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

4th

2

(4)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 34y

Class 1

13:30 Newbury

Cover Up

9st 3lb

J: William Buick

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Ran his best race for this yard when picking up well to win a 5f Class 2 handicap at Ascot (good; has won on soft) in decisive fashion eight weeks ago; looked every inch a Pattern-race performer there but this is a strong race of its type and he'll need another personal best.

10/1

1st

3

(14)

26th Jul 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:15 Ascot

Cover Up

9st 9lb

J: William Buick

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

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.

7/1

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

3rd

10

(3)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 21y

Class 2

17:40 Windsor

Rhythm N Hooves

8st 7lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Robert Cowell

Won three 5f handicaps in 2025; continued to run well on his first three starts this year but he didn't really fire behind a stablemate at Goodwood (5f, good) last time; that took his losing run up to ten and he needs to get back near his best.

15/2

4th

11

(10)

1st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Goodwood

Rhythm N Hooves

8st 7lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Robert Cowell

Notched three 5f handicaps in 2025 and he has continued in decent form this season, fifth of 14 at Musselburgh last month; ought to be thereabouts once more off an easing mark.

10/1

5th

8

(2)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 2

15:42 Musselburgh

Rhythm N Hooves

8st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Robert Cowell

Prominent racer who won off 2lb lower at Newbury (5f, good to firm) last summer; held his form well without winning on the AW over the winter; no obvious reason why he won't be involved again but one or two of these could be better handicapped.

14/1

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

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

3rd

12

(4)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Toca Madera

9st 1lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Useful on his day for Brian Meehan, third to subsequent Group 1 winner American Affair over C&D (good to firm) last spring off an 11lb higher mark; might have needed both his runs for new connections, midfield over C&D at the Dante meeting last time; very dangerous if staging a revival.

10/1

11th

13

(20)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:20 York

Toca Madera

8st 10lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

His form has gone the wrong way since he was third in this last year (good to firm), behind two subsequent Group-race winners, and he needs a good step forward from his recent stable/seasonal debut at Thirsk (5f, good to firm) where he was seventh; however, he's 8lb lower than 12 months ago and could be just the type that David O'Meara excels with; interesting contender.

20/1

7th

3

(11)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Thirsk

Toca Madera

9st 8lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Poor strike-rate for one of his ability when trained by Brian Meehan but he can go well fresh and is starting out for David O'Meara (sold 22,000gns last October) off a dangerous mark, some 6lb lower than when third in a hot 5f handicap at York's Dante meeting last May; possible he'll have one eye on that prize but still more interesting than many.

7/1

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

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

3rd

1

(9)

13th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 4

17:00 Lingfield (AW)

Glamorous Breeze

9st 13lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Christopher Mason

She was having just her third run on AW when running out the stylish winner of a C&D handicap nine days ago; a 4lb rise shouldn't be beyond her but stall nine tempers enthusiasm.

9/2

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

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

7th

8

(11)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Vintage Clarets

9st 1lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Close third off 6lb higher (from stall 5) in this contest two years ago and 2-4 at Chester overall; however, has a big doubt over current form, reflected in two duck eggs this season; wide draw adds uncertainty.

25/1

12th

7

(10)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 2

15:42 Musselburgh

Vintage Clarets

8st 12lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Ten-time winner whose mark is now 3lb lower than for his latest success; probably needed the run when well held at Southwell two weeks ago, but didn't show much and may require another before hitting his stride.

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

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

1st

3

(11)

5th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 1

15:10 Bath

Azure Angel

9st 9lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Edward Bethell

Back to something approaching her best when winning a 14-runner handicap at Southwell last September (blinkered first time); may have needed the run back at Southwell last month (first run for 164 days); she'll do well to win but a minor placing isn't out of the question.

25/1

6th

4

(8)

4th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 3

16:02 Southwell (AW)

Azure Angel

9st 7lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Edward Bethell

Gained her first turf success at Redcar (5f, good to firm) last June and made it 5-10 on the AW when landing a handicap in first-time blinkers over this C&D in September; off since but she holds good claims on this surface off this 4lb higher mark.

9/2

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

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

1st

4

(11)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 1

13:50 Doncaster

Aramram

9st 10lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Notably tough and consistent in handicaps, posting another personal best when winning narrowly at Ascot (6f, soft) last October; this Listed event requires another step up the ladder but he always gives his all and it's not out of the question.

10/1

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

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

6th

6

(4)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 3

16:25 Nottingham

Michaelas Boy

9st 5lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Robert Cowell

Has a better strike-rate on AW than on turf and it's four years since his sole success in this sphere; not the percentage call in this first grass attempt since last August.

12/1

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

8th

2

(7)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:30 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 10lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Enhanced his excellent course record when narrowly landing a 5f handicap at the May meeting; stays 7f but rarely seen at the trip now; may prove vulnerable to stronger stayers.

11/2

1st

3

(3)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Chester specialist whose seven course wins include this race last year (off current mark under Oisin Murphy) and Listed event later in 2025; inconsistent elsewhere since but commands respect returned to the Roodee; favourably drawn.

3/1

12th

7

(4)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Roman Dragon

9st 5lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

Well handicapped on his best form last season but he's not easy to predict and has been up and down during another spell in Bahrain since December; comes with risks attached back in Britain and most of his wins have been at Chester; tongue-tie worn last time is removed.

25/1

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

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

4th

9

(8)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Ascot

Mesaafi

9st 3lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Ross Burdon

Ran a fine race when third over C&D last July and he turns up here off an 8lb lower mark; poorly drawn when down the field at Lingfield on Good Friday; could bounce back with a big run.

10/1

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

2nd

5

(10)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Ascot

Emperor Spirit

9st 7lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Michael Keady

Made a winning debut for this yard at Newmarket last July (5f, good to firm) and he is now 3lb lower; patchy record since but he can go well fresh and he has a good C&D run on his record.

20/1

8th

1

(7)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Emperor Spirit

9st 11lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Michael Keady

Prominent racer; made a winning stable debut at Newmarket (5f) in July off 2lb higher; fair third at Chelmsford two weeks ago (6f) but more will be needed to come out on top this time.

10/1

8th

1

(7)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Emperor Spirit

9st 11lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Michael Keady

Prominent racer; made a winning stable debut at Newmarket (5f) in July off 2lb higher; fair third at Chelmsford two weeks ago (6f) but more will be needed to come out on top this time.

10/1

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

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

8th

3

(8)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 2

15:42 Musselburgh

Tropical Storm

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

More miss than hit in 2025, winning 5f Listed race at York (good to firm) in May but failing to make the frame otherwise; now returns from a gelding operation on a handy mark and with his stable in form; big chance if he's on a going day.

9/2

+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