October 11 / 15.40 Newmarket

15.40

Good

Club Godolphin Cesarewitch Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £90195
  • 2m 2f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 19 runners
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Club Godolphin Cesarewitch Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 19 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly sunny

Form: /5-463

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Fifth (hampered) and sixth (trip looked too sharp) in the last two Ebor Handicaps over 1m6f at York in August; creditable, keeping-on third in the Doncaster Cup on latest outing showed he stays this marathon distance; he needs to take his form to a new level, however, if he's to win this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(2)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Hipop De Loire

9st 4lb

J: George Wood

T: Nick Scholfield

Has some back-class on the Flat but the wheels came off big-time over hurdles for Willie Mullins and, after moving on for 15,000gns, he was tailed off at 50-1 on yard debut at Goodwood (1m6f; blinkers returned).

66/1

7th

1

(3)

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Goodwood

Hipop De Loire

9st 12lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: Nick Scholfield

Sixth off 1lb higher in last year's 1m6f Ebor at York and third in the 2m2f Doncaster Cup; however, ended last season on a low note and pulled up in hot races for all three starts over hurdles this spring; left Willie Mullins for 15,000gns 16 days ago and blinkers (last worn in Germany in 2023) replace recent cheekpieces; which side he shows today remains to be seen.

66/1

7

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 190y

16:15 Punchestown

Hipop De Loire

11st 10lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

Classy sort on the Flat, third in last year's Doncaster Cup; 9yo has had just four runs over hurdles, winning Galway maiden last summer, but pulled up on both starts since last month's return, never featuring in Albert Bartlett and again in Grade 2 Fairyhouse novice (Generous Risk second); cheekpieces tried last time persisted with.

33/1

OUR TIP

Form: -23052

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
No win this year but she's run with credit every time except for in the Chester Cup; serious traffic problems when fifth of 20 off today's mark at Royal Ascot (2m4f, good to firm) on penultimate start; each-way player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(5)

20th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 2y

Class 2

16:03 Pontefract

Divine Comedy

9st 1lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Harry Eustace

0-6 this year but has often run really well, finishing second at Goodwood (2m, heavy) last month and fourth of 22 in the Cesarewitch (2m2f, good to firm) nine days ago; she's a leading candidate today.

2/5

2

(4)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Divine Comedy

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Harry Eustace

No win this year but she's run with credit every time except for in the Chester Cup; serious traffic problems when fifth of 20 off today's mark at Royal Ascot (2m4f, good to firm) on penultimate start; each-way player.

12/1

1

(2)

2nd Sep 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:08 Goodwood

Divine Comedy

10st 2lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Harry Eustace

Perhaps handicapped about right but was bang there in the 2m4f Ascot Stakes (good to firm) when last seen in June and today's softer surface will be welcomed; good chance.

9/4

28/1

Form: 5-4446

Last run: 70 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Markedly progressive overall when trained by Natalia Lupini in Northern Ireland, rounding it off with an always-prominent fourth of 16 at Royal Ascot (1m6f, good to firm); changed hands before a respectable show at Goodwood ten weeks ago; while going beyond 1m6f for the first time looks worth a go, it's hard to know whether it will help sufficiently to win this top handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(3)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Barnso

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Markedly progressive overall when trained by Natalia Lupini in Northern Ireland, rounding it off with an always-prominent fourth of 16 at Royal Ascot 2025 (1m6f, good to firm; 2lb lower today); respectable show at Goodwood last summer, ten weeks before running poorly in the Cesarewitch when going beyond 1m6f for first time was not to blame; bit to prove on first run since.

25/1

3

(14)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Barnso

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Markedly progressive overall when trained by Natalia Lupini in Northern Ireland, rounding it off with an always-prominent fourth of 16 at Royal Ascot (1m6f, good to firm); changed hands before a respectable show at Goodwood ten weeks ago; while going beyond 1m6f for the first time looks worth a go, it's hard to know whether it will help sufficiently to win this top handicap.

28/1

6th

6

(11)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:55 Goodwood

Barnso

9st 3lb

J: David Egan

T: Alan King

Markedly progressive overall trained by Natalia Lupini in Northern Ireland, rounding it off on last two outings with fourth of six in slowly run Listed race at Navan (1m6f, soft) in April and always-prominent fourth of 16 in handicap at Royal Ascot (1m6f, good to firm); changed hands since; respected.

