October 18 / 16.40 Ascot

16.40

Good

Balmoral Handicap (Sponsored By Qipco)

  • Prize money: £103080
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 23 runners
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Balmoral Handicap (Sponsored By Qipco)

Runners: 23 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

Form: 6-2320 C

Last run: 196 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
This is his first run since April and he has a lofty mark, but he won a Group 3 at Haydock (1m, good) last September and has a history of running well off big weights in handicaps; likes it here; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(2)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:27 Ascot

Holloway Boy

9st 3lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: K R Burke

Made a solid return to Britain when chasing home Jonquil in a Listed race over the straight 1m here (good to firm) in May but comfortably held in the Royal Hunt Cup back here since; has yet to win above Group 3 level and it's likely that will remain the case.

20/1

17th

1

(4)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Holloway Boy

10st 0lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Runner-up in C&D Listed contest last time, maintaining his consistency; Royal Ascot record includes a debut success in the 2022 Chesham and creditable fifth (off 7lb lower) in this race in 2024; Jack Nicholls takes off a useful 5lb; solid contender who again should give his running.

16/1

2nd

2

(4)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Holloway Boy

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: K R Burke

His strike-rate is an unimpressive 3-26 but he's seldom far away and last October's excellent second in a top handicap over C&D preceded an AW Listed win; came up short at Doha and Meydan early this year but showed enough to suggest he should be on the premises.

6/1

Form: 921311 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Has improved for this visor and he's readily won competitive 7f handicaps here on his last two starts (good to soft/soft); back up to 1m on forecast better ground today but his past record provides hope that he'll cope with both and this thriving 4yo may well take a 6lb penalty in his stride.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(4)

11th Jun 2026

Soft

0m 7f 35y

19:00 Leopardstown

Native Warrior

9st 9lb

J: James Doyle

T: K R Burke

Rediscovered his best with a visor added last summer, landing three handicaps, including at Ascot (7f, soft) off a mark of 103; cracking return when beaten 0.5l by Dreamliner in Group 3 at Saint-Cloud in March on soft; didn't come on as expected when beaten 7.5l into seventh by Wannabe Royal in Listed race at Naas 25 days ago; nothing got into it from off the pace that day so shouldn't be judged too harshly; handles soft and the one to beat.

7/4

7th

4

(9)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

15:56 Naas

Native Warrior

9st 11lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: K R Burke

British raider rediscovered his best when a visor was added last June, winning three handicaps from five starts, the last being the valuable Challenge Cup (7f, soft) at Ascot; ran right up to form on his stakes debut in a Saint-Cloud Group 3 (1m, soft) for seasonal return when a close runner-up; entitled to improve for that and top rated.

7/2

2

(8)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Native Warrior

9st 11lb

J: James Doyle

T: K R Burke

Has improved for this visor and he's readily won competitive 7f handicaps here on his last two starts (good to soft/soft); back up to 1m on forecast better ground today but his past record provides hope that he'll cope with both and this thriving 4yo may well take a 6lb penalty in his stride.

9/2

OUR TIP

Form: 0-1150 D BF

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Hold-up performer who won the Lincoln (1m, good to soft) on his reappearance and followed up at Newcastle (1m, AW); a case can be made on those progressive performances but he appears to have gone off the boil on his last two runs (reportedly coughed last time); best turf form is on good to soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

20

(6)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Godwinson

9st 2lb

J: George Bass

T: Jack Channon

Got up in the final stride to win last year's Lincoln and followed up in useful AW handicap; not in the same form since and York defeat on stable/seasonal debut spoiled an otherwise good record when fresh; revival is far from guaranteed.

40/1

10th

5

(9)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Godwinson

9st 5lb

J: George Bass

T: Jack Channon

Won the Lincoln at Doncaster (1m, good to soft) last March and followed up at Newcastle (1m, AW); of interest on those efforts but he went off the boil on his final three starts for William Haggas; needs to get back on track on stable debut (remains in same ownership); slow ground would aid cause.

25/1

3

(19)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Godwinson

9st 5lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Hold-up performer who won the Lincoln (1m, good to soft) on his reappearance and followed up at Newcastle (1m, AW); a case can be made on those progressive performances but he appears to have gone off the boil on his last two runs (reportedly coughed last time); best turf form is on good to soft.

