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
ITV
View Course
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

1st

16

(19)

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Alphonse Le Grande

8st 6lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Mrs C O’Leary

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.

20/1

8th

30

(8)

29th Sep 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 170y

16:25 Curragh

Alphonse Le Grande

8st 8lb

J: N G McCullagh

T: Mrs C O’Leary

midfield

25/1

11th

12

(19)

29th Jul 2024

Soft

2m 0f 179y

19:10 Galway

Alphonse Le Grande

11st 4lb

J: Mr B M Coonan

T: Mrs C O’Leary

Progressive stayer; comfortably justified favouritism over 1m4f at Dundalk in February; readily followed up in the 2m2f Chester Plate on his first attempt beyond 1m4f (outside of hurdling); officially handed over to Cathy O'Leary who supervised his Northumberland Vase triumph; rider's sole winner gained over hurdles for Tony Martin.

5/1

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

2nd

5

(10)

27th Apr 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 2

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Manxman

9st 3lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

prominent, took keen hold after 6f

9/2

2nd

5

(10)

27th Apr 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 2

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Manxman

9st 3lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

prominent, took keen hold after 6f

9/2

2nd

18

(4)

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Manxman

8st 5lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

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.

10/1

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

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

4th

5

(2)

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Run For Oscar

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: C Byrnes

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.

14/1

2nd

3

30th Aug 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

18:25 Down Royal

Run For Oscar

11st 5lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

raced in second, briefly disputed lead after 2nd, led 3 out (usual 4 out), faced challenge but going okay before last (usual 2 out), ridden when headed omitted last, kept on but no match for winner

2/1

1st

5

10th Aug 2024

Good

3m 1f 0y

18:30 Kilbeggan

Run For Oscar

11st 0lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Cesarewitch winner in 2022 and has been running creditably in classy staying company on the Flat this year, notably when second over 2m6f at Royal Ascot; sparingly campaigned over hurdles in recent years but fair second to Zanahiyr in three-horse race at Punchestown the last time we saw him over flights in the autumn, at which time his hurdles mark was 143; has been found a good opportunity here.

5/4

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

15th

2

(15)

9th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Dawn Rising

9st 9lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

slowly into stride, switched left soon after start, always behind, tailed off

20/1

15th

2

(15)

9th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Dawn Rising

9st 9lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Won 2m5f Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot in 2023 and 2m Curragh Group 3 last November; also effective in top, big-field handicaps, having been seriously involved in the Cesarewitch and Irish Cesarewitch; return to his peak (after an easy-to-forgive reappearance) would see him on the premises but wide draw may play against that.

20/1

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

13th

5

(11)

13th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 182y

19:50 Killarney

Reverend Hubert

9st 6lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: C Byrnes

midfield

14/1

13th

5

(11)

13th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 182y

19:50 Killarney

Reverend Hubert

9st 6lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: C Byrnes

midfield

14/1

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

16

(9)

9th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Bashful Boy

8st 2lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: David Pipe

held up in rear, brief headway against far rail 1f out, not reach leaders

50/1

8th

16

(9)

9th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Bashful Boy

8st 2lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: David Pipe

Won twice on good to firm in 2023; fourth and a respectable ninth in last two editions of the 2m2f Cesarewitch at Newmarket (soft) in October; while he's not done much over hurdles for a long while now and has been absent since November, those Newmarket runs mean he's not totally dismissed.

50/1

5

4th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 114y

Class 4

16:10 Plumpton

Bashful Boy

11st 7lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

prominent, weakened 3 out, soon pulled up

10/1

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

2nd

7

10th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 80y

16:35 Cork

Jacovec Cavern

11st 12lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Paul Hennessy

Dual Flat winner in Britain in 2022 (good/soft); now 0-11 hurdling although healthy lead when fell last in 2m4f handicap here in March (good); well below best at Wetherby since; back in maiden company here and major player if staying trip.

7/2

2nd

7

10th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 80y

16:35 Cork

Jacovec Cavern

11st 12lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Paul Hennessy

Dual Flat winner in Britain in 2022 (good/soft); now 0-11 hurdling although healthy lead when fell last in 2m4f handicap here in March (good); well below best at Wetherby since; back in maiden company here and major player if staying trip.

7/2

12th

2

28th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 56y

Class 4

15:32 Wetherby

Jacovec Cavern

12st 0lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Paul Hennessy

Returned to form back on better ground at Cork (2m4f, good) last Thursday, when he was 6l ahead in a big field only to fall at the final flight; should be fine if good to soft ground prevails today; strong claims.

11/4

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

11th

1

(25)

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Queenstown

9st 12lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

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.

14/1

17th

2

(22)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Queenstown

9st 11lb

J: James Doyle

T: A P O’Brien

Second to star stayer Kyprios over 1m6f in Irish Listed race (made most) and Group 3 (always very prominent) this spring; declared for the 2m5f Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot but withdrawn with vet's certificate; unraced on firmer than good; 4yo who's had only six races, so could have more to give.

6/1

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

13th

9

(5)

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Trooper Bisdee

8st 11lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

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.

22/1

4th

2

(3)

21st Sep 2024

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:55 Newmarket

Trooper Bisdee

9st 4lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

took keen hold, led

4/1

12th

14

(10)

29th Jun 2024

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Trooper Bisdee

8st 6lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Can front-run; 6-9 in handicaps, well on top at Nottingham (2m) and Pontefract (2m2f) in his two starts this season; Hollie Doyle now rides him for the first time; his only two AW races came before he was handicapped and he has 5lb penalty as a result of last Sunday's win; a repeat of his slow start that day wouldn't be ideal in this large field but this progressive sort is very much one to note.

