April 15 / 13.50 Newmarket

13.50

Good To Firm

Weatherbys With Venatour Racing Handicap

  • Prize money: £25770
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
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Weatherbys With Venatour Racing Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £11.00
  • Place: £3.30

Form: 51323- BF

Last run: 200 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Showed a useful level of ability in his first season of racing for Sir Michael Stoute, winning a 1m2f novice at Nottingham last May and in the money in his next three starts (including both handicaps); still has considerable potential and intriguing that he's being dropped markedly in trip by his new trainer (dam a 6f Listed winner); market useful in relation to stablemate Elmonjed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:27 Ascot

More Thunder

9st 3lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Usually held up; did very well over 6f/7f last term, including summer wins in a major handicap and Group 2; made a cracking first attempt at 1m when 2l second to Notable Speech in the Lockinge at Newbury on reappearance and backed that up by filling the same position in the Queen Anne at the Royal meeting (straight 1m, good to firm); the reopposing Zeus Olympios was behind him on both occasions; sets a good standard.

6/4

2nd

5

(9)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Ascot

More Thunder

9st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Usually held up in rear; did very well over 6f/7f last term, including summer wins in a major handicap and Group 2, as well as nearly landing the Wokingham at this meeting; made a cracking first attempt at 1m when only 2l behind Notable Speech (who got first run) in the Lockinge at Newbury on reappearance, taking form figures for current yard to 1121142 and suggesting he's set for another productive campaign; plausibly still improving and promises to be suited by this return to a stiffer course; major contender.

7/2

2nd

6

(9)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:35 Newbury

More Thunder

9st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Usually held up in rear; raced at 1m1f/1m2f for previous stable; record of 4-6 (over 6f/7f) last term for new yard featured wins in a major handicap at Newmarket and Group 2 at Newbury, both on good to firm ground; respectable fourth in the Group 1 Foret at Longchamp (7f, very soft) on final start; shapes as if this new trip is worth exploring and may rate higher still.

7/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 217-22 D BF

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Progressed well in the second half of 2024 and he's a shade unfortunate not to have won both starts this year, finishing off well at Kempton last month and then picked off close home at Southwell nine days ago; fast turf no problem and he's a leading contender; yard also run Dark Thirty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(9)

5th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Haydock

Aramram

9st 5lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Listed winner at Doncaster (6f, good to soft) in March before close second in Group 3 Abernant at Newmarket (6f, good); returned to form when first of four in the far-side group in the Great St Wilfrid Handicap at Ripon (6f, good) three weeks ago; has something to find in today's company but he's 2-3 on soft ground and is not ruled out each-way.

20/1

5th

1

(3)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Aramram

9st 12lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Progressive handicapper last year; took form to a new level with a Listed win at Doncaster on his seasonal return and performed to a similar level when second in the Group 3 Abernant at Newmarket in April; Group 1 company was too much to handle at Royal Ascot and a mighty performance will be needed to defy his big weight back in a handicap (12lb higher than for his narrow Ascot win last October).

9/1

15th

2

(3)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Aramram

9st 5lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Last season concluded with C&D handicap win (soft); better than ever this year with a Listed win (6f, good to soft) and Group 3 second (6f, good) and another solid run when fifth of 13 in Group 2 at York (6f, good) last time; however, his form needs to go to another new level today.

40/1

OUR TIP

13/2

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 11430- CD BF

Last run: 207 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Tough 2yo; bright start to her 3yo campaign, winning at this meeting before adding another C&D success one month later; ran fine races in defeat in two hot 5f handicaps at Ascot afterwards before turning in a rare disappointing effort at Ayr's Western meeting (Listed race; sent off favourite); 3-3 on the Rowley course and can go well fresh; should go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(9)

11th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:50 Newmarket

Woodhay Wonder

9st 3lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Tom Ward

Latest three wins were over C&D (good to firm and good) and although her most recent efforts haven't been up to much (in cheekpieces the last twice, now discarded) she was thereabouts in two strong 6f handicaps here in the spring; might be all the better for a recent break and not dismissed.

10/1

8th

2

(3)

29th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:30 Goodwood

Woodhay Wonder

9st 11lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Tom Ward

Had an excellent 2024 season, winning two over 6f and close up in strong 5f handicaps (all on good or quicker ground) as well; this season hasn't been going so swimmingly, though, with fitting cheekpieces no obvious help at Ascot (back over 5f) 17 days ago; has to turn things round.