25/1

Form: 006761 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Capitalised on reduced mark to win at Newcastle (7f, AW) last time and, under a 6lb penalty, he remains 6lb lower than when third in this last year (soft); won at the 2023 Royal meeting on fast ground; could be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

2

(14)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:40 Newcastle (AW)

Witch Hunter

9st 7lb

J: John Fahy

T: Richard Hannon

Now 5lb lower than for his 1m win here in January and there have been excuses for several of his defeats since; plausible outsider.

20/1

19th

30

(3)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Witch Hunter

9st 0lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Defied a 5lb higher mark in the 7f handicap at this meeting three years ago and scored over 1m on AW in January; has lost his form, most recently finishing last in the Newbury event won by Classic; further Royal Ascot glory looks unlikely.

50/1

Form: 752138 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
4yo who was second in the Golden Mile at Goodwood (1m, soft) in August before winning on the round course here (1m, good to firm) and he was then third of 17 to Shout over C&D (soft); didn't see out 1m1f in the Cambridgeshire last time but still ran well; an each-way contender back at 1m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(4)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Ebts Guard

9st 6lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Similar type to Cerulean Bay in that he ran creditably in the Royal Hunt Cup (fourth) last time but is getting little help from the assessor, having proved largely consistent since his last win; solid contender all the same.

11/1

4th

8

(32)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Ebts Guard

9st 6lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Dual winner at Ascot; hindered by trouble in the Spring Cup on reappearance and ran creditably kept to Newbury last time; far from disgraced when seventh in this contest last year but has a stiffer mark this time and his ceiling has seemingly been reached already.

25/1

4th

1

(8)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Ebts Guard

9st 12lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Tough and consistent sort who won the C&D Spring Cup on 2025 reappearance but couldn't get a clear run in it this time round; third in this race last year and 9lb higher today but he's an each-way contender.

10/1

Form: 702211 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Knocking at the door, including here, prior to winning at Goodwood (1m, good to soft) last month and he followed up there (1m, good) last Sunday; avoided the trouble suffered by some of the others last time but effectively only 1lb higher today; in the form of his life and has to be respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(9)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Cerulean Bay

10st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Two wins at Goodwood last autumn and admirably consistent in defeat this season, going close in a big field over C&D (good) then finishing fifth in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm; second of 20 in group); there is every chance that he will be bang there.

3/1

5th

7

(22)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Cerulean Bay

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Completed a Goodwood double during his 2025 campaign; good second in notable handicap at the York Dante festival (1m, good) most recently, going down by only a neck; he's paying the price for his consistency, however, with the assessor failing to relent.

25/1

Form: 046100

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Fourth of 21 in the International here (7f, good) in July and won at Newcastle (7f, AW) in August; however, not at the top of his game on his last two outings and others arrive with more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

23th

5

(22)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Golden Mind

9st 10lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Failed to beat a rival in Group race last time; seemed to run well in the Victoria Cup over C&D in his most recent handicap attempt but was always favourably positioned the way the race went and needs to prove he can back up the form; still on career-high mark.

25/1

8th

4

(2)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 1

13:30 Epsom

Golden Mind

9st 2lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

5yo who won three handicaps last year (including on heavy ground) and has been better than ever in such races this season, finishing second at Musselburgh (7f, good to soft) then fourth of 28 in the Victoria Cup at Ascot (7f, good); however, he has something to find against today's opponents.

14/1

4th

2

(23)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Golden Mind

9st 12lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Good second at Musselburgh (7f) with reappearance under his belt but is by no means certain to go one better off 103 in this deep field; has gained all handicap wins off marks in in the high-90s and still needs to prove he can break the triple-digit barrier.

25/1

Form: 711224 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Better than ever after blinkers went on, winning two in a row (7f, good/good to soft) and making the frame behind Native Warrior here on last two starts (7f, good to soft/soft); each-way claims if good form continues, although the return to 1m and switch to cheekpieces aren't guaranteed to suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(11)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Newmarket (July)

Great Acclaim

9st 9lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Ran well, only a neck behind Elarak, in the 7f handicap at Royal Ascot to maintain his solid record in headgear; good second in the Victoria Cup the time before; threatening to win a big prize; shortlisted.

6/1

3rd

9

(23)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Great Acclaim

9st 7lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Versatile as regards ground; has a good record in blinkers and ran well switched to a visor (retained today) last time, finishing only 1l behind The Wizard Of Eye in the Victoria Cup and taking form figures over C&D to 242; solid contender who again has frame possibilities.

