May 17 / 16.20 Newbury

16.20

Good

Boylesports Home Of The Early Payout Handicap

  • Prize money: £38655
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
Boylesports Home Of The Early Payout Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

6/4 (Won)

  • Win: £1.84
  • Place: £1.15

Form: 221-1 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
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.
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

20/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 41/73- C

Last run: 358 days

W: 8st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Has form claims as he beat Ebt's Guard at Newbury as a 2yo and ran well off this mark in last appearance; however, has been absent for 12 months, so the market may give the best guidance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(9)

12th Jun 2026

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 3

15:23 Sandown

Boyfriend

9st 9lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Usually gives his running and won with a bit in hand over 1m here two weeks ago (1m, good); goes further this afternoon and off a career-high mark (4lb higher), so likely to need more.

6/1

1st

7

(3)

28th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:45 Sandown

Boyfriend

9st 0lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Consistent across his five starts last year and won off this mark at Nottingham (1m, good) last June; reappeared with close eighth of 24 in the Spring Cup at Newbury (1m, good) and could build on that effort today; chance.

11/2

8th

24

(15)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Boyfriend

8st 8lb

J: Sam Hitchcott

T: Richard Hannon

Reliable last season, going close under a positive Sam Hitchcott ride over C&D (good) in May; met some trouble at Newmarket on final start; not discounted, although he'll need a career best from his current mark.

16/1

8/1

  • Place: £3.05

Form: 618-10 C

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Contrasting performances in major handicaps this season, winning the Spring Cup over C&D (good) then down the field in the Victoria Cup; reappearance form puts him in the picture back at Newbury.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(4)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Ebts Guard

9st 6lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Similar type to Cerulean Bay in that he ran creditably in the Royal Hunt Cup (fourth) last time but is getting little help from the assessor, having proved largely consistent since his last win; solid contender all the same.

11/1

4th

8

(32)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Ebts Guard

9st 6lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Dual winner at Ascot; hindered by trouble in the Spring Cup on reappearance and ran creditably kept to Newbury last time; far from disgraced when seventh in this contest last year but has a stiffer mark this time and his ceiling has seemingly been reached already.

25/1

4th

1

(8)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Ebts Guard

9st 12lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Tough and consistent sort who won the C&D Spring Cup on 2025 reappearance but couldn't get a clear run in it this time round; third in this race last year and 9lb higher today but he's an each-way contender.

10/1

5/1

Form: 9656-3

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
No win since July 2023; however, gelded prior to an encouraging effort (keeping-on third) in the Spring Cup over C&D on reappearance; remains favourably treated on peak form and is one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(5)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Classic

9st 1lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Prevailed by a neck from Indalo at Newbury in May; unable to confirm the placings in the Royal Hunt Cup but wasn't disgraced; successful on this card in 2023 (7f handicap) and 2025 (this race); solid claims back here.

10/1

9th

25

(19)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Classic

9st 1lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Has less hidden up his sleeve than others, being a 6yo whose record is 4-24, but he arrives having been better than ever in useful handicaps at Newbury (1m, good) this term; finished second to Linwood on reappearance and weaved his way through to beat Indalo by a neck last time.

11/1

1st

8

(7)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Classic

9st 2lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Third in last year's Spring Cup over C&D and fourth in this race; next three starts were good as well and he was better than ever for reappearance second of 24 in the Spring Cup four weeks ago; up just 1lb, a leading player.

6/1

20/1

Form: 48/56- D

Last run: 350 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Smart on his day (Group 3 winner) for the Gosdens but form dipped sharply in two runs last term; sold for 80,000gns in October; the betting may prove best guide on stable/seasonal debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(7)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

19:30 Epsom

Epictetus

10st 8lb

J: Miss Megan Jordan

T: Jamie Osborne

1m2f Listed winner here in 2023 but well beaten on his only visit since; no win since a Group 3 in August 2023 but placed in AW/turf handicaps (1m-1m4f) this spring and continues down the weights; needs much better than he produced on last two outings.

