May 31 / 14.35 Epsom

14.35

Soft

Trustatrader Handicap

  • Prize money: £38655
  • 1m 0f 113y
  • Class 2
  • 16 runners
ITV
View Course
Trustatrader Handicap

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Scattered showers

25/1 (Won)

  • Win: £13.00
  • Place: £3.80

Form: 83-110

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Made a good start to the campaign with two wins but came up well short at Newbury when bidding for the hat-trick; only eighth in this contest last year and can be opposed off career-high mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(5)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 2

14:42 Wolverhampton (AW)

Two Tempting

9st 8lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

He was making his seasonal debut when only fifth in this race 12 months ago but he's been kept on the go this winter and has been better than ever; suspicion others will prove better handicapped here though.

8/1

3rd

5

(7)

7th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 1

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Two Tempting

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

He has been a fine servant to connections and added wins eight and nine to his tally in 2025, the latest a 1m handicap at Kempton in November; ran as well as he ever has when second to an upwardly mobile 4yo over C&D five weeks ago but even that effort will need bettering in this field.

16/1

OUR TIP

9/1

  • Place: £4.90

Form: 21121-

Last run: 213 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Record of 3-6 in France for Francis-Henri Graffard; sold for 340,000euros since last run; cheekpieces replace usual tongue-tie; may have further progress in him; heed the market signals on British debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(3)

29th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 0f 75y

Class 1

14:47 Nottingham

Beshtani

9st 4lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Three French wins (1m/1m1f) in 2023; smart form over about 1m in two of his runs last year for new connections but not seen since a modest display last September; a leading contender if he returns at the top of his game.

12/1

8th

1

(3)

29th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 0f 75y

Class 1

14:47 Nottingham

Beshtani

9st 4lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Three French wins (1m/1m1f) in 2023; smart form over about 1m in two of his runs last year for new connections but not seen since a modest display last September; a leading contender if he returns at the top of his game.

12/1

7th

1

(6)

18th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:23 Sandown

Beshtani

9st 6lb

J: James Doyle

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Recruited for 340,000euros last October after winning three times in France (1m/1m1f); only blip this season came on ground too fast at Royal Ascot, either side of which he was pipped in a handicap at Epsom's Derby meeting and finished a highly commendable fifth (beaten under 2l) in a 1m Group 2 at Ascot won by the Jacques Le Marois fourth Quddwah; cheekpieces applied in Britain are now joined by tongue-tie; player.

3/1

13/2

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 936-26 D BF

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Best form on ground softer than good; close second off this mark at Leicester (1m) on seasonal debut and didn't have his ideal conditions in the Hambleton at York since; possibilities granted a suitable surface.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(1)

25th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:47 Newcastle (AW)

Al Mubhir

9st 1lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Well treated on his Listed win at Sandown in July 2024 but he drew a blank during his 2025 Australian campaign and has been well held in both runs (1m, good to firm/good) for new yard this season; still unexposed on AW but he needs to raise his game back in this sphere.

20/1

5th

3

(4)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 68y

Class 2

15:51 Hamilton

Al Mubhir

9st 11lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Listed win at Sandown in July 2024 and well treated on that form; however, he drew a blank during his 2025 Australian campaign and was soundly beaten on last month's stable debut in the Thirsk Hunt Cup; something to prove.

16/1

10th

2

(5)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Al Mubhir

9st 11lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Smart at his best for William Haggas, winning a Listed race at Sandown (1m2f, good) in July 2024; campaigned solely in Australia in 2025 and well beaten on his last two starts; potentially well handicapped back in Britain for a new yard after wind surgery, but he carries obvious risks.

16/1

Form: 13044- D BF

Last run: 193 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Four-time AW winner; has comparable form on turf but he's 0-16 in this sphere and lacks recent match practice having been absent since last November; not the percentage call in this competitive handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

2

(11)

20th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:30 Kempton (AW)

Notre Belle Bete

9st 13lb

J: William Carver

T: Andrew Balding

Beaten favourite in the corresponding race 12 months ago when rated 1lb higher; only seen twice this year, looking to retain all his ability in useful turf races; can go well fresh; not ruled out.

