October 19 / 16.35 Ascot

16.35

Soft

Balmoral Handicap (Sponsored By Qipco)

  • Prize money: £103080
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 23 runners
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Balmoral Handicap (Sponsored By Qipco)

Runners: 23 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Scattered showers

Form: 352331 C

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Unable to win off lower marks in similarly hot handicaps this summer but ran highly admirably in defeat (on various ground, including over C&D) and he won the Group 3 Superior Mile at Haydock (1m, good) last month, form that has been franked by the runner-up Prague (declared 3:15); respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(2)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:27 Ascot

Holloway Boy

9st 3lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: K R Burke

Made a solid return to Britain when chasing home Jonquil in a Listed race over the straight 1m here (good to firm) in May but comfortably held in the Royal Hunt Cup back here since; has yet to win above Group 3 level and it's likely that will remain the case.

20/1

17th

1

(4)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Holloway Boy

10st 0lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Runner-up in C&D Listed contest last time, maintaining his consistency; Royal Ascot record includes a debut success in the 2022 Chesham and creditable fifth (off 7lb lower) in this race in 2024; Jack Nicholls takes off a useful 5lb; solid contender who again should give his running.

16/1

2nd

2

(4)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Holloway Boy

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: K R Burke

His strike-rate is an unimpressive 3-26 but he's seldom far away and last October's excellent second in a top handicap over C&D preceded an AW Listed win; came up short at Doha and Meydan early this year but showed enough to suggest he should be on the premises.

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 465414 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
8yo whose lofty mark is 5lb higher than when winning 17-runner handicap at York (1m2f, good to firm) in August, and he's since been beaten in Listed race at Ayr; however, he has lots of good form at Ascot (various ground) and a strongly run race over 1m may bring out the best in him; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

2

(1)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

17:20 York

Sir Busker

9st 12lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: William Knight

Good C&D record includes a win in this last year off 5lb higher; back on form when narrowly denied at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm) and things went wrong from the start (stumbled) when well behind Westridge at Goodwood since; could bounce back.

18/1

6

(16)

29th Jul 2025

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

13:20 Goodwood

Sir Busker

9st 3lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: William Knight

Has a mixed 1-6 record at Goodwood, with the win in 2019, but he won a 17-runner race at the York Ebor meeting last August and went down by a neck at Sandown this month, both over 1m2f on good to firm but the ground was not an issue previously; now a 9yo but 4lb lower than for that York win; drawn wide but likely to be delivered late anyway.

20/1

2nd

4

(3)

5th Jul 2025

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

17:15 Sandown

Sir Busker

9st 11lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: William Knight

Resilient 9yo who can still give it plenty in competitive handicaps, as when beating 16 rivals at York (about 1m2f, good to firm; off 5lb higher) last August; however, he has less obvious claims on subsequent handicap runs, including back at York in June.

12/1

Form: 7-1748 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Defied an absence to win handicap at Sandown (1m, soft) in July; his form has been mixed since and the ground should have suited when he was down the field in a French Group 2 a fortnight ago (1m, soft); he's just 2lb higher than at Sandown, however, and is not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(6)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Ascot

Ciceros Gift

9st 2lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Charles Hills

Returns to the scene of his biggest performance but that 100-1 success in last year's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over C&D (good) still seems something of a fluke, having been seemingly helped by the draw; has failed to back up the form in races won by Opera Ballo and Notable Speech this season, beaten about 7l both times; dubious claims.

40/1

7th

1

(4)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:35 Newbury

Ciceros Gift

9st 2lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Charles Hills

Didn't have the ideal set-up at Sandown (behind Zeus Olympios) on reappearance but still needs to prove the form of his 100-1 success in last year's Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II (1m, good) at Ascot, where he was possibly helped by the draw, can be backed up; may be flattered by his mark.

33/1

4th

1

(5)

24th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Sandown

Ciceros Gift

9st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Charles Hills

Dual C&D winner who finished third in this race last year; returns to Sandown but may be flattered by his new rating, having been perhaps helped by the draw when registering a 100-1 success in the Group 1 QEII at Ascot (good) on last appearance; needs to prove he can back up that form.

