June 23 / 15.05 Ascot

15.05

Good To Firm

Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (No Geldings)

  • Prize money: £340260
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 13 runners
ITV
View Course
Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (No Geldings)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £10.00
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 911-11 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Well treated off 94 in Newmarket handicap on 2,000 Guineas day, then comfortably followed up in Newbury Listed event that's become a recognised stepping stone to the Commonwealth Cup; acts on most ground; seems highly strung (mounted in chute and taken down early last time; has displayed other quirkiness) so needs to show he can handle the atmosphere of this huge occasion; otherwise an improving colt who is 4-4 over 6f and holds major claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

11

(5)

9th Sep 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Haydock

Shaquille

9st 3lb

J: James Doyle

T: Julie Camacho

It's a concern he's reared at the start and been slowly away the last twice, but he recovered each time to post impressive Group 1 wins in the Commonwealth Cup (6f, good to firm) and the July Cup (6f, good to soft); has won seven of his eight starts and on form he stands out as the one to beat.

10/11

1st

9

(9)

15th Jul 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Shaquille

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Julie Camacho

reared start and slowly away, pulled hard, raced in last, rapid headway and went second 4f out, led under 3f out, ridden and hung left final furlong, kept on well

3/1

1st

8

(4)

23rd Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Shaquille

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Julie Camacho

reared start and slowly away

9/1

Evs

  • Place: £1.01

Form: 111-01 C

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Had a few excuses for his 2,000 Guineas flop; star performer over sprint distances otherwise and subsequently justified favouritism in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock (6f, good to firm; beat Shouldvebeenaring) where he gained an advantage by racing near the stands' rail but won well enough to think he retains plenty of his juvenile talent; crowned last year's European champion 2yo having been so impressive in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on good ground, and that brilliant success represents the best form in this field; won the Windsor Castle here 12 months ago; has to be greatly feared.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(4)

15th Jul 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Little Big Bear

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Crowned the European champion 2yo last term; it's still not totally clear that he has fully trained on, having taken advantage of a near-side track bias at Haydock (won Group 2) in May then failed to justify favouritism (beaten just over 1l by Shaquille) in the Commonwealth Cup, but those bare performances still represent smart form; brilliant in Curragh Group 1 last August and that power-packed display is not yet forgotten.

4/1

2nd

2

(2)

23rd Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Little Big Bear

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Had a few excuses for his 2,000 Guineas flop; star performer over sprint distances otherwise and subsequently justified favouritism in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock (6f, good to firm; beat Shouldvebeenaring) where he gained an advantage by racing near the stands' rail but won well enough to think he retains plenty of his juvenile talent; crowned last year's European champion 2yo having been so impressive in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on good ground, and that brilliant success represents the best form in this field; won the Windsor Castle here 12 months ago; has to be greatly feared.

Evs

1st

4

(7)

27th May 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Haydock

Little Big Bear

9st 2lb

J: Frankie Dettori

T: A P O’Brien

Carried all before him as a 2yo, signing off with convincing 7l success in Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh (6f, good; made virtually all); returned sore and wasn't seen again until the 2,000 Guineas when he pulled hard and folded tamely, finishing lame; today's drop back down in distance seems an obvious move, and he's the one to beat if back to his best, but there must be a question mark after such a poor run just three weeks ago.

11/8

40/1

  • Place: £14.35

Form: 114-30 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Has tackled longer trips this term, finishing third in the Fred Darling then last of ten (looked a non-stayer over 1m) in the Pouliches; had some useful 2yo form over 6f, namely a success in the Lowther and fourth to Lezoo in the Cheveley Park Stakes, both on good ground; not fully exposed at this distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

17

(13)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

13:55 Ascot

Swingalong

9st 1lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: K R Burke

Prominent racer who comes firmly into the reckoning on her neck second to Mill Stream in the July Cup; last month's seventh at Haydock is best ignored as she was poorly drawn; versatile ground-wise and she shaped well when fourth to Art Power in this race 12 months ago; impossible to rule out.

