15.30
SoftXenon Handicap
- Prize money: £20384
- 0m 7f 1y
- Class 2
- 12 runners
Runners: 12 runners
Type: Flat Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Showers
Abandoned
Form: 035014 CD
Last run: 14 days
W: 9st 9lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 100
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11th 1 (4) |
27th Oct 2023 Standard 0m 7f 36y Class 2 |
10st 0lb |
Done most winning round easy, turning courses, so has that in his favour; isn't as consistent now, which is no surprise given his age, but retains most of his ability and is fine on Tapeta; the harder they go the better for him. |
8/1 |
|
4th 2 (9) |
30th Sep 2023 Soft 0m 7f 212y Class 2 |
10st 0lb |
Veteran now but he ran really well in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m) and the Victoria Cup at Ascot (7f) in the spring and took advantage of a slight drop in grade at Chester (7.5f) last time, underlining how well he goes on soft ground; has an excellent course record and should remain very competitive after a 5lb rise. |
11/2 |
Abandoned
Form: 904031 CD
Last run: 21 days
W: 9st 7lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 98
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 3 (4) |
17th Jul 2026 Good To Firm 1m 2f 50y Class 6 |
9st 13lb |
10yo who's the sole winner (seven times) in this, if not since autumn 2023, but last two outings at Bath have advertised the need to give him a longer run over 1m2f now; no ground or track issues, and he's among the likeliest. |
5/2 |
|
4th 2 (10) |
13th Jun 2026 Good To Soft 1m 0f 0y Class 6 |
9st 9lb |
No win since September 2023 but he is operating off a much-reduced mark now and he emerged from the pack to take a never-nearer third here eight days ago (1m2f, good); might need them to go too fast up front to win but he holds each-way claims all the same. |
9/2 |
|
3rd 4 (5) |
5th Jun 2026 Good 1m 2f 37y Class 6 |
9st 8lb |
All seven wins have been on good ground or softer; latest was in 2023 and although he has plenty of form (this year even) to give him a chance, having a second stab at 1m2f on latest outing didn't go well enough. |
9/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 940121 D
Last run: 21 days
W: 9st 6lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 97
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 4 (4) |
23rd Sep 2023 Good To Soft 0m 7f 0y Class 3 |
9st 9lb |
in touch with leaders |
7/1 |
|
2nd 1 (10) |
13th Sep 2023 Standard 0m 7f 14y Class 4 |
10st 3lb |
Overcame a wide trip to score at Kempton (AW) last week, benefiting from the return to this grade and belated step up to 7f; now 3-6 in Class 4 events and remains unexposed at this distance; 5lb penalty is largely offset by Frederick Larson's useful claim; respected. |
6/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 157008 C
Last run: 14 days
W: 9st 5lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 96
| 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 |
Abandoned
Form: 357020 C BF
Last run: 21 days
W: 9st 4lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 95
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 1 (4) |
11th Jul 2026 Good 0m 7f 127y Class 4 |
10st 4lb |
All six wins have been on turf and last two were in Class 2 events over C&D (good/good to firm); struggled in his first three runs after a long absence this spring but he got back on track with a front-running second at Kempton (1m, AW) last Monday; 2lb higher back on turf but he remains well treated on old form and is an interesting contender back at this track. |
2/1 |
|
2nd 3 (5) |
29th Jun 2026 Standard To Slow 1m 0f 0y Class 4 |
10st 2lb |
Thrown in on 2024 best but he missed 2025 and has yet to get going this time around; hopes appear to rest on the drop in class having a positive effect. |
14/1 |
|
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 |
Abandoned
Form: 22-316
Last run: 118 days
W: 9st 3lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 94
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 10 (12) |
1st Jul 2026 Good To Firm 0m 7f 0y Class 5 |
9st 3lb |
Low-key run at Newmarket (6f, good) 12 days ago; return to a longer trip is in his favour but others are more appealing for win purposes. |
20/1 |
|
11th 12 (10) |
19th Jun 2026 Good 0m 6f 0y Class 5 |
9st 5lb |
Only 1lb higher than for his Lingfield (1m, AW) in January; up and down since that success and could prove vulnerable back sprinting. |
20/1 |
|
4th 6 (2) |
28th Apr 2026 Good To Firm 0m 7f 3y Class 5 |
9st 4lb |
Has won only once since making his British debut in October 2023; has threatened plenty of times but has been very poor in last two races. |
14/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 215000 D
Last run: 21 days
W: 9st 2lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 93
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 8 (9) |
18th Oct 2025 Standard 0m 6f 20y Class 3 |
9st 5lb |
C&D winner; flashed home to win a 7f handicap at Chester in May but it has been a mixed bag since, including dropped into a seller at Chester four weeks ago; dangerous mark if the addition of a tongue tie has a positive effect. |
10/1 |
|
4 (4) |
20th Sep 2025 Soft 0m 7f 127y Class 4 |
9st 10lb |
Last-gasp winner of a Class 3 handicap here (7f, good) in May but he hasn't matched that form since and was well held over C&D (good to soft) last time; hood now returns but this is highly competitive for a seller and others are preferred. |
8/1 |
|
1 (9) |