16/1

2nd

9

(12)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Great Acclaim

9st 7lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Six-time winner, including in first-time blinkers at Glorious Goodwood; close third at Haydock (7f) with reappearance under his belt, paving the way nicely for a crack at this prize; has made the frame in both C&D attempts; possibilities in new headgear (visor).

12/1

Form: 202533 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Probably flattered by the bare form of her close Group 2 third at Goodwood (1m, good to firm) in August but she's often run well in defeat this season, including in a C&D handicap and when a Listed third at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) last time; Jamie Spencer excels here and she's in with a chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(11)

7th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 1

14:48 Pontefract

Arisaig

9st 2lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Charlie Johnston

Losing run up to 15 but she has run some fine races in that period, not least when beaten less than a length into third of six in the Group 2 Celebration Mile at Goodwood (1m, good to firm) last August (entered again this year); respected on these terms and Jamie Spencer knows her well; still holds a Sussex Stakes entry.

100/30

8th

2

(1)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Arisaig

9st 2lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Charlie Johnston

Smart hold-up mare who sometimes hits traffic; matched previous best when second in a Newmarket handicap on her April return and latest fourth of six behind Blue Bolt in Goodwood Listed event (also 1m, good) was a solid effort; stall 1 doesn't make life easy but it wouldn't be a huge shock to see her appear on the scene late if able to pick her way through.

33/1

Form: 171510 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
3yo who won good handicaps this summer at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) and York (1m, good to firm); underwhelming when mid-division in the Cambridgeshire three weeks ago, even allowing for the 1m1f trip, but he's not written off in view of his previous abundant promise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

15

(14)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Fifth Column

9st 4lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

A regular in notable handicaps, bagging three (over 1m) during his progressive period last term and proving resurgent when close second to Erzindjan at Newmarket (1m1f) latest start; first home in the unfavoured group in the Britannia at this meeting 12 months ago; looks set to go well.

12/1

2nd

4

(12)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Newmarket

Fifth Column

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

1m winner at Newmarket and York last summer but failed to shine on last two outings, when co-second favourite for the C&D Cambridgeshire on first occasion; only mid-division when 13-2 in the Spring Cup at Newbury two weeks ago but not beaten far and the draw looked a problem; not ruled out.

8/1

11th

7

(4)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Fifth Column

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

Below par on his last two 3yo starts but he'd previously won competitive 1m events at Newmarket and York (both good to firm) in the summer, and he did well to prevail at York after having to wait for a run; only 3lb higher here and he'll be a major player if ready to roll after six months off.

10/1

28/1

Form: 4467-1 D

Last run: 142 days

W: 9st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
9yo who looked as good as ever when making all with something to spare at Sandown (1m, good) in May on his sole run this season; however, he's never defied a mark this high and may be vulnerable in this hot contest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(21)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Hafeet Alain

9st 0lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Ed Walker

9yo who looked as good as ever when making all with something to spare at Sandown (1m, good) in May on his sole run this season; however, he's never defied a mark this high and may be vulnerable in this hot contest.

28/1

Form: -23071 CD

Last run: 43 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Relished return to 1m when comfortably winning in a big field over C&D (soft) last month; up 9lb and it's possible the ground was a factor in that improved performance, but he has shown promise on good/good to firm in the past and this lightly raced 3yo is entitled to respect based on his dominance last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

24

(26)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Shout

9st 1lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Versatile as regards ground; perhaps didn't take to visor in the Britannia at this meeting 12 months ago; creditable fourth in major handicap last October when bidding for a C&D double; possibilities back in this scenario, especially as latest effort (third at York) represented a return to form.

14/1

3rd

6

(4)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Shout

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Progressive 3yo last season (on various ground), winning a big-field 1m handicap at Ascot in September; reappeared with encouraging run in the Lincoln at Doncaster and he's not written off, but he was somewhat underwhelming in the Spring Cup at Newbury last time when favourite.

11/2

13th

9

(5)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Shout

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Raced too freely in the Lincoln and ended up shaping nicely in a never-nearer ninth; had ended 2025 on a high with a smooth success at Ascot (1m, soft) and a fine fourth in the Balmoral Handicap (good) over the same C&D; gets on really well with Oisin Murphy and he's back in the saddle today; still unexposed and now looks ready to strike.

