October 12 / 15.40 Newmarket

15.40

Good To Soft

Club Godolphin Cesarewitch Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

  • Prize money: £90195
  • 2m 2f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 24 runners
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Club Godolphin Cesarewitch Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Runners: 24 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

20/1 (Won)

  • Win: £50.50
  • Place: £8.60

Form: 511108

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Won over 1m4f at Dundalk in February, 2m2f in the Chester Plate in May and 2m in the Northumberland Vase at Newcastle in June; another 6lb higher today; not so good on either start since that hat-trick but latterly he came from well off the pace when eighth of 30 in Irish Cesarewitch 13 days ago and was 66-1 in that; could be a lot more interesting this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(6)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 4f 137y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Alphonse Le Grande

8st 10lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: A J Martin

Held up and stays 2m4f; a superb 2024 culminated in his Cesarewitch win at Newmarket off the same mark as today; 2025 campaign went from promising to frustrating (including with trouble in running) to disappointing; however, his fifth of 20 to Believitanducan in Northumberland Vase at Newcastle five weeks ago was a step back in the right direction.

10/1

5th

3

(17)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:40 Newcastle (AW)

Alphonse Le Grande

9st 11lb

J: Sam Coen

T: A J Martin

Held up; a superb 2024 included wins in the Chester Plate, this race and the Cesarewitch at Newmarket; 2025 campaign was initially promising then frustrating, including with trouble in running, but ended up being disappointing; he's back to his last winning mark, but that's having been always behind at 40-1 in the Chester Cup last time; he will surely spark again at some point but it's hard to know exactly when.

10/1

12th

15

(14)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Alphonse Le Grande

8st 9lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: A J Martin

Held up; an excellent 2024 included wins in the Chester Plate on this card (his only run here) and the Cesarewitch at Newmarket; 2025 campaign was initially promising then frustrating, including with trouble in running, but ended up being disappointing; has a recent 1m2f run under his belt and would be competitive off this slightly reduced mark if back on song.

14/1

10/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 1-2331

Last run: 44 days

W: 8st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Had an opening mark of 46 before winning five of six handicaps last year, the last two over 2m1f; a notch above that this term and consistent again, best effort when scoring at Southwell (2m, AW) last time; has 4lb penalty and 3lb claimer is recruited; going even further today looks sure to suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(12)

19th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Manxman

9st 3lb

J: James Doyle

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Progressive in 2023, 2024 and 2025; that included getting pipped in the 2024 Cesarewitch (2m2f, soft) and two big runs last year at Goodwood; runner-up in his 2024 and 2025 reappearances, though not in such good races as this one; would have a lot more to prove on good to firm ground than good or softer, but this 2026 return is off a competitive mark.

18/1

2

(1)

2nd Sep 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:08 Goodwood

Manxman

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Progressive in 2023 and 2024, nearly winning last season's Cesarewitch on soft ground; fast ground and a dodgy draw were feasible excuses for his last two defeats; C&D winner and still on a competitive mark.

5/1

3rd
13 (22)
Aqwaam

28/1

  • Place: £8.10

Form: 422176

Last run: 155 days

W: 8st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Reached new heights during a pretty busy AW campaign prior to his creditable and none-too-lucky sixth in the 2m2f Chester Cup in May when last seen (finished lame); that was on good to firm and easily his best turf form, but he won on soft in 2022; withdrawn twice last month; on the Chester Cup evidence he could still be capable of better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

17

(11)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Aqwaam

8st 13lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Ian Williams

Three AW wins include his only appearance at this track, over C&D in 2023; sole win since was in March 2024; excellent third off this mark in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket that October but unraced since until well held at 66-1 over 1m4f one month ago; whether that run is enough to have brought him back to peak form is hard to say with confidence but he shaped okay.

33/1

9th

1

(1)

27th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Aqwaam

9st 9lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Four wins (three on AW at 1m6f and 2m) and was last seen finishing third in the 2024 Cesarewitch; has gone well over this shorter trip but can only be considered if market vibes are positive.

14/1

3rd

13

(22)

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Aqwaam

8st 9lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Ian Williams

Reached new heights during a pretty busy AW campaign prior to his creditable and none-too-lucky sixth in the 2m2f Chester Cup in May when last seen (finished lame); that was on good to firm and easily his best turf form, but he won on soft in 2022; withdrawn twice last month; on the Chester Cup evidence he could still be capable of better.

