October 23 / 19.40 Kempton (AW)

19.40

Standard To Slow

Try Unibet’s Improved Bet Builder Handicap (London Mile Series Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £7731
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 14 runners
RTV
View Course
Try Unibet’s Improved Bet Builder Handicap (London Mile Series Qualifier)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Polytrack

Weather: Partly cloudy

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.60
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 110111 CD

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
He has made giant strides this year, winning five of his six starts (four over C&D) and creating a positive impression in a valuable series final here last month; another 6lb rise to defy today and, while drawn wide, it was stall 14 he defied last time; highly respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(6)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 2

14:42 Kempton (AW)

Whitcombe Rockstar

9st 0lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Keiran Burke

Most of his wins have been at 1m but he swooped late on to score over 1m3f in January and led 1f out when asserting in tidy style over 1m4f early this month, both at this track; back up another 5lb and he's a 7yo, but peak form (October 2024) was a little better still and he's now 7-12 at Kempton; on the shortlist.

15/2

1st

5

(5)

2nd Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

16:37 Kempton (AW)

Whitcombe Rockstar

9st 5lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Keiran Burke

Most of his wins have been at 1m but he made it 6-11 at Kempton when swooping late for a last-gasp win over 1m3f in January; up 2lb but he remains well handicapped on his best form and is strongly respected back up in trip.

4/1

1st

9

(7)

28th Jan 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 2

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Whitcombe Rockstar

8st 11lb

J: Tyler Heard

T: Keiran Burke

Somewhat interesting off an attractive mark back at Kempton, being 5-10 here, but all of that course form is over 1m; has a mixed record beyond that distance so carries risk back up in trip; however, certainly holds a fighting chance provided he's in top form.

9/1

12/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 488700 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Big improver as a 3yo, rounding off that campaign with a Group 3 second at Newmarket one year ago; he has found it tough going in 2024 though and vulnerable despite this ease in grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(7)

17th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 212y

Class 3

15:05 Haydock

Silver Sword

10st 0lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Dylan Cunha

Gained last success off just 1lb lower at Meydan in March; hasn't scored on home soil for over two years but ran respectably in competitive field at York (1m) last Friday; possibilities back down in grade.

13/2

5th

13

(16)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

13:30 York

Silver Sword

8st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Dylan Cunha

Failed to kick on after big-field handicap win at Meydan (1m, good to firm) in March but returned from a break in the Cambridgeshire (1m1f, good to firm) a fortnight ago and was denied a clear run when finishing an encouraging 11th of 23; he may be able to build on that performance.

16/1

11th

20

(1)

27th Sep 2025

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Silver Sword

8st 8lb

J: J F Egan

T: Dylan Cunha

Won a big-field handicap at Meydan (1m, good to firm) in March; however, didn't really threaten in Britain on his next three starts in April and May, and returns from a break today; others are more appealing.

40/1

16/1

  • Place: £4.70

Form: 289-90

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in Royal Ascot handicap (1m2f, good to firm) in June 2023 but well beaten in the US on final two starts last year and no impact in either outing since returning to Britain; dropped 5lb and this easier than last time; won only other AW start by 10l; new headgear; risky but not impossible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(2)

12th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 3

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Lion Of War

9st 13lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charlie Johnston

Useful on turf and has performed well in both AW starts, bolting up in a weak Newcastle novice (7f, Tapeta) as a 2yo and only beaten two necks into third of 14 at Kempton (1m, Polytrack; first-time blinkers) last month; may still have more to offer and respected up 1lb.

8/1

3rd

1

(2)

12th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 3

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Lion Of War

9st 13lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charlie Johnston

Useful on turf and has performed well in both AW starts, bolting up in a weak Newcastle novice (7f, Tapeta) as a 2yo and only beaten two necks into third of 14 at Kempton (1m, Polytrack; first-time blinkers) last month; may still have more to offer and respected up 1lb.