16/1

Form: -60045

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Won 2m5f Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot in 2023 and a 2m Group 3 at the Curragh last November; also third, fifth and fifth in last three editions of the 2m1f Irish Cesarewitch in September (sole run in cheekpieces last time) and while none of his 2025 form looks good enough to win this, he's 7lb lower than when about 4l sixth in this contest last year, which gives him a shot.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(9)

28th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

17:45 Curragh

Dawn Rising

10st 0lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Smart dual-purpose performer but on losing run since November 2024; excellent second in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket last October but well below best in three runs this term and this trip looks far too sharp; others appeal more.

18/1

7th

2

(4)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

19:20 Curragh

Dawn Rising

9st 9lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

No wins last season but strong form in defeat in big staying handicaps; fourth in the amateur handicap at Galway, fifth in the Irish Cesarewitch and signed off with a fine second in the Cesarewitch; recent run here was over an inadequate trip, more expected of here and seemingly McMonagle's pick.

10/1

12th

1

(7)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 0y

14:30 Curragh

Dawn Rising

10st 1lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

No wins last season but strong form in defeat in big staying handicaps; fourth in the amateur handicap at Galway, fifth in the Irish Cesarewitch and signed off with a fine second in the Cesarewitch; runs over an inadequate trip here on second start of the season.

16/1

Form: 1/03-9 CD

Last run: 75 days

W: 9st 3lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Veteran whose big-race win on the Flat came in this contest on soft ground in 2023 off 3lb lower than today; missed most of last year (well beaten in this on return, ran creditably next time) and he's had just one race this season, when not discredited (ninth of 20) at Galway in July; ground softer than good would be preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(2)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

2m 0f 71y

14:30 Curragh

The Shunter

9st 9lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Emmet Mullins

Useful jumper has won twice on the Flat, the last being the 2023 Cesarewitch; didn't get the clearest passage when beaten 11l in this year's renewal; handles this ground and can run well.

12/1

Form: 1/3-45

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Started his career with maiden wins on the Flat in France and over hurdles in Ireland; he's seemingly not lived up to expectations in the latter sphere and has returned to Flat for last two outings, never-nearer fifth of 17 in valuable handicap at Leopardstown (1m5f) on latest; that gave renewed hope, for trainer and owner who have both made their marks in this race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

2

(10)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Bunting

9st 10lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: W P Mullins

Poor strike-rate (two maiden wins) in Flat and hurdling spheres and he went the wrong way in his latest hurdles campaign; however, he ran well in two major Flat handicaps last season, including when third to Beylerbeyi in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm); 3lb higher today but 7lb claimer Harry Vigors is booked; like so many, he has each-way hopes.

11/1

6th

1

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 58y

15:40 Punchestown

Bunting

11st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Modest strike-rate over hurdles for one of his ability, hasn't added to Limerick maiden win as a 3yo, albeit some good runs in top company; didn't land a blow in BetMGM Cup at Cheltenham on latest but previous Leopardstown fourth was a solid effort; major claims down in grade here.

100/30

9th

21

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Bunting

10st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: W P Mullins

Raced freely when 12-1 in this last year and was pulled up; a maiden hurdle in December 2023 remains his last win and he's not been consistent, but such performances as his Flat third in the Cesarewitch (second favourite; plenty went wrong) in October and fourth of 16 in a hot 2m4f handicap hurdle at Leopardstown in December show that he can still be competitive on his day.

12/1

Form: 81-085 CD

Last run: 52 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Three big-race wins in Britain last year included the Chester Plate (2m2f, good to firm) and this race (soft; 6lb higher today); while nothing like that impact this term, trying to come from the back at Royal Ascot was a nightmare and it wasn't much better at York's Ebor meeting, beaten 3l in both; they suggested he could still have another big handicap win in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(17)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:40 Newcastle (AW)

Alphonse Le Grande

9st 11lb

J: Sam Coen

T: A J Martin

Held up; a superb 2024 included wins in the Chester Plate, this race and the Cesarewitch at Newmarket; 2025 campaign was initially promising then frustrating, including with trouble in running, but ended up being disappointing; he's back to his last winning mark, but that's having been always behind at 40-1 in the Chester Cup last time; he will surely spark again at some point but it's hard to know exactly when.