28/1

14/1

  • Place: £4.10

Form: -57252 CD

Last run: 71 days

W: 9st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Won this race (on good ground) in good style in 2022 off 13lb lower; not so consistent this year as he was in 2023 but placed in the Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot for the second year running and won a hurdle race in August; drying ground would suit but others should be better handicapped.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

2nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 110y

17:20 Limerick

Run For Oscar

11st 1lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: C Byrnes

Smart dual-purpose performer, although he has been lightly raced since taking a 3m1f Kilbeggan conditions hurdle in August 2024; absent since last October; would receive 16lb from Daddy Long Legs in a handicap.

12/1

2

16th Oct 2025

Good

2m 6f 154y

16:27 Thurles

Run For Oscar

11st 6lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Smart dual-purpose performer although hasn't won since taking 3m1f Kilbeggan conditions hurdle last summer; two recent runs under his belt could give him a fitness edge but lots to find on ratings with Hewick.

7/4

3

8th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 129y

16:50 Galway

Run For Oscar

11st 6lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Eight-time winner, including four over hurdles; disappointed on the Flat at Killarney on return from 314-days off; should strip fitter now and handles soft but the majority of his best form has come on good ground; not discounted, especially if the track dries out.

7/2

Form: 1-1070

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
150-1 when he won the extremely valuable Irish Cesarewitch at the Curragh (2m1f, soft) last September, with it reported (by his trainer) that he doesn't like being crowded and was helped by a wide draw; could have trouble on that front today and he's been tailed off in this season's Chester Cup, Queen Alexandra and Irish Cesarewitch, so needs a spectacular revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

14th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 0y

12:00 Fairyhouse

Magellan Strait

11st 3lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Shock 150-1 Irish Cesarewitch winner at the Curragh last year; placed in all four maiden hurdles, but his jumping let him down when third at Thurles latest; will need to up his game now sent chasing.

12/1

9th

7

14th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 0y

12:00 Fairyhouse

Magellan Strait

11st 3lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Shock 150-1 Irish Cesarewitch winner at the Curragh last year; placed in all four maiden hurdles, but his jumping let him down when third at Thurles latest; will need to up his game now sent chasing.

12/1

3rd

1

29th Nov 2024

Good

2m 6f 195y

14:10 Thurles

Magellan Strait

11st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

led on outer, not fluent 3rd, faced challenges before 2 out, headed approaching last, weakened gradually inside final 110yds

3/1

OUR TIP

Form: 3-7535

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
2m5f Queen Alexandra winner at Royal Ascot 2023 and third in it this year; third and fifth in the last two renewals of 30-runner Irish Cesarewitch at the Curragh (the latter 13 days ago, coming from off the pace when the principals raced prominently) but he may be a bit too exposed to win this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

3

(17)

31st Jul 2026

Yielding

1m 4f 0y

18:35 Galway

Dawn Rising

9st 12lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Group 3 winner ran a huge race in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, gd-fm) last October, beaten just 1.25l into second; just 1lb higher here but hasn't really fired in three runs this term and this trip looks on the sharp side.

33/1

8th

1

(9)

28th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

17:45 Curragh

Dawn Rising

10st 0lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Smart dual-purpose performer but on losing run since November 2024; excellent second in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket last October but well below best in three runs this term and this trip looks far too sharp; others appeal more.

18/1

7th

2

(4)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

19:20 Curragh

Dawn Rising

9st 9lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

No wins last season but strong form in defeat in big staying handicaps; fourth in the amateur handicap at Galway, fifth in the Irish Cesarewitch and signed off with a fine second in the Cesarewitch; recent run here was over an inadequate trip, more expected of here and seemingly McMonagle's pick.

10/1

Form: 54/18/

Last run: 749 days

W: 8st 4lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Last seen on Flat in 2022 when winning over 1m6f but seemingly stretched next time by 2m2f at Chester; useful hurdler two seasons ago and not disgraced on two British visits this February/March (seventh in Pertemps Final) but her four runs over hurdles since have not been great.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Anna Bunina

10st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: John C McConnell

Usually claimer ridden but now has Harry Cobden; the last of her ten wins was in August 2022; still shows plenty on occasions, including when seventh in the Pertemps Final last March and a close second back at Cheltenham (2m4f, good) three starts back; pulled up with cheekpieces enlisted on latest start; that headgear is now discarded but she's not the percentage call.

