October 14 / 16.44 Leicester

16.44

Good

Willpower Group Handicap

  • Prize money: £8897.8
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 15 runners
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Willpower Group Handicap

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

Form: 966132 D

Last run: 50 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Won for the first time since going handicapping at Epsom in July (7f, good) and was subsequently placed at Goodwood (7f, good to soft) and back at Epsom (7f, good); cheekpieces now tried and on a career high mark (3lb higher than last time); contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

4

(9)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 2

17:50 Epsom

Aurora Majesty

9st 7lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Archie Watson

Disappointing last October on final 3yo start but the cheekpieces adopted that day are dispensed with and he's been gelded since; won over C&D (good) last July before very good efforts in defeat at Goodwood (7f, good to soft) and over C&D (good); retains potential and could be involved.

20/1

1

(9)

14th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:44 Leicester

Aurora Majesty

9st 12lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Won for the first time since going handicapping at Epsom in July (7f, good) and was subsequently placed at Goodwood (7f, good to soft) and back at Epsom (7f, good); cheekpieces now tried and on a career high mark (3lb higher than last time); contender.

8/1

2nd

9

(5)

25th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 3y

Class 3

14:45 Epsom

Aurora Majesty

9st 3lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Made it 3-6 when landing a C&D handicap (good) last month and he found more progress when front-running third in big field at Glorious Goodwood (7f, good to soft); only 1lb higher on this drop back in grade and he's an interesting contender.

4/1

OUR TIP

Form: 239051 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won twice on the AW in January, and scored again at Haydock last time (7f, good to soft); now back on a career-high mark but clearly in decent form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(3)

13th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

17:45 Southwell (AW)

Legal Reform

9st 11lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Michael Herrington

Won a division of this off 9lb lower in 2025 when it was run as a 0-85, and raised his highest mark defied twice more after; holding his own in Polytrack Class 2s of late, but has more back in his favour tonight.

7/2

3rd

4

(6)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 2

16:53 Lingfield (AW)

Legal Reform

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Michael Herrington

Has registered all wins over 7f and in lower grades; however, ran respectably in Lingfield Class 2 most recently, while shaping as if this return to 1m is worth a go; whether he can defy current mark is another matter.

12/1

4th

3

(5)

14th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:10 Lingfield (AW)

Legal Reform

9st 3lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Michael Herrington

Into the veteran stage but in the form of his life this winter, finishing third over C&D before a Wolverhampton win and a Southwell second; likely vulnerable to an improver but should give his running again.

9/2

Form: 110244 D BF

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Went up 13lb for winning three 7f handicaps earlier in the season; hasn't fared quite as well since, including on soft ground at Sandown last time; others looks stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(4)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:10 Newmarket (July)

Crimson Spirit

10st 2lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Arrives in good form having won at Goodwood (7f, good) then made the frame in competitive field at Epsom (7f, good to soft); however, he remains on a career-high mark and has to concede weight all round.

9/2

4th

6

(3)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 2

17:50 Epsom

Crimson Spirit

9st 6lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Two C&D wins, the latest when completing a hat-trick last July (good to firm), and he won at Goodwood (7f, good) a fortnight ago; could be bang there if handling the forecast slow ground (mixed messages in his form).

8/1

1st

8

(3)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:52 Goodwood

Crimson Spirit

9st 5lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Best form at 7f on good/firmer; completed a hat-trick last summer and ran creditably in big field at Newmarket in the first of his two starts this term; chance may depend on the actions of the weather, however.

8/1

Form: 874026 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
All wins have been over 7f, including when scoring off 1lb higher at Musselburgh in April (good to soft); some fair efforts since, but a bit to find with Legal Reform on last month's Haydock form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

(11)

24th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

16:35 Carlisle

Persuasion

10st 2lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: David & Nicola Barron

Made it 2-3 at Musselburgh when winning there over 7f in April off a 1lb lower mark than today's; beaten only 4l when seventh of 19 at York (7f, good) 11 days ago but stamina has to be a concern on just his third try over a 1m.