8/1

Form: -33113 C BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Won when upped in trip on handicap debut at Ayr (1m2f, good) in July then easily followed up in small field here (1m2f, soft); another big run when third of 21 at the Curragh (1m2f, good to yielding) eight days later; he's 14lb higher than two starts ago and drops back down in trip today, but this well-bred 3yo could still have more to offer for his top stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(2)

28th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

15:20 Curragh

Crown Of Oaks

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

British raider; three handicap wins last season at 1m-1m2f on good and soft ground, including the Balmoral at Ascot (1m, good) on his final start of 2025 off 99; ran well when third in C&D handicap last September; a bit to find on the figures here and lacks a recent run but respected.

8/1

13

(23)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Crown Of Oaks

8st 12lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Won when upped in trip on handicap debut at Ayr (1m2f, good) in July then easily followed up in small field here (1m2f, soft); another big run when third of 21 at the Curragh (1m2f, good to yielding) eight days later; he's 14lb higher than two starts ago and drops back down in trip today, but this well-bred 3yo could still have more to offer for his top stable.

11/2

3rd

12

(5)

14th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 0y

17:35 Curragh

Crown Of Oaks

9st 2lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Much improved since being gelded, returning to win over this trip at Ayr in July and followed up off 6lb higher mark when impressively taking Ascot contest on soft ground eight days ago; carries mandatory 7lb penalty here but has been re-assessed by the British handicapper on 100 so theoretically has 7lb in hand here with ground to suit.

15/8

25/1

Form: 3-1339 D

Last run: 76 days

W: 8st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Won the Irish Lincolnshire (1m, soft) in March and close third in the Lincoln (1m, good to soft) 13 days later; returned from break with good third at Galway (8.5f, yielding) in July and his subsequent run there may have come too soon; each-way claims on best form but slow ground may be preferable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(10)

28th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

14:45 Curragh

Orandi

9st 6lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: A J Martin

Won the Irish Lincolnshire over C&D in 2025 but no joy since; midfield at Limerick on latest (1m, yielding) and remains 2lb above last winning mark; best form on easier ground than this; others appeal more.

14/1

7th

1

(10)

25th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

1m 0f 50y

16:25 Limerick

Orandi

10st 3lb

J: N G McCullagh

T: A J Martin

Last year's Irish Lincolnshire winner has lost way since a Galway premier handicap third last August; beaten 21l in both starts this season and remains 5lb above last winning mark; revival needed.

18/1

21th

15

(20)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Orandi

9st 2lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: A J Martin

Won the Irish Lincolnshire (1m, soft) last March before finishing third in this (good to soft) and at the Galway festival (8.5f, yielding); a market check is advised but he's now been below par on each of his last four runs, having finished down the field in the Irish Lincolnshire on his reappearance.

25/1

Form: 220847 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
0-10 on turf but he went very close behind Godwinson in the Lincoln (1m, good to soft) in March and is also effective on good ground; denied a clear run when keeping on for a close seventh of 12 at Newcastle (7f, AW) three weeks ago and he's one to be interested in now back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(7)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:52 Goodwood

Oliver Show

9st 9lb

J: Jack Callan

T: George Boughey

Useful on his day but losing run is mounting up and two duck eggs this year leave a question mark over his current form; chance partly depends on how well he responds to the removal of usual cheekpieces.

7/1

14th

20

(21)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Oliver Show

8st 13lb

J: James Doyle

T: George Boughey

Showed his effectiveness over a straight 1m when beaten a nose in the 2025 Lincoln at Doncaster (good to soft) and he's now 3lb lower; several respectable efforts afterwards, and 6f on good ground was probably too sharp on his sole outing in Bahrain over the winter; certainly well handicapped on best form and well worth a market check after 106 days off.

20/1

15

(22)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Oliver Show

8st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

0-10 on turf but he went very close behind Godwinson in the Lincoln (1m, good to soft) in March and is also effective on good ground; denied a clear run when keeping on for a close seventh of 12 at Newcastle (7f, AW) three weeks ago and he's one to be interested in now back up in trip.

25/1

Form: 443400 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Fourth of 30 on stable debut in the Royal Hunt Cup over C&D (good to firm) and also ran well in defeat on next two starts; represents last year's winning yard and he's in the mix on his best form, but hopes are pinned on first-time cheekpieces prompting a revival following two below-par runs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(4)

29th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

20:00 Windsor

Greek Order

10st 0lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Michael Bell

Has some back-class but now 0-10 for this yard and the form he showed in initial outings last summer has not been repeated; edging down the weights but the jockey here on penultimate start reported that he hung badly; others are more convincing.