33/1

2

22nd Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

14:32 Chepstow

Anna Bunina

11st 9lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

Usually claimer ridden; the last of her ten wins was in August 2022; still shows plenty on occasions, including when seventh in the Pertemps Final last March and a close second back at Cheltenham (2m4f) on penultimate outing; she performed far worse in the Musselburgh qualifier three weeks ago than she did last year, however, which sees cheekpieces enlisted.

20/1

8th

2

2nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

15:00 Musselburgh

Anna Bunina

12st 0lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

The last of her ten wins was in August 2022 but she still shows plenty on occasions, including when a strong-finishing fourth in this race last year and a close second at Cheltenham (2m4f) on latest outing; usually claimer ridden; place contender.

10/1

16/1

Form: 6949/9

Last run: 168 days

W: 8st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Trained until after 2022 season by Richard Hannon, including for two 2m wins when he shaped as if this trip would be within range; competitive on that form and pretty useful over hurdles/fences in Ireland since, including 2m6f and 3m wins this May/June; blinkered in 2022 and wore cheekpieces for sole Flat start this term (after six months off); interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

28th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

3m 0f 0y

18:47 Down Royal

Reverend Hubert

11st 10lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Talented 8yo was well held when 8-1 (same price as Rocky's Diamond) in Galway Plate; easy winner of 3m conditions hurdle at Cork previously and won 2m handicap at the Curragh on Derby weekend (now rated 95 on the level); only third of five when favourite for this last year, but has improved in the interim. 

3/1

13th

12

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Reverend Hubert

11st 1lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: C Byrnes

2-4 over fences, though not seen in this discipline since well held in a Grade 3 at this fixture two years ago; he returns in excellent form, in recent weeks winning on the Flat (2m) and over hurdles at Cork (3m); could have a big run in him.

16/1

1st

3

10th Jul 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

20:00 Cork

Reverend Hubert

11st 6lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: C Byrnes

Smart dual-purpose type won a nice Flat prize over 2m a fortnight ago; came off worse in a couple of 3m clashes with Happy Jacky last year, but not by much, including when beaten a head in the corresponding race; relishes good ground.

6/1

50/1

Form: 1154-5

Last run: 119 days

W: 8st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Won twice over 1m6f on good to firm last season and stayed on steadily from off pace when fourth of 31 in this race on soft; well beaten on sole Flat run this term and also disappointing over hurdles, but he'd be a serious player judged on the 2023 Cesarewitch, off a 2lb lower mark this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

22nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

16:30 Worcester

Bashful Boy

11st 5lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

On a long losing sequence but returned to some form when back from a break and finishing a 12l third of five over C&D 12 days ago, ridden by Rian Corcoran; respected off 4lb lower.

9/1

3rd

5

10th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

19:51 Worcester

Bashful Boy

11st 8lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Without a win since 2023 and was out of form when last seen over hurdles in the autumn; this year's Flat form has been fairly respectable but he's on the downgrade and makes only limited appeal back in this sphere.

14/1

4th

4

(6)

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 24y

Class 5

16:15 Bath

Bashful Boy

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: David Pipe

Veteran who hasn't won since 2023 but he's been in fair form on AW this spring including when fourth on Polytrack (2m) in his last two starts; should be in the mix again but he needs to find more to make a big impact; cheekpieces are removed and blinkers return.

9/2

Form: 0941/2 BF

Last run: 73 days

W: 8st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Won two Flat handicaps (1m4f/1m5f) in 2022 for Mick Channon; failed to prosper over hurdles for Paul Hennessy but had 459 days off before second of 17 at the Galway Festival (2m Flat, yielding) this July for new yard, launching a strong challenge from mid-division; that was highly promising.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

8th Aug 2026

Good

3m 1f 0y

16:35 Wexford

Jacovec Cavern

11st 6lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Paul Hennessy

Both wins for this yard have come on rain softened ground at around 2m4f; had been in decent form over timber before pulling up at Killarney last time (2m7f, good, jockey reported never travelled); may need softer ground.

10/1

4

17th Jul 2026

Good

2m 6f 180y

14:32 Killarney

Jacovec Cavern

11st 5lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Paul Hennessy

In fine form, winning over 2m4f at Punchestown festival and good efforts off much higher marks since, chasing home an 8l winner over this trip at Ballinrobe and not quite getting home over 3m1f when third at Kilbeggan last month; trip/ground okay and should go well again.

