April 16 / 13.50 Newmarket

13.50

Good To Firm

bet365 Handicap

  • Prize money: £25770
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
ITV4
View Course
bet365 Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.25
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 245-1 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Ties in with Defence Minister on one of his 2yo efforts; showed clear improvement in Wolverhampton maiden (6f, AW; made all in a fast time) on reappearance and could well build on that clearcut success; respected.
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 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Double Rush

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Smart handicapper who brings excellent stats, being 3-3 at Newmarket (on the other course, admittedly, but it bodes well) and 3-3 (much improved) this term for new yard; prevailed only narrowly in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot (good to firm) most recently but seems on his way to becoming a Group performer; adds great interest.

8/1

1st

4

(24)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Double Rush

9st 9lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Andrew Balding

The talking horse in good 6f handicaps this spring and he delivered, coming clear with no fuss under Oisin Murphy at Newmarket (good) on yard debut and not having to work much harder under a penalty there (good to firm) in May for Shane Foley; 10lb higher than last time but could be on his way to better things.

9/2

1st

6

(2)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:45 Newmarket

Double Rush

9st 6lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Andrew Balding

Promising for Charles Hills as a 3yo, winning a C&D handicap at the Craven meeting before a good third from a tricky draw at York; ended 2025 with a low-key run at Ascot but, having been switched to Andrew Balding's stable, he created a huge impression here 17 days ago, supported as though defeat was out of the question and winning accordingly; 8lb well in and looks a Group horse in waiting; obvious chance for the stable that won this prize in 2021 and 2024.

10/11

20/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 1118- D

Last run: 172 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Record of 3-3 over this distance but needs ground softer than good; sold out of Ollie Sangster's yard for 50,000gns and gelded since Horris Hill flop (7f); everything hinges on the weather.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(7)

3rd Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Bob Mali

8st 12lb

J: David Egan

T: Charles Hills

All three wins on ground slower than good, the latest two on heavy, and he's been taken out of races on good and quicker ground; rarely seen the best of him in 2025 but a latest close second of 15 at Doncaster (6f, good) offered hope; rain welcome; yard runs two.

7/1

3

(14)

12th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

17:20 Doncaster

Bob Mali

9st 13lb

J: Tommie Jakes

T: Charles Hills

Not in top form since reappearance but will be an interesting type when back on slower ground; has a record of 1112 in 6f contests on softer than good; mark is workable.

12/1

9/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 6115- D

Last run: 186 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Gelded after his debut then showed progress over 6f, winning twice at novice level then running well in York Listed event; seems suited by slow ground, so chance may depend on what the weather does.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(4)

29th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

19:00 Windsor

Invictus Gold

10st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Tom Clover

Quite lightly raced since going up 11lb for a wide-margin win at Newmarket (6f, good) in May 2025, but a recent second on soft ground at Epsom (6f; cheekpieces refitted) was a useful effort at the weights and showed him to be back on track; should be in contention again.

11/2

2nd

2

(15)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 3y

Class 2

17:55 Epsom

Invictus Gold

9st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: Tom Clover

Useful sort whose latest effort is best forgiven (chance compromised by early trouble); however, he has something to prove away from Newmarket, where most of his turf form lies.

14/1

9th

1

(3)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:45 Newmarket

Invictus Gold

9st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Tom Clover

Goes well at Newmarket; third to Double Rush at last season's Craven meeting (2lb better off today) before an impressive win in the 3yo handicap on this card; another promising run on his reappearance 17 days ago when finishing third, just over 5l behind Double Rush; has bigger days ahead of him but he may be battling for another minor placing.

10/1

9/1

Form: 51-4 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Siblings include a useful performer for his stable; best novice performance when scoring at Kempton (6f, AW); open to progress now handicapping with Lingfield reappearance under his belt and is one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(11)

2nd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

20:00 Newbury

Gallant

10st 3lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Oli Rix

Won two AW races for Andrew Balding whom he left for 60,000gns; he's not always looked entirely straightforward but he was less than 2l away last time at Newmarket (7f, good) after being in rear at one point; Tom Marquand takes over now; respected.

