15.40
GoodClub Godolphin Cesarewitch Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
- Prize money: £90195
- 2m 2f 0y
- Class 2
- 19 runners
Runners: 19 runners
Type: Flat Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Partly sunny
10/1
Form: /5-463
Last run: 29 days
W: 9st 12lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 106
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 1 (3) |
23rd May 2026 Good To Soft 1m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 12lb |
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 |
11st 10lb |
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 |
|
5 |
5th Apr 2026 Yielding To Soft 2m 4f 0y |
11st 3lb |
Classy sort on the Flat, third in last year's Doncaster Cup; 9yo has had just three runs over hurdles, winning Galway maiden last summer, most recently returned from five months' absence when pulled up after never featuring in Grade 1 Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham; cheekpieces now tried. |
12/1 |
12/1
Form: -23052
Last run: 39 days
W: 9st 5lb
7 yo Filly
OR: 99
| 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 |
9st 1lb |
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 |
9st 5lb |
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 |
10st 2lb |
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
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 (14) |
11th Oct 2025 Good 2m 2f 0y Class 2 |
9st 4lb |
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 |
9st 3lb |
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 |
|
8 (3) |
17th Jun 2025 Good 1m 6f 34y Class 2 |
9st 5lb |
Progressive 3yo last year, close third in Listed race at Leopardstown (1m6f, good) in August and fifth of 22 in handicap there (1m5f, good) in September when on the wrong end of a pace bias; fair fourth of six in slowly run Group 3 in April; could run on to good effect if getting a strong gallop. |
14/1 |
8/1
Form: -60045
Last run: 13 days
W: 9st 3lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 97
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 2 (4) |
3rd Jun 2026 Good 1m 6f 0y |
9st 9lb |
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 |
10st 1lb |
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 |
|
8th 1 (3) |
30th Mar 2026 Heavy 1m 6f 0y |
10st 2lb |
No wins last season but ran some excellent races in defeat; finished fourth in the QR handicap at Galway, fifth in the Irish Cesarewitch and then signed off with a fine second in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket; course winner over hurdles but might just need this run. |
6/1 |
28/1
Form: 1/03-9 CD
Last run: 75 days
W: 9st 3lb
12 yo Gelding
OR: 97
| 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 |
9st 9lb |
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 |
|
2nd 4 (2) |
2nd Nov 2025 Heavy 2m 0f 71y |
9st 9lb |
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 |
8/1
Form: 1/3-45
Last run: 28 days
W: 9st 1lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 95
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 1 |
29th Apr 2026 Yielding 2m 3f 58y |
11st 12lb |
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 |
10st 12lb |
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 |
|
9th 8 |
1st Feb 2026 Heavy 2m 0f 0y |
10st 13lb |
Was hit and miss over hurdles last season but was third in the Cesarewitch back on the level and fourth in 2m4f hurdle here at Christmas; one to consider. |
10/1 |
7/1
Form: 81-085 CD
Last run: 52 days
W: 8st 13lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 93
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12th 15 (14) |
8th May 2026 Good 2m 2f 140y Class 2 |
8st 9lb |
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 |
9st 6lb |
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 |
|
8 (15) |
11th Oct 2025 Good 2m 2f 0y Class 2 |
8st 13lb |
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. |
7/1 |
8/1
Form: 111423
Last run: 21 days
W: 8st 11lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 91
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 3 (3) |
7th May 2026 Good 1m 5f 84y Class 1 |
9st 2lb |
Versatile and consistent handicapper who landed the 2025 Cesarewitch (2m2f) in most recent turf attempt and has been placed in all AW starts (1m2f-2m) this year; however, faces a very difficult task at the weights upped in class. |
33/1 |
33/1
Form: 223193
Last run: 34 days
W: 8st 10lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 90
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9 (4) |
13th May 2026 Good 1m 3f 188y Class 2 |
8st 13lb |
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 |
|
4th 8 (5) |
21st Apr 2026 Good To Soft 1m 2f 5y Class 2 |
8st 13lb |
Did well for his new yard last season, winning twice (1m4f/2m, good to firm); his current mark maybe isn't beyond him but he's never run over a trip this short and he's probably vulnerable on his reappearance. |
