May 11 / 13.30 Ascot

13.30

Good To Soft

Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Handicap

  • Prize money: £13500
  • 1m 3f 211y
  • Class 3
  • 14 runners
ITV4
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Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.20
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 2/6-11

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
2-2 this season, winning Class 5 contests over 1m2f at Windsor (good) and Salisbury (heavy), latterly by 10l last Sunday; leading player provided he stays this new trip and copes with the higher grade; appears well treated under 5lb penalty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(1)

5th Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Bath

Kotari

8st 13lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Hasn't won since recording a three-timer in 2024; last of six on return to action at Salisbury (1m4f, good) last month when favourite; has dropped to a career-low mark and first-time visor goes on; may be worth another chance.

13/2

6th

4

(5)

14th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 5

17:03 Salisbury

Kotari

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

His three wins were all on the Flat in 2024, including here on heavy ground over 1m2f; failed to build on his comeback run when well beaten over hurdles at Kempton 52 days ago and the hood returns on this switch back to the Flat; makes some appeal from a good mark.

3/1

8/1

  • Place: £4.20

Form: 31761- D

Last run: 323 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Absent since coming off a strong pace to win going away at Goodwood (1m4f, good) last June, taking record to 2-6; open to further progress and looks interesting on return to action, assuming this race pans out just as favourably.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(1)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:30 York

Great Bedwyn

10st 2lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Beaten on his last 14 starts but he was a good second of 17 over 1m4f here (good) at the Dante meeting in May; freshened up since a disappointing effort at Thirsk six weeks ago.

8/1

8th

2

(7)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 8y

Class 4

17:15 Thirsk

Great Bedwyn

9st 10lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Beaten on his last 13 starts going back to last May but he's been a good second on two of his last three starts, most recently in a big field at York (1m4f, good) this month; every chance he'll again be bang there.

4/1

2nd

4

(7)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Great Bedwyn

9st 7lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Won this (good to firm) on return last year by a neck off 4lb higher than today; subsequent efforts have never quite lived up to that, albeit runner-up on Kempton AW last September and this March; first 1m2f run for ages when disappointing on latest start; could bounce back with each-way claims.

15/2

16/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 2241-0 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Successful twice during a consistent 2023 campaign in Class 6 and Class 5; form dipped sharply in Class 4 event at Newbury on reappearance; perhaps needed the run but he has something to prove upped further in grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 3f 63y

Class 4

12:55 Ascot

Graham

10st 4lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Unseated rider mid-race when well backed for Fontwell handicap six weeks ago and now 0-7 over hurdles; not one to give up on just yet but moves up in grade today and others in this line-up may have more potential.

7/1

10

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 3f 63y

Class 4

12:55 Ascot

Graham

10st 4lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Unseated rider mid-race when well backed for Fontwell handicap six weeks ago and now 0-7 over hurdles; not one to give up on just yet but moves up in grade today and others in this line-up may have more potential.

7/1

1

22nd Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

14:30 Fontwell

Graham

11st 12lb

J: Rob Hargreaves

T: Gary & Josh Moore

0-6 over hurdles but was a beaten favourite on his last three starts in March/April; below form on the Flat in three runs since but not one to give up on just yet; goes without headgear worn on last hurdles start and last two Flat runs.

5/2

Form: 22P41- D

Last run: 225 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Has low mileage; absent since opening his account at Newcastle (12.5f, AW; handicap debut) last September on final start for Charlie Johnston; joined new connections for 47,000gns and has been gelded; open to further improvement and is one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(5)

30th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:50 Thirsk

King Of The Plains

10st 3lb

J: P J McDonald

T: James Horton

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, towards rear with one circuit to go, outpaced and no impression from 2f out

4/1

3rd

3

(2)

26th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 4

16:10 Ascot

King Of The Plains

10st 0lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: James Horton

took keen hold, raced in second, pressed leader over 3f out, briefly led over 2f out, no chance with winner from over 1f out, lost second final strides

8/1

8th

5

(5)

31st May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 3f 197y

Class 4

20:50 Doncaster

King Of The Plains

9st 6lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: James Horton

ducked right start, took keen hold, towards rear

5/1

Form: 2-6830 D

Last run: 62 days

W: 9st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Now a stone below last winning mark; however, he's far from solid on 2024 AW form and losing spell goes back to 2021; by no means certain to take advantage of the drop in weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(8)

5th Jun 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:57 Nottingham

Rhythmic Intent

9st 9lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Stuart Williams

The lack of any win since 2021 sees him down to his lowest mark since handicap debut in 2019; stacks of form from 2023 gives him a big chance in theory and he wasn't far away in February three starts ago; while hard to dismiss, it's also hard to make him the percentage call.