10/1

5th

1

(5)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:55 Newmarket (July)

Gallant

9st 11lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Oli Rix

Picked up from Andrew Balding for 60,000gns not long after an AW win (1m) this time last year; not the easiest (can lug left) and will need to settle better after a spell sprinting, over tonight's stiff 7f, but he's capable off this mark if things fall right.

6/1

7th

3

(2)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

18:38 Doncaster

Gallant

9st 8lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Oli Rix

Wins for Andrew Balding came on Polytrack, latterly off this mark over 1m last summer; a slow start did for him down to 5f last time and, while he doesn't always look the easiest and can lug left, he's capable if things fall his way.

8/1

20/1

Form: 717-

Last run: 300 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Still an unexposed sort but has been absent since Royal Ascot effort (5f; not disgraced) ten months ago and the betting may prove best guide to expectations; gelded during his time off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22

(14)

11th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:15 York

Loom

8st 9lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Richard Fahey

Just one win to his name but runner-up in a big field at the Dante meeting here and again found only one too good at Southwell in September; however, both those runs were over 5f, he hasn't looked as effective at this trip and he never looked like getting involved over 5f here on Friday.

25/1

8

(1)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:25 York

Loom

9st 3lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard Fahey

Ran a cracker to finish second of 22 in a hot 3yo C&D handicap at the Dante meeting; unable to build on that since but he returned to form when second at Southwell 17 days ago; that was a drop in class and a 2lb rise back up in grade could find him out.

10/1

3

(3)

23rd Sep 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Loom

9st 11lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard Fahey

Started the campaign in good form, notably when second of 22 at the Dante meeting at York (5f, good to firm); his progress has stalled more recently though and hopes rest on the drop into Class 4 company perking him up.

7/1

16/1

Form: 4221-4 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Justified favouritism in Navan maiden on final Irish start and ran respectably in Lingfield handicap (6f, AW) on debut for new stable; however, likely needs improvement to land this prize back on turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(11)

13th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 6

18:40 Lingfield (AW)

Majestic Wave

9st 6lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Simon Dow

Won 6f maiden at Navan as 2yo; promising stable debut over 6f on this track in February 2025 but he's mostly struggled since; now 27lb below his peak mark but he was laboured over C&D last time and others are preferred.

16/1

7th

1

(12)

4th Jun 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 6

17:10 Lingfield (AW)

Majestic Wave

9st 9lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Simon Dow

Won 6f maiden at Navan as 2yo; promising yard debut over 6f on this track in February 2025 but he's mostly struggled since, thus the drop of 24lb in the weights since racing in Britain; should come on for his April reappearance and is one to keep an eye on for signs of a revival.

14/1

9th

5

(9)

14th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 5

19:30 Lingfield (AW)

Majestic Wave

9st 7lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Simon Dow

Winless for his current yard and he ended last term under a cloud; needs to take a big step forward on his reappearance.

33/1

14/1

Form: 2127-2

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Consistent sort who ties in with Dark Cloud Rising on Pontefract reappearance form; however, he's a comparatively exposed type whose record is just 1-7, the success in a weak race; not the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(3)

30th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:37 Salisbury

Cayman Tai

9st 10lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Richard Hannon

Below par at Sandown this month but a return to his May form, namely an AW success flanked by second-place finishes on turf, would put him in the picture.

15/2

9th

5

(3)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 10y

Class 4

14:13 Sandown

Cayman Tai

9st 5lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Richard Hannon

Back in good form off his reduced mark, winning easily at Southwell (5f) before nearly defying a penalty at Chepstow (good to firm; effective on softer); 3lb higher for this but well drawn and must have a shout for all that he's back up in grade; Seamus Cronin aboard for last three races.

