May 05 / 15.00 Newmarket

15.00

Good

William Hill Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

  • Prize money: £51540
  • 1m 6f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 11 runners
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William Hill Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £7.30
  • Place: £2.45

Form: 12/24- D

Last run: 233 days

W: 8st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Did well upped to 1m6f in 2022; absent 391 days before good second at the big York meeting (1m4f) last August and soft ground may explain his form dipping slightly at Doncaster in September; has a very solid record in handicaps, particularly on good or good to firm, and should be seriously involved if getting his ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(8)

12th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Bague DOr

9st 5lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Won on this track in 2021 and 2022; had a very solid record in handicaps, particularly on good or good to firm, prior to never figuring at Royal Ascot (1m4f) latest; that followed a 2024 reappearance win over 1m6f on the other Newmarket course (4lb higher today) but he may well need a career best if he's to add to that today.

11/2

11th

11

(22)

21st Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:25 Ascot

Bague DOr

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

switched sharply right soon after start, took keen hold, held up in rear, switched right and headway from 2f out, not pace to challenge

12/1

17

(9)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

19:15 Ascot

Bague DOr

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Reserve; fast-ground C&D winner who ran just twice last year but fared well and he reappeared with a win at Newmarket (1m6f, good) last month; it was a career best last time and he could continue to improve; contender.

14/1

8/1

  • Place: £3.65

Form: 11-535 BF

Last run: 37 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Three wins at about 1m4f last June-December, the last two on AW; three runs in that sphere this year, in cheekpieces last two occasions and he was a good third in strong 2m race on first of those; not disgraced on latest; major player if his best AW form is transferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(2)

1st Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Newbury

Vaguely Royal

8st 12lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Ian Williams

Third in his last three starts, but may not have achieved that much and remains without a win on the Flat since the end of 2023; others more compelling.

9/1

3rd

5

(4)

22nd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 27y

Class 4

19:52 Pontefract

Vaguely Royal

8st 10lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Ian Williams

Comes here on the back of two third-place finishes but the latest was behind Trojan Soldier and there is no obvious reason why the placings would be reversed.

10/1

3rd

5

(7)

17th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:17 Ripon

Vaguely Royal

9st 9lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

There was some restoration of his Flat fortunes when third of five at Southwell (1m6f, AW; stays 2m) on latest start but he's without a win on the Flat since the end of 2023; has another career-low mark but it's hard to know when he will take advantage.

7/1

7/1

  • Place: £2.25

Form: 336-13

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Seven races, two wins; gelded after final start last term (August) and comfortably justified strong support at Wolverhampton in March on return; creditable third in a warm race at Kempton (again 1m4f on AW) four weeks ago; tends to race freely but has been keeping on well over 1m4f, so 1m6f is not out of the question; the AW improvement needs to be carried over to turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(7)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 4

19:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Intinso

9st 11lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Craig Lidster

Slightly resurgent on reappearance but needs to build on that effort and remains far from solid on his form for current stable; was a useful sort for previous yard.

20/1

6th

4

(2)

31st Jan 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 3

16:25 Newcastle (AW)

Intinso

9st 7lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Craig Lidster

Useful performer at up to 1m6f for the Gosdens but regressive for his current yard and tailed off in his last five starts, including on hurdling debut in August; has plenty to prove on his return and last win was almost two years ago.

25/1

4

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

15:55 Cartmel

Intinso

11st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Craig Lidster

Useful Flat performer at up to 1m6f for the Gosdens but regressive for his current yard and tailed off on his last four starts (blinkered on latest); perhaps he'll be sweetened up by hurdling but he carries obvious risks.

10/1

Form: 1112-7

Last run: 92 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
In the form of his life last summer, winning three times on the Flat (1m4f/1m5f) and once over hurdles; also runner-up in a valuable 1m6f handicap at Newmarket's July meeting; next seen when never dangerous on Kempton AW (2m) three months ago but he has a chance if back to his peak form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

24th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

15:03 Kelso

Kihavah

11st 11lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Very useful dual-purpose performer; runner-up in Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen last summer and arrives on the back of a good effort on the Flat at Newmarket three weeks ago; very much one to consider back in this sphere.

