April 26 / 14.25 Sandown

14.25

Good

bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes (Group 3)

  • Prize money: £48203.5
  • 1m 1f 209y
  • Class 1
  • 7 runners
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bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes (Group 3)

Runners: 7 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

11/4 (Won)

Form: 2111/2 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Completed a hat-trick when winning on handicap/turf debut at Salisbury (1m2f, good to soft) in September 2022 and it was his first run since when runner-up in Listed race at Kempton (1m2f, AW) on April 1; that was a very promising comeback and this unexposed 5yo could be a serious force today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(5)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Newmarket

Okeechobee

9st 6lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Harry Charlton

On the up when a Group 3 winner at Sandown (1m2f, good to soft) in April 2024 but absent for 12 months subsequently and hasn't hit the same heights on his return; latest Goodwood Listed race sixth (Bolster fifth) was a bit better but will need to step up again.

8/1

4

(5)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Newmarket

Okeechobee

9st 6lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Harry Charlton

On the up when a Group 3 winner at Sandown (1m2f, good to soft) in April 2024 but absent for 12 months subsequently and hasn't hit the same heights on his return; latest Goodwood Listed race sixth (Bolster fifth) was a bit better but will need to step up again.

8/1

6th

5

(10)

24th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 1f 197y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Okeechobee

9st 4lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Harry Charlton

Group 3 win at Sandown (1m2f, good to soft) in April 2024 maintained his solid and progressive path; subsequently absent for 12 months and has regressive RPRs since returning to action; turnaround is required.

14/1

Form: /8113-

Last run: 223 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Won Royal Ascot handicap (1m4f, good) last June and followed up in Group 3 Gordon Stakes at Goodwood (1m4f, soft); fine third in the St Leger (1m6f, soft) when last seen and gelded since; drops back in trip for reappearance and this may be a stepping stone to bigger targets over further, but he may evolve into a top-notch 4yo and he's entitled to considerable respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(4)

22nd Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Desert Hero

9st 3lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Won C&D handicap (good) at this meeting 12 months ago and followed up in Group 3 Gordon Stakes at Goodwood (1m4f, soft); campaign concluded with third to Continuous in the St Leger (1m6f, soft) and returned with near-miss over inadequate 1m2f in Group 3 Gordon Richards at Sandown (good to soft); disappointing at Newbury since but the Sandown effort firmly indicated he was set for a very good year, and he can play a leading role if bouncing back.

13/2

5th

3

(7)

18th May 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Newbury

Desert Hero

9st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Most progressive at three, winning Royal Ascot handicap and Group 3 Gordon at Goodwood (both 1m4f) before fine third in the St Leger (gelded after); excellent effort when only narrowly denied in 1m2f Sandown Group 3 on reappearance; the return to 1m4f looks sure to see him in a better light and he'll be tough to beat for a yard with good recent record in this.

11/8

5th

3

(7)

18th May 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Newbury

Desert Hero

9st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Most progressive at three, winning Royal Ascot handicap and Group 3 Gordon at Goodwood (both 1m4f) before fine third in the St Leger (gelded after); excellent effort when only narrowly denied in 1m2f Sandown Group 3 on reappearance; the return to 1m4f looks sure to see him in a better light and he'll be tough to beat for a yard with good recent record in this.

11/8

Form: 1622-9 D

Last run: 69 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Down the field in Qatar Group 3 in February but much better than that, as evidenced by last July's Group 2 Princess of Wales's win at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) and his close second in the Group 3 Cumberland Lodge at Ascot (1m4f, good) in October; should be suited by this stiff 1m2f and stable has won the last two runnings; leading claims if back to his best now in blinkers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(1)

21st Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:35 York

Israr

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

Record of 321 since wearing blinkers, most recently landing the Wolferton at Royal Ascot (1m2f Listed, good to firm) where he won well and looked better than ever; headgear retained; faces a stiffer task on first Group 1 attempt and owner's retained rider Jim Crowley prefers Alflaila.

33/1

1st

9

(8)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

18:40 Ascot

Israr

9st 5lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: John & Thady Gosden

Group 2 winner (1m4f) last term; beaten favourite in two runs in Britain with blinkers added this spring but he ran right up to his best when second to Passenger in 1m2f Chester Group 2 (good to firm; also acts on heavy) last time, with the pair well clear; solid chance.

7/2

2nd

3

(3)

10th May 2024

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 1

15:05 Chester

Israr

9st 3lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: John & Thady Gosden

took keen hold, prominent, led over 1f out, headed final 110yds

7/2

14/1

Form: 17344- CD

Last run: 247 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who won a C&D novice last May (good to soft) and best performance came when third in Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) last June; gelded since last seen and improvement can't be ruled out, but it's necessary if he's to come out on top today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

12th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 6f 44y

Class 2

18:45 Salisbury

Artistic Star

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Without a win since May 2023 and only four ran when second in a 2m Newbury handicap in July; new cheekpieces did nothing for him when down the field at York last time and he now goes in blinkers.

6/1

2

(8)

20th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Artistic Star

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Ran creditably on good to firm ground on his first and penultimate turf attempts this season; beaten a neck by Almuhit over 2m in the latter but in just a four-runner race; edging down the weights but others are a bit more persuasive; no win since May 2023 and connections turn to headgear.