11/2

3rd

4

15th Jun 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 100y

19:42 Kilbeggan

Jacovec Cavern

11st 6lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Paul Hennessy

In fine form; won by 11l off 12lb lower at Punchestown (19.5f, yielding); creditable 8l second of 16 off revised mark at Ballinrobe (22.5f, good), staying on well; step up in trip looks a good move on that evidence and should go well again off 1lb higher.

100/30

14/1

Form: 1-3220

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Second to star stayer Kyprios over 1m6f in Irish Listed race (made most) and Group 3 (always very prominent) this spring; just 9-1 for the Ebor at York on handicap debut but ended well beaten after racing prominently; that was his first race on firmer than good, which may provide an excuse, and he's a lightly raced 4yo who was a non-runner in the 2m5f Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot, so connections presumably think stamina is his strength.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(4)

22nd Aug 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

16:35 Curragh

Queenstown

9st 9lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Only a maiden win to his name, but he's a smart stayer; placed in the Ebor and Irish Cesarewitch last year, and in pair of French Group 1s at the back-end; 300-day absence and will surely improve for the run.

5/2

4

(11)

28th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 170y

16:22 Curragh

Queenstown

10st 1lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: A P O’Brien

Second of three for yard; ran a solid race off 2lb lower in the Ebor at York in August, staying on for a 3l third (0.5l behind Ascending); predictably came up short in the St Leger here on latest but he could bounce back returned to handicap company.

20/1

6th

7

(4)

14th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 6f 0y

16:25 Curragh

Queenstown

9st 10lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: A P O’Brien

Sole win (11 races) was a 2023 maiden; career-best on latest when third in Ebor Handicap (York) but has fallen short at Group level in the past and likely to do so again here.

33/1

Form: 4-1104 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Well on top at Nottingham (2m) and Pontefract (2m2f) on first two starts this season but paid the price for a rapid forward move (slowly away) when favourite in the Northumberland Plate only six days after Pontefract; creditable, front-running fourth in Cesarewitch Trial over C&D 12 weeks later but Premier Ligne was about 8l ahead in second, helping to show that improvement is needed; perhaps he will do better with that run under his belt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(9)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Trooper Bisdee

9st 4lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Typical of a Prescott handicapper to have graduated from a low level to where he is now, and he could have done with faster ground when beaten 12l in last season's Cesarewitch (soft); plenty to like about his reappearance run under a big weight at Goodwood (2m, good) and he gave the impression he'd stay all day when winning over Pontefract's stiff 2m2f last season (good to firm); one of the more appealing each-way options.

12/1

2

(10)

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Goodwood

Trooper Bisdee

9st 12lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Successful six times during a spell as a classic Prescott improver; limitations somewhat exposed in Class 2 events (including two major handicaps) subsequently; a possible danger back down in grade.

10/1

2

(10)

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Goodwood

Trooper Bisdee

9st 12lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Successful six times during a spell as a classic Prescott improver; limitations somewhat exposed in Class 2 events (including two major handicaps) subsequently; a possible danger back down in grade.

10/1

28/1

Form: 591205

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Not disgraced when 12th in this race two years ago; not far off his best for new yard this term, including second of 20 in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW) in June and finishing on heels of the leaders in first-time cheekpieces back over an inadequate 14.5f at Doncaster last time, but to win this would require a new high.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

11

(9)

21st Aug 2026

Good

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:15 Hamilton

Evaluation

9st 0lb

J: David Allan

T: Adam Nicol

Won four on the trot at 1m6f/2m for Charlie Johnston in 2022; has since won on AW and over hurdles; best watched on first run for Adam Nicol.

25/1

4th

1

15th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:20 Wetherby

Evaluation

11st 12lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Useful Flat racer who is still unexposed over hurdles and was close second in Perth handicap (2m, good) on latest outing two months ago; only 2lb higher here and ought to be right in the thick of things again.

7/2

5

16th Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 2

18:07 Perth

Evaluation

10st 2lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Smart handicapper on the Flat; a tad disappointing so far over hurdles given his ability but was close up in a C&D handicap three months ago when a stronger pace would have suited; could yet raise his profile in this discipline; 2lb out of the weights.

