July 06 / 14.25 Sandown

14.25

Good

Coral Challenge (Handicap)

  • Prize money: £50960
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
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Coral Challenge (Handicap)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.50
  • Place: £2.55

Form: 1/117- D

Last run: 382 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Absent since looking better than the bare result in the 2023 St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot (met major traffic issues; 3-3 previously); still a promising sort and looks interesting on return to action.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(4)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:35 Newbury

Ciceros Gift

9st 2lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Charles Hills

Didn't have the ideal set-up at Sandown (behind Zeus Olympios) on reappearance but still needs to prove the form of his 100-1 success in last year's Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II (1m, good) at Ascot, where he was possibly helped by the draw, can be backed up; may be flattered by his mark.

33/1

4th

1

(5)

24th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Sandown

Ciceros Gift

9st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Charles Hills

Dual C&D winner who finished third in this race last year; returns to Sandown but may be flattered by his new rating, having been perhaps helped by the draw when registering a 100-1 success in the Group 1 QEII at Ascot (good) on last appearance; needs to prove he can back up that form.

20/1

2

(1)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Ascot

Ciceros Gift

9st 6lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Charles Hills

Having run some good races in defeat this season (including in a good-ground Group 2) he returned to winning ways in a Listed race at Sandown (1m, soft) last month; likes it there; looks opposable now back up in grade.

100/1

13/2

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 94-435

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Good fifth in the Hunt Cup (handicap debut) last month, enhancing his solid record at Royal Ascot and doing well considering he had to wait for a run; clear possibilities off same mark granted better luck.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(4)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Holloway Boy

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: K R Burke

His strike-rate is an unimpressive 3-26 but he's seldom far away and last October's excellent second in a top handicap over C&D preceded an AW Listed win; came up short at Doha and Meydan early this year but showed enough to suggest he should be on the premises.

6/1

1

(2)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Holloway Boy

9st 12lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

This is his first run since April and he has a lofty mark, but he won a Group 3 at Haydock (1m, good) last September and has a history of running well off big weights in handicaps; likes it here; not ruled out.

18/1

6th

1

(7)

4th Dec 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

19:10 Kempton (AW)

Holloway Boy

9st 11lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

took keen hold, raced wide, in touch with leaders

13/2

9/2

  • Place: £2.05

Form: 0171-3 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Suited by good/firmer; record of 2-6 for current yard; creditable third in the Royal Hunt Cup last month on seasonal debut; successful in this contest last year and has to be feared despite being 8lb higher this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

3

(10)

2nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Perotto

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Roger Varian

Excellent third in competitive 1m handicaps on both runs this season, firstly the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot (good to firm) and then at Sandown (soft); has won here twice and was a fair seventh in this last year; one to consider.

15/2

3rd

4

(9)

6th Jul 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Perotto

9st 7lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Roger Varian

Suited by good/firmer; record of 2-6 for current yard; creditable third in the Royal Hunt Cup last month on seasonal debut; successful in this contest last year and has to be feared despite being 8lb higher this time.

9/2

3rd

8

(17)

19th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:05 Ascot

Perotto

9st 3lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Roger Varian

Suited by good/firmer; won the Britannia at this meeting in 2021; disappointing favourite (only tenth) in this race last year and now has to overcome a lack of recent match practice, having been absent since last-gasp success in the Shergar Cup Mile here ten months ago.

18/1

Form: 3-5821 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 8st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
In career-best form on soft ground the last twice, finishing second to Dual Identity here then cosily going one better at Yarmouth; however, chance may depend on whether he gets a similar surface.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(3)

13th Oct 2024

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Goodwood

Magic Memories

10st 1lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Both wins over 1m on soft and although he hasn't found a great deal in two C&D runs since back from a break (favourite latest) they were both in a higher grade; should have more to come at this level; on the premises.

5/2

5th

7

(7)

25th Sep 2024

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Goodwood

Magic Memories

8st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

held up in rear, headway over 2f out, disputing third over 1f out, no extra inside final 110yds

9/2

6th

9

(3)

25th Aug 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:25 Goodwood

Magic Memories

9st 4lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Won at Yarmouth (1m, soft) in June and close fourth at Sandown (1m, soft) last month when failing to settle off a steady pace; could build on that latest run when getting a stronger gallop; soft ground would aid cause.

11/2

Form: 41-203 C

Last run: 74 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Last three wins in the Middle East and Hungary; respectable third at Epsom on last appearance but faces a stiffer task off same mark in this stronger field; course success in 2021 came at a lower level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(7)

16th Sep 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 4

17:05 Redcar

Silent Film

9st 13lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Ian Williams

On reduced mark but his last win was two years ago and he has form figures of 887788 since last August; down the list.

16/1

4

(9)

21st Aug 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 3

20:15 Newcastle (AW)

Silent Film

9st 9lb

J: William Carver

T: Ian Williams

Hasn't won a race since September 2023 and not as good as he was; the cheekpieces need to trigger something.

33/1

7

(7)

7th Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Silent Film

8st 13lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Ian Williams

7yo who is without a win since September 2023 and doesn't appear to be the force of old, but he returned from a break at Newcastle (1m, AW) in June and that seventh gives him something to build on; on reduced mark and he's not ruled out back up in trip.

