July 27 / 16.50 Ascot

16.50

Good

Betfred Handicap

  • Prize money: £32400
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
Betfred Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

2/1 (Won)

  • Win: £2.38
  • Place: £1.40

Form: /221-1 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Beaten favourite on his first three starts before making quite heavy weather of winning a three-runner maiden at Lingfield last August (1m1f, good to firm); gelded soon afterwards and he looked more professional when easily seeing off his 11 rivals in a Class 2 handicap at Newcastle last month (1m); hit with a 10lb rise for that but it's quite possible there's a fair bit more in the tank; strong claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(14)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:35 Ascot

Elnajmm

9st 6lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Lightly raced 4yo who looked highly progressive when winning handicaps at Newcastle (1m, AW) and over C&D (good to firm) in the summer; unraced on softer than good and he's failed to continue his improving ways the last twice, but perhaps first-time cheekpieces will give him a boost; not discounted.

11/1

5th

5

(5)

18th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:23 Sandown

Elnajmm

9st 6lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Progressive form in justifying favouritism in 1m handicaps at Newcastle (AW) and Ascot (good to firm) before hanging for pressure and finishing only midfield in a deep one at York; has to bounce back from that but a QEII entry gives plenty of hope that he might.

9/2

9th

4

(17)

22nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

15:00 York

Elnajmm

9st 7lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

prominent, outpaced and hung badly left over 2f out, no impression when bit short of room and raced awkwardly over 1f out, hung left and weakened gradually final 110yds

11/4

14/1

  • Place: £4.55

Form: 423640 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 10st 3lb

7 yo Horse

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Acts on any going; multiple winner in Germany/Italy; mixed RPRs for new yard this year but nearly won a Group 3 at Meydan in February; travelled well in the Royal Hunt Cup over C&D last time but his effort petered out in the final furlong; this doesn't look quite so demanding and he's a contender despite conceding chunks of weight all round.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(6)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:17 Sandown

Sean

9st 8lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Useful on his day but has become inconsistent, latterly at Meydan, notwithstanding a January performance that's his sole win for current yard; the 9yo can be opposed back on British soil; tongue-tie fitted.

33/1

8th

6

(8)

5th Jul 2025

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

17:15 Sandown

Sean

9st 8lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Useful weights turnaround with Flying Frontier on C&D form last August and also with Arabian Light from Meydan (1m1f) in February; however, some question marks about his form since and whether he really wants a stiff test at 1m2f has yet to be proved.

20/1

10

(23)

18th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Sean

9st 7lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Record of 0-17 for current yard doesn't tell the whole story, as he's capable of very useful form; last few efforts don't augur well, however, and he came up short (finished 11th) in this race in 2024.

50/1

OUR TIP

20/1

  • Place: £9.65

Form: -37900 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Has won on good to firm but his best efforts have been on a slower surface; as good as ever when third in the Irish Lincolnshire (1m, heavy) on his reappearance in March but that has been the only bright spot in 2024; on a dangerous mark but others are likely to have his measure unless there's a deluge.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

5

(14)

16th Mar 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

15:45 Curragh

Raadobarg

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Raphael E Freire

Winner of this race for Johnny Murtagh, third of 19 last season when trained by George Boughey; generally disappointing since and the most recent of his five wins was for Murtagh in a 7f conditions race at Tipperary in April 2022; change of stable for 2025 campaign.

8/1

6th

2

(7)

28th Sep 2024

Soft

1m 0f 37y

Class 2

13:30 Haydock

Raadobarg

10st 0lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: George Boughey

Well handicapped on his third on heavy ground at the Curragh (1m) in March but he's been generally disappointing since and was only tenth of 14 at Doncaster two weeks ago; new headgear is now tried but his last win was in 2022 and others are more convincing.

7/1

10th

4

(15)

14th Sep 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:25 Doncaster

Raadobarg

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: George Boughey

Finished third in this race in 2021 and filled the same position at Ascot last time; not guaranteed to repeat the form, having been inconsistent this year, and his long losing run is another negative.

10/1

10/1

Form: 450702 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Won two Group 3 races in 2022; has tumbled down the weights and he returned to some form with a close second behind Sterling Knight at Newmarket 16 days ago (1m, good to soft); 2lb rise in a stronger race could find him out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(9)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Tempus

9st 8lb

J: William Cox

T: Archie Watson

1lb lower than when scoring in an amateur riders' event at Goodwood (1m, good) in June, but hard to win with these days and latest close third of six came in a Newcastle seller (1m, Tapeta); look elsewhere.

