April 25 / 14.05 Leicester

14.05

Good To Firm

Caffreys Black Stout King Richard III Cup Handicap

  • Prize money: £25770
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
ITV
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Caffreys Black Stout King Richard III Cup Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £13.00
  • Place: £3.40

Form: 0800-3 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
On lengthy losing but he's a smart handicapper on his day and he returned from five months off with a good third at Newcastle (6f, AW) two weeks ago; should benefit from that run and he remains well treated on his second in the Stewards' Cup last August; interesting contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(7)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 6y

Class 2

19:15 Hamilton

Strike Red

9st 5lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

8yo who can be in and out but he won at Leicester (6f, good to firm) in April and has run well in defeat on his last two starts, at Epsom (6f, soft) and Newcastle (6f, AW); he was a close second of 14 last time and this C&D winner can be in the mix if he's once more on a going day.

11/2

2nd

14

(5)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

Strike Red

8st 13lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Twice a C&D winner; ended losing run with a hard-fought success at Leicester in April and he ran creditably at Epsom on Derby day; minor money perhaps his best hope.

14/1

4th

13

(4)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 3y

Class 2

17:55 Epsom

Strike Red

8st 11lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Has lost his form a bit in two starts since an April success and is far from certain to raise his game much, having been beaten in this race for the last three years (finishing positions 756).

16/1

7/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 138-50 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Won four times during a progressive campaign last year but he's come up short in Listed/Group 3 events this spring; seems ideally suited by fast ground but he's still 4lb higher than for his last win and has some work to do back in a handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(5)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Prince Of India

9st 8lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Marco Botti

Joint-favourite with Almeraq in Salisbury Listed race last time but underperformed; bottom of this pack on ratings and accordingly faces a much stiffer assignment than when winning a handicap at this meeting last year; blinkers added.

50/1

4th

5

(8)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

19:15 Salisbury

Prince Of India

9st 7lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Marco Botti

Made good progress over 6f last season; better than ever with his second at Leicester four weeks ago (6f, good to firm); still has more to give but this looks deep for a Listed contest.

5/1

2nd

3

(10)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Prince Of India

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Marco Botti

Won four times during a progressive campaign last year but he's come up short in Listed/Group 3 events this spring; seems ideally suited by fast ground but he's still 4lb higher than for his last win and has some work to do back in a handicap.

7/1

14/1

  • Place: £4.60

Form: 644-55 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Listed winner (5f/6f) for his previous yards and he's run respectably in two 5f handicaps for his new trainer this spring; needs to find some extra spark but he's edging down the weights and this step back up in trip looks a good move.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(4)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 3

16:15 Southwell (AW)

Kylian

9st 9lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Robert Cowell

His form has taken a downturn but he's dropped down the weights and there was some promise in his eighth of 14 at Newcastle (5f, Tapeta) last week in reapplied blinkers (retained), when not beaten far despite being denied a clear run; drops in grade here and could have a part to play.

11/4

8th

4

(2)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

19:28 Newcastle (AW)

Kylian

9st 9lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Robert Cowell

Six AW runs have yielded four wins, a second and a close fifth (stable debut after a six-month break and off a 7lb higher mark than today's); has blown hot and cold on turf since April but the blinkers worn for his last four wins now return (has raced exclusively in cheekpieces since joining Robert Cowell) and he should make a bold bid to maintain an unbeaten C&D record.

16/1

15th

4

(2)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 3y

Class 2

17:55 Epsom

Kylian

9st 7lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Robert Cowell

Form has dipped in last two starts, taking record for current yard to 0-5; doesn't look as if he's about to prevail in this warm affair.

18/1

Form: 024-03 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Completed an AW hat-trick when scoring on his handicap debut at Newcastle (6f) last April; held in six subsequent runs but he went close off this mark at Southwell in November and was a creditable third at Newcastle three weeks ago; now returns to turf but he ran well in a fast-ground Listed event last spring and he's still unexposed in this sphere; in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(6)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Berkshire Whisper

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Has made the frame at Newcastle (AW; behind Wiltshire) and Leicester since being gelded; good fourth in the Listed Carnarvon Stakes on this card last year; 0-3 on turf but has each-way claims.

8/1

4th

6

(7)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Berkshire Whisper

9st 5lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

Completed an AW hat-trick when scoring on his handicap debut at Newcastle (6f) last April; held in six subsequent runs but he went close off this mark at Southwell in November and was a creditable third at Newcastle three weeks ago; now returns to turf but he ran well in a fast-ground Listed event last spring and he's still unexposed in this sphere; in the mix.

13/2

3rd

9

(2)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Berkshire Whisper

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

He was completing a hat-trick when landing the 3yo sprint on this card 12 months ago, a race where he enjoyed a clear run while several in behind met trouble; he hasn't looked ahead of the handicapper in three runs this winter but likely this has been the main target and he has been gelded since his latest run.

