June 21 / 16.25 Ascot

16.25

Good To Firm

Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap)

  • Prize money: £56694
  • 1m 3f 211y
  • Class 2
  • 20 runners
ITV4
View Course
Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap)

Runners: 20 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly sunny

OUR TIP

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £13.95
  • Place: £4.05

Form: 131-11

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Unraced on officially firmer than good; sank in the weights initially last term but has now won four of his last five starts and went close in the other, all at the Curragh; first and third of those wins were 1m but the other two were gained with late challenges at 1m2f, first for a big prize last September and then getting there in the nick of time four weeks ago when runner-up Deakin got first run on him; on a major roll and and although this is his first run beyond 1m2f in his 18th race, he looks bred to stay.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(1)

14th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 6f 0y

16:25 Curragh

Crystal Black

9st 10lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Gerard Keane

Highly progressive in winning all four starts last year, including twice in Curragh handicaps and Group 3 at Leopardstown (1m4f); very light campaign this year, inadequate trip on return before close second to an all-the-way winner in Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown last month; first attempt at 1m6f here.

12/1

1

(3)

7th Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

18:53 Leopardstown

Crystal Black

9st 9lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Gerard Keane

Highly progressive in winning all four starts last year, starting in Curragh handicaps at 1m and 1m2f; even better at 1m4f, landing Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot and taking this race by 5l from subsequent Irish Cesarewitch winner The Euphrates; should be sharper than when one place behind Sons And Lovers over 1m2f at the Curragh in April.

5/4

4th

4

(1)

12th Apr 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

16:35 Curragh

Crystal Black

9st 8lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Gerard Keane

raced in fourth, brief headway and went third under 2f out, no extra and lost third towards finish

5/2

25/1

  • Place: £8.80

Form: /670-6

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
French 1m2f Listed win in 2022; well beaten for the Meades last year in Listed race, Group 3 and a top handicap; gelded before the latter; fetched 48,000gns in October and never-dangerous sixth of 16 in handicap at York (1m2f, good) five weeks ago was a step back in the right direction; not proven over this far (one attempt last term) but very well handicapped on 2022 form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(3)

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 50y

Class 1

18:12 Sandown

Epic Poet

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Beaten in Group races on his last ten starts but went close in the Yorkshire Cup at York (1m6f, good to firm) last May and he was a good third in that same Group 2 a fortnight ago (good); he should be fine back up in trip and might not be far away.

7/1

3rd

4

(5)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

16:05 York

Epic Poet

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Beaten a head in this last year, despite a highly tactical race; has held his form well (back in Dubai and Saudi Arabia this January-March) and should again be seriously involved, but to win this may require a career best.

5/1

2nd

3

(6)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 5f 61y

Class 1

13:50 Newbury

Epic Poet

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

In fine form this year over 1m6f-2m at Meydan and in Saudi Arabia and continued the good work when staying on for a close second in a slowly run Group 2 Yorkshire Cup (1m6f, good to firm) in May; no show when 25-1 at Royal Ascot (1m4f) on latest outing but shouldn't be far away in this lesser race if there's a decent pace to aim at.

3/1

3rd
20 (13)
Ziggy

16/1

  • Place: £4.70

Form: /23-22 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Unraced on firmer than good; 451 days off before this season and returned with two seconds, latterly at Epsom (1m4f) on Derby Day; remains well treated judged on his AW exploits two winters back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

11

(4)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Ziggy

9st 5lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Harry Eustace

451 days off before he returned with four good placings (two at Epsom, then two at Ascot) then won a lesser 1m4f race here four weeks ago; saw it out very well last time but has a 4lb penalty for this, his toughest assignment, and sole attempt at 1m6f was in 2021, well below form; others preferred.

16/1

1st

1

(6)

27th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 3

17:10 York

Ziggy

10st 4lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Harry Eustace

prominent, pressed leader 4f out, shaken up and led over 1f out, ridden and kept on well final furlong

15/8

2/1

Form: 431-2 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Fetched 320,000gns after winning a 1m4f maiden at Limerick last June; juvenile hurdling career came up well short but he looks a better fit for the Flat, pipped in a handicap at Leopardstown (1m2f, good; unraced on firmer) last month and that form has been boosted; he has more to give and looks a leading contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(21)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Ethical Diamond

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: W P Mullins

A bit tricky to settle and he was hooded for first time in a Flat race in 18-runner handicap at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) nine weeks ago, coming with a relentless run from mid-division to lead final 1f and score with great authority; has an 8lb higher mark today and a longer trip, but he made up a lot of late ground to take fourth in the 2m1f County Hurdle at Cheltenham in March and the best of him on the Flat is probably still to come.

