April 19 / 15.35 Musselburgh

15.35

Good

Virgin Bet Queen’s Cup (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £51540
  • 1m 5f 216y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV
View Course
Virgin Bet Queen’s Cup (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.30
  • Place: £2.40

Form: 29021-

Last run: 210 days

W: 9st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
8yo who was better than ever on Flat and over hurdles last year, including when second in the Ebor at York and winning at Ayr next time (4lb higher today); off 133 days before a hot race over hurdles (16-1) last Saturday, sprawling badly at the fourth flight; probably needs to resume improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

24th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

15:03 Kelso

Kihavah

11st 11lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Very useful dual-purpose performer; runner-up in Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen last summer and arrives on the back of a good effort on the Flat at Newmarket three weeks ago; very much one to consider back in this sphere.

11/4

8th

2

(6)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Kihavah

9st 7lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Saw daylight all too late when strong-finishing fifth in this race last year (much better than his 2024 performance in it); Meydan this January/February did not yield much (stiff tasks) but he's now 4lb lower than this time last year, too well handicapped to be ruled out; rare run in cheekpieces.

10/1

3

19th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:50 Kempton

Kihavah

11st 2lb

J: James Bowen

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Useful on Flat and over hurdles; good second in notable summer handicap at Market Rasen on last attempt in this sphere; filled the same position, albeit comfortably beaten by Rubaud on same terms, in this contest 12 months ago; needs a personal best to go one better.

6/1

2nd
1 (3)
Aimeric

13/2

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 24332-

Last run: 166 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Won a handicap first time out in 2023 and 2024; mostly solid efforts in defeat in Listed and Group 3 races later last year over about 1m4f; probably needs a career best and the latest of his three attempts (well beaten in them all) over this far was in July 2023.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

7th Jul 2026

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

13:30 Uttoxeter

Aimeric

11st 2lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Jennie Candlish

He was very smart on the Flat when in his prime but left Karl Burke under a cloud and has yet to get anything going for current yard, on the Flat and in two runs over hurdles; looks on a slippery slope.

7/1

4th

1

28th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 4

18:00 Market Rasen

Aimeric

11st 4lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jennie Candlish

Smart on the Flat at his best but signed off for Karl Burke with two disappointing runs in the autumn and was rather hesitant at some of the flights when disappointing favourite on last month's stable/hurdle debut; subsequently tailed off in major Flat handicap; may yet get his act together over hurdles but he is very tricky to weigh up at the moment.

15/8

15th

1

(13)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Aimeric

9st 12lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Jennie Candlish

Won sole start here, a 2022 maiden; smart at 1m3f-1m6f for Roger Varian and Karl Burke but reappearance was easily the best of three runs last year and, after a 21,000gns sale in November, well beaten at 11-10 for hurdles/yard debut two weeks ago; that's not the most promising stepping stone to this.

50/1

3rd
11 (8)
Loughville

20/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 33157-

Last run: 161 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Flowered last term, most notably for a stylish 1m4f handicap win at Newbury (soft) in September; not disgraced in 1m6f/1m2f Listed races afterwards; no shock if she still has more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(2)

15th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 50y

Class 3

15:14 Nottingham

Loughville

9st 12lb

J: David Egan

T: Alan King

Third on her first two runs this season (1m6f/1m4f, good to soft/good) and a case can be made on that form but down the field on her last three outings and she needs to get back on track now back down in trip.

14/1

13th

7

(8)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

15:00 Haydock

Loughville

9st 3lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Alan King

In top form at start of season and kept on for Listed third at Goodwood (1m4f, good) in May; versatile ground-wise; however, she's finished down the field in handicaps on last two starts and has to turn things around.

33/1

OUR TIP

7/1

Form: 0620-2 CD

Last run: 92 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Peak Flat efforts on good to soft and his latest win in this sphere was this race in 2023 off 5lb lower; off 318 days before a very mixed Flat campaign last year but he had two wins and two seconds from his four runs over hurdles this winter; off two months but needs a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

24th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

15:03 Kelso

Wise Eagle

11st 1lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

Looked better than ever when third in the Morebattle Hurdle here in February and posted a good third on the Flat at Musselburgh last month; must enter calculations in refitted cheekpieces.

