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

1st

2

(2)

26th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Pontefract

Holloway Boy

9st 7lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

He hasn't won as often as one of his ability probably should but he is a tough and reliable performer who was as good as ever with his excellent second of eight in a Group 2 at Ascot (1m, good to firm) 15 days ago; sets the standard and looks the one to beat.

4/5

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

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

13th

3

(6)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Native Warrior

9st 8lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Form figures of 1311571 in a visor; a graduate from the handicap ranks and he didn't have all that much in hand when the 6-4 winner of a Group 3 in Ireland in June on latest start (7f, soft); looks up against it now he's dining at the top table, unless transformed by a wind operation.

33/1

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

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

10th

12

(14)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Godwinson

9st 5lb

J: David Probert

T: Jack Channon

Commenced last season with wins in the Lincoln and useful AW handicap; not in the same form since, latterly posting two duck eggs this term for new yard, latest in the Royal Hunt Cup when behind several of today's opponents; major revival is required.

33/1

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

14th

4

(8)

19th Sep 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:55 Newbury

Witch Hunter

9st 11lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Richard Hannon

C&D winner who struck at Thirsk (1m, good) last month; now 1lb below that winning mark but that's because three lesser runs have followed; no surprise were he to pop up but his good days are becoming harder to predict.

25/1

11th

9

(4)

4th Sep 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:48 Ascot

Witch Hunter

9st 4lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Course winner who struck at Thirsk (1m, good) last month and is just 1lb higher today; however, this 7yo has had a patchy profile this season and has finished unplaced on his last two starts.

25/1

6th

3

(4)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:35 Newbury

Witch Hunter

9st 10lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Richard Hannon

Hard to predict; followed six duck eggs with a last-gasp win at Thirsk (1m, good) two weeks ago, only to run poorly again at Haydock last week; just 2lb higher than for the win but can't be relied on.

14/1

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

6

(21)

17th Oct 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:35 Ascot

Ebts Guard

9st 4lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Beaten 13 times since his last win last August but he's run several mighty races in the meantime, including when beaten a neck in this last year and when third of 17 to Scoville at Doncaster (1m, good) last time; this two-time course winner could be firmly in the mix once more.

12/1

3rd

3

(3)

12th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:15 Doncaster

Ebts Guard

9st 11lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Ran well in the face of a tough task when fourth in Group 2 Celebration Mile at Goodwood (soft) a fortnight ago and he returns to a handicap on a mark 2lb lower than when fourth of 28 in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm); has an each-way shout.

16/1

4th

2

(2)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Goodwood

Ebts Guard

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Has lots of form in major handicaps, including a good effort over C&D last year; consistent in the main but faces a stiffer assignment upped to Group level for the first time.

20/1

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

5th

1

(1)

26th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 7f 212y

Class 2

13:35 Haydock

Cerulean Bay

10st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Added to fine Goodwood record when second of 18 in the Golden Mile off 1lb higher at the Glorious meeting; two below-par efforts have followed but the first was under a new rider in the Shergar Cup at Ascot and he was caught too far back at the York Ebor meeting since; considered.

6/1

12th

3

(9)

20th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

15:00 York

Cerulean Bay

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Uncharacteristically below par at Ascot recently but was under a new rider in the Shergar Cup; he's run really well in defeat under Danny Tudhope in some hot handicaps this year and was second in this last season (good to firm); versatile ground-wise; could bounce back with a big performance.

16/1

9th

1

(9)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Cerulean Bay

10st 1lb

J: Jamie Melham

T: David O’Meara

Finished second behind Ebt's Guard in this race 12 months ago when rated 14lb lower; he has earned his lofty rating since then, winning twice at Goodwood last autumn and recording a career-best RPR when second of 18 in the Golden Mile at Goodwood eight days ago; another big run anticipated.

11/2

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

14th

12

(4)

3rd Oct 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Golden Mind

9st 2lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Creditable fourth over C&D in this year's Victoria Cup but his subsequent form, comprising mostly duck eggs, reads poorly by comparison; major resurgence is required.

66/1

10th

2

(1)

5th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:35 Ascot

Golden Mind

9st 13lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Couldn't set your watch by him but he's a smart performer on his good days, as when beating 21 rivals at Doncaster (6f, heavy) last November; finished fourth in the Victoria Cup here (7f, good) in May, and he is 5lb lower today, but there hasn't been much to cheer since then.

33/1

19th

3

(6)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Golden Mind

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Inconsistent but he is a smart performer, as when beating his 21 rivals at Doncaster last November (6f, heavy); raced exclusively at 7f since, with mixed results, but this mark isn't beyond him and a big run could be on the cards back down in distance.

50/1

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

13th

7

(14)

3rd Oct 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Great Acclaim

9st 6lb

J: Oliver Carmichael

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Useful handicapper whose C&D record includes a creditable fourth in this race last year and a close third to Mezcala in June; however, he needs a revival of sorts, having not been in the same form since.