20/1

Form: 434236 C

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Can be slowly away and was below par in Listed race at Newbury last time; however, he was in good form in 7f/1m Group races previously and the last time he contested a handicap he won the Buckingham Palace here last June (under Jamie Spencer, who excels in big fields on the straight course here); seems versatile ground-wise; capable of having a major say if back on song.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

2

(14)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:40 Newcastle (AW)

Witch Hunter

9st 7lb

J: John Fahy

T: Richard Hannon

Now 5lb lower than for his 1m win here in January and there have been excuses for several of his defeats since; plausible outsider.

20/1

19th

30

(3)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Witch Hunter

9st 0lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Defied a 5lb higher mark in the 7f handicap at this meeting three years ago and scored over 1m on AW in January; has lost his form, most recently finishing last in the Newbury event won by Classic; further Royal Ascot glory looks unlikely.

50/1

Form: 1-1195 CD BF

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who looked highly progressive when winning handicaps at Newcastle (1m, AW) and over C&D (good to firm) in the summer; unraced on softer than good and he's failed to continue his improving ways the last twice, but perhaps first-time cheekpieces will give him a boost; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(14)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:35 Ascot

Elnajmm

9st 6lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

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

11/1

5th

5

(5)

18th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:23 Sandown

Elnajmm

9st 6lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

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

9/2

9th

4

(17)

22nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

15:00 York

Elnajmm

9st 7lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

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

11/4

25/1

Form: 770560 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Ascot has often brought out the best in him and he's 2lb lower than when going very close in last October's Challenge Cup here (7f); however, he's had a patchy campaign this season and was well beaten in the Challenge Cup a fortnight ago, on soft ground that should have been fine; untested at 1m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(11)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Popmaster

8st 13lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Ran respectably at Epsom last time but still has a poor strike-rate in recent years and hasn't won on turf since 2023; the 8yo looks unlikely to prevail in another competitive field.

40/1

4th

2

(15)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Popmaster

9st 9lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Seven wins include three on good to soft/soft; also won on AW at Kempton (1m) in February but only midfield in valuable events at Newcastle (AW) and Ascot (good) on his last two starts; however, latter effort was better than it looks having been poorly drawn.

33/1

15th

7

(2)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Popmaster

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Ed Walker

Campaigned on AW since December, proving consistent until coming up a tad short on finals day last time; has loads of Ascot form but three defeats in this race (finishing positions 074) suggest he can be opposed, especially now aged eight.

33/1

Form: 451346 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Denied clear run when third of 26 in the Buckingham Palace here (7f, good to firm) in June and came from well back for sixth of 18 in the Challenge Cup here (7f, soft) a fortnight ago, shaping as though he may benefit from today's return to 1m (over which he's run well here); could be thereabouts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(13)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Carrytheone

9st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Michael Bell

As usual, he was held up before breezing through the field to win the Balmoral Handicap over 1m here last October (soft; 4lb lower); needs to put this season's performances behind him but arrives here fresh and rain would heighten interest.

12/1

8th

2

(3)

1st Aug 2025

Good

1m 1f 11y

Class 2

15:45 Goodwood

Carrytheone

9st 10lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: Michael Bell

Held up; excellent 2024 in handicaps on varied ground culminated in his Balmoral triumph at Ascot (1m, soft) in October; never having raced beyond 1m asks a question but he saw it out well that day and has a form chance if putting this month's reappearance (18-1 in Listed race) well behind him.

7/1

8th

2

(7)

12th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 1

17:30 Chester

Carrytheone

9st 7lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Michael Bell

Shaped well in a few top handicaps prior to deservedly landing a big pot in the Balmoral at Ascot (1m, soft) last October; whether his hold-up style lends itself to a Listed race around here remains to be seen but he's a big player on form if ready to roll after nine months off.

4/1

Form: 1-3241 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Fine fourth in Royal Hunt Cup over C&D (good to firm) in June then won at Doncaster (1m2f, good) last month, overhauling Liberty Lane who went one better in the Cambridgeshire next time; showed promise on soft in 2yo maiden; a 4lb rise isn't harsh and this progressive 4yo is a possible player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(12)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket (July)

Daysofourlives

10st 4lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: David Simcock

Won off this mark for Marco Botti at Doncaster (1m2f, good) in September 2024; however, absent since that November and it remains to be seen how much ability he retains; stable debut (remains in same ownership).

