June 19 / 14.30 Ascot

14.30

Good To Firm

Norfolk Stakes (Group 2)

  • Prize money: £85065
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 15 runners
ITV
View Course
Norfolk Stakes (Group 2)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

4/5 (Won)

  • Win: £1.62
  • Place: £1.25

Form: 411 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 3lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Brother to three winners including the Prix Morny and Middle Park winner Blackbeard; only fourth of seven when sent off 4-6 for his Curragh debut (5f, good) in April, but has since made all to win easily in a Navan maiden (5.8f, soft; 8-11) and a four-runner conditions event at Naas (5f, good; 1-14); he wouldn't be certain to get his own way in front again, but a major player nonetheless; stable has won this three times, the latest in 2017; entered in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

8

(6)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

15:25 Curragh

Charles Darwin

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

3yo won three of his four starts last season, including the Norfolk Stakes (5f, gd-fm); started off this campaign with a Listed win at Naas (6f, gd-yld) but has questions to answer after finishing well beaten in a Group 3 back at Naas and in the Commonwealth Cup in first-time blinkers (retained) on latest; the pick of Moore, but needs to get back on track down in trip.

8/1

16th

4

(20)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Charles Darwin

9st 2lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Impressive in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes here (5f, good to firm) last June on fourth and final 2yo start; reappeared with Listed win at Navan (6f, good to yielding) in April and he was eased at Naas last month after Ryan Moore felt he lost his action; Moore rides stablemate Albert Einstein but this fellow remains one to be interested in; wears first-time blinkers.

14/1

14/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: 14 CD BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 3lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
1,000,000gns yearling; half-brother to two winners including Perfect Power (5f-7f including 2yo/three Group 1s; RPR 119); 16-5 when making a winning debut against previous winners in a conditions race over C&D (good to firm) in April, but a bit disappointing when beaten 2l into fourth of 11 behind First Legion at York (6f, good to firm) five weeks ago; 5lb better off with that rival (who was making his debut) and may fare better now returned to Ascot.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22th

15

(15)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Wise Approach

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Runner-up to Charles Darwin in the Norfolk here (5f, good to firm) 12 months ago and won the Group 1 Middle Park at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) in September; hasn't hit the same heights in races won by Coppull and Song Of The Clyde this season but he's not written off.

11/1

4th

1

(1)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Newbury

Wise Approach

9st 7lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Campaigned only on good/firmer; progressive 2yo campaign featured 6f wins at Newbury (Listed) and Newmarket (Group 1 Middle Park Stakes); may be back in top form with Ascot reappearance (Group 3) under his belt; major player, despite conceding weight all round.

9/2

5th

1

(3)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Ascot

Wise Approach

9st 7lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

On the up when last seen, rounding off his 2yo campaign with a comfortable come-from-behind win in the Middle Park in September (6f, good to firm); may confirm his superiority over Brussels and Coppull despite the weights turnaround and he is not fully exposed just yet.

11/8

12/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 1 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 3lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made a successful debut in the Royal Palm Juvenile at Gulfstream Park (5f, firm) last month which gained him automatic entry into this race; should be suited by the ground and it will be interesting to see how he fares in the market; trainer's previous runner in this race finished ninth of 14 in 2023.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(11)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Sandals Song

9st 4lb

J: James Doyle

T: George Weaver

Finished third in last season's Norfolk Stakes over C&D (good to firm) and it's easy enough to make a handicapping case for him on that run; two defeats in the USA this spring, finishing second to a useful sort at Churchill Downs six weeks ago; not ruled out.

14/1

3rd

14

(7)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Ascot

Sandals Song

9st 3lb

J: James McDonald

T: George Weaver

Made a successful debut in the Royal Palm Juvenile at Gulfstream Park (5f, firm) last month which gained him automatic entry into this race; should be suited by the ground and it will be interesting to see how he fares in the market; trainer's previous runner in this race finished ninth of 14 in 2023.

12/1

OUR TIP
4th
2 (2)
Ameeq

50/1

Form: 61 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 3lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Midfield on Beverley debut (5f, good to firm) but stepped up from that when winning a Nottingham maiden (5f, good) 18 days ago (runner-up filled same position at Chester last weekend); open to further progress but that form leaves him with plenty to find at this level; stable won this in 2011.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(5)

30th Jul 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Goodwood

Ameeq

9st 3lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Nottingham maiden winner who outran his 100-1 odds to finish fourth in the Norfolk at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm) having been bang there throughout before wilting in the closing stages; a fast colt who will have no trouble going the early pace and should be very competitive.