10/1

14th

2

(11)

20th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:30 Kempton (AW)

Notre Belle Bete

9st 13lb

J: William Carver

T: Andrew Balding

Beaten favourite in the corresponding race 12 months ago when rated 1lb higher; only seen twice this year, looking to retain all his ability in useful turf races; can go well fresh; not ruled out.

10/1

5th

12

(6)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

18:40 Ascot

Notre Belle Bete

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Four-time AW winner; has comparable form on turf but he took his record in this sphere to 0-17 when a creditable fourth of 15 in Epsom handicap (8.5f; good to soft) on reappearance 18 days ago; cheekpieces back on; it's unlikely that a first success on the grass will arrive now.

33/1

Form: 4-3138 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Ran creditably in the Victoria Cup last time while shaping as if this step back up in trip is needed; not disgraced in this race for the last two years (third in 2022, fifth in 2023); solid each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

4

(2)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 177y

Class 4

16:50 York

Fantastic Fox

9st 9lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Roger Varian

Smart handicapper at his peak but his form tailed off in the second half of 2025; has a reduced mark to work with as a result but the betting is perhaps the best guide after 198 days off.

14/1

8

(1)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 2

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Fantastic Fox

9st 2lb

J: Aidan Keeley

T: Roger Varian

Drawn a blank since January 2024 but he hasn't had much clemency from the handicapper; latest AW run saw him finish fourth at Newcastle in June having met trouble in running and he will be in the shake-up if anywhere near that level.

5/1

11/2

Form: 3-9506 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Last win came at 8.6f; ran respectably at Newmarket two weeks ago and the bare form needs marking up (hampered); trainer and jockey teamed up to win this contest two years ago; one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(10)

31st Jul 2025

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 3

20:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Koy Koy

9st 2lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: George Boughey

Both AW wins came here, including over C&D in 2023, but form tailed off sharply at the end of last year, after which he had wind surgery; not much to shout about in four runs this term and he's developed a habit of starting slowly; others preferred.

33/1

8th

7

(1)

3rd Jul 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:23 Kempton (AW)

Koy Koy

9st 6lb

J: Tommie Jakes

T: George Boughey

Formerly quite useful but he was ending a losing run when dead-heating at Wolverhampton (9.4f; best AW form on that track) in November and he hasn't recaptured last year's best efforts in three runs this time round.

20/1

6th

4

(6)

19th Jun 2025

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Chelmsford (AW)

Koy Koy

9st 8lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: George Boughey

Regressed last year, mainly over shorter, and seems happier on Tapeta; well held in two runs back from wind surgery and the cheekpieces come off again as he steps back up from 7f.

16/1

11/1

Form: -47883

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Similar profile to stablemate Blue For You, having performed respectably in the Hambleton last time and slipped to a winning mark but never experienced this idiosyncratic venue.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(9)

14th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Newmarket

Bopedro

9st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

10yo who won this in 2023; frequently runs well in quality handicaps and he's 5lb lower than when a cracking third in the Royal Hunt Cup last June; scratched from the Lincoln when running a temperature on his intended comeback last month and he tends to improve for a run these days; also winless since 2023.

15/2

11th

2

(1)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:17 Newmarket

Bopedro

9st 12lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

9yo who has drawn a blank since winning on the July Course in summer 2023 and needs everything to drop right but he often runs extremely well in defeat, including when third in the Royal Hunt Cup in June; another respectable effort when sixth of 20 in Balmoral at Ascot (1m, good) a fortnight ago; not discounted in this slightly easier race.

6/1

Form: 6-0220 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Close second in this race 12 months ago and has filled the same position twice at Newmarket this season; form dipped in the Hambleton last time but he has each-way hopes granted a rebound.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(10)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:17 Newmarket

Dutch Decoy

9st 3lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Charlie Johnston

8yo who has won five times on the July Course here, including two this year; 0-9 on this track but latest fifth of 23 in the Cambridgeshire was highly creditable; another who can't be discounted.