11/1

7th

13

(15)

7th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Haydock

Swingalong

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: K R Burke

Raced alone on the near side when fine fourth in this last year (good) and this front-runner has gone close in 6f Group 1s the last twice, namely the Jubilee (good to firm) and the July Cup (good); seems versatile ground-wise; another bold bid can be expected; firmly in calculations.

5/1

2nd

7

(7)

13th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Swingalong

9st 5lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

pressed leader, led 3f out, faced challenges over 1f out, headed inside final 110yds, kept on

16/1

Form: 132-12

Last run: 33 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Irish filly whose form figures read 13212; recorded a 6l success in Listed grade at Navan (5.7f, heavy) on seasonal debut, then nearly followed up in Group 3 at Naas (6f, good) where she finished strongly and failed only narrowly to collar a solid Ballydoyle colt, faring clear best of the high-drawn runners; progressing nicely and has hitherto proved a solid performer; very appealing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

12

(8)

25th May 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

14:30 Curragh

Ocean Quest

9st 2lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Smart sort won Group 3 at Naas last year but well held twice afterwards on softer ground; encouraging seasonal return when 2l second to Moss Tucker in Naas Listed over 5f; more expected back at 6f here but has a bit to do.

12/1

12

(8)

25th May 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

14:30 Curragh

Ocean Quest

9st 2lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Smart sort won Group 3 at Naas last year but well held twice afterwards on softer ground; encouraging seasonal return when 2l second to Moss Tucker in Naas Listed over 5f; more expected back at 6f here but has a bit to do.

12/1

2nd

8

(7)

29th Apr 2024

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

18:20 Naas

Ocean Quest

9st 7lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

in touch with leaders, switched right from 2f out, headway when ridden from over 1f out, went second inside final 110yds, no match for winner

3/1

66/1

Form: 4141-6 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Juvenile season featured wins in Glorious Goodwood nursery over 6f and Cornwallis Stakes at Newmarket over 5f; made no impact under a penalty in Listed grade at Newbury (race won by Shaquille) on reappearance and he looks a long way from top-tier material; towards the bottom of this pack on ratings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(9)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 1

13:50 Sandown

Rumstar

9st 5lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Creditable second on reappearance when bidding for a second win in the Palace House at Newmarket; hindered by poor draw at Royal Ascot since; landed this contest (good to firm) 12 months ago, despite carrying 3lb extra, and has no penalty this time; major contender.

11/4

25th

10

(4)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Rumstar

9st 7lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Acts well on good or quicker; Listed winner over C&D; has had excuses for two Group 1 defeats at 5f in Britain, not ideally drawn in this race last June and checked in his run in the Nunthorpe at York in August, albeit still doing well in the latter in fifth of 17 to Asfoora; useful comeback at Newmarket in April when a close second to Night Raider; can be thereabouts.

14/1

2nd

7

(5)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:55 Newmarket

Rumstar

9st 9lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Acts on flat tracks but he comes into his own when tackling a stiff test at 5f, as when winning this race last year, taking C&D record to 2-2, and roaring home to win a Group 3 at Sandown (good to firm) in July; cheekpieces worn in October are discarded; yard in form; not to be underestimated.

5/1

6th
13 (11)
Queen Me

40/1

Form: 123-9 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Non-stayer over 1m in the 1,000 Guineas on sole start this season; promising over 6f (on good/good to soft) last term, notably going close behind Swingalong in the Lowther at York on the second of those three appearances; has something to find on the figures but this drop back in distance looks a big plus and she may rate higher yet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

(8)

27th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 5f 0y

19:00 Dundalk (AW)

Queen Me

9st 11lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Kevin Ryan

in touch with leaders, smooth headway disputing second under 2f out, kept on but lost two places towards finish

6/1

8th

8

(4)

22nd Sep 2023

Good To Soft

0m 5f 110y

Class 1

14:50 Ayr

Queen Me

9st 0lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Won on debut last July (6f, good to soft) and placed in 2yo Group races the next twice (including here); respectable sixth in Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm) and, although she failed to threaten in last month's Nunthorpe, she could be firmly involved now back down in grade.

