July 26 / 17.15 Ascot

17.15

Good

Whispering Angel Handicap

  • Prize money: £30924
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
SKY
View Course
Whispering Angel Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

7/1 (Won)

Form: 304560 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Has won on soft and good to firm; pulled hard and just minor late progress in the Wokingham here (first-time tongue-tie, retained) in June but he hadn't been far behind Aramram at Newbury (also 6f, good to firm) previously and a stiff test at 5f could prove ideal; can be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(15)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Cover Up

10st 1lb

J: William Buick

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Has won on soft and yielding ground but best on good or quicker; came from the clouds before meeting trouble in running in the King Charles III at Royal Ascot, so did well to finish about 3l behind the winner; again came from behind when leading near the line in a Group 2 at the Curragh since; in prime form but those tactics can be hard to pull off here.

14/1

1st

2

(8)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

15:25 Curragh

Cover Up

9st 9lb

J: James Doyle

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

British raider was in fine form at Meydan at the turn of the year, winning a Listed (yielding) and a Group 2 (good), both over 5f; didn't get the smoothest of runs when beaten 3.5l in the King Charles III at Royal Ascot last time (behind Rosy Affair and Jakajaro) and could get closer here if getting a clear passage.

7/1

13th

4

(21)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Cover Up

9st 7lb

J: James McDonald

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

One of his best domestic efforts when winning a C&D handicap last July; seemingly improved when successful in 5f Listed and Group 2 events at Meydan (yielding and good) in midwinter but has much more to do in this company.

28/1

Form: 243067 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Won the big 3yo handicap over C&D at the main meeting in 2023; seen only twice over 5f here since but there were no obvious excuses when beaten over 3l here two weeks ago and this asks for more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

(6)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 34y

Class 3

13:55 Newbury

Rhythm N Hooves

9st 2lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Robert Cowell

Won this 12 months ago off 9lb higher; 0-15 since and a change of headgear (retained) failed to stop the slide at Ascot three weeks ago.

6/1

8th

13

(12)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:20 Ascot

Rhythm N Hooves

8st 6lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Robert Cowell

Won at Royal Ascot in 2023 and second in this race in 2025; the handicapper has been in command for much of 2026 but he went close at Windsor last month; not in the same form at Newmarket two weeks ago but the switch from cheekpieces to a visor could help; contender.

10/1

8th

11

(3)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Newmarket (July)

Rhythm N Hooves

9st 3lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Robert Cowell

Had a rare off day in the Dash at Epsom but quickly back on track with a close third at Windsor (5f good to firm) 18 days ago; unlikely to be far away off the same mark.

10/1

Form: /3757- D

Last run: 211 days

W: 8st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Well treated on several runs, including over C&D; he said goodbye to 2024 with a low-key run in December but he did run well in a conditions race at Beverley (5f, good) in September after the best part of two years off and a good comeback run is not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(5)

30th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:37 Salisbury

King Of Stars

10st 2lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Formerly useful; hasn't won since 2021 and ended last season with a pair of duck eggs; best watched on reappearance, unless the market suggests otherwise.

3/1

1

(2)

30th Sep 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 10y

Class 4

16:52 Bath

King Of Stars

10st 0lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Michael Appleby

1-1 over C&D; two good efforts since returning from latest seven-month absence but ran moderately when twelfth of 14 at York last time; 11l margin of defeat does him some disservice though (squeezed out then eased) and this drop in grade can help him bounce back; easiest task on turf for years; interesting.

7/1

10

(3)

7th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 89y

Class 2

15:00 York

King Of Stars

8st 12lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Had some long spells on the sidelines since his solid 2022 campaign; two solid efforts since returning from latest seven-month absence; has run well over C&D and should give it a good go from the front.