16/1

10/1

Form: 87886-

Last run: 204 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Two 5f wins for Roger Varian but latest was in June 2023 and he was quiet last season; returns for new yard after wind surgery but he has a mixed record when fresh and this is highly competitive; down the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

(6)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:55 Ascot

Russet Gold

9st 6lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Kevin Ryan

Encouraging start for this yard with two fifth-place finishes at Leicester and York (also 6f) in the spring but his last two starts haven't been as promising; nicely treated and he does have form here so a revival isn't out of the question.

14/1

5th

2

(2)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Pontefract

Russet Gold

9st 13lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Ran well in Listed/Group races in 2024; on a three-year losing spell but his Class 2 form this term for new yard includes a couple of encouraging efforts; possibilities off current mark back down in grade.

5/1

8th

9

(3)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Russet Gold

8st 13lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Beaten on his last 20 starts going back to June 2023 but he's shown promise in fifth this spring on his first two starts for this yard, most recently behind a couple of these in a big field at York (6f, good); he continues to edge down the weights and might not be far away.

10/1

OUR TIP

16/1

Form: 701-77 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Ended last season with a game win in Group 3 at Ascot (6f, soft) in October; repeatedly met trouble when only seventh in Saudi Arabia (a race he'd won two years earlier) in February and things didn't really go his way again in a Listed race at Doncaster last month; has possibilities on this drop back in class and his last handicap win was off 1lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(8)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:55 Ascot

Annaf

9st 9lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Michael Appleby

Six runs at Ascot have yielded two Group 3 wins (6f) as well as a third in a Group 1 over C&D; back to form with a good third in a competitive AW handicap (6f) two weeks ago; 1lb rise not insurmountable; respected.

9/1

3rd

5

(13)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

Annaf

9st 11lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Michael Appleby

Smart performer on his day; finished second in the Group 3 on this card 12 months ago and ended 2025 with an Ascot win at that level; it has been a mixed back so far in 2026 but he is edging down the weights and has too much ability to discount; accessories tried last month are now dispensed with.

12/1

13th

1

(1)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Annaf

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Michael Appleby

Group 3 winner at Ascot (6f, soft) last October and he's versatile ground-wise; down to a dangerous mark but he hasn't been at the top of his game on his four runs this year, in handicaps on the last two occasions, and he needs to turn things around in a first-time tongue-tie and reapplied cheekpieces.

14/1

11/2

Form: 70-117 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Dual turf winner who made it 2-2 on AW when completing a double at Newcastle (6f; off 4lb lower) last month; didn't fire in his hat-trick bid at Kempton but he still has potential and is not ruled out in suitable conditions back on turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(7)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:55 Ascot

Fast Track Harry

10st 2lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Clive Cox

Only seventh when favourite for this race last year; posted two successive career bests on AW in February and March but those efforts haven't been matched since, on the last three occasions in turf handicaps; drops in grade with cheekpieces added to his tongue-tie.

12/1

11th

22

(21)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Fast Track Harry

9st 1lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Clive Cox

Won two AW races over 6f in early spring but he's had shortcomings in turf handicaps off marks in the 90s before and since, including over C&D, and looks to have his share of weight.

40/1

11th

7

(16)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Fast Track Harry

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Clive Cox

Lightly raced 4yo who, having been gelded, won two in a row over 6f on AW earlier this year; further progress cannot be ruled out but he's finished seventh on his last two starts and needs something extra today.

14/1

8/1

Form: 341-48 C

Last run: 99 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Record of 5-10 for Harry Charlton and his last win was in a conditions event at Kempton (6f, AW) in October; ran without his declared tongue-tie when fourth on stable debut at Southwell in January but he finished down the field in another Class 2 handicap at Newcastle two weeks later; conditions should be fine on this return to turf but he needs to step up again after another break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

18

(13)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Ten Pounds

9st 3lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Joey Ramsden

All races over 7f until running a screamer in a close third of 28 (good to firm) in this race last year; ready winner of his next 6f start, on the AW last October; has had some trip and aids switches for new yard but looked back on a better path when a close, staying-on second in a 5f Carlisle Listed race (first-time cheekpieces replaced regular tongue-tie) last time; 3lb well in and has a big run in him back over C&D.

10/1

2nd

4

(3)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:33 Carlisle

Ten Pounds

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Joey Ramsden

5-10 at 6f/7f for Harry Charlton; unplaced all four outings since joining current stable, finishing in midfield in Victoria Cup at Ascot most recently; unproven at 5f; wears headgear for the first time; others appeal more.

14/1

13th

4

(29)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Ten Pounds

9st 10lb

J: Andrea Pinna

T: Joey Ramsden

Broadly progressive for previous yard but proved disappointing in this race last year, having raced freely; ran well in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot next time; not particularly solid on his 2026 form for new stable and it remains to be seen whether he settles returned to this C&D.

