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
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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

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

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

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

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

2nd

3

(8)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Newbury

Prince Of India

9st 8lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Marco Botti

Usually races at 6f nowadays but probably just as effective at 7f; seemed to excel himself in first-time blinkers when sixth of 11 in Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket (good to firm; 80-1) five weeks ago; not ruled out if repeating that form.

7/1

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

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

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

4th

5

(3)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

17:45 Pontefract

Kylian

9st 5lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Robert Cowell

His mark continues to fall and there were promising signs at Newcastle (5f, AW) in June; however, two lesser runs have followed and he has to turn things around in a first-time visor (has worn cheekpieces/blinkers this term).

6/1

12

(10)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:35 Ascot

Kylian

9st 4lb

T: Robert Cowell

12/1

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

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

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

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

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

11th

14

(6)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Goodwood

Annaf

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Michael Appleby

Having edged down the weights he offered a good deal more when third to Tuco Salamanca at Newcastle (6f, AW) in June; finished with a flourish when seventh behind Dubai Bling at Ascot (5f, good to firm) three weeks ago, a run that confirmed he was still in good order; returning to 6f will help and he can't be dismissed, for all that he has been well beaten in this race twice before (2022 and 2025).

16/1

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

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

10th

3

(8)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Fast Track Harry

8st 12lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Clive Cox

Gelded prior to his reappearance and he started 2026 with a pair of AW wins; tougher going on turf this summer but he has been in deep races and his latest second at Ascot (6f, good to firm; cheekpieces first time) has worked out well; runs off the same mark and commands respect.

5/1

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

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

6th

4

(15)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Dark Cloud Rising

8st 11lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Positives include a C&D record comprising a win and a second and he arrives in top form; whether he is quite well enough treated for a race of this nature remains to be seen though.

8/1

2nd

1

(6)

3rd Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:54 Ripon

Dark Cloud Rising

10st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Stumbled/unseated in first-time visor (retained since) at Carlisle in May but posted a career-best when winning by 2l over C&D (good) in June, and he was denied a clear run when third of six at Pontefract (6f, good) subsequently; high on the list.

15/8

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

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

8th

3

(1)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 4

17:10 Sandown

Zoulu Chief

9st 12lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Heather Main

All four wins at 6f but was a good third over 5f at Ascot last spring and the way he travelled in the lead for a long way in a competitive 6f handicap at Newmarket last weekend suggests he should be fine back at the minimum trip; well drawn to attack against the rail but any easing of the ground may not help his cause (best form on good/good to firm).

10/1

9th

1

(10)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:09 Newmarket (July)

Zoulu Chief

10st 2lb

J: George Bass

T: Heather Main

All four wins at 6f and not on an impossible mark even with top weight; however, he's not easily trusted after his last two efforts.

16/1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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