15.35
SoftVirgin Bet Queen’s Cup (Heritage Handicap)
- Prize money: £51540
- 1m 5f 216y
- Class 2
- 14 runners
Runners: 14 runners
Type: Flat Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Light rain
Form: /8217-
Last run: 153 days
W: 9st 12lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 101
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
17th Jan 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 63y Class 2 |
11st 4lb |
Has been a money-spinner for connections over the years but recent efforts (Flat and jumps) have been subdued and he faded into a well-held fourth at Sandown (28-1) in December; well handicapped on old form but needs first-time cheekpieces to have a positive effect. |
22/1 |
|
8th 1 (4) |
29th Mar 2025 Standard To Slow 1m 7f 218y Class 2 |
10st 0lb |
Easily best known for his exploits on soft/heavy ground, on the Flat winning 2022 November Handicap and 2023 Chester Cup; the latter was off same mark as today but he did not fire on all cylinders last March-July and he's run only once on AW, when finishing last over C&D in 2023; enough doubts. |
12/1 |
|
8th 1 (9) |
29th Jul 2024 Soft 2m 0f 179y |
12st 2lb |
Merit's respect on last year's Chester Cup win; unplaced in a staying handicap at Newbury in April; takes a big drop in class now after contesting Group 3 Henry II Stakes at Sandown. |
14/1 |
Form: 03040-
Last run: 168 days
W: 9st 8lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 97
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 (2) |
23rd May 2025 Good 2m 0f 0y Class 3 |
9st 10lb |
Capable of useful form on Flat and over jumps; however, hasn't scored under this code since 2022 and needs to improve on his 2025 AW efforts; admittedly this 8yo may benefit from today's drop back in class. |
20/1 |
|
4 (2) |
23rd May 2025 Good 2m 0f 0y Class 3 |
9st 10lb |
Capable of useful form on Flat and over jumps; however, hasn't scored under this code since 2022 and needs to improve on his 2025 AW efforts; admittedly this 8yo may benefit from today's drop back in class. |
20/1 |
|
5 (12) |
18th Apr 2025 Standard 2m 0f 56y Class 2 |
8st 12lb |
Fine servant to his team but hasn't got his head in front since winning a four-runner chase in late 2023; 33-1 and never dangerous back on the Flat three weeks ago at Kempton (2m). |
16/1 |
Form: 42492-
Last run: 128 days
W: 9st 8lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 97
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 3 (6) |
13th Jun 2026 Good 1m 3f 188y Class 3 |
10st 6lb |
Awarded this race last year when also ridden by Becky Smith, and 6lb lower this time around; can't be totally written off but he's gone the wrong way over the last 12 months and was well beaten at 100-1 here last month. |
5/1 |
|
15th 8 (12) |
15th May 2026 Good 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 2lb |
Promoted to first in 1m4f handicap here (good to firm) last June and he races off 2lb lower today; however, he wasn't at his best last year on his final few runs for Edward Bethell, and failed to threaten over hurdles in the winter on his first two starts for this yard; may be best watched. |
50/1 |
Form: 04254- D
Last run: 197 days
W: 9st 7lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 96
| 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 |
9st 6lb |
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 |
9st 9lb |
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 |
9st 9lb |
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 |
Form: 38500/
Last run: 524 days
W: 9st 5lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 94
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 5 (5) |
19th Sep 2024 Standard 1m 6f 0y Class 5 |
9st 8lb |
Won 1m maiden at Leopardstown as 2yo, when also placed in a Group 2, but he missed 2023 and has generally struggled in Britain this year; way down the weights and took minor honours at Carlisle (1m3f) and Chelmsford (1m6f; made most) on last two outings, but he needs to improve on that form. |
14/1 |
|
3rd 3 (1) |
22nd Aug 2024 Standard 1m 6f 0y Class 6 |
10st 3lb |
Won 1m maiden at Leopardstown as 2yo, when also placed in a Group 2, but he missed 2023 and has generally struggled for both yards in Britain this year; has dropped a long way in the weights and his latest fourth at Carlisle (1m3f) wasn't bad but he needs more back up in trip. |
12/1 |
|
4th 5 (8) |
5th Aug 2024 Good To Firm 1m 3f 39y Class 5 |
10st 2lb |
dwelt start, took keen hold, in touch with leaders, outpaced 2f out, went fourth final strides, not pace to challenge |
50/1 |
Form: 20442-
Last run: 140 days
W: 9st 5lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 96
