June 07 / 15.30 Epsom

15.30

Good

Betfred Derby (In Honour Of His Highness Aga Khan IV) (Group 1) (No Geldings)

  • Prize money: £909628.4
  • 1m 4f 6y
  • Class 1
  • 18 runners
ITV
View Course
Betfred Derby (In Honour Of His Highness Aga Khan IV) (Group 1) (No Geldings)

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

40/1

Form: 11-33

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Out of a Group 3 winner at about 1m2f whose dam's wins included one over 1m6f; 2-2 as a 2yo and he's finished a close third in both starts this year, the reappearance in a Group 3 at Longchamp (1m1f, good) working out well; a Listed defeat since shows he has to rely heavily on improvement for the longer trip if he's to make his way in this company; has been supplemented.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(17)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

15:30 Epsom

New Ground

9st 2lb

J: Alexis Pouchin

T: H-F Devin

Out of a Group 3 winner at about 1m2f whose dam's wins included one over 1m6f; 2-2 as a 2yo and he's finished a close third in both starts this year, the reappearance in a Group 3 at Longchamp (1m1f, good) working out well; a Listed defeat since shows he has to rely heavily on improvement for the longer trip if he's to make his way in this company; has been supplemented.

40/1

14/1

Form: 111

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Made debut in March and is unbeaten in three starts; there was much to like about the way he raced, settling nicely and responding willingly, when making all on the promotion to Group 3 level at Saint-Cloud (about 1m2f, good; has also won on good to soft) last month; has been supplemented in honour of his owner/breeder, the late Aga Khan, after whom this Derby is named; something of an unknown quantity but his dam was a stayer and hopefully he will reward his famous connections with a great run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(2)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 87y

Class 1

14:40 Chester

Midak

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ian Williams

Won Group 3 at Saint-Cloud (10.5f, good) last May; respectable efforts at Listed/Group 3 level for current yard this summer but will need to pull out more for the longer trip if he's to resume winning ways.

11/1

7th

6

(7)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 218y

Class 1

14:25 Goodwood

Midak

9st 3lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ian Williams

Ex-French 4yo who won Group 3 at Saint-Cloud (10.5f, good) last May; respectable Listed efforts on last two starts (including C&D) but hasn't shown enough on those outings to suggest he'll be making an impact today.

33/1

Form: 721 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
All three runs in maidens and he made all at Chester (1m4f, good) in May; low on the list in form terms but his owner, who also runs Green Storm, has had big-priced runners finish in the frame in recent Derbys, including for this yard last year, and this could be another surprise package.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(5)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

14:55 Ascot

Al Wasl Storm

9st 7lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Owen Burrows

Came up well short at Group level last summer but resumed his progression back in calmer waters with a 1m4f Newbury handicap debut success (good to firm) last August; this low-mileage sort has the potential for better again in 2026.

9/1

2

(3)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Newbury

Al Wasl Storm

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Owen Burrows

First three runs were in maidens and he made all at Chester (1m4f, good) in May; the Derby proved far too tough for him next time and so did 1m6f Group 2 at Royal Ascot 11 days later; his sights are lowered dramatically for this handicap debut and he needs a close look.

4/1

12th

1

(1)

18th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Al Wasl Storm

9st 2lb

J: David Probert

T: Owen Burrows

First three runs were in maidens and he made all at Chester (1m4f, good); the Derby proved far too tough for him only 11 days ago and he was so comprehensively out of his comfort zone that this race too looks hard.

50/1

Form: 1-32

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
460,000gns yearling; by Frankel out of a Group 2/3 winner at 1m4f; won a 7f AW novice on sole 2yo start and he's been coming into his own over more suitable distances this year; did not get the best of trips when second to Pride Of Arras in the Group 2 Dante at York (about 1m2f, good to firm) last time, being caught out wide in the straight, well apart from the winner, but putting plenty of beef into his finish; has worked pleasingly at Epsom since and should be right at home over the new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(5)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 177y

Class 1

13:50 York

Damysus

9st 10lb

J: James Doyle

T: John & Thady Gosden

Won the Group 3 Earl Of Sefton at Newmarket (1m1f, good) on reappearance and mid-division in Group 1s on next two runs; third of five to subsequent International winner Item here (10.2f, good to firm) last time and has leading claims back down in trip/grade; cheekpieces go on; has won on good to soft.

