April 12 / 15.12 Newbury

15.12

Good

OLBG Spring Cup Handicap

  • Prize money: £36078
  • 1m 0f 7y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV
View Course
OLBG Spring Cup Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £29.50
  • Place: £7.50

Form: 06618- D

Last run: 169 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Registered maiden/classified wins in 2024; has lots of other good efforts on his CV but returns on a career-high mark and this looks a stiff task; 0-13 in handicaps; gelded since last run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(4)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Ebts Guard

9st 6lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Similar type to Cerulean Bay in that he ran creditably in the Royal Hunt Cup (fourth) last time but is getting little help from the assessor, having proved largely consistent since his last win; solid contender all the same.

11/1

4th

8

(32)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Ebts Guard

9st 6lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Dual winner at Ascot; hindered by trouble in the Spring Cup on reappearance and ran creditably kept to Newbury last time; far from disgraced when seventh in this contest last year but has a stiffer mark this time and his ceiling has seemingly been reached already.

25/1

4th

1

(8)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Ebts Guard

9st 12lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Tough and consistent sort who won the C&D Spring Cup on 2025 reappearance but couldn't get a clear run in it this time round; third in this race last year and 9lb higher today but he's an each-way contender.

10/1

10/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 1454-1 D

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Stablemate of Metal Merchant; justified favouritism at Chelmsford (1m) on seasonal debut, taking AW record to 2-2; he's 0-4 on turf but may do better still, being a 4yo who has low mileage; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

26th

12

(20)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Urban Lion

9st 4lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Jack Channon

Good fifth in this race last year but was in a progressive vein of form at the time; some inconsistency has crept in and he finished last (admittedly lost a shoe) in the Spring Cup at Newbury most recently, failing to back up the form of his narrow success in the Lincoln on reappearance.

33/1

24th

5

(26)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Urban Lion

9st 9lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Jack Channon

Goes well in a big field over a straight 1m; beaten a neck in this race last year (good ground) and made a winning return in the Lincoln at Doncaster (good to soft; beat Rogue Diplomat a nose) three weeks ago; should be in the thick of things again off a 4lb higher mark.

9/1

1st

7

(2)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Urban Lion

9st 6lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Jack Channon

Close fifth in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) last June and close third next time, again at Ascot (1m, good to firm); has shown promise on soft ground; not at the top of his game on his final two outings last term but has an each-way shout if back to his best on this reappearance.

20/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 29656-

Last run: 218 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent last term but may be helped by a physical tweak (gelded since last run) and starts this season looking attractively treated; won off 1lb higher in 2023; one of two interesting runners for his connections.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(5)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Classic

9st 1lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Prevailed by a neck from Indalo at Newbury in May; unable to confirm the placings in the Royal Hunt Cup but wasn't disgraced; successful on this card in 2023 (7f handicap) and 2025 (this race); solid claims back here.

10/1

9th

25

(19)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Classic

9st 1lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Has less hidden up his sleeve than others, being a 6yo whose record is 4-24, but he arrives having been better than ever in useful handicaps at Newbury (1m, good) this term; finished second to Linwood on reappearance and weaved his way through to beat Indalo by a neck last time.

11/1

1st

8

(7)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Classic

9st 2lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Third in last year's Spring Cup over C&D and fourth in this race; next three starts were good as well and he was better than ever for reappearance second of 24 in the Spring Cup four weeks ago; up just 1lb, a leading player.

6/1

Form: 710-50 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Did well last term, winning five times, but crept up the weights as a result and currently looks unfavourably treated in races of this nature, as latest effort (in the Lincoln) seems to confirm.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(5)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 2

14:42 Wolverhampton (AW)

Two Tempting

9st 8lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

He was making his seasonal debut when only fifth in this race 12 months ago but he's been kept on the go this winter and has been better than ever; suspicion others will prove better handicapped here though.

8/1

3rd

5

(7)

7th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 1

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Two Tempting

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

He has been a fine servant to connections and added wins eight and nine to his tally in 2025, the latest a 1m handicap at Kempton in November; ran as well as he ever has when second to an upwardly mobile 4yo over C&D five weeks ago but even that effort will need bettering in this field.

16/1

Form: 31865- D

Last run: 197 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Scored against her own sex at Glorious Goodwood (1m) but showed no further progress afterwards in 2024 and no respite from the assessor leaves her looking weighted to the hilt; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(11)

7th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 1

14:48 Pontefract

Arisaig

9st 2lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Charlie Johnston

Losing run up to 15 but she has run some fine races in that period, not least when beaten less than a length into third of six in the Group 2 Celebration Mile at Goodwood (1m, good to firm) last August (entered again this year); respected on these terms and Jamie Spencer knows her well; still holds a Sussex Stakes entry.

100/30

8th

2

(1)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Arisaig

9st 2lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Charlie Johnston

Smart hold-up mare who sometimes hits traffic; matched previous best when second in a Newmarket handicap on her April return and latest fourth of six behind Blue Bolt in Goodwood Listed event (also 1m, good) was a solid effort; stall 1 doesn't make life easy but it wouldn't be a huge shock to see her appear on the scene late if able to pick her way through.