7/1

5

(13)

12th Jul 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:50 Ascot

Woodhay Wonder

9st 10lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Tom Ward

Fourth in last season's Palace Of Holyroodhouse over C&D and she's rated 2lb lower now; hasn't found her best yet in 2025 but cheekpieces are now added and the stable is in good form; interesting.

8/1

4/1

Form: 63311- D

Last run: 234 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Promising when winning both his 2yo starts; proved expensive to follow in his early races last year but he was fitted with blinkers prior to winning at Windsor in August and he followed that up by seeing off 18 rivals in a hot race at York's Ebor meeting; surprising if there isn't more to come from him this year but the absence of headgear is a slight concern; stable also represented by More Thunder.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

(1)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:30 York

Elmonjed

9st 10lb

J: William Buick

T: William Haggas

Steps up further in class but he has progressive York form and brings impressive stats, being 3-4 over C&D (gained last win cosily in good-ground Listed race) and 4-9 in headgear, which is reapplied with Newmarket reappearance under his belt; has a better chance than bare ratings suggest.

12/1

9th

5

(8)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Elmonjed

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Has form on the Newmarket tracks but recorded last three wins at York, including when beating Crestofdistinction with more in hand than the narrow margin suggests in Listed grade on most recent appearance; likely to be more interesting when back at that venue.

14/1

5th
4 (12)
Vantheman

12/1

Form: 20154- D

Last run: 186 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
6f win as a 2yo; raced only at 5f last year, winning handicaps at Newcastle (reappearance) and Pontefract and finishing a fine second at York's Dante meeting; still has few miles on the clock and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(5)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

18:45 Hamilton

Vantheman

9st 10lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Has done well since the blinkers went on but appears to have no margin for error off this mark, 2lb above his win in May; behind two of these here last time.

6/1

5th

7

(9)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 2

19:30 Hamilton

Vantheman

9st 4lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Back in form since fitted with blinkers, scoring over C&D (good) in May; has reached the frame on all three outings since, although latest fourth of seven at Pontefract was no more than respectable.

11/1

4th

5

(1)

17th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

19:07 Pontefract

Vantheman

9st 8lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Took this prize in 2024; back in fine form of late since fitted with blinkers, scoring at Hamilton (5f) in May and in the frame in big-field 5f handicaps at Thirsk and Newcastle since; ought to be thereabouts.

5/1

20/1

Form: 916/60 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Second in this race in 2023 before winning the big sprint handicap at the Guineas meeting so the course will hold no fears; unplaced in both runs back from a long absence this year but both have offered encouragement; becoming well treated but suspicion he would prefer slower ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(9)

18th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 3

16:29 Wolverhampton (AW)

Probe

9st 5lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

C&D winner; flashed home to win a 7f handicap at Chester in May but it has been a mixed bag since, including dropped into a seller at Chester four weeks ago; dangerous mark if the addition of a tongue tie has a positive effect.

10/1

4

(4)

20th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

15:05 Chester

Probe

9st 10lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Jennie Candlish

Last-gasp winner of a Class 3 handicap here (7f, good) in May but he hasn't matched that form since and was well held over C&D (good to soft) last time; hood now returns but this is highly competitive for a seller and others are preferred.

8/1

1

(9)

13th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

16:35 Chester

Probe

10st 1lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Jennie Candlish

Produced a strong finish for a last-gasp success off this mark here (7f, good) in May; hasn't hit the same level since but he had some serious traffic issues when a creditable third here last month; looks interesting on this step back up in trip and could be a big factor if he gets the breaks.

14/1

7th
11 (10)
Physique

5/1

Form: 1009-4 C

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Eyecatching debut for Pam Sly when fourth to Dark Thirty at Doncaster 16 days ago (6f, good), doing best of the stands' side group; has the ability to feature off a good mark but he isn't straightforward (often races too freely) and possible he would prefer slower ground too.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(6)

4th Sep 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:24 Kempton (AW)

Physique

9st 9lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: Micky Fenton

Dictated the pace and ran out an easy winner in a 7f handicap at Newmarket in June; well held twice since and he looks high in the weights.