11/4

3rd

2

(3)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

14:35 York

Damysus

9st 8lb

J: James Doyle

T: John & Thady Gosden

Second to Pride Of Arras in last year's Dante over C&D; looked set for a stellar 2026 when trouncing five rivals in Group 3 at Newmarket (1m1f, good) on reappearance, but hasn't repeated the form in 1m Group 1s since; stepping back up in distance looks a sensible move and he's the one to beat judged on that standout Newmarket effort.

3/1

5th

2

(3)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Ascot

Damysus

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: John & Thady Gosden

Record is 4-8, the most recent success gained comfortably in Newmarket Group 3 on seasonal debut when completing a 1m2f/1m1f hat-trick; disappointing in the Lockinge (1m) since, not looking entirely beaten by the drop back in trip, but he's difficult to write off having been broadly progressive otherwise; rebound is possible.

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: 212-11

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
By Dubawi out of a much admired mare who won 13 races, including six Grade/Group 1s at up to about 1m, and who has bred a 1m6f Group 1 winner; became well seasoned during a 2yo career which ended with a hard-fought second in the Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster (1m, soft) and has returned with two Group 3 wins at Leopardstown (1m2f; on good to yielding and good), the former from Lambourn and announcing new depths in the latter; still improving and he won't mind what the weather does.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(4)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

16:05 Ascot

Delacroix

9st 3lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: A P O’Brien

Ballydoyle colt who is progressive in the main; justified favouritism in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown (good to yielding) most recently, taking his form figures over 1m2f to 11121 and overall strike-rate to 6-11; unable to match Ombudsman's late acceleration in the International but had got up late on to collar that rival in the Eclipse and is set for another gripping rematch.

3/1

1st

5

(8)

13th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 2f 0y

17:30 Leopardstown

Delacroix

9st 3lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: A P O’Brien

Won two Derby trials over C&D and bounced back from Epsom failure to win the Eclipse at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm); deserved much credit for overhauling Ombudsman late on, having found trouble in running in the straight; beaten by the same top-class rival at York; reputation largely restored all the same; major player for stable denied six in a row in this last year.

10/11

2nd

6

(3)

20th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:35 York

Delacroix

9st 1lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Won two Derby trials this spring and bounced back from Derby disappointment to win the Group 1 Eclipse at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm) last month; he deserves immense credit for overhauling Ombudsman late on last time having found trouble in running in the straight and got behind, and it was a performance that suggests he could take plenty of beating today.

15/8

Form: 2122-4

Last run: 53 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Dam won five Group races at up to 1m4f and was touched off in the Irish Oaks; six 2yo runs yielded one win at 1m1f before seconds in Group races over 1m2f at Newmarket (good to soft) and Saint-Cloud (heavy); this new trip should suit but he dropped right out at Newmarket (1m1f) in April.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(10)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

17:35 Ascot

Green Storm

9st 2lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charlie Johnston

Second of three in Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud last October (1m2f, heavy) and respectable seventh of 18 in the Derby 13 days ago (1m4f, good); back down in grade today but his eight starts have yielded just one win, in a maiden at Yarmouth, and he's probably vulnerable once more.

14/1

4

(8)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

15:30 Epsom

Green Storm

9st 2lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charlie Johnston

Dam won five Group races at up to 1m4f and was touched off in the Irish Oaks; six 2yo runs yielded one win at 1m1f before seconds in Group races over 1m2f at Newmarket (good to soft) and Saint-Cloud (heavy); this new trip should suit but he dropped right out at Newmarket (1m1f) in April.

100/1

4th

2

(6)

15th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:25 Newmarket

Green Storm

9st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Charlie Johnston

took keen hold, pressed leader early, soon led, edged right and headed 2f out, soon weakened

5/1

Form: 115-21 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Out of a smart sprinter but it's stamina that he's inherited from his Derby-winning sire Australia and, following a French Listed win (1m, very soft) last year and a second to Delacroix at Leopardstown in March, he sent out a strong staying message when beating Lazy Griff in the Group 3 Chester Vase (about 1m4f, good) last month; his potential at 1m4f+ is clear but the tactical speed, on the Chester run, is less so at this stage.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(2)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:35 Ascot

Lambourn

9st 9lb

J: William Buick

T: A P O’Brien

Last season's Derby and Irish Derby winner who reappeared with a win in the Group 2 Huxley Stakes at Chester in May; however, he hasn't come up to scratch on his three starts since and needs to turn things around; the cheekpieces worn on his four outings this season are left off.