10/1

12th

15

(14)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Alphonse Le Grande

8st 9lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: A J Martin

Held up; an excellent 2024 included wins in the Chester Plate on this card (his only run here) and the Cesarewitch at Newmarket; 2025 campaign was initially promising then frustrating, including with trouble in running, but ended up being disappointing; has a recent 1m2f run under his belt and would be competitive off this slightly reduced mark if back on song.

14/1

13th

5

(17)

24th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 2f 100y

19:45 Cork

Alphonse Le Grande

9st 6lb

J: James Ryan

T: A J Martin

2024 Cesarewitch winner was winless in light campaign last year; absent since November and this trip on the short side for seasonal return.

16/1

Form: 111423

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Held up; had barely gone beyond 1m this time last year but registered a hat-trick this summer on first three attempts at 1m4f; hugely caught the eye with strong finishes from way back at Doncaster (extended 1m6f, good to soft; raced a bit freely) and Newbury (1m5f) on last two starts; there's a bit more to prove on good to firm; 2m2f is a step in the dark and he needs to settle (hooded first time) but no doubt he's well handicapped and thriving.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(7)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Beylerbeyi

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Tricky to settle and is held up in rear; won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm; 9lb higher today) last October and had some very solid AW form over 1m2f-2m this year; back to near his best when eighth of 20 at Royal Ascot (2m4f) but he needs to hit a new high if he's to win this.

16/1

8th

1

(16)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Beylerbeyi

9st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm; 9lb higher today) last October and had some very solid AW form over 1m2f-2m this year; not nearly so good in his two races back on turf but his recent run at Epsom (1m2f) should have teed him up nicely for this; current mark and tactical issues coming from the rear are the chief worries.

12/1

10th

5

(17)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Beylerbeyi

9st 3lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Acts on good to soft, much more to prove on soft; won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm; 10lb higher today) last October and had some very solid AW form over 1m2f-2m this year, prior to tailing off at 50-1 in the Group 3 Ormonde at Chester four weeks ago; he's not on a bad mark but plenty needs to go right if one of his late rushes is to prevail in this.

33/1

33/1

Form: 223193

Last run: 34 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Regular improvement for new yard, including a win at the Shergar Cup at Ascot (2m, good to firm) in August and going oh so close off this mark in three-way photo at York (2m, good) on latest outing; he's well handicapped and, with a good chance that 2m2f will help with further progress, another bold show should be on its way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 3

15:34 Ascot

Fireblade

10st 2lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Dylan Cunha

Made good strides last season and scored twice at up to 2m, latterly at this track (good to firm); shaped encouragingly on 2026 return (1m2f); failed to build on that at Windsor (11.4f) nearly ten weeks later but takes another step back up in trip today; well handicapped if he returns to his best.

9/2

4th

5

(5)

27th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 3

19:45 Windsor

Fireblade

9st 5lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Dylan Cunha

Brother to the top-class Cracksman; made good strides for Dylan Cunha last season (scored twice at up to 2m) and he shaped encouragingly over an inadequate 1m2f when fourth of eight in handicap at Pontefract in April; appeals as the sort to do well in 2026 and interesting now back up in trip.

7/2

9

(4)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Fireblade

8st 13lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Dylan Cunha

Did well last season, including a win over 1m4f in April but he was best later on at about 2m (including at York); reappearance this term was pretty encouraging, considering it was over just 1m2f, and he looks a serious each-way contender.

14/1

Form: 5/70-4 BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Tailed off at just 7-1 in this race last year but second past the post since in two top handicap hurdles (March and July) and awarded one of them; close fourth at Chester (2m) four weeks ago was near his best Flat form, although he hung when challenging; visored once (well beaten in 2023) and now has cheekpieces; good to firm would be a concern; needs a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(5)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 5f 80y

17:20 Listowel

Ndaawi

11st 0lb

J: Mr H C Swan

T: Gordon Elliott

Smart dual-purposer type got the Galway Hurdle in the stewards' room last summer and beat very useful Absurde in conditions' hurdle last month; his Flat run at Chester in September proved that he's worthy of this mark and showed he had a bit of boot when running well over 1m on AW pre-Cheltenham.