5/1

14/1

Form: 74/41- CD

Last run: 364 days

W: 9st 4lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Has recorded major handicap wins over hurdles, fences and on the Flat, the latter when coming from mid-division under James Doyle in this race (soft) last year; 5lb higher today and he's unraced this term, having been withdrawn from Chester Cup in May when the ground was good to firm; whether it's soft enough for him today might be an issue.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(2)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

2m 0f 71y

14:30 Curragh

The Shunter

9st 9lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Emmet Mullins

Useful jumper has won twice on the Flat, the last being the 2023 Cesarewitch; didn't get the clearest passage when beaten 11l in this year's renewal; handles this ground and can run well.

12/1

Form: 312222

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Unraced in Britain on softer than good; finally off the mark in Britain in May and runner-up all four starts since; came from well back over 2m4f (a 1m step up in trip) at Glorious Goodwood and lost out in a duel from over 2f out in the Cesarewitch Trial over C&D three weeks ago; 5lb claimer gets the leg up this time; wore cheekpieces once (well beaten) in 2023 and now tries blinkers; strong each-way chance if they have no adverse effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

(10)

30th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:20 Goodwood

Premiere Ligne

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hughie Morrison

Did well in 2024 and then had 592 days off the track; signs of a revival when seventh in the Northumberland Plate but his Kempton run (behind Maxident) was disappointing.

12/1

6th

6

(1)

10th Aug 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

17:00 Kempton (AW)

Premiere Ligne

9st 10lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Hughie Morrison

Did well in 2024 and then had 592 days off the track; signs of rediscovering his form when 4l behind Believitanducan in the Northumberland Vase (2m AW); dropped 3lb and in the mix.

6/1

7th

8

(8)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:40 Newcastle (AW)

Premiere Ligne

9st 6lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Hughie Morrison

Very solid record in 2024 on turf but 592 days off before this season; beaten a long way on his return (his only AW race) and not so far next time but he still has major work to do to turn things around.

33/1

17th
15 (3)
Zealandia

66/1

Form: 190057

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
2m win on New Year's Day at Newcastle (AW); same mark today, having been below form on all five starts since; fair fifth at Ascot in August was vastly better than starts either side and he is hard to trust.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(2)

21st Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 102y

Class 4

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Zealandia

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

16lb below his last winning mark, but losing run now up to 15; might get more of a pace to run at than when fifth of nine over C&D last time, but others have more to recommend them; stable also runs Simiyann.

11/4

5th

9

(9)

28th Aug 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Zealandia

8st 3lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Ian Williams

Handicapper has been relenting and he showed a lot more with third of 14 in a Racing League handicap at Newcastle (about 2m, Tapeta; 25-1) one week ago; a repeat of that puts him bang there; 2lb well in.

11/2

7

(3)

21st Aug 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Zealandia

9st 6lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Ian Williams

Has got himself well handicapped for good reason and his recent thirds were none too threatening; doubts remain; another tweak on the headgear front.

20/1

25/1

Form: 121233

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Switched to Flat this summer; won Flat handicap debut at Killarney (2m1f) by 17l and placed on all three starts since, albeit below form here 16 days ago when soft ground may not have been ideal; cheekpieces (worn two starts back) return; needs better but he looks an out-and-out stayer in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

28th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

3m 0f 0y

18:47 Down Royal

Samui

11st 0lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Smart stayer on the Flat and nice Flat return at Killarney after 13 months off; pick of hurdles form would give him a chance, but hasn't run in this code since being beaten 8l off mark of 131 at last year's Punchestown festival; stays well on the level and might yet improve for going 3m (second try at it).

11/2

4th

3

(7)

21st Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 180y

20:20 Killarney

Samui

11st 7lb

J: Ms Hannah Smullen

T: Gordon Elliott

Smart dual-purpose sort; well suited by the race conditions; twice ran well in defeat at Royal Ascot last summer, third in the Copper Horse Handicap (1m6f, good to firm) and second in the Queen Alexandra (2m5f, good to firm); not seen since a fine second in a 1m6f Group 3 at York 13 months ago; good opportunity for Hannah Smullen if he returns in prime shape.

4/5

2nd

4

(6)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:45 York

Samui

9st 0lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Gordon Elliott

Twice ran well in defeat at Royal Ascot last month, finishing third in the Copper Horse Handicap (1m6f, good to firm) and second in the Queen Alexandra (2m5f, good to firm; albeit no match for the winner); could give a good account but needs others to underperform if he's to come out on top.

