July 26 / 15.35 Ascot

15.35

Good To Firm

John Guest Racing Handicap

  • Prize money: £23193
  • 1m 3f 211y
  • Class 2
  • 8 runners
SKY
View Course
John Guest Racing Handicap

Runners: 8 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £15.00
  • Place: £3.50

Form: U813

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Won a maiden at Redcar (1m2f, soft) in May and better form when third of 13 in a novice at Kempton (1m4f, AW) 16 days ago, albeit with Mutaawid in another league; has 13lb swing in the weights with that impressive winner for a beating of just over 6l, so has his chance in theory of reversing those places; also these are early days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(8)

21st Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 1

14:25 York

Mount Atlas

9st 5lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Close Listed third here (1m6f, good) on penultimate start and got up close home in a slowly run Group 3 over that same C&D (good to firm) on latest; he's never ventured beyond that and it's questionable whether it will suit; also needs a bit more improvement but he's regularly proved capable of that.

15/2

1st

4

(3)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

16:55 York

Mount Atlas

9st 0lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

5yo who is an improved performer this season and registered career-best form when a close third in C&D Listed race last time, a neck behind Tabletalk; should be bang there once again.

13/8

2nd
4 (5)
Insanity

10/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 2815-1 D

Last run: 95 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Underwhelming over hurdles but he's won two of his five races on the Flat, including when edging in front close home at Windsor (11.4f) in April last time; stays 1m4f well; up 4lb but could still have potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(10)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Insanity

10st 1lb

J: Mme Marie Velon

T: Alan King

Has history in this race, having won it two seasons ago and only a length behind Night Breeze last year (good to firm; could have done with a truer gallop); just 2lb higher than 12 months ago and perhaps unwise to come down too harshly on his defeat at Royal Ascot, especially when his comeback run was so encouraging; shortlisted.

11/2

13th

14

(3)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Insanity

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

C&D winner who mostly ran well last season and did so again when second at Pontefract (1m2f) on reappearance this April; each-way chance if he can avoid trouble from an inside stall.

25/1

2nd

2

(9)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 5y

Class 2

15:27 Pontefract

Insanity

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Soundly beaten on final run last term but on heavy ground, and it was a campaign in which he frequently ran really well, going close off this mark at York (1m2f, good) in October; won on his reappearance in 2024; respected.

11/2

8/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 3-10

Last run: 55 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
1m2f maiden winner on Chelmsford AW in May; much better form in the Derby at Epsom (1m4f, good to soft) eight weeks ago, albeit beaten 19l into tenth of 16 facing that very stiff task at 100-1; makes his handicap debut and has had only three starts, so should still have potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(4)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 61y

Class 1

13:25 Newbury

Tabletalk

9st 8lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Tom Clover

Won the Melrose Handicap at York in August 2024; 0-10 since but runner-up in six of those races, including at York (1m6f) on last two starts in close finishes also involving Mount Atlas (who now carries a 3lb penalty); the lack of a recent win has become frustrating, particularly as he had the initiative for most of the closing stages last time, losing it in the last three strides; cheekpieces (tried once last term, runner-up) return; second to Dubai Honour in terms of form.

3/1

2nd

5

(2)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

16:55 York

Tabletalk

9st 0lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Tom Clover

Won the Melrose Handicap over C&D in August 2024; 0-9 since but he was runner-up in five of those races, including when beaten a neck in C&D Listed event four weeks ago, narrowly in front of Mount Atlas; the lack of a recent win is a touch frustrating but he's clearly a leading contender.

15/8

2nd

6

(3)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:00 York

Tabletalk

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Tom Clover

Won the Melrose Handicap here in 2024 (good to firm; for 3yos) and another good run over C&D (good to firm) when third in this last year, 4l behind Al Qareem; not at his best at Ascot last month following a break, and there's a suspicion he may find one or two too good even if back to his peak, but he might not be far away.

7/1

Form: 5921 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
St Leger entry; unraced on firmer than good; found improvement when upped in trip with headgear on the last two of his four starts, switched to blinkers when off the mark in a novice at Kempton (1m4f, AW) on latest; seen in a radically new light given the way he shot clear from over 1f out that day, so he's one to be interested in on this handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(8)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Mutaawid

9st 10lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: John & Thady Gosden

Blinkers reinstated for last two starts, on first occasion making most to score by 6l in a six-runner race at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm); had this 10lb higher mark when fair fifth of 13 at Epsom (1m2f, good to soft) two weeks ago, galloping on as if a return to this trip (he won a 1m4f novice last term) would be okay; needs to resume improvement, though.

14/1

5th

2

(5)

6th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Mutaawid

9st 7lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: John & Thady Gosden

Came up shy in his first three handicaps but, with blinkers reinstated, he made most to score by 6l in a six-runner race at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm) on latest; more to prove on softer ground and given he's 10lb higher in a much stronger race.

4/1

2

(5)

18th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

18:15 Newmarket

Mutaawid

9st 7lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: John & Thady Gosden

6l novice win at Kempton (1m4f, AW) last July with first-time blinkers; has come up shy in handicaps on all three starts since, absent since August (gelded) when fifth of 11 at Goodwood 15 days ago; kept hanging in the closing stages that day and the blinkers are reinstated; unraced on firmer than good; this is a small field but others are still a bit more persuasive.

