July 27 / 17.25 Ascot

17.25

Good

Whispering Angel Handicap

  • Prize money: £30924
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
SKY
View Course
Whispering Angel Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.34
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 179092 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Horse

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Finished with a flourish having run into traffic issues galore in a C&D handicap two weeks ago; raised only 1lb and still looks extremely well handicapped on turf; needs luck in running but form claims are compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(10)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Albasheer

9st 3lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Has moved in the right direction on AW since returning from lengthy layoff but the form suggests he doesn't retain peak ability; the 8yo is the oldest contender back on turf.

14/1

2nd

2

(7)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Albasheer

9st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Second run back from a long break (C&D) was better than the first; on a good mark if able to take another step forward.

7/1

4th

2

(3)

19th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Albasheer

9st 6lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Smart sprint handicapper but off for 13 months after finishing third over C&D on New Year's Day 2025 and always behind on his Chelmsford comeback 26 days ago; needs to have come on a lot.

10/1

20/1

  • Place: £5.25

Form: 162-24

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Two good runs back from a year on the sidelines, pipped by a stablemate at Chelmsford last month and a creditable fourth back at that track three weeks ago; more will be needed in this warm race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

(8)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:20 Ascot

Emperor Spirit

8st 11lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Michael Keady

Ran a stormer over C&D on his seasonal return; the ground went against him at Epsom on Derby day and he has quickly bounced back with placed efforts at Beverley and Newmarket; up 2lb for latest near-miss but still on a good mark; Oisin Murphy booked; decent chance.

7/1

3rd

9

(8)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Newmarket (July)

Emperor Spirit

9st 5lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Michael Keady

First run for Michael Keady when winning this race 12 months ago off a 3lb higher mark; two good runs on fast ground this year (below par on slower going in the Epsom Dash) and he's likely to make another bold bid.

5/1

2nd

3

(3)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:02 Beverley

Emperor Spirit

9st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Michael Keady

Blows hot and cold but he is on a dangerous mark and his second of 17 at Ascot (5f, good to firm) in May was a fine effort; subsequent run in the Dash at Epsom can be forgiven (ground) and this should be more to his liking; other pace influences on show.

7/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 11-114

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Tough and straightforward filly who has won five of her eight starts; showed she could cope with 5f when a close fourth in the big 3yo handicap at the Royal meeting and another big run looks on the cards.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(9)

11th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:50 Newmarket

Woodhay Wonder

9st 3lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Tom Ward

Latest three wins were over C&D (good to firm and good) and although her most recent efforts haven't been up to much (in cheekpieces the last twice, now discarded) she was thereabouts in two strong 6f handicaps here in the spring; might be all the better for a recent break and not dismissed.

10/1

8th

2

(3)

29th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:30 Goodwood

Woodhay Wonder

9st 11lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Tom Ward

Had an excellent 2024 season, winning two over 6f and close up in strong 5f handicaps (all on good or quicker ground) as well; this season hasn't been going so swimmingly, though, with fitting cheekpieces no obvious help at Ascot (back over 5f) 17 days ago; has to turn things round.

7/1

5

(13)

12th Jul 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:50 Ascot

Woodhay Wonder

9st 10lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Tom Ward

Fourth in last season's Palace Of Holyroodhouse over C&D and she's rated 2lb lower now; hasn't found her best yet in 2025 but cheekpieces are now added and the stable is in good form; interesting.

8/1

9/1

Form: 07-204 D

Last run: 2 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Operating off a reduced mark now and his reappearance at Sandown was most encouraging; met some trouble in running over C&D a fortnight ago but not as much as Albasheer and still finished 3l behind that rival; no excuses when fourth at Yarmouth on Thursday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(1)

11th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 42y

Class 5

15:20 Yarmouth

Existent

9st 8lb

J: Zac Lloyd

T: Stuart Williams

Finally ended a 49-race losing run at Southwell (5f, AW) in January; now 2lb lower than for that success and this company is much easier than that he normally keeps, but his record of 1-47 on turf still makes him hard to warm to.

6/1

5th

13

(9)

13th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 42y

Class 3

14:40 Yarmouth

Existent

8st 10lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Stuart Williams

Ended a lengthy losing run at Southwell in January and posted a respectable effort at Newmarket (5f, good) last month; however, he was down the field at Ascot (5f, good to firm) 12 days ago and is now just 1-46 on turf; others preferred.

20/1

14th

15

(16)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Ascot

Existent

9st 1lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Stuart Williams

Ended a lengthy losing run at Southwell in January and he is just 1lb higher today; solid effort at Newmarket 17 days ago when not ideally positioned; each-way claims at a track where he has run well in much better races than this one.