5/1

4th

2

(2)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Ascot

Ameeq

9st 3lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Midfield on Beverley debut (5f, good to firm) but stepped up from that when winning a Nottingham maiden (5f, good) 18 days ago (runner-up filled same position at Chester last weekend); open to further progress but that form leaves him with plenty to find at this level; stable won this in 2011.

50/1

2

(7)

1st Jun 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 8y

Class 5

15:30 Nottingham

Ameeq

9st 7lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Slowly away from outside stall and raced too freely on debut at Beverley (5f, good to firm) but showed significant ability before fading into sixth; ought to have learned from that experience and can improve.

7/1

Form: 1 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 3lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
140,000gns yearling; half-brother to a 6f AW winner out of a Listed-placed 5f winner; 17-2 when making all and holding on by a neck on his Salisbury debut (5f, good to firm) five weeks ago (first two clear); open to improvement but the form leaves him with a lot to find in this company; stable saddled the runner-up in this last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(3)

3rd Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 2

13:50 Sandown

Comical Point

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Andrew Balding

Consistent sort who has Listed/Group form; couple of good efforts since switched to handicap level, close second at Windsor latest; campaigned over 6f since last July but recorded his sole win (debut) over 5f; very solid claims, belatedly returned to this distance.

13/8

2nd

2

(11)

1st Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 3

19:15 Windsor

Comical Point

9st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

Useful 2yo, highly tried after his winning debut at Salisbury; third in his two runs this year, latterly in a Newmarket handicap last month (6f, good to firm); drawn wide but likely to give it another good go.

100/30

6th
1 (5)
Afjan

17/2

Form: 1

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 3lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to two 5f winners in France whose dam finished runner-up here in the Queen Mary; won a newcomers' contest at Chantilly (5.5f; good to soft; 16-5) this month and his RPR suggests that was a useful performance; shouldn't be passed over at all lightly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(5)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Ascot

Afjan

9st 3lb

J: Alexis Pouchin

T: H-F Devin

Half-brother to two 5f winners in France whose dam finished runner-up here in the Queen Mary; won a newcomers' contest at Chantilly (5.5f; good to soft; 16-5) this month and his RPR suggests that was a useful performance; shouldn't be passed over at all lightly.

17/2

25/1

Form: 3231 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 3lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in his first three starts over 4.5f-6f before off the mark in a Listed event at Chantilly (5f, good to soft) this month, just getting the better of a stablemate of Clear Force and Naval Light; a player on form, but he still has something to prove having raced only on ground softer than good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(4)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Ascot

Graft

9st 3lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Mme J Soudan

Placed in his first three starts over 4.5f-6f before off the mark in a Listed event at Chantilly (5f, good to soft) this month, just getting the better of a stablemate of Clear Force and Naval Light; a player on form, but he still has something to prove having raced only on ground softer than good.

25/1

9/2

Form: 2

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 3lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
360,000gns breeze-up purchase in April; made his debut in the same Beverley contest (5f, good; 3-1) in which connections' Shareholder made a successful debut last year before taking this, but this colt could manage only second of six; still of interest, though, and very much one for the shortlist; holds a Phoenix Stakes entry.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(4)

31st Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 3

15:00 Epsom

Naval Light

9st 7lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Could only manage a midfield finish at Goodwood (7f, good to firm) when bidding for a hat-trick; still has relatively low mileage but this is deeper than the Catterick event he won on his penultimate start.

7/2

7th

7

(8)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Naval Light

8st 6lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Took a while to hit the target but he had some notable maiden form, including at this meeting last year, and now bids for a hat-trick after wins under Jack Nicholls at Pontefract (6f maiden, good to soft) and Catterick (7f handicap; good to firm); further improvement is possible; respected.

13/2

1st

3

(4)

15th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

16:10 Catterick

Naval Light

9st 5lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Wore down a next-time-out winner (pair clear) late on when making it seventh time lucky in 6f Pontefract maiden (good to soft) under Jack Nicholls eight weeks ago; will be equally as effective back at 7f and can be made to look well treated on a few of his runs.

