June 17 / 15.40 Ascot

15.40

Good

King Charles III Stakes (Group 1)

  • Prize money: £411572.82
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 21 runners
ITV
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King Charles III Stakes (Group 1)

Runners: 21 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 10-115 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Made outstanding progress in 5f handicaps and the way he raced to the front at York (good to firm) in May showed that a switch to Group company wouldn't be at all fanciful; unable to show what he was made of behind Mgheera in a Group 2 at Haydock (5f, good) since, as a gap shut as he was about to go through it, and he remains one to keep on the right side.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

2

(4)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

American Affair

10st 1lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Said goodbye to handicaps when winning over C&D in May 2025 and just two runs later he won the Group 1 King Charles III at Royal Ascot (good to firm; handles good to soft); off the track for nearly a year after and he's been slowly working his way back to form since, looking more his old self when winning a Group 2 at Glorious Goodwood latest; a likely force.

7/1

1st

2

(9)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

American Affair

9st 4lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Won the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm) last June then missed the rest of the season; mixed form this year but he showed spark when second to Night Raider at Haydock in May and today's expected frenetic gallop will be right up his street; not ruled out.

11/1

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

22/1

Form: 3600-6 C BF

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Smart 6f form as 2yo and 3yo, winning Group races in each year as well as finishing third of 14 in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at this meeting in 2024; has needed some excuses since though and he was a disappointing favourite in a 5f Haydock Listed race on his recent reappearance; a hood goes on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

1

(1)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Jasour

9st 12lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Clive Cox

Group 1-class sprinter at his best but it's been a struggle this season since an encouraging start at Listed level and he now has his sights lowered for a first crack at a handicap; has a lot of weight and perhaps better at 6f than 5f.

16/1

5th

2

(7)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:02 Newbury

Jasour

9st 9lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Clive Cox

Has an underwhelming strike-rate for a horse of his ability and losing spell goes back over two years; that said, has spent over half of his career in Group 1 races, best effort when third in the 2024 Commonwealth Cup; drops back in class after a heavy defeat at this year's Royal Ascot.

8/1

Form: 5546-7 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Went to a new level when winning a Group 2 at Haydock (5f, soft) last May but taking the next step proved beyond him in Group 1s later, such as when fifth of 17 in this race (good to firm) and fourth at the Curragh (5f, good); out the back on comeback at York and later targets should prove more suitable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(3)

15th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

14:25 Dundalk (AW)

Kerdos

9st 8lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Stephen Thorne

Won four for Clive Cox, including the Group 2 Temple Stakes in 2024; first win since came here last month in 5f handicap (first-time blinkers) coming off strong pace to reel in long-time leader late on (Collective Power, Fox In Flight and Valiant Force behind); 5lb higher now but still on an okay mark.

5/1

1st

5

(9)

12th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

14:00 Dundalk (AW)

Kerdos

9st 3lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Stephen Thorne

Won four for Clive Cox, including the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock in 2024, his last victory; yet to hit those heights for this yard and has been soundly beaten on his last three starts; 0-2 on the AW but did run well here behind Valiant Force in February; blinkers replace cheekpieces worn last time.

16/1

11th

7

(17)

28th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

13:40 Curragh

Kerdos

9st 9lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Stephen Thorne

High-class form for Clive Cox included a Group 2 win at Haydock in 2024; has failed to win since; last four runs for this stable not encouraging; mark sliding but needs to rediscover best; cheekpieces used for first time in Ireland.

12/1

50/1

Form: 311/3/ CD

Last run: 773 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Progressive 3yo in 2022 when a Listed C&D win was surpassed by only a Group 3 AW success later that year; he was seen only once as a 4yo though and not at all since, so it's likely he will be very rusty today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(12)

6th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:55 Ascot

Manaccan

9st 13lb

J: Stevie Donohoe

T: John Ryan

Won Listed (including C&D on good to soft) and Group 3 races before two-year absence; out of his depth in Group 1 and 3 races since but sights were lowered when he was a more encouraging fourth of ten in the Shergar Cup over C&D (good to firm) last month; back on dry land after another Group 1 venture since and can't dismiss.