100/1

11th

7

(1)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Lambourn

9st 3lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Winner of the 2025 Derby; has worn cheekpieces this season, gamely beating Bay City Roller in the Huxley at Chester (good-ground Group 2) then failing by a long way to confirm the placings in a one-sided Coronation Cup on softer going; behind stablemate Jan Brueghel in that contest and is still a tad inferior to that horse on ratings but it will be interesting to see what he can do in the retained headgear returned to a forecast faster surface.

20/1

3rd

6

(6)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

14:40 Epsom

Lambourn

9st 2lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Most wins on good ground but has form on soft; held on by only a neck from Bay City Roller on better terms in the Huxley (1m2f Group 2) at Chester on seasonal debut but proved game in first-time cheekpieces and, based on Ryan Moore's post-race comments, will come on for the run; notable contender in the retained headgear returned to the scene of his biggest moment, namely a clearcut success in last year's Derby (followed up in the Irish version).

13/2

Form: 0131-2

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Sizeable advance in form when making all in a Group 3 at Chantilly (1m1f, good) on final 2yo start and he looked to have gone the right way over the winter on reappearance in Group 3 Chester Vase (about 1m4f, good) when it wasn't a breeze for Lambourn to get past him; aims much higher now, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(3)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 87y

Class 1

14:40 Chester

Lazy Griff

9st 11lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Charlie Johnston

Chased home Lambourn in last year's Chester Vase and Derby (also third to him in the Irish Derby); missed the second half of last season but showed he's still as good as ever when defeating the reopposing Lady Vivian in 2m Sandown Listed race (good) last month; raced freely and weakened quickly in the Goodwood Cup with cheekpieces added (quickly discarded) but he can bounce back with his sights lowered today.

7/4

7th

4

(3)

28th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Lazy Griff

9st 12lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Charlie Johnston

Second last term in the Derby and third in the Irish Derby; not seen afterwards as a 3yo but 2m races at Sandown this season have seen his promise renewed for serious stamina tests; it was just a four-runner Listed race last time when he dominated from the front at 4-7, so he needs much better today, but cheekpieces are enlisted and he's a fascinating newcomer to a top staying race.

12/1

1st

3

(1)

3rd Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 50y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Lazy Griff

9st 2lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charlie Johnston

Runner-up in the Derby at Epsom last June and kept on well for third in the Irish Derby at the Curragh (also 1m4f on good) next time; showed he retains plenty of ability when a 2l third in C&D Group 3 in May (ahead of three of today's rivals), leaving the impression a stronger gallop would have suited; should come on for that first start in 11 months and looks the one to beat.

4/7

Form: 3-13 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Tough display when winning a 1m4f novice on AW on return; however, he couldn't hang on to the first two in the Listed Lingfield Derby Trial (extended 1m3f, good to firm) and is down this pecking order.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

11th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 44y

Class 2

17:58 Salisbury

Nightime Dancer

9st 7lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Richard Hannon

Smart 3yo who was eighth in last year's Derby; began this campaign with pretty good fourth in Newmarket handicap (1m4f, good to firm) in May, but seems badly to have lost his way since (three runs); revival needed.

14/1

12th

8

(14)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Nightime Dancer

9st 4lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Contested three Group races last summer; it's been 1m4f handicaps (good to firm) this season, registering his highest rating when fourth of eight at Newmarket in May but two disappointing shows at Ascot have followed; blinkered latest; stays at least 1m5f (unraced over this far) and he's 6lb lower than at Newmarket, but some caution is advised at present.

20/1

7th

1

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:12 Ascot

Nightime Dancer

10st 2lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Contested three Group races last summer; 1m4f handicaps (good to firm) this season, registering his highest rating when fourth of eight at Newmarket in May but backpedalling from over 3f out when just 9-1 at Royal Ascot; needs to bounce back in first-time headgear but his sights are lowered.

