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

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

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

3rd

8

(1)

22nd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 3

19:17 Windsor

Rhythm N Hooves

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Robert Cowell

Poor effort at Epsom, behind two of these, last time will need forgiving but he boasts a fair record for Billy Loughnane (won for him last summer off 6lb higher); handicapper given him a chance and it wouldn't be a shock were he to pop up.

6/1

19th

18

(8)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Rhythm N Hooves

8st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Robert Cowell

Admirable campaigner who is gradually edging down the weights; type to pop up soon but perhaps in a slightly less competitive affair.

20/1

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

12th

7

(3)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:55 Ascot

Toca Madera

9st 5lb

J: Luke Morris

T: David O’Meara

Exploited his reduced mark in fine style at Doncaster (5f, good to firm) last month; came up short off an 11lb higher mark in Ireland 13 days ago, hanging left; minor placing perhaps his best hope this time.

12/1

6th

2

(8)

28th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

13:40 Curragh

Toca Madera

10st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Made all for an emphatic 5f Doncaster win early this month, his first success since August 2024; up 11lb for that; however, he had a higher mark early in his career when trained by Brian Meehan; definite chance, given the depth of the sprinting division in Britain, relative to Ireland.

9/2

1st

6

(6)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

14:30 Doncaster

Toca Madera

9st 5lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

His last win was in August 2024 but he went close off a reduced mark in a 16-runner handicap at York (5f, good) last month; back up 2lb in the weights but that was a bold bid last time and he's respected.

9/4

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

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

2nd

2

(9)

22nd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 3

19:17 Windsor

Glamorous Breeze

10st 1lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Christopher Mason

Prolific winner, mainly in the summer, who ran as well as she ever has off tonight's career-high mark on her comeback a month ago; entitled to have come on for that at her age and boasts a solid record over C&D (won this in 2023), so enters calculations.

5/1

3rd

3

(9)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

17:27 Goodwood

Glamorous Breeze

9st 9lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Christopher Mason

Ended last season in good form on AW; has done most of her winning on turf but looks weighted to the hilt on reappearance, being still on a career-high mark; seems unlikely to improve aged eight.

12/1

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

3rd

2

(5)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Vintage Clarets

9st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Gained two of his ten wins over this C&D and returns here after bouncing back to form with commendable second in last week's Epsom Dash (5f, good to soft); still well handicapped after 3lb rise; likely contender.

11/4

2nd

19

(18)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Vintage Clarets

8st 10lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Prolific winner down the years and he arrives off an 11lb lower mark than when fifth in this 12 months ago; yet to shine this year (poor draw at Chester on penultimate start) but it wouldn't be a huge shock to see him fare better today.

16/1

11th

11

(11)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Vintage Clarets

9st 3lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Prolific winner over the years, including over C&D; no impact yet this season but he wasn't disgraced from a wide draw at Chester last time and he's tumbling in the weights; solid each-way claims.

12/1

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

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

12th

14

(25)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Azure Angel

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Edward Bethell

Improved form when winning a 5f Listed race at Bath (good) in April; finished a creditable fifth of eight in a similar Carlisle race (good to firm) since but she's up a gum tree at this level.

100/1

5th

6

(1)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:33 Carlisle

Azure Angel

9st 5lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

6yo mare who sprang a 22-1 surprise in Listed race at Bath (5f, good) in April, swooping fast and late; likeable type with an impressive strike-rate but she'll need another personal best under a penalty.

10/1

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

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

2nd

1

(12)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Aramram

9st 9lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Steadily progressive, mostly in handicaps, throughout his career; won by 1l going away from Jasour in Listed event at Doncaster (6f, good to soft) on seasonal debut, looking better than ever and taking record to 6-23; solid second in both C&D starts; enters calculations upped further in grade.

11/2

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

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

1st

3

(2)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 42y

Class 4

14:40 Yarmouth

Michaelas Boy

9st 7lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Robert Cowell

AW win in January and went close 19 days later; unplaced in both turf starts this spring and he needs to raise his game.

8/1

7th

4

(7)

13th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 42y

Class 3

14:40 Yarmouth

Michaelas Boy

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Robert Cowell

Prominent racer; won at Lingfield (5f, AW) in January on second start since returning to this stable and he went close over that same C&D next time; ran creditably back on turf at Nottingham (5f, good) 17 days ago but he has a better strike-rate on the AW (1-24 on turf).

10/1

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

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

24th

14

(12)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Roman Dragon

9st 4lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Hugo Palmer

Has won in Bahrain but all eight British wins have come at Chester and he's been soundly beaten in the last two runnings of this race (100-1 each time); has been wearing cheekpieces but visor is now refitted.

100/1

11th

1

(6)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 3y

Class 2

17:55 Epsom

Roman Dragon

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Has gained all eight domestic wins at Chester, the most recent on penultimate start; Epsom is an unknown and he's on a difficult mark, conceding weight all round to boot.

22/1

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

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

4th

7

(2)

22nd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 3

19:17 Windsor

Mesaafi

9st 7lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Ross Burdon

Has done a lot of his racing over 6f and found his stamina coming into play late when winning a handicap run to suit over C&D three weeks ago; no complaints about a 2lb rise for that but this looks a bit stronger.

7/2

1st

3

(7)

1st Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 4

17:05 Windsor

Mesaafi

9st 3lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Ross Burdon

On a losing run but he got right back on track with fourth of 17 in handicap at Ascot (5f) last month; can go well off an unchanged mark.

11/2

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

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

14th

16

(7)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Emperor Spirit

8st 11lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Michael Keady

Appreciated the return to turf when finishing second of 17 at Ascot five weeks ago; 1lb rise still leaves him on a feasible mark; rarely seen on slower than good.

20/1

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