6/4

1st

5

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 70y

13:50 Cork

Ndaawi

11st 2lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Won the Galway Hurdle last year off 145 (awarded race by stewards) and has also won twice on the level (rated 91); trip and ground fine here and he finished well ahead of Absurde in the County Hurdle last month, though he had a fitness edge that day; talented claimer takes off 5lb and every chance at the weights.

15/8

14th

1

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Ndaawi

12st 0lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Very smart hurdler whose two visits to this meeting have produced a third in the 2024 Fred Winter and second to Kargese in this last year; improved again to win last summer's Galway Hurdle (pipped by Helvic Dream but awarded the race after suffering interference); below par when remote third to Lossiemouth in Grade 1 Morgiana in November but warmed up for this with a fine run on AW Flat last month over a trip short of his best; while his good record in top handicap hurdles (also second in 2024 Galway Hurdle) makes him a dangerous one to discount, he'll require a high-class performance to win off 156.

20/1

14/1

Form: 1-3102

Last run: 71 days

W: 8st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Has won two hurdle races and twice on Flat at Killarney, most recently with a strong-staying display over 2m1f in 15-runner handicap (good) this May; ran creditably both starts since, second off this mark to an impressive winner at Glorious Goodwood (2m4f) last time, but needs to find a bit extra.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

6

(12)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Mordor

9st 6lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Gordon Elliott

Brought from Ireland last year for Glorious Goodwood (2m4f, soft; second off 6lb lower than today) and the Cesarewitch (2m2f, good to firm; 14th); reappeared this spring with a career best on Flat to win at Navan (1m6f, heavy) and a creditable third in 3m hurdle race, but another career high is needed.

20/1

3rd

1

15th May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 50y

18:30 Kilbeggan

Mordor

11st 12lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Dual hurdles winner was last seen over timber finishing eighth of 24 in the 2025 Martin Pipe (2m5f, good to soft); kept on Flat since then and added a third win in that sphere when successful at Navan last time (1m6f, heavy); most of his wins came on good ground, so leading contender back over obstacles fit and in form.

9/4

3rd

3

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

18:35 Punchestown

Mordor

12st 6lb

J: Maxime De Chambord

T: Gordon Elliott

Rated 126 over fences and 94 on the Flat, 1m6f win off 87 at Navan latest, leading chance.

9/4

Form: 4/119-

Last run: 363 days

W: 8st 7lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Can make the running; superb 2022-23 season was his best over hurdles/fences, including big-field wins at the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals; a 10yo before his attentions were turned to the Flat and he won twice (2m1f/1m6f) last August/September; the five good handicaps since, however, have seen him comfortably held (last four were over fences); off since April; today's hood is his first ever headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

(17)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Seddon

8st 7lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: John C McConnell

Can make the running; superb 2022-23 season was his best over hurdles/fences, including big-field wins at the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals; a 10yo before his attentions were turned to the Flat and he won twice (2m1f/1m6f) last August/September; the five good handicaps since, however, have seen him comfortably held (last four were over fences); off since April; today's hood is his first ever headgear.

40/1

9th

8

30th Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 80y

18:05 Punchestown

Seddon

10st 13lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

led, headed 4th, prominent behind clear leader 8th

14/1

12/1

Form: 22-1

Last run: 58 days

W: 8st 5lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Aged 11 but he's a seriously unexposed, dark horse on Flat; smart hurdles form in Grade 1s in August 2024-May 2025; three Irish maiden races are all he's contested on Flat, when runner-up twice last year (2m/1m6f) and winning by a short head this August (2m) but he's not been hit hard with this opening Flat mark and having Willie Mullins as his trainer demands respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 1

14:22 Wetherby

Winter Fog

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

11yo who appeared to be outstayed when fourth, beaten about 8l, in the Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown (extended 2m7f, yielding) in May; however, that was still a good performance in today's context and he's fit from the Flat; possible player for top Irish stable.

8/1

4th

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 1

14:22 Wetherby

Winter Fog

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

11yo who appeared to be outstayed when fourth, beaten about 8l, in the Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown (extended 2m7f, yielding) in May; however, that was still a good performance in today's context and he's fit from the Flat; possible player for top Irish stable.

