Tomorrow / 17.50 Epsom

17.50

Good To Soft

Debenhams Handicap

  • Prize money: £38655
  • 0m 7f 3y
  • Class 2
  • 16 runners
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Debenhams Handicap

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Form: 4230-1 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who can be difficult to settle but ran well in some quality handicaps last summer (including on good to soft; unraced on softer) and reappeared with a win at Chester (7f, good) last month; prevailed despite a wide draw and she could still have more left in the tank.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(11)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Dance In The Storm

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Sometimes races too freely, including when last seen, but otherwise a progressive 7f filly and her form includes good efforts in difficult circumstances at two major festivals last August; remains of interest.

7/2

10th

10

(5)

27th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

17:55 Newmarket

Dance In The Storm

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Performed well, despite things not going totally smoothly, in warm 7f handicaps at Glorious Goodwood (went very close) and the York Ebor festival last month; still open to further progress; major player.

9/2

Form: 604-50 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Down the field in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) last month but promising reappearance there (7f, good) previously; won this race in 2021 (good to soft) and 2024 (good to soft), and was third last year (good to soft); this week's rain has been in his favour and he's on a dangerous mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(4)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Rhoscolyn

9st 3lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

Last year's Golden Mile win at Goodwood (strong record there) shows he's still smart on his day; respectable return to action when fifth in good conditions race over 7f here three weeks ago but he's gained the vast majority of his ten career wins on slower ground than he's likely to encounter this afternoon.

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: 01-706 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Two-time French winner (7f, very soft/good to soft) who took a step back in the right direction with close sixth of 13 at Chester (7.5f, good) last month on his second stable start; the forecast slower ground could be a positive today and he's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 61320- CD

Last run: 234 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Disappointing last October on final 3yo start but the cheekpieces adopted that day are dispensed with and he's been gelded since; won over C&D (good) last July before very good efforts in defeat at Goodwood (7f, good to soft) and over C&D (good); retains potential and could be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(9)

14th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:44 Leicester

Aurora Majesty

9st 12lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Won for the first time since going handicapping at Epsom in July (7f, good) and was subsequently placed at Goodwood (7f, good to soft) and back at Epsom (7f, good); cheekpieces now tried and on a career high mark (3lb higher than last time); contender.

8/1

2nd

9

(5)

25th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 3y

Class 3

14:45 Epsom

Aurora Majesty

9st 3lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Made it 3-6 when landing a C&D handicap (good) last month and he found more progress when front-running third in big field at Glorious Goodwood (7f, good to soft); only 1lb higher on this drop back in grade and he's an interesting contender.

4/1

Form: 2467-1

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Considerable promise during light career for Karl Burke and better than ever when getting up close home in small field on his stable/seasonal debut at Pontefract (6f, good); there can be optimism that he will be fine back up to 7f and on slower ground, and he could have more to offer; contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(4)

29th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:58 Pontefract

Veblen Good

9st 11lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: David O’Meara

AW winner (5f) for Karl Burke as a 2yo; ran well over C&D on last season's reappearance and his fourth in a big field at York on his handicap debut came off a 3lb higher mark; two subsequent efforts are excusable (Listed company and then 7f on slow ground); sold for 32,000gns in October; unexposed as a sprinter and now drops in class; stable also runs Sixtygeesbaby.

8/1

11

(11)

5th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Ascot

Veblen Good

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Speedily bred 3yo who has fairly useful form over sprint trips on home soil; came up short in French Listed event most recently; not certain to see out this stiff 7f.

12/1

Form: 40-301 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Two C&D wins, the latest when completing a hat-trick last July (good to firm), and he won at Goodwood (7f, good) a fortnight ago; could be bang there if handling the forecast slow ground (mixed messages in his form).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

(3)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:52 Goodwood

Crimson Spirit

9st 5lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Best form at 7f on good/firmer; completed a hat-trick last summer and ran creditably in big field at Newmarket in the first of his two starts this term; chance may depend on the actions of the weather, however.

8/1

10th

5

(12)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Crimson Spirit

9st 6lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Best form at 7f on good/firmer; completed a hat-trick last summer and could be set for further success this term, having performed encouragingly (third of 18) at Newmarket on reappearance; one to consider.