10/1

Form: 263430

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Some good 5f runs in the early months of the turf season but he came up well short over C&D two weeks ago and this will ask for more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(4)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:55 Goodwood

Toca Madera

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Has done himself proud since Doncaster win in June, finishing close up over 5f at the big meeting here and again in the Stewards' Cup (6f) four days later; another smart effort when third of 21 at York next time but well held on good to soft there since and deteriorating ground would be a worry.

5/1

16th

12

(14)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Toca Madera

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Back in top form for David O'Meara this summer, running well twice at Glorious Goodwood and again when third of 21 here (5.4f, good) on Wednesday; tanked through Wednesday's race but didn't see it out quite so well as the front two; the worry today is that further rain has fallen and he is ideally suited by good to firm.

10/1

3rd

9

(4)

19th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 89y

Class 2

13:50 York

Toca Madera

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

He has performed with credit in all three York runs; two fine runs at Glorious Goodwood, notably in the Stewards' Cup in which he would have gone very close to winning granted a clear run at a crucial stage; races off the same mark and has a big run in him.

6/1

Form: 3-1315 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 0lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
On the crest of another wave this year, winning two of her first three starts and losing nothing in defeat in a scramble for second place over C&D recently, after having to be switched; likely to have another say.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(3)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 34y

Class 3

13:55 Newbury

Glamorous Breeze

10st 0lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Christopher Mason

Likeable 8yo mare with a consistent record and ten wins to her name; as good as ever when third of 23 at Glorious Goodwood (5f, good) last month, keeping on gamely; should go well again off 1lb higher.

7/1

3rd

15

(12)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Glamorous Breeze

8st 11lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Christopher Mason

An 8yo mare but as good as ever and close up in 5f handicaps this season at this track, Windsor and Ascot; in the mix.

10/1

5th

12

(10)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:55 Ascot

Glamorous Breeze

8st 13lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Christopher Mason

Yet to win at Ascot but she has run some good races over C&D, including a close fifth in this race 12 months ago; better than ever in defeat this season; another big run is on the cards.

14/1

16/1

Form: 985500 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Numerous good C&D runs to go with her three wins (good to soft and soft; has won on good to firm) but she hasn't been quite herself in 2025 and she flagged over C&D two weeks ago; needs a revival now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(9)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

13:30 Doncaster

Woolhampton

9st 7lb

J: Oliver Searle

T: Rod Millman

Never a threat after a slow start in the corresponding race 12 months ago; as good as ever when winning at Sandown and Ascot (came from well back) in August/September and two subsequent defeats excusable (ground/Listed race); 3-8 on soft or worse but might be better suited by a stiffer finish.

16/1

8th

12

(5)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Ascot

Woolhampton

8st 12lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Rod Millman

At least as good as ever this year, winning handicaps at Sandown (5f, soft) and over C&D (good to soft) in September; found things happening too quickly at Haydock last Saturday and she's in deeper today, but she does go really well at Ascot and the more rain that falls the better.

16/1

3

(2)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Haydock

Woolhampton

9st 8lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Rod Millman

Likeable mare with eight wins to her name, including at Sandown (5f, soft) and Ascot (5f, good to soft) in the last four weeks; impossible to rule out but she's gone up 13lb in total for those successes and she'll need a career best to complete the hat-trick.

100/30

Form: 073652 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Useful efforts in all four course starts at 6f and 5f and he ran his best race of the year when just nutted on the nod at Newcastle (AW) in June; back up 3lb and he shouldn't be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

(2)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Beverley

Vintage Clarets

9st 1lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

All ten wins at 5f; last scored just over a year ago on good to firm but he's got plenty of form on a softer surface and ran well when runner-up in Epsom's "Dash" in June; also performed with credit at Glorious Goodwood and could be the type to bounce back from a lesser effort at Pontefract a fortnight ago; having just his second outing here since winning a C&D novice back in 2021.

5/1

6th

6

(8)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

17:45 Pontefract

Vintage Clarets

9st 0lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Twice went close in June (5f, good to soft) and he ran well once more when close seventh of 23 at Glorious Goodwood (5f, good) last time; could be in the shake-up.

