October 14 / 16.44 Leicester

16.44

Good

Willpower Group Handicap

  • Prize money: £8897.8
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 15 runners
RTV
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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

1st

2

(2)

31st Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 3

15:00 Epsom

Aurora Majesty

9st 12lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Archie Watson

His two C&D runs last season yielded a win and a close second (in this race off a 1lb higher mark); best effort this year when third of 13 at Southwell two weeks ago; handles good to soft but untried on slower.

5/1

3rd

9

(12)

16th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

15:40 Southwell (AW)

Aurora Majesty

9st 5lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Archie Watson

2-3 on AW surfaces; he's on a handy mark on last season's best efforts and the signs were more encouraging at Thirsk 15 days ago (7f), as although only midfield he wasn't beaten all that far; others are still preferred.

20/1

7th

4

(1)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:47 Thirsk

Aurora Majesty

9st 8lb

J: William Cox

T: Archie Watson

Well beaten on final outing last season and same story on reappearance at Epsom on Oaks day (pulled hard); he has something to prove but that latest outing may have got the freshness out of him and he's on a handy mark on last season's best efforts; not written off.

20/1

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

11th

2

(8)

16th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

15:40 Southwell (AW)

Legal Reform

9st 11lb

J: David Probert

T: Michael Herrington

A sixth win here when beating five rivals in March on latest outing (7f); went up only 2lb but lacking a recent run is probably not ideal in this much deeper race.

14/1

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

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)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 3

15:34 Haydock

Crimson Spirit

10st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Better than ever when landing a second 7f Goodwood success of the year in 20-runner event at last week's Glorious meeting (good to firm), with the reopposing Pellitory well behind; a further 4lb rise seems unlikely to prevent another prominent showing from this thriving 5yo.

13/8

1st

11

(10)

29th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:40 Goodwood

Crimson Spirit

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Three wins last year and he won 14-runner handicap over C&D (good) in May; solid fourth to Colombier at Epsom next time and it was a narrow career best when second of 11 at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) 18 days ago; will probably need another pb but that's not out of the question and Ryan Moore rides; considered.

15/2

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

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

3rd

5

(3)

30th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:35 Goodwood

Lakers

9st 7lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Has reached a useful level on AW; absent since respectable effort in competitive field at Newbury in April; one to bear in mind, especially if the market speaks favourably.

11/1

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

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

6th

1

(6)

12th Aug 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Wild Nature

9st 9lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Michael Attwater

Well held in three turf handicaps (Class 3) this season but he's 2-3 on AW and his last win was off just 1lb higher over C&D last November; with another new yard (changed hands for £16,000) but it wouldn't be a surprise if he made a bold bid back on Polytrack.

7/1

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

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

1st

7

(11)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 212y

Class 3

16:40 Haydock

Arctic Thunder

9st 9lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Failed to make the frame on first four starts this season but revived with a 7l win in four-runner race at Salisbury (1m, good to firm); what that form is worth is open to question and he's back up 7lb, but at least the third has won since.

15/2

1st

3

(1)

21st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:51 Salisbury

Arctic Thunder

9st 5lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Usually held up in rear; hasn't won since his 2yo days but has slipped to an attractive mark and could pop up when the cards drop right, which admittedly isn't guaranteed in this small-field scenario; less exposed at 1m than over shorter.

9/2

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

10th

13

(1)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:00 Goodwood

Leadman

8st 5lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Michael Appleby

Not disgraced in major 7f handicap at Ascot on penultimate start but is still seeking a first win above Class 3 and his ceiling is well established; moved out of David O'Meara's yard since last run.

33/1

9th

9

(14)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 212y

Class 3

16:40 Haydock

Leadman

9st 5lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

All three wins at 7f including at Doncaster (good to firm) in June; has remained in form but he's drawn wide and may not be quite so effective over 1m.

16/1

7th

16

(9)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Ascot

Leadman

8st 8lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: David O’Meara

Denied a clear run when fifth at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) latest and he's a type who needs things to drop right; however, he got up on the line at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) two runs ago and may have an each-way shout.

25/1

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

8th

13

(2)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

It Just Takes Time

8st 2lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Mark Walford

C&D winner; runner-up on this card 12 months ago; having a solid campaign but surprising if he was up to winning.

33/1

9th

10

(8)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:47 Thirsk

It Just Takes Time

9st 3lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

8yo who was knocking on the door prior to making all in fine style at Beverley (7.4f, good to firm) 12 days ago; had just three rivals to beat last time and he's 4lb higher in a tougher race today, but is clearly in good heart and is a two-time winner at Thirsk; could go well.

11/1

1st

2

(2)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

19:30 Beverley

It Just Takes Time

9st 5lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

Back in form with three placed efforts this summer; the latest one took his C&D record to 1113; this front-running 8yo remains just 1lb above last winning mark; solid chance.

5/2

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

1st

6

(3)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Sandown

Storm Free

9st 8lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: James Tate

7f specialist; contested strong handicaps on first three starts this year; justified favouritism in less competitive event at Southwell five weeks ago; nudged back up 3lb but should be in the mix again.

7/1

1st

1

(3)

27th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Storm Free

10st 3lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: James Tate

Again below market expectations last time in first-time cheekpieces (headgear off today); been running in better company, ran well in a Tapeta handicap last summer and it's too soon to write him off down another 2lb.

10/1

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

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

6th

6

(10)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

1m 0f 100y

Class 4

15:20 Beverley

Count Palatine

9st 5lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Versatile ground-wise and comes into this off the back of a narrow success at Carlisle (7f, good to soft) 11 days ago; only 3lb higher but he may be better over a furlong shorter.

6/1

1st

4

(8)

19th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 195y

Class 4

16:20 Carlisle

Count Palatine

9st 7lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Versatile ground-wise and all four wins have been at 7f on turf; his mixed record this season but he wasn't beaten far at Ayr (1m) last time and is now only 1lb higher than for his last success; not ruled out back in trip.

10/1

6th

8

(6)

8th Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Ayr

Count Palatine

9st 3lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

All four wins have been at 7f but he hasn't had many chances at this trip, over which he ran third on his penultimate start at Carlisle; had a break since a bad run in June and has possibilities.

16/1

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

14th

2

(16)

28th Jul 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 7f 0y

19:15 Galway

Itsneverjustone

9st 12lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: David Loughnane

Only one pound higher than when winning at last year's festival; had the same high draw then, so should not be ruled out; has to bounce back from a below-par Salisbury run; previous fourth placings at Doncaster and Thirsk were respectable; had the same high draw last year.

8/1

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

5th

3

(5)

31st Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 3

15:00 Epsom

Kisskodi

9st 10lb

J: George Wood

T: Harry Eustace

Better than ever when winning at Chepstow (7f, soft) in June; he was returning from a ten-week break when finishing behind Aurora Majesty at Southwell 15 days ago; 2-3 at the track and won't mind how slow the ground gets; no surprise to see him go well.

6/1

8th

14

(13)

16th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

15:40 Southwell (AW)

Kisskodi

9st 4lb

J: George Wood

T: Harry Eustace

Took strike-rate to 5-16 when winning comfortably at Chepstow (7f, good to soft) ten weeks ago, looking better than ever; 7lb higher in this classier contest but has run well here before and he's not easily knocked.

14/1

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