11/1

4th

8

(10)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:17 Newmarket

Dutch Decoy

9st 3lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Charlie Johnston

8yo who has won five times on the July Course here, including two this year; 0-9 on this track but latest fifth of 23 in the Cambridgeshire was highly creditable; another who can't be discounted.

11/1

5th

23

(11)

27th Sep 2025

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Dutch Decoy

8st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Charlie Johnston

8yo who has run well in this race previously and won two in a row on the other Newmarket course in July; however, he's finished no better than fifth across his last five outings and it's probably best to look elsewhere.

33/1

Form: 500-63

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Needs to build on latest effort (placed in Class 4) but has a clear chance on historical data; won the big 1m handicap at Goodwood in 2022 and finished fourth in this race last year; well treated on that form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(3)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Orbaan

9st 12lb

J: Sean Levey

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who dipped into a seller for his latest win, at Beverley (8.4f, good to firm) in July; current handicap mark is workable but his AW strike-rate is 0-13 and he needs to rebound from two down-the-field runs.

16/1

2

(3)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Orbaan

9st 12lb

J: Sean Levey

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who dipped into a seller for his latest win, at Beverley (8.4f, good to firm) in July; current handicap mark is workable but his AW strike-rate is 0-13 and he needs to rebound from two down-the-field runs.

16/1

6

(11)

14th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 4

16:00 Lingfield (AW)

Orbaan

9st 9lb

J: J F Egan

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who won a Beverley seller in July; some fair handicap runs since but others may have his measure back on AW (0-12 in this sphere).

12/1

10th
15 (15)
Canoodled

40/1

Form: 649-07

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 6lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful on her day but has a doubt over current form and is 9lb above last winning mark; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

2

(12)

9th Nov 2024

Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 1

15:10 Doncaster

Canoodled

9st 4lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ed Walker

raced wide early, prominent, raced in second after 1f, pressed leader over 3f out, weakened over 2f out

33/1

11th

2

(12)

9th Nov 2024

Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 1

15:10 Doncaster

Canoodled

9st 4lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ed Walker

raced wide early, prominent, raced in second after 1f, pressed leader over 3f out, weakened over 2f out

33/1

4th

5

(6)

30th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 75y

Class 1

14:08 Nottingham

Canoodled

8st 13lb

J: Ross Coakley

T: Ed Walker

6yo whose first go at about 1m2f was a winning one in 15-runner race at the York Ebor meeting (good to firm) in August, leading final 1f at 25-1; won on it in the past but has not shone on softer than good in 2023 or 2024, trying heavy ground (1m2f) on latest start; plenty to find on ratings.

40/1

10/1

Form: 0049-6

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Shaped encouragingly from a difficult position at Chester (7.5f) on seasonal debut, while looking in need of a return to further; on a workable mark and represents last year's winning connections; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(9)

10th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 37y

Class 3

18:25 Haydock

Finns Charm

10st 4lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Charlie Johnston

Seemingly back in prime form when making all at Goodwood (7f, good) in June but cut little ice in major handicaps on next two outings; sure to appreciate this ease in grade but still has something to prove.

11/2

17th

8

(15)

13th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:00 Newmarket (July)

Finns Charm

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charlie Johnston

Holds poor claims, having trailed home last of 26 in the 7f handicap at Royal Ascot most recently; again incurs a penalty for his Goodwood success earlier in June.

33/1

Form: 0070-4

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Respectable fourth in the Hambleton at York on reappearance; now back on same mark as for York success (1m, good to soft) last July; faces a different test here (first Epsom start).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(10)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

15:55 Newcastle (AW)

Blue For You

9st 10lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

All British wins have been over 1m at York and he's unraced on the AW; some respectable shows in better handicaps this year but not the last twice; bit risky.

10/1

5

(6)

12th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Sandown

Blue For You

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

His three wins in Britain have all come over 1m at York but he is fully effective at other tracks and he wasn't beaten far in his one Sandown run back in June 2022 (1m, good to firm); rain won't bother him and he's slipped to a dangerous mark but he will need a good pace to aim at back at 7f; stable have won the last two runnings.