11/4

Form: 51153- C

Last run: 335 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Progressed well on Flat last term for Michael Bell, notably with 1m2f Royal Ascot win (good to firm); took well to hurdling for new yard (same owners) and was ante-post favourite for the Triumph until put in his place by the top juvenile in January; a hood seemed to be needed in that sphere and is now used for the first time on Flat; needs to hit a new high but respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

14

(4)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Burdett Road

9st 3lb

J: Harry Davies

T: James Owen

2023 Royal Ascot winner who has also tasted the high life in top hurdle races; one of the market leaders in this in 2024 but came 12th; his attentions have been focused on the Flat this year but he hasn't been in peak form, 11th off this reduced mark behind Hopewell Rock last time; there's a chance that return to softer ground today will help; something needs to.

66/1

11th

3

(7)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Burdett Road

9st 8lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: James Owen

2023 Royal Ascot winner who has also tasted the high life in top hurdle races; his attentions have been turned back to the Flat this year and he hasn't been in peak form; falling in the weights but still needs a revival; good 5lb claimer is enlisted.

33/1

6th

1

(2)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Newmarket (July)

Burdett Road

9st 12lb

J: Luke Morris

T: James Owen

2023 Royal Ascot winner who has also tasted the high life in top hurdle races; his attentions were turned back to the Flat for four races (UAE and Saudi Arabia) this January-March and he wasn't in peak form, before 12l tenth at Royal Ascot (1m4f; restless in the stalls) continued that trend; falling in the weights but needs a revival.

40/1

7/2

Form: 55-112 D BF

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
A revelation moving into 1m4f handicaps this year, winning in convincing style at Newbury (good to firm) and Newmarket (good); met his match back at Newmarket 13 days ago but went down by just a head, showing improved form, and he remains one to take seriously despite 3lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(4)

26th Sep 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Newmarket

Wonder Kid

9st 11lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Hugo Palmer

Won in convincing style over 1m4f at Newbury (good to firm) and Newmarket (good) in this season's first two handicaps; beaten a head at the Newmarket July meeting (good) but never got into it at Ascot (fair sixth) on latest outing; needs to bounce back and resume improvement.

6/1

6th

8

(9)

26th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Wonder Kid

8st 5lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Hugo Palmer

A revelation moving into 1m4f handicaps this year, winning in convincing style at Newbury (good to firm) and Newmarket (good); met his match back at Newmarket 13 days ago but went down by just a head, showing improved form, and he remains one to take seriously despite 3lb rise.

7/2

2nd

11

(6)

13th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

17:10 Newmarket (July)

Wonder Kid

8st 12lb

J: James Doyle

T: Hugo Palmer

Unplaced all three runs as a 2yo but he has been a revelation in handicaps this year, winning in convincing style at Newbury (good) and over this C&D (good to firm); the handicapper has taken umbrage, raising him a total of 14lb, but further progress is very much on the cards; leading contender.

7/2

OUR TIP

Form: 00-871 C

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
1m winner at this track in May 2023; failed to make a serious impact since until making all at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm; off 4lb lower) last month; back up 4lb but the idea of 1m4f does not seem ridiculous given the manner of that win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

(4)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

17:20 York

Chasing Aphrodite

9st 1lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Harry Eustace

5yo who has won four of his 12 starts, the latest win coming at Sandown in June (1m2f, good to firm; made all); 1m4f stretched him at Ascot last time out and he can't be discounted now back down in trip, but he's inconsistent and others are a bit more compelling.

14/1

7th

3

(2)

26th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Chasing Aphrodite

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Harry Eustace

1m winner at this track in May 2023; failed to make a serious impact since until making all at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm; off 4lb lower) last month; back up 4lb but the idea of 1m4f does not seem ridiculous given the manner of that win.

14/1

6/1

Form: 3-12 BF

Last run: 40 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Narrowly justified favouritism in maiden at Newbury (1m2f, good) in May and second of 12 in novice at Doncaster (1m4f, good to soft) was creditable despite starting 10-11; still had something to learn and brings plenty of potential to this handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

1st Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:04 Ayr

Hosaamm

12st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Refused to race at Musselburgh in February when last seen so comes with a risk attached; however, prior to that he won a juvenile hurdle at Wetherby (2m, good to soft) and has potential off this opening mark in view of his useful Flat form (effective on soft in that code).

11/2

2nd

2

1st Nov 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:04 Ayr

Hosaamm

12st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Refused to race at Musselburgh in February when last seen so comes with a risk attached; however, prior to that he won a juvenile hurdle at Wetherby (2m, good to soft) and has potential off this opening mark in view of his useful Flat form (effective on soft in that code).

11/2

3

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 1

13:42 Musselburgh

Hosaamm

11st 0lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Narrowly justified favouritism at Wetherby (second hurdles attempt) last time, adding to his Flat win; stiffer task upped in grade but may be capable of further improvement.

10/1

Non-runners

Alfred Boucher

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £175.10
Straight Forecast £209.74
Tricast £1912.41
Trifecta £621.30

Selections

POSTDATA:

Mutaawid

SPOTLIGHT:

Wonder Kid

The Guardian:

Chasing Aphrodite

The Sun:

Mount Atlas

Daily Record:

Hosaamm

TOPSPEED:

Burdett Road

NEWMARKET:

Mutaawid

The Times:

Mutaawid

Telegraph:

Mutaawid

D Express:

Mutaawid

RP RATINGS:

Wonder Kid

Daily Mail:

Wonder Kid

Daily Mirror:

Wonder Kid

The Star:

Chasing Aphrodite