25/1

Form: 0515-0 CD

Last run: 18 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
C&D winner who ended his 2025 campaign with a success and creditable effort over 5f at Newcastle (AW); was as good as ever in those two runs but he was well below form on his reappearance at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) 18 days ago; may have needed that run but he needs more progress to defy this mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(1)

7th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:18 Pontefract

Dark Cloud Rising

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Bounced back from some lesser efforts when making all and scoring comfortably from a subsequent winner at Ripon (6f, good) 19 days ago; the visor may have helped and although similar tactics may not be so easy in this field, he doesn't have to lead; much respected from 6lb higher.

11/8

1st

4

(7)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Dark Cloud Rising

9st 2lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Won three times last year (5f/6f, good/good to firm/AW), the third when wearing cheekpieces for the first time; disappointing this season, last time unseating his rider at the start in first-time visor which is retained.

9/1

4

(12)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Dark Cloud Rising

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Had a solid 2025, winning three times (5f/6f), but hasn't finished in the first eight this year; dropping in the weights but needs to turn a corner; perhaps a change of headgear will help.

25/1

13/2

Form: 2321-3 D

Last run: 98 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Ran creditably at Lingfield in January when bidding for a 6f AW double; 8lb higher than when second at Newmarket (7f) on last turf attempt but he's proved consistent since being gelded and his first two handicap wins were on good to firm; in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(5)

11th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 3

18:17 Windsor

Zoulu Chief

9st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Heather Main

Shaped okay at Lingfield in January; down the field at Leicester last month but he was harried up front and weakened in the final furlong; dropped 2lb and this easier track will help; one to consider.

9/2

10th

10

(3)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Zoulu Chief

8st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Heather Main

Ran creditably at Lingfield in January when bidding for a 6f AW double; 8lb higher than when second at Newmarket (7f) on last turf attempt but he's proved consistent since being gelded and his first two handicap wins were on good to firm; in the mix.

13/2

Form: 0-9322 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Four-time AW winner who has finished close up on Tapeta (5f/6f) in his last three runs; record of 1-26 on turf but he's on a lower mark in this sphere and he ran well in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon (6f, good to firm) last summer; dangerous.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(2)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

Fivethousandtoone

9st 10lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Faced with his optimum conditions but he is 3lb higher than for his win in this race last summer; each-way claims once again.

10/1

6th

8

(14)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Fivethousandtoone

9st 3lb

J: David Probert

T: Tim Easterby

Four-time AW winner, only 1-27 on grass; never the slightest threat on return to turf at Leicester; others have more convincing profiles.

16/1

11th

11

(6)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Fivethousandtoone

8st 7lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Tim Easterby

Four-time AW winner who has finished close up on Tapeta (5f/6f) in his last three runs; record of 1-26 on turf but he's on a lower mark in this sphere and he ran well in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon (6f, good to firm) last summer; dangerous.

8/1

25/1

Form: 2-0587 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Well handicapped on his best form last season but he's not easy to predict and has been up and down during another spell in Bahrain since December; comes with risks attached back in Britain and most of his wins have been at Chester; tongue-tie worn last time is removed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(9)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 1

15:52 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Hugo Palmer

Has won in Bahrain but all eight British wins have come at Chester (5f/6f); his last success was in May but he's gone backwards since and was beaten 14l in the Wokingham last time; now returns to Chester but he's drawn out wide and has something to prove back up in trip.

14/1

24th

14

(12)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Roman Dragon

9st 4lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Hugo Palmer

Has won in Bahrain but all eight British wins have come at Chester and he's been soundly beaten in the last two runnings of this race (100-1 each time); has been wearing cheekpieces but visor is now refitted.

100/1

11th

1

(6)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 3y

Class 2

17:55 Epsom

Roman Dragon

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Has gained all eight domestic wins at Chester, the most recent on penultimate start; Epsom is an unknown and he's on a difficult mark, conceding weight all round to boot.

22/1

13th
13 (2)
Betsen

20/1

Form: -44347 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Won on stable debut at Southwell (6f, Tapeta) in November and he's posted some solid efforts since then; hard to rule out another good run but this is a step back up in grade and sole turf win was 19 months ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

13

(5)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Betsen

8st 13lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Tony Carroll

6f AW win on his stable debut in November; added to his tally when seeing off five rivals at Chepstow 16 days ago (Class 4; 5f, good to soft); in deeper today.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £50.90
Straight Forecast £54.44
Tricast £597.50
Trifecta £600.50

Selections

The Guardian:

Zoulu Chief

SPOTLIGHT:

Strike Red

NEWMARKET:

Kylian

LAMBOURN:

Fast Track Harry

POSTDATA:

Prince Of India

The Times:

Fivethousandtoone

Telegraph:

Fast Track Harry

D Express:

Zoulu Chief

The Sun:

Zoulu Chief

Daily Record:

Zoulu Chief

Daily Mail:

Kylian

Daily Mirror:

Kylian

RP RATINGS:

Strike Red

TOPSPEED:

Strike Red

The Star:

Strike Red