33/1

Form: -85401 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Campaigned at Meydan this year and belatedly regained the winning thread last time; remains well handicapped on best form, such as his success off this mark at the York Ebor festival (1m) in 2023; shortlisted.
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

8/1

Form: /2084- C

Last run: 143 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Low-mileage 4yo who was gelded prior to running well in useful AW handicap on last appearance and may build on that effort; sole start at Newbury resulted in his only win (debut); possibilities back here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

(8)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:17 Sandown

Cogitate

9st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Losing run is mounting up but he ran respectably over C&D most recently (final start for Charles Hills) and ties in with unexposed Raammee on that form; possibilities off same mark, provided he takes well to first-time headgear; remains with same owner.

10/1

3rd

6

(7)

28th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:45 Sandown

Cogitate

9st 0lb

J: William Buick

T: Charles Hills

He needs to produce more than he's managed back on turf on his last two starts but prior to those he was a good second at Kempton (7f, AW) in March, and he won on grass at Salisbury (1m, good to firm) last May; capable of having a say if getting back to his best.

11/1

7th

6

(9)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:55 Newmarket

Cogitate

9st 9lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charles Hills

Consistent of late on the AW, runner-up at Kempton in October and March, but his turf efforts have been more up and down; never better than midfield in Spring Cup at Newbury two weeks ago and only 1lb lower today.

16/1

20/1

Form: /0002-

Last run: 205 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Staged a big return to form at Yarmouth on last appearance but that second-place finish was over 6f; his efforts over 7f don't suggest he's crying out for this new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(2)

11th Jul 2026

Firm

0m 6f 150y

17:25 Limerick

Inishfallen

9st 11lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Stephen Thorne

Only one win from 26 starts and that was on AW for Brian Meehan in 2023; fair AW form early this year; hard to fancy on recent form

14/1

11th

8

(6)

27th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

17:05 Curragh

Inishfallen

9st 0lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Stephen Thorne

Proving hard to win with (1-25); not beaten far on last two AW runs in the spring; failed to make a significant impact in a Listowel race won by Unauthorized.

14/1

10th

4

(9)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 60y

15:15 Listowel

Inishfallen

9st 12lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Stephen Thorne

Proving hard to win with; not beaten far last two AW runs, behind I Bid You Ajou when sixth at Naas last time; handicapper starting to play ball.

9/1

14/1

Form: 265-41 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Awarded the Spring Mile at Doncaster two weeks ago, following a stewards' inquiry; started 50-1 for that prize, having seemed well exposed, and he's back on career-high mark now; this is harder.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(3)

13th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

16:30 Ayr

Pearl Eye

10st 2lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Came good for Jim Goldie at third attempt, in refitted cheekpieces at Hamilton last month, and bettered that form when close third in competitive race at York (also 1m1f, good) soon afterwards; not quite at same level over the extended 1m2f at York last time but still a major player here.

2/1

6th

7

(12)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:50 York

Pearl Eye

10st 11lb

J: Miss Kayleigh Williams

T: Jim Goldie

Only his third run for Jim Goldie when scoring at Hamilton (1m1f, good) and off a 2lb rise he was a closing third over 1m1f here (good) when not assisted by his track position; bang in form and should run well.

15/8

3rd

15

(13)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 177y

Class 4

16:50 York

Pearl Eye

8st 12lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Just his third run for Jim Goldie when taking advantage of his reduced mark at Hamilton (1m1f, good) nine days ago; only nudged up 2lb and remains well treated on old form (won last year's Spring Mile at Doncaster off 10lb higher); top of the list.

13/2

11/2

Form: 27749- C

Last run: 230 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Useful handicapper who registered sole success last season when beating Godwinson (2025 Lincoln winner) in this contest on reappearance; now 6lb higher but still warrants respect on seasonal debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

10

(1)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:40 Newcastle (AW)

Metal Merchant

8st 12lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: John Butler

Smart handicap form for Jack Channon in 2024; well beaten in two runs last year and no sign of a revival in two runs for Brian Toomey this year; starts out for John Butler off a much-reduced mark; worth a market check.

25/1

13th

6

(9)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:52 Goodwood

Metal Merchant

9st 9lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Brian Toomey

Showed notable handicap form in 2024 but has posted duck eggs in three runs since that campaign and needs to prove he retains ability; best watched on second run for new yard, unless the market suggests otherwise.

25/1

20th

19

(15)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Metal Merchant

9st 1lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Brian Toomey

Well treated on his 2024 form for Jack Channon and he won the Spring Mile at Newbury (1m, good to soft) on his reappearance that season; however, just two runs last term, finishing down the field in April/May, and he has plenty to prove making his stable debut after an absence; blinkers go on.

40/1

Form: 52242- D

Last run: 196 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Ran creditably in notable handicaps (1m/1m1f) towards the end of his 2024 campaign, Cambridgeshire runner-up the final time; appears to have a good prize in him; the booking of William Buick adds appeal; successful on reappearance in the last two seasons; very solid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(6)

28th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 3

15:40 Ripon

James McHenry

9st 8lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Course winner who was runner-up in the 2024 Cambridgeshire but has been lightly raced since; his keeping-on fifth of 12 over 1m1f at Musselburgh in April suggests most of that ability remains but he failed to build on it tackling 1m2f for the first time when fourth at Redcar (good to firm) four weeks ago; first-time cheekpieces worn at Redcar are retained.