8/1

3rd

10

(9)

23rd Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:40 Kempton (AW)

Lion Of War

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Charlie Johnston

midfield

16/1

12/1

Form: 15-030

Last run: 83 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Useful form on a couple of occasions (both on fast turf); low-key effort over 1m2f at Goodwood when last seen 12 weeks ago; needs a personal best now making his AW debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

13

(6)

23rd Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:40 Kempton (AW)

Mortlake

9st 4lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ralph Beckett

towards rear

12/1

10th

3

(6)

1st Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Mortlake

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

awkward start, in rear

18/1

16/1

Form: 702449 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Over two years since his last win but he was second over C&D in Listed company in December and he has run some solid races on turf this summer; disappointing last time but he was reportedly struck into.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(9)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Tempus

9st 8lb

J: William Cox

T: Archie Watson

1lb lower than when scoring in an amateur riders' event at Goodwood (1m, good) in June, but hard to win with these days and latest close third of six came in a Newcastle seller (1m, Tapeta); look elsewhere.

11/1

6

(9)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Tempus

9st 8lb

J: William Cox

T: Archie Watson

1lb lower than when scoring in an amateur riders' event at Goodwood (1m, good) in June, but hard to win with these days and latest close third of six came in a Newcastle seller (1m, Tapeta); look elsewhere.

11/1

4

(2)

17th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Tempus

10st 3lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Multiple winner in his young days including over C&D, but has only managed to win two of his last 31 starts, one of which was on Jersey; may find a couple too strong.

7/1

Form: 11- D

Last run: 358 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Overcame inexperience to make a winning debut at Southwell last October (7f) and he followed up at Newcastle three weeks later (1m); makes his handicap debut off a realistic mark and it will be interesting to see how he goes in the betting on his return from 358 days on the sidelines.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(1)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:23 Redcar

Dolce Courage

9st 8lb

J: Sam James

T: James Horton

Lightly raced 5yo; ran well with blinkers added when close fourth at Doncaster (7f, good) in March but he's been disappointing in both subsequent runs; still unexposed on turf but his profile is patchy and others are more convincing; first-time visor replaces blinkers.

12/1

7th

5

(4)

16th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Dolce Courage

9st 6lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: James Horton

Lightly raced 5yo who was a close fourth of 15 in first-time blinkers (retained since) at Doncaster (7f, good) in March; however, beaten a long way out at Newmarket (1m good) since, and hard to be confident after that.

25/1

5

(4)

16th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Dolce Courage

9st 6lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: James Horton

Lightly raced 5yo who was a close fourth of 15 in first-time blinkers (retained since) at Doncaster (7f, good) in March; however, beaten a long way out at Newmarket (1m good) since, and hard to be confident after that.

25/1

10/1

Form: /342-3 C

Last run: 157 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 6yo who has consistent form and can go well after a break; back with the Meade stable after one run for Richard Hannon; 1m perhaps too sharp for him now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(1)

18th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

19:35 Newmarket (July)

Gloucestershire

10st 4lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Martyn Meade

Lightly raced since finishing second in this two years ago when 4lb higher; he may have needed his comeback run at Newbury in May but was well beaten and needs to be an entirely different proposition two months on.

14/1

2

(10)

16th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:25 Newbury

Gloucestershire

9st 9lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Martyn Meade

Fairly consistent and is capable of being involved off current mark; however, lacks recent match practice (off since November) and hasn't won for over three years; not the percentage call.

25/1

2

(10)

16th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:25 Newbury

Gloucestershire

9st 9lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Martyn Meade

Fairly consistent and is capable of being involved off current mark; however, lacks recent match practice (off since November) and hasn't won for over three years; not the percentage call.

