May 24 / 15.30 Haydock

15.30

Good To Firm

Betfred Temple Stakes (Group 2)

  • Prize money: £70887.5
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
ITV
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Betfred Temple Stakes (Group 2)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

Form: 63910- D

Last run: 167 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Two wins at York (5f, good to soft) last year before fine third in the Group 1 Nunthorpe there (5f, good to firm) and he won the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (5f, firm) in November; lacks a recent run and carries a 5lb penalty but holds leading claims if returning at the top of his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:12 York

Starlust

9st 1lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Won this race in 2024 and finished that campaign with a superb success in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (firm); lightly raced since (had a spell at stud) and well below par this season; needs first-time visor to spark a revival.

14/1

23th

12

(5)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Starlust

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Smart 5f form as 3yo included close third in the Group 1 Nunthorpe at York and a win in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (firm); just four runs since, best of those when fourth of 20 in this race last year when ending up away from the main action; went to stud after (that career is on hold for now) and needs his recent Carlisle reappearance to have brought him on plenty.

40/1

6th

3

(4)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:33 Carlisle

Starlust

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Top-class form when third in Group 1 Nunthorpe at York and when winning Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar, both in 2024; rusty on last year's reappearance but showed he retains plenty of ability when fourth of 20 in Group 1 King Charles III at Royal Ascot on only subsequent outing; leading claims if showing his best after layoff, although that's not guaranteed.

4/1

Form: 310-11 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
2-2 this season with 5f handicap wins at Musselburgh (good to soft) and York (good to firm); did it nicely in a big field last week and this highly progressive 5yo could take the rise in grade in his stride.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(15)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:12 York

American Affair

9st 1lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Didn't give his running in bid for back-to-back victories in Group 1 at Royal Ascot (last of 26) last month, but he'd previously shaped well when second in the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock; this C&D winner (good to firm) takes a drop in grade and will be a danger to all if on a going day.

11/2

26th

2

(18)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

American Affair

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

A massive improver in 2025 as he was still cleaning up in handicaps in the spring before nipping home to win this race (good to firm) from Frost At Dawn; down the field on first run since, at York in May, but he came on a ton to chase home Night Raider at Haydock (5f, good to soft) latest; likely to pull out the stops for another excellent effort.

8/1

2nd

3

(10)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

American Affair

9st 6lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Highly progressive in 2025, winning the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm); also won on good to soft last year; it was his first run since when down the field at York recently and he may have needed it, but a dramatic transformation is required just ten days on.

9/1

OUR TIP

Form: 10110- D

Last run: 258 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced front-runner who won three times last season (5f, good/good to firm) and could still have more to offer; however, he takes a leap in grade on this reappearance and has bundles to find.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(2)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 7y

Class 4

20:25 Hamilton

Law Of Average

10st 6lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Chelsea Banham

Made all twice in a row this spring (including over C&D on good to firm) and bounced back from his third of six at Yarmouth for another front-running win at Lingfield (5f, AW) last Monday; had plenty in hand last time and he's 5lb well in under a 5lb penalty; could prove tough to catch.

6/5

1st

3

(8)

6th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 4

16:15 Lingfield (AW)

Law Of Average

9st 12lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Chelsea Banham

Has won on the AW but off a much lower mark and all his best efforts have come on turf, including two wins in the spring; looked like the handicapper may have caught up again when third to Michaela's Boy last time and he's drawn wide today.

6/1

3rd

5

(1)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 42y

Class 4

14:40 Yarmouth

Law Of Average

9st 6lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Chelsea Banham

Enthusiastic front-runner; chasing a hat-trick after wins at Bath (5f, firm) and Hamilton (5f, good to firm); a 6lb rise asks more of him but dangerous to discount.

5/2

Form: 7551-1 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
2yo Group 3 winner in October 2022 who posted his first win since in a Listed race at Ascot (5f, soft) last October; reappeared with a career best to win the Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket (5f, good) three weeks ago and he's a major player on the back of that performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(9)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 1

13:50 Sandown

Rumstar

9st 5lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Creditable second on reappearance when bidding for a second win in the Palace House at Newmarket; hindered by poor draw at Royal Ascot since; landed this contest (good to firm) 12 months ago, despite carrying 3lb extra, and has no penalty this time; major contender.

11/4

25th

10

(4)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Rumstar

9st 7lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Acts well on good or quicker; Listed winner over C&D; has had excuses for two Group 1 defeats at 5f in Britain, not ideally drawn in this race last June and checked in his run in the Nunthorpe at York in August, albeit still doing well in the latter in fifth of 17 to Asfoora; useful comeback at Newmarket in April when a close second to Night Raider; can be thereabouts.