50/1

9th

3

(3)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Daysofourlives

9st 4lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Marco Botti

in touch with leaders

14/1

3

(3)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Daysofourlives

9st 4lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Marco Botti

Had soft ground as a possible excuse for his no show in the Balmoral at Ascot last month and solid record in handicaps before that, including fourth in Hunt Cup and a defeat of subsequent Cambridgeshire winner Liberty Lane at Doncaster (1m2f) in September; has a 2-2 AW record; no surprise were he to make his presence felt in this higher grade.

14/1

Form: 26-100 D

Last run: 121 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Won the Lincoln at Doncaster (1m, soft) in March for Dominic Ffrench Davis; well beaten in May/June on next two starts but on good/good to firm ground; claims will be boosted if he's back on a slow surface today, following a break; first run for Raphael Freire (remains in same ownership).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(13)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 3

16:47 Thirsk

Mr Professor

9st 9lb

J: Sam James

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Has won on firm but best form on soft, as when winning the Lincoln (1m) in 2024; lightly raced with little return since but he was hampered on Newcastle AW last June; entitled to be rusty for new trainer on this first run since; missed a race earlier this month due to good to firm ground.

14/1

6/1

Form: 21131 D

Last run: 58 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Made it three wins from his five starts when making all in the competitive Clipper Handicap at York (1m, good to firm) in August; has also won on good to soft (unraced on softer); up 4lb but this unexposed 3yo is in good hands to continue to progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(8)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:45 York

Thunder Run

9st 10lb

J: Shane Gray

T: K R Burke

Dual winner here (both on good to firm) who was sixth in this last year and was runner-up to Warrant Holder over C&D (good) this May; soundly beaten at Royal Ascot since but he's an each-way possible back at York.

18/1

15th

10

(28)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Thunder Run

9st 5lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Back to form with second at the York Dante festival (good) in the 1m2f event he'd won 12 months earlier; before racing over longer trips he was a three-time 1m winner and ran creditably in major handicap over C&D once; may remain competitive.

20/1

2nd

1

(10)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:55 York

Thunder Run

9st 12lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Disappointing in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket on final outing last season and same story in Listed race at Kempton on last month's reappearance; however, he's back down to the same mark as when winning this last year (good to firm) and can have a big say if he's back on song.

5/1

Form: 560203 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Runs off a mark 6lb lower than when fourth in this last season (soft); 0-13 this year but went close at Doncaster (1m, good) last month and he kept on well for third of 18 in the Challenge Cup here (7f, soft) a fortnight ago; could be firmly in the mix now back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(9)

14th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Newmarket

Bopedro

9st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

10yo who won this in 2023; frequently runs well in quality handicaps and he's 5lb lower than when a cracking third in the Royal Hunt Cup last June; scratched from the Lincoln when running a temperature on his intended comeback last month and he tends to improve for a run these days; also winless since 2023.

15/2

11th

2

(1)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:17 Newmarket

Bopedro

9st 12lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

9yo who has drawn a blank since winning on the July Course in summer 2023 and needs everything to drop right but he often runs extremely well in defeat, including when third in the Royal Hunt Cup in June; another respectable effort when sixth of 20 in Balmoral at Ascot (1m, good) a fortnight ago; not discounted in this slightly easier race.

6/1

Form: -92337

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Effective here (and on various ground); placed three times in a row this August/September (1m/7f) but only seventh of 18 in the Challenge Cup here (7f, soft) a fortnight ago and needs a bigger performance today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(10)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:35 Ascot

Star Of Orion

8st 12lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Effective here (and on various ground); placed three times in a row this August/September (1m/7f) but only seventh of 18 in the Challenge Cup here (7f, soft) a fortnight ago and needs a bigger performance today.

33/1

10

(3)

5th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Star Of Orion

9st 4lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Returned in July from ten months off and has run well in his last three starts, third of nine at Sandown (7f, soft) last time, but he has managed to win only one of his last 25 starts and is still 5lb higher; addition of a tongue-tie needs to make a difference.