8/1

14

(11)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Winter Fog

8st 5lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: W P Mullins

Aged 11 but he's a seriously unexposed, dark horse on Flat; smart hurdles form in Grade 1s in August 2024-May 2025; three Irish maiden races are all he's contested on Flat, when runner-up twice last year (2m/1m6f) and winning by a short head this August (2m) but he's not been hit hard with this opening Flat mark and having Willie Mullins as his trainer demands respect.

12/1

Form: 50-300

Last run: 105 days

W: 8st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Useful form in defeat for the Gosdens at up to 2m last spring; thrown in on that form and he's been a fair hurdler since (won a maiden) but he's not beaten many in his three Flat runs this year for Tony Charlton; now trained by his owner Syd Hosie.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(4)

11th Jul 2026

Good

1m 6f 87y

Class 4

17:32 Chester

Vaguely Royal

9st 1lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Dual-purpose performer but his last Flat win was in December 2023; some creditable efforts off a falling mark on AW (2m) and turf (1m6f) this season but he was tailed off at Newbury last time and needs to bounce back after that; cheekpieces are removed and visor returns.

10/1

6th

7

(2)

1st Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Newbury

Vaguely Royal

8st 12lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Ian Williams

Third in his last three starts, but may not have achieved that much and remains without a win on the Flat since the end of 2023; others more compelling.

9/1

3rd

5

(4)

22nd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 27y

Class 4

19:52 Pontefract

Vaguely Royal

8st 10lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Ian Williams

Comes here on the back of two third-place finishes but the latest was behind Trojan Soldier and there is no obvious reason why the placings would be reversed.

10/1

Form: 98-091 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Useful jumper; eighth at 33-1 in last year's Cesarewitch, when never dangerous on soft going and it looks like that surface was not ideal, as he runs far more often on good ground and drew 8l clear over C&D in the Cesarewitch Trial three weeks ago; well handicapped with just a 4lb penalty, for trainer who won this with a 7yo in 2022.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

10th Jul 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

20:00 Cork

Reverend Hubert

11st 6lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: C Byrnes

Smart dual-purpose type won a nice Flat prize over 2m a fortnight ago; came off worse in a couple of 3m clashes with Happy Jacky last year, but not by much, including when beaten a head in the corresponding race; relishes good ground.

6/1

1st

5

(3)

26th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 76y

19:55 Curragh

Reverend Hubert

9st 2lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: C Byrnes

Dual-purpose; signed off last season with a solid effort in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, gd-fm); may have needed the run over an inadequate 1m6f here last month; sharper now and moves up in trip; beaten in this last year off 8lb lower but respected nonetheless.

20/1

18th

6

(18)

24th May 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 6f 0y

17:40 Curragh

Reverend Hubert

9st 13lb

J: David Egan

T: C Byrnes

Drew 8l clear in Cesarewitch trial at Newmarket in September (2m2f, good); couldn't follow up in the real thing when sixth of 19; up 10lb compared to his last win and he has never won after an absence before.

10/1

Form: 161165 BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
3yo whose five handicaps have all been over about 1m6f, with two wins (good/soft) and respectable efforts in valuable races on last two outings; 2m+ could suit, so he's not entirely dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

(4)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Pole Star

8st 9lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Charlie Johnston

Respectable third to Goblet Of Fire on the other Newmarket track (1m6f, good to firm) in May in a first-time visor; perhaps any beneficial effect from the headgear has worn off, as he ran poorly on latest start, but he is now 1lb below his last winning mark (from last July) and the visor is removed.

14/1

11th

8

(8)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 2

14:53 Ayr

Pole Star

9st 4lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Charlie Johnston

Good third in first-time visor (retained since) at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) last month and again ran well at Thirsk (2m, good) last time, when outstayed; last win came on soft ground last July; he's one to consider.

9/1

5th

3

(11)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Pole Star

9st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Charlie Johnston

Won two 1m6f handicaps last term; back-to-form third with a first-time visor at Newmarket (1m6f) four weeks ago, so he re-enters calculations despite earlier lesser efforts over 2m2f and 2m.