11/2

1st

18

(7)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Ethical Diamond

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: W P Mullins

Tricky to settle but fourth in this race last year (good to firm) off 2lb lower and the same this March in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham; ran respectably in his latest hurdle race too and this is his first time hooded in a Flat race; considered.

4/1

7th

1

12th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:15 Ayr

Ethical Diamond

11st 12lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Easily won maiden hurdle at Punchestown (2m, heavy) in February and highly creditable fourth in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham (2m1f, good to soft) last month; effective on good ground on the Flat; could have more to offer in this code and he's a major player up 1lb for last time.

11/4

5th
4 (17)
Mandoob

50/1

Form: 3/250/ D

Last run: 714 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 6yo; had wind surgery before a very good front-running second in C&D Listed race (good) in May 2022, followed by two lesser efforts that summer; had further wind surgery that November but not seen since; 714-day absence has to prompt caution but the 2022 reappearance run means he is not ruled out completely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(17)

21st Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:25 Ascot

Mandoob

9st 10lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Brian Meehan

raced wide early, soon raced in second, led narrowly 3f out, headed when edged left over 1f out, weakened final 110yds

50/1

18/1

Form: 11-612 D BF

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Big improver when upped in trip and visored last summer, winning turf handicaps over about 1m4f at Haydock, Leicester and Goodwood, the last two of which were on good to firm; another significant step forward when making all in good style at Newcastle (AW) this May, followed by a good second at Hamilton (1m5f, good) 19 days ago, so he is firmly in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(2)

28th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Fairbanks

12st 2lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: William Durkan

Off the mark over hurdles at Ballinrobe in May on second start for this yard at Ballinrobe; useful five-time Flat winner for Andrew Balding; could make no impression when returning to Britain for the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot; no match for a Willie Mullins-trained favourite in a novice hurdle at Roscommon three weeks ago.

25/1

2nd

1

7th Jul 2025

Good

1m 7f 204y

18:43 Roscommon

Fairbanks

11st 8lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: William Durkan

Off the mark over hurdles on second start for this yard at Ballinrobe (16.5f, good) in May; smart form on the Flat for Andrew Balding but came up short back on the level in a hot Royal Ascot handicap three weeks ago; top-rated here at 128; obvious chance on ground that will suit.

15/8

4

(19)

17th Jun 2025

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Fairbanks

9st 9lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: William Durkan

Progressive for Andrew Balding last year, winning two handicaps (1m4f/1m6f, AW/good); went over hurdles last month for his new yard and won a maiden at Ballinrobe three weeks ago; could go well now back on the Flat.

16/1

Form: 4411-2 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Hit form when winning a Roscommon maiden and Thurles handicap last autumn, both over about 1m4f on softer than good once cheekpieces were enlisted; always prominent and quickened on 2f out at the Curragh (1m2f, good; unraced on firmer) on reappearance, only to have Crystal Black collar him on the line but that was a promising start to his 4yo campaign.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(5)

2nd Jul 2024

Good

1m 4f 20y

19:50 Roscommon

Deakin

9st 11lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

awkward start, towards rear

9/1

7th

9

(21)

21st Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:25 Ascot

Deakin

9st 4lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

raced wide early, prominent, pressed leader going easily over 2f out, led narrowly over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, weakened final 110yds

7/1

2nd

7

(16)

25th May 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

16:15 Curragh

Deakin

9st 8lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

prominent, pressed leader after 3f

13/2

66/1

Form: 11127- D BF

Last run: 250 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Formerly trained in Germany and has won five of her 16 races, including a hat-trick (one Listed race and two Group 3s) over 1m2f-1m4f in Germany/Italy last May-July; sold for 200,000euros last December; needs to resume in peak form in this handicap and was 12-1 when getting loose before her intended British debut at Lingfield nearly six weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(5)

4th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 1

14:20 Kempton (AW)

Kolossal

9st 2lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

led, headed over 2f out, soon weakened

14/1

6th

4

(5)

4th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 1

14:20 Kempton (AW)

Kolossal

9st 2lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

led, headed over 2f out, soon weakened

14/1

7th

1

(6)

22nd Oct 2024

Standard

1m 4f 99y

Class 2

16:15 Newcastle (AW)

Kolossal

10st 2lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Dual Group 3 winner from the front in Germany in summer 2023; ran well for a long way at this year's Royal Ascot before a lesser effort in Group 2 company not long afterwards, and makes her AW debut back from a break; can do better.