14/1

7th

11

(4)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:25 York

Persuasion

9st 7lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: David & Nicola Barron

Won at Musselburgh (7f, good) in April, making it 2-3 at the Edinburgh venue, and he's just 2lb higher today; can't be totally dismissed but this 9yo is inconsistent and was soundly beaten at Thirsk (7f, good) last time.

33/1

Form: 20-165 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Returned after wind and gelding operations to win off 3lb lower at Newmarket in June (7f, good to firm; trained by George Boughey); has since changed yards and fair run when fifth in competitive handicap at Doncaster on stable debut last time (7f, good to soft; form sound); chance
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(8)

17th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:25 Newbury

Lakers

9st 9lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Unexposed at 6f; this mark is in range judged on his two placed efforts this winter; failed to fire on Good Friday but he received a kick before the start which won't have helped; no surprise to see him bounce back.

10/1

9th

12

(4)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Lakers

9st 1lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Impressed at Southwell last October when dropped back to 6f; two solid efforts in defeat this year and this stiff test at the trip should be beneficial; shortlisted.

8/1

3rd

3

(1)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 2

15:12 Lingfield (AW)

Lakers

9st 4lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Two fine runs since dropped back to 6f, winning easily at Southwell in October and running well from a wide stall back there on New Year's Day; not fully exposed and he is high on the list.

2/1

Form: 021-89

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Ex-Charlie Appleby; won Kempton nursery in December (7f, standard to soft) but has been well beaten on turf since, latest on stable debut having been bought for 65,000gns in July; bit to prove now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

(1)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:10 York

Wild Nature

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Edward Bethell

Still seeking a first turf win; fair mark judged on his AW best but neither start this year suggests he is the answer today.

16/1

10th

4

(8)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 3

13:55 York

Wild Nature

10st 0lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Edward Bethell

Record of 2-3 on Kempton AW; 0-8 on turf but has been placed in half of those runs, most recently at Musselburgh on seasonal debut; could go well with Oisin Murphy up for first time.

15/2

3rd

4

(2)

21st May 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 3

16:25 Musselburgh

Wild Nature

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Edward Bethell

His best efforts for Godolphin came on AW; no show in two turf runs for Ed Bethell in the autumn but he bounced back to form wih a bang when making all in a 7f handicap at Kempton in November; a 2lb rise is manageable but there are other front-runners on show and he has a 197-day absence to overcome back on turf.

7/2

Form: 297043 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Two wins for Andrew Balding, the second an Ascot handicap in May 2024 (good), before 50,000gns sale last October; taken time to hit top form for new yard but sound runs on last two starts, latest a close third in a Newbury handicap last month (7f, good to soft); interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(13)

29th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:45 Kempton (AW)

Arctic Thunder

10st 0lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Ed Walker

His ability is not in question but he needs everything to fall right and has often flattered to deceive; stepping back up to 1m is worth a go but others look safer.

11/2

6th

11

(1)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 2

17:50 Epsom

Arctic Thunder

9st 0lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Not at the top of his game on either run this year but well backed at Chester last time, when the tight track may not have been ideal; on a handy mark on last season's best form and and he's not discounted.

12/1

Form: 28078U D

Last run: 4 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Two wins on fast ground this term; has a decent chance on his best form and this big-field handicap should suit, but not been at his best on last two completed starts (behind Legal Reform at Haydock two runs back); makes a quick reppearance after unseating his rider at York on Friday (unruly with a first-time hood which is left off here).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(3)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:10 Newmarket (July)

Leadman

9st 10lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: David O’Meara

Has performed well in two runs at the July festival, notably a win (off just 1lb lower) in this race last year; narrowly justified favouritism at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) latest start, setting up him well for a return to this track; respected.