7/1

7th

21

(9)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Vintage Clarets

8st 8lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Two no-shows at Goodwood were at this meeting in 2023, including this race; however, provided the track doesn't pose any problems, he could be interesting after strong finishes in the Dash at Epsom and last time at Chester where a slow start was the last thing he needed; he should be coming home to some effect.

14/1

Form: 0-5213 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Has a healthy AW strike-rate; off the mark on turf when favourably positioned at Redcar (5f, good to firm) in June and her next race, when third at York one week later, may have come too soon; this will be harder.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

13

(14)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Azure Angel

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Edward Bethell

Has not yet won above Listed level; anything but disgraced when mid-division in the King Charles III at Royal Ascot or when a close fifth to Redorange in a C&D Listed race after, but it's hard to see her in this picture.

150/1

15th

9

(10)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Azure Angel

9st 1lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Edward Bethell

Respectable effort in midfield in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm) last month before 1l fifth of 13 in Listed race at York (5f, good to firm); however, a career best is needed today.

25/1

5th

7

(5)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:12 York

Azure Angel

8st 13lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Edward Bethell

Likeable mare with a good strike-rate; ran at least as well as could have been expected when midfield in Group 1 at Royal Ascot (125-1) last time, but she was only fifth to Washington Heights in Listed event the time before; may again be up against it.

16/1

7/2

Form: 222164 BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
A very good marker in top 6f handicaps this year, including when close up in the Wokingham at the Royal meeting; fascinating to see him dropped to 5f, presumably testing the waters for a possible tilt at the Group 1 Nunthorpe next month (also holds a Group 1 entry over 6f); intriguing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(3)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Aramram

9st 12lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Progressive handicapper last year; took form to a new level with a Listed win at Doncaster on his seasonal return and performed to a similar level when second in the Group 3 Abernant at Newmarket in April; Group 1 company was too much to handle at Royal Ascot and a mighty performance will be needed to defy his big weight back in a handicap (12lb higher than for his narrow Ascot win last October).

9/1

15th

2

(3)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Aramram

9st 5lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Last season concluded with C&D handicap win (soft); better than ever this year with a Listed win (6f, good to soft) and Group 3 second (6f, good) and another solid run when fifth of 13 in Group 2 at York (6f, good) last time; however, his form needs to go to another new level today.

40/1

5th

4

(7)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:30 York

Aramram

9st 10lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Steadily progressive over 6f, mostly in handicaps prior to showing bigger things this season by bagging Listed honours at Doncaster (good to soft) and finishing a good second in Group 3 at Newmarket (good); at the top of his form and may rate higher still; in the mix.

9/1

20/1

Form: 834302 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Useful strike-rate on AW but 1-21 on turf; has run respectably over C&D in the past but there's more to be done than when narrowly giving best at Chepstow (5f, good to firm) recently.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(6)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 8y

Class 4

19:45 Nottingham

Michaelas Boy

10st 0lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Robert Cowell

Always tended to be hot and cold in the past, so disappointing he didn't fare better at Lingfield (AW) latest given a decent record there; not a lot of wiggle room off this mark and is now tried in first-time cheekpieces (wore blinkers twice as a 2yo).

6/1

8th

1

(1)

6th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 4

16:15 Lingfield (AW)

Michaelas Boy

10st 4lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Robert Cowell

Two wins and a close second to his name in four runs over C&D; tended to be hot and cold in the past, twice winning back-to-back, which bodes well after bouncing back off 4lb lower at Yarmouth last time; goes well for Luke Morris too.

7/2

33/1

Form: 519100 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
All British wins at Chester, over 6f and 5f; an outsider and he ran accordingly in the Wokingham here in June, nor did he put up much of a show over C&D since (first-time blinkers, now visored); has it to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(5)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

17:00 Chester

Roman Dragon

10st 0lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Hugo Palmer

Back to the mark off which he won a 5f handicap at the May meeting; not had optimal conditions since but returning to 6f and dropping in class could see a revival from this eight-time course winner.

