April 12 / 13.25 Newbury

13.25

Good

Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes (Registered As The John Porter Stakes) (Group 3)

  • Prize money: £48203.5
  • 1m 4f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 7 runners
ITV
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Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes (Registered As The John Porter Stakes) (Group 3)

Runners: 7 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £15.60
  • Place: £4.60

Form: 35149- D

Last run: 183 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Trained hitherto by Rae Guest; major career-best efforts in two 1m4f Listed races on good to firm last August, winning at Newmarket on first occasion, but she tried just one Group race in each of the last three campaigns and the best she managed was seventh; latest (October, when last seen) was admittedly over just 1m2f but she needs to show something new to win this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(3)

31st May 2025

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:15 York

Divina Grace

9st 5lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

Took her form to a new level with a game success in Newbury Group 3 on stable/seasonal debut; not so good front-running in a four-runner Group 2 at Newmarket (also 1m4f on good) three weeks later; player if reverting to the Newbury form but her three attempts at this sort of trip (summer 2023) were not as good as that year's runs at 1m4f.

5/1

6th

1

(3)

31st May 2025

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:15 York

Divina Grace

9st 5lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

Took her form to a new level with a game success in Newbury Group 3 on stable/seasonal debut; not so good front-running in a four-runner Group 2 at Newmarket (also 1m4f on good) three weeks later; player if reverting to the Newbury form but her three attempts at this sort of trip (summer 2023) were not as good as that year's runs at 1m4f.

5/1

3rd

4

(2)

2nd May 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

16:05 Newmarket

Divina Grace

9st 2lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

Useful for Rae Guest; took her form to a new level with a game success in Newbury Group 3 on stable/seasonal debut, taking record to 6-21; faces a stiffer task in this grade but may rate higher still and she's the sole C&D winner in the field; very hard to dismiss.

6/1

9/1

  • Place: £4.50

Form: 10315-

Last run: 190 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in midfield in last year's Derby; won the highly competitive Melrose Handicap at York (1m6f, good to firm) in August but failed to back up the form in a Listed race at Ascot (1m6f, soft) in October; should have more to offer this term but, on current form, this looks a tough reappearance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

(1)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 1

14:35 Ascot

Tabletalk

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Tom Clover

No win since Melrose Handicap at York (1m6f, good to firm) in 2024 but he ran very well in 1m4f Group races on first three starts last season and returned to that form when a close second in Saudi Arabia (1m7f) 11 weeks ago; that puts him back in the picture even though he's unraced over this far.

5/1

4

(7)

30th Aug 2025

Good

1m 6f 87y

Class 1

14:40 Chester

Tabletalk

9st 8lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Tom Clover

First run here; 1m6f Melrose Handicap winner at York last August who's raised his game again in defeat in Group races this year; leading player provided the first-time headgear does not have an adverse effect; below form both starts when the ground was softer than good.

7/4

3rd

6

(3)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:45 York

Tabletalk

9st 0lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Tom Clover

Won the Melrose 3yo Handicap over C&D (good to firm) last August and kicked off this campaign with two very creditable second placings in Group 3 races at Newbury (1m4f, good/good to firm); respectable sixth in Group 2 Hardwicke at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) last time and the drop back in grade and step back up in trip could both be positive moves; strong contender.

9/4

15/8

Form: 72430-

Last run: 188 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in the Irish Derby, fourth in the King George and third in the St Leger once upped to 1m4f+ last term, before his tenth when facing a stiff task in the Arc at Longchamp; he's the one to beat if returning in top form, with his two best ratings having been recorded on good ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(5)

1st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Newmarket

Sunway

9st 5lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: David Menuisier

Peak efforts were as a 3yo but reappearance at Meydan this January saw his first win since 2023; nearly won another 1m6f Group 3 there next time, before a headstrong display (set up big lead) saw him tail off in 2m Dubai Gold Cup five weeks ago; the latter was in blinkers (first time since September) which are unsurprisingly left off today; thereabouts if bouncing back.

8/1

4

(8)

12th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 197y

Class 1

15:00 Doncaster

Sunway

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: David Menuisier

No win since Group 1 as 2yo; good third, however, in the 14.5f St Leger here one year ago and only half a length behind Sweet William when trying 2m in the Goodwood Cup on penultimate outing; hampered at 1m4f latest; into new territory over this trip but Goodwood Cup suggests he is a serious player.

5/1

4th

5

(4)

29th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Goodwood

Sunway

9st 12lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: David Menuisier

Probably okay on any going; runner-up in last season's Irish Derby and third in the St Leger; those are the clear highlights in form terms but his always-prominent fourth of 12 in Group 2 Hardwicke at Royal Ascot last month in first-time blinkers was much more like it again; this is a new trip but he's stuck to his task well on those best efforts over 1m4f/14.5f.

12/1

Form: 11/54- C

Last run: 168 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Won narrowly in the mud both starts as 2yo in 2023, here on first occasion; put in his place last term in Listed race at Epsom (1m2f, good) in April and Group 3 over C&D (heavy) in October, gelded in between; weak claims but he's had only four races and it's interesting to see him resuming at this level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(6)

7th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 179y

Class 3

17:02 Leicester

Feigning Madness

10st 1lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Lightly raced since winning both races at two; ran okay in two Group 3s to start this season but has struggled to land a blow in 2m4f/1m6f handicaps the last twice; in calmer waters here but with a bit to prove.

