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

15th

11

(13)

13th Sep 2026

Yielding

0m 6f 0y

13:45 Curragh

Strike Red

9st 0lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Ten career wins include 2023 Scurry Handicap here and has added lesser events this year at Leicester and Hamilton, also Epsom fourth to Sondad on soft; not as same level at Goodwood latest but not one to dismiss.

14/1

7th

10

(6)

30th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:35 Goodwood

Strike Red

9st 4lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Held on narrowly from Ferrous in the Scottish Stewards' Cup at Hamilton last time; has performed well twice in the Stewards' Cup over C&D; may remain competitive.

9/1

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

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

5th

10

(6)

17th Oct 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Prince Of India

9st 4lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Marco Botti

Has made up into a smart 6f/7f performer this season, cosily winning Listed race at Newmarket (6f, good) in August and running well when second in C&D Group 3 (good to firm; Division and Jasour behind) last month; reliable type with each-way hopes.

16/1

2nd

6

(4)

3rd Oct 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Prince Of India

9st 4lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Marco Botti

Won C&D handicap in 2025; has some scope at this level, given his good sixth of 11 in Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket (6f, good to firm; slightly hampered when just behind Division); made all in a Listed race over that C&D last time; dangerous with cheekpieces replacing blinkers.

100/30

1st

4

(8)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:19 Newmarket (July)

Prince Of India

9st 3lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Marco Botti

Yet to win this season but took his form to a new level when fitted with blinkers for last two runs, looking unlucky not to finish closer than sixth in C&D Group 1 July Cup before running on well for second in 7f Newbury Group 2 (also good to firm) last Saturday; eased in grade today; the one to beat.

2/1

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

5th

2

(3)

26th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

17:55 Southwell (AW)

Kylian

9st 12lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Robert Cowell

Not much has gone right this season, including when well backed on his return to the AW last time (always trapped deep at Lingfield); currently 3-7 on Tapeta and is well handicapped now, so needs considering for a yard that also saddles Michaela's Boy.

5/1

6th

8

(9)

12th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 3

16:00 Lingfield (AW)

Kylian

9st 5lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Robert Cowell

Currently 4-8 on the AW and 1-1 on Polytrack (C&D); not a lot has gone right this season and he switches from turf on an attractive mark; will need some luck from a wide stall but is one to consider for a trainer who also runs Michaela's Boy.

8/1

5th

6

(3)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:55 Goodwood

Kylian

9st 6lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Robert Cowell

Rarely seen on a downhill track but ran a corking race in Group 3 over C&D as 2yo; often well below best in 2026 but intermittent flashes of form have lightened the gloom, including when a close fourth at Pontefract (5f, good to firm; first-time visor, retained) latest; on the risky side overall.

8/1

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

7th

1

(4)

14th Oct 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Berkshire Whisper

9st 12lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

Has a good record in this sphere, including a win and eyecatching third on AW finals day in 2025/2026; regressive since returned to turf but could well prove resurgent in this scenario; mark is attractive.

10/1

13th

5

(6)

13th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 111y

Class 2

13:55 Doncaster

Berkshire Whisper

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

He has done all his winning on AW (3-8) and has never finished better than fourth in his five starts on turf; hung badly right when behind in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood latest and connections now turn to cheekpieces.

12/1

23th

21

(19)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Goodwood

Berkshire Whisper

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

He has done all his winning on AW but his fourth at Leicester (6f, good to firm) in April is a comparable standard; can win races on the grass but perhaps not this one.

33/1

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

4

(5)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

18:45 Pontefract

Russet Gold

9st 7lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Encouraging start for this yard with two fifth-place finishes off higher marks in the spring; however, his form has gone the wrong way subsequently and he needs to turn things around.

9/1

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

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

10th

4

(2)

2nd Oct 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Ascot

Annaf

9st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Michael Appleby

Dual winner of the Group 3 Bengough over C&D at this meeting, including last year; it's generally been tough going for him in 2026 but he showed he's still capable off this mark on his day when fourth of 21 in the Portland at Doncaster (good) three weeks ago.

12/1

4th

7

(21)

12th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 143y

Class 2

14:20 Doncaster

Annaf

9st 6lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Michael Appleby

Won this race in 2023 (soft ground) off a 9lb higher mark; it's generally been tough going for him this year but he retains ability and it doesn't require a huge leap of faith to see him go close; he could do with being more alert at the stalls though.

