May 07 / 13.50 Newmarket

13.50

Good

Howden Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

  • Prize money: £51540
  • 1m 6f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 19 runners
ITV
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Howden Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Runners: 19 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

10/1 (Won)

Form: 2220-2

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
With same owners when stalwart of the Eve Johnson Houghton stable for the last four seasons; mostly highly competitive last term and made a cracking start for new yard when second at Kempton four weeks ago; this step back up in trip should suit; considered each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

20

(6)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

HMS President

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

8yo whose last turf Flat run was in May 2024 (tailed off) with some fair hurdles form since; three seconds and two fourths from his five visits to Ascot, most notably when beaten a neck in this race two years ago off the same mark as today; that followed a 1m6f win and he's not entirely dismissed even though the 1m6f Copper Horse on Tuesday (first reserve) was seemingly his preferred engagement this week; usually wore headgear in 2021 and 2022, now tries a first-time visor.

50/1

17

(8)

17th Jun 2025

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

HMS President

9st 3lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Alan King

Reserve; has a good record here and went close at this meeting in 2023 (1m4f, good to firm); stays 1m6f; some good runs over hurdles since last November but it remains to be seen if this 8yo is the same force as two years ago; wears a first-time visor.

40/1

11th

4

26th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:20 Sandown

HMS President

11st 8lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Useful on Flat and has a solid record (2122) over hurdles; penultimate effort in this sphere is a strong piece of form; however, rather lacks room for significant progress, having raced 41 times in total.

12/1

10/1

Form: 18358-

Last run: 212 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Raised his game when upped to 1m4f then 1m6f last summer, all on good ground or good to firm, before a backward step on good to soft in October; place chance if straight back in top form and he did start well last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(8)

27th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Lingfield (AW)

Adjuvant

9st 8lb

J: Joe Bradnam

T: Michael Bell

Winless since May 2023 but he reappeared from five months off the track with a good third of five in 2m Southwell handicap 18 days ago; not out of things on his Polytrack debut eased 1lb.

5/1

3rd

2

(6)

9th Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell (AW)

Adjuvant

9st 12lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Michael Bell

Winless since 2023 and he signed off for last term with a below-par 14th in November Handicap at Doncaster in November; yard is going well though so no forlorn hope off a reduced mark.

8/1

2nd
15 (11)
Torcello

20/1

Form: 0821-8 C BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Back to form from the front when blinkers were added on final two runs last season, over about 1m6f (heavy) on first occasion and then making all over 1m4f here (good to soft); needs to bounce back from his disappointing show when favourite five weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(4)

21st May 2026

Soft

2m 0f 45y

Class 5

14:00 Haydock

Torcello

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Shaun Lycett

His mark continues to tumble and he's one to watch in the betting in reapplied cheekpieces with the slow ground in his favour; however, this 12yo has very much struggled on his four starts since last June.

9/1

8th

9

(8)

18th Feb 2026

1m 2f 219y

Class 4

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Torcello

9st 1lb

J: Myla Coppins

T: Shaun Lycett

Veteran who struggled in two runs last year and fared no better when last of six over 2m here six weeks ago; down in the weights but has too much to prove for now.

50/1

10

(1)

13th Sep 2025

Good

1m 7f 196y

Class 2

14:40 Chester

Torcello

8st 5lb

J: Nicola Currie

T: Shaun Lycett

Sixth in 2022 Chester Cup (sole visit); well handicapped on best 2024 form; now an 11yo, well beaten on final outing last season and his only start this term (June); the latter was on good ground, whereas it's softer (preferably soft or heavy) which has suited him best for a long time now.

50/1

4th
19 (13)
Geremia

33/1

Form: 60053- D

Last run: 177 days

W: 8st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Habitual slow-starter, whose three wins were in close proximity in 2021; has edged back down the weights and plenty of 2022 form suggests he has a good mark, but this is a tough race in which to break his losing sequence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

(15)

23rd Aug 2024

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

19:05 Hamilton

Geremia

8st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Two wins last year (good to soft/soft; including here) and he took a six-runner C&D handicap (good) in May; however, slow starts can be an issue and he was well beaten at Thirsk last time; the cheekpieces had no positive impact on sole previous use in 2021; others are more compelling.

33/1

15th

2

(14)

16th Jun 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:15 Thirsk

Geremia

9st 8lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Three-time winner at up to 1m5f, on good or slower; latest success came at Hamilton (1m4f, good), on his penultimate start; finished over 3l ahead of Hope You Can Run when sixth back at Hamilton latest; more needed.