9/2

Form: 313-35

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Frankel colt whose dam never won beyond 6f but she bred a dual Grade 1 winner at 1m1f and her high-class siblings, including St Leger winner Logician, weren't short of staying power; he didn't have the clout for the Group 3 at Newmarket (1m, good to soft) won by Delacroix from Stanhope Gardens in October, for Sir Michael Stoute, but he was always likely to make a better 3yo; this might come too soon in his career but he was one of a few to come home strongly in the Group 2 Dante at York (about 1m2f, good to firm); now has cheekpieces fitted; the best is yet to come.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(5)

3rd Oct 2025

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 1

16:05 Ascot

Nightwalker

9st 3lb

J: Colin Keane

T: John & Thady Gosden

Sole win remains his maiden as 2yo, admittedly appearing mostly in Group races since; gelded before penultimate start but also put in his place since in a Listed race and valuable handicap; hooded today, having tried cheekpieces and blinkers in June; this is a new trip but it's hard to have much confidence in him right now.

10/1

4th

1

(1)

6th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:15 Ascot

Nightwalker

9st 9lb

J: Luke Catton

T: John & Thady Gosden

Won for Sir Michael Stoute at two; highly tried since that maiden win and was gelded prior to finishing third of four in a small-field Listed race at Windsor two weeks ago (extended 1m3f); on the verge of becoming a tad disappointing, but this is his handicap debut and he tries soft ground for the first time.

10/1

4

(4)

23rd Aug 2025

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 1

18:15 Windsor

Nightwalker

8st 13lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: John & Thady Gosden

Yarmouth maiden winner (7f, good to firm) for Sir Michael Stoute last September; has been taking on exalted company in his last three starts, including when a far-from-disgraced fifth of 11 in the Dante at York (1m2f, good to firm); gelded since sixth of nine in the King Edward VII at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm); no surprise if he goes well; no headgear today.

6/1

Form: 1-1

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Granddam's siblings include Brian Boru, whose two Group 1 wins included the 1m6f St Leger, and Sea Moon, a dual Group 2 winner at 1m4f; never more impressive than in the final furlong when winning a 1m maiden at Sandown (good; unraced on slower) on sole 2yo start and his finish was deadly again in the Group 2 Dante at York (about 1m2f, good to firm) when, despite having little space and taking a few strides to pick up, he dashed clear of Damysus in a matter of strides; this will be more truly run but he's making big waves and there's no knowing how far he can go.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(4)

5th Sep 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 1

14:50 Kempton (AW)

Pride Of Arras

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Goes well at York, and returned to near best when second in Group 2 York Stakes (1m2f; form subsequently boosted by winner) in July; withdrawn after getting upset in stalls on same course in August; stays 1m4f and is tactically versatile; leading contender on form; AW debut.

6/1

4

(5)

19th Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:35 York

Pride Of Arras

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

York has brought out the best in him, as evidenced by last season's Group 2 wins in the Dante (C&D, good to firm) and Great Voltigeur (1m4f, good to firm) and last month's second behind Item in the Group 2 York Stakes over C&D (good to firm); he may have been inconvenienced by making the running last time but has something to find back in a Group 1.

40/1

2nd

4

(5)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

14:35 York

Pride Of Arras

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Has an unblemished record at York, winning the Dante (1m2f) and Great Voltigeur (1m4f) last season; had a delayed start to 2026 due to a bruised foot and almost certainly needed the run when last of eight in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud three weeks ago; interesting with that outing behind him and back on the Knavesmire.

11/2

200/1

Form: 0-16 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Well related but he didn't improve much from a 1m4f AW maiden win over Al Wasl Storm in April when looking out of his depth in the Lingfield Derby Trial (extended 1m3f, good to firm); a similar outcome is likely today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

5th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 4

14:20 Market Rasen

Rogue Impact

10st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: James Owen

Useful on the Flat and ran in last year's Derby; hasn't won a race since but he ran okay to be second on his hurdle debut at Worcester (2m, good) and going up in trip here could suit.

2/1

2nd

7

17th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Worcester

Rogue Impact

10st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: James Owen

Useful on the Flat at his best; has regressed and become inconsistent in this sphere but seemed to respond well to first-time blinkers when third at Brighton (1m4f, good to firm; RPR 79) last month; sports refitted cheekpieces for this hurdling debut; can feature if all goes to plan.

8/1

3rd

2

(3)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 198y

Class 5

15:20 Brighton

Rogue Impact

9st 9lb

J: Luke Morris

T: James Owen

Highly tried after winning Lingfield maiden (AW) in April last year and he bounced back from a swing at the Derby when going close at Thirsk (also 1m4f, good) in July; that form would make him a handicap snip but it's been a real struggle since and blinkers are now reached for; only considered if the market warms to him.