12/1

16th

3

(1)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Manaccan

10st 1lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: John Ryan

Won two 5f Listed races and a Group 3 (AW) in 2022; missed two years subsequently and well back in two Group races this summer; his fourth of ten at the Shergar Cup at Ascot (5f, good to firm) 13 days ago was more like it but this looks too big a task.

66/1

4th

1

(11)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:35 Ascot

Manaccan

10st 0lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: John Ryan

Hard to weigh up after being absent for two years and then finishing down the field in Group races over this C&D and at Sandown, but he's well treated on the pick of his form, including a cosy win in this race in 2022, and he has the benefit of Hollie Doyle in the saddle.

13/2

Form: 0511-3

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Dynamic on AW and was much too swift for his rivals when making it 4-4 (7f and 6f) in a Listed race in November; the return to turf didn't come off when again trying to make all in a Group 2 at York (6f, good to firm) in May when he was a sitting duck late on; however, AW specialists often run well here and he should have the speed for the drop to 5f; remains intriguing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(2)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Night Raider

10st 1lb

J: James Doyle

T: K R Burke

Has taken time to get to grips with turf and was easily seen off when fourth in this last year; however, a gelding operation in the close season has worked wonders and he followed a Group 3 win with one in a Group 2 at Haydock (5f, good to soft), overcoming a slow start to win in some style; his star has dimmed somewhat at Royal Ascot and Goodwood since, but the return to a flat track offers hope that he can be on song again.

14/1

10th

1

(13)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Night Raider

9st 7lb

J: James Doyle

T: K R Burke

Returned this year having been gelded and he's been an improved model, winning the Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket (5f, good to firm) and the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock (5f, good to soft) before leading home those who raced in the centre group when tenth of 26 overall at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm); usually front-runs and this speedy track should suit him better than Ascot (ran well in this last year); strong claims despite 3lb penalty.

3/1

10th

8

(6)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Night Raider

9st 7lb

J: James Doyle

T: K R Burke

Turned his back on a brilliant AW career and, after some fruitless efforts on turf in 2025, as when fading into mid-division in this race, the switch has paid off handsomely since he was gelded, the usual front-running tactics working well at Newmarket (good to firm) before he showed he doesn't have to lead when arriving late for a cosy Group 2 win at Haydock (also 5f, good to soft) in May; this stiff 5f asks a question but he could achieve yet more.

13/2

Form: /224-3 D

Last run: 73 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Sparingly raced for a 7yo but he's high class on his day and he hit the jackpot when winning the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock (6f, good) in 2023; seen only three times last year but he found only Asfoora too good in this race and, following a nine-month break, he was produced in great shape to finish a close third to Believing in a Group 1 at Meydan (6f) in April; another placing is realistic.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

12

(2)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Regional

9st 5lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

0-9 since winning the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock (6f, good) in September 2023 but he's often run extremely well in the meantime, finishing placed in the 2024 and 2025 runnings of the King Charles III Stakes here (5f, good to firm) and third on last month's reappearance in the Group 2 Minster Stakes at York (6f, good); each-way contender at a track he obviously relishes.

40/1

3rd

12

(9)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:30 York

Regional

9st 10lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Still capable of classy form, having been placed in the last two runnings of the 5f Group 1 at Royal Ascot; however, he's on a losing run, being 0-8 since landing the Sprint Cup at Haydock in 2023; getting on and returns to action as an 8yo.

14/1

3

(3)

30th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Beverley

Regional

9st 4lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Has made into a high-class, dependable sprinter and he wasn't beaten far in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm) in June; far from disgraced in another Group 1 at Deauville last time when the extended 6f possibly stretched his stamina; all his wins have come on good ground or firmer so rain could jeopardise his chance, but he's the one to beat on form in first-time blinkers.