9/1

6th

8

(4)

2nd Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:40 Hamilton

Geremia

9st 1lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Left Jim Goldie before penultimate start; two wins from four races at Hamilton, including when he mowed down Capital Theory from the back in six-runner race (1m4f) 16 days ago; back up 4lb (peak mark was 2lb higher still) and stays further than this; another telling late challenge could be on its way.

8/1

5th
18 (7)
Single

50/1

Form: 21750- D

Last run: 209 days

W: 8st 4lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Has popped up in front once in each of the last three seasons; usually runs with credit but her strike-rate suggests she is not the percentage call in a race of this fierce competitiveness.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

18

2nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

2m 4f 97y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Single

8st 9lb

J: David Probert

T: Jack Channon

Not proven over this far (stiff tasks at 2m5f); won at Nottingham (1m6f) in June; not quite so potent in her three runs since and although she's a highly consistent sort, effective at this track, her strike-rate is just 4-50.

33/1

6th

6

(3)

19th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 61y

Class 3

16:45 Newbury

Single

9st 0lb

J: David Probert

T: Jack Channon

Won six-runner handicap on reappearance at Nottingham last month (1m6f, good to firm; from 3lb lower); however, she's been soundly beaten the next twice and needs to raise her game today.

16/1

8th

2

(3)

29th Jun 2024

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:35 Newcastle (AW)

Single

9st 12lb

J: David Probert

T: Jack Channon

Faces a tough task under 5lb penalty for Nottingham reappearance win (penultimate start) and has not raced on AW for over three years; effectively back on a career-high mark; opposed.

16/1

20/1

Form: -51347

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Raised his game last term and has already done so on AW this year; last seven starts have been at 2m+ and he now needs to improve his turf form, but he did go close in a 1m4f handicap on good on first start last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

21st Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

17:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Solent Gateway

11st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Four-time Flat winner; got off the mark over hurdles on his sixth attempt when making all over C&D (good) 15 days ago with first-time blinkers (retained) replacing cheekpieces; has solid claims to defy penalty.

8/13

1st

4

6th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

13:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Solent Gateway

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Four-time Flat winner who was placed on the last four of his five hurdling starts, most recently when close second in Sedgefield maiden (2m4f, good) last month; should be fine over today's shorter trip and has another big role to play; swaps usual cheekpieces for first-time blinkers.

7/4

2nd

3

13th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

18:10 Sedgefield

Solent Gateway

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

led, joined when not fluent last, soon headed, kept on

5/4

Form: -21171

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Only once out of the first two in his eight races for new yard, winning four; carries a 5lb penalty following his narrow win at Ripon last Saturday, which came over 2m on soft; often apprentice ridden; can't be dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

16th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

19:55 Uttoxeter

Legendary Day

11st 7lb

J: James Best

T: Barry Brennan

Chase/hurdle winner who won on the AW at Lingfield in February 2025; hasn't been in top form on his last couple of runs over hurdles; on a fair mark now.

20/1

14

19th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

16:18 Stratford

Legendary Day

11st 3lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Barry Brennan

Useful on the Flat in his prime but suffered heavy defeat in that sphere last month, after a layoff, and also struggled in a handicap hurdle three weeks ago; sports refitted cheekpieces; others have much less to prove.

25/1

6th

2

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

13:30 Uttoxeter

Legendary Day

11st 13lb

J: Oscar Palmer

T: Barry Brennan

Seven-time Flat winner who has also scored over hurdles (2m1f, soft) and fences (2m, good); on dangerous mark back over jumps but he's not seen much action in the last 12 months and has been tailed off in his last two Flat runs; risks attached.

7/1

20/1

Form: 123223

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish; clocked up a fine sequence for new yard over 2m on AW from January onwards, which leaves him with something to prove on turf but the extra he's found may not be due to the surface; unraced on softer than good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(10)

29th Mar 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 3

15:15 Lingfield (AW)

First Emperor

9st 6lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: John Ryan

Some creditable efforts over 2m this year and he wasn't far behind Red Flyer in a Class 2 over C&D (sixth of 13) last time; his losing run is mounting up but he's edging down the weights and could go well on this drop back in grade.