25/1

15th

8

(16)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Annaf

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Michael Appleby

Money-spinner for connections down the years; recent efforts have suggested he retains a good deal of his ability and his handicap mark is easing; beaten only 3l in a 7f Group 1 at this meeting 12 months ago; each-way shout.

33/1

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

1st

2

(1)

14th Oct 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Fast Track Harry

9st 12lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Inconsistent since returned to turf; came up short over C&D in March when bidding to take AW record to 3-3 but he's now 7lb lower and may still have more to offer in this sphere; one to consider.

4/1

5th

5

(8)

5th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:35 Ascot

Fast Track Harry

9st 9lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Clive Cox

Has come up short in major handicaps this summer but he ran a fine race when second over C&D (good to firm; cheekpieces first time) in July; Ripon may not have suited last time and he's not discounted.

6/1

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

5th

3

(8)

26th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:28 Ripon

Dark Cloud Rising

9st 7lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Scored over C&D in June and in good form subsequently until finishing only sixth of nine in 6f handicap at Thirsk three weeks ago; the sort to bounce back though.

8/1

6th

2

(10)

5th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:50 Thirsk

Dark Cloud Rising

9st 13lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: David O’Meara

C&D winner who made all at Ripon (6f, good) in June and he had an excuse after missing the break in the Great St Wilfrid there last time; now drops back in grade and he's a big player if he can get back near best.

3/1

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

18th

2

(7)

2nd Oct 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:50 Ascot

Zoulu Chief

11st 7lb

J: Mr Henry Main

T: Heather Main

His 2026 form is unconvincing; the step back up in trip may suit (last two starts at 5f) but not a solid option.

16/1

9th

9

(5)

5th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:10 Ascot

Zoulu Chief

8st 10lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Heather Main

His 2026 form is unconvincing and the drop back to 5f didn't help at Goodwood last week; dropping down the weights but not a solid option.

25/1

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

7th

10

(3)

5th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:50 Thirsk

Fivethousandtoone

8st 12lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Four-time AW winner who is 1-29 on turf, but he's on a much lower mark in this sphere and didn't get the breaks when a close fifth at Hamilton (5f, good) last month; has claims if he can back that up and this return to 6f is a positive.

12/1

6th

13

(14)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 2

19:30 Hamilton

Fivethousandtoone

8st 12lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Tim Easterby

He is a better horse on AW than turf; a much lower mark in this sphere reflects that but his 1-28 record on the grass doesn't mark him down as the likely winner of this.

25/1

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

2nd

1

(9)

11th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

15:17 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 11lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

C&D win at the May meeting off a 1lb higher mark; not so good since, including when well backed over 6f here three weeks ago; conditions should be fine but a lower draw would have been preferred.

6/1

7th

1

(5)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

17:00 Chester

Roman Dragon

10st 0lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Hugo Palmer

Back to the mark off which he won a 5f handicap at the May meeting; not had optimal conditions since but returning to 6f and dropping in class could see a revival from this eight-time course winner.

5/1

6th

3

(6)

2nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:52 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 13lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

Eight course wins to his name, the latest in May (5f, good) off a 2lb lower mark; had form over 7f in his youth but this year's two C&D runs haven't been convincing.

16/1

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

9th

3

(7)

19th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 4

16:17 Chester

Betsen

9st 11lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Tony Carroll

Dual turf winner (both over 5f), latest at Chepstow in May (good to soft); good 2l third over C&D last week (good to soft) and one to consider.

9/1

3rd

5

(5)

11th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

15:17 Chester

Betsen

9st 2lb

J: George Wood

T: Tony Carroll

Two wins since joining Tony Carroll, the latter in a small-field Class 4 at Chepstow (5f, good to soft) in May; solid effort from a less-than-ideal draw in the Epsom Dash in June; slow start compromised his chance at Sandown but he couldn't be discounted off this mark.

12/1

5th

1

(9)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 4

17:10 Sandown

Betsen

9st 13lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Tony Carroll

Two wins since joining Tony Carroll, the latter in a small-field Class 4 at Chepstow (5f, good to soft) in May; solid effort from a less-than-ideal draw in the Epsom Dash in June; off since but he has run well after short break before.

7/1

+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