25/1

3rd

1

(2)

13th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Sandown

Star Of Orion

9st 10lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Shaped well on reappearance (found trouble) and bang there in his subsequent races, over 1m at Newmarket and C&D 13 days ago (first-time cheekpieces); hard to offer any excuses on either occasion and, now 3-31, he's looking a hard horse to catch right.

100/30

66/1

Form: 2-5445

Last run: 58 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Listed runner-up last October (6f, heavy) and reappeared with close fifth in Group 3 Greenham at Newbury (7f, good to soft); however, three lesser runs have followed and a return to form is needed in first-time headgear on second start for this stable; new trip is not an obvious plus on breeding.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(6)

16th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Chelmsford (AW)

Alaskan Gold

9st 12lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Robert Cowell

Not beaten far at Hamilton in August (5f, good) but only four ran there and he hasn't built on it since; will be 3lb lower from the weekend and easy enough to have reservations.

25/1

2

(11)

7th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Leicester

Alaskan Gold

9st 9lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Robert Cowell

Smart on his day, as when close up in a Group 3 at Newbury (7f, good to soft) in April 2024; showed he was sharp enough for 5f when going down in a tight finish at Hamilton (good; four ran) in August and although below that level since he'll be suited by a return to good to soft ground in this lower grade than of late; has run well in a visor and it's now refitted.

8/1

6

(3)

6th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:07 Haydock

Alaskan Gold

8st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Robert Cowell

Appeared to run well when a close third at Hamilton last month but that effort is sandwiched by two lesser efforts; down in the weights but stable may have stronger claims with Democracy Dilemma.

33/1

Form: 243143 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Won the Golden Mile at Goodwood (1m, good to firm) in August and solid efforts off this mark the next twice, most recently third of 31 in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket (1m1f, soft) when coming from further back than the front two; can go well once more and he's in with a chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(9)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

1m 1f 11y

Class 3

16:55 Goodwood

Toimy Son

9st 10lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: David Menuisier

Won the Golden Mile here (good to firm) last August and third in the Cambridgeshire (1m1f, soft) in September; he's failed to shine this season but is on a handy mark if the return to Goodwood prompts a revival.

10/1

26

(15)

18th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Toimy Son

9st 1lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: David Menuisier

Performed well in major handicaps at Glorious Goodwood (won) and Newmarket (placed) last term; however, needs to step up plenty on his 2025 efforts, latest over C&D behind My Cloud.

50/1

7th

2

(8)

30th Apr 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:30 Ascot

Toimy Son

10st 1lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: David Menuisier

Registered sole win for current yard in last year's Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood; placed in the Cambridgeshire; possibilities in this lower grade with Lincoln reappearance under his belt.

11/2

Form: 610353

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Won the 18-runner Galway Mile (yielding) in July on last handicap start; mixed fortunes in Listed races since but she was a good third at Tipperary (7.4f, soft) a fortnight ago and is clearly well suited by a big-field scenario; could be a contender now back in a handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(4)

29th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 50y

Class 1

16:28 Nottingham

Mexicali Rose

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

held up in rear, some headway and in touch with leaders over 3f out, weakened from 2f out

9/1

6th

6

(4)

29th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 50y

Class 1

16:28 Nottingham

Mexicali Rose

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

held up in rear, some headway and in touch with leaders over 3f out, weakened from 2f out

9/1

Form: -20410 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who won at Goodwood (1m, good to soft) in August, then finished third of 12 in the centre group when 15th overall in the Cambridgeshire (1m1f, soft) last time; in top hands and wears first-time cheekpieces, so improvement can't be ruled out, but it's necessary in this hot race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

20

(6)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Godwinson

9st 2lb

J: George Bass

T: Jack Channon

Got up in the final stride to win last year's Lincoln and followed up in useful AW handicap; not in the same form since and York defeat on stable/seasonal debut spoiled an otherwise good record when fresh; revival is far from guaranteed.