16/1

7th

2

(3)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:32 Newmarket (July)

Physique

9st 10lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: Micky Fenton

Front-runner who ended a long losing run with a dominant display over C&D (good) last month; struggled on his return visit three weeks ago but that was the Bunbury Cup and he remains well treated on his old form; respected on this big drop back in grade.

6/1

12th

14

(8)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Newmarket (July)

Physique

8st 6lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: Micky Fenton

Has gradually come to hand for new stable and made all, unchallenged, over C&D (good) most recently; 3lb ahead of the assessor under a penalty but another easy lead isn't certain; back up two grades.

25/1

25/1

Form: /6000- D

Last run: 235 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Group 3 win as a 2yo (7f, good to firm); struggled badly last year but he wouldn't be the first horse with his profile to rediscover his touch as a 4yo; sold out of Eve Johnson Houghton's for 40,000gns in October and gelded; new yard quick to return him to sprint trips and it will be interesting to see if there's any market support; owners also represented by Dark Thirty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(1)

10th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

19:15 Windsor

Indian Run

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Lost his way as a 3yo but he had smart 6f handicap form last May and a close second to Diligently over C&D (good to firm) in June signalled a return to better days; a Thirsk win at 6f and a close third over 5f at Ascot have followed and he can be in the thick of it.

9/1

3rd

8

(3)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:20 Ascot

Indian Run

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Stays 6f well but he isn't short of speed and this belated first attempt at 5f looks an interesting move; arrives in top form, successful at Thirsk (6f, good to firm) 24 days ago, and a 4lb rise still leaves him with handicapping potential.

13/2

1st

5

(3)

1st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:10 Thirsk

Indian Run

9st 12lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Dropped into Class 3 at Windsor (6f, good to firm) 16 days ago and ran a good race for second, edging left in the closing stages but keeping on well regardless; still has handicapping scope up 1lb.

7/2

Form: 05-655 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Yet to win a handicap but he's slipped to a dangerous mark and continues to leave the impression a bigger run could be forthcoming; promising on fast turf as a 2yo and the removal of the hood he has been sporting could help; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(2)

17th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

19:15 Doncaster

Twilight Romance

9st 10lb

J: P J McDonald

T: John & Sean Quinn

He had been threatening something bigger earlier in the year and things finally clicked when the well-backed winner of a Leicester handicap three weeks ago (6f, good); hasn't been missed with a 6lb rise but there aren't many pace influences in the field and he should go very well again.

9/4

2

(2)

17th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

19:15 Doncaster

Twilight Romance

9st 10lb

J: P J McDonald

T: John & Sean Quinn

He had been threatening something bigger earlier in the year and things finally clicked when the well-backed winner of a Leicester handicap three weeks ago (6f, good); hasn't been missed with a 6lb rise but there aren't many pace influences in the field and he should go very well again.

9/4

1st

4

(1)

26th Apr 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Leicester

Twilight Romance

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: John & Sean Quinn

Hadn't been enjoying the rub of the green on AW and a change of tactics was employed at Newmarket 11 days ago (hood left off); unable to sustain the strong pace on that occasion but this is weaker and he has the assistance of Oisin Murphy in the saddle for the first time; faster ground in his favour too so there are grounds for optimism.

9/2

20/1

Form: 43416- D

Last run: 164 days

W: 9st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Not as good as he was but he scored at Yarmouth in September (eyeshields first time) and wasn't beaten far off this mark at Southwell when last seen; stable also run Indian Run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(2)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:10 Newmarket (July)

First Folio

9st 5lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Julie Camacho

Only beaten 1l when fourth in this in 2024; no wins last year and he weakened to finish 5l behind Archduke Ferdinand at Redcar last time; continues to edge down the weights.

10/1

4th

6

(6)

29th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

14:05 Redcar

First Folio

9st 4lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

Not the force of old but that is reflected in his mark; had wind surgery prior to York 18 days ago, a race in which he ran with more promise than his finishing position suggests; dropped 3lb and the return of headgear can help; better run can be expected.

