April 20 / 14.40 Newbury

14.40

Soft

Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes (Group 3) (Colts & Geldings)

  • Prize money: £51039
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
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Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes (Group 3) (Colts & Geldings)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £17.80
  • Place: £4.60

Form: 126-

Last run: 175 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Won on debut at Hamilton (6f, good to soft) last September then went close in Listed race at York (6f, soft); disappointing at Doncaster (6f, heavy) last October when last seen but he's much better than that and his attractive pedigree provides hope that he'll have more in the tank; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(1)

25th May 2024

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:25 Haydock

Esquire

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Ran three times last year, posting a Listed second in October (6f, soft; behind Purosangue), and reappeared with a win in the Group 3 Greenham at Newbury (7f, good to soft) last month, showing pace; surplus stamina will be no bad thing in today's conditions and he can give another good account.

9/1

6th

4

(1)

25th May 2024

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:25 Haydock

Esquire

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Ran three times last year, posting a Listed second in October (6f, soft; behind Purosangue), and reappeared with a win in the Group 3 Greenham at Newbury (7f, good to soft) last month, showing pace; surplus stamina will be no bad thing in today's conditions and he can give another good account.

9/1

1st

5

(7)

20th Apr 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Newbury

Esquire

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

prominent towards near side

16/1

25/1

  • Place: £6.90

Form: 21-

Last run: 303 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second on debut at Yarmouth (6f, good to firm) last May and went one better at Lingfield (6f, AW) in June; looked a useful prospect back then but this is his first run since and others have far more substance to their form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(6)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:45 Newmarket

El Bodon

9st 11lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

0-11 on turf with his best efforts coming on slower than good; back up in the weights after a productive AW campaign and he has enough to prove back on turf, all the more so after his tame effort at Newcastle on Good Friday.

33/1

14th

6

(10)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

El Bodon

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Two 6f wins at Kempton this winter and he ran as well as he ever has when a close fourth at Lingfield five weeks ago (behind Ferrous and Lakers); this stiff 6f should suit and he can make another bold bid.

14/1

4th

2

(5)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 2

15:12 Lingfield (AW)

El Bodon

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

3-3 on AW, showing improved form to win a useful race at Kempton 16 days ago (6f); 3lb rise not beyond him and he should give it a good go in his hat-trick bid.

11/4

15/8

  • Place: £6.90

Form: 111- D

Last run: 155 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Won all three 2yo starts, namely a Kempton novice (7f, AW), a warm Newmarket novice (7f, heavy; under a penalty) and Listed race at Saint-Cloud (7f, heavy); did it comfortably the last twice and he holds strong form claims on this reappearance outing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

(5)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

19:15 Salisbury

Zoum Zoum

9st 7lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Ralph Beckett

Just missed out in this race on his reappearance 12 months ago (good to firm); ended 2025 with two good second-place finishes in Listed company at Doncaster and Southwell; each-way shout once again.

6/1

4th

7

(7)

13th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 1

15:00 Doncaster

Zoum Zoum

9st 6lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Ran well in Listed grade at Salisbury on reappearance; has failed to repeat that form in two major handicaps at Ascot since; returns to the scene of his last success (6f, soft) but this is a stiffer assignment.

25/1

1

(19)

26th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Ascot

Zoum Zoum

9st 12lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Acts on any ground; very useful performer who has Listed/Group form; two handicap attempts (6f) comprise a win at Doncaster last October and an excusable defeat (poorly drawn) in the Wokingham last time; effective over 7f and has the ability to get involved, even off top weight.

12/1

4th
9 (1)
Son

14/1

Form: 15535- C

Last run: 203 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Won maiden here (6.5f, good to firm) last June on second start and some respectable runs in Group 2/Listed races subsequently (7f/1m, including on good to soft); represents stable that has enjoyed lots of success in this race but improvement is needed if he's to threaten on this reappearance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

13

(3)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:50 Newmarket

Son

8st 12lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

0-16 since winning in June 2023 on his second start but short-headed at Thirsk (7f, good) last month on his stable and seasonal debut and posted another good second at Haydock (7f, good) last Saturday; he's on the shortlist.

7/1

2nd

4

(7)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 4

16:15 Haydock

Son

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Didn't progress for Richard Hannon but, having dropped in the weights, he went desperately close to making a winning debut for Tim Easterby three weeks ago, staying on strongly at Thirsk (7f, good); 1lb higher today but he attained a BHA rating of 106 in his pomp; contender.

