May 17 / 14.30 Newbury

14.30

Good To Soft

Unibet Handicap

  • Prize money: £18900
  • 1m 2f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 14 runners
ITV
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Unibet Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £8.90
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 2/23- BF

Last run: 181 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo for powerful connections; goes handicapping after showing promise in all three runs (7f-1m2f; turf starts on slow ground) and trainer's patient approach would suggest there's more to come from him; market helpful.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

16

(6)

28th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 210y

16:52 Fairyhouse

Hosanna Power

8st 7lb

J: Jimmy Dalton

T: D Broad

No win since 1m2f Newbury success two years ago; form this spring poor; handicapper quick to drop him but no improvement; cheekpieces now tried.

20/1

7th

10

(1)

19th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 90y

20:12 Cork

Hosanna Power

9st 6lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: D Broad

No win since 1m2f Newbury win in May 2024; form this spring poor but handicapper quick to drop him and jockey booking looks positive.

20/1

13th

8

(3)

25th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

1m 3f 190y

17:35 Limerick

Hosanna Power

9st 11lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: D Broad

No win since May 2024; hasn't looked like ending the drought on the AW on recent starts; hard to fancy.

28/1

11/2

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 2421-5 D BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Had his consistency rewarded with a 1m2f maiden win on Newcastle's AW in October, after which he was gelded; sent off one of the favourites for a deep C&D handicap a month ago and yet shaped as though that run was needed (weakened from a handy position); strong suspicion that he has better days ahead of him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(6)

5th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 3

18:15 Southwell (AW)

Cracksking

10st 0lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: James Fanshawe

Consistent 4yo who kept on well for third in quite valuable Racing League handicap here (1m3f) in August; nudged up 2lb to career-high mark since but useful 3lb claimer Kaiya Fraser is enlisted; probably won't be far away.

4/1

3rd

2

(6)

29th Aug 2024

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 3

20:10 Southwell (AW)

Cracksking

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Fanshawe

Has proved consistent in his career especially on the AW (32113); still 4lb above his last winning mark but no surprise if he goes well again.

9/2

4th

5

(3)

10th Aug 2024

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Cracksking

9st 8lb

J: Tadhg O’Shea

T: James Fanshawe

Sole run on ground firmer than good was last June; off the mark at sixth attempt that season and solid efforts in handicaps this term, including a close call over 1m2f at Newbury (good) and clashes with The Goat over 1m4f on Kempton AW both starts since (won first of them); has to be considered.

6/1

33/1

  • Place: £12.40

Form: 2043/7 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Formerly smart in these colours for David Menuisier; however, was returning from a long absence when pulled up in a maiden hurdle this February and then finished tailed off back on the Flat at Bath (has won on heavy); much to prove now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(3)

25th Sep 2024

Heavy

1m 1f 11y

Class 4

17:50 Goodwood

Winter Reprise

9st 5lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: David Menuisier

in touch with leaders

14/1

7th

1

(5)

17th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 23y

Class 4

16:05 Yarmouth

Winter Reprise

10st 1lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: David Menuisier

Useful in his younger days but nothing like as good for Alan King this year back from around 18 months off; perhaps the return to his old yard will do the trick and a reproduction of his Newbury third (1m2f, good) in May would give him a fair chance at this lower level.

16/1

8th

3

(1)

12th Jul 2024

Soft

1m 1f 212y

Class 4

16:35 Ascot

Winter Reprise

9st 12lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Alan King

in rear throughout

16/1

Form: 657-27 C

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Carried only 8st 13lb when pushing Mustazeed close in this 12 months ago but twice a winner since then and ran right up to his best here in April (1m2f, good to soft; some of these behind); Goodwood last time was disappointing (has won there) but if back on song, and returning here should help, then he wouldn't be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(5)

30th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 4

18:42 Lingfield

Sweet Reward

9st 9lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

Generally kept away from fast ground but won easily on good to firm over 1m2f here for Olivia Tubb early in the month; retains most of her ability for a yard enjoying a good spring but she's often come to hand early in the past and a 7lb rise will test her.