12/1 |
|
10 (3) |
11th Oct 2025 Good 2m 2f 0y Class 2 |
8st 10lb |
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. |
33/1 |
16/1
Form: 5/70-4 BF
Last run: 28 days
W: 8st 9lb
5 yo Colt
OR: 89
| 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 |
11st 0lb |
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 |
11st 2lb |
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 |
12st 0lb |
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
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 1 |
15th May 2026 Good To Yielding 3m 0f 50y |
11st 12lb |
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 |
12st 6lb |
Rated 126 over fences and 94 on the Flat, 1m6f win off 87 at Navan latest, leading chance. |
9/4 |
|
1st 8 (6) |
30th Mar 2026 Heavy 1m 6f 0y |
9st 1lb |
Two-time Flat winner scored off 8lb lower at Killarney last May (2m1f, good); solid second in 20.5f handicap at Goodwood (soft) in August; no impact in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket when last seen; not a great record fresh and testing ground another concern. |
12/1 |
40/1
Form: 4/119-
Last run: 363 days
W: 8st 7lb
12 yo Gelding
OR: 87
| 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 |
8st 7lb |
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 |
10st 13lb |
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
| 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 |
11st 2lb |
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 |
11st 2lb |
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 |
8st 5lb |
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 |
100/1
Form: 50-300
Last run: 105 days
W: 8st 4lb
5 yo Colt
OR: 84
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 7 (2) |
1st Jun 2026 Good To Firm 2m 0f 0y Class 4 |
8st 12lb |
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 |
8st 10lb |
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 |
|
3rd 5 (7) |
17th May 2026 Good 2m 0f 0y Class 5 |
9st 9lb |
There was some restoration of his Flat fortunes when third of five at Southwell (1m6f, AW; stays 2m) on latest start but he's without a win on the Flat since the end of 2023; has another career-low mark but it's hard to know when he will take advantage. |
7/1 |
7/1
Form: 98-091 CD
Last run: 21 days
W: 8st 3lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 79
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
18th 6 (18) |
24th May 2026 Good To Yielding 1m 6f 0y |
9st 13lb |
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 |
|
16 (21) |
11th Oct 2025 Good 2m 2f 0y Class 2 |
8st 3lb |
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. |
7/1 |
|
6 (5) |
20th Sep 2025 Good 2m 2f 0y Class 2 |
8st 11lb |
Dual-purpose gelding who finished eighth in last October's Cesarewitch (soft) when 5lb higher, since when his most competitive runs have come over hurdles; an assured stayer on this return to Flat action and likes this good ground. |
9/1 |
12/1
Form: 161165 BF
Last run: 35 days
W: 8st 2lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 90
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 3 (11) |
31st May 2026 Good 2m 0f 13y Class 3 |
9st 10lb |
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 |
|
3rd 10 (10) |
3rd May 2026 Good To Firm 1m 6f 0y Class 2 |
8st 9lb |
Won two 1m6f handicaps last term and two respectable efforts in valuable races in late summer; just 10-1 for 2m2f Cesarewitch at Newmarket on final 3yo outing, which did not work out, and he was just 15-8 when fading into fourth of six at Newbury (2m) 16 days ago on first run since he was gelded; connections now turn to a visor and drop him back in trip. |
10/1 |
9/1
Form: 121113 BF
Last run: 21 days
W: 8st 2lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 86
| 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 |
9st 9lb |
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 |
8st 2lb |
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 |
9st 4lb |
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
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 4 (5) |
22nd May 2026 Soft 2m 0f 0y Class 3 |
9st 2lb |
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 |
|
20 (10) |
11th Oct 2025 Good 2m 2f 0y Class 2 |
8st 2lb |
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. |
22/1 |
66/1
Form: 883435
Last run: 21 days
W: 8st 2lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 77
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 4 (6) |
17th Apr 2026 Good To Firm 2m 1f 24y Class 5 |
9st 2lb |
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 |
9st 12lb |
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 |
|
4th 4 (4) |
20th Mar 2026 Standard 1m 7f 169y Class 5 |
9st 7lb |
Losing run dates back to July 2023; conditions are no problem for this veteran and he has been running respectably of late; others appeal more all the same. |
8/1 |
Non-runners
Manxman, Surrey Belle