5/1

6th

3

(6)

2nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:52 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 13lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

Eight course wins to his name, the latest in May (5f, good) off a 2lb lower mark; had form over 7f in his youth but this year's two C&D runs haven't been convincing.

16/1

9th

4

(9)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 1

15:52 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Hugo Palmer

Has won in Bahrain but all eight British wins have come at Chester (5f/6f); his last success was in May but he's gone backwards since and was beaten 14l in the Wokingham last time; now returns to Chester but he's drawn out wide and has something to prove back up in trip.

14/1

12th
11 (5)
Mesaafi

7/1

Form: 821193

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Can lead; won two in a row on AW (6f) in June and he's shown a liking for Ascot in two starts this year, significantly on the return to 5f when he didn't lose by much over C&D last time; should figure.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(5)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 8y

Class 4

19:45 Nottingham

Mesaafi

9st 7lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Ross Burdon

In good form at Windsor early in the summer but a couple of below-par efforts since, including back there; wants a proper test over an easy 5f and will need to bounce back to his best off this mark.

6/1

11th

11

(1)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 3

19:28 Windsor

Mesaafi

9st 5lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Ross Burdon

Ended a losing sequence over 5f here in June; not at his best when beating just two in 5f Ascot handicap 16 days ago but no surprise to see him bounce back returned to this track.

14/1

13th

16

(14)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:55 Ascot

Mesaafi

8st 5lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Ross Burdon

Well drawn when third in this race 12 months ago and he is 5lb lower this time around; arrives on the back of some good runs and another big run is expected.

12/1

Form: 2898-1 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Often leads; his form tailed off in 2024 for previous trainer but he was in fine fettle last summer and it took a very smart one to head him near the line in this race 12 months ago; returned to action with a convincing Newmarket win (5f, good to firm) two weeks ago for this yard and although back up 5lb he looks sure to give it plenty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

(8)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:20 Ascot

Emperor Spirit

8st 11lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Michael Keady

Ran a stormer over C&D on his seasonal return; the ground went against him at Epsom on Derby day and he has quickly bounced back with placed efforts at Beverley and Newmarket; up 2lb for latest near-miss but still on a good mark; Oisin Murphy booked; decent chance.

7/1

3rd

9

(8)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Newmarket (July)

Emperor Spirit

9st 5lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Michael Keady

First run for Michael Keady when winning this race 12 months ago off a 3lb higher mark; two good runs on fast ground this year (below par on slower going in the Epsom Dash) and he's likely to make another bold bid.

5/1

2nd

3

(3)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:02 Beverley

Emperor Spirit

9st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Michael Keady

Blows hot and cold but he is on a dangerous mark and his second of 17 at Ascot (5f, good to firm) in May was a fine effort; subsequent run in the Dash at Epsom can be forgiven (ground) and this should be more to his liking; other pace influences on show.

7/1

Form: 14-610 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in the Group 2 Norfolk at the Royal meeting last term; both wins in Listed company at 5f on good to firm and he never had a foothold in the Group 1 King Charles III here in June; switches to a different type of race on handicap debut but probably still capable of better.
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

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £61.92
Tricast £1747.78

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Emperor Spirit

TOPSPEED:

Cover Up

LAMBOURN:

Tropical Storm

The Times:

Mesaafi

The Guardian:

Aramram

POSTDATA:

Azure Angel

RP RATINGS:

Vintage Clarets

D Express:

Tropical Storm

The Star:

Mesaafi

NEWMARKET:

Cover Up

Telegraph:

Cover Up

The Sun:

Aramram

Daily Mail:

Emperor Spirit

Daily Mirror:

Emperor Spirit

Daily Record:

Emperor Spirit