October 04 / 17.05 Ascot

17.05

Heavy

Victoria Racing Club Classified Stakes

  • Prize money: £10800
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
Victoria Racing Club Classified Stakes

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.20
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 232066 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Unlucky second in 3yo handicap at Glorious Goodwood (1m, good to firm) in August and creditable sixth of 31 in last Saturday's Cambridgeshire at Newmarket (1m1f, soft), when shaping as though today's return to 1m would be a positive; leading claims if this run doesn't come too soon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(2)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Goodwood

Ebts Guard

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Has lots of form in major handicaps, including a good effort over C&D last year; consistent in the main but faces a stiffer assignment upped to Group level for the first time.

20/1

4th

5

(7)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Ebts Guard

9st 12lb

J: Suraj Narredu

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Defied a 5lb lower mark in the corresponding race 12 months ago; many good runs in defeat since then, including his fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup, and he is unlikely to be too far away.

7/1

9th

3

(3)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Ebts Guard

9st 11lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Currently in a consistent vein of form that ties him in with some of today's opponents; creditable third to Indalo at Sandown most recently; Goodwood record comprises a couple of second-place finishes at this meeting, including in this race last year; solid claims.

9/1

9/4

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 411 D

Last run: 76 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) in June on second start and followed up in Haydock novice (1m, soft) in July; this 3yo close relation to Group 1 winner Nezwaah has considerable potential for her top trainer and could be significantly better than today's grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

11

(2)

4th Oct 2024

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:05 Ascot

Tareefa

9st 4lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Won at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) in June on second start and followed up in Haydock novice (1m, soft) in July; this 3yo close relation to Group 1 winner Nezwaah has considerable potential for her top trainer and could be significantly better than today's grade.

9/4

1st

1

(5)

20th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 212y

Class 4

20:30 Haydock

Tareefa

9st 9lb

J: Jason Watson

T: William Haggas

in touch with leaders, switched to near side over 4f out, good headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 2f out, soon edged right, kept on well

6/4

11/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: -10533

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Solid efforts when third at Newmarket the last twice (7f/1m, good to firm/good); this 3yo may be a contender if handling conditions; unraced on slow ground; non-runner due to heavy/soft going the last twice.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

(6)

4th Oct 2024

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:05 Ascot

Monkey Island

9st 4lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Brian Meehan

led

11/1

Form: 323982 BF

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Won three times on soft/heavy ground last season and he was back on song when going very close at Haydock (7f, heavy) last Friday; also effective at 1m; he would be better off if this was a handicap but the expected slow ground means he's entitled to respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(7)

31st Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ripon

Thunder Roar

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Far from convincing on 2026 form and chance partly depends on the actions of the weather; may prove resurgent when he's back on ideal ground, namely soft/heavy; on last winning mark.

14/1

16th

4

(13)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Thunder Roar

9st 8lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Soft-ground specialist who landed a fifth success when scoring at Ayr (1m) in September; yet to get going in three starts this year but he's edging down the weights and the booking of Colin Keane catches the eye; requires monitoring in the market with every drop of rain in his favour.

25/1

11th

7

(13)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Thunder Roar

9st 1lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

7yo who was better than ever last season, a campaign that concluded with a fine second of 17 over C&D (good); races off the same mark today but he hasn't shone on his two outings this year.

33/1

5th
12 (10)
Thyer

13/2

Form: 31-1 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
All three starts on good ground; won at Thirsk (1m) last September on second and final 2yo outing and belatedly followed up on last month's stable debut in Windsor novice (1m); this likeable prospect could have plenty more to offer and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(5)

31st Aug 2026

Good

1m 4f 17y

19:25 Roscommon

Thyer

9st 13lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Maurice Andrew Ahern

Dual 1m winner in Britain, both on good ground; steady return to form on recent starts; good third of 16 over this trip in a Galway festival handicap (Fratas, unplaced favourite); another solid display when second at the Curragh, up 3lb.

5/1

2nd

2

(6)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

15:55 Curragh

Thyer

9st 10lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Maurice Andrew Ahern

Dual 1m winner in Britain, both on good ground; steady return to form of late, most recently in first-time visor at Galway, racing keenly when good third of 16 over 1m4f (yielding); step back in trip could suit now.

15/2

3rd

12

(21)

1st Aug 2026

Yielding To Soft

1m 3f 180y

18:05 Galway

Thyer

9st 8lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Maurice Andrew Ahern

Dual 1m winner in Britain, both on good ground; no show last year for this stable but both runs this year encouraging, only beaten 2.25l when fifth at Ayr latest (1m2f, good); not well drawn here, however, and may need quicker ground; visored.

18/1

13/2

Form: 445582 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won at Pontefract (1m, soft) in May and returned to form when back on soft ground at Chester three weeks ago, finishing a close second; today's forecast slow conditions are in his favour and he could be in the shake-up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(11)

3rd Sep 2026

Soft

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

17:00 Haydock

Pearl Eye

9st 8lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Already a dual winner for current yard, latterly over 1m2f at Ayr (good to firm; has also won on heavy) in July; respectable efforts back at Ayr twice since; this former course scorer enters calculations.

13/2

6th

8

(14)

10th Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Ayr

Pearl Eye

9st 12lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Already a dual winner for current yard, going in over C&D in July; posted another solid effort with fourth of five over C&D last time; can't be discounted.