16/1

7th

1

(2)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:35 Newbury

Great Acclaim

10st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

7f specialist, not beaten far in Ascot's Victoria Cup (good) and Buckingham Palace Stakes (good to firm) in first half of this year; never able to challenge over same C&D last time; this is less competitive and he should be thereabouts.

9/2

9th

3

(10)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Ascot

Great Acclaim

9st 12lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Merely mid-division behind Aalto in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket a fortnight ago but this C&D brings out the best in him, as evidenced by this season's close-up finishes in the Victoria Cup (good) and Buckingham Palace Stakes (good to firm); could be bang there now back at Ascot.

16/1

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

7th

2

(1)

25th Sep 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

13:15 Newmarket

Arisaig

9st 4lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Charlie Johnston

Talented mare but she needs things to fall right, as evidenced by her last win coming in July 2024; after a solid start to this year's campaign she couldn't justify favouritism when third in Pontefract Listed event (1m, good; Crystal Flyer second) in July and made no impact in Ascot Group 3 18 days later; narrowly sets the standard, however, and she should be finishing off well in her bid to better last year's third place in this race.

7/2

7th

1

(8)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:20 Ascot

Arisaig

9st 5lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Charlie Johnston

Losing run up to 16; has run some fine races in that period but her hold-up style dictates that things need to drop right and she got going too late when third in 1m Pontefract Listed race 18 days ago; prior to that she finished around 2l behind the reopposing Kon Tiki when eighth of 15 to Blue Bolt in the Duke Of Cambridge over C&D at the Royal meeting (good to firm).

25/1

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

1st

17

(13)

17th Oct 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:35 Ascot

Fifth Column

9st 1lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

Went close at Newmarket (1m1f, good to firm) in May and hasn't run badly in competitive handicaps on his next two starts, including the Royal Hunt Cup over C&D, but he needs something extra in a first-time visor (replacing cheekpieces) if he's to come out on top today.

16/1

7th

4

(2)

12th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:15 Doncaster

Fifth Column

9st 10lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

Three handicap wins last year (1m, good/good to firm) and runner-up at Newmarket (1m1f, good to firm) in May on his second start this season; merely mid-division in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm) last time but he's not ruled out after a break; unproven on slow ground.

14/1

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

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

2nd

4

(10)

16th Sep 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Sandown

Crown Of Oaks

9st 6lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Highly progressive in handicaps last season (good/soft), winning the Balmoral at Ascot (1m) on final start; he's failed to fire in an Irish Group 3 and a 1m2f handicap here on his two outings this term but he's not written off for his top yard.

12/1

9th

1

(8)

29th Aug 2026

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

14:15 Sandown

Crown Of Oaks

10st 2lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: William Haggas

Progressive in handicaps last season, winning the Balmoral at Ascot (1m, good) on final start; may still have untapped potential but he ran poorly in Irish Group 3 on reappearance and is now fitted with a tongue-strap.

15/2

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

18th

8

(1)

17th Oct 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:35 Ascot

Orandi

9st 3lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: A J Martin

8yo who has been up and down this year and was soundly beaten at Longchamp (1m2f, good) a fortnight ago; however, he's won two big-field handicaps this season at the Galway festival (8.5f, yielding) in July and at the Curragh (1m2f, good) last month, and this Irish challenger is not discounted.

25/1

1st

7

(21)

13th Sep 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

17:45 Curragh

Orandi

9st 6lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: A J Martin

Got all the gaps down the inner when winning the big 1m handicap at the Galway festival; ran into traffic and eased in 7f Ahonoora Handicap later that week.

12/1

11th

6

(18)

2nd Aug 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 7f 0y

16:00 Galway

Orandi

9st 8lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: A J Martin

Got all the gaps down the inner when winning the big 1m handicap here on Tuesday, with seven of these behind; has loads of gears and likely to be ridden similarly from widest draw; 7lb penalty.

7/2

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

6th

4

(2)

23rd Sep 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Goodwood

Oliver Show

9st 3lb

J: Jack Callan

T: George Boughey

Has shown best form this season at Goodwood, namely three consecutive in-the-frame efforts that amount to knocking on the door; only midfield at Doncaster last time but enters calculations back here.

4/1

7th

9

(9)

13th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 111y

Class 2

13:55 Doncaster

Oliver Show

8st 13lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: George Boughey

Held up these days; four AW wins (7f/1m) but none since 2024; 0-17 on turf but he's been competitive at Goodwood (7f/1m) on last two outings and was a close fourth in this race last year; blinkered once (below form) last year and now it's a visor which replaces his usual cheekpieces.

10/1

2nd

5

(6)

30th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:00 Goodwood

Oliver Show

9st 10lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Four AW wins, including over 1m; 0-16 on turf but he's in form, having finished fourth at Goodwood (7f) in last two starts; remains on a workable mark and enters calculations.