3/1

3rd

1

(11)

4th Apr 2026

Good

1m 5f 216y

Class 3

15:05 Musselburgh

Wise Eagle

9st 9lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Adam Nicol

Won this prize in 2023 and had a fruitful Flat/hurdles campaign last winter before his close fourth in this; while he did not make an impact in either of his Flat runs this winter, latest hurdles form was his best in that sphere; 8lb lower than the 2025 renewal and a case can certainly be made.

13/2

3rd

10

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

14:55 Kelso

Wise Eagle

11st 3lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

Runner-up here (2m, soft) last February and back on song when third at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) four weeks ago; he's lightly raced over hurdles and is on an attractive mark judged on his very useful Flat form, but he needs to raise his game if he's to take this.

12/1

12/1

Form: 16252- D

Last run: 152 days

W: 8st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Usually front-runner; last season's two wins (including in April first time out) came in small fields and although he was in the form of his life over 1m3f-1m6f in the autumn, better still will be required to win this race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(5)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:35 Hamilton

La Pulga

9st 8lb

J: Archie Young

T: Charlie Johnston

Front-runner who has been keeping busy, winning at Newcastle (1m4f, AW) last month and going close on two of his three starts since, most recently beaten half a length at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm); has won here and is capable of another bold bid.

7/1

3

(6)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

La Pulga

9st 13lb

J: Hugh Bowman

T: Charlie Johnston

Usually front-runs; never better than with his first and second at the end of last month, which were on AW however and his top four RPRs have now been registered in that sphere; something to find on turf, including as he was third here (1m6f, good to firm) earlier in July but is now 7lb higher and he dropped out at Chepstow on Thursday.

5/1

18/1

Form: 02360- D

Last run: 189 days

W: 8st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Usually front-runner but some slow starts have been interfering with that; fifth in this race in 2023 and his first-time-out record leaves something to be desired; second in last year's Chester Cup in May (2lb lower today) and best known for his exploits at that track, where July 2023 saw his last win; perhaps best watched this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

21st Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

15:12 Cartmel

Emiyn

11st 4lb

J: Conor Orr

T: Declan Carroll

Useful Flat stayer who has made the frame on all three hurdling starts; left behind by wide-margin winner when second here (2m6f, soft) last month but that was still a good effort and he's a contender over this shorter trip.

5/1

5

27th Jun 2025

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

14:38 Cartmel

Emiyn

11st 4lb

J: Conor Orr

T: Declan Carroll

Useful Flat performer and was running okay (beaten 5l in the Chester Cup) until below par last time with a visor back on (now discarded); two respectable efforts over hurdles last year, notably when second in an Aintree maiden; every chance; has no clear ground preferences.

7/4

4

(7)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 0f 46y

Class 2

16:40 Haydock

Emiyn

8st 13lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Often ridden by Zak Wheatley; slow starts have been interfering with what used to be a front-running role; best known for exploits at Chester, admittedly last winning any race in July 2023; ran creditably off this mark in good handicaps both starts this term, sixth in the Chester Cup last time, but he was third in this race last year and may come up a bit short once again.

4/1

7th
13 (7)
Faylaq

14/1

Form: 21214-

Last run: 201 days

W: 8st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Last August (1m2f) saw his first win in nearly five years and he scored again two starts later in the Mallard at Doncaster (14.5f); ran well first time out in the last two seasons and he could be thereabouts again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(8)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:35 Hamilton

Faylaq

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

9yo who was well beaten in the John Smith's Cup at York last month but won two in a row here (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and continued in good form until his blip last time; not ruled out now back here.

12/1

9

(12)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Faylaq

9st 4lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Two wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and creditable fifth in the Northumberland Plate a fortnight ago (2m, AW); he's a 9yo who has never won off a mark this high but is versatile in terms of trip and ran well over C&D last month; not ruled out each-way.

22/1

5th

7

(2)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Faylaq

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Third and sixth in last two runnings of the C&D Vase on this card; in the groove with successive wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f) this May; however, he's been held off this mark when back up to Class 2 in his three starts since, still in form but suggesting that others will have the edge today.

