April 30 / 16.30 Ascot

16.30

Good

eventmasters.co.uk Manny Mercer Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £10800
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 10 runners
SKY
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eventmasters.co.uk Manny Mercer Apprentice Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Sunny

7/4 (Won)

  • Win: £2.63
  • Place: £1.30

Form: 221- D

Last run: 183 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Had a straightforward task in weak novice event at Newcastle (1m, AW) when last seen but scored by a very wide margin, taking form figures to 221; bred to rate higher still and take well to Ascot, being half-brother to Palace Pier whose Group 1 haul featured two wins here; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

27

(32)

18th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

My Cloud

9st 1lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Roger Varian

Form figures read 22111 (started favourite each time; 3-3 over 1m); proved well ahead of his opening mark at Ascot in April then followed up at Newbury (again on good to firm) where he collared the pacesetter close home; very progressive and commands respect.

9/2

1st

8

(2)

17th May 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

My Cloud

8st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Roger Varian

Half-brother to Palace Pier, whose Group 1 haul included the Lockinge on this card in 2021; proved well ahead of his opening mark at Ascot (1m, good to firm) on seasonal debut, scoring easily and taking form figures to 2211; one to follow and could well defy a 10lb rise with further improvement on the cards.

6/4

9/2

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 7840-3

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Creditable third over 1m at Newmarket on reappearance and again has place possibilities, however, may be of greater interest when back over 1m2f, having gained both wins at that distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

(2)

14th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:37 Newmarket (July)

Mythical Guest

8st 13lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: George Margarson

Both wins were at 1m2f in 2024; good third off a reduced mark at Ascot (1m, good to firm) last month but he was only fourth of six over C&D last time; that took his overall record to 2-32 and others are preferred.

14/1

4th

2

(5)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:25 Newmarket (July)

Mythical Guest

9st 10lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: George Margarson

Both wins at 1m2f in 2024 but he has run well over this C&D and, after a slow start to the year, he showed more when a close third of eight at Ascot (1m, good to firm) last week; on the premises again.

7/2

12/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 9501-8 D

Last run: 61 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Useful handicapper; has a better strike-rate on AW than on turf but this is a drop back in class and Tyrese Cameron takes off a handy 7lb; placed in last year's Spring Cup; could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(16)

31st Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 14y

Class 2

16:35 Chepstow

Talis Evolvere

9st 6lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Richard Hannon

6lb below his last winning mark and does have form on soft ground, but he finished behind four of these over C&D (good to firm) on his penultimate start and a record of 1-24 on turf does pose a question.

16/1

5th

4

(8)

19th Aug 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Talis Evolvere

9st 11lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Five of his six wins have come on AW, including C&D; last won at Southwell (1m, Tapeta) in January; not so good on turf of late but he's dangerously handicapped if the switch back to AW prompts a revival.

6/1

6th

1

(3)

6th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 14y

Class 4

19:05 Chepstow

Talis Evolvere

10st 2lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Richard Hannon

Five of his six wins have been on the AW but consistent handicapper on all surfaces and ran well in a Class 3 at Doncaster latest (7f; fine at 1m); thereabouts.

11/2

4th
10 (5)
Lunario

20/1

Form: 1365-5 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Took his AW record to 0-8 on stable/seasonal debut; return to turf looks ideal but he's still seeking first success above Class 5; on the plus side, he's bottom-weight and Jack Dace takes off 7lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(5)

6th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:23 Sandown

Lunario

9st 4lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Luke Dace

Front-runner who won this race 12 months ago and bounced back to form out of the blue when springing a 33-1 surprise in 7f Ascot handicap (good to firm) 26 days ago; put back up 4lb but last year's success came off 5lb higher so he retains plenty of handicapping scope.

6/1

1st

14

(18)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Ascot

Lunario

9st 5lb

J: George Wood

T: Luke Dace

Dual winner from the front last summer but has shown very little this season; tumbling in the weights but carries clear risks.

28/1

Form: 31-148 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
AW form since December features two wins at Newcastle; below par at Southwell most recently; he's 0-5 on turf and faces a stiff-looking assignment back in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(3)

6th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Longhaired General

9st 1lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Two attempts over C&D, including off 2lb higher in this race last year, comprise his only wins for Craig Lidster; effective when fresh; interesting returned to this scenario on stable/seasonal debut.

14/1

10th

13

(9)

3rd May 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:50 Newmarket

Longhaired General

9st 2lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Craig Lidster

Lightly raced front-runner who showed promise on turf last summer and won at Newcastle (1m, AW) in February; well beaten the last twice, however, most recently at Ascot on Wednesday; has to get back on track.

25/1

10th

13

(9)

3rd May 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:50 Newmarket

Longhaired General

9st 2lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Craig Lidster

Lightly raced front-runner who showed promise on turf last summer and won at Newcastle (1m, AW) in February; well beaten the last twice, however, most recently at Ascot on Wednesday; has to get back on track.

