June 06 / 16.35 Epsom

16.35

Good To Soft

Trustatrader Handicap

  • Prize money: £38655
  • 1m 0f 113y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
ITV
View Course
Trustatrader Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

11/2

Form: 795-41

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Underwhelming in the main over the last 12 months but back on song to make all in the Thirsk Hunt Cup last month (1m, good; his first handicap); off this 3lb higher mark he remains well treated on his old form (Group 2 winner in 2023); has run well on good to soft; can make another bold bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

(2)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Flight Plan

9st 3lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Failed to build on a decent fourth at Lingfield (1m2f) in February when behind Blue Rc at Newcastle (1m) on Good Friday but the fact he made all in this race off 8lb lower last year means a revival can't be discounted, particularly as he's well drawn to attack again; tongue-tied first time.

13/2

8th

9

(5)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Flight Plan

8st 13lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Quiet in Dubai in January but he returned to Britain with a good fourth at Lingfield (1m2f) five weeks ago; now 6lb lower than when winning the Thirsk Hunt Cup last May and he has the ability to feature.

25/1

4th

4

(5)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Lingfield (AW)

Flight Plan

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Often front runs; below par in three outings at Meydan last month (including dirt) but well treated if a return to Britain sparks a revival having landed last year's Thirsk Hunt Cup off 6lb higher; Tapeta winner at the start of his career.

16/1

Form: 0-5041 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Added to last year's five wins when scoring at Chester (7.5f, good) four weeks ago; he had the rail draw that day at a track where he is now 2-2, and he's up 5lb to a career-high mark today, but this progressive 6yo won this 12 months ago in a bigger field (good to soft) and warrants respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(5)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 2

14:42 Wolverhampton (AW)

Two Tempting

9st 8lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

He was making his seasonal debut when only fifth in this race 12 months ago but he's been kept on the go this winter and has been better than ever; suspicion others will prove better handicapped here though.

8/1

3rd

5

(7)

7th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 1

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Two Tempting

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

He has been a fine servant to connections and added wins eight and nine to his tally in 2025, the latest a 1m handicap at Kempton in November; ran as well as he ever has when second to an upwardly mobile 4yo over C&D five weeks ago but even that effort will need bettering in this field.

16/1

Form: 18-103 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Often ran well last season (wins on good to firm and soft) and, having been gelded, he returned with a career best to win the Spring Cup at Newbury (1m, good) in April; bounced back from lesser run in the Victoria Cup with good third at Newbury (1m, good to firm) last time; could be thereabouts.
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

Form: 68579-

Last run: 205 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
0-13 since winning her first two starts and below par in Listed races on final two outings last season; however, she's on a competitive mark judged on last summer's Group-race form (good to soft-good to firm), including a creditable fourth in the Princess Elizabeth over C&D; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

11

(14)

21st Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

15:00 York

Julia Augusta

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David O’Meara

Third at Epsom on return was a lot better than either of her subsequent efforts and she's only ever won two novice events, the latest in June 2022; some stiff tasks, admittedly, but others have more pressing claims.

33/1

7th

7

(9)

8th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 6y

Class 1

15:10 Pontefract

Julia Augusta

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Capable of useful form; didn't fare badly in Royal Ascot handicap most recently considering two things were against her (partially shod, poorly drawn); however, chance of ending a three-year losing spell depends on whether the first-time tongue-tie works a treat.

12/1

10th

5

(4)

18th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:35 Ascot

Julia Augusta

9st 5lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Largely found it tough at Listed/Group level on joining David O'Meara last summer but made a promising return to action with her sights lowered when keeping on for third in 8.5f Epsom handicap (good to soft) on Oaks day; should be competitive from an unchanged mark.

16/1

Form: 30-622

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
9yo who has been beaten on his last 20 starts going back to August 2023 but he frequently runs well and has finished second at Newmarket the last twice (bumped into much improved winner when beaten 6l last time); didn't enjoy a clear run when fair seventh in this last year; has an each-way shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(9)

14th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Newmarket

Bopedro

9st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

10yo who won this in 2023; frequently runs well in quality handicaps and he's 5lb lower than when a cracking third in the Royal Hunt Cup last June; scratched from the Lincoln when running a temperature on his intended comeback last month and he tends to improve for a run these days; also winless since 2023.

15/2

11th

2

(1)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:17 Newmarket

Bopedro

9st 12lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

9yo who has drawn a blank since winning on the July Course in summer 2023 and needs everything to drop right but he often runs extremely well in defeat, including when third in the Royal Hunt Cup in June; another respectable effort when sixth of 20 in Balmoral at Ascot (1m, good) a fortnight ago; not discounted in this slightly easier race.

6/1

Form: 1000-0 D

Last run: 69 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Won the Lincoln Handicap (1m, soft) in March 2024 off 2lb lower; his claims would be boosted by lots of rain but he's been unable to threaten on his four starts since that prestigious win at Doncaster.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(13)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 3

16:47 Thirsk

Mr Professor

9st 9lb

J: Sam James

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Has won on firm but best form on soft, as when winning the Lincoln (1m) in 2024; lightly raced with little return since but he was hampered on Newcastle AW last June; entitled to be rusty for new trainer on this first run since; missed a race earlier this month due to good to firm ground.