25/1

Form: 916286 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Not much room for error off this mark and he hasn't fired on his last two starts; suspicion a few of today's rivals will prove stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

(2)

23rd Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:40 Kempton (AW)

Love De Vega

9st 5lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Charlie Johnston

took keen hold, pressed leader early, in touch with leaders after 1f

14/1

6th

5

(6)

25th Sep 2024

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Goodwood

Love De Vega

9st 4lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Charlie Johnston

raced in second, lost position over 2f out, weakened from over 1f out

10/1

8th

3

(1)

26th Aug 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:47 Ripon

Love De Vega

9st 8lb

J: James Doyle

T: Charlie Johnston

Three wins in a busy campaign this year, the latest at Pontefract (1m, good) last month; another solid effort when second of 13 in a Racing League handicap at Windsor (1m, good to firm) 11 days ago and although up another 3lb, still makes the shortlist.

11/2

14/1

Form: -07848 D

Last run: 95 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Getting on for two years since his last win but today's return to AW will be of benefit and he's well treated on last winter's best; others still more appealing though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(4)

23rd Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:40 Kempton (AW)

Excel Power

9st 8lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Archie Watson

prominent

14/1

8th

2

(7)

20th Jul 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ripon

Excel Power

9st 10lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Archie Watson

Not won on turf since Windsor success in May 2022 (1m, good to firm); has won on AW since; back on a good mark, fair fourth at Windsor last time (1m, good to firm) so could go well.

10/1

12/1

Form: 300809 D

Last run: 74 days

W: 9st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Veteran hold-up performer who was a fine third in the Victoria Cup (7f, good) on his reappearance in May; 6lb lower today but he has made little impact since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(3)

6th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 3

17:20 Newcastle (AW)

Bless Him

9st 10lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: David Simcock

Veteran whose losing run goes back to his success in the 2022 Bunbury Cup; down the field in two races at Kempton since returned to AW but his Newcastle record (1213) offers hope for a revival.

16/1

4th

7

(3)

6th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 3

17:20 Newcastle (AW)

Bless Him

9st 10lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: David Simcock

Veteran whose losing run goes back to his success in the 2022 Bunbury Cup; down the field in two races at Kempton since returned to AW but his Newcastle record (1213) offers hope for a revival.

16/1

11th

10

(3)

20th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:30 Kempton (AW)

Bless Him

9st 0lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: David Simcock

Veteran hold-up performer who is now 8lb lower than when third in the Victoria Cup in May; capable but he'll need everything to go his way to win.

33/1

OUR TIP
11th
1 (10)
Gorak

7/1

Form: 420033 D

Last run: 53 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Several good runs in defeat this year, including a near miss off this mark at Newmarket in May (7f) and close thirds at Epsom and Chester the last twice; promise on AW early in his career; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(6)

23rd Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Goodwood

Gorak

9st 0lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Charlie Fellowes

Best form this season when placed twice at Haydock, including latest start; still on a workable mark but continues on a long losing sequence, which makes him a similar type to Billyjoh.

16/1

3

(2)

9th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 3

16:10 Haydock

Gorak

9st 13lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Charlie Fellowes

Record over C&D includes a success in May 2023 and solid second on reappearance this term; disappointing favourite here on penultimate start and losing run is mounting up; best form certainly gives him a good chance off current mark back down in grade.

7/1

11

(1)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:50 Newmarket (July)

Gorak

9st 4lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Charlie Fellowes

Disappointing favourite at Haydock last Saturday, extending his long losing sequence; beaten twice in this contest (seventh in 2023, well held in 2024) and can be opposed.

33/1

Form: 9-1119 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Habitual slow starter but he was in good form in the summer, winning three times over further; lacklustre effort at Newbury in his bid for a four timer but the heavy ground may have been too much for him; he'll need a strong pace and some luck now back at a mile.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(4)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 2f 43y

Class 2

16:25 Doncaster

Fantasy Believer

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ed Walker

8yo who has been in and out this year and was soundly beaten at Epsom (1m2f, good to soft) last time but prior to that he won over today's C&D (soft) and can't be ruled out off this 4lb higher mark.

