13.30
SoftCAA Stellar Earl Grosvenor Handicap
- Prize money: £20384
- 0m 7f 127y
- Class 2
- 13 runners
Runners: 13 runners
Type: Flat Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Showers
5/1 (Won)
- Win: £5.50
- Place: £1.80
Form: 838-93 CD
Last run: 20 days
W: 8st 12lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 7 (2) |
4th May 2026 Good To Firm 1m 2f 0y Class 6 |
9st 5lb |
All seven wins have been on good or slower ground on turf; last success was in 2023 but he's well treated on old form and made some late gains when sixth of 15 at Nottingham (8.3f, good) last month; wasn't beaten far in that race and he could go well again on this step back up in trip. |
15/2 |
|
6th 5 (13) |
8th Apr 2026 Good 1m 0f 75y Class 6 |
9st 7lb |
All seven wins have been on good or slower ground on turf; last success was in 2023 but he didn't get much luck when fourth at Wolverhampton (7f) last month and he's in the mix on this step back up in trip. |
8/1 |
|
4th 2 (3) |
23rd Mar 2026 Standard 0m 7f 36y Class 6 |
9st 8lb |
Seven-time turf winner but he's 0-13 on AW; made some late headway when a respectable third here (9.4f) in December but this veteran has not really fired in his last two runs and others are more persuasive. |
100/30 |
25/1
- Place: £5.30
Form: -72020
Last run: 13 days
W: 9st 9lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 103
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
15th 4 (14) |
16th May 2026 Good 1m 0f 0y Class 2 |
9st 9lb |
His only turf wins came in a Royal Ascot handicap and Newbury Group 3, but they were in 2023 and he needs the cards to drop right for his late bids; scored on AW in January but subsequent form, including when 40-1 in the Victoria Cup last Saturday, isn't good enough. |
40/1 |
|
20th 1 (9) |
9th May 2026 Good 0m 7f 0y Class 2 |
9st 12lb |
Very useful but rather needs the cards to drop right and gained his only turf wins, namely in Royal Ascot handicap and Newbury Group 3, in 2023; peak AW form this year when scoring in January; finished seventh (off 4lb higher) in this contest 12 months ago. |
25/1 |
20/1
- Place: £2.60
Form: 05194- CD
Last run: 217 days
W: 9st 4lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 98
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 5 (6) |
21st May 2026 Good 0m 7f 15y Class 3 |
9st 6lb |
Front-runner; well handicapped, being 8lb lower than for his Chester win last May, but he didn't fire at that meeting two weeks ago and he now has a point to prove. |
12/1 |
|
13th 12 (6) |
6th May 2026 Good To Soft 0m 7f 127y Class 2 |
8st 13lb |
Prominent racer with a very good Chester record, including a win in this race on good to firm in 2024 (also third on soft in 2023); off for 20 months prior to finishing well held at the Newmarket Craven meeting three weeks ago but he led for long enough to think plenty of ability remains and this has presumably been the target; could bounce back to form with a bang. |
5/1 |
|
13th 2 (8) |
16th Apr 2026 Good 0m 7f 0y Class 3 |
9st 9lb |
Runner-up in this race in 2024 when it was staged as a Class 2; made all at Chester (7.5f, good to firm) on his next start and it was a solid fourth back there (7f, good to soft) when last seen 20 months ago; yard going well and handicapper has given him a shot too; watch the market. |
20/1 |
10/1
Form: 13244- CD
Last run: 233 days
W: 8st 12lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 7 (7) |
19th May 2026 Standard 0m 7f 14y Class 5 |
9st 5lb |
Four-time Polytrack winner who ran well below market expectations in two previous starts on Tapeta; back on his last successful mark but didn't build on a decent comeback effort last time. |
12/1 |
|
6th 4 (6) |
13th Apr 2026 Good To Firm 0m 7f 0y Class 5 |
9st 6lb |
Resumed from four months off with a good third of 15 in 7f Doncaster handicap 15 days ago; must enter calculations off an unchanged mark. |
7/2 |
|
3rd 12 (11) |
29th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 0m 7f 6y Class 4 |
9st 1lb |