6/1

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

3

15th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 3

15:53 Perth

Evaluation

11st 10lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Useful Flat performer (second in the 2024 Northumberland Plate); not as good over hurdles so far, winning over 2m at Ayr on debut in November (good; first run after wind surgery) and last time finishing runner-up at Kelso (2m, good); quite interesting on h'cap debut.

11/4

3

15th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 3

15:53 Perth

Evaluation

11st 10lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Useful Flat performer (second in the 2024 Northumberland Plate); not as good over hurdles so far, winning over 2m at Ayr on debut in November (good; first run after wind surgery) and last time finishing runner-up at Kelso (2m, good); quite interesting on h'cap debut.

11/4

2nd

2

22nd Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

14:30 Kelso

Evaluation

11st 10lb

J: Conner McCann

T: Lucinda Russell

towards rear, headway after 3 out, went third but 8 lengths down 2 out, kept on well, went second towards finish, too much to do

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

3rd

3

(4)

3rd Nov 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 71y

15:00 Curragh

The Shunter

9st 9lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Emmet Mullins

dwelt start, held up in rear, outpaced up the centre over 3f out, rallied inside final furlong, went modest third towards finish

15/2

3rd

3

(4)

3rd Nov 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 71y

15:00 Curragh

The Shunter

9st 9lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Emmet Mullins

dwelt start, held up in rear

15/2

15th

6

(15)

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

The Shunter

9st 4lb

J: James Doyle

T: Emmet Mullins

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.

14/1

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

16th

20

(10)

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Premiere Ligne

8st 3lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Hughie Morrison

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.

14/1

2nd

6

(11)

21st Sep 2024

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:55 Newmarket

Premiere Ligne

8st 10lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Hughie Morrison

in rear

13/2

2nd

15

2nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

2m 4f 97y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Premiere Ligne

8st 10lb

J: David Egan

T: Hughie Morrison

French win in 2022; this is his second season in Britain, with best of those efforts on last three starts when winning at Lingfield and going close at Goodwood and Salisbury; still looked a rising force last time but those three runs were all over about 1m4f and he's never raced beyond that, so today's 2m4f race involves a large dose of guesswork.

14/1

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

8th

2

(5)

9th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:45 Chester

Zealandia

9st 12lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Ian Williams

Continues to drop down the weights and perhaps the return of cheekpieces will be a plus (replacing a visor), but this 8yo failed to shine from last June onwards and this is his first run since January; something to prove.

12/1

8th

2

(5)

9th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:45 Chester

Zealandia

9st 12lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Ian Williams

Continues to drop down the weights and perhaps the return of cheekpieces will be a plus (replacing a visor), but this 8yo failed to shine from last June onwards and this is his first run since January; something to prove.

12/1

7th

6

(2)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Newcastle (AW)

Zealandia

8st 6lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Ian Williams

prominent, weakened 2f out

10/1

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

7th

6

29th Apr 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 149y

15:40 Punchestown

Samui

10st 10lb

J: Mr J H Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

midfield, outpaced after 2 out, ran on well from last, not reach leaders

16/1

7th

6

29th Apr 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 149y

15:40 Punchestown

Samui

10st 10lb

J: Mr J H Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

midfield, outpaced after 2 out, ran on well from last, not reach leaders

16/1

17th

18

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Samui

10st 11lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

Emerged as very useful Flat stayer last year on good/good to firm; returned to hurdling with a 1m7f win at Thurles (good) in January but failed to fire in a Pertemps qualifier at Musselburgh (3m, good to soft) two weeks later; 2m4f+ had held some appeal prior to that and his Flat form is eyecatching.

33/1

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

7th

10

(13)

9th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Spirit Mixer

8st 10lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

towards rear, headway over 1f out, never dangerous

16/1

7th

10

(13)

9th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Spirit Mixer

8st 10lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

No show in this race last year but he returned to Chester for 2m wins last August and September, and his last three wins have now been at this track; not disgraced on reappearance four weeks ago but his 2024 campaign suggests this race might be a bit too competitive and, although not drawn as wide as last year, stall 13 might still not be ideal.

16/1

5th

1

(5)

11th Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

16:10 Newbury

Spirit Mixer

9st 12lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Absent since comfortably held in the Cesarewitch six months ago; returns to a less-taxing event but has gained last three wins at Chester and has never won when fresh; not the percentage call.

5/1

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

1st

9

(4)

4th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Story Horse

8st 7lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: William Knight

Creditable third at Southwell (1m6f, AW) on seasonal debut; successful twice on turf last summer and looks interesting returned to this sphere with Saffie Osborne back on board, being 1-1 under this rider.

9/1

1st

9

(4)

4th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Story Horse

8st 7lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: William Knight

made all, ridden and joined over 1f out, kept on well, just prevailed

9/1

3rd

3

(7)

4th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 4

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Story Horse

9st 6lb

J: Neil Callan

T: William Knight

A two-time scorer (at up to 1m6f) in 2024 but he ended the campaign with two below-form efforts over 2m2f at Newmarket in the autumn; he needs considering after a break reverted in trip.

10/1

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

2nd

8

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Ndaawi

11st 2lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Creditable third to Lark In The Mornin in the Fred Winter 4yo Handicap here (2m, heavy) last March and 7l second of 19 in the Galway Hurdle (2m, good) in August; absent since heavy defeat on the Flat in the Cesarewitch in October but he's an each-way contender if back on song for this comeback.

14/1

24th

10

(16)

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Ndaawi

8st 11lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Gordon Elliott

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.

12/1

2nd

19

1st Aug 2024

Good

2m 0f 11y

17:05 Galway

Ndaawi

10st 5lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Placed in the Boodles at the Cheltenham Festival this March and ran okay in the Ascot Stakes; warmed up for this in a charity race at the Curragh; more needed.

20/1

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