6/1

Form: 14/9-0 D BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Won four times on slow ground in France (7f-1m2f); returned from long absence with heavy defeat on last month's stable debut at Ascot (1m, good to firm), where he pulled hard; that run may have got the freshness out of him and it will be interesting to see if he's again strong in the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 38-022 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
8yo who has been as good as ever this spring, short-headed at Musselburgh (7f, good) then second of 14 to Crimson Spirit at Goodwood (7f, good); last season's two wins came on soft ground; effective here; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

(2)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:52 Goodwood

Mister Bluebird

9st 4lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Heather Main

Went close at Musselburgh (7f, good) last time, showing he retains full ability aged eight; dual winner at Goodwood and may remain competitive; gained last three wins on soft ground.

8/1

2nd

2

(2)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

17:45 Musselburgh

Mister Bluebird

9st 8lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Heather Main

Well beaten on reappearance at Newcastle (6f, AW) 30 days ago and needs to be an entirely different proposition today; however, he's on a competitive mark on last season's best efforts and his C&D form figures read 123, with all three of those runs coming in cheekpieces (which go back on).

10/1

Form: 2-0411 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Off the mark at the 18th attempt at Windsor (1m, good to firm) last month and followed up in big field at York (7f, good) eight days later; latest 7lb rise may not stop this thriving 4yo if he handles the softer ground here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

14

(9)

15th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 York

Zarathos

9st 7lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Dylan Cunha

Finally got the job done in Windsor contest (1m, good to firm) last week and did it comfortably, opening his account at the 18th attempt; great chance under a penalty, provided he's in the same form back down in trip; due to go up 4lb in future.

9/2

1st

2

(3)

7th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 31y

Class 5

15:27 Windsor

Zarathos

9st 8lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Dylan Cunha

0-17 but he's a consistent sort and posted a solid fourth of 12 in 1m Wetherby handicap 11 days ago; ought to be thereabouts again.

9/2

Form: 0-8155

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Made all at Beverley (7.4f, good to firm) in April on second stable start; respectable efforts when fifth on his next two outings but he needs something extra today and is unproven on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(5)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

A War Eagle

9st 4lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

Suited by good/firmer; has quickly found his form this season for new yard and ran creditably in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m) last Saturday when attempting to follow up his Beverley success (7.5f); may do better still.

9/1

5th

14

(12)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

A War Eagle

8st 8lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

Low-mileage 4yo who was having only his second start for this yard when clinging on over the extended 7f at Beverley (good to firm) nine days ago; only raised 3lb but this is a step up from that Class 4 and his draw isn't ideal for one who usually races close to the pace.

12/1

Form: 434-07 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Not at the top of his game on either run this year but well backed at Chester last time, when the tight track may not have been ideal; on a handy mark on last season's best form and and he's not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(6)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Arctic Thunder

9st 4lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Record of 0-9 for current stable but he has made the frame in last three attempts over 7f; could go well returned to this distance with Newbury reappearance (6f) under his belt.

8/1

12th

11

(16)

17th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:25 Newbury

Arctic Thunder

9st 0lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

String of runs last summer (6f-7f) suggested he was ahead of his mark but he often ran into trouble and/or got going too late; no surprise at all were he to take this back from a break but he is not one for the faint of heart.

8/1

Form: 162-13 CD

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Progressive during last season's 3yo campaign and continued the good work when winning at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) in March on his reappearance; another good run when third to Dance In The Storm at Chester (7f, good) last month; versatile ground-wise and might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

14

(8)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Pietro

9st 3lb

J: David Egan

T: James Fanshawe

Steadily progressive on turf and AW; prevailed at Wolverhampton (7f) on seasonal debut, making it three wins from his last six races; up only another 2lb and there's the possibility of further improvement; respected.

5/1

1st

8

(4)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 4

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Pietro

9st 7lb

J: George Wood

T: James Fanshawe

Steadily progressive on turf, winning three times; good second at Yarmouth (7f) when last seen; may continue to improve this term; has bits of encouraging AW form; commands respect.