8/1

Form: 11-38 D

Last run: 3 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Useful hurdler who won last year on first two Flat starts; Tuesday's never-nearer eighth of 16, beaten about 5l, in the Copper Horse here (1m6f, good to firm) was clearly her best form on the Flat, but it showed that more is needed and did not suggest that this shorter trip would help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

12

(15)

21st Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:25 Ascot

Party Central

9st 3lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Gordon Elliott

raced wide, took keen hold, midfield, some headway 2f out, weakened from over 1f out

18/1

8th

14

(15)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

19:15 Ascot

Party Central

9st 3lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Gordon Elliott

Talented hurdler who won last year on her first two Flat starts and good Listed third at Down Royal (2m, good) last month; she may have more to offer in this code but such improvement is necessary off her opening mark.

14/1

3rd

6

(5)

31st May 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

19:30 Down Royal

Party Central

9st 1lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Gordon Elliott

towards rear but in touch with leaders, headway and prominent on near side of group 3f out, pressed winner under 2f out, lost second and no extra inside final furlong

16/1

Form: 9/115- CD

Last run: 349 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Gelded before 1m4f wins at Ascot (soft) and Epsom (good to firm; comfortably) on first two starts last season; close fifth at Haydock in July; not seen since but he can clearly go well fresh and needs a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(3)

13th Jul 2024

Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:07 Ascot

Sheer Rocks

9st 3lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Gelded before 1m4f wins at Ascot (soft) and Epsom (good to firm; comfortably) on first two starts last season; close fifth at Haydock that July but not seen again until 50-1 at Royal Ascot three weeks ago, mustering some late headway into mid-division; could be a lot more interesting this time.

16/1

10th

19

(9)

21st Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:25 Ascot

Sheer Rocks

9st 0lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

reared start, in rear, short of room 2f out, soon outpaced, rallied final furlong

20/1

12/1

Form: 2/24-1 C

Last run: 47 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Did well upped to 1m6f in 2022, including a win here; absent 391 days before good second to Marhaba The Champ at York (1m4f) last August and a very solid record in handicaps, particularly on good or good to firm, was bolstered with a 1m6f win at Newmarket on 2024 reappearance; 5lb rise demands better still but he needs respect.
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

20/1

Form: 42-903 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Versatile tactically and on ground; won at Chester (1m4f) last May on seasonal debut; 0-13 since and with rather a mixed record form-wise, but he was back near his best when third at Haydock 13 days ago; cheekpieces (absent last time but worn on previous seven starts) return; case can be made.
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: 7217-5 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
In career-best form last summer, notably when a strong finish saw him take a good handicap at the Curragh (1m4f, good to firm); made a promising reappearance behind Crystal Black over 1m2f four weeks ago and should be primed for a good run today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(1)

8th Aug 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

18:22 Leopardstown

Safecracker

9st 9lb

J: Ben Coen

T: J P Murtagh

raced in third, outpaced and dropped to rear over 2f out, kept on final furlong

11/2

2nd

1

(6)

30th Jun 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

17:50 Curragh

Safecracker

10st 1lb

J: Ben Coen

T: J P Murtagh

Beat Zoffman (rec 6lb) under top-weight in this race last year when recording career-best RPR; promising reappearance here over 1m2f last month behind Crystal Black but never landed a blow behind same rival at Ascot nine days ago; respected nonetheless.

6/1

13th

5

(11)

21st Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:25 Ascot

Safecracker

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: J P Murtagh

never better than midfield

12/1

14/1

Form: 2104-1 D

Last run: 55 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
3-10 in handicaps, with a career best to win from off the pace at Ripon (1m4f, soft) in April on reappearance this term despite a troubled passage; back up 3lb but the ground (unraced on good to firm since a 2022 win) poses the bigger question.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

14

(9)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Sea King

9st 3lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Well beaten at Royal Ascot but won at Ripon (1m4f, soft) and Ayr (1m5f, good to firm) starts either side; blinkered at Ayr and when a good third off this mark to Iron Lion at Ripon on latest start, meeting trouble in running; not 100% sure to be as good at 1m6f (went close in 2022 in one of three attempts) but he leaves the strong impression that he still has more to give.