5/1

5th

1

(9)

3rd Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:15 Sandown

Epictetus

10st 2lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Ran poorly last time; generally consistent otherwise this year, over a variety of trips, and may rebound; however, hasn't won for nearly three years and concedes weight all round in this field.

10/1

17th

2

(7)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

17:18 York

Epictetus

9st 9lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

In the frame in eight of his nine starts this year, last time finishing third over 1m1f at Lingfield (good to firm); each-way chance.

12/1

12/1

Form: 629-90 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Landed the 7f handicap at Royal Ascot last year, continuing his progress; however, inconsistent since and was always behind in the Victoria Cup seven days ago; returns to 1m for first time since 2023.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(2)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 68y

Class 2

15:25 Hamilton

English Oak

10st 4lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Hamad Al Jehani

High-class handicap form at 6f to 1m on a range of surfaces and he was up against it when second to a progressive winner in this race last year; has since won two handicaps at Meydan for new yard and perhaps felt the lack of a recent run when mid-division in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot last month; leading player.

7/1

14th

3

(10)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

English Oak

9st 10lb

J: Faleh Bughenaim

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Campaigned at Meydan this year for new yard, winning two handicaps then not disgraced in Group 3; two attempts at this prize comprise a ready success off 4lb lower in 2024 (good to firm; recorded peak RPR) and poor effort (in cheekpieces) last year; likely player provided he's in top form.

20/1

13

(18)

29th Jul 2025

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

13:20 Goodwood

English Oak

8st 13lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: Ed Walker

Highly tried after his impressive win at 2024 Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) but has mainly been disappointing; second of six at Hamilton (1m) 12 days ago was clearly his best show this season but he needs to build on that today over a new trip.

18/1

Form: 600-58 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
The oldest contender in this field and hasn't returned in top form aged eight; useful on his day but needs to prove he still retains that level of ability and losing run is mounting up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(10)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:17 Newmarket

Dutch Decoy

9st 3lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Charlie Johnston

8yo who has won five times on the July Course here, including two this year; 0-9 on this track but latest fifth of 23 in the Cambridgeshire was highly creditable; another who can't be discounted.

11/1

4th

8

(10)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:17 Newmarket

Dutch Decoy

9st 3lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Charlie Johnston

8yo who has won five times on the July Course here, including two this year; 0-9 on this track but latest fifth of 23 in the Cambridgeshire was highly creditable; another who can't be discounted.

11/1

5th

23

(11)

27th Sep 2025

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Dutch Decoy

8st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Charlie Johnston

8yo who has run well in this race previously and won two in a row on the other Newmarket course in July; however, he's finished no better than fifth across his last five outings and it's probably best to look elsewhere.

33/1

20/1

Form: 02-340

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Has shown best form on AW and ran respectably on Good Friday; finished last in the Thirsk Hunt Cup on return to turf, taking record in this sphere to 0-8; not the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(2)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 2

14:42 Wolverhampton (AW)

Kingdom Come

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Smart performer on AW, winning this race in 2024 and third 12 months ago; cheekpieces have given him a lift of late, winning a 7f handicap at Kempton ten days ago; still on a handy mark and he is sure to be popular.

7/1

1st

3

(4)

25th Feb 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

18:10 Kempton (AW)

Kingdom Come

9st 10lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Goes well fresh and should cope if it gets tactical given all three of his C&D wins were achieved in single-figure fields; pushing two years since he last got his head in front but the handicapper is giving him a chance and he responded well to first-time cheekpieces (retained here) when fifth over track and trip last time; of significant interest.

7/2

1

(10)

6th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Kempton (AW)

Kingdom Come

9st 12lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Record of 4-13 on AW and 3-4 at Kempton; below par returned to this sphere ten weeks ago and losing run is mounting up but a revival would put him in the picture; 1lb below last winning mark.

