May 31 / 17.40 Epsom

17.40

Soft

Molson Coors Handicap

  • Prize money: £38655
  • 0m 7f 3y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
RTV
View Course
Molson Coors Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Scattered showers

OUR TIP

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £11.40
  • Place: £3.30

Form: 0-5406 CD

Last run: 6 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Wide-margin winner of this race in 2021 (good to soft); mixed record this season but he showed enough when fourth at Haydock last month (7f, soft) to think he retained plenty of ability; excuses since (tough task in the Victoria Cup and caught wide from the outside stall at Chester last week) and he's one to take seriously with conditions in his favour.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(4)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Rhoscolyn

9st 3lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

Last year's Golden Mile win at Goodwood (strong record there) shows he's still smart on his day; respectable return to action when fifth in good conditions race over 7f here three weeks ago but he's gained the vast majority of his ten career wins on slower ground than he's likely to encounter this afternoon.

14/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 2210-1 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Ran creditably over C&D last July before winning a nursery at Glorious Goodwood (7f, soft); confirmed his liking for that track when strong at the finish on his reappearance four weeks ago (7f, soft), getting the better of an unbeaten filly (who has won easily since) in the process; 4lb rise is not insurmountable and this race was won by a 3yo in 2021; sure to be popular.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(3)

28th Sep 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Newmarket

Mission To Moon

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Roger Varian

Acts on soft and good to firm; consistent colt whose 2024 form includes a good effort off this mark in the Britannia at Royal Ascot; latest effort can be marked up; very solid contender.

4/1

4th

10

(3)

7th Sep 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

13:35 Ascot

Mission To Moon

8st 10lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Roger Varian

Acts on soft and good to firm; has remained in form since reappearance win; made the frame in 3yo handicaps at Royal Ascot (1m Britannia) and Glorious Goodwood (7f) the last twice; generally consistent and holds solid claims back against his elders (second attempt).

9/2

4th

6

(4)

3rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Mission To Moon

9st 0lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

Two from two over C&D (soft), including in a nursery at this meeting 12 months ago; good fourth in the Britannia at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm) most recently; steadily progressive colt who holds major claims returned to Goodwood, particularly if the ground softens.

4/1

3rd
3 (9)
The X O

20/1

  • Place: £6.50

Form: -64705

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Progressive in the first half of 2023 and, having lost his way, there has been more encouragement again in two of his last three starts; stamina for 7f is unproven though and he's yet to race on turf slower than good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(10)

16th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:45 Chelmsford (AW)

The X O

9st 11lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Robert Cowell

Should be thrown in on even last season's best but he has found it tough going for Robert Cowell this year; drops in class with cheekpieces fitted but drawn widest and others look safer.

33/1

6

(8)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

16:40 Doncaster

The X O

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Robert Cowell

Off a 3lb lower mark when very nearly winning a 6f Class 2 handicap here last October (soft) on final run for John Ryan; however, a case can't be made on what he's shown during a light 2025 campaign.

33/1

1

(5)

21st Aug 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

20:45 Newcastle (AW)

The X O

9st 12lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Robert Cowell

Interesting on the pick of his form and he's on the same mark as when second in a better race at Doncaster last October (6f, soft); two modest efforts for his new yard this year but this is less taxing than the Stewards' Cup last time.

33/1

14/1

Form: 4124-0 CD

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Four C&D wins to his name; 3lb higher than for the latest of them and although he was a creditable third in this race 12 months ago, he's not weighted to reverse the placings with either Spanish Star or Darkness; behind at Windsor on his return, after which he underwent wind surgery.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(8)

16th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 216y

Class 5

15:30 Brighton

Marlay Park

9st 10lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Jim Boyle

Epsom specialist who predictably ran well in sole Brighton attempt; well treated on lots of 7f form; gives 1m a belated second go.

8/1

6th

7

(7)

28th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 3y

Class 4

17:15 Epsom

Marlay Park

9st 4lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Jim Boyle

Epsom specialist who has form figures of 3127 in this race, the win in 2022; on a two-year losing spell but ran encouragingly (third to Kisskodi) over C&D most recently; possibilities off current mark.