8/1

Form: 51-18 C

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Pedigree has links to Derby and Oaks success; tenacious winner of the Listed Trial here (1m2f, good) in April but Group 1 aspirations are on hold after he finished down the field in the Dante (about 1m2f, good) at York.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(1)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 99y

Class 1

18:30 Windsor

Sea Scout

9st 7lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Smart 3yo, winning a 1m2f Listed race in the spring and even better in the autumn when placed at that same level and in Group company over 1m4f (soft); dictated steady fractions on his belated return (after being gelded) in a Group 3 at Haydock (1m2f, good), only to succumb to the seriously progressive Sallaal; fully entitled to step up on that run.

4/1

2nd

5

(2)

8th Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

14:25 Haydock

Sea Scout

9st 7lb

J: James Doyle

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Showed he can go well fresh when winning 1m2f Listed event at Epsom last spring; mostly creditable efforts in defeat afterwards (subsequently gelded) but will probably need a career best to make a winning return after ten months off.

14/1

Form: 312-1

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Dam's winning siblings include Romsdal, placed in the Derby and St Leger; dug in late for a promising third to Ruling Court on Sandown 7f debut as 2yo and ended the season by making Delacroix pull out most of the stops in a Newmarket Group 3 (1m, good to soft); had a gift of a reappearance at Salisbury recently but if he's made the same progress over the winter as some of his rivals he'd be on the premises.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(4)

26th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

14:40 York

Stanhope Gardens

8st 13lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Pushed Eclipse winner Delacroix close in the Group 3 Autumn Stakes at Newmarket (1m, good to soft) last October and ran a fine race when fifth in the Derby (1m4f, good) last month, losing two places close home; appeals as a type whose best days still lie ahead and this trip could be ideal.

11/4

15

(2)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

15:30 Epsom

Stanhope Gardens

9st 2lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Dam's winning siblings include Romsdal, placed in the Derby and St Leger; dug in late for a promising third to Ruling Court on Sandown 7f debut as 2yo and ended the season by making Delacroix pull out most of the stops in a Newmarket Group 3 (1m, good to soft); had a gift of a reappearance at Salisbury recently but if he's made the same progress over the winter as some of his rivals he'd be on the premises.

14/1

1st

2

(2)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:50 Salisbury

Stanhope Gardens

9st 9lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Delivered on debut promise when eased-down winner of Beverley maiden (7.4f, good to firm) last summer and was close second to subsequent Group 1 Futurity second Delacroix in Newmarket Group 3 (1m, good to soft) in the autumn; holds multiple Group 1 entries for the season ahead and ought to be very hard to beat here.

1/5

Form: 3121-3

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Out of half-sister to top-class miler Rock Of Gibraltar; upgraded his 2yo form when dealing with heavy ground to beat Green Storm in a three-runner race for Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud (1m2f) in October; the race looked to be needed when he was beaten nearly 7l by Delacroix in a Group 3 at Leopardstown (1m2f, good) last month but that's quite a gap to bridge.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(4)

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 4y

16:25 Curragh

Tennessee Stud

9st 11lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Group 1-winning 2yo; made the frame last year in the Derby/Irish Derby and career-best when winning the Group 2 Prix Chaudenay (1m7f, very soft) at Longchamp in October; disappointing in a Group 2 Riyadh contest in January; fair third in a 2m Listed race at Down Royal in May.

7/1

3rd

2

(6)

29th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

18:50 Down Royal

Tennessee Stud

9st 10lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Group 1-winning 2yo made the frame last year in Epsom/Curragh Derbies and career-best when winning the Group 2 Prix Chaudenay (1m7f, very soft) at Longchamp in October; disappointing when last seen in Group 2 Riyadh contest in January, fading tamely on quick ground after forcing much of pace; demands plenty of respect on overall form.

13/8

9

(10)

29th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

16:10 Curragh

Tennessee Stud

9st 2lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Coped with heavy ground to beat Green Storm in three-runner Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud (1m2f) last October; needed the race and unsuited by a muddling gallop and quick ground when around 7l third behind Delacroix in the Ballysax in May; did best of those who came from off the pace when finishing strongly for third in the Derby; holds a fighting chance in the rematch.

