April 30 / 15.23 Ascot

15.23

Good

eventmasters.co.uk 40th Anniversary Handicap

  • Prize money: £7851
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 9 runners
SKY
View Course
eventmasters.co.uk 40th Anniversary Handicap

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Sunny

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.60
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 3206-0

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Not seen to best effect on his return to action at Kempton two weeks ago (6f); a strongly-run 5f could suit this free-going sort and he's on a fair mark on his best efforts; still has low mileage.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(3)

2nd Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Salisbury

Blue Day

9st 11lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Harry Charlton

Won at Ascot (5f, good to firm) in April and kept on for close second at Haydock (5f, good to firm) next time; feasibly treated on that form but he hasn't shone on his last two outings and needs to get back on track.

8/1

3

(9)

14th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 3

18:30 Windsor

Blue Day

9st 8lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Harry Charlton

Looked good dropped to 5f at Ascot in April and ran creditably on his next two starts; low draw excuses a lesser run back at Ascot last month; returns to 6f and shouldn't be passed over lightly.

9/2

13

(6)

12th Jul 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:50 Ascot

Blue Day

9st 2lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Harry Charlton

Impressed over C&D in April, his first attempt at 5f; ran well at Haydock next time and the ground shouldn't have been an issue when only fifth at Hamilton last time; still possible he's happiest on good to firm though and could yet rate higher at the trip.

7/1

3/1

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 1718-2 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Progressive 3yo, winning three times (5f to 6f); ran right up to his best at Beverley on his seasonal return (5f, good) two weeks ago, challenging in the final furlong but unable to repel the late thrust of a progressive sprinter; mark left unchanged and there could well be more to come this year; Tom Marquand 3-14 for the stable with a further five placed; big run expected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

10

(13)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:25 York

Duran

9st 10lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

In better heart than recent form-figures suggest, shaping encouragingly at Beverley on reappearance and poorly drawn at Ascot next time; usually runs at 5f but also successful at 6f; falling in weights and has each-way hopes.

16/1

14/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 8095-0

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Promising 2yo, notably when running out the easy winner of a big nursery at York's Ebor meeting (6f, good to firm); well beaten on his return from a 399-day break at Newbury 19 days ago but he raced too freely early on; should be quick enough for 5f and this is a drop in class; better expected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(5)

11th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 3

18:17 Windsor

Zoulu Chief

9st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Heather Main

Shaped okay at Lingfield in January; down the field at Leicester last month but he was harried up front and weakened in the final furlong; dropped 2lb and this easier track will help; one to consider.

9/2

10th

10

(3)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Zoulu Chief

8st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Heather Main

Ran creditably at Lingfield in January when bidding for a 6f AW double; 8lb higher than when second at Newmarket (7f) on last turf attempt but he's proved consistent since being gelded and his first two handicap wins were on good to firm; in the mix.

13/2

OUR TIP

Form: 2-3459 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Fluffed his lines at Wolverhampton last month but he had turned in a string of good AW runs beforehand; cheekpieces the headgear of choice today (first use since January 2023); handicapped to go well but others might be better suited by the drying ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

6

(12)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:03 Newcastle (AW)

Blind Beggar

9st 7lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Jessica Macey

Tumbling down the weights and one to be interested in when the stable emerges from the doldrums.

25/1

6th

3

(1)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Ripon

Blind Beggar

10st 0lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Jessica Macey

Well handicapped on his Sandown win (5f, good) last July but has mixed record since and he's been well held in three runs this year; now drops back in grade but he needs to get back on track.

20/1

3

(7)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:42 Ripon

Blind Beggar

9st 7lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Jessica Macey

Has won just once since April 2024, at Sandown (5f, good; from 6lb higher) last July; joined this trainer soon after for 15,000gns, and runner-up on stable debut; nowhere near his best in three starts this year, including when twelfth of 20 at York (6f; 50-1) latest.

25/1

12/1

Form: 1-6103

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
His form has taken off since fitted with a tongue tie, winning three 6f AW handicaps around the turn of the year; ran to a similar level when third of four at Newcastle seven weeks ago; will need to pull out a bit more to defy this mark but he looks quick enough for the return to 5f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(10)

27th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Rebel Empire

9st 12lb

J: John Fahy

T: Richard Hannon

All three wins have been on AW and latest was at Chelmsford (6f) in January; now 4lb lower than for that success but he's been tailed off in last two runs (turf/Tapeta) and needs a major revival.

10/1

13th

7

(8)

31st Jul 2025

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 4

17:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Rebel Empire

9st 9lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Better on AW than turf and wouldn't judge him too harshly on latest Ascot run (reportedly unsuited by the fast ground); 2lb lower than for his Chelmsford win in January (6f); not discounted.

16/1

12

(5)

11th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:55 Ascot

Rebel Empire

9st 0lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Won three times on AW over the winter and now back to the last winning mark; more to prove on turf though and others have greater potential.