5/2

1st

6

(5)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

12:55 Lingfield

Sweet Reward

9st 2lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

Registered his seventh win when scoring on reappearance at Newbury (1m2f, good) last year and he attracted support before finishing second to an unexposed sort at Epsom (8.5f, good) on recent comeback this time; might not come on a bundle for that but this trip is more suitable and he's in with an each-way chance.

3/1

2nd

7

(9)

28th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 113y

Class 4

16:58 Epsom

Sweet Reward

9st 0lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

Seven wins include five off higher marks than this and one at this track (1m2f, good to soft; has won on good) in 2023; this trip might be on the short side but he went close on his reappearance in 2024 (1m2f) and scored off 2lb higher on his comeback last term (1m2f); not readily dismissed.

14/1

12/1

Form: -58261 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 10lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Enjoys some cut underfoot but it was a Class 5 handicap in which she stormed clear at Bath (1m2f) and this is way harder under a penalty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(8)

4th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:53 Windsor

Moonlit Cloud

8st 12lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Dean Ivory

No win since May 2024 (1m2f, Bath) but she has fallen a long way in the weights as a result; may have needed her reappearance run at Wolverhampton (9.4f) last month but she had a patchy record last season and others are more convincing.

12/1

4th

6

(2)

21st Apr 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Moonlit Cloud

9st 2lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Dean Ivory

No win since May 2024 (1m2f, Bath) but she has fallen a long way in the weights as a result; bogged down on heavy ground at Nottingham last October; it's difficult to know what to expect returned to AW (0-11) off a six-month absence.

16/1

7/2

Form: 1150-3 CD BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
A four-timer last summer for Tony Carroll included a C&D success; shared favouritism with Cracksking in a C&D handicap on his return and he was quite an eyecatcher in making the frame from an unpromising position (finished just behind Sweet Reward); must have a shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(8)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 198y

Class 5

15:20 Brighton

Gallant Lion

9st 0lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Ian Williams

1m2f win here (good to firm) kicked off a four-timer in 2023 for Tony Carroll but he took a while to rediscover his level before scoring at Chepstow (1m4f, good; first-time blinkers) for this yard one year ago; raced mainly over further without success since and latest start over 1m can be written off; handy mark and he's not discounted on just his second visit to Brighton.

9/1

11th

5

(1)

7th May 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Gallant Lion

9st 7lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Beaten 11l when fifth in a maiden hurdle at Hereford three weeks ago; only 1lb higher than for his win at Chepstow (1m4f, good) last May but will likely find this trip on the sharp side on his switch back to the Flat (all wins over 1m2f or further).

14/1

5th

4

16th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

17:30 Hereford

Gallant Lion

11st 4lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Ian Williams

Some notable Flat form last year, in victory and defeat; two runs over hurdles last February were underwhelming but raw ability is respected.

10/1

12/1

Form: 1/2/6-

Last run: 370 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
With Ralph Beckett when running away with a good-ground Newmarket nursery in the October of his first season and reappeared with a narrow defeat there the following April (1m2f, good); absent for 396 days prior to finishing well held at Ascot last May (1m4f, soft) and now returns from a similar absence; hard to know what to expect but his ability is respected; first-time tongue-tie; Jamie Spencer only 1-10 for the yard but has had three seconds and two fourths; has to be of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

20th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:00 Warwick

High Fibre

11st 9lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Harry Fry

At his best as a hurdler when gaining his second win in this sphere, at Kempton (2m, good) in March; touched off at Ludlow next time but below his best up in trip at Plumpton (2m4f, good) last month; ridden on four of last five starts by Ciaran O'Shea; back to 2m and needs to return to form.

5/1

5th

8

6th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 116y

Class 3

15:45 Plumpton

High Fibre

11st 4lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Harry Fry

Began to look exposed in the second half of last year but he showed improved form to win at Kempton (2m, good) on March 23 and was short-headed at Ludlow (2m, good) last Monday; he should be fine now back up in trip and could again be thereabouts.

11/2

2nd

6

30th Mar 2026

Good

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

16:27 Ludlow

High Fibre

11st 1lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Harry Fry

Classy on the Flat back in the day; it had been a struggle in handicaps this season but, back from a break and dropped in grade, he won readily enough under Ciaran O'Shea at Kempton (2m, good) last week; escapes a penalty.