14/1

12/1

Form: 374-70 D

Last run: 77 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Regularly runs at Pattern level and is a Group/Grade 3 winner; has a doubt over current form but sole handicap attempt resulted in Glorious Goodwood success off this mark in 2023; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(3)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket (July)

Ancient Rome

10st 0lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Charles Hills

He's fully 7lb lower than when a close third at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm) last July but was soundly beaten on his final three outings last season and it's been the same story on his two starts this term.

33/1

7th

3

(8)

25th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:47 Newcastle (AW)

Ancient Rome

9st 1lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Charles Hills

Often held up in rear, so he saw very little daylight when 50-1 off career-low mark in the Spring Cup at Newbury in April; dropped another 2lb since but he last won in September 2023 and failed to make an impact in all but one of his races in 2025, so does not look the percentage call.

12/1

14/1

Form: 311212 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 8st 3lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Very productive on AW this year (maiden previously), producing form figures of 1311212; the unknown is whether he can transfer that improvement back to turf; record in this sphere is unconvincing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(1)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 113y

Class 5

18:20 Epsom

Kitaro Kich

10st 1lb

J: Neil Callan

T: George Baker

5-21 on AW compared to 0-10 on turf and he's been well beaten in his two races here; turf mark is 12lb below AW figure and he should have come on since his recent, creditable reappearance, but others are more persuasive.

7/1

4th

6

(8)

2nd Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:33 Kempton (AW)

Kitaro Kich

9st 4lb

J: Neil Callan

T: George Baker

Ran well over C&D last October and he was well backed when winning over 7f back here five days later; below his best at Chelmsford one day later; history doesn't suggest coming back from a break is the time to catch him.

10/1

3

(7)

16th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

18:15 Chelmsford (AW)

Kitaro Kich

9st 8lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: George Baker

Started 2025 with a bang, winning four handicaps (7f-8.6f) between January and March; mixed bag this summer but he returned to form with a clear second at Kempton (1m) last Friday and went one better there (7f) yesterday; this dual course winner would have be respected if running again today.

2/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1/64-7

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Very lightly raced 5yo; two attempts at about 1m have resulted in his debut success (AW) and good fourth in Sandown Listed event; interesting back down in distance on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(10)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Newmarket (July)

Crown Board

10st 1lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Pops up with the odd very big run, such as when capitalising on an easy lead at Chelmsford (1m, AW) last December; he's just 2lb higher today and is not ruled out but he's inconsistent and this is his first start since a heavy Group 3 defeat on dirt at Meydan in February.

16/1

3

(1)

12th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Sandown

Crown Board

9st 9lb

J: George Wood

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

His easy win on his racecourse debut at Wolverhampton in December 2023 was foretold by the betting market; ran well in a Listed race (1m, good) here 12 months ago but he's enjoyed little success in handicaps this season; slowly edging down the weights but there are risks attached.

10/1

6th

5

(4)

30th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

15:15 Chester

Crown Board

9st 0lb

J: George Wood

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Very lightly raced 5yo who hasn't been at the top of his game across his three starts this year; however, he didn't run badly over 6f at Hamilton last month and his best previous form has been at about 1m; no surprise if today's step back up in distance bears fruit.

20/1

Non-runners

Witch Hunter

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £14.80
Straight Forecast £11.34
Tricast £72.31
Trifecta £77.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

My Cloud

LAMBOURN:

English Oak

TOPSPEED:

Classic

D Express:

Kingdom Come

RP RATINGS:

My Cloud

NEWMARKET:

My Cloud

The Times:

My Cloud

Telegraph:

My Cloud

The Guardian:

My Cloud

Daily Mirror:

My Cloud

The Sun:

My Cloud

The Star:

My Cloud

Daily Record:

My Cloud

Daily Mail:

English Oak

POSTDATA:

Classic