March 28 / 14.08 Kempton (AW)

14.08

Standard To Slow

Virgin Bet Queen’s Prize Handicap (London Stayers’ Series Qualifier) (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £23193
  • 1m 7f 218y
  • Class 2
  • 9 runners
ITV
View Course
Virgin Bet Queen’s Prize Handicap (London Stayers’ Series Qualifier) (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Polytrack

Weather: Partly cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.10
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 78404-

Last run: 181 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
On a losing run of 13 since his hat-trick in summer 2024; has dropped in the weights, was thereabouts on occasions in 2025 and it can be argued that today's headgear switch will help, but there's a bit for him to prove on AW (it's only his third AW race) and others have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22th

13

(17)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Align The Stars

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Charlie Johnston

Not often seen on softer than good but he won on good to soft in June 2024; failed to shine at this meeting in 2024 or 2025, during a long losing run; he's broken that with two 2m wins on the AW this year, most notably in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle in June, and also second at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) in May, but only mid-division behind Hopewell Rock at Goodwood three weeks ago; others seem more likely.

40/1

7th

2

(10)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Align The Stars

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Charlie Johnston

Won this race in 2024 before embarking on a long losing run; he's broken that with two 2m wins on the AW this year, most notably in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle last time; second in valuable race at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) in May was followed by a blip here; back up another 4lb since Newcastle but not entirely ruled out.

12/1

1st

4

(14)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Align The Stars

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Charlie Johnston

Broke his losing run in clearcut style when he reappeared at Kempton (2m, AW) in March with restored cheekpieces, which have been kept since; good second in valuable race at Newmarket (1m6f) but he needs to bounce back from a disappointing show at Goodwood five weeks ago.

16/1

3/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 4/222-

Last run: 246 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Versatile tactically; off since last July but short-headed last May after a longer absence and he was also runner-up on his two other starts last term, taking his handicap record to 121224222; upped to 2m with cheekpieces enlisted for last two outings, one of which was on Chelmsford Polytrack; edging up the weights but should go well again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

16

(4)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Blindedbythelights

8st 9lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Versatile tactically; his only two wins were in 2023 but this highly reliable handicapper has been runner-up in six of his seven races since, including in useful company and also over 2m when he wore cheekpieces on last three occasions (hung right and lost out to a rallying rival last time); now tries blinkers and has each-way claims from low draw.

11/2

2nd

7

(7)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Kempton (AW)

Blindedbythelights

9st 5lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Versatile tactically; off since last July but short-headed last May after a longer absence and he was also runner-up on his two other starts last term, taking his handicap record to 121224222; upped to 2m with cheekpieces enlisted for last two outings, one of which was on Chelmsford Polytrack; edging up the weights but should go well again.

3/1

2nd

1

(2)

25th Jul 2025

Good

1m 7f 209y

Class 3

15:00 Ascot

Blindedbythelights

10st 2lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Sound efforts at Newmarket (1m6f) and Chelmsford (2m, AW) this season, taking handicap record to 12122422; the cheekpieces worn last time are retained; up another 2lb but again looks a solid contender.

3/1

7/1

  • Place: £3.70

Form: 15714- D

Last run: 184 days

W: 9st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Won the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, Tapeta) last June and bagged a second valuable 2m handicap success of the year at Chester in September; however, disappointing in this race in 2024 on his only race at Kempton and this stage of the season may not be the time to catch him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(2)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Spirit Mixer

9st 10lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Andrew Balding

Never involved when defending his crown in the Northumberland Plate but two of his three previous runs this season had been creditable; only 1lb higher than for his last win at Chester (September) and he was a close fourth in this two years ago; would have been tempting but for concerns about him these days on fast ground (only fifth last year on good to firm).

10/1

19th

5

(1)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Spirit Mixer

9st 4lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Beat Dancing In Paris by a neck to win this race last year off 6lb lower; also won at Chester in September and two of his three starts this term have been creditable, so he's in the each-way picture.

14/1

10th

5

(10)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Spirit Mixer

9st 1lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

One of three for the yard; won the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW) last June and has a 4-7 record at Chester, although his two performances in this race were muted (from double-figure draws); reappearance six weeks ago matched his best 2025 form but a bit extra will be needed.