9/1

6th

3

(3)

12th Jun 2026

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 3

15:23 Sandown

Greek Order

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Michael Bell

Has some back-class but now 0-9 for this yard after beating one home on his return to 1m2f at Windsor 18 days ago; on the plus side, this bigger field might be more to his liking and in two previous visits to Sandown he's finished first and third; no surprise if he went well under Oisin Murphy, under whom he was fourth in last year's Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood (on soft).

7/1

5th

5

(4)

25th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Windsor

Greek Order

9st 6lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Michael Bell

Record of 0-8 for current yard but he is nicely treated on best form and latest effort ended a spell of duck eggs, while suggesting this step back up from 1m may prove beneficial, in keeping with 2023 achievements.

7/2

Form: 150725 CD

Last run: 6 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Won at Ayr (1m, soft) in July and second there (1m, soft) last month; again ran well when fifth to Cerulean Bay at Goodwood (1m, good) last Sunday but needs a bigger performance and could do with slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(7)

5th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:00 Ayr

Theoryofeverything

10st 2lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

Has produced his peak RPR of 102 in both C&D attempts, including a win off 3lb higher in this race last year; Conor Whiteley takes off a bonus 5lb; interesting returned to this scenario.

6/1

5th

2

(7)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:25 Redcar

Theoryofeverything

10st 2lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Has shown signs of a resurgence and is back down to 0-90 company for the first time since successful at Ayr (1m) last July, but all four wins have come on soft ground so drying conditions wouldn't be ideal; stable triple-handed.

12/1

4th

5

(5)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 68y

Class 2

15:51 Hamilton

Theoryofeverything

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Ran well when fifth of 18 at York (1m, good) three weeks ago on his second start of the season; his four wins (one here) have come on soft going so slower ground today would aid his cause; could be a contender.

6/1

25/1

Form: -38255

Last run: 42 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who went close at Haydock (7f, good) in July and kept on for fifth of 20 behind Native Warrior here (7f, good to soft) last month, beaten 5l; with a top trainer and this first crack at 1m is worth a go although others have more compelling credentials.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(6)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:40 Newcastle (AW)

Bobby Bennu

9st 3lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Winless last season but ran some promising races and did likewise when fourth on his reappearance at Chester (7f, good; Supido third), having been dropped in from a wide draw; continues to drop down the weights; chance.

6/1

4th

6

(12)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:30 Chester

Bobby Bennu

9st 3lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Course winner; only eighth in the corresponding race 12 months ago; 4lb lower today but he is drawn wide and this may not be his day.

16/1

Form: 209610 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Completed a hat-trick last August-October and returned to winning ways at Goodwood (1m, good to firm) this August; however, well beaten in the Cambridgeshire (1m1f, good to firm) and needs to leave that run well behind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

15

(7)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Tribal Chief

8st 9lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: David Menuisier

Five-time winner at about 1m; creditable third, despite traffic issues, in major handicaps at Doncaster and Ascot (7f) this term; possibilities off same mark back up in distance, provided this race pans out better.

4/1

3rd

19

(22)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Tribal Chief

9st 2lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: David Menuisier

Useful handicapper at about 1m, winning five times; did well to finish third in the Lincoln at Doncaster in sole outing this term, having come from a difficult position; each-way possibilities, provided he copes with the drop back to 7f for first time since his early days.

8/1

3rd

18

(21)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Tribal Chief

9st 1lb

J: Sean Levey

T: David Menuisier

Inconsistent last season but he ran a big race first time up when runner-up at Newmarket (1m, good) and he won at Goodwood (1m, good to firm) in August; versatile ground-wise and he might not be far away on his reappearance, for a yard that won this in 2023.

14/1

20/1

Form: 002944 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
9yo who is without a win since August 2023 and needs everything to drop right but he often runs extremely well in defeat, including when third in the Royal Hunt Cup in June and when keeping on for fourth of 17 at York (1m, good) last Friday; solid each-way candidate.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(9)

14th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Newmarket

Bopedro

9st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

10yo who won this in 2023; frequently runs well in quality handicaps and he's 5lb lower than when a cracking third in the Royal Hunt Cup last June; scratched from the Lincoln when running a temperature on his intended comeback last month and he tends to improve for a run these days; also winless since 2023.