9/2

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

8th

5

(5)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

15:58 Newmarket (July)

Greek Order

9st 6lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Michael Bell

Has some back-class but now 0-11 for this yard and the form he showed in initial outings last summer has not been repeated; accelerating down the weights, which gives him a chance on this year's form even, but others are more convincing.

12/1

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

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

13th

1

(10)

3rd Oct 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 2

16:35 Redcar

Theoryofeverything

9st 12lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

Took advantage of a drop into Class 4 company when winning at Ayr (1m, good) in August, but hasn't repeated the form in two attempts since; needs to bounce back in a new combination of headgear.

8/1

5th

5

(1)

19th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:20 Ayr

Theoryofeverything

9st 4lb

J: Jason Hart

T: David O’Meara

Took advantage of a drop into Class 4 company when winning over C&D last month; not in the same form at Beverley (1m2f, heavy) three weeks later but he is 4lb lower than when second to Thunder Roar in this race last year; each-way shout.

14/1

7th

1

(9)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

1m 1f 207y

Class 3

13:40 Beverley

Theoryofeverything

10st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: David O’Meara

Off a good mark he wore down a subsequent winner at Ayr (1m, good) and getting back on softer ground is a plus; raised just 3lb and he's on the shortlist; stays this far.

10/1

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

5th

1

(3)

25th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 212y

Class 3

16:18 Haydock

Bobby Bennu

10st 0lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

Triple winner at around 7f in 2024, including on good to soft; went close at Newcastle (AW) in June and had an excuse when the blindfold was removed late at York last time; has claims if he can get back near best and his peak effort last season was a close call over C&D.

10/1

15th

3

(7)

6th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:25 York

Bobby Bennu

10st 1lb

J: Robbie Downey

T: Roger Varian

Went down narrowly in a 7f handicap at Newcastle in June; well beaten at Goodwood last time but he would have finished a bit closer with a clear run; sure to be popular again.

11/2

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

9th

21

(19)

17th Oct 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:35 Ascot

Tribal Chief

9st 0lb

J: Jack Dace

T: David Menuisier

Reserve; returned to his best form to win a seven-runner handicap at Goodwood (1m, good) last month by a neck; carries a 6lb penalty in this much hotter race and could prove vulnerable; seventh of 20 in this last year.

16/1

1st

3

(8)

23rd Sep 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Goodwood

Tribal Chief

9st 4lb

J: William Buick

T: David Menuisier

Regular slow-starter who needs the cards to drop right and hasn't kicked on from his placed efforts in major handicaps in the spring; however, this C&D winner has a good chance provided he's back to best.

3/1

6th

6

(2)

29th Aug 2026

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

14:15 Sandown

Tribal Chief

9st 4lb

J: Sean Levey

T: David Menuisier

Has contested the Lincoln, Victoria Cup and Golden Mile this year, looking unlucky in first two and blowing the start in last-named; very dangerous if everything clicks, although his stamina for this longer trip has to be taken on trust (well held on both previous attempts at 1m1f/1m2f).

10/1

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

18th

18

(3)

3rd Oct 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Aalto

8st 11lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Ian Williams

Has gained his only two British wins in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket but since the latest one in July he has been placed twice over C&D and an unlucky second at Newbury (flew home from a difficult position, amid interrupted passage); each-way possibilities.

12/1

2nd

5

(1)

19th Sep 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:55 Newbury

Aalto

9st 9lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Ian Williams

Landed a second Bunbury Cup at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) in July; has followed that with two creditable thirds at Ascot (including the International) and a bold bid is on the cards under Ryan Moore.

6/1

3rd

1

(4)

4th Sep 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Ascot

Aalto

9st 9lb

J: James Doyle

T: Ian Williams

His last two wins have come in the 2024 and 2026 runnings of the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket but he proved his effectiveness at Ascot when third of 16 in the International Handicap over C&D (good to firm) in July; strong claims.

7/2

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

7

(5)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:00 Goodwood

Galeron

9st 1lb

J: David Probert

T: Charles Hills

Made the frame a few times last autumn but hasn't been in the same form in two outings this term; doesn't look as if he's about to end a losing spell that goes back almost four years.

20/1

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

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

16th

12

(7)

17th Oct 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:35 Ascot

Classic

9st 2lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

6yo who has been better than ever this season; third of 18 in the Golden Mile at Goodwood (1m, good to firm) in July and again ran well when fourth of 13 to Hickory over this C&D (good) last month; he has the same career-high mark as last time but might have an each-way squeak.

16/1

4th

2

(6)

4th Sep 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:48 Ascot

Classic

9st 10lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Won a competitive handicap at Newbury (1m, good) in May and ran really well when third of 18 in the Golden Mile at Goodwood (1m, good to firm) latest, when he had to wait for room; also effective here and could be in the mix.

7/1

3rd

8

(12)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Classic

9st 6lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Prevailed by a neck from Indalo at Newbury in May but has been unable to confirm the placings in the Royal Hunt Cup and Coral Challenge; current mark is stiffer than the one off which he finished sixth, amid traffic issues, in this race two years ago.

16/1

+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