10/1

8th

9

(2)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:55 Goodwood

Feigning Madness

9st 1lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

4yo who has had only seven races and acts on any going; fourth in 1m4f Group 3 at Newbury on reappearance hinted he may have staying potential; although running creditably, his subsequent 2m Group 3 and 2m4f Royal Ascot handicap didn't really prove his stamina and he now has his first go at 1m6f; whatever his ideal trip may be, he needs some improvement.

12/1

11th

6

(14)

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Feigning Madness

9st 9lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

4yo who has had only six races; keeping on for fourth over 1m4f at Newbury (good) on 2025 reappearance hinted he may have staying potential; that wasn't confirmed over 2m here (good to firm) later in April, in his third Group 3, but that was a slowly run race and this is his first handicap.

28/1

OUR TIP

Form: 17321-

Last run: 224 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Progressed well last term, placed in two Group 3s (1m2f/1m4f) on good to firm before grabbing a bumper prize in the USA on final outing; firmly in the mix on that and he could improve again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(5)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Newmarket

Bellum Justum

10st 0lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Seemingly ring-rusty on Group 3 return at Newbury two weeks ago, the same story as in 2025 when he followed that race with a win at this meeting in a four-runner 1m4f Group 2 with first-time cheekpieces; they were kept for two modest efforts last June but have not been called on this season; this is his first handicap and he has a big chance if springing back to his best.

7/1

5th

4

(7)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

14:35 Newbury

Bellum Justum

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Won Group 2 at Newmarket (1m4f, good) last May in first-time cheekpieces, which were kept for two modest efforts in June but not today; first run since a gelding operation in September; ring-rusty on his 2025 reappearance in this race and the market may reveal whether the same is expected this time.

12/1

9th

3

(9)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Bellum Justum

9st 3lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Displayed improved form in first-time cheekpieces (retained since) when winning the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket (1m4f, good) last month; flopped in the Group 1 Coronation Cup at Epsom subsequently but was reportedly unsuited by the good to soft ground; he could be just the type of older horse his trainer excels with and he's not ruled out.

25/1

12/1

Form: /10-14

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
1m2f Group 3 winner on heavy ground on first start last term, but the Derby didn't go well next time and he was unraced later as 3yo; back with a smooth AW win at Dundalk in February, before a lesser show back on testing ground three weeks ago; fair bit to find even on his best form and something to prove on good or firmer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(5)

29th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

18:50 Down Royal

Dallas Star

9st 6lb

J: Donagh O’Connor

T: Robson De Aguiar

Won 1m2f Group 3 Ballysax Stakes in 2024 (1m2f, heavy); last win was at Dundalk early last year, having faced some stiff tasks since, career-best when front-running second to ready winner Scandinavia in Navan Listed last month; not as good behind same rival since under similar tactics in Group 3 Saval Beg; bit to find on ratings and step up to 2m looks a big ask.

10/1

5th

3

(5)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

19:22 Leopardstown

Dallas Star

9st 5lb

J: Donagh O’Connor

T: Robson De Aguiar

Won the 1m2f Group 3 Ballysax Stakes here in April 2024 (1m2f, heavy); last win was at Dundalk early last year; no match for Leinster in a St Leger trial at the Curragh last August; twice placed in small-field AW events during the winter; stronger form in defeat behind Scandinavia at Navan; not certain to uphold form with Leinster.

10/1

2nd

4

(5)

25th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 6f 0y

15:05 Navan

Dallas Star

9st 5lb

J: Donagh O’Connor

T: Robson De Aguiar

Won Leopardstown Group 3 in April 2024 (1m2f, heavy); last win was at Dundalk early last year; no match for Leinster in a St Leger trial at the Curragh last August; twice placed in small-field AW events during the winter; well held in third behind Layfayette at the Curragh early this month; up against it.

25/1

Form: /2813-

Last run: 153 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Unraced on good to firm except for a winning debut; failed to achieve the same success last year that he had as a 2yo but still made all in a Group 3 at Newmarket (1m5f) in July and good third in a German Group 1 (1m4f) in November on his only subsequent start; major player if returning on song.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(6)

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Ancient Wisdom

9st 6lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Group 1 Futurity winner (on heavy ground) on this weekend as a 2yo; smart form on his day in a mixed record since, this season's plus points being his close second to Al Aasy in April and the narrow defeat when finishing strongly in Listed race at Goodwood last time (first run as a gelding); they were over 1m2f but last season's best efforts were at 1m4f and 1m5f; player if this is another of his good days.

11/4

2nd

1

(7)

24th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 1f 197y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Ancient Wisdom

9st 4lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Group 1 winner (on heavy ground) as a 2yo; fell short of Classic standard last term but bagged Group 3 honours and ran well at that level on penultimate start (1m2f, good; at Sandown); gelded since facing a stiffer task in the Coronation Cup; leading player on ratings.

9/4

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £156.00
Straight Forecast £169.28
Trifecta £362.40

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Sunway

SPOTLIGHT:

Bellum Justum

NEWMARKET:

Ancient Wisdom

Daily Mail:

Dallas Star

LAMBOURN:

Bellum Justum

The Star:

Bellum Justum

TOPSPEED:

Sunway

POSTDATA:

Sunway

The Times:

Sunway

Telegraph:

Sunway

The Guardian:

Sunway

D Express:

Sunway

Daily Mirror:

Sunway

The Sun:

Sunway

Daily Record:

Ancient Wisdom