15/2

11th

2

(1)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:17 Newmarket

Bopedro

9st 12lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

9yo who has drawn a blank since winning on the July Course in summer 2023 and needs everything to drop right but he often runs extremely well in defeat, including when third in the Royal Hunt Cup in June; another respectable effort when sixth of 20 in Balmoral at Ascot (1m, good) a fortnight ago; not discounted in this slightly easier race.

6/1

21 (15)
Aalto

100/1

Form: -92070

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Reserve; won the Bunbury Cup (7f, good) last July and went very close in that same race this year (good to firm); should be fine at 1m but those Newmarket efforts have been his standout performances in the last two seasons and it's probably best to look elsewhere; wears a first-time hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

13

(6)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Newmarket (July)

Aalto

8st 10lb

J: William Buick

T: Ian Williams

Showed career-best form in this race in 2024 (won by 2l) and 2025 (beaten only a nose), both off higher marks; posted a resurgent effort, behind Dark Tornado, returned to this C&D latest start; respected.

100/30

2nd

10

(1)

25th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

12:45 Newmarket (July)

Aalto

8st 13lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Ian Williams

Infrequent winner but he is well handicapped, has strong C&D form and his latest York run is easy to strike a line through; Ryan Moore retains the ride; dangerous if getting the breaks.

7/2

14th

8

(7)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:25 York

Aalto

9st 8lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Ian Williams

His peak RPRs have come in the last two runnings of the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket in July (win/close second); however, he was an encouraging ninth of 28 on reappearance in the Victoria Cup at Ascot (7f, good) and positives today are his reduced mark and the booking of Ryan Moore.

5/1

33/1

Form: 070534

Last run: 24 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Reserve; some good runs in defeat this year having returned to Britain following a stint in Australia; however, he's in a hotter race today and needs something extra if he's to snap a losing sequence going back to 2022.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(5)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

16:25 Doncaster

Galeron

9st 8lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Charles Hills

Acts on good to firm and heavy; on a competitive mark on last year's best efforts but he's without a win since September 2022 and finished merely in mid-division on reappearance in the Lincoln here in March (unseated rider on the way to post); others are more persuasive.

5/1

12

(18)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Galeron

8st 11lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Charles Hills

On a competitive mark on last year's best efforts but he's without a win since September 2022 and finished merely in mid-division on reappearance in the Lincoln at Doncaster in March (unseated rider on the way to post).

25/1

12th

11

(7)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Galeron

9st 3lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Charles Hills

Winless since September 2022 and 0-9 last year after returning from a stint in Australia; however, last season's best efforts came over C&D, including when fifth in this (good to soft) and runner-up in October (heavy); 7lb lower than 12 months ago and Jack Callan removes valuable 5lb; each-way claims.

12/1

33/1

Form: 342128 D BF

Last run: 63 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Reserve; made all at Sandown (1m, good to firm) in July and close second of 21 to subsequent Stewards' Cup winner Two Tribes here (7f, good) next time; soundly beaten at Newbury (7f, good to firm) two months ago and needs to bounce back but he's better than that and is not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(5)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Classic

9st 1lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Prevailed by a neck from Indalo at Newbury in May; unable to confirm the placings in the Royal Hunt Cup but wasn't disgraced; successful on this card in 2023 (7f handicap) and 2025 (this race); solid claims back here.

10/1

9th

25

(19)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Classic

9st 1lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Has less hidden up his sleeve than others, being a 6yo whose record is 4-24, but he arrives having been better than ever in useful handicaps at Newbury (1m, good) this term; finished second to Linwood on reappearance and weaved his way through to beat Indalo by a neck last time.

11/1

1st

8

(7)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Classic

9st 2lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Third in last year's Spring Cup over C&D and fourth in this race; next three starts were good as well and he was better than ever for reappearance second of 24 in the Spring Cup four weeks ago; up just 1lb, a leading player.

6/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £50.30
Straight Forecast £38.43
Tricast £416.31
Trifecta £518.20

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Ebt's Guard

POSTDATA:

Crown Of Oaks

SPOTLIGHT:

Oliver Show

RP RATINGS:

Bopedro

NEWMARKET:

Bobby Bennu

Telegraph:

Shout

THE NORTH:

Golden Mind

D Express:

Greek Order

Daily Mail:

Holloway Boy

The Star:

Witch Hunter

Daily Record:

Crown Of Oaks

LAMBOURN:

Ebt's Guard

The Times:

Ebt's Guard

The Sun:

Ebt's Guard

The Guardian:

Oliver Show

Daily Mirror:

Bopedro