25/1

10/1

Form: 2402-5 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Wouldn't look to have a lot of wiggle room off his current mark but this month's reappearance should have sharpened him up and dropping back to 5f in his favour too.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(1)

21st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 18y

Class 5

17:15 Nottingham

Jenever

9st 11lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

Like many from the yard he has had a quiet year but he has dropped down the weights and is now 6lb lower than for his C&D win last October; quite possible the winners will start flowing for Jessica Macey now and he's of some interest.

8/1

8th

2

(8)

14th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

16:05 Doncaster

Jenever

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

Multiple sprint winner, the latest off a 3lb higher mark last October (6f, good to soft); not at his best so far this year and 7f is a query.

20/1

7th

17

(5)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Jenever

9st 5lb

J: George Wood

T: Jessica Macey

Still to find top form this term but he is well handicapped if a change of headgear (first-time visor for cheekpieces) gives him a lift.

20/1

Form: 200-83 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Multiple winner down the years; stepped up on his reappearance effort (5f, AW) when finishing third at Beverley two weeks ago; might find some of his younger rivals better treated.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

19

(18)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Good Earth

9st 2lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

Won this race in 2022 as a 5yo; no sign of his enthusiasm waning this year, winning three 6f handicaps, and stepping back up in trip will suit after two good 5f efforts last month; chance.

11/1

2nd

2

(6)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:07 Newmarket (July)

Good Earth

9st 13lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

Ideally suited by an easy 6f or stiff 5f and knows how to win; turned in a solid effort at his beloved Sandown last weekend and remains reliable despite his age, but there's not much room for manoeuvre off this mark.

5/1

4th

7

(3)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 10y

Class 4

13:38 Sandown

Good Earth

9st 3lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

Multiple winner but went up 6lb for his 2l win at Haydock and that counted when fifth at Catterick; however, he does have a very solid record here.

8/1

Form: 5977-4 CD BF

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
7lb lower than when winning the corresponding race 12 months ago (good to soft); came into last year's race off the back of a good run at the Craven meeting and it is the same this time round as he wasn't beaten far into fourth at Newmarket 13 days ago; more appealing than many.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(5)

23rd Jun 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:00 Ffos Las

Isle Of Lismore

9st 5lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Robert Cowell

Broke slowly but finished well when 4l behind on good to soft at Catterick recently; that was his second run after a lengthy break; has won on soft.

5/2

4th

4

(5)

11th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

19:52 Catterick

Isle Of Lismore

9st 5lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Robert Cowell

C&D winner in May 2021 (heavy); wasn't in top form last season so has dropped to a good mark but he was well beaten on soft at Haydock on reappearance.

9/2

5th

6

(4)

21st May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:13 Haydock

Isle Of Lismore

8st 11lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Robert Cowell

8yo who is running for the first time since last July and his losing sequence goes back ten races to May 2024; however, he went close when last seen and he's right at home on slow ground; capable of having a say.

15/2

Form: 3115-3 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Improved for the drop to 5f last season, winning at Yarmouth (good to firm) and Leicester (soft); promising reappearance at Yarmouth 25 days ago (6f, good) and better is expected back at this trip with the run behind him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(4)

15th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 16y

Class 5

15:30 Chepstow

Fletchers Flight

9st 3lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Charlie Wallis

Popped up from nowhere when winning in a first-time tongue-tie over C&D (soft) nine days ago; well drawn as it turned out that day and recent history suggests he's no certainty to repeat the effort, back up 4lb and into a better race.

5/1

1st

4

(9)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 16y

Class 6

17:10 Chepstow

Fletchers Flight

9st 6lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Charlie Wallis

On a long losing run and he went too freely in first-time cheekpieces for his new yard when a below-par fourth of eight in 5f Lingfield handicap 18 days ago; tongue tied now with more required.

14/1

4th

7

(11)

19th May 2026

Good

0m 4f 217y

Class 6

17:55 Lingfield

Fletchers Flight

9st 3lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Charlie Wallis

All four wins when trained by Philip McBride, the last of which was in September 2024; sold for 6,000gns to join new yard in February; unseated when rearing at the start on stable debut; first-time cheekpieces go on and he's best watched.

33/1

Non-runners

Sir Les Patterson

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £23.00
Straight Forecast £16.49
Tricast £133.29
Trifecta £233.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Duran

POSTDATA:

Isle Of Lismore

Telegraph:

Fletcher's Flight

TOPSPEED:

Good Earth

The Guardian:

Fletcher's Flight

RP RATINGS:

Duran

Daily Mirror:

Duran

The Star:

Duran

Daily Record:

Duran

The Times:

Isle Of Lismore

Daily Mail:

Isle Of Lismore

D Express:

Isle Of Lismore

The Sun:

Isle Of Lismore