18/1

40/1

Form: /487/0 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Thrown in judged on his best form for Sir Michael Stoute but that was over 1m4f in 2020 when usually visored; absent for 1373 days (joined current yard for 27,000gns one year ago) and no headgear when fading right out of it at 40-1 in 1m2f handicap at Doncaster three weeks ago; now tries cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(13)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:40 Newcastle (AW)

Laafy

9st 10lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Brian Ellison

10yo, no significant impact when very lightly raced in recent years; his only two AW races (neck second in one) were on Polytrack in 2018 and 2019.

50/1

11th

4

(5)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Laafy

9st 8lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Formerly with Sir Michael Stoute, smart over 1m4f in 2020 when usually visored; absent for 1373 days before last season and staged a partial recovery when tried in cheekpieces at Musselburgh (1m6f) on second run back, admittedly in only eighth of 14 (beaten about 5l); dropped another 6lb since but also absent another 407 days.

40/1

8th

8

(13)

19th Apr 2025

Good

1m 5f 216y

Class 2

15:35 Musselburgh

Laafy

8st 11lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Brian Ellison

held up in rear, headway over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, no telling impression

40/1

Form: 30474-

Last run: 238 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Last season was disappointing on the whole and his last win was in May 2023; that suggests he's not the percentage call, but he's too well handicapped to be totally dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

12th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

15:16 Perth

Struth

10st 2lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Former smart Flat horse who is 0-6 over hurdles and was beaten a little under 10l on handicap debut here a month ago; he was boxing on over 2m and this longer trip could bring him on (stayed well on the Flat).

8/1

6th

1

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

14:42 Perth

Struth

11st 12lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Useful on the Flat in his prime but well held when fifth on handicap hurdle debut at Kelso (2m2f, good; first-time tongue-tie) in April and showed no significant improvement in a subsequent C&D maiden; needs to up his game.

20/1

6th

8

14th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

13:58 Perth

Struth

11st 5lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Useful on the Flat in his prime but has yet to better fair form over hurdles, weakening into a well-held fifth on 2m2f Kelso handicap debut in this sphere 24 days ago; might have needed that after a break but he's still hard to make a good case for.

20/1

Form: 33020-

Last run: 161 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Can race freely and has been hooded except on last three outings last term, running well in those only on penultimate start (wore today's cheekpieces on last four); reliable sort otherwise over 1m4f-1m6f, ideally suited by softer than good, and he has a competitive mark; tongue-tie (worn twice in 2023) returns; stable is among the winners.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(6)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 3

13:50 York

Chillingham

10st 6lb

J: Miss Becky Smith

T: Micky Hammond

Awarded this race last year when also ridden by Becky Smith, and 6lb lower this time around; can't be totally written off but he's gone the wrong way over the last 12 months and was well beaten at 100-1 here last month.

5/1

15th

8

(12)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:55 York

Chillingham

9st 2lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

Promoted to first in 1m4f handicap here (good to firm) last June and he races off 2lb lower today; however, he wasn't at his best last year on his final few runs for Edward Bethell, and failed to threaten over hurdles in the winter on his first two starts for this yard; may be best watched.

50/1

16/1

Form: 1226-9

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Best form came over about 1m4f on turf last summer, with two wins (York and Chepstow) and three close seconds, the latest at York Ebor meeting (2lb higher today) when he once again finished with gusto; 1m5f in the mud did not work out on final start and he was never dangerous in a warm AW race three weeks ago, but this trip is interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(14)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 5f 61y

Class 2

14:05 Newbury

Lieber Power

8st 13lb

J: William Buick

T: Andrew Balding

Mostly creditable efforts in defeat this season, including second of nine at Windsor (11.5f, good to firm) last month; below-par sixth in this race on heavy ground last year; William Buick up but others arrive with more pressing claims.

11/1

2nd

4

(10)

14th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 99y

Class 3

19:30 Windsor

Lieber Power

9st 9lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Andrew Balding

Had a good summer over about 1m4f last term, including when beaten a neck by Night Breeze in this race; some minor honours this season, without being quite in peak form but he is in serious each-way calculations.

11/2

3rd

2

(11)

7th Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

20:00 Chepstow

Lieber Power

9st 11lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

Had a good summer over about 1m4f last term, including a win in this race (good to soft) off 6lb lower; the handicapper has been winning the argument since but recent efforts have been creditable and he ought to be competitive again.