13/8

Form: 551-16 CD BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Has not had many 5f runs since winning a Group 3 as a 2yo and he appreciated the return to this trip when a ready winner of a Listed C&D race (soft) in October and a Group 3 at Newmarket (good) in May; however, a recent sixth to Mgheera in a Group 2 at Haydock leaves him with a lot to find today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(8)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Rumstar

10st 1lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Has four Group 3 wins (on good and good to firm) under his belt; outward appearances suggest this level is beyond him but if the door had opened in time for him in this last year he might have been placed instead of finishing only fifth; frame chance.

16/1

2nd

7

(3)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Rumstar

9st 4lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Reappeared with good second to Night Raider in the Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket (5f, good to firm) and bounced back from below-par run at Royal Ascot to win at Sandown (5f, good) four weeks ago, taking that Group 3 for the second year in a row; has won here and is firmly in calculations.

9/2

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

12/1

Form: 3910-7 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Dabbles at both sprint trips but 5f on fast ground suits him well as he showed both when finishing an excellent third in the Group 1 Nunthorpe at York (good to firm) in August and for his win in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar (firm) in November; should come on plenty for last month's reappearance and the weather has been kind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

9

(10)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Starlust

10st 1lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Finished a close third in the 2024 running and went on to win the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (5f, firm; has won on good to soft) later in the year; seen only twice in 2025 and it's been a slow process recapturing form but a recent close fourth to Redorange in a C&D Listed race (first-time visor, now discarded) in July was better; no surprise to see him go well at a price.

50/1

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

Form: 554-59 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
An infrequent winner but he's been a fine sprinter in his time and has run with great credit in the last three runnings of this race, finishing second, fourth and sixth; whether he can reproduce those efforts after finishing well held in two runs for new yard looks unlikely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

12

(19)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Twilight Calls

8st 12lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Richard Spencer

Classy sprinter back in the day and the new visor has been floating his boat with recent form figures of 121 in 5f handicaps, latterly getting up in the nick of time at Newmarket; only 3lb higher and this hold-up performer should have this run to suit; finished fifth in last year's Stewards' Cup, faring best in his group; firmly in calculations.

8/1

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

Form: 57-243 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Capable at the right level over both sprint trips but he's been vulnerable in the better races and had every chance when a one-paced third of 11 to Mgheera in a Haydock Group 2 (5f, good) in May; an onlooker again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(5)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:15 Beverley

Washington Heights

9st 7lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Successful in a Carlisle Listed event (5f, good to firm) in May; solid efforts under a penalty twice since; handles soft ground but suspicion he will prove vulnerable giving weight away again.

9/2

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

4/1

Form: 124-17 CD

Last run: 52 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Excellent Australian mare who really got shifting to beat the locals in this race last year; unable to add to that in two British runs afterwards but perhaps she's more of a powerhouse on this track; looked to retain all her ability when winning in April on return from a layoff but she ran flat just two weeks later and has had a different preparation to last year, arriving much later this time and coming here without a British warm-up run; first-time headgear adds another question but she's earned a lot of respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

(3)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Asfoora

9st 12lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Henry Dwyer

Made an indelible impression when taking Royal Ascot by storm in the King Charles III two years ago and adding two more Group 1s in 2025 with this race (good to firm) and the Abbaye (very soft); has held on to much of her ability in 2026, not far away back at Royal Ascot and going down narrowly to American Affair in a Group 2 at Goodwood recently, but it's not certain that she still has what it takes to add to last year's win.

8/1

4th

8

(6)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Asfoora

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Henry Dwyer

Three Group 1 wins, the latest last October, and second in this race in 2024 (seventh last year); step back in right direction when close seventh at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm) but finished last at Sandown subsequently (slowly away) and it's been an underwhelming campaign; has to raise her game.

12/1

9th

5

(8)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 1

13:50 Sandown

Asfoora

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Henry Dwyer

Australian mare who has become less consistent with age but is very smart on her day, as three Group 1 wins on British/French soil attest; showed clear signs of a return to form last time when bidding to regain her King Charles III Stakes crown; top rated, back down in grade.