9/2

Form: 1-5202

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 3yo who went beyond 6f for the first time when going close at Chester (7.5f, good) last month; has also shown promise on good to soft ground; unexposed at this sort of trip and could be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(3)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

15:40 Chester

Monarchs Gold

9st 2lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Campaigned only at 6f, mostly on AW (admittedly went close in sole turf attempt); soundly beaten on finals day at Newcastle most recently; 0-3 since handicapping and now goes into unknown territory trip-wise.

20/1

Form: 8321-5 CD

Last run: 60 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Beat her five rivals to make all over C&D (good to soft) last September on final run for Andrew Balding; didn't run badly on stable/seasonal debut at Kempton (6f, AW) in April and could improve for that run; this is more competitive than she's used to but she's not ruled out each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(3)

6th Apr 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:05 Kempton (AW)

Musical Angel

9st 8lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Simon Dow

Best form for Andrew Balding came on turf, including wins at Brighton (6f, good to firm) and Epsom (7f, good to soft) last year; makes stable debut after 190 days off having changed hands for 50,000gns in October; market informative.

4/1

1st

5

(6)

28th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 3y

Class 4

17:15 Epsom

Musical Angel

9st 11lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Recorded a game success in Brighton maiden (6f) in June; neck second, clear of remainder, upped to 7f at Chester (good) most recently; this 3yo filly may do better still and is one to consider.

4/1

Form: 67-229

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
0-17 since winning in June 2023 on his second start and below par at Newmarket (7f, good) three weeks ago; however, prior to that he was runner-up on his first two starts for this yard (7f, good) and has an each-way shout if he's back on song; has shown promise on good to soft ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

13

(3)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:50 Newmarket

Son

8st 12lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

0-16 since winning in June 2023 on his second start but short-headed at Thirsk (7f, good) last month on his stable and seasonal debut and posted another good second at Haydock (7f, good) last Saturday; he's on the shortlist.

7/1

2nd

4

(7)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 4

16:15 Haydock

Son

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Didn't progress for Richard Hannon but, having dropped in the weights, he went desperately close to making a winning debut for Tim Easterby three weeks ago, staying on strongly at Thirsk (7f, good); 1lb higher today but he attained a BHA rating of 106 in his pomp; contender.

5/1

Form: 35142-

Last run: 275 days

W: 8st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Won 2yo maiden at Hamilton (6f, good) last July on third outing and runner-up there (6f, good to soft) in September on second nursery start; that latest form was franked by the winner and every chance he'll continue to improve, but this is a tough starting point to his 3yo year; cheekpieces added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(6)

3rd Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 2

18:15 Hamilton

Sunny Smile

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Hugo Palmer

Won C&D maiden in July on third start (good; unraced on softer); only fourth of eight on nursery debut at Newbury (6f, good) but didn't run badly and he could have more to offer now back here; not ruled out.

6/1

4th

1

(5)

15th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:05 Newbury

Sunny Smile

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Gelded after his second start and showed improved form to win at Hamilton (6f, good) four weeks ago; this half-brother to US Grade 3 winner Chardy Party could continue to progress and is respected on nursery debut.

100/30

Betting Forcast

9/2 Dance In The Storm, 8/1 Rhoscolyn, 20/1 The Angel King, 10/1 Aurora Majesty, 10/1 Veblen Good, 8/1 Crimson Spirit, 14/1 Colombier, 10/1 Mister Bluebird, 7/1 Zarathos, 20/1 A War Eagle, 12/1 Arctic Thunder, 11/1 Pietro, 10/1 Monarchs Gold, 25/1 Musical Angel, 20/1 Son, 25/1 Sunny Smile

Verdict

Topweight DANCE IN THE STORM looked a filly to follow when getting up at Chester on her reappearance and she can make it 2-2 for the campaign. Rhoscolyn won this in 2021 and 2024 and, with this week's rain very much a plus, he is feared most. Another 8yo, Mister Bluebird, arrives in excellent heart and is third choice, while Veblen Good Crimson Spirit and Zarathos are last-time winners who have to be respected.[Ben Hutton]

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Aurora Majesty

SPOTLIGHT:

Dance In The Storm

POSTDATA:

Pietro