14/1

5th

5

(7)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:55 Goodwood

Artistic Star

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Ran respectably on soft here two years ago; downgraded from Group contests to handicaps for last five outings, running creditably on first and latest attempts this season; they were over 1m6f and 2m, beaten a neck last time but in just a four-runner race; this event is more competitive.

18/1

OUR TIP

Form: 74541- D

Last run: 174 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Ran some good races in defeat last season prior to Listed win at Newmarket (1m2f, heavy) in November; won a Group 3 in France in 2022 (1m, good); could have a part to play if fully tuned up for this reappearance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(7)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Checkandchallenge

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: William Knight

He's contested quality handicaps at Newbury and Ascot on his three starts this term, performing respectably and beaten around 4l each time; this 7yo probably needs something extra to snap a long losing run but he's edging down the weights and has run some big races here; worth a second look.

10/1

10th

14

(30)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Checkandchallenge

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: William Knight

Very useful on his day and has plenty of Listed/Group form; however, needs to improve on his Newbury handicap efforts this season (beaten 4l both times) and remains badly out of the winning habit, with losing spell stretching back to 2023.

20/1

6th

2

(10)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Checkandchallenge

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: William Knight

7yo who's spent the vast majority of his career in Group or Listed races and this time last year he was fifth on this card in the Group 1 Lockinge; only his second handicap when, like so many others, he met traffic problems in the Spring Cup over C&D (28-1) four weeks ago; Rossa Ryan gets back on board and they are not totally dismissed.

20/1

25/1

Form: 58/0-1 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Placed in Group/Listed races in 2021 (including on good ground); below par in light 2022 and also on sole 2023 run; returned with comfortable front-running handicap win at Bath recently (1m2f, heavy); today's task is considerably tougher and he has something to find with the principals, but he may get an easy lead if latest tactics are repeated, which can count for a lot.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(6)

26th Apr 2024

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 1

14:25 Sandown

Tasman Bay

9st 2lb

J: David Probert

T: Sir Mark Todd

Placed in Group/Listed races in 2021 (including on good ground); below par in light 2022 and also on sole 2023 run; returned with comfortable front-running handicap win at Bath recently (1m2f, heavy); today's task is considerably tougher and he has something to find with the principals, but he may get an easy lead if latest tactics are repeated, which can count for a lot.

25/1

6th

7

(6)

26th Apr 2024

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 1

14:25 Sandown

Tasman Bay

9st 2lb

J: David Probert

T: Sir Mark Todd

Placed in Group/Listed races in 2021 (including on good ground); below par in light 2022 and also on sole 2023 run; returned with comfortable front-running handicap win at Bath recently (1m2f, heavy); today's task is considerably tougher and he has something to find with the principals, but he may get an easy lead if latest tactics are repeated, which can count for a lot.

25/1

1st

1

(1)

7th Apr 2024

Heavy

1m 2f 37y

Class 3

13:58 Bath

Tasman Bay

9st 10lb

J: David Probert

T: Sir Mark Todd

Won a 1m AW novice for this yard three years ago and was later placed in Group races, including the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot; was returning from 256 days away when down the field in a 1m4f handicap at York last May on his sole run for William Haggas (same ownership; first-time tongue-tie) and now returns from another layoff; wellbeing is clearly an issue.

5/1

Form: 131/0- C

Last run: 344 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Ran just once last year, when well beaten in the Dante at York in May (finished lame); gelded since; very promising 2yo in 2022, landing the Group 3 Zetland Stakes at Newmarket (1m2f, good) that October, and it will be no surprise if he returns with a big performance for his leading yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(4)

18th May 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Newbury

Flying Honours

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: Charlie Appleby

Very promising at two (Listed/Group 3 winner) but well beaten in the Dante at York on sole 3yo start and fared no better in 1m2f Sandown Group 3 (Desert Hero second) on reappearance three weeks ago; has lots to prove at present.

20/1

8th

4

(4)

18th May 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Newbury

Flying Honours

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: Charlie Appleby

Very promising at two (Listed/Group 3 winner) but well beaten in the Dante at York on sole 3yo start and fared no better in 1m2f Sandown Group 3 (Desert Hero second) on reappearance three weeks ago; has lots to prove at present.

20/1

7th

4

(3)

26th Apr 2024

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 1

14:25 Sandown

Flying Honours

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Ran just once last year, when well beaten in the Dante at York in May (finished lame); gelded since; very promising 2yo in 2022, landing the Group 3 Zetland Stakes at Newmarket (1m2f, good) that October, and it will be no surprise if he returns with a big performance for his leading yard.

7/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £14.17

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Okeechobee

RP RATINGS:

Israr

Daily Mirror:

Flying Honours

POSTDATA:

Desert Hero

LAMBOURN:

Tasman Bay

Daily Record:

Flying Honours

The Guardian:

Okeechobee

Daily Mail:

Okeechobee

D Express:

Okeechobee

The Star:

Okeechobee

Telegraph:

Desert Hero

TOPSPEED:

Israr

The Times:

Israr

The Sun:

Israr