7/1

Form: 00-513 CD BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Close third behind Two Tempting and Classic in C&D contest three weeks ago, taking his Sandown record to 512113; remains in good form and holds solid claims, albeit perhaps has nothing in hand off present mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(9)

3rd May 2025

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

15:55 Goodwood

Dual Identity

9st 8lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: William Knight

Won at Sandown (1m, soft) last May and close second of 17 at York (1m2f, good to firm) in August; made a satisfactory reappearance when seventh at 40-1 in the Lincoln at Doncaster (1m) five weeks ago and is probably effective at this track, so he's one to consider.

12/1

3rd

2

(9)

3rd May 2025

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

15:55 Goodwood

Dual Identity

9st 8lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: William Knight

Won at Sandown (1m, soft) last May and close second of 17 at York (1m2f, good to firm) in August; made a satisfactory reappearance when seventh at 40-1 in the Lincoln at Doncaster (1m) five weeks ago and is probably effective at this track, so he's one to consider.

12/1

7

(1)

29th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Doncaster

Dual Identity

9st 7lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: William Knight

Below best on first and final starts last season but enjoyed a good campaign, winning at Sandown (1m, soft) in May and close second of 17 at York (1m2f, good to soft) in August; should be suited by a strongly run race at this trip and he's an each-way contender if fully tuned up for his return.

25/1

Form: 10-127 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Landed the Spring Cup at Newbury on seasonal debut and has remained in form since, creditable seventh in the Royal Hunt Cup most recently; ties in with Perotto and Holloway Boy on that effort; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

(9)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:52 Goodwood

Metal Merchant

9st 9lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Brian Toomey

Showed notable handicap form in 2024 but has posted duck eggs in three runs since that campaign and needs to prove he retains ability; best watched on second run for new yard, unless the market suggests otherwise.

25/1

20th

19

(15)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Metal Merchant

9st 1lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Brian Toomey

Well treated on his 2024 form for Jack Channon and he won the Spring Mile at Newbury (1m, good to soft) on his reappearance that season; however, just two runs last term, finishing down the field in April/May, and he has plenty to prove making his stable debut after an absence; blinkers go on.

40/1

12th

10

(15)

10th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Ascot

Metal Merchant

9st 1lb

J: David Probert

T: Jack Channon

Last three wins over 1m, most recently the 2024 Spring Cup; however, finished a close fourth in major C&D handicap last July and could go well with Haydock reappearance under his belt.

12/1

Form: -11011 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Productive 5yo who held on by a neck in similar event over C&D (good to soft) last month, taking strike-rate this season to 4-5; never wins by far and a further 2lb rise keeps him competitively weighted.
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

11/2

Form: 142-92 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Looked unlucky in similar event over C&D (off 1lb lower) three weeks ago, weaving his way through from the back of the field to split Two Tempting and Dual Identity; scored on this card last year and warrants respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

(7)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Classic

9st 2lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Third in last year's Spring Cup over C&D and fourth in this race; next three starts were good as well and he was better than ever for reappearance second of 24 in the Spring Cup four weeks ago; up just 1lb, a leading player.

6/1

2nd

15

(9)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Classic

9st 1lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Chased home Ebt's Guard and Urban Lion in this race last year and he's better off at the weights with both; ran a cracker when dropped to 7f for valuable event at Ascot last summer; hasn't been seen for eight months but he'll be dangerous if cherry ripe.

12/1

23

(12)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Classic

8st 10lb

J: Reserve

T: Richard Hannon

Reserve; made all at Sandown (1m, good to firm) in July and close second of 21 to subsequent Stewards' Cup winner Two Tribes here (7f, good) next time; soundly beaten at Newbury (7f, good to firm) two months ago and needs to bounce back but he's better than that and is not discounted.

33/1

OUR TIP

Form: 024-14 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Better than ever this term, gamely making all in the Hambleton at York (good) then respectable fourth in Haydock Group 3; returns to handicap level off a career-high mark but can't be dismissed in current form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(1)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Point Lynas

9st 12lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Below best on final two starts last season and same story on sole run this term, in Qatar in February; also has a hefty mark to defy but this front-runner was a fine second under an enterprising ride in a Group 2 at Ascot last July and has a strong record here, finishing second in this race in 2023 and winning it in 2024; capable of very bold bid from the inside stall.

14/1

5

(4)

27th Jul 2025

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 1

14:55 Pontefract

Point Lynas

9st 7lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Good second in Ascot Group 2 last time, collared only late having raced in clear lead for long way; made all for emphatic success in this race 12 months ago (good to firm) and commands respect back here.

6/4

6

(1)

12th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:22 Ascot

Point Lynas

9st 3lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Edward Bethell

Often leads, as was the case when well clear at one stage before finishing close up in a 1m Group 3 at Chantilly a month ago; that was bordering on his best form and he could outrun his odds if getting loose on the lead.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £68.60
Straight Forecast £57.88
Tricast £273.45
Trifecta £256.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Classic

The Times:

Cicero's Gift

POSTDATA:

Perotto

The Guardian:

Holloway Boy

Telegraph:

Metal Merchant

TOPSPEED:

Two Tempting

The Sun:

Point Lynas

Daily Mail:

Cicero's Gift

RP RATINGS:

Classic

D Express:

Classic

Daily Mirror:

Classic

The Star:

Classic

Daily Record:

Classic

NEWMARKET:

Perotto