7/1

2nd

2

(5)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 16y

Class 5

15:30 Chepstow

Cayman Tai

9st 9lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Richard Hannon

Has dropped a fair way down the weights over the last year or so, but looked back in prime form when scooting clear to win readily by 4l at Southwell (5f, AW) last week; also suited by good to firm turf and is 4lb ahead of the handicapper under his 5lb penalty.

11/10

14/1

Form: 6221- D

Last run: 170 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Showed steady improvement over 6f last season but gained his Leicester novice win on heavy ground and chance of following up may depend on whether there's appreciable rain; ran well on soft the time before.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(9)

7th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Leicester

Belgrave

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Won 6f novice (heavy) here as 2yo but a long way from repeating that promise in 2025 and now tries something new, a drop in trip in first-time headgear.

10/1

5th

5

(2)

18th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 3y

Class 3

15:30 Yarmouth

Belgrave

8st 13lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Promising 2yo who was well suited by slow ground; struggled in three runs this year but should get his ground today and a revival could be on the cards.

4/1

3

(7)

12th Aug 2025

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

15:00 Lingfield (AW)

Belgrave

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

All races at 6f; progressive 2yo who ended the season with a novice win at Leicester (heavy) but he's had a very slow start to 2025 and has been gelded since last seen in May; some questions to answer over new trip.

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: 7176- D

Last run: 216 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Possibly flattered by peak 2yo effort for the Cole yard and has something to prove off this mark; sold for 200,000gns (previous owner retains a share) and had wind/gelding operations since last run; hood added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(1)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 4

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

King Of Bears

9st 5lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Brian Toomey

Absent since winning in first-time blinkers (retained) over C&D three months ago on second start for new yard and on AW; unexposed in this sphere and still has leeway in the handicap (peak mark was 16lb higher).

7/1

5th

2

(1)

1st Nov 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Newmarket

King Of Bears

9st 7lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Brian Toomey

In and out for George Scott this season but not disgraced over 7f at Chelmsford (AW debut) three weeks ago; can compete off a career-low mark so would have real possibilities if revitalised by a change of stable.

10/1

5th

2

(1)

1st Nov 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Newmarket

King Of Bears

9st 7lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Brian Toomey

In and out for George Scott this season but not disgraced over 7f at Chelmsford (AW debut) three weeks ago; can compete off a career-low mark so would have real possibilities if revitalised by a change of stable.

10/1

Form: 4232- BF

Last run: 175 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
1,500,000gns purchase who hasn't exactly lived up to expectations, being 0-4; however, gelded prior to running well in handicap here (7f) the final time; now goes in cheekpieces; may have a race of this nature in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(8)

16th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Newmarket

Al Misbar

9st 1lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

1,500,000gns purchase who hasn't exactly lived up to expectations, being 0-4; however, gelded prior to running well in handicap here (7f) the final time; now goes in cheekpieces; may have a race of this nature in him.

4/1

10th

9

(8)

16th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Newmarket

Al Misbar

9st 1lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

1,500,000gns purchase who hasn't exactly lived up to expectations, being 0-4; however, gelded prior to running well in handicap here (7f) the final time; now goes in cheekpieces; may have a race of this nature in him.

4/1

2nd

1

(9)

23rd Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:15 Newmarket

Al Misbar

9st 9lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Has made the frame on all three starts (6f/7f, good to firm/good); improvement needed on nursery debut but he's been gelded since last time which could unlock the potential in his pedigree (cost 1,500,000gns); respected.

7/2

Non-runners

Dark Cloud Rising, Defence Minister, Diligently, The Dragon King

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £16.30
Straight Forecast £18.29
Tricast £72.30
Trifecta £74.90

Selections

TOPSPEED:

The Dragon King

SPOTLIGHT:

Double Rush

POSTDATA:

Dark Cloud Rising

Daily Record:

Defence Minister

The Star:

Gallant

Daily Mail:

King Of Bears

The Times:

Invictus Gold

RP RATINGS:

Double Rush

The Guardian:

Double Rush

D Express:

Dark Cloud Rising

LAMBOURN:

The Dragon King

Telegraph:

The Dragon King

Daily Mirror:

The Dragon King