12/1

Form: 22-204 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Progressive as 2yo and ran a fine race on his seasonal debut (first run after being gelded) when second of 11 at Newmarket in May (6f, good); that form is extremely strong and although he has been beaten twice since, he ran well at Newmarket 16 days ago; behind Woodhay Wonder here at the Royal meeting in between those Newmarket efforts and others are preferred at 5f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(10)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Two Tribes

9st 13lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Richard Spencer

Won a valuable 7f handicap here last summer before bolting up in the Stewards' Cup one week later; another fine course run here last month when second of 16 and he was heavily supported for a Stewards' Cup repeat, only to stumble leaving the stalls; that run is easily excused but he is back up 2lb today and his stamina for 1m has to be taken on trust.

15/2

27th

8

(13)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Goodwood

Two Tribes

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Richard Spencer

Surged to the front 1f out when dominant in this race (good to soft) 12 months ago; 7lb higher this time around but he was better than ever when second in a hot handicap at Ascot last week (7f, good to firm) when coming from further back than ideal; 2lb ahead of the handicapper and he has a fine chance of becoming the fifth horse to win back-to-back Stewards' Cups (Commanche Falls in 2021 and 2022 was the latest).

8/1

Form: 417416 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Good record over C&D and her latest sixth (Albasheer second) here was another solid effort; each-way shout in a hot race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(9)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

13:30 Doncaster

Woolhampton

9st 7lb

J: Oliver Searle

T: Rod Millman

Never a threat after a slow start in the corresponding race 12 months ago; as good as ever when winning at Sandown and Ascot (came from well back) in August/September and two subsequent defeats excusable (ground/Listed race); 3-8 on soft or worse but might be better suited by a stiffer finish.

16/1

8th

12

(5)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Ascot

Woolhampton

8st 12lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Rod Millman

At least as good as ever this year, winning handicaps at Sandown (5f, soft) and over C&D (good to soft) in September; found things happening too quickly at Haydock last Saturday and she's in deeper today, but she does go really well at Ascot and the more rain that falls the better.

16/1

3

(2)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Haydock

Woolhampton

9st 8lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Rod Millman

Likeable mare with eight wins to her name, including at Sandown (5f, soft) and Ascot (5f, good to soft) in the last four weeks; impossible to rule out but she's gone up 13lb in total for those successes and she'll need a career best to complete the hat-trick.

100/30

OUR TIP

Form: 0101-6 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Progressive in 2022 and he ended 2023 with a bang, coming from a poor position to win a 5f handicap at Newcastle in November; looked rusty at Hamilton on recent return to action and he should be sharper with that behind him; needs everything to drop perfectly back at 5f but he's talented.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(9)

2nd Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:33 Kempton (AW)

Spangled Mac

9st 10lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Three good runs over the winter (two of them from five runs in Bahrain) but he has struggled in two 7f runs back in Britain since April; handicapper slow to relent and this step up to 1m isn't sure to spark a revival.

16/1

13th

6

(2)

11th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:30 Newbury

Spangled Mac

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

7yo who was well beaten in Bahrain and at Chester on his last two starts; however, he was drawn wide at Chester and showed some good form in Bahrain in January; he's run really well on both previous attempts at this C&D and is not ruled out each-way off a competitive mark.

20/1

12th

3

(10)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Spangled Mac

9st 8lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Campaigned back in Bahrain since December, best efforts when placed twice over 6f; well treated on historical data but hasn't won a domestic race since 2023; returns to 7f for first time since last July.

25/1

8th
10 (1)
Muker

20/1

Form: 1-5810 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Produced late to win a 5f Class 3 at Redcar last month but he couldn't back it up at York a fortnight ago; in deeper here and others boast stronger claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(2)

3rd Sep 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Muker

9st 9lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Smart in his pomp; 2026 has been a struggle but he has dropped 19lb in the weights and is now eligible for Class 6 company; too much ability to discount but he is looking increasingly moody in the early part of his races.

10/1

8th

3

(6)

17th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

17:20 Windsor

Muker

9st 12lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

His last win was off 15lb higher in July 2025; threatened only once from seven starts this term, in a small field three runs ago, and soon got detached on last two outings, so others are readily preferred.

10/1

11th

11

(12)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:17 Thirsk

Muker

9st 6lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Has a couple of C&D wins on his record; not found his best form this year and he has too much to prove for comfort, for all he is tumbling down the weights.

25/1

8/1

Form: 302210 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Form appeared to dip in a C&D handicap two weeks ago but he raced away from the main action from his low draw and that isn't a run to judge him too harshly on; the faster they go early the better it will be for him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(4)

28th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

18:20 Goodwood

Brave Nation

9st 10lb

J: Kieren Fox

T: Michael Attwater

Well suited by 5f on quick ground; two runs for new stable, finishing third at Sandown last month before winning at Newmarket three weeks ago; 3lb rise still leaves him feasibly weighted.

5/1

1st

2

(2)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Newmarket (July)

Brave Nation

9st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Michael Attwater

6yo who is well handicapped on last season's best efforts for Michael Bell and made quite an encouraging start for his new yard when third of seven at Sandown (5f, good to firm) 16 days ago, particularly as he was tight for room against the rail; given a chance to build on that with Billy Loughnane taking the reins this time.