7/1

5th

11

(1)

11th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

13:30 Ascot

Rhythmic Intent

9st 0lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Stuart Williams

Now a stone below last winning mark; however, he's far from solid on 2024 AW form and losing spell goes back to 2021; by no means certain to take advantage of the drop in weights.

25/1

16/1

Form: 39206-

Last run: 187 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Scored twice (AW/soft) for previous yard; absent since a respectable midfield effort at Kempton (1m3f; easy to back) six months ago on debut for new stable; follow the market signals on reappearance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(7)

13th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 1f 209y

Class 4

17:25 Sandown

Maso Bastie

10st 1lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Michael Bell

Good efforts in just two 1m2f handicaps for this stable, doing well against a progressive one at Newmarket (good; has won on soft) then things didn't go his way after another slow start at Doncaster in August; the return to a stiff finish can suit; has every chance.

9/1

5th

1

(4)

17th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 43y

Class 4

14:32 Doncaster

Maso Bastie

9st 10lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Michael Bell

Won novice races at Lingfield (1m, AW) and Nottingham (1m2f, soft) for James Fanshawe; yet to win a handicap but ran well when second at Newmarket (1m2f, good; cheekpieces on for first time) two runs back to one who was completing a hat-trick; headgear retained; chance on that form.

6/1

4th

3

(5)

3rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

20:10 Hamilton

Maso Bastie

10st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Michael Bell

Inconsistent but returned to form in first-time cheekpieces (retained) when runner-up at Newmarket (1m2f, good) a fortnight ago; has run well over an extended 1m4f in the past and he's one to consider; tongue-tie added.

11/4

7th
12 (5)
Enthused

20/1

Form: 00/303 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Scored five times over hurdles last year; hasn't fared badly since returning to the Flat (turf/AW) but the bare form suggests he'll come up short in this competitive field, back up in grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(5)

7th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Enthused

9st 8lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: James Owen

Doesn't win too often on the Flat these days but he has been placed on his last two starts, chasing home Seraphic at Chelmsford four weeks ago (1m2f); each-way claims again.

4/1

3

(8)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Enthused

9st 10lb

J: Alexandra Egan

T: James Owen

Prolific winning hurdler who opened AW account with clear win in amateur riders' race at Chelmsford in June; returned to the Flat with two below-par runs at Kempton this month, though, and has only dropped 1lb.

25/1

3

(8)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Enthused

9st 10lb

J: Alexandra Egan

T: James Owen

Prolific winning hurdler who opened AW account with clear win in amateur riders' race at Chelmsford in June; returned to the Flat with two below-par runs at Kempton this month, though, and has only dropped 1lb.

25/1

OUR TIP

13/2

Form: 5967-2

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
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.
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

9th
7 (8)
Appier

25/1

Form: 15406- D

Last run: 184 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Has a respectable overall strike-rate but form dipped towards the end of his 2023 campaign; enough to prove at this level on reappearance, having done all his winning in lower grades and never when fresh.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

(2)

12th Jun 2026

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:39 Goodwood

Appier

9st 2lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Tony Carroll

Mainly seen on the AW these days, but he did win three times on turf as a 3yo; interesting to see how he fares in the market on debut for Tony Carroll (same owner).

10/1

6th

5

(5)

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:45 Goodwood

Appier

9st 1lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Richard J Bandey

Recorded his tenth win when scoring at Wolverhampton (2m, Tapeta) in January; held his form with creditable efforts in next three starts but his good spell came to a halt at Lingfield last month; has bit to prove again after that heavy defeat and his last turf win was in 2022.

10/1

13th

10

(11)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

14:05 Lingfield (AW)

Appier

9st 5lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Richard J Bandey

Three course wins have come over 1m4f, but he has won over this sort of trip elsewhere; finished half a length behind St Faz when third of four at Southwell (1m6f, Tapeta) and now 11lb better off; each-way claims.

18/1

8/1

Form: 2-2232 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Getting no help from the assessor but his consistency is admirable; has made the frame in last 11 races, mostly on AW; close second at Windsor (11.5f, good) last month returned to turf; again appears likely to go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(5)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

18:58 Newmarket (July)

Way Of Life

10st 0lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

He's had a long career but never been better than this season, winning at Wolverhampton (9.4f) and Lingfield (1m4f) with a close third in between; they were all on AW in March/April under Olivia Tubb and he's not raced since, with turf runs in the last two years hinting that he's not quite so good in this sphere; also, the last time he raced on firmer than good was 2022.