25/1

OUR TIP
6th
3 (10)
Son

16/1

Form: 4607-0

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Record is only 1-11 but he has several pieces of Group form; interesting off current mark at this level, assuming he's back on song with Spring Cup reappearance under his belt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(6)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 75y

Class 4

16:10 Beverley

Son

9st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Beaten 23 times since winning a maiden at Newbury (6.5f, good to firm) in June 2023; several good runs in defeat for Tim Easterby this year, including a short-head second at Carlisle (7f, good to soft) ten days ago; up 2lb but still feasibly weighted.

7/2

2nd

7

(4)

19th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 195y

Class 4

16:20 Carlisle

Son

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

0-22 since his Newbury maiden win in 2023 but he's on a reduced mark and ran well when sixth of 15 at York (1m, good to firm) last time; should get a good pace back in trip and has each-way claims if he gets the breaks.

9/1

6th

2

(6)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 4

15:05 York

Son

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Campaigned solely at 7f this term but shapes as if he'll be well suited by this return to 1m; has met trouble in running on his last two starts; thrown in on the pick of his form for Richard Hannon and could be ready to strike.

15/2

Form: 1436-0 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 1lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Registered sole win for current yard in last year's Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood; placed in the Cambridgeshire; possibilities in this lower grade with Lincoln reappearance under his belt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(9)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

1m 1f 11y

Class 3

16:55 Goodwood

Toimy Son

9st 10lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: David Menuisier

Won the Golden Mile here (good to firm) last August and third in the Cambridgeshire (1m1f, soft) in September; he's failed to shine this season but is on a handy mark if the return to Goodwood prompts a revival.

10/1

26

(15)

18th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Toimy Son

9st 1lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: David Menuisier

Performed well in major handicaps at Glorious Goodwood (won) and Newmarket (placed) last term; however, needs to step up plenty on his 2025 efforts, latest over C&D behind My Cloud.

50/1

7th

2

(8)

30th Apr 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:30 Ascot

Toimy Son

10st 1lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: David Menuisier

Registered sole win for current yard in last year's Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood; placed in the Cambridgeshire; possibilities in this lower grade with Lincoln reappearance under his belt.

11/2

Form: 1120-0 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Duck eggs in major handicaps the last twice; generally progressive otherwise and went close in most recent attempt in this grade; now on higher mark but Jack Nicholls takes off 7lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(2)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:35 Newbury

Great Acclaim

10st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

7f specialist, not beaten far in Ascot's Victoria Cup (good) and Buckingham Palace Stakes (good to firm) in first half of this year; never able to challenge over same C&D last time; this is less competitive and he should be thereabouts.

9/2

9th

3

(10)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Ascot

Great Acclaim

9st 12lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Merely mid-division behind Aalto in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket a fortnight ago but this C&D brings out the best in him, as evidenced by this season's close-up finishes in the Victoria Cup (good) and Buckingham Palace Stakes (good to firm); could be bang there now back at Ascot.

16/1

8th

4

(11)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Newmarket (July)

Great Acclaim

9st 9lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Ran well, only a neck behind Elarak, in the 7f handicap at Royal Ascot to maintain his solid record in headgear; good second in the Victoria Cup the time before; threatening to win a big prize; shortlisted.

6/1

Form: 643532

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Four-time AW winner whose recent form suggests his turn is near; however, he's 0-8 on turf and returns to this sphere off a difficult mark; not the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(2)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

17:22 Sandown

Brasil Power

9st 11lb

J: Megan Smith

T: George Boughey

Back on the mark he defied over 1m6f at Wolverhampton in March but recent efforts haven't been obviously encouraging, for all the 7f trip of the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot is almost certainly too short for him these days.

33/1

19th

27

(27)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Brasil Power

9st 1lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: George Boughey

Effective at 7f earlier in career but seems to need much further now and gained last three wins over 1m4f/1m6f (stays 2m); still has a much better strike-rate on AW than on turf in any case and looks unlikely to figure in this hot prize, back down sharply in distance.

66/1

9th

6

(11)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Brasil Power

9st 1lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Moving up to 1m4f worked well in December and comparable form at 1m6f/2m since, including another win three starts back; he's come up a bit short in warmer races this year, though, including behind Align The Stars at Kempton, and none of his turf form (admittedly at up to 1m2f) is close to this mark.

25/1

16/1

Form: 8-0068 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Good spell last summer culminated in a good second off 8lb higher in the Shergar Cup Mile here; not in the same form since, including during a stint in Bahrain.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(2)

30th Apr 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:30 Ascot

Yantarni

8st 13lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: Ian Williams

Good spell last summer culminated in a good second off 8lb higher in the Shergar Cup Mile here; not in the same form since, including during a stint in Bahrain.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £6.60
Straight Forecast £11.03
Tricast £61.58
Trifecta £93.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

My Cloud

RP RATINGS:

Mythical Guest

Daily Mail:

Talis Evolvere

TOPSPEED:

Yantarni

D Express:

Brasil Power

NEWMARKET:

My Cloud

The Times:

My Cloud

Telegraph:

My Cloud

Daily Mirror:

My Cloud

Daily Record:

My Cloud

POSTDATA:

Mythical Guest

The Guardian:

Mythical Guest

The Sun:

Mythical Guest

The Star:

Mythical Guest