14/1

100/30

Form: 11137- D

Last run: 168 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Second on Chelmsford Polytrack in latest AW race; tremendous progress last year once sent handicapping in cheekpieces, racking up four wins and the last three of those (in small fields) were over 2m, increasingly impressive; improvement stalled at Newmarket in the Cesarewitch Trial and Cesarewitch itself on last two outings, but he remains of major interest on this return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(9)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Kempton (AW)

Belgravian

9st 9lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

Second on Chelmsford Polytrack in latest AW race; tremendous progress last year once sent handicapping in cheekpieces, racking up four wins and the last three of those (in small fields) were over 2m, increasingly impressive; improvement stalled at Newmarket in the Cesarewitch Trial and Cesarewitch itself on last two outings, but he remains of major interest on this return.

100/30

19

(7)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Belgravian

8st 2lb

J: Nicola Currie

T: Andrew Balding

Tremendous progress once sent handicapping in cheekpieces, racking up four wins and the last three of those (in small fields) were over 2m, increasingly impressive; he was put in his place, improvement ending, when never-dangerous third to Reverend Hubert over C&D three weeks ago off revised mark, but he's able to race off 5lb lower today; considered.

9/1

4

(4)

20th Sep 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:55 Newmarket

Belgravian

9st 4lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

Since sent handicapping in cheekpieces he's delivered form figures of 12111 and has looked seriously progressive since upped to 2m, again winning as he liked last time at Goodwood (good to firm); handicapper didn't hold back with a 10lb rise but that might not halt his progress.

5/4

3/1

Form: 2/85-5 BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
4yo who has had only six races; moved up to an extended 1m6f and 2m on last two outings, neither of which really proved his stamina; tried blinkers on first occasion (last June) and never got seriously involved without them in a slowly run race on AW debut at Lingfield last time (favourite four weeks ago); blinkers return and 5lb claimer is enlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(6)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 3

15:34 Ascot

Anniversary

10st 2lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Ralph Beckett

Not proven on firmer than good (one attempt); second of nine at Salisbury (1m6f, good) in May was his closest finish since 2yo, making most and rallying well; disappointing latest start but that Salisbury run was his only appearance this season over this trip (the rest were 2m); not totally ruled out in his search for first win since debut.

9/1

7th

2

(9)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Anniversary

9st 10lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Blinkered on four of his last five starts; flopped when 5-4 favourite behind Elysian Flame at Beverley (2m, good to soft) in April but this month's second of nine at Salisbury (1m6f, good; made most and rallied well) was his closest finish since 2yo and gives some renewed hope.

5/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1-3441 C

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 13lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Basically progressive in a busy winter AW campaign and probably stays 2m, although the last three wins were over 1m4f (twice) and 1m6f (latest start); raised another 3lb but needs respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(2)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

17:22 Sandown

Brasil Power

9st 11lb

J: Megan Smith

T: George Boughey

Back on the mark he defied over 1m6f at Wolverhampton in March but recent efforts haven't been obviously encouraging, for all the 7f trip of the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot is almost certainly too short for him these days.

33/1

19th

27

(27)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Brasil Power

9st 1lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: George Boughey

Effective at 7f earlier in career but seems to need much further now and gained last three wins over 1m4f/1m6f (stays 2m); still has a much better strike-rate on AW than on turf in any case and looks unlikely to figure in this hot prize, back down sharply in distance.

66/1

9th

6

(11)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Brasil Power

9st 1lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Moving up to 1m4f worked well in December and comparable form at 1m6f/2m since, including another win three starts back; he's come up a bit short in warmer races this year, though, including behind Align The Stars at Kempton, and none of his turf form (admittedly at up to 1m2f) is close to this mark.

25/1

40/1

Form: 317-80

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Effective here; finished strongly when upped to 1m6f for his win at Ascot last July; absent 167 days afterwards and beat a total of one rival in his three races this winter but they were over just 1m-1m2f, when an outsider, and he should be vastly more interesting on this first crack at 2m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(4)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:07 Sandown

Trojan Storm

8st 11lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Ian Williams

Now 1lb lower than for his Ascot win last summer (1m6f, good to firm) but that is a result of some modest efforts this year, including when back over more suitable trips on his last three starts; others look safer.