40/1

10th

5

(9)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Godwinson

9st 5lb

J: George Bass

T: Jack Channon

Won the Lincoln at Doncaster (1m, good to soft) last March and followed up at Newcastle (1m, AW); of interest on those efforts but he went off the boil on his final three starts for William Haggas; needs to get back on track on stable debut (remains in same ownership); slow ground would aid cause.

25/1

3

(19)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Godwinson

9st 5lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Hold-up performer who won the Lincoln (1m, good to soft) on his reappearance and followed up at Newcastle (1m, AW); a case can be made on those progressive performances but he appears to have gone off the boil on his last two runs (reportedly coughed last time); best turf form is on good to soft.

25/1

14/1

Form: 57-285 D

Last run: 114 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Seventh of 20 in this race last year (soft) and reappeared with good second in the Lincoln at Doncaster (1m, soft) in March; however, he's been unplaced the next twice (April/June) and needs to get back on track after a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(15)

1st Aug 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:30 Goodwood

Lattam

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Well beaten in the Lincoln in March on sole outing this term (1m, good to soft) but he was runner-up in two major handicaps (both 1m on soft) during a light campaign last season and yesterday's rain is a major positive for his claims; capable of a big performance.

12/1

Form: 607420 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Having dropped down the weights, he went close at Ayr (1m, good to firm) last month; reportedly unsuited by soft ground when well beaten at York eight days ago; he's well treated on last year's French form and could be capable of a good performance if conditions aren't too testing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(6)

11th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

17:05 York

Padishakh

9st 11lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

1-23 in Britain, the win coming from 2lb higher at Nottingham (1m, good to firm) in May; recent efforts suggest he will need to step up in order to make an impact; first-time visor joins the cheekpieces.

14/1

4

(8)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

15:55 Newcastle (AW)

Padishakh

9st 9lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Hasn't kicked on from a winning debut for this yard (1m; 1lb higher) and finished last on his previous AW start; others safer.

10/1

4th

1

(2)

16th Sep 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 4

17:05 Redcar

Padishakh

10st 1lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Won at Nottingham (8.3f, good to firm) on stable debut in May but diminishing returns in three runs since and was only eighth of ten at Haydock last month; now back on last winning mark but he needs to rediscover his spark back up in trip.

7/1

Form: -21142 D BF

Last run: 49 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Heavy-ground maiden winner who followed up on handicap debut at the Curragh (1m, good) in May, before fair fourth of 15 there in June; improved form when going very close in the Irish Cambridgeshire (1m, good) in August and this progressive 4yo could have more left in the tank; on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

4

(2)

28th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

14:45 Curragh

State Actor

9st 7lb

J: Colin Keane

T: W T Farrell

Dual C&D winner (on good and heavy) in 2024 but no joy since; beaten 1l when third in this last year and 1lb lower now but had the benefit of a recent run that day; might need this after 238 days off but Keane booked so market check advised.

12/1

10th

4

(17)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

15:05 Curragh

State Actor

9st 11lb

J: W J Lee

T: W T Farrell

Won twice over C&D in 2024, including a premier handicap; some good runs in defeat this year including over 1m2f here last time; this trip suits better and handles this ground so is considered.

8/1

Form: 905285 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Four-time French winner who is 0-7 in Britain but he was second of 18 to Thunder Run in the Clipper Handicap at York (1m, good to firm) in August and bounced back from a lesser run at Ayr when keeping on for fifth in the Challenge Cup here (7f, soft) a fortnight ago; each-way claims now back up to 1m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

13

(6)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Mirsky

8st 10lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: David O’Meara

Landed the Thirsk Hunt Cup, albeit having enjoyed a smoother trip than unlucky Sea Force; not particularly solid on his form since; ended up two places behind River King at Royal Ascot most recently.

25/1

7th

19

(15)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Mirsky

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David O’Meara

Only midfield off current mark in this race 12 months ago, despite arriving at the top of his game; has been in worse form this time, well below par in both starts since landing the Thirsk Hunt Cup; has done all his winning over further than 7f and can be opposed.

40/1

11th

5

(10)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Mirsky

9st 8lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: David O’Meara

7yo who was 6lb lower when landing this race (good to soft) last season; this year's running is more competitive but his success in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) last month was close to a career best and he had a possible excuse when failing to back that up at York; can't be ruled out.