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 9 |
12th Jul 2026 Good 2m 4f 35y Class 4 |
10st 2lb |
Former smart Flat horse who is 0-6 over hurdles and was beaten a little under 10l on handicap debut here a month ago; he was boxing on over 2m and this longer trip could bring him on (stayed well on the Flat). |
8/1 |
|
6th 1 |
7th Jun 2026 Good To Soft 2m 0f 47y Class 5 |
11st 12lb |
Useful on the Flat in his prime but well held when fifth on handicap hurdle debut at Kelso (2m2f, good; first-time tongue-tie) in April and showed no significant improvement in a subsequent C&D maiden; needs to up his game. |
20/1 |
|
6th 8 |
14th May 2026 Good 2m 0f 47y Class 4 |
11st 5lb |
Useful on the Flat in his prime but has yet to better fair form over hurdles, weakening into a well-held fifth on 2m2f Kelso handicap debut in this sphere 24 days ago; might have needed that after a break but he's still hard to make a good case for. |
20/1 |
Form: 71720- D
Last run: 168 days
W: 9st 3lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 2 |
21st Jul 2025 Good 2m 1f 46y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
Useful Flat stayer who has made the frame on all three hurdling starts; left behind by wide-margin winner when second here (2m6f, soft) last month but that was still a good effort and he's a contender over this shorter trip. |
5/1 |
|
5 |
27th Jun 2025 Good 2m 6f 31y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
Useful Flat performer and was running okay (beaten 5l in the Chester Cup) until below par last time with a visor back on (now discarded); two respectable efforts over hurdles last year, notably when second in an Aintree maiden; every chance; has no clear ground preferences. |
7/4 |
|
4 (7) |
24th May 2025 Good To Firm 2m 0f 46y Class 2 |
8st 13lb |
Often ridden by Zak Wheatley; slow starts have been interfering with what used to be a front-running role; best known for exploits at Chester, admittedly last winning any race in July 2023; ran creditably off this mark in good handicaps both starts this term, sixth in the Chester Cup last time, but he was third in this race last year and may come up a bit short once again. |
4/1 |
Form: 03117-
Last run: 189 days
W: 8st 12lb
5 yo Filly
OR: 87
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 3 |
1st Jan 2025 Good 2m 3f 171y Class 2 |
11st 10lb |
towards rear but in touch with leaders, smooth headway after 4 out, challenging when mistake 2 out, edged right and weakened run-in |
100/30 |
|
4th 3 |
1st Jan 2025 Good 2m 3f 171y Class 2 |
11st 10lb |
towards rear but in touch with leaders, smooth headway after 4 out, challenging when mistake 2 out, edged right and weakened run-in |
100/30 |
|
6th 2 |
14th Dec 2024 Good To Soft 2m 4f 56y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
held up in last, kept on run-in, nearest finish |
14/1 |
Form: 16337-
Last run: 128 days
W: 8st 11lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 86
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
27 (20) |
21st Oct 2025 Soft 1m 2f 0y |
10st 5lb |
Had this rider aboard when scoring at Naas nine days ago, with Considering back in third; worth considering; first reserve. |
|
|
2 (16) |
12th Oct 2025 Yielding 1m 2f 125y |
9st 12lb |
Step in the right direction at Bellewstown recently (1m4f, soft); drop in trip could suit. |
12/1 |
|
3rd 2 (5) |
1st Oct 2025 Good To Yielding 1m 4f 110y |
10st 0lb |
Competitive but below best form in two claimers this summer for current yard and then tailed off in a 2m2f handicap at Down Royal; others appeal more. |
12/1 |
Form: /45-59 C
Last run: 35 days
W: 8st 11lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 86
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 1 |
15th Oct 2025 Good 2m 0f 0y Class 3 |
11st 12lb |
Useful Flat racer who is still unexposed over hurdles and was close second in Perth handicap (2m, good) on latest outing two months ago; only 2lb higher here and ought to be right in the thick of things again. |
7/2 |
|
5 |
16th Aug 2025 Good 2m 0f 47y Class 2 |
10st 2lb |
Smart handicapper on the Flat; a tad disappointing so far over hurdles given his ability but was close up in a C&D handicap three months ago when a stronger pace would have suited; could yet raise his profile in this discipline; 2lb out of the weights. |
5/1 |
|
3 |
15th May 2025 Good 2m 0f 47y Class 3 |
11st 10lb |
Useful Flat performer (second in the 2024 Northumberland Plate); not as good over hurdles so far, winning over 2m at Ayr on debut in November (good; first run after wind surgery) and last time finishing runner-up at Kelso (2m, good); quite interesting on h'cap debut. |