5/2

Form: 2

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 3lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Promising second of nine (clear of the third) on Wolverhampton debut (5f, AW; 20-1) last month; should win races but it's unlikely to be this one.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(8)

12th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

16:45 Doncaster

Irish Fighter

9st 9lb

J: Tommie Jakes

T: Ismail Mohammed

Ran well in the Super Sprint; comfortably held in the face of a stiffer task in the Gimcrack upped to 6f since and this is an easier assignment; still unproven beyond 5f, however.

14/1

4

(8)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Irish Fighter

9st 2lb

J: Mickael Barzalona

T: Ismail Mohammed

Fairly useful over 5f and ran creditably in the Super Sprint at Newbury most recently; however, he looks a fair way below Gimcrack standard and doesn't seem to be crying out for the extra furlong yet.

25/1

5th

11

(20)

19th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 34y

Class 2

15:30 Newbury

Irish Fighter

8st 11lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Ismail Mohammed

Mid-field in Norfolk at Royal Ascot before readily landing the odds in maiden at Windsor (5f, good to firm) later in June; has a bit to find with some of these but he's going the right way and impossible to discount.

12/1

12/1

Form: 12

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
500,000gns breeze-up purchase in April; 6-1 when coming from off the pace to make a winning debut at York (6f, good to firm) last month and, despite things not entirely panning out his way, he again ran well to be beaten a length into second of seven in the Listed National Stakes at Sandown (5f, good) a fortnight later; this stiff 5f should also suit him; trainer won this in 2014; high on list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

13

(2)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 York

First Legion

8st 8lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Richard Hannon

Made it 0-10 since winning on debut over C&D last May when underwhelming at Leicester 19 days ago; however, he was in good form previously, finishing 3l fifth of 14 over 7f here (good) earlier last month when not quite seeing out the trip; edging down the weights and could be involved.

20/1

4th

3

(7)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:50 Leicester

First Legion

9st 8lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Richard Hannon

Successful 2yo debut and later close up in a 6f York handicap (good to firm) last August; best effort since when beaten about 1l at Newmarket in April but the step up to 7f back at York last time wasn't a particular positive, even though he ran perfectly well in fifth of 14; major contender back at 6f on drying ground.

5/1

25/1

Form: 214 D BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second on Musselburgh debut (5f, good) in April and easily went one better in a five-runner Ripon novice (5f, good; 1-4) 13 days later; 15-8 favourite for the Listed National Stakes at Sandown (5f, good) three weeks ago but could manage only fourth of the seven runners (just over 2l behind First Legion); something to find; one of two runners for last year's winning stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(2)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

15:50 York

Clear Force

9st 9lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Highly tried after winning a Ripon novice in April and he came up short in Listed/Group 2 company; back on track when second of seven in a 5f nursery at Haydock two weeks ago; raised 2lb and likely he will need to improve again to defy top weight here.

5/1

2nd

1

(8)

26th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

15:25 Haydock

Clear Force

9st 9lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Won easily at Ripon (5f, good) in April but found out in a higher grade on her next two starts; back from a small break when a fairly underwhelming third of three over C&D (good) on her nursery debut seven weeks ago; raced freely that day so may do better if settling this time.

4/1

3rd

2

(3)

8th Aug 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

17:40 Haydock

Clear Force

9st 9lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Won easily at Ripon (5f, good) in April on second start and mid-division on next two starts in a Listed race at Sandown (5f, good) and the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm); now drops back down in grade for in-form trainer and could be a serious force on his nursery debut.

13/8

66/1

Form: 21 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 3lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
50-1 for last month's Bath debut (5f, firm) but beaten under a length into second of six and went one better with a half-length success at Nottingham (5f, good) a week ago; needs to improve plenty to make an impact in this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(9)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 4

17:30 Windsor

Lil Brother

9st 8lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Michael Keady

His nursery win came here over 5f off 2lb higher; quiet in two runs for current trainer, the latest after wind surgery and a gelding operation.

33/1

7th

2

(8)

7th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:12 Newmarket (July)

Lil Brother

9st 12lb

J: Kyle McHugh

T: Michael Keady

Dual winner on turf for previous yard; absent and had wind/gelding operations since below-par effort on AW last December (stable debut); the market signals may give useful extra guidance on reappearance.

16/1

9th

3

(11)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

15:50 York

Lil Brother

9st 6lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Paul Attwater

Consistent colt who can boast 5f wins at Nottingham (novice) and Windsor (nursery off 4lb lower) this season; finished behind two of today's rivals at Haydock two weeks ago but he raced further away from the stands' rail than either Clear Force or Concert and it was also his first run on slower than good; apprentice takes off a handy 5lb; contender.