14/1

Form: 4114-8 D

Last run: 69 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row on heavy ground at Goodwood (1m1f/1m) last autumn and reappeared with a respectable eighth in the Lincoln at Doncaster (1m, good to soft) in March; he may have improved for that outing and could be a contender if getting his preferred slow ground (the softer the better).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

15

(11)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Alpha Crucis

8st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Gary & Josh Moore

All four of his wins were on soft or heavy ground, three at Goodwood; runner-up on his only two visits here, including at this meeting (good to soft) last year and he's 1lb lower today; that was over 8.5f and his creditable fifth on reappearance ten weeks ago was in the 1m Lincoln at Doncaster, but he stays 1m2f; strong each-way claims.

7/1

5th

17

(4)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Alpha Crucis

9st 1lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Good fourth in this in 2024 (soft) and respectable eighth last season (good to soft), making his reappearance each time; runner-up on three of his five subsequent starts last term (good to soft/soft); his four wins have come on soft/heavy going and such testing ground today seems unlikely.

28/1

Form: 311133 C

Last run: 34 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Four AW wins in February/March (7f-9.4f) and returned to turf with creditable third of 14 at Newmarket (1m, good) last month; also effective here and has shown promise on slow ground; latest form reads well; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

(7)

29th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:45 Kempton (AW)

Mr Baloo

9st 10lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Back to winning ways off this mark at Lingfield (1m, AW; cheekpieces first time) in April; he hasn't built on that and others may have his measure.

14/1

7th

10

(8)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:42 Newmarket

Mr Baloo

9st 4lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Won in first-time cheekpieces (retained since) at Lingfield (1m, AW) last month but not at the same level at Epsom (8.5f, good) and Kempton (7f, AW) since, and needs to get back on track.

20/1

8th

2

(11)

6th May 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Mr Baloo

9st 10lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Added to a good record in the spring when winning off 2lb lower at Lingfield (1m) last month in first-time cheekpieces; a long way below that level on turf since and this trip is a bare minimum round here, especially from a wide stall.

16/1

Form: 589-81

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Won at Thirsk (1m, good to firm) three weeks ago; that was a first win in Britain at the 11th attempt and he had just a head to spare in a lower grade than today, but back up just 2lb he remains well treated on last season's best efforts; seems versatile ground-wise; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

13

(6)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Mirsky

8st 10lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: David O’Meara

Landed the Thirsk Hunt Cup, albeit having enjoyed a smoother trip than unlucky Sea Force; not particularly solid on his form since; ended up two places behind River King at Royal Ascot most recently.

25/1

7th

19

(15)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Mirsky

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David O’Meara

Only midfield off current mark in this race 12 months ago, despite arriving at the top of his game; has been in worse form this time, well below par in both starts since landing the Thirsk Hunt Cup; has done all his winning over further than 7f and can be opposed.

40/1

11th

5

(10)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Mirsky

9st 8lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: David O’Meara

7yo who was 6lb lower when landing this race (good to soft) last season; this year's running is more competitive but his success in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) last month was close to a career best and he had a possible excuse when failing to back that up at York; can't be ruled out.

12/1

Form: 2/49-1 CD

Last run: 45 days

W: 8st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who showed improved form to win by a length and a half over C&D (good) in April on his reappearance; from out of the handicap he's 7lb higher today but his pedigree provides optimism that he'll have more left in the tank, and he's in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(4)

13th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 31y

Class 4

19:50 Windsor

Tribal Rhythm

9st 10lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Denis Coakley

Seems best when fresh and duly ran well (close second) at Bath on seasonal debut; appeared to be a disappointing favourite at Epsom later in April but that effort is excusable with the race likely coming sooner than ideal; only attempt under Tom Marquand resulted in sole win (off current mark to boot); respected on return from 11-week break.

13/2

7th

8

(6)

28th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 113y

Class 4

16:58 Epsom

Tribal Rhythm

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Denis Coakley

Returned from seven months off to win this race from off the pace last year; couldn't build on that in four subsequent starts last season but was back down to that winning mark when slightly unlucky second at Bath (1m, also good) on his resumption three weeks ago; of firm interest.

9/4

2nd

1

(2)

5th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:55 Bath

Tribal Rhythm

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Denis Coakley

Returned from seven months off to win from off the pace at Epsom (8.5f, good) last April; now bids to do much the same, after four lesser shows last season, and he's back to that last winning mark.

5/1

Non-runners

Obelix

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £21.60
Straight Forecast £20.65
Tricast £571.30
Trifecta £596.80

Selections

POSTDATA:

Two Tempting

The Times:

Mirsky

SPOTLIGHT:

Flight Plan

LAMBOURN:

Ebt's Guard

D Express:

Alpha Crucis

TOPSPEED:

Obelix

NEWMARKET:

Mr Professor

RP RATINGS:

Flight Plan

Daily Mail:

Flight Plan

Daily Mirror:

Two Tempting

The Sun:

Two Tempting

Daily Record:

Two Tempting

Telegraph:

Mirsky

The Guardian:

Mirsky

The Star:

Mirsky