April 22 / 15.20 Epsom

15.20

Good

Weatherbys Global Stallions App Great Metropolitan Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £12885
  • 1m 4f 6y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
RTV
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Weatherbys Global Stallions App Great Metropolitan Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 41116- CD

Last run: 164 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Had five wins in a tremendously progressive 2024 campaign on the Flat, with two of those wins over C&D in the mud; first and second in two hurdle races late in the year; needs to resume improvement and a move back from testing ground poses a big question; stable runs three.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

(9)

24th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

14:51 Newbury

Miller Spirit

10st 1lb

J: Toby Moore

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Five Flat wins in 2024, culminating in this race (1lb lower today); well suited by ploughing through the mud and best result this term came on soft, when runner-up at Yarmouth (1m6f) in July; ran respectably here on good to soft last time and a bold show seems likely if he's in the mud today.

7/1

11

(10)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 5f 61y

Class 2

14:05 Newbury

Miller Spirit

8st 12lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Five wins in a tremendously progressive 2024; well suited by ploughing through the mud and his best result this term came on soft ground, when runner-up at Yarmouth (1m6f) in July; respectable fourth in a Racing League event over 2m on Southwell's AW latest; feasibly handicapped and would enter the reckoning if the ground remains on the soft side.

16/1

4th

2

(8)

28th Aug 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Miller Spirit

9st 7lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Five wins in a tremendously progressive 2024 on Flat; well suited by ploughing through the mud and his best result this term came on soft ground, when runner-up on penultimate start; beaten 20l when last on his sole AW start in 2023 and others have more compelling claims.

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 53130-

Last run: 164 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Largely dodged fast ground last season but third of 16 in the Melrose at York (good to firm) and won at Haydock (good) next time; both of those (his best efforts) were at 1m6f with waiting tactics and there is a question over whether 1m4f is ideal, but he starts this campaign with potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(6)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Master Builder

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Menuisier

Last seen floundering on heavy going in the November Handicap at Doncaster; the clear highpoint of that campaign was his second at Epsom (1m4f, good; stays 1m6f) in April, which came first time out and points up his chance given that he is now 11lb lower; needs a second look.

6/1

9

(13)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 5f 61y

Class 2

14:05 Newbury

Master Builder

9st 0lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: David Menuisier

Progressive last year so his mixed form this season has been a little disappointing, albeit his latest sixth (Dramatic Star second, Stressfree third) in the Old Borough Cup at Haydock (1m6f, good) was respectable.

10/1

6th

11

(17)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

15:00 Haydock

Master Builder

8st 13lb

J: William Buick

T: David Menuisier

Mixed form this season and disappointing at Goodwood last month; however, he won over C&D last September (good; also effective on soft) and is on a handy mark for his in-form stable; not discounted now back here.

11/1

Form: 06580-

Last run: 192 days

W: 9st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Dual Group 3 winner (2m/1m7f) for other yards in 2023; he didn't beat many last February-October, including in four races for current yard, and although he's not been sent to the Middle East to start this campaign and is now 13lb below his peak mark, this short a trip asks a big question.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(6)

18th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:15 Newmarket

Roberto Escobarr

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Ian Williams

Dual Group 3 winner (2m/1m7f) for other yards in 2023; he didn't beat many last February-October and 1m4f for last month's reappearance (40-1) was too short; the latter was probably his most encouraging of five runs for current yard, however, and he's been dropped another 4lb since, which makes it 17lb below his peak mark; not ruled out.

16/1

6th

1

(6)

18th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:15 Newmarket

Roberto Escobarr

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Ian Williams

Dual Group 3 winner (2m/1m7f) for other yards in 2023; he didn't beat many last February-October and 1m4f for last month's reappearance (40-1) was too short; the latter was probably his most encouraging of five runs for current yard, however, and he's been dropped another 4lb since, which makes it 17lb below his peak mark; not ruled out.

16/1

8th

3

(8)

22nd Apr 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 3

15:20 Epsom

Roberto Escobarr

9st 10lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Ian Williams

Dual Group 3 winner (2m/1m7f) for other yards in 2023; he didn't beat many last February-October, including in four races for current yard, and although he's not been sent to the Middle East to start this campaign and is now 13lb below his peak mark, this short a trip asks a big question.

25/1

5/1

Form: /35521 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in 2022 on his only race at Epsom; move back to Flat this year has seen a resurgence in fortunes over 1m4f on Kempton AW last two starts, in which he was first beaten a nose and then made no mistake; back up another 3lb but return to turf should be fine and he's respected as an in-form contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(4)

3rd Jul 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:42 Sandown

Arqoob

10st 4lb

J: James Doyle

T: Lucy Wadham

Gained most recent win last August; below par in the latest of his two starts this term but is interesting on historical data, having defied a 2lb higher mark at Sandown on Eclipse day four years ago; drops in class.