7/1

4th

3

(7)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

16:15 Ayr

Pearl Eye

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Eight-time turf winner who made 2-6 for Jim Goldie when justifying favouritism over C&D (good to firm) two weeks ago; remains feasibly treated off only 2lb higher and he won't mind if the forecast rain arrives; respected.

9/2

10/1

Form: 162262

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
3yo who has raced just six times and posted a career-best when runner-up in Newmarket handicap (1m, good to firm) a fortnight ago; also effective on soft ground; something to find today but she's progressive; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(5)

9th Apr 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

18:40 Kempton (AW)

Aquacell

9st 2lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Won on debut this time last year and beat a good yardstick at Southwell in November; caught wide when three places behind Blue Prince there 19 days ago and she can be given another chance, particularly as that was her first start in 93 days; hood returns.

8/1

5th

4

(5)

9th Apr 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

18:40 Kempton (AW)

Aquacell

9st 2lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Won on debut this time last year and beat a good yardstick at Southwell in November; caught wide when three places behind Blue Prince there 19 days ago and she can be given another chance, particularly as that was her first start in 93 days; hood returns.

8/1

6th

5

(5)

21st Mar 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Aquacell

9st 7lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Well backed when landing a C&D fillies' handicap in November off a 4lb lower mark; respectable effort in a Deauville Listed event in December and she is clearly well suited by synthetics; still low mileage but another personal best is required back against male opposition.

6/1

Form: 04-000

Last run: 83 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Third in the Irish 2,000 Guineas in 2022 but unable to reproduce that form last year and has struggled for his new yard this season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

(8)

26th May 2026

Standard

1m 0f 0y

17:07 Dundalk (AW)

Imperial Fighter

9st 1lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: Patrick J McKenna

Well exposed but won on Tapeta at Wolverhampton last year; second to a subsequent improver over C&D in January; poor form since.

33/1

8th

3

(6)

23rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 0y

18:45 Dundalk (AW)

Imperial Fighter

9st 12lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: Patrick J McKenna

Two minor wins on Flat in Britain; failed to build on C&D second in January; best of six subsequent runs when fourth in C&D claimer; well beaten here (7f) on latest; new headgear is tried now.

25/1

9th

4

(13)

10th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 0y

18:50 Dundalk (AW)

Imperial Fighter

10st 0lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Patrick J McKenna

Two minor wins on the Flat in Britain; failed to build on a second placing over 1m here in January; best of four subsequent runs when fourth in a claimer; down the field over hurdles last time.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 577-88 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
He could do with the ground drying out and this 10yo has finished merely eighth on his two starts this season (both in August); however, he showed some spark on the first occasion and he's been well suited by Ascot over the years; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(13)

6th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 Kempton (AW)

Accidental Agent

10st 0lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

switched sharply right soon after start, in rear

16/1

3rd

1

(13)

6th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 Kempton (AW)

Accidental Agent

10st 0lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

switched sharply right soon after start, in rear

16/1

9th

1

(5)

4th Oct 2024

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:05 Ascot

Accidental Agent

9st 7lb

J: Mia Nicholls

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

awkward start and slowly away

14/1

Form: 1-7050 C

Last run: 126 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Not at the top of his game on his four runs in the spring and absent since; however, he was a fair fifth on his penultimate start (1m, soft) and won twice on heavy going last autumn; has won here and is not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(4)

5th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:45 Ascot

Dashing Roger

9st 13lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: William Stone

C&D winner (good to soft) just over four years ago; on a losing run since going back-to-back at Nottingham and Newmarket (both heavy at around 1m) in the autumn of 2023 and recent efforts are not enough to tempt despite this falling mark.

16/1

6th

8

(8)

19th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:38 Newmarket (July)

Dashing Roger

9st 5lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: William Stone

Continues to drop down the weights but this 8yo struggled in the main last season and it was the same story on last month's reappearance; needs to turn things around.

33/1

50/1

Form: 91141- D

Last run: 521 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Progressive in spring 2023 but absent since and faces a tough task at today's weights even if retaining all of his promise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

11

(7)

27th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:22 Lingfield (AW)

Taskheer

9st 9lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Has form over this sort of trip in the past but mainly campaigned at shorter in recent times; not at his best on final two runs for Daniel Steele but he starts out for the Moores (same owners) in a weak race and he has the raw ability to play a starring role.

7/2

8th

7

(4)

16th Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

19:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Taskheer

9st 9lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Daniel Steele

Hard-puller who ran below par in first-time cheekpieces (off tonight) last time; previously consistent at this sort of level but will need to settle better back up in trip after a six-week break.

12/1

9th

11

(5)

6th May 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Taskheer

8st 7lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Daniel Steele

Three-time Polytrack winner, twice in a hood, who goes in first-time cheekpieces; has been enjoying a consistent spell, albeit at the bottom level.

5/1

Non-runners

Gushing Gold

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £18.80
Straight Forecast £15.77
Trifecta £90.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Tareefa

NEWMARKET:

Thyer

The Star:

Ebt's Guard

D Express:

Gushing Gold

The Sun:

Pearl Eye

TOPSPEED:

Thunder Roar

Telegraph:

Taskheer

POSTDATA:

Accidental Agent

RP RATINGS:

Tareefa

The Guardian:

Tareefa

Daily Mail:

Tareefa

Daily Mirror:

Tareefa

Daily Record:

Tareefa

The Times:

Thyer