13/2

4th

1

(8)

30th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 3

16:30 Redcar

James McHenry

9st 9lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Runner-up in the Cambridgeshire (1m1f) in September 2024 and he's raced just four times since; denied clear run when keeping on for fifth of 12 at Musselburgh (1m1f, good) recently and the return to 1m2f is worth a go; could have a part to play in first-time cheekpieces.

13/2

5th

4

(6)

12th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 3

17:15 Musselburgh

James McHenry

9st 6lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Three wins at about 1m and finished runner-up in the 2024 Cambridgeshire, but lightly raced since; not beaten far into fourth of ten at Kempton (1m, AW) last time, but still 5lb above his last winning mark and doesn't look solid back from another short break; stable also runs Noche Clasica.

7/1

Form: 31120- C

Last run: 196 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Comfortably held in the Cambridgeshire, albeit raced in unfavoured group; generally progressive otherwise in 2024, winning four times, but shot up the handicap as a result; current mark demands more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(11)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Newmarket (July)

Great Acclaim

9st 9lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Ran well, only a neck behind Elarak, in the 7f handicap at Royal Ascot to maintain his solid record in headgear; good second in the Victoria Cup the time before; threatening to win a big prize; shortlisted.

6/1

3rd

9

(23)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Great Acclaim

9st 7lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Versatile as regards ground; has a good record in blinkers and ran well switched to a visor (retained today) last time, finishing only 1l behind The Wizard Of Eye in the Victoria Cup and taking form figures over C&D to 242; solid contender who again has frame possibilities.

16/1

2nd

9

(12)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Great Acclaim

9st 7lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Six-time winner, including in first-time blinkers at Glorious Goodwood; close third at Haydock (7f) with reappearance under his belt, paving the way nicely for a crack at this prize; has made the frame in both C&D attempts; possibilities in new headgear (visor).

12/1

25/1

Form: 30008-

Last run: 245 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Record of 4-5 in 2023 but was 0-5 last year and he has something to prove back over 1m, having raced mainly at shorter (all wins over 6f); had gelding/wind operations since last run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(8)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 135y

Class 3

15:15 Lingfield

Dragon Leader

8st 9lb

J: Georgia Dobie

T: Clive Cox

Made all in very valuable auction race as a juvenile but winless since taking Redcar's Two-Year-Old Trophy six weeks later; looked to be rediscovering his level when third on AW in March and it was a solid fifth of 18 behind Royal Velvet (declared for preceding Group 3) at Newmarket (7f, good) last time; if the stands' rail proves the place to be this could be the day to revert to forcing tactics; interesting.

13/2

5th

17

(18)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket

Dragon Leader

8st 11lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Clive Cox

Yet to match his 2yo best (included big sales race and Listed wins) but he's only had eight subsequent starts and latest third at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) four weeks ago was a firm step back in the right direction; same mark and there's a suspicion he could be on the way back; player if so.

10/1

3rd

9

(8)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 4

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Dragon Leader

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Seen only twice since 2024 but ran with promise over 6f at Wolverhampton (AW debut) last time, shaping as if this return to 7f will suit; well handicapped on best turf form, which features two notable wins as a 2yo; interesting.

7/2

OUR TIP
14th
1 (9)
Son

10/1

Form: /4607- C

Last run: 254 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Record is only 1-10 but he's capable of useful form; two attempts at Newbury comprise his sole win (in 2023) and a good fourth in the Greenham on this card last year; gelded since last run; interesting back here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

17

(8)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:10 York

Son

8st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Did best of the prominent racers when third of 19 over C&D last month, splitting Andesite and Lir Speciale in the process; not so good dropped into a Class 4 at Musselburgh ten days ago; minor placing perhaps his best hope.

12/1

4th

1

(4)

30th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

16:00 Musselburgh

Son

9st 10lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

He had dropped a long way in the weights prior to joining Tim Easterby and he has been competitive in some useful events this year, including a third of 19 behind a smart prospect at York (7f, good; did best of the prominent racers); down in grade today and he should go well.

7/2

3rd

17

(6)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:25 York

Son

9st 2lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Runner-up in the spring on first two starts for this yard (7f, good) and each-way claims on that form; however, two lesser runs have followed and he's 0-18 since winning in June 2023 on his second outing.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £289.90
Straight Forecast £191.18
Tricast £1242.09
Trifecta £2411.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

James McHenry

RP RATINGS:

Silver Sword

LAMBOURN:

Metal Merchant

Telegraph:

Son

Daily Mirror:

Pearl Eye

D Express:

Son

TOPSPEED:

James McHenry

The Times:

James McHenry

The Sun:

James McHenry

The Star:

James McHenry

POSTDATA:

Silver Sword

NEWMARKET:

Silver Sword

Daily Record:

Silver Sword

The Guardian:

Metal Merchant

Daily Mail:

Metal Merchant