7/1

3rd

9

(5)

11th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 3y

Class 4

14:12 Epsom

Marlay Park

9st 7lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Jim Boyle

Has form on all surfaces; won this in 2021 and 2023, and finished a close second in 2022, but he was well beaten when favourite here 12 months ago and his form has been quite mixed this year; he's a possible reviver back in this race but he hasn't justified shortish prices on last two starts, including over C&D, which leaves questions to answer.

9/1

10/1

Form: 7-5210 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Prolific winner who can't have the ground slow enough; comfortable winner of a 7f handicap at Haydock last month off 4lb lower (Rhoscolyn fourth) but he turned in a lacklustre effort in a valuable Cork handicap three weeks ago; the more rain that falls the better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(15)

11th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 111y

17:53 Roscommon

Earls

9st 10lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Gavin Cromwell

Veteran loves it here; has won eleven times, including three over C&D, most recently off this mark last September; poor both runs this season, however, and not well drawn here.

22/1

16th

2

(6)

19th Apr 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

16:45 Curragh

Earls

10st 1lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Gavin Cromwell

Veteran has won 11 races; sole success last year came off 76 at Roscommon (7.5f, soft); beaten 20l on seasonal return over 1m last time (soft to heavy); others preferred.

40/1

Form: 366-44 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Burrowed his way up the far rail to collar Darkness late on in this race 12 months ago and returns off a 1lb lower mark; two encouraging 6f runs this season suggest he retains all his ability despite his age; Tom Marquand has ridden him only once before and that produced a smooth success; should be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

(10)

30th Sep 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 160y

Class 5

17:55 Bath

Spanish Star

9st 8lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Patrick Chamings

Veteran who popped up at Newbury (6f, good to soft) in June; hasn't matched that in four runs since but is back down to that winning mark; still needs to turn the ship around.

16/1

8th

11

(9)

8th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 6f 12y

Class 4

17:34 Windsor

Spanish Star

9st 3lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Patrick Chamings

Veteran who popped up in a Class 5 at Newbury in June (6f, good to soft); hasn't matched that in three runs since and although he's often run well here, he's yet to win at the track; minor money perhaps his best hope.

16/1

4th

1

(2)

25th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 3y

Class 5

13:35 Epsom

Spanish Star

9st 8lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Patrick Chamings

Understandably not the force of old now a 10yo but he registered the ninth win of his long career when beating ten rivals at Newbury (6f, good to firm) in June; held in a couple of Class 4 events since but he's won here in the past and is not ruled out on this drop back in grade.

7/2

7th
11 (1)
Hodler

11/1

Form: 23-903 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
7f on soft ground is ideal for him and he's 3lb lower than for his Chester win last May; fully effective at this track and his latest Yarmouth third was a welcome step back in the right direction; will need luck in running from the inside stall but more rain will help and he's one to take seriously.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(7)

2nd Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 3y

Class 4

21:00 Epsom

Hodler

9st 8lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Jim Boyle

Close third off lower AW mark at Kempton (1m) in May and fair effort when third at Salisbury (7f, good to firm) since; two of his last three wins have come over this C&D and he's respected now back here.

6/1

3rd

2

(3)

15th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 213y

Class 4

17:00 Salisbury

Hodler

9st 9lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Jim Boyle

Unraced here but a five-time turf winner over 7f at four different tracks; might well have won over 1m at Kempton (AW) last month had that race panned out more favourably; 7lb higher this time back on the grass but he can cope with this mark.

6/1

7

(2)

21st May 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:40 Kempton (AW)

Hodler

9st 5lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Jim Boyle

Was having just his second start over 1m+ when running only okay at his favourite venue Epsom 29 days ago and he's towards the foot of the list in trying to capitalise on a lower AW mark here; trainer won this race last year.

14/1

Form: 242215 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Better known for his AW exploits and he's 0-9 on turf (below par in his one run on soft); looks too high in the weights under these conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(5)

14th Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:15 Kempton (AW)

Sandy Paradise

9st 10lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Richard Hughes

pressed leader, led after 1f, headed then sustained duel with winner inside final furlong, just held

15/2

7th

7

(8)

25th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Sandy Paradise

9st 11lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Three of his five wins have come at this track; not at his best on turf the last twice but he's edging back down the weights and a better showing can't be ruled out.