15/8

Form: 17420- CD

Last run: 188 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Had the benefit of a run (winning here) when narrowly taking this race 12 months ago off a 5lb lower mark and ran two further good races in the autumn off this figure; fairly treated, he's able when fresh and all ground seems to come alike; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

6

(10)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Newbury

Mustazeed

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Harry Eustace

4-9 over C&D including landing this race three years ago, but his starts have increasingly become a problem, flatly refusing to do so here in October; too risky.

20/1

10th

9

(1)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 2

14:42 Kempton (AW)

Mustazeed

8st 13lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Harry Eustace

Increasing tendency to blow the start last season culminated in a refusal to race on final appearance; that was at Newbury, where he'd previously been at his best; he's contrastingly 0-6 on AW and none of his form in this sphere lives up to today's mark; probably best watched.

40/1

1

(13)

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:50 Newbury

Mustazeed

10st 2lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Harry Eustace

Last four wins were over C&D, including on heavy last September and good to soft in same race this year; ran respectably off this 5lb higher mark (career high) at York latest; increasing tendency to blow the start is a major worry but C&D record puts him high on the list; also declared at Doncaster.

9/1

14/1

Form: /0790- D

Last run: 250 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won three times at about this distance in France during 2022, initially for the Aga Khan and in these colours the last twice; last year's light campaign didn't go so well and would need to see some confidence behind him ahead of British debut, for all that he's feasibly handicapped on his peak RPRs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(3)

19th Jun 2025

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Chelmsford (AW)

Valiabad

9st 3lb

J: Owen Lewis

T: Owen Burrows

Three wins in France in 2022 but he's only had two runs for this yard in the best part of two years and has finished in rear in both of them; would be a surprise winner.

16/1

OUR TIP

40/1

Form: 006-60 D

Last run: 91 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Former Group 3 winner over this trip for Aidan O'Brien; not even a mild sighting of that level of form in five runs for his current yard and can only be watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(8)

6th Jun 2025

Good

1m 2f 37y

Class 6

20:05 Bath

Aikhal

9st 9lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Former Group 3 winner who's been on the slide for a while now; suggested he was about to exploit a much reduced mark when fourth at Wolverhampton (9.4f) last month and he attracted good support when keeping on for third at Brighton (1m2f, good to soft) ten days ago; overall profile far from persuasive but he still warrants consideration.

3/1

3rd

6

(1)

27th May 2025

Good

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

15:40 Brighton

Aikhal

9st 3lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Suggested he might be able to exploit his much reduced mark soon when fourth at Wolverhampton (9.4f) a fortnight ago but his run at Kempton (1m4f) on Wednesday was a backward step and he remains without a win since his Irish Group 3 success in June 2022.

13/2

3rd

6

(1)

27th May 2025

Good

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

15:40 Brighton

Aikhal

9st 3lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Suggested he might be able to exploit his much reduced mark soon when fourth at Wolverhampton (9.4f) a fortnight ago but his run at Kempton (1m4f) on Wednesday was a backward step and he remains without a win since his Irish Group 3 success in June 2022.

13/2

Form: 7/701- D

Last run: 281 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Failed to go on after looking smart on his Ascot debut but he steadied the ship when hooded for the first time and edging home in a 1m2f handicap at Sandown (good to soft) in August; returns off a 4lb higher mark but now has to follow one good run with another.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

4

(8)

17th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:30 Newbury

Defence Of Fort

9st 8lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Peter Chapple-Hyam

Failed to go on after looking smart on his Ascot debut but he steadied the ship when hooded for the first time and edging home in a 1m2f handicap at Sandown (good to soft) in August; returns off a 4lb higher mark but now has to follow one good run with another.