6/1

3/1

Form: 11046-

Last run: 217 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Hooded on last five starts; fourth of 16 in the Melrose Handicap at York (1m6f, good to firm) on penultimate start, meeting interference but staying on well from off the pace, and he improved on that form when 7l sixth of seven at 40-1 in the St Leger at Doncaster on final outing; gelded since; up another 5lb but seriously progressive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(10)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Wild Waves

10st 2lb

J: Hugh Bowman

T: Andrew Balding

Progressive handicapper last season who ended up in the St Leger, perhaps a little flattered by that bare result as the form has not been repeated; third in the 2m5f Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot on penultimate outing was clearly his most competitive show this season and gives hope, but he flopped at Newbury on latest.

5/1

3

(4)

19th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Wild Waves

9st 3lb

J: James Doyle

T: Andrew Balding

Progressive handicapper last season and ended up in the St Leger; perhaps a little flattered by that bare result, as the form has not been repeated, but third in the 2m5f Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot on latest outing was clearly his most competitive show this season and gives hope; more to prove on softer than good but overall he looks of renewed interest.

4/1

11

(11)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Wild Waves

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Regularly hooded and goes on all ground; progressive 1m4f/1m6f handicapper last season and ended up in the St Leger (wasn't disgraced, beaten 7l); hasn't really got anything going this year since gelded, last time finishing last of four runners in an Italian Listed race (1m4f); every chance on the figures if rediscovering his mojo and seeing out the trip, but there are doubts on both counts.

9/2

28/1

Form: 003-40

Last run: 56 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Useful on his day at up to 1m6f for the Gosdens; sold for 7,000gns in October and showed he retains plenty of ability on first two runs for new yard this winter, but latest start (February) was less positive; 6lb below his peak mark and a 5lb claimer is recruited.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(7)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 4

19:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Intinso

9st 11lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Craig Lidster

Slightly resurgent on reappearance but needs to build on that effort and remains far from solid on his form for current stable; was a useful sort for previous yard.

20/1

6th

4

(2)

31st Jan 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 3

16:25 Newcastle (AW)

Intinso

9st 7lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Craig Lidster

Useful performer at up to 1m6f for the Gosdens but regressive for his current yard and tailed off in his last five starts, including on hurdling debut in August; has plenty to prove on his return and last win was almost two years ago.

25/1

4

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

15:55 Cartmel

Intinso

11st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Craig Lidster

Useful Flat performer at up to 1m6f for the Gosdens but regressive for his current yard and tailed off on his last four starts (blinkered on latest); perhaps he'll be sweetened up by hurdling but he carries obvious risks.

10/1

Form: 1188-3 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Completed a handicap hat-trick last summer, the final leg coming from the front over 1m6f at Glorious Goodwood (good to firm); gelded in December and returned better than ever when close third of four in Listed race at Nottingham (1m6f, good) ten days ago; a bold show looks on its way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(14)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Align The Stars

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Charlie Johnston

Broke his losing run in clearcut style when he reappeared at Kempton (2m, AW) in March with restored cheekpieces, which have been kept since; good second in valuable race at Newmarket (1m6f) but he needs to bounce back from a disappointing show at Goodwood five weeks ago.

16/1

6th

3

(10)

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Goodwood

Align The Stars

9st 5lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Charlie Johnston

2024 C&D winner who broke his losing run in clearcut style when he reappeared with restored cheekpieces at Kempton (2m, AW) in March; second in valuable race at Newmarket (1m6f) confirmed that he's turned a corner and must remain in serious calculations.

3/1

2nd

5

(1)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Align The Stars

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Charlie Johnston

Thereabouts on occasions in 2025, crept down the weights and broke his losing run in clearcut style when he reappeared five weeks ago wearing restored cheekpieces in the Queen's Prize at Kempton (2m, AW); back up 4lb but showed plenty of bottle in that win and may have turned a corner.

6/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £73.20
Straight Forecast £59.67
Tricast £492.66
Trifecta £680.40

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Wild Waves

SPOTLIGHT:

Align The Stars

Daily Mail:

Wise Eagle

TOPSPEED:

Loughville

Daily Mirror:

Lieber Power

POSTDATA:

Align The Stars

The Sun:

Align The Stars

Daily Record:

Align The Stars

The Times:

Wild Waves

Telegraph:

Wild Waves

The Guardian:

Wild Waves

D Express:

Wild Waves

The Star:

Wise Eagle