6/1

14/1

Form: 754811

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Missed most of 2023 and came well down the weights before winning at Chester (2m) on last two outings, by a nose on latest with 6l back to the third; not proven over this far (tried 2m2f and 2m4f earlier this term) and has a penalty (3lb higher than last time) but he's started to move back up the ladder and is well treated on 2022 form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(2)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Spirit Mixer

9st 10lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Andrew Balding

Never involved when defending his crown in the Northumberland Plate but two of his three previous runs this season had been creditable; only 1lb higher than for his last win at Chester (September) and he was a close fourth in this two years ago; would have been tempting but for concerns about him these days on fast ground (only fifth last year on good to firm).

10/1

19th

5

(1)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Spirit Mixer

9st 4lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Beat Dancing In Paris by a neck to win this race last year off 6lb lower; also won at Chester in September and two of his three starts this term have been creditable, so he's in the each-way picture.

14/1

10th

5

(10)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Spirit Mixer

9st 1lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

One of three for the yard; won the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW) last June and has a 4-7 record at Chester, although his two performances in this race were muted (from double-figure draws); reappearance six weeks ago matched his best 2025 form but a bit extra will be needed.

14/1

50/1

Form: 218425

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Two wins this summer and raised his game over 1m6f, but he wilted in the closing stages when upped to 2m2f for the Cesarewitch Trial over C&D three weeks ago (led 3f out); needs to see it out a great deal better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(13)

11th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Story Horse

8st 10lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: William Knight

Short-head winner at the other Newmarket track (1m6f, good to firm; made all) on second start this term and nearly made it 3-3 under Saffie Osborne at Goodwood (1m6f, good; led over 1f out) later in May, holding Dancing In Paris by a short head but pipped by subsequent Royal Ascot winner French Master; up 2lb today, as is Dancing In Paris, and looks a leading contender.

6/1

2nd

11

(1)

24th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Goodwood

Story Horse

8st 9lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: William Knight

Immediately back to best with his two runs this season, tenaciously making all for a short-head win at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) on latest; that made it 2-2 under Saffie Osborne; 5lb higher today; big question to answer were the ground softer than good but he otherwise looks set to run well.

8/1

2nd

11

(1)

24th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Goodwood

Story Horse

8st 9lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: William Knight

Immediately back to best with his two runs this season, tenaciously making all for a short-head win at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) on latest; that made it 2-2 under Saffie Osborne; 5lb higher today; big question to answer were the ground softer than good but he otherwise looks set to run well.

8/1

Form: 150-94

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 2lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Three 1m6f handicap wins, latest last September; only two runs this season, taking a big step back in the right direction at Kempton (2m, AW) on latest but she is 4lb out of the handicap today; 3lb claimer is recruited for this half-sister to the very smart stayer Quickthorn.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

21th

25

(24)

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Lady Percival

8st 2lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Hughie Morrison

Three 1m6f handicap wins, latest last September; only two runs this season, taking a big step back in the right direction at Kempton (2m, AW) on latest but she is 4lb out of the handicap today; 3lb claimer is recruited for this half-sister to the very smart stayer Quickthorn.

66/1

4th

5

(9)

7th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

17:30 Kempton (AW)

Lady Percival

9st 10lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Hughie Morrison

Successful four times at up to 1m6f on AW/turf; beaten long way at Goodwood two weeks ago on belated seasonal debut and needs to leave that form well behind.

20/1

9th

2

(4)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:25 Goodwood

Lady Percival

9st 9lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Hughie Morrison

Made all at Salisbury (1m6f, good to soft) on last handicap attempt but is now 2lb higher in a deeper field and lacks recent match practice having been absent since last November.

12/1

Form: 481580

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won at Ffos Las (2m) in June and ran creditably next time; major backward steps since at Southwell (AW debut) and particularly in the Cesarewitch Trial over C&D three weeks ago, after which she's hard to support.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22th

17

(1)

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Shagpyle

8st 5lb

J: Frederick Larson

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Won at Ffos Las (2m) in June and ran creditably next time; major backward steps since at Southwell (AW debut) and particularly in the Cesarewitch Trial over C&D three weeks ago, after which she's hard to support.

66/1

11th

3

(10)

21st Sep 2024

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:55 Newmarket

Shagpyle

8st 11lb

J: Tyler Heard

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

took keen hold, in touch with leaders on outer, prominent after 8f

14/1

8th

2

(10)

29th Aug 2024

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

19:12 Southwell (AW)

Shagpyle

9st 10lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Unexposed 4yo who scored at Ffos Las (2m, good to soft) in June and wasn't beaten far in a deeper race at Newbury (16.5f, good to firm) last month; unraced on AW, but his sire is 11-57 (19%) here in last five seasons so a good chance he will handle the track.