14/1

6th

13

(7)

1st Mar 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 2

15:47 Lingfield (AW)

First Emperor

8st 11lb

J: Luke Morris

T: John Ryan

pushed along soon after start, towards rear after 2f

16/1

3rd

5

(4)

24th Feb 2024

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

17:05 Southwell (AW)

First Emperor

9st 9lb

J: Luke Morris

T: John Ryan

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, headway over 3f out, soon outpaced, rallied from 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, went third towards finish, not pace to challenge

16/1

Form: 6140-1 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Dual 1m6f winner on good ground at Sandown last summer and resumed his improvement when scoring at Leicester (1m4f, heavy) last month; 5lb penalty demands more but he tends not to win by far and should be suited by this step back up in trip; can go well again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(5)

21st Sep 2024

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:55 Newmarket

Duke Of Verona

8st 7lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Harry Eustace

sweating, in rear

14/1

5th

4

(12)

7th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

17:30 Kempton (AW)

Duke Of Verona

9st 13lb

J: George Wood

T: Harry Eustace

Placed in most of his turf outings this season, beaten only a neck at Goodwood latest when having just his second attempt over 2m; effective on AW and holds solid claims.

5/1

2nd

7

(4)

25th Aug 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Goodwood

Duke Of Verona

9st 7lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Harry Eustace

in touch with leaders, edged left then bit short of room over 1f out, kept on well final 110yds, soon went second, just held

9/2

Form: 74-125 D BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Beaten a neck in the 2020 St Leger; has seen more action again recently and, while some way off his peak, he won a 2m conditions stakes on AW in January; disappointing 5-4 favourite at Newcastle one month ago but it's possible this return to turf will spark something.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(13)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

18:05 Ascot

Berkshire Rocco

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Runner-up in the 2020 St Leger and won on AW (2m) in January 2023; has a mixed record since, the best of which were his two good runs last August when second here (2m; will stay further) and fifth in the Ebor (good to firm); that form gives him a shout (1lb lower today) and his latest start was a step back in the right direction, but he does not look the percentage call.

20/1

3rd

1

(2)

19th May 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Newmarket

Berkshire Rocco

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Runner-up in the 2020 St Leger and won on AW (2m) last January; has a mixed record since, the best of which were his two good runs last August (including fifth in the Ebor); that form gives him a shout and he may have needed his recent reappearance here, but he does not look the percentage call.

7/2

3rd

1

(2)

19th May 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Newmarket

Berkshire Rocco

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Runner-up in the 2020 St Leger and won on AW (2m) last January; has a mixed record since, the best of which were his two good runs last August (including fifth in the Ebor); that form gives him a shout and he may have needed his recent reappearance here, but he does not look the percentage call.

7/2

11th
3 (9)
Cemhaan

7/1

Form: 17910- CD

Last run: 183 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Seems impossible to settle but he finished well on top three times last season, including on reappearance and in this race on second occasion; heavy ground may forgive his final start (acts on soft) and he's also had wind surgery since; probably needs to resume progress but stable form is a big positive and the wins suggest he may have more to give.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(2)

25th Sep 2024

Heavy

1m 1f 197y

Class 1

16:05 Goodwood

Cemhaan

9st 4lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: George Baker

led

33/1

6th

2

(2)

7th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 1

14:35 Kempton (AW)

Cemhaan

9st 7lb

J: Neil Callan

T: George Baker

Free-goer but he's very classy and produced career-best form when making light of top weight in the Rosebery Handicap here in April; creditable third in 1m4f Newbury Group 3 (good) next time, before well beaten at Royal Ascot (28-1); off since but he'd have a say if returning to that Rosebery form.

8/1

13th

6

(14)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

18:40 Ascot

Cemhaan

9st 5lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: George Baker

Free-goer but he's very classy, producing a really smart handicap performance when making light of top weight in the competitive Rosebery on Kempton AW (1m3f) in April; creditable third in 1m4f Newbury Group 3 (good) since; probably playing for a place at best.

22/1

Form: 8112-6

Last run: 39 days

W: 8st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Two wins and a second over 1m4f in second half of last season for Ian Williams; probably retains his ability for new yard but soundly beaten when facing a stiff task in Grade 1 juvenile hurdle race on latest outing; something to prove on softer than good; needs to resume his 2022 Flat headway.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(1)

21st May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:10 Nottingham

Sarsons Risk

9st 13lb

J: Jack Gilligan

T: B F Brookhouse

Not gone on from his Southwell success (16.5f, AW) in December, though front-running may not have suited him at Lingfield (2m, AW) last time; only seen on Flat turf once since August 2022, but he does act on it (2-8); interesting, especially if taking to the first-time cheekpieces.

7/1

3

(1)

21st May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:10 Nottingham

Sarsons Risk

9st 13lb

J: Jack Gilligan

T: B F Brookhouse

Not gone on from his Southwell success (16.5f, AW) in December, though front-running may not have suited him at Lingfield (2m, AW) last time; only seen on Flat turf once since August 2022, but he does act on it (2-8); interesting, especially if taking to the first-time cheekpieces.