11/1

6

(9)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Tempus

9st 8lb

J: William Cox

T: Archie Watson

1lb lower than when scoring in an amateur riders' event at Goodwood (1m, good) in June, but hard to win with these days and latest close third of six came in a Newcastle seller (1m, Tapeta); look elsewhere.

11/1

4

(2)

17th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Tempus

10st 3lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Multiple winner in his young days including over C&D, but has only managed to win two of his last 31 starts, one of which was on Jersey; may find a couple too strong.

7/1

10/1

Form: 0-0024 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Two solid efforts since undergoing wind surgery in May; had a few traffic issues at Redcar last time without looking an unlucky loser; hood is added; 2lb out of the weights but not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(1)

12th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 75y

Class 4

15:45 Beverley

Obelix

10st 3lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Julie Camacho

Infrequent winner who is usually held up (can start slowly) and he needs everything to drop right; capable off this mark but if missing the kick from stall 1 he could be behind the black ball.

8/1

6/1

Form: -50111

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Revived by Brian Ellison this summer, winning two 7f handicaps in two days at York last month and completing his hat-trick in good style two weeks ago; 5lb higher on quicker ground but he still has handicapping scope and he looks worth a crack at 1m; William Buick replaces an inexperienced apprentice; should go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

15

(12)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Ripon

Tolstoy

9st 4lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Low-key return to turf at York (6f, good to firm) three weeks ago; should be well treated but he comes with risks attached.

25/1

14th

11

(2)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 York

Tolstoy

9st 4lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Drew a blank in 2025 but he has slipped a long way in the weights; absent since a poor run at Newcastle (7f) in February; headgear absent for his return and dropping back to 6f isn't sure to suit.

33/1

10th

12

(11)

6th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Tolstoy

9st 4lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Brian Ellison

Too headstrong in a clear lead at Southwell (7f) last time, so did fairly well to be beaten only 2l in the end; gained last win off 10lb higher at Newcastle in August 2024; fighting chance provided he settles.

10/1

11/1

Form: 306101 C

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Most of career has been spent sprinting but he was progressing over 7f and took his form to the next level when winning from Tempus at Newmarket 16 days ago on his first crack at 1m; 3lb higher in a deeper race but Oisin Murphy retains the ride and this 5yo may have more to offer as a miler.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(4)

14th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:37 Newmarket (July)

Sterling Knight

9st 11lb

J: Toby Moore

T: Ed Dunlop

C&D winner who scored on the other course here (1m, good) in May; hasn't hit the same level in four subsequent runs but he was not beaten far at Thirsk last time and he ties in with Tuscan Hills on that form; usually comes from off the pace and has possibilities if he gets the breaks.

12/1

7th

10

(6)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Thirsk

Sterling Knight

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Ed Dunlop

Campaigned mostly at the Newmarket tracks this term, winning in May and respectable third last time; has shown versatility in the past but looks weighted to the hilt off current mark and this step back up in class adds to the difficulty.

10/1

3rd

6

(10)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket (July)

Sterling Knight

9st 12lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Ed Dunlop

Well beaten at Epsom on Oaks day and he still had work to do when his path was blocked late on over this C&D three weeks ago; however, before those he won in good style on the other Newmarket course (1m, good) and he won this race in 2024 (good to soft); capable of having a say.

16/1

Form: 111216 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
He's flourished for his new stable, winning five handicaps at around 1m since December; only sixth of 15 at Sandown six weeks ago (1m, good to soft) when he couldn't really get a clean shot at it and also hung right for pressure; 2lb out of the handicap and minor money is perhaps his best hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(5)

25th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 5

14:30 Lingfield (AW)

Great Blasket

10st 0lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: James Owen

Visored for the first time when making a winning stable debut at Nottingham (8.5f, good to firm) last month and, although a beaten short-price favourite, posted another solid effort under a penalty at Sandown (1m); now 2lb higher but remains fairly treated on older form.

5/2

3rd

4

(4)

6th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:58 Sandown

Great Blasket

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: James Owen

Changed hands for 9,000gns last month and comfortably exploited a reduced mark on last Thursday's stable debut at Nottingham (1m, good to firm), where he was odds-on in a first-time visor (retained); this C&D winner is ahead of the handicapper under a penalty and should be tough to beat.