15/2

Form: 400658

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Dual Group 3 winner for other yards last term; however, well beaten in Saudi Arabia and Dubai this February/March and tailed off back in Britain for new stable in three runs this July-September.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(6)

18th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:15 Newmarket

Roberto Escobarr

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Ian Williams

Dual Group 3 winner (2m/1m7f) for other yards in 2023; he didn't beat many last February-October and 1m4f for last month's reappearance (40-1) was too short; the latter was probably his most encouraging of five runs for current yard, however, and he's been dropped another 4lb since, which makes it 17lb below his peak mark; not ruled out.

16/1

6th

1

(6)

18th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:15 Newmarket

Roberto Escobarr

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Ian Williams

Dual Group 3 winner (2m/1m7f) for other yards in 2023; he didn't beat many last February-October and 1m4f for last month's reappearance (40-1) was too short; the latter was probably his most encouraging of five runs for current yard, however, and he's been dropped another 4lb since, which makes it 17lb below his peak mark; not ruled out.

16/1

8th

3

(8)

22nd Apr 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 3

15:20 Epsom

Roberto Escobarr

9st 10lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Ian Williams

Dual Group 3 winner (2m/1m7f) for other yards in 2023; he didn't beat many last February-October, including in four races for current yard, and although he's not been sent to the Middle East to start this campaign and is now 13lb below his peak mark, this short a trip asks a big question.

25/1

24th
10 (16)
Ndaawi

12/1

Form: /605-7

Last run: 116 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Pretty useful hurdler, with big-race placings this year at Cheltenham Festival in March and in the Galway Hurdle in August when last seen; won twice on Flat as 2yo but no impact in his light Flat career since, most recently when seventh of 20 over 2m4f at Royal Ascot; others have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

17:25 Curragh

Ndaawi

12st 9lb

J: Ms N Carberry

T: Gordon Elliott

The 2025 Galway hurdle winner but was poor this time around and has questions to answer; won on the Flat in May; Nina Carberry back.

2/1

12th

3

30th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 11y

16:30 Galway

Ndaawi

11st 11lb

J: James Smith

T: Gordon Elliott

Promoted winner of this race last year after receiving critical interference; has been mixing hurdling and Flat action since then, down the field in the County Hurdle; beat the very useful Absurde in a conditions' hurdle at Cork in April; kept ticking over with an odds-on Flat win in a 1m6f Listowel contest two months ago; 7lb higher than last year.

8/1

1st

5

(5)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 5f 80y

17:20 Listowel

Ndaawi

11st 0lb

J: Mr H C Swan

T: Gordon Elliott

Smart dual-purposer type got the Galway Hurdle in the stewards' room last summer and beat very useful Absurde in conditions' hurdle last month; his Flat run at Chester in September proved that he's worthy of this mark and showed he had a bit of boot when running well over 1m on AW pre-Cheltenham.

6/4

Form: 55985/ BF

Last run: 793 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Ran 13 times on the Flat for German-based trainer, including a 1m2f Group 3 win in 2021; lost his form in 2022, including when having a go at 2m (no more than 12.5f otherwise on Flat) but he returned from 776-day absence to make a striking debut for Willie Mullins when hacking up in a maiden hurdle at Listowel (favourite) 17 days ago; his trainer won this in 2018, 2019 and 2020 and is usually multi-handed but this was his only five-day entry and may well start favourite.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

30th Sep 2022

Good

2m 0f 0y

15:17 Gowran Park

Sea Of Sands

11st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: M E Keoghan

in touch with leaders, headway on outer after 3 out, led and ridden from 2 out, kept on well run-in, always doing enough, finished lame (jockey said gelding finished lame)

12/1

Non-runners

Sixandahalf

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £600.10
Straight Forecast £251.41
Tricast £7672.99
Trifecta £12010.90

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Premiere Ligne

The Times:

Sixandahalf

SPOTLIGHT:

Jacovec Cavern

Daily Mirror:

Manxman

Telegraph:

Queenstown

TOPSPEED:

Spirit Mixer

D Express:

Aqwaam

The Star:

The Shunter

The Guardian:

Sixandahalf

The Sun:

Sixandahalf

Daily Record:

Jacovec Cavern

POSTDATA:

Premiere Ligne

LAMBOURN:

Premiere Ligne

Daily Mail:

Premiere Ligne