7/1

17th

14

(1)

21st Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

15:00 York

Blue For You

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Scored just once in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 but on the last three occasions it was over 1m in the summer at York and in 2022 it was in this race; 14th and 13th in the last two runnings of it, with reappearance the pick of his mixed record this season, but he's much too well handicapped to be ignored.

11/1

Form: 029-30

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Placed in the Thirsk Hunt Cup on stable/seasonal debut but failed to beat a rival at Newbury since; has done most of his winning at 7f/7.5f and this extended 1m presents a question mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(8)

30th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

15:55 Bath

Autumn Festival

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Ed de Giles

Multiple winner over 7f-1m, including on soft; made the frame over C&D last month but losing run is mounting up and has performed poorly the last twice.

7/2

7th

6

(8)

30th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

15:55 Bath

Autumn Festival

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Ed de Giles

Multiple winner over 7f-1m, including on soft; made the frame over C&D last month but losing run is mounting up and has performed poorly the last twice.

7/2

25/1

Form: 11-705 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 8st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Signs of a revival on latest outing and he's back on his last winning mark; however, at this level he would be more interesting granted heavy ground; 3-3 on that surface, including last two wins.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(4)

5th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:45 Ascot

Dashing Roger

9st 13lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: William Stone

C&D winner (good to soft) just over four years ago; on a losing run since going back-to-back at Nottingham and Newmarket (both heavy at around 1m) in the autumn of 2023 and recent efforts are not enough to tempt despite this falling mark.

16/1

6th

8

(8)

19th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:38 Newmarket (July)

Dashing Roger

9st 5lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: William Stone

Continues to drop down the weights but this 8yo struggled in the main last season and it was the same story on last month's reappearance; needs to turn things around.

33/1

Form: 439-30 C

Last run: 45 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
One of three runners for last year's winning yard; below par at Newmarket most recently but looks interesting off a handy mark on belated return to Epsom; 2-2 here, both wins as a 2yo in 2022.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(3)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:00 Ayr

Benacre

9st 6lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Charlie Johnston

No turf win since 2022 but he has won three AW handicaps in the last 14 months; should be well treated but recent efforts haven't been his best; this is a drop in class so not dismissed, even though the return of cheekpieces wouldn't be an obvious plus based on previous usage.

9/1

4th

5

(4)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

19:09 Carlisle

Benacre

9st 5lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Charlie Johnston

Not won on turf since his 2yo days but it was a fairly close third at Musselburgh (7f, good) in April; now 4lb lower after four lesser runs; handicapping case can be made but percentage call is to oppose.

9/1

5th

5

(5)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

18:35 Newmarket (July)

Benacre

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Charlie Johnston

Not won on turf since his 2yo days and has gone off the boil, finishing a remote last behind Physique at Beverley a few weeks ago; hard to recommend off the back of that.

12/1

Form: 540-62 BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Useful maiden who is well treated on a few pieces of Group form at up to 1m2f; creditable second in Chester handicap (7.5f) most recently; now 0-13 but may well have a race of this nature in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(10)

13th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

13:40 Chester

Dancing Magic

11st 0lb

J: Miss Megan Jordan

T: Roger Teal

Is 0-19 and he came in a below-par fifth of eight in 1m Salisbury handicap 20 days ago; he needs to take a big step forward.

14/1

5th

2

(4)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Salisbury

Dancing Magic

9st 8lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Roger Teal

Showed some smart form in defeat in his younger days, finishing fourth of eight behind Auguste Rodin in the Group 1 Vertem Futurity; runner-up three times last year, but failed to beat a rival on last month's Kempton return (7f, AW) and is now 0-18; best watched.

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £239.60
Straight Forecast £150.67
Tricast £675.06
Trifecta £2293.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Finn's Charm

Telegraph:

Notre Belle Bete

The Guardian:

Bopedro

RP RATINGS:

Orbaan

Daily Record:

Beshtani

The Star:

Dancing Magic

D Express:

Benacre

NEWMARKET:

Fantastic Fox

POSTDATA:

Dutch Decoy

TOPSPEED:

Finn's Charm

The Times:

Finn's Charm

Daily Mirror:

Notre Belle Bete

The Sun:

Bopedro

Daily Mail:

Orbaan