9/1

9/2

Form: 0006-1 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Always on the pace when winning the corresponding race 12 months ago off a 4lb higher mark; gelded prior to this year's reappearance and he showed plenty of pluck in seeing off 18 rivals at Doncaster (6f, good); 3lb rise shouldn't prevent another big run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

4

(13)

19th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 89y

Class 2

13:50 York

Dark Thirty

9st 8lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Coaxed back to his best by the Quinns this year, winning 6f handicaps here and at Chester and then running a fine race in a hot sprint handicap at the Curragh last month; weakened in the closing stages of the Stewards' Cup, a race in which he was 5lb well in, and a personal best is needed to defy this highest mark of his career over the shortest trip he will have tackled.

18/1

13th

25

(8)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Goodwood

Dark Thirty

9st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Beat his 21 rivals at York in May and added a handicap at Chester (6f, good) last month; ran a fine race behind Sondad at the Curragh two weeks ago and is 7lb better off for half a length this time; officially the best handicapped horse in the race (5lb ahead of his mark) and another big run should be forthcoming.

12/1

2nd

6

(20)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 63y

14:50 Curragh

Dark Thirty

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Ex-Richard Hannon; off the mark for the Quinn team when making virtually all in a 22-runner handicap at York Dante meeting (6f, good); bounced straight back from a lesser run at Thirsk when second at Ripon; made all for a 6f Chester win three weeks ago; stable won this with Mr Wagyu in 2022.

8/1

12th
8 (13)
Trefor

9/1

Form: 41105- D

Last run: 246 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Chased home Woodhay Wonder in the 3yo handicap at this meeting 12 months ago; made good progress thereafter, winning at Windsor and the July course in June (both 6f on good to firm) before rounding off his season with a close fifth behind Elmonjed back at Windsor in August; he will need to progress again to take this but conditions will suit and he's only had ten runs so it's plausible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

10

(20)

19th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 89y

Class 2

13:50 York

Trefor

9st 4lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charles Hills

Travelled powerfully before wearing down The Man close home in this race 12 months ago; he arrives 3lb higher this time around, penalised for last week's Windsor success (a race in which he was second before his win here last year); whether his draw in stall 20 is a positive remains to be seen though.

12/1

1st

3

(2)

10th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

19:15 Windsor

Trefor

9st 4lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charles Hills

Had two C&D wins under his belt before finishing close up in the last two runnings of this (both on good to firm); not ideally placed when returned to this track in May but he should have a say again now back on a better mark, 3lb lower than last August.

11/2

14th

9

(16)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:55 Ascot

Trefor

9st 3lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Charles Hills

Only 1lb higher than for his win at York's Ebor meeting (5.4f, good to firm) last August; Windsor fourth in May was promising and the Wokingham was always going to be a tough task latest; not dismissed.

16/1

13th
12 (8)
Ararat

33/1

Form: 6157-0 C

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Drawn wide when making an underwhelming stable debut at Kempton 17 days ago (behind Aramram); all wins at 7f; others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

(6)

28th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:55 Goodwood

Ararat

9st 2lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Rachel Cook & John Bridger

Won twice on AW (6f) for Robert Cowell last autumn and he is thrown in on that form; not at his best for new yard this year and hopes rest on the return to sprinting reviving his fortunes.

25/1

6th

5

(1)

14th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 3y

Class 5

17:48 Epsom

Ararat

9st 13lb

J: David Probert

T: Rachel Cook & John Bridger

0-7 for new stable this season; outran 28-1 odds when placed at Newbury (7f, good to firm) in June and is now 4lb below that mark but his more recent efforts have been underwhelming; others preferred.

25/1

5th

1

(8)

3rd Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 31y

Class 6

20:30 Windsor

Ararat

9st 9lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Rachel Cook & John Bridger

All five wins have been for previous trainers over 6f/7f; his two runs over 1m have not proved his stamina for the distance, but this does represent a class drop so all is not lost.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £79.10
Straight Forecast £65.30
Tricast £519.11
Trifecta £815.80

Selections

POSTDATA:

Dark Thirty

Telegraph:

Physique

NEWMARKET:

Elmonjed

LAMBOURN:

Woodhay Wonder

RP RATINGS:

Aramram

TOPSPEED:

Vantheman

SPOTLIGHT:

Twilight Romance

Daily Mirror:

Elmonjed

The Times:

Woodhay Wonder

The Sun:

Aramram

D Express:

Physique

Daily Record:

Physique

The Guardian:

Dark Thirty

Daily Mail:

Dark Thirty

The Star:

Dark Thirty