11/4

8th

2

(6)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Kihavah

9st 7lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Saw daylight all too late when strong-finishing fifth in this race last year (much better than his 2024 performance in it); Meydan this January/February did not yield much (stiff tasks) but he's now 4lb lower than this time last year, too well handicapped to be ruled out; rare run in cheekpieces.

10/1

3

19th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:50 Kempton

Kihavah

11st 2lb

J: James Bowen

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Useful on Flat and over hurdles; good second in notable summer handicap at Market Rasen on last attempt in this sphere; filled the same position, albeit comfortably beaten by Rubaud on same terms, in this contest 12 months ago; needs a personal best to go one better.

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 352-43 C

Last run: 72 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in the 2022 St Leger; lightly raced since and has not hit the same heights, wearing a tongue-tie and/or cheekpieces when he took minor honours in Newmarket Listed races last season (subsequently gelded) and Meydan Group 3s this year; doubts have been introduced.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(12)

5th May 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket

New London

9st 12lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

raced wide early, prominent, switched to centre after 4f

7/2

5th

1

(12)

5th May 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket

New London

9st 12lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

raced wide early, prominent, switched to centre and led group after 4f, headed in group 2f out, hung right and weakened 1f out

7/2

Form: 04254- D

Last run: 233 days

W: 9st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in the St Leger in 2020 and won on Southwell 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) and that form gives him a shout but he does not look the percentage call.
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

18:05 Ascot

Berkshire Rocco

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

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

16:15 Newmarket

Berkshire Rocco

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

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

16:15 Newmarket

Berkshire Rocco

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

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

10/1

Form: 15200- CD

Last run: 239 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Pipped by HMS President (and dead-heated with Torcello) in this race first time out last year and won over C&D 12 days later; Flat campaign petered out after his second at Glorious Goodwood and he flopped in November on his second start over hurdles; absent since but he'd be a big player if reverting to his 2023 best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(8)

27th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Lingfield (AW)

Adjuvant

9st 8lb

J: Joe Bradnam

T: Michael Bell

Winless since May 2023 but he reappeared from five months off the track with a good third of five in 2m Southwell handicap 18 days ago; not out of things on his Polytrack debut eased 1lb.

5/1

3rd

2

(6)

9th Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell (AW)

Adjuvant

9st 12lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Michael Bell

Winless since 2023 and he signed off for last term with a below-par 14th in November Handicap at Doncaster in November; yard is going well though so no forlorn hope off a reduced mark.

8/1

16/1

Form: 1/120- D

Last run: 318 days

W: 9st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Very productive and progressive for two and a half years before tailing off when 28-1 for the Ascot Gold Cup last June and he has not raced since; went into that race having taken a good 1m6f handicap and Group 3 second over 2m that spring, but today's mark demands a fair bit better still.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

24th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

15:03 Kelso

Wise Eagle

11st 1lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

Looked better than ever when third in the Morebattle Hurdle here in February and posted a good third on the Flat at Musselburgh last month; must enter calculations in refitted cheekpieces.

3/1

3rd

1

(11)

4th Apr 2026

Good

1m 5f 216y

Class 3

15:05 Musselburgh

Wise Eagle

9st 9lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Adam Nicol

Won this prize in 2023 and had a fruitful Flat/hurdles campaign last winter before his close fourth in this; while he did not make an impact in either of his Flat runs this winter, latest hurdles form was his best in that sphere; 8lb lower than the 2025 renewal and a case can certainly be made.

13/2

3rd

10

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

14:55 Kelso

Wise Eagle

11st 3lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

Runner-up here (2m, soft) last February and back on song when third at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) four weeks ago; he's lightly raced over hurdles and is on an attractive mark judged on his very useful Flat form, but he needs to raise his game if he's to take this.