20/1

3rd

2

(5)

20th Jul 2024

Soft

1m 4f 10y

Class 2

15:55 Ripon

Sea King

10st 1lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Has won five of his 12 handicaps, including at Ripon (1m4f, soft) and Ayr (1m5f, good to firm) on the first and latest of his three races this season; the heavy defeat in between was at Royal Ascot; blinkered first time on latest start and again today; up another 5lb but likely to go well.

2/1

1st

1

(5)

8th Jul 2024

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 3

16:05 Ayr

Sea King

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

travelled strongly, steadied start, towards rear

7/4

Form: -53525 D BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Wore cheekpieces over 2m/1m6f last four starts, running well in three; that includes when back to turf over 1m6f the last twice but others are more convincing for race of this nature, including as he's back at 1m4f.
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

40/1

Form: 1310-6 D

Last run: 146 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Progressed into useful handicapper on turf for Charlie Fellowes, winning three times from the front (1m4f/1m2f) in cheekpieces last summer; sold for 150,000gns in October and the AW may have provided an excuse in January on only run since; tongue tied first time that day but without cheekpieces, which now return; has also now had wind surgery; probably needs a career best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(7)

28th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 99y

Class 3

15:25 Windsor

Cumulonimbus

9st 9lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: George Baker

Progressed into useful handicapper on turf for Charlie Fellowes in 2023, winning three times from the front (1m4f/1m2f) in cheekpieces that summer; well-beaten outsider on all three starts for new yard in 2024, however, and has not been seen since last July; cheekpieces are removed.

25/1

22

(20)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Cumulonimbus

9st 2lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: George Baker

Progressed into useful handicapper on turf for Charlie Fellowes, winning three times from the front (1m4f/1m2f) in cheekpieces in summer 2023; towards the rear on all three starts for new yard last term, in this race on second occasion, so has big questions to answer after 342 days off.

50/1

11th

6

(10)

13th Jul 2024

Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:07 Ascot

Cumulonimbus

9st 7lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: George Baker

Progressed into useful handicapper on turf for Charlie Fellowes, winning three times from the front (1m4f/1m2f) in cheekpieces last summer; sold for 150,000gns in October; may have had excuses for both runs since (AW and Royal Ascot) and had wind surgery in between, but others are preferred.

28/1

10/1

Form: 23412- D

Last run: 252 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Twice turned over at short odds but he left that form behind when upped to 11.6f for a clearcut win at Haydock (good; unraced on firmer) last September on handicap debut; travelled up best and kept on well when close second of ten in valuable handicap at Newmarket (1m4f, soft) in October; gelded since and raised 6lb but he looks just the sort to make further progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

3

(4)

4th Apr 2026

Good

1m 5f 216y

Class 3

15:05 Musselburgh

Shadow Dance

9st 6lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

Career highlights (1m4f/1m6f) for Roger Varian were in 2024 and he managed only mid-division in his three handicaps (at top meetings) last July-September; rather worse in both runs (his first races on AW) for new connections early this year but he returns to turf 8lb below his career-high mark.

28/1

7th

2

(4)

21st Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Lingfield (AW)

Shadow Dance

9st 9lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

On same mark as for his win at York (1m4f, good) in August 2024 but he's not seen much action since and has been well held in last four starts; may have needed the run on his stable/AW debut at Kempton (28-1) last month but others are more persuasive.

14/1

6th

4

(3)

28th Jan 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 2

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Shadow Dance

9st 8lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

Campaigned on turf for Roger Varian, often in notable handicaps (won one at York in 2024); failed to reproduce his peak figures in a light 2025 campaign and sold for 60,000gns since last run; the betting may prove best guide on AW/stable debut.

20/1

20/1

Form: 703-11

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Well beaten facing stiff task at this meeting last year, his only run on good to firm; best efforts were the wins at Chester and Windsor on his two starts this season, both over about 1m2f on good; the latter was in a blanket finish but the last-gasp nature of his win gives some encouragement for this second crack at 1m4f off 2lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(5)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:55 York

Tony Montana

9st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Beaten on his last 12 starts going back to May 2024 but he's run some big races in the meantime, including when beaten a head in this last year (good to firm) off the same mark as today; reappeared with solid sixth of 24 on stable debut in the Spring Cup at Newbury (1m, good); can be in the mix.

