April 06 / 15.30 Kempton (AW)

15.30

Standard To Slow

Virgin Bet Handicap (GBBplus Race)

  • Prize money: £8246.4
  • 1m 3f 219y
  • Class 3
  • 9 runners
ITV
View Course
Virgin Bet Handicap (GBBplus Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Polytrack

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 11147- D

Last run: 212 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Can lead; won first three turf handicaps as 3yo, at about 1m2f and 1m4f; lost little in defeat when fourth in the Shergar Cup at Ascot after but he floundered on soft ground there in September; gelded since; solid chance on turf form back on AW for yard with a strong AW strike-rate this year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

8

(13)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 2

13:30 Carlisle

Topteam

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Andrew Balding

Four wins from 11 starts; successful on comeback at Kempton (1m4f, AW; made all) in April and again ran well when second at Newmarket (1m4f, good) two weeks ago; should be in the thick of things once more.

13/2

2nd

3

(2)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

14:32 Newmarket

Topteam

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Normally reliable and gritty performer, as evidenced by his comeback win at Kempton (AW; made all) in April, so his major flop at Epsom (again 1m4f, good) came as quite the surprise three weeks later; maybe that track didn't suit and his previous body of work means he can easily be given another chance.

4/1

5th

2

(3)

28th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 6y

Class 3

15:50 Epsom

Topteam

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Really likeable sort who scored three times on good ground (1m2f/1m4f) last term, twice coming out on top in tight finishes; gelded before again showing a fine attitude to pick up Kempton handicap (1m4f, AW) on his reappearance three weeks ago; likely won't go down without a fight for his ever-growing fan club.

7/4

10/1

  • Place: £3.70

Form: 51429- CD

Last run: 194 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
A good spell last summer for new yard included a C&D win in July but she faded badly over 1m6f at Goodwood on final start; had wind surgery since but this is likely to need her best form yet on seasonal return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(7)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

16:23 Ascot

Incensed

9st 10lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Amanda Perrett

Four-time winner whose third of nine in Goodwood Listed race (1m4f, good) in May looks all the better now; midfield finish in the 16-runner 1m6f Copper Horse handicap at the Royal meeting was no disgrace and she's not dismissed.

12/1

8th

16

(11)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Incensed

9st 6lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Amanda Perrett

It wasn't a strong Listed race in which she finished third at Goodwood (1m4f, good) in May and the steady pace casts further doubts about that form; the handicapper saw fit to raise her 5lb and that spells danger in this competitive race back up in trip.

16/1

3rd

6

(3)

1st May 2026

Good

1m 3f 218y

Class 1

15:50 Goodwood

Incensed

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Amanda Perrett

Underwent breathing surgery before making an encouraging return from six months off when runner-up in 1m4f Kempton handicap last month; this fairly useful 1m4f winner can take a step forward now.

14/1

13/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 51109-

Last run: 198 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
All races at 1m2f on turf, winning two novices in the first half of 2025; dropped right out on handicap debut at Glorious Goodwood (11-1) and he didn't fare much better at Newbury in September; it could go either way on AW debut but this new trip could suit; thereabouts if it does.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(1)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 43y

Class 4

15:45 Doncaster

Serenity Blue

10st 0lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: James Horton

Dual novice winner early last summer who's generally strugged in handicaps, including in two runs since being gelded; the drop back from 1m4f should help but this will largely come down to how he responds to first-time headgear.

10/1

11th

3

(10)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 8y

Class 4

17:15 Thirsk

Serenity Blue

9st 9lb

J: P J McDonald

T: James Horton

Two novice wins last May/June (1m2f, good to firm) and back on track when third in handicap at Kempton (1m4f, AW) last month; down the field at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) since on first run since being gelded but this 4yo remains lightly raced and is not written off.

7/1

10th

12

(8)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

14:55 Ascot

Serenity Blue

9st 1lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: James Horton

Pair of 1m2f novice wins on good to firm at the start of last summer; disappointed in handicaps on final two starts last year but got his career back on track when third of nine in 1m4f Kempton handicap on reappearance 33 days ago; subsequently gelded; surprise if he's reached his limit after six starts.