4/1

11th

15

(1)

25th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Queen Me

9st 8lb

J: James Doyle

T: Kevin Ryan

Went close in the Group 2 Lowther Stakes here (6f, good) last August on her second 2yo start and ran well for a long way when sixth in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm) last time; lightly raced and this first attempt at 5f may be a plus but she has plenty to find on form.

40/1

Form: 152312 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
His most recent win came in 7f Listed event at Newmarket two starts ago; appeared to run very well behind Little Big Bear at Haydock on the return to 6f, though is possibly flattered the way the race panned out (had the near-side advantage for most of the way and nothing behind the first two showed their form); that said, he's tough and largely consistent so could go well again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

(1)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

13:55 Ascot

Shouldvebeenaring

9st 4lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Has won just one of his last 17 races and was tailed off in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes at Newmarket last week; would be a shock winner.

40/1

9th

6

(8)

11th Oct 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Shouldvebeenaring

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Richard Hannon

towards rear

9/1

3rd

5

(7)

14th Sep 2024

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 1

15:00 Doncaster

Shouldvebeenaring

9st 6lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Has blown hot and cold this season, best efforts when beaten a nose in Group 2 Duke of York (6f, good) in May and when winning Group 3 at Deauville (6f, good to soft) in July; faced stiff task but well held even so in Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock last week; has a chance if on a going day.

14/1

25/1

Form: 1141-8 D

Last run: 51 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Ran poorly in the Commonwealth Cup Trial over C&D on sole outing this term, therefore still needs to prove he's trained on; however, developed well during a 2yo campaign that included wins in the Sirenia Stakes at Kempton (6f, AW) and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Keeneland (5.5f, firm); possibilities if tapping back into that advancement; tongue-tie applied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 111-63 C BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
High-profile colt whose speed looked somewhat blunted and who got going too late in the Newbury Listed race won by Shaquille, having been trained for the 2,000 Guineas where he didn't quite get home over 1m; one of the leading 2yos in his unbeaten 2022 campaign that culminated in an above-standard success in the Gimcrack at York (6f, good); major player if back to that very smart form and readjusting to sprint pace; fitting of cheekpieces may help in that respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

1

(6)

4th May 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:45 Newmarket

Noble Style

9st 12lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

3-3 as a 2yo, notably coming from well back to win the Gimcrack at York (6f, good); sixth in last season's 2000 Guineas on his reappearance but a shade disappointing returned to sprinting afterwards; gelded prior to his Chester fourth (also tried blinkered) when last seen nine months ago; perhaps getting back on a forecast sound surface will help and his style of racing should be suited by the demands of a big-field handicap.

7/1

15th

1

(6)

4th May 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:45 Newmarket

Noble Style

9st 12lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

3-3 as a 2yo, notably coming from well back to win the Gimcrack at York (6f, good); sixth in last season's 2000 Guineas on his reappearance but a shade disappointing returned to sprinting afterwards; gelded prior to his Chester fourth (also tried blinkered) when last seen nine months ago; perhaps getting back on a forecast sound surface will help and his style of racing should be suited by the demands of a big-field handicap.

7/1

4th

4

(4)

6th Aug 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 17y

Class 1

15:38 Chester

Noble Style

9st 1lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

3-3 as a 2yo and ran with credit when sixth in the 2,000 Guineas on his return, but only third of seven behind Shaquille at Newbury (6f, good; 8-11) in May and finished further behind that rival in the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot (6f, good to firm; first-time cheekpieces) the following month; has been gelded since and blinkers are now given a go; major chance on these terms, but he has something to prove.

15/8

10th
11 (14)
Lezoo

8/1

Form: 1211-8 CD

Last run: 47 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Non-stayer in the 1,000 Guineas on sole outing this term, confirming that she's best going down the Commonwealth Cup route, and therefore has a similar profile to male counterpart Sakheer; recorded form figures of 11211 (on good/firmer; mostly over 6f) during her solid 2yo campaign, including wins in the Princess Margaret here and Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket; the second-place finish came behind subsequent 1,000 Guineas winner Mawj; could well resume her progress dropped back in distance; worthy of respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

16

(1)

9th Sep 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Haydock

Lezoo

9st 0lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Won the Group 1 Cheveley Park at Newmarket (6f, good) last September and left her first two 3yo runs well behind when Listed winner at Newmarket (6f, good) a fortnight ago; needs to step up on that latest form but her juvenile exploits provide hope in that regard.