10/1

1st

2

(1)

27th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Lingfield (AW)

Way Of Life

9st 8lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

Kickstarted 2026 with success at Wolverhampton (9.5f) in March and backed it up with a good third of 12 in another 9.5f handicap there since; this C&D scorer can go well again off the same mark.

5/1

3rd

4

(12)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 4

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Way Of Life

9st 8lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

His first seven wins were all gained over 1m4f/1m3f, with the latest of those last October, but he then made all under Olivia Tubb in a six-runner race over C&D 13 days ago; that win was by a neck and he's been raised 2lb since, but a wide draw complicates today's task.

12/1

14/1

Form: 1-2712 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Successful five times on AW, most recently in February; creditable second in higher grade there (1m4f) eight weeks ago; however, has something to prove off same mark back on grass (turf record is far from compelling).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(10)

28th Jan 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 2

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Haku

9st 7lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Mark Loughnane

Multiple AW winner who should give his running but may struggle to defy current mark (career-high one) and reverse placings with Paradias; finished about 2l behind that rival in this contest 12 months ago and at Wolverhampton latest start.

10/1

10/1

Form: /1-127

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Horse

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Progressive over 1m6f/2m on AW for new yard, until form dipped on finals day; drops back in grade but reverts to a different scenario; hasn't raced over 1m4f or tackled a Flat turf race since 2020 when trained in Germany.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

2nd Apr 2026

Soft

1m 7f 200y

19:00 Clonmel

Palace Boy

12st 0lb

J: Mr P W Gleeson

T: John F Gleeson

Hurdles winner for Fergal O'Brien and ran in the 2023 Supreme Novices'; three-time Flat winner; back from long absence when tailed off on sole Flat outing for Barry Brennan in December; bought for just £1,400 in January; Irish/handicap hurdle debut.

12/1

12th

5

(3)

11th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

13:30 Ascot

Palace Boy

9st 4lb

J: George Rooke

T: Ralph J Smith

Progressive over 1m6f/2m on AW for new yard, until form dipped on finals day; drops back in grade but reverts to a different scenario; hasn't raced over 1m4f or tackled a Flat turf race since 2020 when trained in Germany.

10/1

12th

5

(3)

11th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

13:30 Ascot

Palace Boy

9st 4lb

J: George Rooke

T: Ralph J Smith

Progressive over 1m6f/2m on AW for new yard, until form dipped on finals day; drops back in grade but reverts to a different scenario; hasn't raced over 1m4f or tackled a Flat turf race since 2020 when trained in Germany.

10/1

13th
14 (14)
Obsidian Knight

10/1

Form: 2376-1 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Value for more than his narrow winning margin at Chelmsford (1m2f, AW) on seasonal debut, having done well considering he pulled hard and met traffic issues; has plenty of 1m4f form and may remain competitive back up just 1lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(5)

18th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 5f 66y

Class 5

19:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Obsidian Knight

10st 0lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: T J Kent

7-25 on the AW, with one of the wins coming on his only Chelmsford start; creditable third of ten at Lingfield (1m4f, AW) 19 days ago and the second from that race has won since; stamina not assured over the longest he's tackled but can be very competitive from his mark.

11/2

3rd

2

(5)

30th Aug 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

19:25 Lingfield (AW)

Obsidian Knight

10st 0lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: T J Kent

7-24 on the AW with six of those wins coming at Lingfield (1m2f/1m4f); no joy in three turf runs in May/June but he didn't get much luck back on AW at Wolverhampton last month; now only 1lb higher than for his C&D win in April and he's in the mix back at this track.

15/2

11

(1)

31st Jul 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 3

20:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Obsidian Knight

8st 10lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: T J Kent

7-23 on the AW with all wins coming over 1m2f/1m4f on Polytrack, six of them at Lingfield; 0-7 on Tapeta, but runner-up on four occasions so he isn't easy to dismiss.

16/1

Form: -53455

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Respectable form on AW this spring; better than bare result at Newmarket (1m4f) last Saturday returned to turf, having met a spot of trouble; 4lb above last winning mark but drops back in grade; could go well.
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

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £50.50
Straight Forecast £48.85
Tricast £372.04
Trifecta £549.80

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Kotari

POSTDATA:

Think First

SPOTLIGHT:

King Of The Plains

TOPSPEED:

Rhythmic Intent

The Times:

Think First

The Sun:

Think First

Daily Record:

Think First

Telegraph:

Kotari

The Guardian:

Kotari

Daily Mirror:

Kotari

The Star:

Kotari

NEWMARKET:

King Of The Plains

Daily Mail:

King Of The Plains

D Express:

King Of The Plains