14/1

7th

7

(2)

23rd May 2026

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 4

20:45 Salisbury

Trojan Storm

9st 4lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Ian Williams

Won twice last year, notably a 1m6f handicap at Ascot in July off a 1lb lower mark; well held in five starts since December but this trip more suitable than those he has been tackling and the return of the tongue tie could help; betting should be revealing.

12/1

10th

5

(4)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

14:05 Lingfield (AW)

Trojan Storm

9st 7lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Ian Williams

Two wins last year, but hasn't beaten many in four starts over 1m-2m on the AW since returning from over five months off in December; slipping back down the weights, but probably best watched for now; stable also runs Vaguely Royal.

20/1

Form: 41003-

Last run: 184 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
1m4f winner from the front (under Mason Paetel) at Newmarket last May who also scored with a prominent ride over hurdles at Cheltenham (2m5f, soft) in November; not seen since tailed off trying nearly 3m in December; returns to Flat with a bit to prove on AW and over 2m on Flat.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(12)

21st Aug 2026

Good

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:15 Hamilton

Lavender Hill Mob

9st 3lb

J: Shane Gray

T: James Owen

Versatile 5yo whose latest win was a handicap hurdle at Cheltenham last November (2m5f, soft); hasn't been at his best on the Flat this year (2m-2m4f) although not beaten far in the Shergar Cup last time; not sure drop in trip will suit.

22/1

8th

2

(5)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Lavender Hill Mob

9st 8lb

J: Jamie Melham

T: James Owen

Useful 1m4f performer and pretty good on his day over hurdles; however, hasn't found his best form this season at 2m/2m4f and has yet to convince as a stayer in this discipline; tried a visor last time at Royal Ascot and cheekpieces return.

16/1

14th

5

(2)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Lavender Hill Mob

9st 6lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: James Owen

1m4f winner from the front off this mark at Newmarket last May who also scored with a prominent ride over hurdles at Cheltenham (2m5f) in November; has a bit to prove over 2m on Flat, including having been always behind on both starts this year; now tries a visor (often wears cheekpieces) and maybe there will be a change of tactics.

40/1

25/1

Form: 10-034 CD BF

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Not the most consistent but won off this mark over C&D in October and ran well at Lingfield on penultimate outing; a bit below form when hooded first time 15 days ago in a small field; player if it's one of his good days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(6)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Kempton (AW)

Sheradann

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Ian Williams

Not the most consistent but won off this mark over C&D in October and ran well at Lingfield on penultimate outing; a bit below form when hooded first time 15 days ago in a small field; player if it's one of his good days.

25/1

4th

3

(4)

13th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 3

16:25 Wolverhampton (AW)

Sheradann

9st 7lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Not the most consistent but won off 1lb lower mark at Kempton (2m) in October; returned to form when third of eight at Lingfield (2m) two weeks ago; first-time hood now goes on and another to consider.

9/4

3rd

6

(9)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 2

15:45 Lingfield (AW)

Sheradann

8st 13lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ian Williams

Saw off reopposing stablemate Enemy when successful over 2m at Kempton in October but down the field in a series final there at the beginning of December and eased off after hanging left under pressure at Newcastle last month; hard to know what to expect.

18/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £20.90
Straight Forecast £17.16
Tricast £150.78
Trifecta £176.10

Selections

POSTDATA:

Brasil Power

Telegraph:

Belgravian

The Times:

Anniversary

TOPSPEED:

Spirit Mixer

SPOTLIGHT:

Trojan Storm

The Guardian:

Lavender Hill Mob

The Sun:

Align The Stars

RP RATINGS:

Sheradann

D Express:

Blindedbythelights

Daily Mirror:

Belgravian

Daily Mail:

Anniversary

NEWMARKET:

Brasil Power

The Star:

Brasil Power

Daily Record:

Spirit Mixer