10/1

8/1

Form: 20-352

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Sole win in 1m2f Lingfield AW handicap nearly two years ago; has been running well since back on AW of late but it's pushing it to call him well handicapped in this competitive race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(6)

27th Jun 2026

Good

1m 7f 196y

Class 4

17:20 Chester

Midnight Rumble

9st 9lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Much respected on his form for Alan King, for all that he was 1-22 for that yard; following a 30,000gns sale he ran okay over C&D on last month's stable debut, but no more than that.

10/1

5th

1

(1)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 196y

Class 4

14:53 Chester

Midnight Rumble

10st 0lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Sole win (22 races) was on AW in June 2024; five seconds on turf and bang there on AW (1m3f/1m4f) on last two starts before 30,000gns sale (left Alan King) in April, but this is the first time he's gone beyond that on Flat.

12/1

4th

8

(2)

6th Apr 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

15:30 Kempton (AW)

Midnight Rumble

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Sole win in 1m2f Lingfield AW handicap nearly two years ago; has been running well since back on AW of late but it's pushing it to call him well handicapped in this competitive race.

8/1

Form: 12/21- CD

Last run: 163 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Was a more convincing Wolverhampton winner (2m) in October than the narrow margin suggests, making it 4-5 on sand for this yard, including at 1m3f and 1m4f on this track; well held over hurdles in November but had wind operation since; by no means out of it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(6)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Goblet Of Fire

8st 13lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Nicky Henderson

Second run after wind surgery saw him better than ever back on turf for a clearcut win in 12-runner race on the other Newmarket track (1m6f, good to firm) when last seen nearly ten weeks ago; 7lb rise demands better still but he's a regular Flat winner who needs respect.

6/1

1st

12

(2)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Goblet Of Fire

8st 3lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Nicky Henderson

All of his Flat success for this yard has been on AW, albeit with good-ground hurdle wins too and he was runner-up at Goodwood (1m6f, good to firm) last August; has a run under his belt this term but to win this would require a new best performance on turf.

7/1

5th

9

(9)

6th Apr 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

15:30 Kempton (AW)

Goblet Of Fire

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Nicky Henderson

Was a more convincing Wolverhampton winner (2m) in October than the narrow margin suggests, making it 4-5 on sand for this yard, including at 1m3f and 1m4f on this track; well held over hurdles in November but had wind operation since; by no means out of it.

13/2

6th
1 (5)
Bahadur

13/2

Form: 33111- CD

Last run: 128 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Immediate progress for switch to AW in the autumn, especially in handicaps on last two starts when a ready winner over 1m4f at Newcastle, then held off a subsequent improver at Wolverhampton (1m6f); up further 3lb; James Doyle rarely rides for yard now but 10-41 overall; can do better again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(1)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Bahadur

9st 10lb

J: William Buick

T: S Woods

Progressive on AW last autumn and he's been a bit better this season too; won five-runner race at Goodwood (upped to 2m, good) in May and, having been mid-division at Royal Ascot (2m4f), made most when fifth of 20 in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW); in the mix.

11/2

5th

6

(17)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Bahadur

9st 3lb

J: William Buick

T: S Woods

Progressive on AW last autumn, including here, and another improved effort when he won a five-runner race at Goodwood (upped to 2m, good) this May; mid-division at 14-1 in the 2m4f Ascot Stakes 11 days ago, not discredited but he probably needs to resume improvement in another major handicap today.

16/1

10th

11

(13)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Bahadur

9st 5lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: S Woods

Progressive on AW last autumn and another improved effort when he went on over 3f out to win a five-runner race at Goodwood (upped to 2m, good) on latest outing; up 4lb but could have more to give as a stayer.