7/1

6th

2

(1)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 3

13:50 York

Arqoob

10st 9lb

J: Miss Brodie Hampson

T: Lucy Wadham

Two wins last year (1m4f/1m6f, AW/good to firm) and reappeared with close fifth of eight at Newmarket (1m4f, good) last month; Brodie Hampson is a positive booking; could build on that latest effort provided the reapplied cheekpieces aren't a negative (pulled up over hurdles when worn once previously).

11/2

5th

6

(8)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

14:32 Newmarket

Arqoob

9st 8lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Lucy Wadham

Exposed 8yo but he's still capable of useful form and scored at Kempton (1m4f, AW) last March; also won over 1m6f on the July course (good to firm; first-time blinkers) in August; returns on a stiff-enough mark with no headgear but they might go a solid gallop which can help.

14/1

Form: 634260

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
His five wins in 2024 were all on AW but he came up only a little short in turf handicaps last April-June, including with a C&D third off this mark on Derby day; did better on AW this winter than at Doncaster on last month's return to turf, but he is considered for a place.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(3)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Asgards Captain

9st 1lb

J: David Egan

T: Dylan Cunha

Seen mostly at up to 1m4f, over which he delivered a telling late challenge on the other Newmarket track in May; while that looked encouraging for longer trips, his one attempt at 1m6f (on soft last July) and two at 2m (last two Northumberland Plates) saw him well beaten; that's not conclusive proof that he won't stay 1m6f but it leaves his stamina unproven.

33/1

12th

11

(13)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Asgards Captain

9st 1lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Dylan Cunha

Three wins at this track but he came 13th in this race last year; that was his only appearance over this long a trip and he was also below form when he had a crack at 1m6f, so he's unproven beyond 1m4f, over which he's contested his last nine starts; stamina is the big doubt.

16/1

4th

7

(12)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 2

17:20 Epsom

Asgards Captain

8st 12lb

J: David Egan

T: Dylan Cunha

Track regular who finished third in this race (good to soft) in 2024 and stayed on from the rear to be fourth in last year's edition; also won last season's Great Metropolitan over C&D (good) and got back in the winning groove when taking Newmarket handicap three weeks ago; latter success puts him on a career-high mark but he's unlikely to be far away.

11/1

Form: 15440- D

Last run: 164 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Respectable fifth over C&D last June on his only visit here; that followed three wins (two on good ground) in the spring and he's now just 1lb above his last winning mark; still no joy over hurdles this winter and absent since December but a case can be made; stable runs three.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(1)

5th Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Bath

Kotari

8st 13lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Hasn't won since recording a three-timer in 2024; last of six on return to action at Salisbury (1m4f, good) last month when favourite; has dropped to a career-low mark and first-time visor goes on; may be worth another chance.

13/2

6th

4

(5)

14th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 5

17:03 Salisbury

Kotari

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

His three wins were all on the Flat in 2024, including here on heavy ground over 1m2f; failed to build on his comeback run when well beaten over hurdles at Kempton 52 days ago and the hood returns on this switch back to the Flat; makes some appeal from a good mark.

3/1

Form: 21122- CD BF

Last run: 185 days

W: 8st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Flourished last July-October with three wins and three seconds in the space of six races, with the second of those wins over C&D; two modest runs over hurdles late in the year; more to prove on good or good to firm but he's respected for last season's progress; with 7lb claimer recruited and the stable running three, he needs a market check.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

(17)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Small Fry

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

1m4f festival wins off much lower marks at Chester and Epsom preceded his 100,000gns purchase last July; two Flat runs (including 2m Irish Cesarewitch) last autumn didn't work out but there was encouragement to be drawn from his two hurdle races last month (second on latest) and he scored over an extended 1m6f in 2024; not entirely dismissed, from stable which runs seven.

18/1

2nd

11

30th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 100y

14:41 Listowel

Small Fry

11st 12lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Five Flat wins in UK and ran respectably in two autumn Flat starts for this yard after 100,000gns purchase; previous efforts over hurdles were modest but there was promise in his run at Down Royal (2m2f, good) earlier this month when staying on for fourth; entitled to improve over that return; contender.

9/4

4th

6

4th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 88y

13:35 Down Royal

Small Fry

11st 12lb

J: Hugh Horgan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Five Flat wins in UK and ran respectably both starts for this yard last autumn after 100,000gns purchase; just modest form both hurdle runs in UK, but could do better now that he is more mature; check for market strength.

4/1

Form: 434-29

Last run: 24 days

W: 8st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Three starts last summer, the clear pick when third at Southwell (1m3f, AW); put in his place by the winner in another novice there (1m4f; beat the rest) after a six-month break and he weakened into ninth of ten to Arqoob on handicap debut at Kempton (1m4f, AW; 11-2) latest, so he has plenty to prove as well as being the most lightly raced.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:35 Newcastle

Sugar Road

11st 8lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

0-7 on the Flat and not much in three starts over hurdles, but he now switches to a handicap and is a possible improver on this step up in trip; needs watching in market.