4/1

Form: 11-6 BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Bred for middle distances but he was the sharpest tool in the box when having Ruling Court back in third in a 7f Group 3 at York (good to firm) in August on final 2yo start; inconclusive reappearance in Group 2 Dante at York in May, when he wanted to tear off early before plugging on at one pace when the cause was lost; however, he was said to be only just ready for that return and he did run a lot better there than the last two Derby winners from this yard had on their comebacks; some second-guessing is needed about the trip but he can't be ruled out with confidence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(5)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:35 Newbury

The Lion In Winter

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Disappointing in last year's Dante and Derby but subsequently showed very smart form back down in trip, including placed efforts in three top-level races over 1m, third to Notable Speech at the Breeders' Cup (firm) the final time; took advantage of a good opportunity in Leopardstown Listed event on reappearance; possibilities back up in class, provided he takes well to first-time headgear.

6/1

1st

8

(12)

15th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 0f 0y

15:07 Leopardstown

The Lion In Winter

9st 7lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Impressed in a Curragh maiden and the Group 3 Acomb Stakes at two; failed to win in a high-profile campaign last year; flopped in the Dante and the Derby; redeemed himself with smart placed form in 1m Gr 1s at Longchamp/Ascot and in the Breeders' Cup Mile; never threatened in Hong Kong Mile; easy ground a worry, though he ran well on soft in the Prix Jean Prat.

10/11

Form: 31-4

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Dam's winners include Just Fine, who won an Australian Group 1 at 1m4f; a low-profile 2yo career ended with a 1m AW maiden win but he led for a long way in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket and did well to head the pack behind the first three; he was said to be only 80% ready, so improvement can be expected but it's unlikely to be enough for him to take a hand today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

13

(4)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

17:35 Ascot

Tornado Alert

9st 2lb

J: James McDonald

T: Saeed bin Suroor

Won at Newcastle (1m, AW) last October on second start and fourth on reappearance in the 2,000 Guineas (1m, good), albeit no match for the front three; creditable sixth of 18 in the Derby at Epsom (1m4f, good) 12 days ago; he'll appreciate the drop back in grade and is not discounted.

9/1

18

(11)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

15:30 Epsom

Tornado Alert

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Saeed bin Suroor

Dam's winners include Just Fine, who won an Australian Group 1 at 1m4f; a low-profile 2yo career ended with a 1m AW maiden win but he led for a long way in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket and did well to head the pack behind the first three; he was said to be only 80% ready, so improvement can be expected but it's unlikely to be enough for him to take a hand today.

33/1

Form: 11-7

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Granddam is Oaks winner Eswarah; 2-2 as 2yo, latterly in a Listed race on soft, and ran as well as could have been expected when seventh in the Dante at York on his needed comeback; the bar is much higher here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

3

(15)

6th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 3

15:15 York

Tuscan Hills

10st 0lb

J: David Egan

T: Nigel Tinkler

Won a Listed race at two and his first runs as a 3yo were in the Dante and the Derby; Epsom triggered a downturn in his fortunes but Nigel Tinkler has got him back on track with a close fifth at Thirsk and a near miss at Newmarket; both those runs suggested this longer trip is now needed; respected.

6/1

2nd

3

(3)

14th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:37 Newmarket (July)

Tuscan Hills

10st 0lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Nigel Tinkler

Started his career with two wins including a Listed event in October 2024; has had some major struggles since but he's shown signs of a revival for his current yard and was beaten less than 2l at Thirsk (1m, good) last time; rallied well in that race and has claims if this sets up for his closing style.

8/1

5th

6

(10)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Thirsk

Tuscan Hills

9st 7lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Commenced career with two wins, including Listed; 0-6 and patchy form-wise since but proved resurgent in York handicap (1m; debut for new stable) most recently and is interesting off current mark assuming he builds on that effort.

12/1

Non-runners

Ruling Court

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £338.80
Straight Forecast £316.34
Tricast £8294.72
Trifecta £3431.20

Selections

The Guardian:

Pride Of Arras

SPOTLIGHT:

Delacroix

Daily Mail:

Lambourn

The Times:

Midak

LAMBOURN:

Al Wasl Storm

D Express:

Tornado Alert

NEWMARKET:

Nightwalker

Telegraph:

Tennessee Stud

RP RATINGS:

Ruling Court

TOPSPEED:

The Lion In Winter

Daily Mirror:

Pride Of Arras

The Sun:

Pride Of Arras

The Star:

Pride Of Arras

POSTDATA:

Delacroix

Daily Record:

Delacroix