14/1

2nd

7

(5)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:55 Newmarket

Rumstar

9st 9lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Acts on flat tracks but he comes into his own when tackling a stiff test at 5f, as when winning this race last year, taking C&D record to 2-2, and roaring home to win a Group 3 at Sandown (good to firm) in July; cheekpieces worn in October are discarded; yard in form; not to be underestimated.

5/1

Form: 6554-5 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Beaten in Group/Listed races on last 13 runs, last time fifth to Rumstar in the Palace House; however, he may have needed that seasonal and stable debut; has twice made the frame in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot and went close in this race in 2022; not ruled out each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(7)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Newmarket (July)

Twilight Calls

9st 9lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Richard Spencer

Formerly high class; ended a long losing run at Sandown (5f, good) last month when visored for the first time; beaten at odds-on at Yarrmouth six days later; another 3lb higher today but not handicapped out of things.

8/1

2nd

2

(5)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 42y

Class 4

14:40 Yarmouth

Twilight Calls

9st 8lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Richard Spencer

Ended a losing run of over four years when the well-backed winner of a 5f handicap at Sandown (good ground; visored first time) last week; still has plenty of handicapping scope given his back class and this should be run to suit him.

13/8

1st

1

(5)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 10y

Class 4

13:38 Sandown

Twilight Calls

9st 9lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Richard Spencer

Over four years since his last win and made only limited impact at Meydan earlier this year before a midfield finish on his belated AW debut; however, he's on a very dangerous mark should the visor trigger something; best on good or faster ground so watch the weather.

9/2

Form: 657-24 D BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Speedy sort over 6f who won the Group 3 Abernant at that trip at Newmarket (good) last April; beaten 4l by Rumstar when fourth in the Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket (5f, good) three weeks ago, when outpaced mid-race, but this may pan out more favourably and he's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(7)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:12 York

Washington Heights

9st 4lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Made most to win this race (good to firm) 12 months ago and bounced back to form to beat seven rivals in Listed race at Carlisle six weeks ago; penalised this time but should give it another good go from the front.

6/1

1st

5

(6)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:33 Carlisle

Washington Heights

9st 7lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Close third in Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock 12 months ago and made most to win Listed race at York (5f, good to firm) last summer; well below par all four starts since (short of room in Newmarket Group 3 on latest) but down in grade here and may well bounce back.

5/1

8th

9

(10)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:55 Newmarket

Washington Heights

9st 9lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Can lead; won 6f Group 3 here in 2024 but a beaten favourite in this race last year and sole success in 2025 came in a Listed York race (5f, good to firm); below best on recent comeback and a win looks unlikely.

25/1

Form: 623-16 C BF

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
6f fillies' Listed winner here (soft) last May and placed in Group 3 races subsequently; reappeared with Listed win against fillies and mares at Bath (5f, good to firm) in April and had an excuse (high draw) when below par behind Mgheera at Longchamp two weeks ago; however, needs a career best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(6)

11th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:45 York

Electric Storm

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: James Tate

Two Listed wins to her name; ran well in the 5f Temple Stakes at Haydock in May; disappointed when favourite at Ayr three weeks ago (5f, good; behind First Instinct); career best required.

8/1

1

(2)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

17:55 Ayr

Electric Storm

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: James Tate

Likeable 5yo with four wins from 11 attempts, including in Listed race at Bath (5f, good to firm) in April; far from disgraced in face of stiff task in Group 2 at Haydock last time; leading contender.

11/4

7

(4)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

Electric Storm

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: James Tate

6f fillies' Listed winner here (soft) last May and placed in Group 3 races subsequently; reappeared with Listed win against fillies and mares at Bath (5f, good to firm) in April and had an excuse (high draw) when below par behind Mgheera at Longchamp two weeks ago; however, needs a career best.

10/1

5/1

Form: 3506-1 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
French Listed winner (5f, good) last June who, following a 250,000euros sale, was better than ever on her recent stable and seasonal debut at Longchamp (5f, good to soft) when winning the Group 3 Prix de Saint-Georges; travelled well and found plenty, and could have more to offer for her new yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

18

(2)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Mgheera

9st 4lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Had a brainstorm before this race last year when refusing to go in the stalls but she'd impressed the time before when winning a Group 2 at Haydock (5f, good); some respectable efforts in Group races over the last 12 months haven't suggested she'll be a serious threat this time.

40/1

5th

12

(11)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

Mgheera

9st 3lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Made it 2-2 for the yard (good/good to soft) when winning this last year and some good runs in defeat subsequently, including in Group 1s; could improve for her recent reappearance sixth at Longchamp; might be thereabouts.