5/1

20/1

Form: 33172-

Last run: 175 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Ran five times last year, winning a Carlisle novice (6f, good) on his third start and displaying major improvement in a first-time visor when pushing Ballymount Boy close in a Listed race at Doncaster (6f, heavy) when last seen; each-way shout on that form but reappears without any headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(6)

16th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Chelmsford (AW)

Alaskan Gold

9st 12lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Robert Cowell

Not beaten far at Hamilton in August (5f, good) but only four ran there and he hasn't built on it since; will be 3lb lower from the weekend and easy enough to have reservations.

25/1

2

(11)

7th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Leicester

Alaskan Gold

9st 9lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Robert Cowell

Smart on his day, as when close up in a Group 3 at Newbury (7f, good to soft) in April 2024; showed he was sharp enough for 5f when going down in a tight finish at Hamilton (good; four ran) in August and although below that level since he'll be suited by a return to good to soft ground in this lower grade than of late; has run well in a visor and it's now refitted.

8/1

6

(3)

6th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:07 Haydock

Alaskan Gold

8st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Robert Cowell

Appeared to run well when a close third at Hamilton last month but that effort is sandwiched by two lesser efforts; down in the weights but stable may have stronger claims with Democracy Dilemma.

33/1

Form: 212-

Last run: 210 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Very impressive at Salisbury (6f, good) last August on his second start then went close in the Group 2 Mill Reef here (6f, heavy); there's every chance he'll stay 7f and continue to progress this year; William Buick has 23% strike-rate for yard in last five seasons; could have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

(11)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:25 Ayr

Mister Sketch

10st 0lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Hasn't fulfilled the promise of his 2023 2yo campaign but he was a close third off this mark at Salisbury four weeks ago (6f, heavy) and will be bang there if repeating that form.

5/1

1

(1)

12th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:45 Salisbury

Mister Sketch

9st 11lb

J: Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Won a 2yo novice over C&D in 2023 when with Eve Johnson Houghton; mixed results since and ran very moderately on his return to Britain in a 6f handicap at Ripon.

12/1

11th

1

(8)

4th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:40 Ripon

Mister Sketch

9st 13lb

J: Faleh Bughenaim

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Runaway win in a 2yo novice at Salisbury (6f, good) for Eve Johnson Houghton in 2023; mixed results in eight runs since but he was a front-running third in a conditions race in Qatar (7f) in May; on dangerous mark now back in Britain and he's not ruled out on this return to sprinting.

12/1

15/2

Form: 1331-

Last run: 219 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Built upon the promise of first three starts (5f-6f, good/good to firm) when winning Doncaster sales race (6.5f, soft) with something to spare last September; not fully exposed on softer than good and could be in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(5)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:56 Redcar

Room Service

9st 2lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Soft-ground Listed winner last autumn; best effort this term when second to Quinault in 7f Group 3 at York (good) in June; ran poorly with cheekpieces added (retained) in a Doncaster Group 2 last month but he's a major player if back to anywhere near his best.

100/30

7th

5

(8)

13th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 1

15:00 Doncaster

Room Service

9st 6lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Best effort this term when second to Quinault at York (7f, good) on penultimate start; 2-2 at Doncaster, namely soft-ground wins in the sales race at this meeting in 2023 and Listed event last November; interesting back here, assuming he takes well to first-time headgear.

7/1

6

(11)

20th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

15:40 Curragh

Room Service

9st 10lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Handles good ground, best form on soft, including Doncaster Listed win last autumn; made a sound return to action when 3l fourth of 12 in 7f Group 3 John Of Gaunt at Haydock; ran to a similar standard when second in a 7f Group 3 at York last month.

6/1

OUR TIP

13/2

Form: 12-2 BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Impressed on debut at Ayr (6f, good) last May and went very close in Group 2 Coventry at Royal Ascot (6f, good) next time; then absent until last month, when turned over at 2-9, and that defeats dents confidence in his claims today; however, he may have needed the run and remains a colt to be interested in given last year's abundant promise; wears first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(8)

20th Apr 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Newbury

Army Ethos

9st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

led against near rail

13/2

8th

2

(8)

20th Apr 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Newbury

Army Ethos

9st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

led against near rail

13/2

2nd

1

(3)

3rd Mar 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Army Ethos

9st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Impressed at Ayr on his debut last May and went down narrowly in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot (6f, good), doing best of the larger central group; subsequent absence is the obvious concern but he returns at a realistic level and sets an extremely high standard for a race of this nature.