2/1

Form: 112-31 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Progressive 4yo who made great strides in the autumn with a hat-trick at about 5f on heavy and soft ground; a recent Listed win at Haydock (5f, good) suggests she's still improving, but this is likely to be hard labour.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(5)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 34y

Class 1

13:30 Newbury

Balmoral Lady

9st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Ed Walker

Made giant strides in the second half of 2024 and she carried on the good work when winning in Listed company at Haydock in May (5f, good); struggled at Royal Ascot but of more concern are her two sub-par efforts since; others look more solid.

10/1

9th

7

(11)

5th Jul 2025

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 1

13:50 Sandown

Balmoral Lady

9st 2lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

She has made giant strides since making her handicap debut off a mark of 69 at Haydock last July, winning five times, most recently in Listed race at Haydock in May (5f, good); only ninth at Royal Ascot but she raced furthest from the main action and still looked in peak form; drying ground wouldn't be ideal, though, and she has the widest stall to overcome.

8/1

13

(4)

17th Jun 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Balmoral Lady

9st 4lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Ed Walker

Progressive 4yo who made great strides in the autumn with a hat-trick at about 5f on heavy and soft ground; a recent Listed win at Haydock (5f, good) suggests she's still improving, but this is likely to be hard labour.

33/1

Form: 3223-1 D

Last run: 73 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Very reliable mare who stood a tough 2024 season with fortitude, regularly on the premises in the top sprints, including when fourth, having every chance, in this one (the first of two runs at the meeting); she achieved more when going down only narrowly from a poor draw in the Group 1 Nunthorpe at York (5f, good to firm) in August; sold for 3,000,000gns in December; returned to action with a Group 1 win at Meydan (6f) in April and she looks set for another big run at the top level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(11)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Believing

9st 5lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

In foal to Frankel; sold to new owners for 3,000,000gns last December and broke her Group 1 duck with Meydan success (6f) on reappearance; didn't live up to market expectations returned to 5f at Royal Ascot, albeit not ideally drawn; normally consistent and made the frame in several top sprints prior to her Dubai performance; likely to rebound.

9/1

14

(1)

17th Jun 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Believing

9st 4lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: George Boughey

Very reliable mare who stood a tough 2024 season with fortitude, regularly on the premises in the top sprints, including when fourth, having every chance, in this one (the first of two runs at the meeting); she achieved more when going down only narrowly from a poor draw in the Group 1 Nunthorpe at York (5f, good to firm) in August; sold for 3,000,000gns in December; returned to action with a Group 1 win at Meydan (6f) in April and she looks set for another big run at the top level.

9/2

2nd

13

(1)

15th Sep 2024

Good

0m 5f 0y

15:35 Curragh

Believing

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: George Boughey

raced far side, midfield, headway inside final furlong, went second inside final 110yds, ran on well towards finish

7/2

Form: -87221 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Often leads; her highest-profile wins have been a Group 3 at Meydan (5f, good) in March 2024 and a Haydock Listed race (6f, good to firm; from Prime Art) last month; this level has proved beyond her so far.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20th

16

(3)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Frost At Dawn

9st 4lb

J: William Buick

T: William Knight

Has only ever won three races but there's no doubting how smart she is when getting good to firm ground, as when beaten by only American Affair in the 2025 running and a later third to Asfoora in the Group 1 Nunthorpe at York; it's easy to excuse two defeats in 2026 and look forward to another solid show.

40/1

8th

11

(8)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

Frost At Dawn

9st 3lb

J: Sean Levey

T: William Knight

Made all in Listed race here (6f, good to firm) last May and placed in two 5f Group 1s subsequently; in the mix on best form and she's a lot better than she showed at Newmarket on her return, but has to leave that heavy defeat well behind; cheekpieces go on; slight doubt about slow ground.

