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

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

18th

3

(11)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Ebts Guard

9st 12lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Tough and consistent sort who won this race (good ground) on his reappearance 12 months ago and finished second in the Balmoral Handicap at Ascot in the autumn; starts the new season on a career-high mark but he's impossible to rule out.

16/1

2nd

3

(6)

29th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 0f 75y

Class 1

14:47 Nottingham

Ebts Guard

9st 4lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Acts on soft; has mostly run well in warm 7f/1m handicaps this season, never better than when dead-heating for second in a valuable event at Ascot 11 days ago; this first Listed assignment makes for a different scenario but he has the form to be not far away.

11/2

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

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

9th

7

(19)

27th Sep 2025

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Urban Lion

9st 2lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Jack Channon

Below par at York latest but a wide draw made things tough for this prominent-racer; progressive otherwise, rallying when close fifth of 30 in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) and when close third to Ebt's Guard at Ascot (1m, good to firm) two starts ago; of interest over today's extra 1f.

25/1

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

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

2nd

15

(9)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Classic

9st 1lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Chased home Ebt's Guard and Urban Lion in this race last year and he's better off at the weights with both; ran a cracker when dropped to 7f for valuable event at Ascot last summer; hasn't been seen for eight months but he'll be dangerous if cherry ripe.

12/1

23

(12)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Classic

8st 10lb

J: Reserve

T: Richard Hannon

Reserve; made all at Sandown (1m, good to firm) in July and close second of 21 to subsequent Stewards' Cup winner Two Tribes here (7f, good) next time; soundly beaten at Newbury (7f, good to firm) two months ago and needs to bounce back but he's better than that and is not discounted.

33/1

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

4th

1

(3)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Goodwood

Arisaig

9st 7lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Charlie Johnston

Talented mare who ran well in Listed and Group events last season and was runner-up in a Class 2 handicap at Newmarket (1m, good) on her reappearance last month; should go well again but she has a bit to find on these figures and her last win was in July 2024.

6/1

2nd

1

(5)

14th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Newmarket

Arisaig

9st 10lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Charlie Johnston

Talented mare although her last win was back in July 2024; started last year's campaign with solid fifth of 14 in Newbury's Spring Cup (good) and ran well on plenty of other occasions, notably when close third in Goodwood Group 2 (also 1m, good to firm) in August; creditable third in C&D Listed event the following month but has career-high mark to contend with on this return.

12/1

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

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

12th

23

(3)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Cogitate

8st 9lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Charles Hills

Equally effective at 7f and 1m and arrives in good form from the AW; could be thereabouts again, although he finished behind several of these when only seventh in this race 12 months ago.

20/1

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

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

6th

1

(4)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 205y

15:10 Naas

Inishfallen

10st 1lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Stephen Thorne

Sole win in June 2023; in good form on the AW off this mark recently, beaten less than 1l the last twice; best turf form on fast ground and on a dangerous mark based on a 2l second at Windsor off 7lb higher last June; could go well.

15/2

4th

1

(3)

1st Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

17:45 Dundalk (AW)

Inishfallen

10st 1lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Stephen Thorne

Yet to add to his 6f 2yo win on AW in Britain for Brian Meehan; solid level of form here of late, most recently staying on for second behind all-the-way winner Sporting Hero over this trip last month from a wide draw; 4lb better off with rival here, major chance.

7/2

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

4th

8

(5)

20th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 20y

Class 4

14:42 Ayr

Pearl Eye

8st 13lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Won six for Darryll Holland, most notably when awarded the Spring Mile in March 2025; lost his way thereafter, and Gay Kelleway (0-4) couldn't rejuvenate; joined Jim Goldie for 13,000gns and there were positive signs when third over 1m here (stable debut) recently; is dangerously handicapped.

9/4

3rd

1

(3)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:00 Ayr

Pearl Eye

9st 9lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Fairly useful for Darryll Holland, then form went markedly awry during a brief spell with Gay Kelleway; sold for 13,000gns since last run; market may prove instructive on debut for another new yard.

8/1

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

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

12th

10

(15)

10th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Ascot

Metal Merchant

9st 1lb

J: David Probert

T: Jack Channon

Last three wins over 1m, most recently the 2024 Spring Cup; however, finished a close fourth in major C&D handicap last July and could go well with Haydock reappearance under his belt.

12/1

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

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

3rd

5

(8)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Great Acclaim

9st 5lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Strong handicap form over 7f last summer, winning at Goodwood and Chepstow as well as finishing second in a 20-runner event at Ascot (all when wearing blinkers); still feasibly weighted on that form and he went without headgear when down the field in the Lincoln; the blinkers return today and he's a leading contender.

7/1

16th

4

(14)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Great Acclaim

9st 8lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Thrived in 7f handicaps last season when blinkers went on; however, he failed to shine when tackling 1m last term and reappears minus any headgear (tried cheekpieces when last seen; down the field); others preferred.

33/1

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

9th

13

(3)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:50 Newmarket

Son

8st 12lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

0-16 since winning in June 2023 on his second start but short-headed at Thirsk (7f, good) last month on his stable and seasonal debut and posted another good second at Haydock (7f, good) last Saturday; he's on the shortlist.

7/1

2nd

4

(7)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 4

16:15 Haydock

Son

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Didn't progress for Richard Hannon but, having dropped in the weights, he went desperately close to making a winning debut for Tim Easterby three weeks ago, staying on strongly at Thirsk (7f, good); 1lb higher today but he attained a BHA rating of 106 in his pomp; contender.

5/1

2nd

4

(4)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:58 Thirsk

Son

9st 5lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

The winner of just one of his 16 starts for Richard Hannon but he was often highly tried; unplaced in six runs in 2025 but that resulted in his handicap mark dropping 17lb; sold for 24,000gns in October; one of two making their debut for Tim Easterby.

10/1

+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