10/1

11th

4

(8)

17th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:30 Newbury

Defence Of Fort

9st 8lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Peter Chapple-Hyam

never better than midfield

10/1

Form: 52/11/

Last run: 640 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
5yo who has only raced four times, winning both his starts in 2022 only narrowly but with something in hand (1m maiden on good and 1m1f handicap on soft); has a long absence to overcome but interesting that top connections are persevering and have had him gelded (also hooded); the market could be revealing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(5)

29th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 2f 150y

14:47 Dundalk (AW)

Glam De Vega

10st 2lb

J: Shay Wallace

T: M Keane

Two turf wins in Britain in 2022 for Roger Varian at 1m/1m1f; a long way best in two runs for Varian last season after a long absence; struggled in two maiden hurdles for current trainer; failed to stay 2m in a rated race here 12 days ago; this trip should suit better, but he faces a tough task against in-form rivals.

10/1

6th

1

(5)

29th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 2f 150y

14:47 Dundalk (AW)

Glam De Vega

10st 2lb

J: Shay Wallace

T: M Keane

Two turf wins in Britain in 2022 for Roger Varian at 1m/1m1f; a long way best in two runs for Varian last season after a long absence; struggled in two maiden hurdles for current trainer; failed to stay 2m in a rated race here 12 days ago; this trip should suit better, but he faces a tough task against in-form rivals.

10/1

6th

4

(6)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

2m 0f 0y

16:45 Dundalk (AW)

Glam De Vega

9st 1lb

J: Shay Wallace

T: M Keane

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, went second halfway, weakened quickly 3f out

12/1

40/1

Form: 3312-0 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Dual 1m2f winner on soft ground at a lower level; went off 25-1 for C&D reappearance last month and finished behind a few of these.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

22nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

17:43 Hereford

Monteria

11st 4lb

J: David Noonan

T: Stuart Kittow

Had plenty of racing on the Flat and won twice over 1m2f on soft ground; will need to run better than on his hurdling debut at Taunton (2m, good; 40-1).

50/1

10th

6

22nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

17:43 Hereford

Monteria

11st 4lb

J: David Noonan

T: Stuart Kittow

Had plenty of racing on the Flat and won twice over 1m2f on soft ground; will need to run better than on his hurdling debut at Taunton (2m, good; 40-1).

50/1

4

(11)

29th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 5

16:45 Doncaster

Monteria

9st 11lb

J: Sam Feilden

T: Stuart Kittow

Suited by 1m2f on soft or heavy but he didn't seem his old self in 2024 and was well adrift on a recent hurdle debut; has been given a chance at the weights, so a change in his fortunes can't be discounted.

25/1

33/1

Form: 273-89

Last run: 119 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Maiden winner at two when with Dermot Weld; had some placed form in Britain for his next yard but two quiet runs on the AW when last seen and makes stable debut in a warm handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(7)

26th Jul 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:05 Sandown

Enthrallment

9st 8lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Karen Jewell

took keen hold, pressed leader, pulled way into lead after 4f

16/1

2nd

2

(1)

10th Jul 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

17:40 Kempton (AW)

Enthrallment

9st 9lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Karen Jewell

Sole win came in Ireland as a 2yo; 7lb lower than when third of eight at Wolverhampton (1m4f, Tapeta) in December, but modest in his last three starts including on stable debut at Newbury (1m2f, good) in May; cheekpieces given a go but others stronger.

33/1

14th

11

(12)

17th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:30 Newbury

Enthrallment

9st 2lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Karen Jewell

Maiden winner at two when with Dermot Weld; had some placed form in Britain for his next yard but two quiet runs on the AW when last seen and makes stable debut in a warm handicap.

33/1

Non-runners

Bint Al Daar

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £49.50
Straight Forecast £36.93
Tricast £1503.38
Trifecta £2321.30

Selections

The Guardian:

Gallant Lion

Daily Mail:

Moonlit Cloud

The Times:

Cracksking

NEWMARKET:

Hosanna Power

TOPSPEED:

Sweet Reward

SPOTLIGHT:

High Fibre

RP RATINGS:

Mustazeed

Telegraph:

Cracksking

Daily Record:

Hosanna Power

Daily Mirror:

Gallant Lion

The Star:

Gallant Lion

D Express:

Moonlit Cloud

The Sun:

Moonlit Cloud

POSTDATA:

Sweet Reward