May 04 / 16.10 Newmarket

16.10

Good

William Hill Epic Boost Handicap

  • Prize money: £25770
  • 1m 4f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 9 runners
RTV
View Course
William Hill Epic Boost Handicap

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £7.05
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 33/1-1

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Consistent as a 2yo; improved to win a maiden at Doncaster on his stable debut last April and did so again when ending well on top in handicap at Ripon when next seen over a year later; both those wins were 1m2f on heavy, shaping as if today's trip is unlikely to be a problem but there is a concern about him moving away from soft/heavy ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

(8)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Maxi King

9st 4lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Likeable 6yo who handles any ground and can usually be relied upon to give his running, as was the case when a close second to A Piece Of Heaven in the Chester Cup (2m2f, good); Toby Moore's claim meant the winner was giving him 8lb that day, so he looks to have his work cut out to reverse those placings; can run well but probably not well enough.

20/1

2nd

3

(8)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Maxi King

9st 5lb

J: Toby Moore

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Reliable sort with a good first-time-out record, and he looks well worth this first foray beyond 14.5f, but there is something to prove if the ground if firmer than good; promising 7lb claimer has his first ride at Chester.

14/1

1

(3)

21st Oct 2025

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 2

16:50 Newcastle (AW)

Maxi King

10st 2lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Lightly raced for a 5yo; has twice made the frame since returning from another seven months off in June, finishing fourth of 13 in the Mallard at Doncaster (14.5f, good to soft) last month (runner-up has since won the Cesarewitch); placed in both starts on AW as a 2yo including one here; not dismissed.

11/4

4/1

  • Place: £1.45

Form: 13103- D

Last run: 232 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Well-beaten third favourite in the Ebor at York last August but ran well in his other four races last season, winning twice; could still have better in store this term and although his last three appearances were over about 1m6f, so this 1m4f race might not be ideal, he is still seriously considered given today's opposition.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(5)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Real Dream

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Third in this race last year off 3lb higher; competitive only once (Saudi Arabia in February) from six starts this year and there's been no win for very nearly three years, so he's far from being the percentage call.

50/1

13th

6

(1)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Real Dream

9st 11lb

J: Mickael Barzalona

T: Ian Williams

Close up in a Saudi Arabian 1m7f handicap in February (latest run in a tongue-tie that now returns) but that form is none too persuasive in a race of this nature and he's hardly hit the ground running back in Britain; only eighth in this last year off 2lb higher; one for the optimists.

22/1

7th

1

(4)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 2

13:30 Carlisle

Real Dream

9st 12lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Ian Williams

Fourth in handicap in Saudi Arabia on second start this year but has not beaten a rival in two runs back in Britain; difficult to recommend.

25/1

OUR TIP

9/2

  • Place: £2.85

Form: /1436- D

Last run: 316 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Best form when third in the Italian Derby (1m3f, heavy) last May; not seen since a heavy defeat at Royal Ascot (1m4f Group 2, good to firm) last June; gelded in August; none too solid compared to some of these but he is lightly raced.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(20)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Relentless Voyager

9st 12lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Won handicap at Epsom (good to soft) on Derby day and good second from the front in Group 3 at Goodwood (good to firm) three weeks ago, both 1m4f; third in 1m6f Listed race at York in between might suggest limitations for today's task but trying to come from off a steady pace will have counted against him, so he's not fully exposed.

12/1

2nd

5

(1)

3rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 218y

Class 1

13:50 Goodwood

Relentless Voyager

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Better than ever when readily winning competitive handicap at Epsom (1m4f, good to soft) on Derby day; not seen to best effect in steadily run Listed race at York last time and could have the same problem today, while there's a question as to whether he's fully effective on fast ground; however, this progressive 4yo could yet have more to offer and is not ruled out.

7/2

Form: 311-80

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Promise on turf in the first half of 2023 and he returned from five months off to win comfortably in a novice at Wolverhampton (9.4f) and handicap at Newcastle (1m2f) at the end of last year; backward steps in his two starts since, despite prominence in the betting, the latest over 1m4f on soft at Thirsk, but the ground should not be so testing here and he's not dismissed in first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(4)

29th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 99y

Class 2

15:52 Windsor

To Catch A Thief

8st 10lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: William Haggas

Back-to-back AW wins at the end of 2023; tongue tied, respectable third in 1m2f handicaps at Redcar (soft; Zetland Gold Cup) and Haydock (good to firm; six ran) on last two starts and had similar form three starts back on his second crack at about 1m4f, but he needs a bit extra.

7/2

3rd

1

(7)

22nd Jun 2024

Good

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

19:45 Haydock

To Catch A Thief

9st 11lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: William Haggas

Hasn't progressed in quite the manner that looked likely after back-to-back AW wins at the end of 2023 but his latest third of ten in the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar (1m2f, soft) was a creditable effort; likely to be competitive if in similar form.

7/2

3rd

6

(2)

27th May 2024

Soft

1m 2f 1y

Class 2

16:35 Redcar

To Catch A Thief

9st 6lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Returned from break with novice and handicap AW wins at about 1m2f in late 2023, but he hasn't put it together at this trip and 1m4f in three starts since (cheekpieces latest; now tongue tied); the return to 1m2f can suit but soft ground is not sure to improve matters.