5/1

6th

14

(8)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Tony Montana

9st 4lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

In and out last season for Michael Bell, the high points coming when second in big fields at York (good to firm) in May and the Curragh (good to yielding) in September; all his best efforts have come over 1m2f so today's shorter distance is a concern but it's possible he'll be freshened up by a change of stable (same owner).

22/1

6

(15)

11th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:05 York

Tony Montana

9st 3lb

J: David Egan

T: Michael Bell

His form has been mixed this season but he went close over C&D (good to firm) in May and filled the same position in a big field at the Curragh (1m2f, good to yielding) last month; in the shake-up if he's again on song.

7/1

40/1

Form: 6019-0 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Scored twice on good to firm at York last season, latterly when upped to 1m4f at the Ebor meeting; ran poorly elsewhere on his other three starts (two on good to firm) last term, gelded after final outing, and did not show much when second favourite back at York last month; that's a worryingly hit-and-miss record but at least the ground should suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

17:00 Newton Abbot

Marhaba The Champ

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Sophie Leech

Largely disappointing for this stable under both codes and, after a brief respite on the Flat at Newbury in April, he refused to come out of the stalls at York last month, both times in this headgear; best hurdle effort when runner-up at Newcastle (2m1f, good) in October offers some hope on handicap switch, but current form is a clear concern.

11/2

7

(14)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Marhaba The Champ

9st 4lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Sophie Leech

Formerly useful for Kevin Ryan but was sold last July and has been comfortably held since on the Flat and over hurdles; this tongue-tie (tried once in 2023) returned on latest outing, along with first-time hood; 17lb below his peak mark, but no win since he scored twice at York in 2023.

33/1

9th

5

(16)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

16:55 Newbury

Marhaba The Champ

9st 6lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Sophie Leech

Formerly useful on the Flat for Kevin Ryan but was sold last July and has been comfortably held since on the Flat and over hurdles; tongue-tie (tried once in 2023) returns, plus first-time hood.

50/1

22 (20)
Ndaawi

20/1

Form: /605-7

Last run: 3 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Pretty useful juvenile hurdler in the mud for new yard, including when third of 22 in the 4yo handicap at Cheltenham Festival (2m); 2023 Flat season did not go well but his seventh of 20 here (2m4f, good; 28-1) on Tuesday when returned to the Flat offered some renewed hope in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(5)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 5f 80y

17:20 Listowel

Ndaawi

11st 0lb

J: Mr H C Swan

T: Gordon Elliott

Smart dual-purposer type got the Galway Hurdle in the stewards' room last summer and beat very useful Absurde in conditions' hurdle last month; his Flat run at Chester in September proved that he's worthy of this mark and showed he had a bit of boot when running well over 1m on AW pre-Cheltenham.

6/4

1st

5

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 70y

13:50 Cork

Ndaawi

11st 2lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Won the Galway Hurdle last year off 145 (awarded race by stewards) and has also won twice on the level (rated 91); trip and ground fine here and he finished well ahead of Absurde in the County Hurdle last month, though he had a fitness edge that day; talented claimer takes off 5lb and every chance at the weights.

15/8

14th

1

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Ndaawi

12st 0lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Very smart hurdler whose two visits to this meeting have produced a third in the 2024 Fred Winter and second to Kargese in this last year; improved again to win last summer's Galway Hurdle (pipped by Helvic Dream but awarded the race after suffering interference); below par when remote third to Lossiemouth in Grade 1 Morgiana in November but warmed up for this with a fine run on AW Flat last month over a trip short of his best; while his good record in top handicap hurdles (also second in 2024 Galway Hurdle) makes him a dangerous one to discount, he'll require a high-class performance to win off 156.

20/1

Non-runners

Teumessias Fox, La Yakel

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £539.90
Straight Forecast £276.82
Tricast £3131.01
Trifecta £11511.90

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Ethical Diamond

SPOTLIGHT:

Shadow Dance

POSTDATA:

Ziggy

The Star:

Fairbanks

TOPSPEED:

Marhaba The Champ

NEWMARKET:

Sea King

The Times:

Shadow Dance

The Guardian:

Shadow Dance

Daily Mirror:

Shadow Dance

Daily Mail:

Ethical Diamond

D Express:

Ethical Diamond

The Sun:

Ethical Diamond

Daily Record:

Ethical Diamond

Telegraph:

Ziggy