September 09 / 14.35 Ascot

14.35

Good

bet365 Handicap

  • Prize money: £41232
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV3
View Course
bet365 Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £9.00
  • Place: £2.90

Form: 111113 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Big improver this term, mostly over 6f; beaten in the Shergar Cup Sprint here most recently, failing to complete a seven-timer, but this return to 7f is interesting (1-1 at this trip in handicaps; still unexposed at the distance); not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

6

(3)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Quinault

9st 8lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Stuart Williams

Multiple winner, most recently when sent over to Qatar in February, but his form has regressed since and this is a difficult task even if a revival materialises; gained his C&D wins at handicap/Listed level; yet to score above Group 3.

33/1

11th

11

(13)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:30 York

Quinault

9st 10lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Stuart Williams

Front-runner who has a strike-rate of 12-34 overall and 3-4 at York, the most recent course success in 7f Group 3 last June (equally effective at 6f); ties in with some of today's opponents on penultimate effort; removal of usual hood backfired last time; likely to go well.

10/1

6th

6

(3)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:55 Newmarket

Quinault

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Stuart Williams

Front-runner whose 12 wins include a Group 3 at York (7f, good) last June; he was an excellent third of 19 in the Group 1 Champions Sprint at Ascot (6f) in October; has since run up to his best in a 5f AW race at Newcastle in January and it will be interesting to see how he gets on back at this trip on turf with his regular hood discarded; ran creditably in 6f Group 3 at Newmarket last time.

8/1

2nd
6 (10)
Popmaster

12/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 021002 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Better than bare result (met traffic issues) in the International, then ran creditably behind Spangled Mac at Newbury; however, he's now 0-6 over 7f and all wins remain at 6f; not the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(11)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Popmaster

8st 13lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Ran respectably at Epsom last time but still has a poor strike-rate in recent years and hasn't won on turf since 2023; the 8yo looks unlikely to prevail in another competitive field.

40/1

4th

2

(15)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Popmaster

9st 9lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Seven wins include three on good to soft/soft; also won on AW at Kempton (1m) in February but only midfield in valuable events at Newcastle (AW) and Ascot (good) on his last two starts; however, latter effort was better than it looks having been poorly drawn.

33/1

15th

7

(2)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Popmaster

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Ed Walker

Campaigned on AW since December, proving consistent until coming up a tad short on finals day last time; has loads of Ascot form but three defeats in this race (finishing positions 074) suggest he can be opposed, especially now aged eight.

33/1

11/2

  • Place: £2.60

Form: -44202 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Belied his 50-1 odds with an excellent effort (close second) in the International over C&D on good ground six weeks ago, taking well to first-time visor; still has low mileage and looks open to further progress; respected off just 2lb higher in the retained headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(8)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket (July)

Hickory

10st 1lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

In top form at the end of last season but this 8yo hasn't performed at the same level on his three outings this year and needs to raise his game.

33/1

11th

25

(17)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Hickory

9st 2lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Jamie Osborne

Has plenty of good form at Ascot and his most recent course effort (when bidding for a second win in the Victoria Cup) can be excused as the race didn't pan out favourably for him; however, he has a difficult-looking mark to overcome in this first Royal Ascot attempt.

22/1

6th

1

(6)

28th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:45 Sandown

Hickory

9st 10lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Third in this last year and improved form later in the season, finishing his campaign in fine form (on various ground); down the field at Ascot on recent return but he was hampered and may have needed the run; not discounted.

10/1

Form: 226132 D BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Yet to win away from Newmarket; however, has some notable C&D form, including close fourth in this contest last year and close third in the 2023 International; consistent overall this term; each-way hopes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(10)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:35 Ascot

Star Of Orion

8st 12lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Effective here (and on various ground); placed three times in a row this August/September (1m/7f) but only seventh of 18 in the Challenge Cup here (7f, soft) a fortnight ago and needs a bigger performance today.

33/1

10

(3)

5th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Star Of Orion

9st 4lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Returned in July from ten months off and has run well in his last three starts, third of nine at Sandown (7f, soft) last time, but he has managed to win only one of his last 25 starts and is still 5lb higher; addition of a tongue-tie needs to make a difference.

25/1

3rd

1

(2)

13th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Sandown

Star Of Orion

9st 10lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Shaped well on reappearance (found trouble) and bang there in his subsequent races, over 1m at Newmarket and C&D 13 days ago (first-time cheekpieces); hard to offer any excuses on either occasion and, now 3-31, he's looking a hard horse to catch right.

100/30

Form: 123202 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Last five starts over 7f have resulted in form figures of 12322, unlucky second on Tapeta at Newcastle most recently (might well have won but for traffic issues; finished fast); possibilities granted better fortune.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(6)

30th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 3y

Class 4

16:25 Yarmouth

Mobashr

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Michael Appleby

Won three over this trip for Marco Botti but does most racing now over 7f and does need things to fall just so (landed only one of his last 21); 4lb above his last successful mark and needs to improve on this spring's two efforts.