12/1

10/1

Form: 20442-

Last run: 176 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Versatile tactically and on ground; won at Chester last May on seasonal debut; had rather a mixed record afterwards but both 1m6f attempts were creditable and he went close on AW debut in the rescheduled November Handicap when last seen; gelded since; cheekpieces last five starts; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

14th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

13:58 Perth

Struth

11st 5lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

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

5th

3

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

16:00 Kelso

Struth

11st 8lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Showed only minor promise in three novice/maiden hurdles (1m7f-2m) last September-November but was useful on the Flat in his prime and may yet transfer more of that ability to this code; wears first-time tongue-tie for handicap hurdle debut; market may guide.

11/2

10th

5

24th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

14:33 Perth

Struth

11st 0lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Very useful on the Flat in his prime but has not been firing on all cylinders this year and made a low-key stable/hurdle debut when well-held fourth over C&D (good) 16 days ago; needs to take a big step forward today.

10/1

12/1

Form: 61/16 C

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Trained by Charlie Appleby when winning a maiden here (1m2f, good) in October 2022 on second start; not seen again until following up in a 1m4f Southwell novice (AW) this March for new trainer; handicap debut in strong race at Kempton (1m4f, AW) four weeks ago was actually his best form but never dangerous in only sixth of 14; marked improvement is clearly needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(2)

1st Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 4

15:30 Musselburgh

Cannon Rock

9st 8lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: James Owen

Strong form when runner-up at Kempton (1m4f, AW) in May 2024; lightly raced since and unable to get competitive, most recently in Newmarket handicap (1m1f, good); it's possible he'll still be the main threat to Empirestateofmind, however; wears a first-time visor.

4/1

8th

2

(4)

20th Sep 2025

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 4

17:05 Newmarket

Cannon Rock

11st 3lb

J: Mr Lewis Kent

T: James Owen

One-time useful but looking regressive and was tailed off at Windsor (extended 1m3f, soft) on return from an absence; bit to prove now, especially at this trip.

33/1

9/1

Form: /2120- CD

Last run: 253 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Got up close home from Adjuvant and Torcello in this (soft) last year and ran a huge race when beaten a neck over 1m4f at Royal Ascot next time (5lb higher today); his only two starts since saw him finish last in the Ebor at York last August and second on hurdling debut this February; career best is needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

20

(6)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

HMS President

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

8yo whose last turf Flat run was in May 2024 (tailed off) with some fair hurdles form since; three seconds and two fourths from his five visits to Ascot, most notably when beaten a neck in this race two years ago off the same mark as today; that followed a 1m6f win and he's not entirely dismissed even though the 1m6f Copper Horse on Tuesday (first reserve) was seemingly his preferred engagement this week; usually wore headgear in 2021 and 2022, now tries a first-time visor.

50/1

17

(8)

17th Jun 2025

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

HMS President

9st 3lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Alan King

Reserve; has a good record here and went close at this meeting in 2023 (1m4f, good to firm); stays 1m6f; some good runs over hurdles since last November but it remains to be seen if this 8yo is the same force as two years ago; wears a first-time visor.

40/1

11th

4

26th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:20 Sandown

HMS President

11st 8lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Useful on Flat and has a solid record (2122) over hurdles; penultimate effort in this sphere is a strong piece of form; however, rather lacks room for significant progress, having raced 41 times in total.

12/1

Non-runners

Torcello

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £103.50
Straight Forecast £99.97
Tricast £566.24
Trifecta £423.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Bague d'Or

POSTDATA:

Intinso

RP RATINGS:

New London

The Guardian:

Cannon Rock

The Times:

Struth

Telegraph:

Wise Eagle

TOPSPEED:

HMS President

NEWMARKET:

Intinso

The Star:

Intinso

The Sun:

New London

D Express:

Bague d'Or

Daily Mirror:

Bague d'Or

Daily Record:

Bague d'Or