11/4 |
Form: 3306-4
Last run: 15 days
W: 8st 8lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 83
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 (8) |
22nd Aug 2025 Good To Firm 1m 4f 15y Class 2 |
9st 8lb |
9yo who was well beaten in the John Smith's Cup at York last month but won two in a row here (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and continued in good form until his blip last time; not ruled out now back here. |
12/1 |
|
9 (12) |
12th Jul 2025 Good 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 4lb |
Two wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and creditable fifth in the Northumberland Plate a fortnight ago (2m, AW); he's a 9yo who has never won off a mark this high but is versatile in terms of trip and ran well over C&D last month; not ruled out each-way. |
22/1 |
|
5th 7 (2) |
28th Jun 2025 Standard 2m 0f 56y Class 2 |
9st 3lb |
Third and sixth in last two runnings of the C&D Vase on this card; in the groove with successive wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f) this May; however, he's been held off this mark when back up to Class 2 in his three starts since, still in form but suggesting that others will have the edge today. |
18/1 |
Form: 2239-6
Last run: 15 days
W: 8st 8lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 83
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 3 |
2nd Jul 2026 Good 2m 0f 47y Class 4 |
11st 6lb |
Won over C&D (Class 5, good; same mark) last July; has mixed hurdling with Flat racing this year and wasn't beaten far when third over C&D (good; 7-1, Just Dottie fifth) 25 days ago; highly likely to give his running, even though he isn't a frequent winner. |
7/2 |
|
3rd 3 |
7th Jun 2026 Good To Soft 2m 0f 47y Class 4 |
11st 10lb |
Good fourth at Musselburgh in March but tailed off in his last run over hurdles and down the field on the Flat last week; others look more likely. |
10/1 |
|
5th 4 (1) |
29th May 2026 Good To Firm 1m 3f 39y Class 6 |
9st 6lb |
Tailed off over hurdles last time but ran well in that code in March; he's on a handy mark on last year's best Flat form; not ruled out. |
14/1 |
Form: 53321-
Last run: 248 days
W: 8st 8lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 85
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 4 (1) |
7th Jul 2024 Standard 2m 0f 0y Class 3 |
9st 4lb |
took keen hold, prominent |
10/1 |
|
8th 1 (2) |
16th Jun 2024 Good 1m 6f 0y Class 4 |
9st 10lb |
Triple winner at up to 1m6f, all on a sound surface; stepped up on two early-season efforts when scoring at Newmarket last month; went up 3lb for that and was beaten over 8l at Hamilton (1m5f, good) latest; more needed. |
12/1 |
|
8th 6 (7) |
2nd Jun 2024 Good To Soft 1m 5f 16y Class 3 |
9st 3lb |
Can front-run; surged back to form at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) two weeks ago, going on 3f out and seeing off the strong challenger Too Friendly; acts on good to soft; up 3lb but seriously considered. |
7/1 |
Form: 13114- C
Last run: 182 days
W: 8st 8lb
5 yo Filly
OR: 83
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 9 (2) |
12th Oct 2024 Soft 2m 0f 56y Class 3 |
8st 7lb |
Won a soft-ground maiden but best efforts when it's not so deep; 0-10 this season, nearly winning at Musselburgh in August but beaten over 20l on last two outings; down the weights but it's hard to have confidence in her. |
20/1 |
|
3 (8) |
7th Oct 2024 Soft 2m 2f 2y Class 5 |
10st 1lb |
Has won on soft, best form on faster ground; 0-9 this season but nearly won at Musselburgh in August; stiff task last time; three-time Pontefract scorer and looks interesting off a workable mark back here. |
7/1 |
|
9th 12 (6) |
21st Sep 2024 Good 2m 2f 0y Class 2 |
8st 2lb |
in touch with leaders |
16/1 |
Betting Forcast
11/2 Metier, 14/1 Tritonic, 4/1 Chillingham, 7/1 Berkshire Rocco, 33/1 Manu Et Corde, 6/1 Struth, 16/1 Emiyn, 6/1 Sweet Fantasy, 16/1 Capital Theory, 20/1 Evaluation, 25/1 Faylaq, 25/1 Ravenscraig Castle, 12/1 Hope You Can Run, 14/1 Yorkindness
Verdict
It would be no shock if last year’s runner-up Metier again stayed on to serious effect and an excellent record on soft ground points to Chillingham, for all that he often races freely. However, slight preference is for STRUTH, who may well have more to offer at this trip and could benefit from the gelding operation, while the racefit hurdle winner Sweet Fantasy may prove the chief danger on her first appearance at 1m6f. The selection is one of four trained by Charlie Johnston and his Yorkindness is another to take seriously if further rain means that this turns into a right slog.[Richard Austen]