April 23 / 15.55 Epsom

15.55

Good

Weatherbys Global Stallions App Great Metropolitan Handicap

  • Prize money: £10308
  • 1m 4f 6y
  • Class 3
  • 13 runners
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Weatherbys Global Stallions App Great Metropolitan Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.50
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 1314/3 C

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won here in 2021 (1m2f, good) and, after missing 2022 and 2023, he returned with a staying-on third at Bath (1m2f, heavy) 16 days ago; the bounce factor may be an issue of this second quick start back, but there was plenty to like about his comeback run and he's well treated on old form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(8)

23rd Apr 2024

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 3

15:55 Epsom

Champagne Piaff

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Gary Moore

Won here in 2021 (1m2f, good) and, after missing 2022 and 2023, he returned with a staying-on third at Bath (1m2f, heavy) 16 days ago; the bounce factor may be an issue of this second quick start back, but there was plenty to like about his comeback run and he's well treated on old form.

4/1

1st

6

(8)

23rd Apr 2024

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 3

15:55 Epsom

Champagne Piaff

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Gary Moore

Won here in 2021 (1m2f, good) and, after missing 2022 and 2023, he returned with a staying-on third at Bath (1m2f, heavy) 16 days ago; the bounce factor may be an issue of this second quick start back, but there was plenty to like about his comeback run and he's well treated on old form.

4/1

3rd

3

(3)

7th Apr 2024

Heavy

1m 2f 37y

Class 3

13:58 Bath

Champagne Piaff

9st 3lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Gary Moore

Has a long absence to overcome but he was nicely progressive when last seen during the backend of 2021, showing good form over 1m2f/1m4f on ground ranging from fast to soft; dropped in the weights and it makes sense to let the market guide.

10/1

25/1

  • Place: £14.30

Form: 55967-

Last run: 269 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Two 2yo wins in 2022 and some tough assignments during last year's 3yo Flat campaign, in which he was 0-6; fair second of three on hurdle/stable debut at Doncaster last November; may be best watched now back on the Flat.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

26th Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:28 Worcester

Think First

10st 13lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Very useful Flat-racer who seemed to take pretty well to this game when second in three-runner juvenile hurdle at Doncaster (2m, good) in November; well beaten in valuable Epsom handicap on Derby day but still looks interesting on return to this sphere.

11/2

9

(8)

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 2

17:15 Epsom

Think First

8st 11lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Neil Mulholland

Often highly tried for previous stable; with new yard since September, for which he's had three races; second of 13 when 40-1 over C&D (good) in April, which he failed to live up to at Ascot three weeks ago but that was when tried in a hood (now discarded); bit to prove on softer than good.

18/1

8th

1

(12)

11th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

13:30 Ascot

Think First

9st 10lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Neil Mulholland

Often highly tried for previous stable; runner-up in both outings (hurdle/Flat) for new yard, latest at Epsom (1m4f, good) where he was no match for the winner but ran creditably; possibilities, provided he takes well to first-time hood.

13/2

9/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: 40/19- D

Last run: 352 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Won twice in 2022 (1m6f, good) and reappeared with another win at Leicester (1m4f, heavy) last April; absent since mid-division at Newmarket last May (final run for the now-retired William Jarvis) but he's just 1lb above his last winning mark and his new trainer is among the winners; chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(5)

21st Sep 2024

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:55 Newmarket

Duke Of Verona

8st 7lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Harry Eustace

sweating, in rear

14/1

5th

4

(12)

7th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

17:30 Kempton (AW)

Duke Of Verona

9st 13lb

J: George Wood

T: Harry Eustace

Placed in most of his turf outings this season, beaten only a neck at Goodwood latest when having just his second attempt over 2m; effective on AW and holds solid claims.

5/1

2nd

7

(4)

25th Aug 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Goodwood

Duke Of Verona

9st 7lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Harry Eustace

in touch with leaders, edged left then bit short of room over 1f out, kept on well final 110yds, soon went second, just held

9/2

Form: 1450-8

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Down the field on last month's reappearance and her best form has come on slow ground; however, she showed promise on good/good to firm earlier in career and may have needed that latest outing; on a competitive mark and not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(5)

13th Sep 2024

Good

1m 3f 197y

Class 2

16:10 Doncaster

Theres The Door

10st 2lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: David Evans

Her last win came at last season's Glorious Goodwood when the ground was heavy; she has run mostly respectably this term but having ground softer than good, preferably soft or heavy, seems vital to her chance.