10/1

13th

10

(12)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:55 Newmarket

Frost At Dawn

9st 6lb

J: Luke Morris

T: William Knight

A record of two wins from 16 turf starts in no way does justice to the Group 1 form she's capable of, such as a close second in the King Charles III at Royal Ascot and a third to Asfoora in the Nunthorpe at York (both 5f, good to firm); the likely fast ground is a blessing and has good claims if on song.

6/1

15/2

Form: 506-11 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Fairly undistinguished sprint form, nearly all on testing surfaces, in France but when she did find herself on officially good ground, in a Listed 5f race at Chantilly last June, she won in some style; has raised her profile since moving to Britain, winning a Group 3 at Longchamp and dashing home to land a Group 2 at Haydock (5f, good; unraced on good to firm) in May; has a bit to find in form terms but she's at the top of her game and may go higher yet.
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: 080-61 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Recaptured form when returned to 5f in Group 3 at Chantilly (good to soft) recently but this big rise in class is likely to ask too much of her, especially as she's unraced on ground officially quicker than good to soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

24th

20

(13)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Monteille

9st 4lb

J: Cristian Demuro

T: Mario Baratti

Admirable close eighth of 20 in this last June (good to firm) considering she's well suited by good to soft or slower ground; showed her best colours when beating Rayevka to win Group 3 at Longchamp (5f, very soft) last September but will do well to improve on last year's run under these conditions.

50/1

17

(18)

17th Jun 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Monteille

9st 4lb

J: Cristian Demuro

T: Mario Baratti

Recaptured form when returned to 5f in Group 3 at Chantilly (good to soft) recently but this big rise in class is likely to ask too much of her, especially as she's unraced on ground officially quicker than good to soft.

66/1

Form: 11/5-2

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Juvenile season ended with a Group 3 win at Ayr (6f, good to soft) on final start for Johnny Murtagh; seen only once as a 3yo but she was better than ever when pressing Frost At Dawn in Listed race at Haydock (6f, good to firm) in May; goes into the unknown on first 5f run; has been supplemented.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19

(20)

17th Jun 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Prime Art

9st 4lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Juvenile season ended with a Group 3 win at Ayr (6f, good to soft) on final start for Johnny Murtagh; seen only once as a 3yo but she was better than ever when pressing Frost At Dawn in Listed race at Haydock (6f, good to firm) in May; goes into the unknown on first 5f run; has been supplemented.

40/1

5

(4)

23rd May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Haydock

Prime Art

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Won 2yo Group 3 for Johnny Murtagh at Ayr (6f, good to soft) in 2023, and close fifth on stable debut in Group 3 at York (6f, good to soft) last July; that was her sole run last year and she's unraced on fast ground, but she has the ability to be involved if returning at the top of her game.

6/1

2nd

5

(4)

23rd May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Haydock

Prime Art

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Won 2yo Group 3 for Johnny Murtagh at Ayr (6f, good to soft) in 2023, and close fifth on stable debut in Group 3 at York (6f, good to soft) last July; that was her sole run last year and she's unraced on fast ground, but she has the ability to be involved if returning at the top of her game.

6/1

Form: 2116-6 D BF

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Smart sprinting 2yo whose four 5f wins included a Group 3 at Longchamp (good to soft) and Group 2 at Doncaster (good), both from the front; has to put a disappointing reappearance at York (favourite) behind him in this much better race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20

(9)

17th Jun 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Aesterius

9st 1lb

J: James McDonald

T: Archie Watson

Smart sprinting 2yo whose four 5f wins included a Group 3 at Longchamp (good to soft) and Group 2 at Doncaster (good), both from the front; has to put a disappointing reappearance at York (favourite) behind him in this much better race.

25/1

6th

1

(9)

15th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

16:18 York

Aesterius

9st 9lb

J: William Buick

T: Archie Watson

Reappears carrying a 5lb penalty but he was a Listed, Group 3 and Group 2 winner last season, and his defeat of Big Mojo and Magnum Force in the Flying Childers reads extremely well; strong claims.