8/1

6th

10

(14)

14th Sep 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Mgheera

9st 3lb

J: William Buick

T: Ed Walker

Beat today's rival She's Quality to win 5f Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock in May; did not compete at Royal Ascot after spreading a plate; outpointed by Arizona Blaze in a C&D Group 2 here in July; was a bit slow out of the stalls, and it was the same story in the Nunthorpe, could feature if avoiding a recurrence.

10/1

Form: 6610-2 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Prominent-racer who won a Listed race by 3l in first-time blinkers (retained since) at Tipperary (5f, good) last September and reappeared with a good second to Rumstar in the Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket (5f, good) three weeks ago; this Irish challenger might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

12

(13)

14th Sep 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Shes Quality

9st 3lb

J: James Ryan

T: Jack W Davison

1-15 in stakes race, that win gained in a 5f Listed event last season; despite that poor strike rate, she deserves plenty of credit for consistency this season; runner-up in four consecutive British Group 2/3 races before well held in mid-field behind Asfoora in the Nunthorpe.

10/1

10th

13

(11)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Shes Quality

9st 12lb

J: James Ryan

T: Jack W Davison

She doesn't hang around and can lead but she found the stiff 5f at Sandown (good to firm) against her when run down late on by Rumstar in July; ridden much more patiently in Group 2 at Goodwood since, setting to work with a will but failing by a neck to overhaul Jm Jungle; this track can see her to good advantage and she can go well; blinkers return in place of cheekpieces.

10/1

2nd

12

(8)

1st Aug 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Goodwood

Shes Quality

9st 1lb

J: James Ryan

T: Jack W Davison

Speedy filly; better than ever in 2025, notably when runner-up, after getting no cover and racing apart from the winner, in a warm Group 2 at Haydock (5f, good; had form on soft early in career) in May; perhaps found the steep 5f at Sandown rather too much since but this test can suit; in the thick of it.

8/1

Form: 040-53 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Fine fourth of 16 in the Group 1 Sprint Cup here (6f, good) last September and fair third in Listed race for fillies and mares at Newmarket (6f, good) three weeks ago; rain would be in her favour but her losing run is up to 18 races and she needs to raise her game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(12)

11th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:50 Newmarket

Vadream

9st 3lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charlie Fellowes

Has won and gone close in Group 3s (5f) on this track; seems to have lost some firepower this year but she wasn't far away in a 6f Listed race here in May nor was she disgraced in the Group 1 Flying Five in Ireland recently; might have a better chance than these terms suggest, at least for a place.

16/1

11th

13

(6)

14th Sep 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Vadream

9st 3lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charlie Fellowes

On a long losing run, and now to 93 from the 107 mark she held when failing to make an impact in this event last season; in rear in the Temple Stakes won by Mgheera; down the field in the Wokingham and the Coral Golden Handicap.

66/1

19

(5)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:05 Goodwood

Vadream

9st 1lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charlie Fellowes

Losing run stretches back over two years; happiest on slow ground; tailed off in the Wokingham six weeks ago and returning cheekpieces aren't enough to make her of interest.

28/1

Form: 4132-5

Last run: 18 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Progressive 2yo last year, concluding with a close third in a Group 3 at Ayr (6f, good to firm) and good second in a Group 3 at Newmarket (5f, good to soft) when clear in the centre group; could improve for this month's reappearance fifth at Cork and she's an each-way possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(10)

24th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

19:15 Dundalk (AW)

Grande Marques

9st 11lb

J: Shane Foley

T: J A Stack

Had a couple of these behind when making all in the Listed Abergwaun Stakes at Tipperary in August (5f, yielding); soundly beaten upped to Group 1 level in the Flying Five latest; unraced on AW and will need a career-best here.

12/1

12th

14

(9)

14th Sep 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Grande Marques

9st 2lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: J A Stack

Placed in Group 3s at Ayr and Newmarket last season; Listed-placed in third behind Saratoga Special at Ayr in June; made all to beat Erosandpsyche in a 5f Listed race at Tipperary two weeks ago.

33/1

13

(14)

31st Aug 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

16:30 Tipperary

Grande Marques

9st 0lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: J A Stack

Placed in Group 3s at Ayr and Newmarket last season; Listed-placed at Ayr in June, overall form this term not strong enough to inspire confidence.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £83.30
Straight Forecast £82.62
Tricast £1137.91
Trifecta £890.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

American Affair

RP RATINGS:

Rumstar

The Times:

Electric Storm

Daily Record:

Mgheera

POSTDATA:

American Affair

Telegraph:

American Affair

D Express:

American Affair

The Sun:

American Affair

The Star:

American Affair

TOPSPEED:

Rumstar

LAMBOURN:

Rumstar

The Guardian:

Rumstar

Daily Mail:

Rumstar

Daily Mirror:

Rumstar