8/1

10/1

Form: 6-5345

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Has often gone from the front but shaped well making late headway over 1m2f/1m3f on AW on last three outings; usually seen over shorter but last year's two Windsor wins included one at 11.4f; peak turf efforts have been on good or good to firm.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(2)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:47 Newmarket (July)

Youthful King

9st 5lb

J: Jude Fernandes

T: Luke Dace

Usually apprentice ridden but Jude Fernandes rides him for the first time; 6lb lower than when winning at Sandown (1m6f, good to firm) last June; he has not beaten many in his four starts this season, coming last in a four-runner race last time, but can't be dismissed and the hood he often wore last term (and first run this year) is reinstated.

10/1

4th

2

(4)

26th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:54 Lingfield

Youthful King

9st 5lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Luke Dace

4lb lower than when winning over this trip at Sandown (good to firm) last summer, but heavy defeats in his last four outings leave him with plenty to prove.

20/1

20/1

Form: 0094-3 D

Last run: 50 days

W: 8st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Trained by Jim Goldie in 2022 and 2023; reappeared with a close third at Newcastle (AW) and that was over just 1m2f, whereas his wins have been at 1m4f-2m; well treated judged on plenty of 2023 form and can go well on this first run for new yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

(15)

23rd Aug 2024

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

19:05 Hamilton

Geremia

8st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Two wins last year (good to soft/soft; including here) and he took a six-runner C&D handicap (good) in May; however, slow starts can be an issue and he was well beaten at Thirsk last time; the cheekpieces had no positive impact on sole previous use in 2021; others are more compelling.

33/1

15th

2

(14)

16th Jun 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:15 Thirsk

Geremia

9st 8lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Three-time winner at up to 1m5f, on good or slower; latest success came at Hamilton (1m4f, good), on his penultimate start; finished over 3l ahead of Hope You Can Run when sixth back at Hamilton latest; more needed.

9/1

6th

8

(4)

2nd Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:40 Hamilton

Geremia

9st 1lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Left Jim Goldie before penultimate start; two wins from four races at Hamilton, including when he mowed down Capital Theory from the back in six-runner race (1m4f) 16 days ago; back up 4lb (peak mark was 2lb higher still) and stays further than this; another telling late challenge could be on its way.

8/1

Form: 3321-8 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Can front-run; ended last season in July but on a high note, winning in good style at Catterick (1m4f, good); well beaten at Epsom (8-1) on reappearance 11 days ago, fading over the last 2f, but may well have needed that run.
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

Form: 4131-2 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Two 1m4f wins at Ripon last June (good to firm/good) and best form when close second over that same C&D last Saturday (soft); the latter was after 311 days off and puts him on the shortlist off the same mark today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(2)

9th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 4

18:20 Pontefract

Knightswood

9st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Charlie Johnston

Ran as if something was amiss last time; in good form otherwise this term and looks capable of being involved; however, he's still seeking a first handicap success away from Ripon.

9/2

4

(3)

16th May 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

16:38 Newmarket

Knightswood

9st 0lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Charlie Johnston

Loves Ripon where he won again last month by a narrow margin; badly in under a penalty when a close third over 1m6f here 12 days ago and he's 2lb lower for this; can be relied upon to give his running and be seriously involved.

2/1

4

(3)

16th May 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

16:38 Newmarket

Knightswood

9st 0lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Charlie Johnston

Loves Ripon where he won again last month by a narrow margin; badly in under a penalty when a close third over 1m6f here 12 days ago and he's 2lb lower for this; can be relied upon to give his running and be seriously involved.

2/1

Form: /606-6

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Three wins in France in 2022; no great impact in his three British efforts and, although he's now been dropped 7lb in the process, others in this look more solid; not proven over this far; wears headgear first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 3

15:10 Cartmel

Percy Shelley

11st 11lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: James Owen

Runner-up (albeit no match for winner) off today's mark at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in May and didn't run badly on the Flat (1m6f) last month; could yet have a bigger effort in him over jumps but this drop back in trip may not be in his favour.

8/1

6th

3

(9)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:07 Sandown

Percy Shelley

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: James Owen

Three Flat wins in France in 2022 (1m1f-1m3f); two hurdle wins last year (one a walkover) and he didn't run badly when fourth of seven, beaten 2l, at Goodwood last month on his return to the Flat (2m, good; 5-2 joint favourite); Oisin Murphy booked; contender.

100/30

2nd

7

24th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 2

15:28 Uttoxeter

Percy Shelley

11st 6lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: James Owen

Three Flat wins and he's 2-5 over hurdles; competitive in both disciplines since returning from a break and this scenario is ideal for him.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £28.70
Straight Forecast £27.18
Tricast £141.15
Trifecta £159.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Geremia

LAMBOURN:

Maxi King

The Guardian:

Knightswood

NEWMARKET:

To Catch A Thief

Telegraph:

Real Dream

The Times:

Relentless Voyager

The Sun:

To Catch A Thief

Daily Mail:

Maxi King

Daily Mirror:

Maxi King

D Express:

Real Dream

The Star:

Knightswood

Daily Record:

Knightswood

RP RATINGS:

Geremia

TOPSPEED:

Geremia

POSTDATA:

Geremia