16/1

9/1

Form: 69008- CD

Last run: 208 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Disappointing on final few runs last season and sold out of Charlie Hills's yard for 32,000gns in November; however, a break may have helped, he's on his last winning mark and he's 2-2 here; can go well fresh and it will be no surprise to see a big performance on stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

(6)

14th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:25 York

Saratoga Gold

8st 11lb

J: William Pyle

T: Kevin Frost

Last won in July 2023 and is 0-11 for current yard; respectable fifth on both starts this year but suspicion the wait for the next win will go on.

22/1

14

(6)

14th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:25 York

Saratoga Gold

8st 11lb

J: William Pyle

T: Kevin Frost

Last won in July 2023 and is 0-11 for current yard; respectable fifth on both starts this year but suspicion the wait for the next win will go on.

22/1

6th
11 (5)
Vaynor

7/1

Form: 03519- D

Last run: 213 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Well beaten on last season's reappearance but he ran a couple of good races subsequently during a light campaign, including a win at Thirsk (1m4f, good) in September, and he's not ruled out on his return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

14

(15)

26th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:30 Windsor

Vaynor

8st 11lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Charles Hills

Won at Thirsk (1m4f, good) in September 2023 but he's had only four runs since and has been well held in all of them; now 4lb lower than for his last success but has plenty to prove back in trip after 353 days off.

25/1

4th

14

(15)

26th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:30 Windsor

Vaynor

8st 11lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Charles Hills

Won at Thirsk (1m4f, good) in September 2023 but he's had only four runs since and has been well held in all of them; now 4lb lower than for his last success but has plenty to prove back in trip after 353 days off.

25/1

Form: 6134-8 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Well beaten on recent reappearance at Kempton but that was his first crack at 2m and he could improve for the run; won three times last year over about 1m4f (various ground); he might be a contender now back down in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(3)

23rd Apr 2024

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 3

15:55 Epsom

Splendent

9st 3lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Paul & Oliver Cole

Well beaten on recent reappearance at Kempton but that was his first crack at 2m and he could improve for the run; won three times last year over about 1m4f (various ground); he might be a contender now back down in trip.

10/1

7th

8

(3)

23rd Apr 2024

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 3

15:55 Epsom

Splendent

9st 3lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Paul & Oliver Cole

Well beaten on recent reappearance at Kempton but that was his first crack at 2m and he could improve for the run; won three times last year over about 1m4f (various ground); he might be a contender now back down in trip.

10/1

8th

9

(4)

6th Apr 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

15:15 Kempton (AW)

Splendent

9st 7lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Paul & Oliver Cole

Won at Newcastle in 2021 but came last at Wolverhampton in 2022 on his only other AW start, both on Tapeta; had turf wins last year at Windsor in May, Newbury in June and in Hungary in September, before two minor honours at Newmarket in the autumn; ran respectably on both attempts at 1m6f (last summer) but has more to prove going beyond that for the first time.

14/1

Form: 53321- D

Last run: 272 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
This is his first run since last July (gelded since); however, back then he won in good style at Catterick (1m4f, good) and this 4yo could continue to progress; interesting contender on his comeback.
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

16:25 Chelmsford (AW)

Hope You Can Run

9st 4lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charlie Johnston

took keen hold, prominent

10/1

8th

1

(2)

16th Jun 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:15 Thirsk

Hope You Can Run

9st 10lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charlie Johnston

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

16:40 Hamilton

Hope You Can Run

9st 3lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Charlie Johnston

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

OUR TIP

Form: 91236- D

Last run: 136 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Won three times last year (twice on turf) and improved again when Listed third at Lingfield (1m5f, AW) in November; went up the weights as a result and was only sixth of seven in an AW handicap next time, but in view of her progressive profile she's not ruled out on this return to action.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

14

(3)

8th Jun 2024

Good

1m 3f 175y

Class 1

15:00 Haydock

Wynter Wildes

9st 2lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charlie Fellowes

soon led at steady pace, increased tempo over 3f out, soon headed

25/1

25/1

Form: 70308-

Last run: 218 days

W: 8st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Some useful form in 2021 and 2022, and he's dropped down the weights; has been gelded since his last run which might prompt an upturn in fortunes, but it needs to as he struggled to get competitive last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(5)

11th Jun 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

17:40 Kempton (AW)

Green Team

9st 13lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Ian Williams

Just one win in his first 32 starts but he's knuckled down well to justify support at Wolverhampton (1m4f/1m6f) in last two runs; now returns to 2m after a short break, but he's only 2lb higher than last time and hasn't had many chances at this trip; respected.