Doesn't have time on his side, being the oldest contender in this field; however, looks interesting back at Doncaster, being 1-1 here (win off 1lb lower last July); Harry Vigors takes off a useful 7lb. |
12/1 |
7/2
Form: 48-705 CD
Last run: 13 days
W: 9st 3lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 97
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10 (7) |
7th May 2025 Good 0m 7f 1y Class 3 |
9st 6lb |
3-13 at Chester (the wins over 7.6f) but the last time he scored anywhere was in May 2023; has his lowest mark since 2020 and a shout on plenty of 2024 form, but seasonal debut may not be his best moment. |
10/1 |
|
10 (7) |
7th May 2025 Good 0m 7f 1y Class 3 |
9st 6lb |
3-13 at Chester (the wins over 7.6f) but the last time he scored anywhere was in May 2023; has his lowest mark since 2020 and a shout on plenty of 2024 form, but seasonal debut may not be his best moment. |
10/1 |
|
3rd 5 (5) |
27th Sep 2024 Soft 0m 7f 37y Class 3 |
9st 9lb |
Dual course winner who went close over C&D last month but he's been disappointing since including a laboured effort back here last time; losing run is now up to 15 and others are more convincing. |
16/1 |
5/1
Form: 316-42
Last run: 13 days
W: 8st 6lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 86
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 6 (1) |
25th May 2026 Good 0m 5f 217y Class 4 |
9st 5lb |
Six-time winner, notably the 2023 Ayr Silver Cup, but two years have passed since the last victory; retained ability in a mixed 2025 campaign and he should be sharper with a run under his belt; drying ground won't be in his favour here though. |
12/1 |
|
12th 10 (2) |
7th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 0m 5f 3y Class 2 |
8st 5lb |
One of the oldest contenders in this field and has done his winning over 6f/7f, mostly on ground softer than good; could well be tapped for toe in this belated first attempt at the minimum trip. |
20/1 |
|
1 (9) |
25th Oct 2025 Heavy 0m 7f 6y Class 4 |
10st 2lb |
Without a win since May 2024 but runner-up on three of his last four starts (6f/7f, good to soft/heavy) and his turn may well be near. |
13/2 |
16/1
Form: 8429-9
Last run: 24 days
W: 8st 13lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 93
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 (9) |
27th Oct 2025 Standard 1m 1f 104y Class 5 |
10st 0lb |
Now 2lb lower than when keeping on well for close second behind course specialist in quite valuable Brighton Mile this summer, but recent Tapeta form has been underwhelming and he remains without a win since 2023. |
10/1 |
|
1 (9) |
27th Oct 2025 Standard 1m 1f 104y Class 5 |
10st 0lb |
Now 2lb lower than when keeping on well for close second behind course specialist in quite valuable Brighton Mile this summer, but recent Tapeta form has been underwhelming and he remains without a win since 2023. |
10/1 |
|
7 (5) |
3rd Oct 2025 Standard 1m 0f 13y Class 4 |
9st 9lb |
Patchy record this year but he is on the same mark as when a close second in a competitive race at Brighton in August; each-way shout. |
10/1 |
16/1
Form: /607-5
Last run: 24 days
W: 8st 13lb
4 yo Filly
OR: 93
| 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 |
8/1
Form: 153-12
Last run: 13 days
W: 9st 2lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 96
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 3 (8) |
21st May 2026 Good 0m 7f 15y Class 3 |
9st 7lb |
Stable stalwart; just 1lb higher than for his front-running C&D win last November (soft) but his two runs this year have been unconvincing; will no doubt pop up at some point but perhaps in a race with less pace pressure. |
16/1 |
|
14th 7 (9) |
17th Apr 2026 Good 0m 6f 0y Class 3 |
9st 4lb |
He has been a fine advertisement for Katie Scott, winning 13 races over 7f and 1m; 0-6 at this trip but he was beaten less than one length in the 2023 Ayr Gold Cup; recent Musselburgh return should have blown away the cobwebs but others are still more appealing for win purposes. |
33/1 |
|
7th 5 (10) |
4th Apr 2026 Good 0m 7f 15y Class 2 |
8st 10lb |