13th Sep 2025 Good 0m 7f 127y Class 4 |
10st 1lb |
Produced a strong finish for a last-gasp success off this mark here (7f, good) in May; hasn't hit the same level since but he had some serious traffic issues when a creditable third here last month; looks interesting on this step back up in trip and could be a big factor if he gets the breaks. |
14/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 412215 C
Last run: 14 days
W: 9st 0lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 91
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 4 (9) |
11th Jul 2026 Good 0m 7f 1y Class 1 |
9st 7lb |
Has won in Bahrain but all eight British wins have come at Chester (5f/6f); his last success was in May but he's gone backwards since and was beaten 14l in the Wokingham last time; now returns to Chester but he's drawn out wide and has something to prove back up in trip. |
14/1 |
|
24th 14 (12) |
20th Jun 2026 Good To Firm 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 4lb |
Has won in Bahrain but all eight British wins have come at Chester and he's been soundly beaten in the last two runnings of this race (100-1 each time); has been wearing cheekpieces but visor is now refitted. |
100/1 |
|
11th 1 (6) |
6th Jun 2026 Good To Soft 0m 6f 3y Class 2 |
9st 9lb |
Has gained all eight domestic wins at Chester, the most recent on penultimate start; Epsom is an unknown and he's on a difficult mark, conceding weight all round to boot. |
22/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 598905 D
Last run: 35 days
W: 9st 0lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 91
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 3 (6) |
10th Jan 2025 Standard 0m 7f 0y |
10st 0lb |
took keen hold, prominent, joined leader over 4f out, led under 3f out, headed over 1f out, lost second when lost action inside final 110yds, eased towards finish, looked to go wrong |
3/1 |
|
4th 3 (6) |
10th Jan 2025 Standard 0m 7f 0y |
10st 0lb |
took keen hold, prominent, joined leader over 4f out, led under 3f out, headed over 1f out, lost second when lost action inside final 110yds, eased towards finish, looked to go wrong |
3/1 |
|
2nd 9 (9) |
18th Dec 2024 Standard 0m 7f 0y |
8st 8lb |
Once very useful sort with eight turf wins but is yet to win on AW; fine effort from the front over inadequate 6f (rider dropped whip) here last Friday and one to consider back at his optimum trip and rider's valuable claim. |
13/2 |
Abandoned
Form: -55417 CD
Last run: 11 days
W: 8st 11lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 88
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12th 12 (2) |
4th Oct 2024 Standard 1m 0f 5y Class 4 |
9st 4lb |
midfield towards far side |
20/1 |
|
6th 8 (9) |
13th Sep 2024 Soft 0m 7f 1y Class 4 |
9st 8lb |
Acts on soft; close third on penultimate start, inconsistent otherwise this year; three-time winner at Chester and has possibilities back here, provided he takes well to first-time visor. |
16/1 |
|
11th 10 (8) |
1st Aug 2024 Standard 1m 0f 142y Class 3 |
9st 2lb |
7f course winner who had dropped 6lb lower than when successful at Newcastle (7f, Tapeta) last December when beaten less than a length into third of 11 at Ripon (1m, good to soft) 12 days ago; races off the same mark but this trip looks to be right on the limit of his stamina. |
10/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 4730-2 C
Last run: 29 days
W: 8st 10lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 87
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 11 (4) |
23rd Nov 2024 Standard 0m 7f 36y Class 2 |
9st 3lb |
Formerly useful in this sphere but is 0-9 and showing inconsistent form for current stable; came up well short returned to AW last time and doesn't look the percentage call. |
20/1 |
|
7th 11 (4) |
23rd Nov 2024 Standard 0m 7f 36y Class 2 |
9st 3lb |
Formerly useful in this sphere but is 0-9 and showing inconsistent form for current stable; came up well short returned to AW last time and doesn't look the percentage call. |
20/1 |
|
11 (3) |
17th Oct 2024 Standard 0m 7f 14y Class 2 |
9st 2lb |
midfield but in touch with leaders |
14/1 |
Abandoned
Form: 026987 D
Last run: 21 days
W: 8st 10lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 87
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12th 12 (8) |
28th Jun 2025 Standard 0m 7f 14y Class 2 |
8st 11lb |
The oldest contender and a familiar face, having taken part in this race for the last four years (form figures read 6529); beat all bar Eldrickjones over C&D last month but the return to this better grade presents a tougher task. |
16/1 |
|
2nd 10 (5) |
11th May 2025 Standard 0m 7f 14y Class 3 |
8st 11lb |
Four-time C&D winner, including this race in 2021; second in it last year; has continued in good form in the main since winning over C&D last November (didn't run badly at Doncaster latest) and is on the shortlist now back here. |
10/1 |
|
2nd 10 (5) |
11th May 2025 Standard 0m 7f 14y Class 3 |
8st 11lb |
Four-time C&D winner, including this race in 2021; second in it last year; has continued in good form in the main since winning over C&D last November (didn't run badly at Doncaster latest) and is on the shortlist now back here. |
10/1 |
Verdict
It might be worth forgiving PERCY’S LAD a below-par run at York last time as he’s run well on all four outings here and is well drawn for one who usually races close to the pace. Richard Fahey’s pair Stone Soldier (second choice) and Zip head the dangers along with course specialist Revich. [Andrew Sheret]