2/7

Form: 1435-1 C

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Didn't really progress last year after winning on debut here (6f, good to soft) in July, but he reappeared at Pontefract (6f, heavy) recently having been gelded and bolted up in that small-field handicap; if confirming that latest promise he might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(3)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:05 Curragh

Jamess Delight

9st 5lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Clive Cox

Won this event on good ground last year, battling well to beat another British challenger, with Big Gossey a little unlucky in a close third; struggled in two Group 1s in the autumn, including the Ascot event won by Powerful Glory; out of the money, along with the shorter-priced Spycatcher, on seasonal debut at Doncaster in March; this is a deeper race than last year's.

8/1

6th

6

(12)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 1

13:50 Doncaster

Jamess Delight

9st 10lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Clive Cox

Hampered when fifth to Spycatcher in this race last year; gained ample compensation in Group 2 at the Curragh (6f, good; gamely) two months later; didn't give his running in two Group 1s in the autumn but this is easier and he has gone well when fresh in the past; high on the list.

15/2

4

(5)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Jamess Delight

9st 4lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Clive Cox

Six wins from just 16 attempts and he landed the Group 2 Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh (6f, good) in May; however, he was only eighth in this race 12 months ago and finished last in the Sprint Cup at Haydock last month; unlikely to be good enough.

50/1

Form: 7193-1 D

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Two novice wins (6f, good to firm/good) from his five 2yo starts and he reappeared with narrow Listed win at Lingfield (AW) last month on first crack at 7f; slow ground is an unknown (non-runner due to unsuitable soft going last August); further improvement is needed but possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(17)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Watch My Tracer

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: George Scott

Goes well fresh, winning a Listed AW race (7f) in 2024 before failing to go on and it was a similar story in Bahrain this winter, winning there in December but in the ruck twice since; has a demanding task here.

66/1

24th

7

(10)

20th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:05 Ascot

Watch My Tracer

9st 5lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: George Scott

Career best when getting up late on in a 7f Listed event on the AW in March but he has beaten just one rival in his two subsequent appearances, in the Group 3 Greenham (7f) and a 6f handicap at Newmarket; not a lot went right last time but this stiff 1m could trouble him, as might a tough-looking mark; hood added.

40/1

6th

1

(5)

19th May 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Newmarket

Watch My Tracer

9st 9lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: George Scott

Dual 6f winner on turf last term and 7f Listed scorer on AW this season; comfortably held in Group 3 most recently; ran well (off 2lb lower) at York on sole handicap attempt but this looks a harder task.

16/1

Form: 12281-

Last run: 175 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in two 7f Group races last August (soft/good to firm) and bounced back from French flop to land Listed win at Doncaster (6f, heavy) in October, not enjoying a clear run but finding enough to beat Alaskan Gold; 7f could be his optimum trip and he's firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

6

(9)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Ballymount Boy

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Smart as 2yo, placed in the Group 3 Acomb at this meeting (on good to firm) before winning a Listed race at Doncaster (6f, heavy); retains ability but he's not obviously well handicapped and the suspicion is he would prefer good ground or softer; gelded since last start.

14/1

6th

2

(6)

3rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Ballymount Boy

9st 9lb

J: James Doyle

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Acts on any ground; ties in with Indian Run on York form last August; good second in the Richmond here the time before and bagged Listed honours later in 2yo campaign; got going too late in 6f AW Group 3 most recently, shaping as if this return to 7f will suit; could go well.

9/1

6th

11

(7)

29th Jun 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:04 Newcastle (AW)

Ballymount Boy

8st 12lb

J: James Doyle

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Tough performer at two, winning a Hamilton maiden and a Doncaster Listed event (both 6f) as well as chasing home Vandeek in the Richmond Stakes; flopped in the Greenham on his return ten weeks ago (7f, good to soft) and now comes here with a point to prove.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £203.10
Straight Forecast £194.54
Tricast £977.44
Trifecta £1633.80

Selections

The Guardian:

Zoum Zoum

Telegraph:

Mister Sketch

SPOTLIGHT:

Ballymount Boy

The Times:

Room Service

RP RATINGS:

Army Ethos

NEWMARKET:

Watch My Tracer

POSTDATA:

James's Delight

Daily Mirror:

Son

Daily Mail:

Zoum Zoum

D Express:

Zoum Zoum

The Star:

Zoum Zoum

Daily Record:

Mister Sketch

TOPSPEED:

Ballymount Boy

The Sun:

Room Service

LAMBOURN:

Army Ethos