8/1

12th

1

(6)

30th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 3y

Class 4

16:25 Yarmouth

Mobashr

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Michael Appleby

Won three over this trip for Marco Botti but does most racing now over 7f and does need things to fall just so (landed only one of his last 21); 4lb above his last successful mark and needs to improve on this spring's two efforts.

8/1

6th

15

(1)

13th Apr 2024

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

11:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Mobashr

8st 13lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Hold-up performer who needs everything to fall right for him but he's capable off this sort of mark, as when motoring home for second at Newcastle last August; should be sharper for last month's reappearance sixth to Chola Empire at Southwell.

14/1

6th
11 (7)
Abduction

12/1

Form: 550012 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Back in better form the last twice, winning at Ayr then second to Love De Vega at Musselburgh; however, faces a stiffer assignment at this level, especially as he remains on career-high mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(10)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 5

15:30 Ayr

Abduction

10st 2lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Jim Goldie

Multiple wins include three over C&D earlier in his career; has run well on occasions since a narrow Musselburgh win (7f, good) in April off this mark and a recent never-nearer third of eight there under Jake Dickson puts him in this picture; yard runs three.

5/1

3rd

2

(5)

30th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

16:00 Musselburgh

Abduction

9st 3lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Jim Goldie

C&D win off this mark in April; mixed since but his latest third at Ayr (6f, soft) was a sound effort and today he has the assistance of an apprentice who is good value for his 7lb claim; high on the list.

5/1

3rd

8

(3)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:23 Ayr

Abduction

9st 10lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Jim Goldie

Two wins this year, the latest off this mark at Musselburgh (7f, good) in April; penultimate Hamilton seventh suggested he was still in good form; no surprise to see him in the thick of it.

12/1

12/1

Form: -67540 C

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Respectable efforts in the Royal Hunt Cup and Bunbury Cup show he retains plenty of ability aged nine; form dipped in the International, finishing behind several of today's rivals; opposed on the back of that run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(3)

6th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 3

17:20 Newcastle (AW)

Bless Him

9st 10lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: David Simcock

Veteran whose losing run goes back to his success in the 2022 Bunbury Cup; down the field in two races at Kempton since returned to AW but his Newcastle record (1213) offers hope for a revival.

16/1

4th

7

(3)

6th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 3

17:20 Newcastle (AW)

Bless Him

9st 10lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: David Simcock

Veteran whose losing run goes back to his success in the 2022 Bunbury Cup; down the field in two races at Kempton since returned to AW but his Newcastle record (1213) offers hope for a revival.

16/1

11th

10

(3)

20th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:30 Kempton (AW)

Bless Him

9st 0lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: David Simcock

Veteran hold-up performer who is now 8lb lower than when third in the Victoria Cup in May; capable but he'll need everything to go his way to win.

33/1

Form: 0-6711 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Has gained all wins in small fields, including twice last month, making all to beat Abduction at Musselburgh (7f) latest; combination of revised mark and return to bigger field may find him out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

(2)

23rd Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:40 Kempton (AW)

Love De Vega

9st 5lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Charlie Johnston

took keen hold, pressed leader early, in touch with leaders after 1f

14/1

6th

5

(6)

25th Sep 2024

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Goodwood

Love De Vega

9st 4lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Charlie Johnston

raced in second, lost position over 2f out, weakened from over 1f out

10/1

8th

3

(1)

26th Aug 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:47 Ripon

Love De Vega

9st 8lb

J: James Doyle

T: Charlie Johnston

Three wins in a busy campaign this year, the latest at Pontefract (1m, good) last month; another solid effort when second of 13 in a Racing League handicap at Windsor (1m, good to firm) 11 days ago and although up another 3lb, still makes the shortlist.

11/2

Form: 1-2820 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won this race in 2021 but that was following a solid summer spell; form figures of 2820 reflect his inconsistency this term, well held in Newbury event won by Spangled Mac last time; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

(14)

6th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 Kempton (AW)

Top Secret

9st 12lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

raced wide but in touch with leaders

10/1

12th

3

(14)

6th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 Kempton (AW)

Top Secret

9st 12lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

raced wide but in touch with leaders

10/1

9th

5

(1)

7th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Kempton (AW)

Top Secret

9st 3lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Successful in three consecutive starts here (7f/1m) between November 2022 and last December, but not so good in three runs back here at the start of 2024; has too much to prove on his return from seven months off.

14/1

14/1

Form: 097950 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Successful in major 1m handicap at Goodwood and useful classified event over C&D in summer 2022; less appealing on the balance of this year's form but he's favourably treated if coming back to best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(3)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Orbaan

9st 12lb

J: Sean Levey

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who dipped into a seller for his latest win, at Beverley (8.4f, good to firm) in July; current handicap mark is workable but his AW strike-rate is 0-13 and he needs to rebound from two down-the-field runs.