5/2

3rd

2

(6)

23rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 10y

Class 4

13:55 Sandown

Brave Nation

9st 10lb

J: Kieren Fox

T: Michael Attwater

6yo who is well handicapped on last season's best efforts for Michael Bell; however, it was a winless campaign and he failed to threaten at Yarmouth in April on his sole run this year; changed hands for 18,500gns last month and he needs to get back on track on this stable debut.

9/1

Form: 30500- D

Last run: 288 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Absent since October but that isn't necessarily a negative given he's won first time out in two of his three seasons of racing (close fourth at Royal Ascot on return in 2022); third and fourth in the last two runnings of this and has a much lower mark this time around; one to be interested in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(4)

4th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

18:15 Beverley

Bond Chairman

9st 10lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Wins both came first time out but he ran poorly for his new yard on comeback five weeks ago, having struggled during a limited campaign last year; often pulls hard and has plenty to prove now.

8/1

11

(4)

31st May 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Bond Chairman

9st 0lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Capable of smart handicap form in 2022 and 2023 (RPR 102); ended 2023 tamely though and no sign of a revival in three runs last year; not a solid option but it's possible a change of stable could have freshened him up and he's thrown in if that's the case.

16/1

11

(4)

31st May 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Bond Chairman

9st 0lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Capable of smart handicap form in 2022 and 2023 (RPR 102); ended 2023 tamely though and no sign of a revival in three runs last year; not a solid option but it's possible a change of stable could have freshened him up and he's thrown in if that's the case.

16/1

33/1

Form: 80-690 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Won this race in 2022 and bagged another good C&D handicap last September; now 11lb lower than for the latest win but that is a result of heavy defeats on his last seven starts (including three this year); type to come good again but he's asked a stiff question in today's field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(9)

19th Sep 2024

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:12 Ayr

Call Me Ginger

9st 9lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

towards rear

12/1

1

(9)

28th Aug 2024

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 5

17:05 Musselburgh

Call Me Ginger

9st 11lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

17lb lower than when winning at Ascot last September (5f, good to firm; completing a quick double) having been badly out of form since; usually ridden by Amie Waugh; down to Class 5 in a handicap for the first time.

16/1

12th
12 (12)
Harry Brown

16/1

Form: 245535 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 8st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Hasn't won as often as one of his ability probably should but he's on a dangerous mark starting out for a new yard (sold for 32,000gns a fortnight ago); this looks a hot race in which to try to break his turf duck.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(4)

22nd Aug 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 6

19:45 Lingfield (AW)

Harry Brown

9st 9lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Peter Crate

Landed his fifth win at this venue when scoring on the turf track (5f, good to firm) in May; has held his form since, apart from when his saddle slipped at Windsor, and holds place prospects at least.

3/1

3rd

7

(7)

30th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 3y

Class 5

20:25 Epsom

Harry Brown

9st 1lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Peter Crate

Better known for his AW exploits but he has been in good order on turf this summer; closely matched with Twirler on latest C&D run.

10/1

5th

8

(1)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

19:50 Epsom

Harry Brown

8st 11lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Peter Crate

Scored at Lingfield (5f, good to firm) in May and probably bettered that performance when very close second at Brighton (5.2f, good to firm) last month; recent Windsor run is best overlooked (saddle slipped); slightly out of the weights but the return to 6f won't be a problem; probably won't be far away.

14/1

Form: 331514 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Rated only 60 (BHA) this time last year and her subsequent progress has been another feather in her trainer's cap; creditable effort in Listed race five weeks ago and although she'll need another career best, it's not out of the question.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(4)

3rd May 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:55 Newmarket

Pepsi Cat

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Steph Hollinshead

dwelt start, towards rear

100/1

10th

9

(4)

3rd May 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:55 Newmarket

Pepsi Cat

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Steph Hollinshead

dwelt start, towards rear

100/1

4th

7

(15)

20th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 10y

Class 1

15:41 Bath

Pepsi Cat

9st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: Steph Hollinshead

held up in rear, headway inside final furlong, went modest fourth towards finish

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £73.70
Straight Forecast £121.51
Tricast £339.06
Trifecta £259.10

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Albasheer

TOPSPEED:

Woodhay Wonder

WEST COUNTRY:

Woolhampton

Telegraph:

Two Tribes

NEWMARKET:

Spangled Mac

SPOTLIGHT:

Pepsi Cat

D Express:

Emperor Spirit

POSTDATA:

Woodhay Wonder

The Sun:

Woodhay Wonder

Daily Record:

Woodhay Wonder

The Guardian:

Woolhampton

The Times:

Albasheer

Daily Mail:

Albasheer

Daily Mirror:

Albasheer

The Star:

Albasheer