10/1

6th

3

(2)

28th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 17y

Class 3

16:05 Epsom

Fantasy Believer

10st 1lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ed Walker

Retains ability aged eight and bagged a Class 2 prize at Doncaster (1m2f, soft) most recently, taking record to 10-56; back on career-high mark but drops back in grade; may well remain competitive.

9/2

6

(1)

13th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 2

16:50 Doncaster

Fantasy Believer

8st 10lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ed Walker

In top form when racking up a hat-trick last summer and back at that level when third over 1m2f at Newcastle (AW) and Chepstow (good to soft) this summer; never a threat after a slow start at Southwell last time but more than capable off this mark and Oisin Murphy takes the reins.

8/1

25/1

Form: -45079 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Useful form at two and ran creditably in good races in his first two runs in 2024; has finished last in Group 3/Listed races on his last three runs, however, and drops in trip and class with something to prove; tongue-tie left off and blinkers tried.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

12

(9)

7th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 31y

Class 5

15:27 Windsor

Under The Sun

8st 10lb

J: Jude Fernandes

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Ended a long losing run at Lingfield (1m2f) in February and backed it up with a solid fourth of 12 in 1m2f handicap there the following month; considered.

8/1

4th

9

(5)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

14:12 Lingfield (AW)

Under The Sun

10st 9lb

J: Mr David Dunsdon

T: Gary & Josh Moore

He had been badly out of sorts prior to popping up at 80-1 in a C&D handicap four weeks ago; still has handicapping scope up 3lb but it remains to be seen if he can back that effort up.

5/1

1st

9

(5)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

13:42 Lingfield (AW)

Under The Sun

9st 6lb

J: Jude Fernandes

T: Gary & Josh Moore

His mark continues to tumble but he isn't giving any obvious indication he's likely to take advantage, failing to beat a rival on all three AW starts this winter.

33/1

Form: 510-07 C

Last run: 74 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Three wins as a 3yo, including here (7f); well beaten in his two starts this year and hasn't had much help from the handicapper; vulnerable from the widest stall.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(6)

24th May 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 0f 0y

17:05 Curragh

Merlin The Wizard

9st 8lb

J: Reese Holohan

T: R P Cody

Three wins in Britain in 2023 at up to 1m; regressive in the last two seasons; produced best run for some time at Dundalk in March when good second over 1m; not beaten far in outings at Leopardstown and Ballinrobe since then.

12/1

3rd

4

(10)

8th May 2026

Yielding To Soft

1m 1f 133y

18:52 Ballinrobe

Merlin The Wizard

9st 8lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: R P Cody

Three wins in Britain in 2023 at up to 1m; regressive in last two seasons but best run for some time at Dundalk in March when good second over 1m; didn't seem to quite get home back on turf at Leopardstown last month and stamina concerns trying this longer trip for the first time.

13/2

5th

11

(1)

12th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 0f 0y

15:20 Leopardstown

Merlin The Wizard

9st 8lb

J: Donagh O’Connor

T: R P Cody

Three wins in Britain in 2023; regressive in last two seasons but best run for some time at Dundalk last month when second to an improver over today's trip under a positive ride, his second run for the yard; same mark here, could go well from a good draw.

15/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £27.10
Straight Forecast £16.30
Tricast £170.41
Trifecta £332.60

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Fantasy Believer

The Sun:

Dolce Courage

SPOTLIGHT:

Whitcombe Rockstar

The Guardian:

Gloucestershire

RP RATINGS:

Tempus

The Star:

Mortlake

NEWMARKET:

Silver Sword

Daily Mirror:

Love De Vega

Daily Mail:

Bless Him

Daily Record:

Dolce Courage

Telegraph:

Whitcombe Rockstar

D Express:

Gloucestershire

POSTDATA:

Fantasy Believer

LAMBOURN:

Fantasy Believer

The Times:

Tempus