9/2

1st

7

(8)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

19:30 Doncaster

Leadman

9st 6lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Shaped very well when second in a big-field York handicap (7f) in May but he's twice failed to build on it, just a fair sixth back there (7f) eight days ago; handily weighted but it's now 13 runs since his last victory.

11/2

6th

6

(4)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:50 York

Leadman

9st 12lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

Has an underwhelming strike-rate, given his ability, and his two C&D runs last month (both good ground) rather sum him up, shaping very well when second of 22 at the Dante meeting but never involved when favourite eight days later; could pop up but it's likely things will need to drop this hold-up performer's way.

12/1

Form: 530271 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Won this race off 3lb lower mark last season (heavy); comes into this on the back of an all-the-way win at Beverley last time; could go well but this looks a stronger contest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(3)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

17:10 Beverley

It Just Takes Time

9st 9lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

A three-time C&D scorer; right back to his best of late when runner-up in 7f handicaps at Wetherby and Thirsk, caught only late on latter occasion; up 2lb but another bold showing is on the cards.

3/1

2nd

2

(4)

16th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:02 Thirsk

It Just Takes Time

10st 0lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

C&D winner who bounced back to his best with second of 14 in 7f Wetherby handicap 12 days ago; up 2lb but he remains 1lb below his last winning mark so merits serious consideration.

4/1

10/1

Form: 22-132

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Lightly-raced; won a Nottingham maiden in April (6f, good; second has won three times since); has returned from a 137-day break with two good runs in AW handicaps, latest over 7f at Kempton; chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(1)

11th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:30 Newbury

Storm Free

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: James Tate

Well beaten in the Victoria Cup at Ascot (7f, good) last time but prior to that he made an encouraging reappearance at Newmarket (7f, good) and he won in a big field at Leicester (7f, good) last October; unraced on slow ground; this lightly raced 4yo retains potential and has first-time headgear.

10/1

19th

27

(13)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Storm Free

8st 12lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: James Tate

Lightly raced 4yo who has a largely solid record and is 2-4 on turf; gelded prior to respectable effort in big field at Newmarket on seasonal debut, taking form figures since upped to 7f to 216; may still have more to offer; big run looks plausible.

16/1

6th

7

(4)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket

Storm Free

9st 5lb

J: James Doyle

T: James Tate

Good-ground maiden winner on his April return last year and it was a good run after a break when third of 14 at Newcastle (also 6f, AW) in August; signed off by beating 14 others at Leicester (7f, good) in October after which he was gelded; retains plenty of potential ahead of this comeback on just his fourth handicap start.

4/1

Form: 000204 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Capable but not particularly consistent; won four times last year, at 7f/1m, three on the AW, the other a 7f Newmarket handicap; sound run when fourth at Kempton last time (7f, standard to slow); capable of going well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(9)

23rd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Newbury

Noodle Mission

10st 1lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Edward Smyth-Osbourne

Rated 7lb lower than on the AW, but is hard to warm to on his latest efforts; needs the first-time blinkers to make a difference.

33/1

10th

9

(2)

1st Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Newbury

Noodle Mission

9st 0lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Edward Smyth-Osbourne

May have needed the run at Kempton 12 days ago but he ended up well beaten; he has a lower turf mark to exploit but is a better horse on AW; others look safer.

16/1

10th

5

(1)

20th May 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Noodle Mission

9st 6lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Edward Smyth-Osbourne

Has claims on his best form last year but he ended last season with a poor run at Leicester (7f, good) in October and his last win was 21 months ago; others preferred.

25/1

Form: 721661 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Has won two of his last four races, both over 7f, the first at Carlisle in August (good to firm), the second at Ayr last month (soft); on a career-high mark now but not out of it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

9

(2)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:50 York

Count Palatine

9st 9lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Successful over 7f at Carlisle (good to firm) and Ayr (soft) in the second half of last season; left his first two efforts of the new campaign behind when third of ten back at Carlisle (1m, good) 13 days ago; claims if he can build on that from a handy inside stall.