9/2

Form: 121113 BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Tremendous progress once sent handicapping in cheekpieces, racking up four wins and the last three of those (in small fields) were over 2m, increasingly impressive; he was put in his place, improvement ending, when never-dangerous third to Reverend Hubert over C&D three weeks ago off revised mark, but he's able to race off 5lb lower today; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(9)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Kempton (AW)

Belgravian

9st 9lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

Second on Chelmsford Polytrack in latest AW race; tremendous progress last year once sent handicapping in cheekpieces, racking up four wins and the last three of those (in small fields) were over 2m, increasingly impressive; improvement stalled at Newmarket in the Cesarewitch Trial and Cesarewitch itself on last two outings, but he remains of major interest on this return.

100/30

19

(7)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Belgravian

8st 2lb

J: Nicola Currie

T: Andrew Balding

Tremendous progress once sent handicapping in cheekpieces, racking up four wins and the last three of those (in small fields) were over 2m, increasingly impressive; he was put in his place, improvement ending, when never-dangerous third to Reverend Hubert over C&D three weeks ago off revised mark, but he's able to race off 5lb lower today; considered.

9/1

4

(4)

20th Sep 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:55 Newmarket

Belgravian

9st 4lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

Since sent handicapping in cheekpieces he's delivered form figures of 12111 and has looked seriously progressive since upped to 2m, again winning as he liked last time at Goodwood (good to firm); handicapper didn't hold back with a 10lb rise but that might not halt his progress.

5/4

22/1

Form: 751631

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
0-4 on turf but he was close up in two of his turf handicaps (good to firm/soft); blinkered on last four outings, winning from off the pace over 2m on Kempton AW on the first and latest occasions; carries a 4lb penalty and is 3lb out of the handicap, so more improvement is needed, but the latest win was delivered in strikingly good style.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(3)

8th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

19:13 Kempton (AW)

Caprelo

9st 10lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Hughie Morrison

Progressed well in 2025 when a dual C&D winner; shaped encouragingly after six months off when fourth of five in 2m Goodwood handicap on his return in May; sort to do well again this season, so he's a big player eased 1lb.

6/1

4th

4

(5)

22nd May 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:07 Goodwood

Caprelo

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Hughie Morrison

Close third on soft at Yarmouth (1m6f) last July was his best turf form; needs better given the improvement he's shown on Kempton AW (2m) in two of his three starts since, but he'd have a good chance if that form is transferred back to turf; won on 2024 reappearance; needs a close look.

6/1

66/1

Form: 883435

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Without a win since 2023, a year in which he finished fourth in the Cesarewitch off 4lb higher than today; ninth in last season's renewal; some minor honours this term but well beaten in the Trial here three weeks ago and he's now 5lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

10th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

19:51 Worcester

Bashful Boy

11st 8lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Without a win since 2023 and was out of form when last seen over hurdles in the autumn; this year's Flat form has been fairly respectable but he's on the downgrade and makes only limited appeal back in this sphere.

14/1

4th

4

(6)

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 24y

Class 5

16:15 Bath

Bashful Boy

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: David Pipe

Veteran who hasn't won since 2023 but he's been in fair form on AW this spring including when fourth on Polytrack (2m) in his last two starts; should be in the mix again but he needs to find more to make a big impact; cheekpieces are removed and blinkers return.

9/2

4th

4

(1)

6th Apr 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

17:50 Kempton (AW)

Bashful Boy

9st 12lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: David Pipe

Veteran who hasn't won since 2023; expensive to follow in recent times but he arrives in form and this is a touch easier again off a career-low mark; can't be left out of calculations.

4/1

Non-runners

Manxman, Surrey Belle

Selections

Telegraph:

Reverend Hubert

POSTDATA:

Manxman

The Guardian:

Mordor

RP RATINGS:

Dawn Rising

SPOTLIGHT:

Fireblade

Daily Mail:

Belgravian

LAMBOURN:

Caprelo

Daily Mirror:

Ndaawi

The Times:

Winter Fog

TOPSPEED:

Seddon

NEWMARKET:

Manxman

The Sun:

Mordor

The Star:

Reverend Hubert

Daily Record:

Reverend Hubert

D Express:

Dawn Rising