16/1

2

(3)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Orbaan

9st 12lb

J: Sean Levey

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who dipped into a seller for his latest win, at Beverley (8.4f, good to firm) in July; current handicap mark is workable but his AW strike-rate is 0-13 and he needs to rebound from two down-the-field runs.

16/1

6

(11)

14th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 4

16:00 Lingfield (AW)

Orbaan

9st 9lb

J: J F Egan

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who won a Beverley seller in July; some fair handicap runs since but others may have his measure back on AW (0-12 in this sphere).

12/1

Form: 010201 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Has plenty of good form, including close fifth in this race last year; however, has never had the best of strike-rates and looks an unlikely candidate to follow up last month's 40-1 York success (1m).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

6

(10)

27th Jul 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Ascot

Ropey Guest

9st 7lb

J: Tom Queally

T: George Margarson

Regular participant in major handicaps; best effort this season when fifth in the Victoria Cup over C&D; however, he's thoroughly exposed and has a poor record (form figures 000) in this contest.

25/1

9th

5

(3)

13th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:00 Newmarket (July)

Ropey Guest

9st 10lb

J: Tom Queally

T: George Margarson

Has form figures of 822 in this contest; however, faces a harder task off current mark (5lb higher than 12 months ago) and it's unlikely he's getting better now aged seven.

16/1

Form: 794801 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Couple of respectable efforts at this year's Royal Ascot; took well to first-time cheekpieces at Newbury (7f) last month, beating Popmaster, and could have more to offer in the retained headgear; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(9)

2nd Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:33 Kempton (AW)

Spangled Mac

9st 10lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Three good runs over the winter (two of them from five runs in Bahrain) but he has struggled in two 7f runs back in Britain since April; handicapper slow to relent and this step up to 1m isn't sure to spark a revival.

16/1

13th

6

(2)

11th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:30 Newbury

Spangled Mac

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

7yo who was well beaten in Bahrain and at Chester on his last two starts; however, he was drawn wide at Chester and showed some good form in Bahrain in January; he's run really well on both previous attempts at this C&D and is not ruled out each-way off a competitive mark.

20/1

12th

3

(10)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Spangled Mac

9st 8lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Campaigned back in Bahrain since December, best efforts when placed twice over 6f; well treated on historical data but hasn't won a domestic race since 2023; returns to 7f for first time since last July.

25/1

OUR TIP

20/1

Form: 000804 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Defied a 10lb higher mark in similar event over C&D last October; however, not in the same form this season and he was behind lots of these opponents in the International in July.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(6)

20th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Escobar

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

steadied start, towards rear

10/1

9th

8

(8)

9th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Escobar

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

sweating, dwelt start, midfield on near side of group

14/1

8th

7

(11)

27th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 2

18:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Escobar

9st 3lb

J: Neil Callan

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who's become hard to win with and been on the downgrade this year, coming 22lb down the weights; late in the day to be making his Tapeta debut in a new form of headgear and will need some luck if dropped in as usual from stall 11.

12/1

14th
10 (3)
Havana Blue

8/1

Form: -28110 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Absent since a poor effort over 1m seven weeks ago; largely progressive over 7f, including wins at Newmarket (good) on last two attempts; back down in distance, this 3yo colt remains of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(2)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Ascot

Havana Blue

9st 13lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

All three wins at around 7f on good or good to firm ground; possibly unsuited by 1m on soft at Goodwood last time; 7lb below last winning mark and could be dangerous under optimum conditions.

9/1

4th

5

(8)

12th Jun 2026

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

20:24 Goodwood

Havana Blue

10st 10lb

J: Mr Lewis Kent

T: Julie Camacho

All three wins at about 7f on good and good to firm; has more to prove at 1m but previous handicap attempts at the trip were in better company than this and it's likely he will stay this far round here; can go well following a creditable show at Beverley recently; Lewis Kent 2-2 for yard.

11/2

5th

7

(8)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:00 Beverley

Havana Blue

9st 4lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

C&D winner; back from five months off with respectable sixth of ten in 7f Haydock handicap three weeks ago; can build on it from an easing mark.

11/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £87.80
Straight Forecast £80.84
Tricast £484.24
Trifecta £712.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Hickory

Telegraph:

Spangled Mac

TOPSPEED:

Mobashr

Daily Mail:

Bless Him

POSTDATA:

Quinault

Daily Mirror:

Havana Blue

LAMBOURN:

Top Secret

RP RATINGS:

Orbaan

The Guardian:

Spangled Mac

The Sun:

Spangled Mac

D Express:

Mobashr

NEWMARKET:

Hickory

The Times:

Hickory

Daily Record:

Hickory

The Star:

Bless Him