8/13

1st

3

(1)

30th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 75y

Class 5

14:35 Nottingham

Great Blasket

9st 7lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: James Owen

Nine-time winner whose best effort this year came when a close-up third over C&D in May, taking his form figures at this track to 213; below his best in two starts since and has left the Newland-Insole stable (bought for 9,000gns); visor replaces blinkers for his yard debut and he's interesting.

9/4

14/1

Form: 0-0734

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
He's taken a while to find his feet for his new stable but his last two runs have been more encouraging, notably when keeping on for fourth at Ripon last week (1m, good to soft); should be winning soon but this is a step up in class.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(14)

25th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:43 Doncaster

Bennetot

9st 8lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

in rear, some headway over 1f out, no telling impression

12/1

11th

4

(4)

12th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:05 York

Bennetot

9st 1lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Won at Windsor (1m, good to firm) last month and has run well in defeat on his four starts since, on the latest finishing fourth of 31 in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket (1m1f, soft); one of two solid contenders for the yard.

9/1

4th

23

(6)

28th Sep 2024

Soft

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Bennetot

8st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: David O’Meara

Won at Windsor (1m, good to firm) last month and has run well in defeat on his three starts since (1m/1m2f, good to firm-soft); each-way possible.

20/1

10/1

Form: 478837 D

Last run: 57 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Hold-up handicapper who is now 6lb lower than when placed in last season's Cambridgeshire; ran well for third at York's Dante meeting and he's ready to win but this isn't guaranteed to be run to suit; withdrawn at Royal Ascot having got upset in the stalls.
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

16/1

Form: -54707 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Smart handicapper on his day and he won the big 7f handicap on this card 12 months ago off a 2lb lower mark; has not really got going this season and although he stays 1m, there may be others finishing off their race with more purposes; best form on good or slower.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(5)

26th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

16:25 Doncaster

Baradar

9st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Won the International at Ascot and a 6.5f course handicap on soft at the St Leger meeting in a very good 2023 campaign; has failed to hit the same heights this year but now dangerously well handicapped and recent efforts have been a bit better.

11/1

6th

5

(6)

4th Oct 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Baradar

9st 1lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: George Boughey

He's had a disappointing campaign but has dropped down the weights and took a big step back in the right direction in first-time blinkers (retained) when a close fourth at Ripon (6f, soft) last Saturday, having been slowly away; this course winner may be able to build on that latest performance.

6/1

4th

2

(10)

28th Sep 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Baradar

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: George Boughey

It's been a struggle for him so far this year, including back under favourable conditions at Doncaster 13 days ago, but he's down to a good mark and possible the switch to blinkers will pique his interest.

9/1

Form: 2-4887 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Flourished in 2023, notably with his win in a 1m handicap at York's Ebor meeting; 2024 is proving more challenging but he's back down the weights now and cheekpieces could give him a lift.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(7)

17th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 212y

Class 3

15:05 Haydock

Silver Sword

10st 0lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Dylan Cunha

Gained last success off just 1lb lower at Meydan in March; hasn't scored on home soil for over two years but ran respectably in competitive field at York (1m) last Friday; possibilities back down in grade.

13/2

5th

13

(16)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

13:30 York

Silver Sword

8st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Dylan Cunha

Failed to kick on after big-field handicap win at Meydan (1m, good to firm) in March but returned from a break in the Cambridgeshire (1m1f, good to firm) a fortnight ago and was denied a clear run when finishing an encouraging 11th of 23; he may be able to build on that performance.

16/1

11th

20

(1)

27th Sep 2025

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Silver Sword

8st 8lb

J: J F Egan

T: Dylan Cunha

Won a big-field handicap at Meydan (1m, good to firm) in March; however, didn't really threaten in Britain on his next three starts in April and May, and returns from a break today; others are more appealing.

40/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £25.00
Straight Forecast £23.28
Tricast £557.58
Trifecta £740.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Elnajmm

RP RATINGS:

Bopedro

POSTDATA:

Bennetot

TOPSPEED:

Tolstoy

NEWMARKET:

Sterling Knight

The Times:

Elnajmm

Telegraph:

Elnajmm

Daily Mail:

Elnajmm

D Express:

Elnajmm

The Sun:

Elnajmm

The Star:

Elnajmm

Daily Record:

Elnajmm

The Guardian:

Bopedro

Daily Mirror:

Bopedro