9/4

1st

2

(5)

24th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 5

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Green Team

9st 13lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Just two wins from 33 starts but latest was a strong-finishing success over 1m4f here last Saturday; that was by a neck but he's only 2lb higher here and is a big player if he can repeat the form back up in trip.

2/1

1st

3

(4)

15th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Green Team

9st 10lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

raced in second

4/1

11/2

Form: 31676- D

Last run: 193 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Bolted up on his handicap debut at Glorious Goodwood (1m4f, soft) last August; three lesser runs followed and there's a suspicion that slow ground is important to him, but he returns having been gelded and retains potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(8)

5th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 3

18:15 Southwell (AW)

The Goat

10st 0lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Clearcut winner at Kempton (1m4f, AW) in July and placed in valuable Lanark Silver Bell at Hamilton (1m4f, heavy) since but this season's record is very mixed and he was never dangerous in first-time cheekpieces (retained) last month; not an easy one to predict.

8/1

9th

6

(15)

7th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

14:25 Haydock

The Goat

9st 0lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Has an inconsistent profile but with easily his two best turf efforts having been delivered in the mud, including when third at Hamilton (1m4f) 15 days ago; stayed on late that day but underperformed in all four appearances at about 1m6f; connections reach for headgear.

11/1

6

(14)

23rd Aug 2024

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

19:05 Hamilton

The Goat

9st 5lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

In-and-out profile and well beaten at Ascot last time, but the good ground may not have suited (sole turf win was on soft going); in good form on AW earlier this summer and he's not ruled out.

7/1

14/1

Form: 8123-0

Last run: 25 days

W: 8st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Well beaten at Lingfield late last month but may have needed that first run since December; did well after joining this yard last August, winning three times (1m2f-2m, including on good); could still have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(1)

10th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 5

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Western Stars

10st 0lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Jim Boyle

Knows how to win as he showed when successful from four rivals at Wolverhampton (1m6f, Tapeta) last month, but he was allowed to dictate there and didn't back it up at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) a week ago (has won over that C&D); needs to bounce back.

6/1

7th

1

(1)

10th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 5

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Western Stars

10st 0lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Jim Boyle

Knows how to win as he showed when successful from four rivals at Wolverhampton (1m6f, Tapeta) last month, but he was allowed to dictate there and didn't back it up at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) a week ago (has won over that C&D); needs to bounce back.

6/1

6th

6

(1)

3rd Dec 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 5

14:27 Lingfield (AW)

Western Stars

9st 11lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Jim Boyle

Recorded his sixth win when making all to justify favouritism off reduced mark at Wolverhampton (1m6f) 18 days ago; this is a deeper race but he's only 2lb higher than last time and has won over C&D in the past; could be a major force again.

4/1

Form: 94220-

Last run: 168 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Won in fine style at Newbury (1m2f, good) last May and continued to progress when runner-up three times in the second half of the year (1m4f-1m6f, good to soft/soft); absent since tailed off in AW Listed race last November but not discounted on her reappearance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(8)

12th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 4

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Greysful Storm

10st 2lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Rebecca Menzies

in rear, weakened from 3f out

16/1

7th

3

(8)

12th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 4

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Greysful Storm

10st 2lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Rebecca Menzies

in rear, weakened from 3f out

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £168.20
Straight Forecast £132.98
Tricast £831.31
Trifecta £1961.40

Selections

Telegraph:

Champagne Piaff

RP RATINGS:

The Goat

TOPSPEED:

Splendent

The Times:

Greysful Storm

POSTDATA:

Western Stars

NEWMARKET:

Wynter Wildes

SPOTLIGHT:

Saratoga Gold

The Sun:

The Goat

LAMBOURN:

Splendent

The Guardian:

Champagne Piaff

Daily Mail:

Champagne Piaff

D Express:

Champagne Piaff

Daily Mirror:

Champagne Piaff

The Star:

Champagne Piaff

Daily Record:

Champagne Piaff