7/1

11th

8

(8)

29th Mar 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 3

15:15 Lingfield (AW)

Sarsons Risk

9st 6lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: B F Brookhouse

Hit a personal best with his comfortable win at Southwell (2m, Tapeta) in December and he had an excuse when dropped back to 1m3f there the following month; can be a bit hit-and-miss but he still looks feasibly treated and has possibilities back up in trip.

10/1

OUR TIP
13th
12 (19)
Firstman

13/2

Form: 41-122

Last run: 86 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Improved from September onwards, on turf initially and later over 1m4f/2m on Dundalk AW; placed when having another go over hurdles on latest run; needs better still but that very solid sequence earns him plenty of respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(13)

18th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 2f 150y

16:35 Dundalk (AW)

Firstman

9st 1lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Mrs C O’Leary

Six wins include this event back in 2021; ran well in C&D handicap back in March but nothing since on turf; definite chance if reproducing March run here.

11/2

2

(12)

30th Sep 2024

Good To Yielding

1m 4f 180y

17:35 Down Royal

Firstman

9st 13lb

J: James Ryan

T: Mrs C O’Leary

Began the season brightly but not sure what happened since; at least down markedly in grade after being not disgraced at Leopardstown and 4lb further in weights but not sure what to expect.

25/1

17th

20

(18)

14th Sep 2024

Good

1m 5f 0y

16:35 Leopardstown

Firstman

8st 7lb

J: Siobhan Rutledge

T: Mrs C O’Leary

towards rear

66/1

16/1

Form: 561-12

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Won well when upped to 2m in November and followed up in tidy fashion in March, both from off the pace on Kempton AW; ran well again there on latest outing; now tongue tied first time; turf mark has risen in tandem and he's had only three turf races (easily best of them when winning a four-runner race on first occasion) but he's not entirely dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

12

(14)

6th Apr 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

15:15 Kempton (AW)

Duty Of Care

9st 6lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Two C&D wins before his second in this race last year; has a 2lb lower mark this time round but was not disgraced in his three runs this year (C&D second in February was best of those) and is not dismissed.

7/1

1st

12

(14)

6th Apr 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

15:15 Kempton (AW)

Duty Of Care

9st 6lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Two C&D wins before his second in this race last year; has a 2lb lower mark this time round but was not disgraced in his three runs this year (C&D second in February was best of those) and is not dismissed.

7/1

6th

7

(13)

29th Mar 2024

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

13:53 Newcastle (AW)

Duty Of Care

8st 9lb

J: David Egan

T: Jamie Osborne

Record of 3-11 on AW; creditable second to Citizen General at Kempton two starts ago, then kicked for home too early in the Marathon Trial where he understandably ran out of steam in the latter stages; 1-1 here and can't be dismissed.

16/1

14/1

Form: -11216

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Can make the running; only three turf starts, none on softer than good; markedly improved over 1m4f on Tapeta this year and ran creditably in a non-handicap when upped to 2m on latest start; that suggests this trip should be fine but his turf mark has risen in tandem with AW achievements.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(4)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:45 Hamilton

Nolton Cross

9st 8lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Hugo Palmer

Six wins (latest in February) from 24 AW starts but 0-10 on turf; Newmarket 15 days ago saw first turf race since 2023 and he came last of eight.

25/1

8th

8

(1)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Newmarket

Nolton Cross

8st 11lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Hugo Palmer

Six wins from his 24 AW starts, the latest in February, but 0-9 on turf and he was last seen in this sphere in 2023; fit from AW action (well beaten in hot race last time) but other options seem more likely.

25/1

13th

10

(2)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Nolton Cross

8st 11lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Hugo Palmer

Six wins from his 23 AW starts, the latest at Wolverhampton (1m4f, Tapeta) in February; has continued in good form when fourth at Lingfield and Kempton on last two starts, but he may again be vulnerable today.

25/1

Form: 29/2-3 D BF

Last run: 57 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Won 1m6f York Listed race in June 2021 and sixth in that year's Ebor (4lb lower today); seen only once last year and returned from 399-day absence (gelded last December) with another respectable show on AW in March; needs peak form and has more to prove if the ground is softer than good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(6)

18th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:15 Newmarket

Roberto Escobarr

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Ian Williams

Dual Group 3 winner (2m/1m7f) for other yards in 2023; he didn't beat many last February-October and 1m4f for last month's reappearance (40-1) was too short; the latter was probably his most encouraging of five runs for current yard, however, and he's been dropped another 4lb since, which makes it 17lb below his peak mark; not ruled out.