7/1

4th

8

23rd Oct 2025

Good To Firm

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

13:37 Ludlow

Sugar Road

11st 1lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Middle-distance Flat maiden capable of mid-80s RPRs at his best for Andrew Balding, though has regressed gently since being gelded and can still race too freely and/or take a grip; hurdles and stable debut.

10/1

3

(6)

28th May 2025

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

16:30 Hamilton

Sugar Road

9st 5lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

Six-race maiden who has finished down the field in both handicaps and needs to raise his game; however, he showed promise in maiden and novice events and could get back on track for his good yard at some stage.

9/1

Form: 5112-3

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
1m2f winner at Brighton (soft) and Sandown (good) last September; made a respectable reappearance at Brighton (good to firm) ten days ago but that failed to prove his stamina for 1m4f at the third attempt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(5)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

19:30 Epsom

Carnival Day

10st 9lb

J: Miss Amy Collier

T: Jim Boyle

All wins have been at 1m2f and he ran well over the extended 1m here on reappearance, before a lesser show at Sandown; his record at this track is very solid, but those on good to firm and at 1m4f less so.

6/1

7th

13

(16)

12th Jun 2026

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 3

15:23 Sandown

Carnival Day

8st 12lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Jim Boyle

All wins have been at 1m2f, on ground ranging from soft to good; therefore, his reappearance effort when a closing third (just behind Sweet Reward) over the extended 1m at Epsom can be viewed positively.

16/1

3rd

6

(1)

28th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 113y

Class 4

16:58 Epsom

Carnival Day

9st 3lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Jim Boyle

Respectable fourth in the Great Metropolitan on last year's card; one win last year but it did come here in July and he was a respectable second at this track (also 1m2f, good to soft; has won on good) in September; below par over 1m on his final start in October and this trip again asks a question; market might help ahead of his comeback.

10/1

11/1

Form: 16205- D

Last run: 208 days

W: 8st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Some issues at the stalls but he was first and a close second in two 1m4f handicaps on the Newcastle AW, clearly his two best efforts; first run since leaving Brian Ellison for 65,000gns last October and gelded; those peak efforts give him a good shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(5)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:12 Ascot

Tryfan

8st 11lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Harry Charlton

Better on AW but he did win on good to firm last May; placed in two of his AW starts last winter but tailed off in a hot 2m race at Easter (hooded) and well beaten when returned to turf at Salisbury in May; now tries cheekpieces and a lower turf mark is largely negated by being 4lb out of the handicap.

10/1

7th

5

14th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 44y

Class 3

14:40 Salisbury

Tryfan

9st 1lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Harry Charlton

Three-time winner whose sole success on turf came over C&D (good to firm) just under one year ago; also scored off this mark on AW (1m6f) in September but has been very in and out on last four starts, including when tried in a hood (removed) and beaten 32l in valuable AW event last time; drops back down in grade from lower turf mark and can make presence felt if on a going day.

12/1

Form: 14144- C

Last run: 180 days

W: 8st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Off the mark in AW novice (8.6f) last July and got up close home in an Epsom handicap (1m2f, good; unraced on firmer) in August; creditable fourth at Wolverhampton (AW) in October probably showed that he stays 1m4f; gelded since and he may well have more to offer at this trip; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(11)

30th Jun 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:15 Ffos Las

Dashinwhitesargent

9st 12lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Hughie Morrison

Now 2lb lower than when winning at Epsom (1m2f, good) last summer but yet to hit top gear after three runs this season (1m2f-1m4f) and today's drop back to 1m may not be ideal; cheekpieces removed after one use.

20/1

2

(1)

30th May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 198y

Class 5

16:05 Brighton

Dashinwhitesargent

9st 9lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Hughie Morrison

Gelded ahead of a fairly encouraging reappearance at Epsom (1m4f, good) in April but disappointing when seventh of nine at Lingfield (1m2f) 20 days ago on his first run on good to firm; that surface might be an excuse and he's now tried in cheekpieces; far from ruled out, albeit still needing to prove his stamina.

100/30

2

(1)

30th May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 198y

Class 5

16:05 Brighton

Dashinwhitesargent

9st 9lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Hughie Morrison

Gelded ahead of a fairly encouraging reappearance at Epsom (1m4f, good) in April but disappointing when seventh of nine at Lingfield (1m2f) 20 days ago on his first run on good to firm; that surface might be an excuse and he's now tried in cheekpieces; far from ruled out, albeit still needing to prove his stamina.

100/30

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Miller Spirit

D Express:

Carnival Day

Telegraph:

Small Fry

The Times:

Master Builder

SPOTLIGHT:

Dashinwhitesargent

RP RATINGS:

Kotari

POSTDATA:

Asgard's Captain

NEWMARKET:

Arqoob

Daily Record:

Carnival Day

Daily Mirror:

Small Fry

The Guardian:

Miller Spirit

Daily Mail:

Miller Spirit

The Sun:

Miller Spirit

The Star:

Miller Spirit