16/1

9th

9

(9)

13th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Sandown

Sandy Paradise

8st 9lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Five-time AW winner but made it 0-12 on turf when finishing last at Brighton, where he ran well to be third the time before; even if back on song, all his wins have come at a lower level than this.

25/1

5/1

Form: 136-13 D BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Won two 7f handicaps last season; has looked an improved performer this year, gamely seeing off Baldomero at the Newmarket Craven meeting (6f, good) before a solid third at same track four weeks ago (fluffed the start); having his first visit to this track but he handles slow ground and he's more appealing than many.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

5

(8)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Dark Thirty

9st 3lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Returned to form to win big-field handicap at York (6f, good) this month on third stable start, going one better than in the same race 12 months previously; a 6lb rise shouldn't be enough to prevent another big run.

11/2

1st

20

(4)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Dark Thirty

8st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Soundly beaten this spring on first two starts for new yard; however, he's 1lb lower than when second of 16 in this race last year for Richard Hannon, and he won here in 2023; capable of bouncing back with a bold show.

12/1

7th

10

(7)

15th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Newmarket

Dark Thirty

8st 12lb

J: George Wood

T: John & Sean Quinn

Had two attempts at this race when with Richard Hannon, winning off 4lb higher in 2024 and losing his chance with a poor start last year; likely player if back to best in this second outing for new stable.

14/1

5/1

Form: 35-065 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Having his third crack at this race today and he showed the track was no problem when collared late by Spanish Star 12 months ago (good to firm; fully effective on slow ground); coming to the boil this season and he would have finished closer at Newmarket last time but for some late interference; good mark and should have a big run in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(5)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:50 Newmarket

Darkness

9st 8lb

J: Neil Callan

T: David O’Meara

Took a step back in the right direction with his close sixth at Haydock on latest start and he's back in the visor in which his last five wins have come, including two last season (7f, good to firm); entitled to respect.

18/1

6th

10

(3)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Darkness

9st 1lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: David O’Meara

Came good at Goodwood last August (7f, good to firm), running on strongly to bag a Class 2 handicap; faced a stiff task in a Thirsk conditions event on his reappearance two weeks ago; opposable with his usual visor remaining absent.

16/1

7th

1

(4)

10th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Thirsk

Darkness

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Useful sort who landed fast-ground handicap wins over C&D and at Goodwood last year; however, he has plenty to find on these terms and failed to beat a rival on his reappearance in 2024 and 2025.

25/1

Form: 403214 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Rarely fails to give his running and his Goodwood win this month (6f, heavy) was reward for a string of good runs since November; latest Haydock fourth (7f) was a creditable run behind an unexposed winner but whether he's handicapped to win a race of this nature is a moot point.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(14)

15th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Newmarket

Baldomero

8st 13lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Michael Appleby

Three wins during his latest spell on AW; close second to Dark Thirty in this contest two years ago but needs to rebound, having been comfortably held returned to turf 17 days ago.

33/1

14th

3

(12)

29th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 3

17:15 Doncaster

Baldomero

9st 5lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Michael Appleby

2-4 at Doncaster; ended 2025 in rude health on the AW, winning handicaps at Southwell (6f), Wolverhampton and Lingfield (both 5f); his form has dipped slightly on his last two starts but it's not out of the question that this return to Doncaster will pique his interest.

14/1

Form: 25314- D

Last run: 205 days

W: 8st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Got up late to win a soft-ground nursery at Newmarket (7f) last October; only fourth at Kempton (1m) in November when last seen; gelded over the winter; stable may have stronger claims with Dark Thirty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £47.30
Straight Forecast £30.72
Tricast £616.43
Trifecta £741.60

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Mission To Moon

SPOTLIGHT:

Darkness

TOPSPEED:

Earls

Telegraph:

Dark Thirty

Daily Mail:

Rhoscolyn

The Times:

Mission To Moon

The Guardian:

Mission To Moon

D Express:

Mission To Moon

The Star:

Mission To Moon

Daily Record:

Mission To Moon

RP RATINGS:

Darkness

Daily Mirror:

Darkness

The Sun:

Darkness

POSTDATA:

Earls