16/1

6th

1

(6)

18th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:15 Newmarket

Roberto Escobarr

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Ian Williams

Dual Group 3 winner (2m/1m7f) for other yards in 2023; he didn't beat many last February-October and 1m4f for last month's reappearance (40-1) was too short; the latter was probably his most encouraging of five runs for current yard, however, and he's been dropped another 4lb since, which makes it 17lb below his peak mark; not ruled out.

16/1

8th

3

(8)

22nd Apr 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 3

15:20 Epsom

Roberto Escobarr

9st 10lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Ian Williams

Dual Group 3 winner (2m/1m7f) for other yards in 2023; he didn't beat many last February-October, including in four races for current yard, and although he's not been sent to the Middle East to start this campaign and is now 13lb below his peak mark, this short a trip asks a big question.

25/1

Form: 0017-9 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Emerged from the doldrums to score in a Shergar Cup race at Ascot (2m; off 1lb lower than today) last August but well beaten in his only two starts since; best on good or firmer, which is a worry today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

5

(13)

23rd Aug 2023

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Themaxwecan

9st 7lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Charlie Johnston

always behind, lost action and pulled up quickly home turn

14/1

6

(1)

14th Jul 2023

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Themaxwecan

8st 13lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Charlie Johnston

Best on good or good to firm; 1lb lower than when winning over 2m at Ascot last August; comparable form when third this May and not disgraced in his two top handicaps since; however, he does not appear the percentage call and perhaps it's clutching at straws that a new jockey (as he has in today's race) has coincided with most of his wins.

16/1

Form: 17447-

Last run: 212 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Gelded and well backed (as is often the case) for 1m6f handicap on good to soft at Haydock in September, going on 2f out but hanging left and causing interference before caught on the line in a bunched finish, subsequently demoted to fourth; never dangerous over 1m4f here on final start; has a competitive mark and possibly room to resume improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

14

(9)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Sea King

9st 3lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Well beaten at Royal Ascot but won at Ripon (1m4f, soft) and Ayr (1m5f, good to firm) starts either side; blinkered at Ayr and when a good third off this mark to Iron Lion at Ripon on latest start, meeting trouble in running; not 100% sure to be as good at 1m6f (went close in 2022 in one of three attempts) but he leaves the strong impression that he still has more to give.

20/1

3rd

2

(5)

20th Jul 2024

Soft

1m 4f 10y

Class 2

15:55 Ripon

Sea King

10st 1lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Has won five of his 12 handicaps, including at Ripon (1m4f, soft) and Ayr (1m5f, good to firm) on the first and latest of his three races this season; the heavy defeat in between was at Royal Ascot; blinkered first time on latest start and again today; up another 5lb but likely to go well.

2/1

1st

1

(5)

8th Jul 2024

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 3

16:05 Ayr

Sea King

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

travelled strongly, steadied start, towards rear

7/4

10/1

Form: 32-112

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
5yo who's had six races, all AW; made all in 1m4f handicap in January on final start for Owen Burrows, did the same over 1m5f for new yard in February and put up a bold show from wide draw in a hot Lingfield 2m race one month ago; needs to prove himself on turf but overall should have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

(6)

7th May 2023

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Newmarket

Halic

8st 11lb

J: Andrea Atzeni

T: Robert Eddery

5yo who's had six races, all AW; made all in 1m4f handicap in January on final start for Owen Burrows, did the same over 1m5f for new yard in February and put up a bold show from wide draw in a hot Lingfield 2m race one month ago; needs to prove himself on turf but overall should have more to offer.

10/1

2nd

2

(13)

7th Apr 2023

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 3

14:05 Lingfield (AW)

Halic

9st 10lb

J: Andrea Atzeni

T: Robert Eddery

fractious at the post, took keen hold, in touch with leaders

12/1

1st

4

(8)

25th Feb 2023

Standard

1m 5f 66y

Class 4

19:10 Chelmsford (AW)

Halic

9st 10lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Robert Eddery

made all, went clear when pushed along over 1f out, kept on strongly final furlong, readily

5/2

Non-runners

Roberto Escobarr, Themaxwecan, Sea King

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £28.83
Tricast £372.18

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Cemhaan

The Times:

Sarsons Risk

The Sun:

Halic

D Express:

Sea King

TOPSPEED:

Geremia

NEWMARKET:

Duke Of Verona

Daily Record:

Firstman

POSTDATA:

Berkshire Rocco

RP RATINGS:

Torcello

Telegraph:

Sarsons Risk

The Guardian:

Cemhaan

Daily Mirror:

Cemhaan

The Star:

Cemhaan