5/4

6th

1

(9)

15th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

16:18 York

Aesterius

9st 9lb

J: William Buick

T: Archie Watson

Reappears carrying a 5lb penalty but he was a Listed, Group 3 and Group 2 winner last season, and his defeat of Big Mojo and Magnum Force in the Flying Childers reads extremely well; strong claims.

5/4

Form: 184-23

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Narrow winner of first two races as a 2yo but, even allowing for his second in a Group 3 (extended 5f, good to soft) in the first of two runs at Chantilly this season, he faces a steep uphill task in this first run over a bare 5f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

21

(22)

17th Jun 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Estepona

9st 1lb

J: Clement Lecoeuvre

T: M Delcher Sanchez

Narrow winner of first two races as a 2yo but, even allowing for his second in a Group 3 (extended 5f, good to soft) in the first of two runs at Chantilly this season, he faces a steep uphill task in this first run over a bare 5f.

100/1

Form: 814-61 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Second of 13 in the Group 2 Norfolk here last year but he couldn't compete with Aesterius in a Group 2 at Doncaster in September; comes here in good form after winning a Listed race narrowly at York (5f, good to firm) but he's hard to recommend at this level; sold for £500,000 on Monday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(8)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 3

16:15 Southwell (AW)

Tropical Storm

9st 6lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Hasn't been at his best since a Listed win at York last May but he's on a reduced mark and showed some spark when third at Goodwood in May; he's had wind surgery since a midfield finish at York later in May and it will be no surprise if he runs well on AW debut.

8/1

12th

11

(8)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Tropical Storm

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

His best form is at 5f and he hasn't been at the top of his game since a Listed win at this meeting last May; however, he kept on well for third at Goodwood (5f, good) recently, suggesting the return to 6f is worth exploring, and his two career wins have both come here; a visor goes on.

10/1

3rd

7

(3)

1st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Goodwood

Tropical Storm

9st 0lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Bagged 5f York listed event last May; off seven months/gelded before posting an encouraging eighth of 14 in 5f Musselburgh handicap 27 days ago, nearest finish having lost ground when hampered soon after start; not without interest off a reduced mark.

6/1

Form: 1-2118 D

Last run: 73 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Had a promising, rather than stellar, 2yo season but he raised the bar when breaking the 5f track record in a Group 2 at Meydan (good to firm) in January, without having too hard a time either; he wasn't so overbearing when following up next time but this trip will suit better than the 6f he ran over when eighth to Believing there in April; not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

3

(19)

19th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 89y

Class 2

13:50 York

West Acre

9st 10lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: George Scott

Has plenty of ability (two Group-race wins in Dubai) but slow starts have crept in, notably in the Stewards' Cup 18 days ago; the experiment with blinkers has been quickly aborted but he is a risky proposition for now.

50/1

19th

5

(17)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Goodwood

West Acre

9st 8lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: George Scott

Quickly established himself as a smart sprinter, winning Group 2 and Group 3 prizes at Meydan (both 5f; good to firm and good) in early 2025; the addition of cheekpieces saw him return to his best when second in a 5f Group 3 on Dundalk AW last October; not quite at his best in two runs in Dubai in January and absent since; new blinkers need to have a positive effect.

33/1

2nd

1

(5)

24th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

19:15 Dundalk (AW)

West Acre

10st 3lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: George Scott

British raider won twice at Meydan in the spring, landing a Group 2 and a Group 3 (both at 5f); came up short in a 6f Group 1 there in April; below-par last twice on turf but he is 2-3 on the AW so could rebound in first-time cheekpieces after an 111-day break.

7/1

Non-runners

Bucanero Fuerte, No Half Measures

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Believing

SPOTLIGHT:

Mgheera

POSTDATA:

Rumstar

D Express:

Prime Art

The Times:

Night Raider

The Guardian:

Asfoora

TOPSPEED:

Regional

LAMBOURN:

Mgheera

Daily Mirror:

Mgheera

Daily Record:

Mgheera

NEWMARKET:

Believing

Telegraph:

Believing

The Sun:

Believing

The Star:

Believing

Daily Mail:

Rumstar