16/1

3rd

4

(5)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

17:28 Carlisle

Count Palatine

9st 9lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Useful effort in defeat at Beverley (about 7f) last May and confirmed that stiff tracks suit when winning here (7f, good to firm; sole course start) in August; improved again when successful at Ayr later and no surprise if he comes on plenty from first two runs in 2026.

16/1

10th

12

(7)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 3

16:47 Thirsk

Count Palatine

9st 0lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

All four wins over 7f, once on this track; probably stays further and is worth another go over 1m but he was last to finish on his comeback here over 7f in April and likely other days.

25/1

Form: 275110 D BF

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Winner at Ffos Las (7.5f, soft) and Galway (7f, yielding) in July but finished last when favourite for a Chester handicap (7.5f, good to soft) on only outing since; could bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(7)

14th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 213y

Class 4

14:44 Salisbury

Itsneverjustone

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Loughnane

Gained back-to-back wins, including on soft ground, last summer; couple of respectable fourth-place finishes this season, latest at Thirsk (7f, good); possibilities if taking well to first-time headgear.

5/1

Form: 111041 C

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Progressive sort who has won four of his last six races, first three over 6f (one here) and the latest over 7f at Epsom (good to soft; met trouble in running); has gone up 21lb but should be competitive again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(4)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 16y

Class 4

18:53 Chepstow

Kisskodi

9st 9lb

J: George Wood

T: Harry Eustace

Progressed well in 2025 when a four-time winner at 6f/7f; has gone with promise on both starts this spring, suffering a poor run before staying on into fifth of 14 at Goodwood (7f) 15 days ago; can race off a 1lb lower mark here so a bold showing is on the cards.

3/1

5th

14

(1)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:52 Goodwood

Kisskodi

9st 0lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Harry Eustace

Unraced on soft/heavy; scored four times on turf last term and may resume his progress with creditable AW reappearance under his belt; combined record of 3-4 at Epsom and Brighton bodes well for this first visit to Goodwood, which is quite similar to those tracks; highly respected.

6/1

50/1

Form: 4530

Last run: 32 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Unexposed sort; finished 13th of 15 on his handicap debut at Doncaster last month (6f, good); may be better suited by 7f, but plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(1)

7th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 2

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Uniting

9st 5lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Ian Williams

Won twice over this trip at Kempton (Polytrack) and Newcastle (Tapeta) in November; fair third of seven behind two of these at Chelmsford (1m, Polytrack) last month; each-way claims down another 1lb if taking to this track at the first time of asking.

8/1

3rd

5

(7)

12th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Uniting

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Game effort to win at Kempton in November (1m) and followed up off the same mark at Newcastle eight days later; his form has dipped on his last two starts but he forms part of a strong hand for Ian Williams.

8/1

9th

9

(2)

30th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 4

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Uniting

9st 3lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Ian Williams

Won over 1m at Kempton and Newcastle in November; good third back at Kempton last month and not disgraced in Newcastle Class 2 with cheekpieces added (left off now) a fortnight ago; handily drawn for a prominent racer and needs considering back in a lower grade.

5/1

Non-runners

Sarab Star, Sixtygeesbaby

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £264.80
Straight Forecast £198.65
Tricast £2206.74
Trifecta £3046.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Sarab Star

TOPSPEED:

Sixtygeesbaby

The Sun:

Aurora Majesty

The Star:

Storm Free

POSTDATA:

Kisskodi

D Express:

Arctic Thunder

Daily Mirror:

Crimson Spirit

RP RATINGS:

Leadman

THE NORTH:

Persuasion

NEWMARKET:

Sixtygeesbaby

The Guardian:

Sixtygeesbaby

LAMBOURN:

Sarab Star

The Times:

Sarab Star

Telegraph:

Sarab Star

Daily Mail:

Sarab Star

Daily Record:

Sarab Star