12/1

7/1

Form: -16512 BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Reserve; won at Goodwood (7f, good to soft) in August and kept on well for good second of 18 in the Challenge Cup here (7f, soft) a fortnight ago; ran well over C&D at the Royal meeting and this unexposed 3yo may relish going back up in trip today; wears first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(2)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:58 York

Qirat

9st 8lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Ralph Beckett

Not totally solid on his form since 150-1 success when pacemaker in last year's Sussex Stakes (1m, good); however, looks interesting back down in trip, with his 7f record reading 1211225 (ran creditably behind Never So Brave in C&D Group 1 the final time); fitting of tongue-tie may also contribute to a resurgence.

12/1

7th

5

(2)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 1

14:40 Epsom

Qirat

9st 8lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Ralph Beckett

Not totally solid on his form since 150-1 success when pacemaker in last year's Sussex Stakes (1m, good); below par in Listed grade in sole run this season; however, record of 3-3 at Goodwood bodes well for this first visit to Epsom, which is a fairly similar track; return to best is plausible.

8/1

4th

3

(4)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:57 Doncaster

Qirat

9st 2lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Ralph Beckett

150-1 winner of the Group 1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood (1m, good) in July when acting as a pacemaker; that form can't be taken at face value but he was fifth in the Group 1 City Of York Stakes (7f, good to firm) next time and that performance reads well in the context of most of today's opposition; versatile ground-wise; goes well fresh and could be involved on his reappearance.

7/2

Form: 510108 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Reserve; has posted soft-ground wins this season at Hamilton (1m1f) and over C&D; however, he's finished merely mid-division in big fields the last twice (1m1f/1m, soft) and others are more compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(7)

5th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:00 Ayr

Theoryofeverything

10st 2lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

Has produced his peak RPR of 102 in both C&D attempts, including a win off 3lb higher in this race last year; Conor Whiteley takes off a bonus 5lb; interesting returned to this scenario.

6/1

5th

2

(7)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:25 Redcar

Theoryofeverything

10st 2lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Has shown signs of a resurgence and is back down to 0-90 company for the first time since successful at Ayr (1m) last July, but all four wins have come on soft ground so drying conditions wouldn't be ideal; stable triple-handed.

12/1

4th

5

(5)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 68y

Class 2

15:51 Hamilton

Theoryofeverything

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Ran well when fifth of 18 at York (1m, good) three weeks ago on his second start of the season; his four wins (one here) have come on soft going so slower ground today would aid his cause; could be a contender.

6/1

Form: 021028 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Reserve; two wins for new yard this term (7f, AW/good) and he hasn't enjoyed a clear passage in 7f handicaps here the last twice (soft), finishing runner-up last month then eighth of 18 in the Challenge Cup a fortnight ago; kept on nicely each time and the return to 1m could be a positive move.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(4)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

18:45 Doncaster

Akkadian Thunder

10st 1lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

In good form last June, winning off this mark over C&D (good) before an excellent second at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm); some fair efforts this season and on a good mark now; not out of it.

4/1

6th

7

(1)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Newmarket (July)

Akkadian Thunder

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Beaten on his last 14 starts and he's been expensive to follow in that time, but he was denied a clear run at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) last month and again ran well when fifth of 19 at York (7f, good) last time; could be thereabouts.

11/2

5th

5

(13)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:25 York

Akkadian Thunder

9st 12lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

His losing sequence is up to 13 but he's 4lb lower than when runner-up at Royal Ascot last June and was denied a clear run when third at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) last Saturday; bang there if getting the breaks.

16/1

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Bopedro

Telegraph:

State Actor

NEWMARKET:

Elnajmm

TOPSPEED:

Mr Professor

The Sun:

Thunder Run

D Express:

Padishakh

LAMBOURN:

Cicero's Gift

Daily Mirror:

Godwinson

POSTDATA:

Star Of Orion

Daily Record:

State Actor

The Guardian:

Elnajmm

The Times:

Mr Professor

RP RATINGS:

Bopedro

Daily Mail:

Bopedro

The Star:

Bopedro