 2023 Good 1m 0f 0y Class 2 |
9st 1lb |
Progressive on AW, including this year since a long absence; close second to Alrehb at Wolverhampton (8.6f) in March; however, last of 13 at Newmarket (good to soft) last month when he finally had a turf race. |
8/1 |
|
13th 4 (8) |
18th Apr 2023 Soft 1m 0f 0y Class 2 |
9st 6lb |
Progressive on AW, latterly since returning this year from long absence; close second in the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton (8.5f) most recently; yet to finish out of the first two; still has low mileage; big player provided he's just as good on turf. |
9/2 |
Form: 1355-4
Last run: 20 days
W: 9st 9lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 100
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 4 (2) |
15th Aug 2026 Good To Firm 0m 6f 0y Class 4 |
9st 5lb |
Only beaten 1l when fourth in this in 2024; no wins last year and he weakened to finish 5l behind Archduke Ferdinand at Redcar last time; continues to edge down the weights. |
10/1 |
|
4th 6 (6) |
29th Jul 2026 Good To Firm 0m 5f 217y Class 4 |
9st 4lb |
Not the force of old but that is reflected in his mark; had wind surgery prior to York 18 days ago, a race in which he ran with more promise than his finishing position suggests; dropped 3lb and the return of headgear can help; better run can be expected. |
9/1 |
Non-runners
First Folio
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £72.60 |
| Straight Forecast | £50.92 |
| Tricast | £743.38 |
| Trifecta | £1137.50 |