14/1

1st

10

(1)

26th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:55 Newmarket (July)

Lezoo

8st 9lb

J: Andrea Atzeni

T: Ralph Beckett

High-class 2yo, winning four of her five starts with the pinnacle her impressive Cheveley Park success in September (6f, good); didn't stay 1m on soft ground in the 1,000 Guineas but not unreasonable to have expected better at Royal Ascot nine weeks ago; as an unpenalised Group 1 winner she has to be taken seriously but there must be reservations.

2/1

11th
10 (9)
The X O

66/1

Form: 131532 D

Last run: 51 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
AW form includes novice/handicap wins at Southwell and good third in major prize at Newcastle; outran his 125-1 odds in the Commonwealth Cup Trial over C&D on the switch to turf, finishing second; improving colt but has much more on his plate in this field, as the ratings confirm.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(10)

16th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:45 Chelmsford (AW)

The X O

9st 11lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Robert Cowell

Should be thrown in on even last season's best but he has found it tough going for Robert Cowell this year; drops in class with cheekpieces fitted but drawn widest and others look safer.

33/1

6

(8)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

16:40 Doncaster

The X O

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Robert Cowell

Off a 3lb lower mark when very nearly winning a 6f Class 2 handicap here last October (soft) on final run for John Ryan; however, a case can't be made on what he's shown during a light 2025 campaign.

33/1

1

(5)

21st Aug 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

20:45 Newcastle (AW)

The X O

9st 12lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Robert Cowell

Interesting on the pick of his form and he's on the same mark as when second in a better race at Doncaster last October (6f, soft); two modest efforts for his new yard this year but this is less taxing than the Stewards' Cup last time.

33/1

12th
3 (13)

28/1

Form: 165-42 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Raced mainly on good/firmer; Group 2 winner over 7f last summer then underperformed in a couple of Group 1 races, including on soft ground, at the same trip; back in better form dropped back to 6f this season, finishing fourth in Group 3 here then going close in Salisbury Listed event; faces a harder task returned to the top level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found
13th
7 (10)
Sakheer

7/2

Form: 211-7 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Midfield (below par) in the 2,000 Guineas on sole run this season, appearing to confirm that he's a Commonwealth Cup prospect as opposed to a potential miler; very promising 6f colt (on good/firmer) last term, recording form figures of 211 that culminated in an impressive performance in the Mill Reef at Newbury; retains major potential and looks an exciting contender back down in trip; judged on 2yo evidence, he could easily develop into a top performer at this distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(8)

24th Aug 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:55 Newmarket (July)

Sakheer

9st 3lb

J: Andrea Atzeni

T: Roger Varian

Looked a potential superstar when winning the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes as a juvenile but his 3yo season didn't go to plan; might have needed the run (pulled hard, folded tamely) when last of six in Listed race at Salisbury on reappearance but he now has something to prove after another absence.

13/2

6th

3

(6)

25th May 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

18:30 Salisbury

Sakheer

9st 7lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Roger Varian

pulled hard, prominent, raced wide early

5/2

6th

3

(6)

25th May 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

18:30 Salisbury

Sakheer

9st 7lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Roger Varian

pulled hard, prominent, raced wide early

5/2

Non-runners

Cold Case

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £26.10
Straight Forecast £16.45
Tricast £555.68
Trifecta £864.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Lezoo

RP RATINGS:

Little Big Bear

NEWMARKET:

Sakheer

LAMBOURN:

Rumstar

Daily Mirror:

Sakheer

The Star:

Sakheer

TOPSPEED:

Lezoo

The Times:

Lezoo

The Guardian:

Lezoo

Daily Mail:

Lezoo

Daily Record:

Lezoo

POSTDATA:

Little Big Bear

Telegraph:

Little Big Bear

D Express:

Little Big Bear

The Sun:

Little Big Bear