22/1

Form: 42251- D

Last run: 153 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Well connected; didn't always do himself justice as a 3yo but he was a tough opponent for a good rival (now on a mark of 101) over 1m3f at Yarmouth last May and made a good visual impression when overwhelming two rivals on Lingfield AW in November; interesting on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(5)

3rd Jul 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:42 Sandown

Marnier

10st 1lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

Record is only 1-10, the success in AW maiden; however, shaped well in C&D handicap (good) most recently, staying on for third place in his first attempt beyond 1m4f; possibilities off current mark kept to this scenario.

5/2

3rd

1

(5)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:07 Sandown

Marnier

9st 9lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

His only win from nine starts came in a three-runner AW maiden (1m4f) last November; he has run to a useful level in three handicaps this year (1m3f-1m4f) but stepping up to 1m6f needs to prompt further progress

11/2

6th

7

(6)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

14:32 Newmarket

Marnier

9st 5lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

Can lead; chased home two good ones on his debut at Newbury last April but he hasn't built on that and become expensive to follow; did win three-runner maiden at Lingfield (1m4f) in November but his latest second of six at Southwell (1m3f, also AW) was another reversal for supporters; form chance off same mark but tempting to look elsewhere.

7/2

20/1

Form: 16398- D

Last run: 190 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Multiple handicap wins, the latest over 1m6f at Sandown last June; just 1lb lower now but he has no great record fresh and it's hard to see him teed up for this against unexposed rivals.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(2)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:47 Newmarket (July)

Youthful King

9st 5lb

J: Jude Fernandes

T: Luke Dace

Usually apprentice ridden but Jude Fernandes rides him for the first time; 6lb lower than when winning at Sandown (1m6f, good to firm) last June; he has not beaten many in his four starts this season, coming last in a four-runner race last time, but can't be dismissed and the hood he often wore last term (and first run this year) is reinstated.

10/1

4th

2

(4)

26th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:54 Lingfield

Youthful King

9st 5lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Luke Dace

4lb lower than when winning over this trip at Sandown (good to firm) last summer, but heavy defeats in his last four outings leave him with plenty to prove.

20/1

12/1

Form: 02009- D

Last run: 187 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
A 1m4f AW maiden win last spring worked out well but reality struck in Listed race and the Derby after; in more suitable company when just unable to get past the front-running Topteam at Thirsk (1m4f) in July but he wasn't the same horse again; gelded since; could go well at a price.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

5th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 4

14:20 Market Rasen

Rogue Impact

10st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: James Owen

Useful on the Flat and ran in last year's Derby; hasn't won a race since but he ran okay to be second on his hurdle debut at Worcester (2m, good) and going up in trip here could suit.

2/1

2nd

7

17th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Worcester

Rogue Impact

10st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: James Owen

Useful on the Flat at his best; has regressed and become inconsistent in this sphere but seemed to respond well to first-time blinkers when third at Brighton (1m4f, good to firm; RPR 79) last month; sports refitted cheekpieces for this hurdling debut; can feature if all goes to plan.

8/1

3rd

2

(3)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 198y

Class 5

15:20 Brighton

Rogue Impact

9st 9lb

J: Luke Morris

T: James Owen

Highly tried after winning Lingfield maiden (AW) in April last year and he bounced back from a swing at the Derby when going close at Thirsk (also 1m4f, good) in July; that form would make him a handicap snip but it's been a real struggle since and blinkers are now reached for; only considered if the market warms to him.

8/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £68.40
Straight Forecast £72.38
Tricast £342.31
Trifecta £364.20

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Midnight Rumble

LAMBOURN:

Goblet Of Fire

SPOTLIGHT:

Marnier

The Times:

Serenity Blue

Daily Mail:

Bahadur

RP RATINGS:

Rogue Impact

NEWMARKET:

Marnier

Daily Record:

Marnier

Daily Mirror:

Serenity Blue

POSTDATA:

Midnight Rumble

The Guardian:

Midnight Rumble

The Sun:

Midnight Rumble

Telegraph:

Goblet Of Fire

D Express:

Goblet Of Fire

The Star:

Goblet Of Fire