Often leads; superb 9yo with six course wins, the latest over C&D (soft) in November; not weighted out of it off the same mark as his second to Persuasion here last April but he's had a much longer break this time and is drawn widest. |
13/2 |
15/2
Form: 75918- C
Last run: 197 days
W: 8st 8lb
6 yo Mare
OR: 88
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 4 (3) |
6th Aug 2023 Good To Soft 0m 7f 127y Class 3 |
9st 4lb |
Well beaten on both Chester runs this season but one was her reappearance and the other was a tough Listed assignment; in between she went close at Haydock and she was a two-time course winner last year (7f, soft/good to soft); could go well now back in a handicap in first-time cheekpieces. |
11/2 |
|
9th 7 (9) |
15th Jul 2023 Good To Soft 0m 7f 1y Class 1 |
9st 2lb |
taken down early, towards rear |
20/1 |
|
2nd 3 (1) |
27th May 2023 Good To Firm 0m 7f 37y Class 3 |
9st 7lb |
Disappointing on reappearance at Chester a fortnight ago, especially as she has a good record fresh and likes that track and soft ground; however, perhaps she needed the run this time around and she's run really well on all three previous visits to Haydock; not ruled out. |
8/1 |
6/1
Form: 3151-0
Last run: 41 days
W: 9st 2lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 96
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 10 (16) |
14th May 2026 Good 0m 7f 192y Class 2 |
8st 12lb |
Won this for the Crisfords in 2023 when 1lb higher; missed all of 2024 and 2025 and down the field at 40-1 on last month's stable debut at Haydock; he may have needed that run but has to prove how much ability he retains. |
66/1 |
|
11th 8 (2) |
25th Apr 2026 Good 0m 7f 37y Class 2 |
9st 3lb |
Progressive handicapper for the Crisfords and he was last seen finishing second in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) in June 2023; sold for 20,000gns in May 2024; only dropped 3lb during his 1038-day absence; likely best watched. |
33/1 |
|
2nd 15 (23) |
22nd Jun 2023 Good 0m 7f 0y Class 2 |
9st 6lb |
Copes with good to soft at a push but suited by good or quicker and the AW, the one defeat in 7f and 1m handicaps under those conditions coming after a layoff; only just made it at York in May but a strongly run 7f might well be in his repertoire; not done with from a handicapping viewpoint. |
10/1 |
14/1
Form: 24-624
Last run: 37 days
W: 8st 12lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 7 (1) |
6th Jan 2025 Standard 0m 7f 36y Class 2 |
8st 10lb |
Well below par in two races (elsewhere) since returned to AW but could revive back at Wolverhampton; has form figures of 7112441 over C&D, most recently defying a 2lb higher mark last March; not dismissed. |
12/1 |
|
7th 7 (1) |
6th Jan 2025 Standard 0m 7f 36y Class 2 |
8st 10lb |
dwelt start, in touch with leaders, outpaced from under 2f out, weakened final furlong |
12/1 |
|
5th 3 (4) |
19th Dec 2024 Standard 0m 7f 0y Class 2 |
9st 4lb |
7f specialist who has to put a moderate effort at Southwell last time behind him, but is back off the same mark as when gaining his third Wolverhampton success back in March; has gone close on Polytrack and shouldn't be far away. |
9/1 |
14/1
Form: 13098-
Last run: 211 days
W: 8st 10lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 90
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 1 (12) |
18th Sep 2025 Standard To Slow 1m 2f 219y Class 5 |
10st 2lb |
Produced a telling turn of foot to prevail in a bunch finish in a slowly run contest at Lingfield (1m2f, Polytrack) 15 days ago, ending a 21-race losing run; only 2lb higher, but steps up in trip again so his stamina will be tested further, especially if this is more truly run. |
5/1 |
|
8 (4) |
3rd Sep 2025 Standard 1m 2f 0y Class 5 |
9st 4lb |
Runner-up in two of his five runs for this yard, once at this track (1m); not straightforward though, often slowly away, and his stamina for this trip has to be taken on trust. |
16/1 |
Non-runners
Croupier, Street Kid, Royal Pleasure
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £144.50 |
| Straight Forecast | £214.68 |
| Tricast | £1790.26 |
| Trifecta | £1859.40 |