11/2

Form: 2

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 3lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
175,000gns breeze-up purchase in April; 9-2 when beaten just over a length into second of 13 on his Leicester debut (6f, good) last month; plenty to find on ratings but wins by the third and fifth last weekend give the form some substance; not ruled out each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(3)

21st Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:45 York

Hey Tru Blue

9st 5lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Struggled in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot but clear promise on his other three starts, most recently fourth of 11 on nursery debut at Goodwood three weeks ago (7f, officially heavy but riding faster); returns to firmer ground but a jolt of improvement is needed to defy the same mark.

10/1

2

(11)

31st Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Goodwood

Hey Tru Blue

9st 5lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Entered in the Gimcrack; soon on the back foot after starting slowly in the Norfolk at Royal Ascot but comfortably made amends when a shade of odds-on at Doncaster (6f, good; raced prominently); drawn widest here but must be held in some regard to have that Group 2 entry; respected.

6/1

5

(6)

10th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 5

14:00 Doncaster

Hey Tru Blue

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Finished in front of Wyle Cop when second at Leicester on debut; always on the back foot after a tardy start in the Norfolk Stakes three weeks ago; leading contender back in calmer waters.

9/4

100/1

Form: 332

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 3lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made a promising debut when third of 17 in the Brocklesby at Doncaster (5f, good to soft) in March; although that race hasn't really worked out, the form of his third of six in a Newmarket novice (5f, good) and second of eight in the Lily Agnes at Chester (5f, good) certainly has; maidens have won this race in recent years and he could outrun his likely big odds.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(5)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Beverley

Exclamation

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Grace Harris

Made all at Chester (5f, good) this spring and two of his last three defeats have come in very big fields at the major festivals; ran well to be beaten a short head in between and he shouldn't mind any easing of conditions; mark okay and could go well back down in grade.

20/1

22th

14

(22)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Exclamation

8st 12lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Grace Harris

Made all at Chester this spring and always prominent when narrowly denied in a small field at Sandown latest (5f, good; second run in cheekpieces); probably worth taking on, with consistency not his forte.

25/1

2nd

4

(1)

3rd Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 2

13:50 Sandown

Exclamation

9st 1lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Grace Harris

Fairly useful on his day; good second over C&D last summer and made all at Chester this spring; has faced mostly difficult tasks otherwise this term but is the least solid contender on 2026 bare form; behind unexposed Westport at Royal Ascot.

14/1

Form: 621 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 3lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Finished a long way behind Clear Force on Musselburgh debut (5f, good) in April but has improved, going down narrowly to the subsequent Hilary Needler winner at Pontefract (5f, good) later in month and winning a Ripon novice (5f, good) 15 days ago; will need to step up again to play a part here, though; holds a Phoenix Stakes entry.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

2

(8)

20th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

20:24 Newcastle (AW)

Star Material

10st 0lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Often slowly away but his refusal to race at Redcar last month was a new low; blinkers tried there are quickly dispensed with; hard to recommend after latest display.

16/1

3

(1)

29th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

14:05 Redcar

Star Material

9st 6lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Ran his best race of the year when third of eight at Chepstow (6f, good to firm) 26 days ago, his first run after a gelding operation; regular slow starts aren't ideal and the switch to blinkers isn't enough to earn him the vote.

7/1

3rd

2

(1)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

19:53 Chepstow

Star Material

9st 11lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Won a Ripon novice (5f, good) last June and ran well on his handicap debut at Ayr (6f, soft) in September; hasn't featured in two starts this year and has been gelded since last seen in May.

7/1

Non-runners

London Boy

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £12.20
Straight Forecast £7.89
Tricast £40.62
Trifecta £76.00

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Charles Darwin

NEWMARKET:

Sandal's Song

Daily Mirror:

Afjan

The Star:

Naval Light

LAMBOURN:

Comical Point

SPOTLIGHT:

First Legion

Daily Record:

Sandal's Song

TOPSPEED:

Charles Darwin

POSTDATA:

Charles Darwin

The Times:

Charles Darwin

Telegraph:

Charles Darwin

The Guardian:

Charles Darwin

Daily Mail:

Charles Darwin

D Express:

Charles Darwin

The Sun:

Charles Darwin