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

1

(8)

3rd Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:24 Salisbury

Boyfriend

10st 2lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Has not had much racing for his age and never better than this summer, producing another career best when runner-up at Goodwood (about 1m1f, good), going down narrowly to one who was ahead of his mark, both suffering interference; up 2lb; solid form chance back at 1m.

7/2

2nd

3

(12)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 11y

Class 3

17:20 Goodwood

Boyfriend

9st 10lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Fifth of 16 in this last year in a race that favoured those ridden more prominently and he's been in career-best form at Sandown on his last two starts, posting a win (1m, good) and a very creditable third of 12 (1m2f, good); could be involved.

11/1

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

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

4th

2

(2)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Goodwood

Ebts Guard

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Has lots of form in major handicaps, including a good effort over C&D last year; consistent in the main but faces a stiffer assignment upped to Group level for the first time.

20/1

4th

5

(7)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Ebts Guard

9st 12lb

J: Suraj Narredu

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Defied a 5lb lower mark in the corresponding race 12 months ago; many good runs in defeat since then, including his fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup, and he is unlikely to be too far away.

7/1

9th

3

(3)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Ebts Guard

9st 11lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Currently in a consistent vein of form that ties him in with some of today's opponents; creditable third to Indalo at Sandown most recently; Goodwood record comprises a couple of second-place finishes at this meeting, including in this race last year; solid claims.

9/1

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

4th

2

(6)

4th Sep 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:48 Ascot

Classic

9st 10lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Won a competitive handicap at Newbury (1m, good) in May and ran really well when third of 18 in the Golden Mile at Goodwood (1m, good to firm) latest, when he had to wait for room; also effective here and could be in the mix.

7/1

3rd

8

(12)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Classic

9st 6lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Prevailed by a neck from Indalo at Newbury in May but has been unable to confirm the placings in the Royal Hunt Cup and Coral Challenge; current mark is stiffer than the one off which he finished sixth, amid traffic issues, in this race two years ago.

16/1

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

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

10th

5

(4)

31st Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

15:35 Epsom

Epictetus

11st 6lb

J: Mr Jack Loughnane

T: Jamie Osborne

Ended a three-year drought when winning a 1m2f handicap at Sandown (good to firm) this month; Listed winner (1m2f, soft) here earlier in his career and ran well over C&D last month; one to consider.

14/1

6th

2

(7)

22nd Aug 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Lingfield (AW)

Epictetus

9st 11lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Jamie Osborne

Recorded his first win since landing a Group 3 in August 2023 at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm) 16 days ago in a first-time tongue-tie (retained) off 3lb lower; his overall profile doesn't suggest he is likely to follow up.

5/1

1st

2

(6)

6th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 209y

Class 4

17:00 Sandown

Epictetus

11st 1lb

J: Miss Megan Jordan

T: Jamie Osborne

Yet to add to his Group 3 win at Glorious Goodwood three years ago but placed several times this year, including third at Lingfield (1m2f, good to firm) on Saturday; prior to that he was beaten only a neck over 1m4f at Epsom (good to firm) under Megan Jordan; tongue-tied first time.

6/1

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

6th

1

(4)

31st Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ripon

English Oak

10st 4lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Two wins at Meydan for current yard; best effort since returned to British soil when second in small field at Hamilton; rather weighted to the hilt on 2026 form but Harry Vigors takes off a useful 5lb.

8/1

16th

5

(22)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

English Oak

9st 9lb

J: Faleh Bughenaim

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Completed a Meydan double early this year; came up short in the Royal Ascot handicap he'd won in 2024 but ran respectably, behind an unbeaten rival, at Hamilton most recently; has to overcome the widest draw returned to a bigger stage.

40/1

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

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

4th

19

(2)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Ancient Rome

9st 0lb

J: David Egan

T: Charles Hills

Landed the Chesterfield Cup at this meeting in 2023, initiating a notable double; however, has failed to score since and current mark reflects a broad decline in his form; drop to Class 3 had no effect last time and he looks a shadow of his former self.

33/1

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

8th

8

(9)

12th Aug 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Kitaro Kich

9st 1lb

J: Neil Callan

T: George Baker

5-21 on AW compared to 0-11 on grass; struggled off his lower turf mark at Epsom four weeks ago but he had reappeared with a creditable effort here previously and his last success was over C&D; could be dangerous if he gets a good pace and some luck.

14/1

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

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

1st

3

(12)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Crown Board

9st 12lb

J: Mme Frida Valle Skar

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

He has returned from the Middle East with fine efforts at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) and over 1m on the straight course here (good to firm) in July; should remain competitive under these conditions.

7/1

2nd

2

(10)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Ascot

Crown Board

9st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Inconsistent but he's just 1lb higher than when making all at Chelmsford (1m, AW) last December and he returned from a break with an encouraging third at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) three weeks ago, when again making the running; might not face much opposition for the lead; chance.

13/2

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

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