June 19 / 15.05 Ascot

15.05

Good To Firm

Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) (No Geldings)

  • Prize money: £396970
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 22 runners
ITV
View Course
Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) (No Geldings)

Runners: 22 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

11/8 (Won)

  • Win: £2.38
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 113-01 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
5-5 over sprint trips, including 2yo wins at this meeting (C&D, good to firm) and in the Group 1 Prix Morny at Deauville (6f, good); having failed to stay 1m in the 1,000 Guineas, she was dropped back in trip in the Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock (6f, good to soft) four weeks ago and won in fine style; leading claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

11

(9)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Venetian Sun

8st 13lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

3yo filly who is unbeaten (6-6) over sprint trips, mostly in Group races, including two at the top level; only narrowly justified favouritism in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot (good to firm) most recently but it's hard to knock her record and there may yet be further advancement in terms of her rating; sire won the July Cup; receives all the allowances and duly warrants respect.

3/1

1st

21

(13)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Venetian Sun

8st 13lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

5-5 over sprint trips, including 2yo wins at this meeting (C&D, good to firm) and in the Group 1 Prix Morny at Deauville (6f, good); having failed to stay 1m in the 1,000 Guineas, she was dropped back in trip in the Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock (6f, good to soft) four weeks ago and won in fine style; leading claims.

11/8

1st

8

(3)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:58 Haydock

Venetian Sun

8st 13lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Top 6f 2yo, completing a notable hat-trick with wins in Group 3 at Royal Ascot, Group 2 at Newmarket (July) and Group 1 at Deauville (all good/good to firm); seemed fine at 7f (ran on after meeting trouble) when third in the Moyglare at the Curragh (yielding) on her final start but shaped like a non-stayer when stepped up to 1m for 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket on reappearance; remains open to progress back at 6f; leading claims.

9/4

40/1

  • Place: £8.60

Form: 041-83 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Listed winner at Newmarket (6f, good) last October; respectable efforts this season when midfield in the 1,000 Guineas (1m, good to firm) and third in the Sandy Lane at Haydock (6f, good to soft) but she was no match for the winner Venetian Sun last time and today's task may well be beyond her.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

15

(15)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Spicy Marg

8st 11lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Michael Bell

C&D and Listed winner in last season's 2yo campaign, and she ran a mighty race when going close at 50-1 in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot (6f, good) last month; failed to back that up in Group 3 at York three weeks ago but not ruled out in view of her peak performance.

10/1

7th

13

(2)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:45 York

Spicy Marg

9st 0lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Michael Bell

Listed winner at Newmarket (6f, good) last October; beaten 4.5l into third by Venetian Sun in the Sandy Lane at Haydock on good to soft in May but got a lot closer that rival on quicker ground in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, going down by only a head for a big career best, with reopposing Fitzella fifth; the one to beat.

9/4

2nd

20

(8)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Spicy Marg

8st 13lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Michael Bell

Listed winner at Newmarket (6f, good) last October; respectable efforts this season when midfield in the 1,000 Guineas (1m, good to firm) and third in the Sandy Lane at Haydock (6f, good to soft) but she was no match for the winner Venetian Sun last time and today's task may well be beyond her.

40/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.85

Form: 115-32 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Listed winner at York (6f, good) last October and reappeared with close third behind Coppull and Midnight Tango in the Group 3 Trial over this C&D (good to firm), finishing strongly after blowing the start; failed to settle and perhaps not seen to best effect when 3l second to Venetian Sun in Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock (6f, good to soft) last time; could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Division

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: William Haggas

Solid performer who completed a hat-trick during his 2yo campaign and has strong placed form this season, the last two times behind Venetian Sun; switched and finished well for a close third in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot latest; has broadly progressive RPRs in tandem with a gradual rise in class; knocking on the door at Group level.

9/1

3rd

6

(3)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Division

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: William Haggas

Listed winner at York (6f, good) last October and reappeared with close third behind Coppull and Midnight Tango in the Group 3 Trial over this C&D (good to firm), finishing strongly after blowing the start; failed to settle and perhaps not seen to best effect when 3l second to Venetian Sun in Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock (6f, good to soft) last time; could go well.

12/1

2nd

4

(4)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:58 Haydock

Division

9st 2lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Raced at 6f; won three times last year, notably a York Listed race (good; also won on good to soft); improved again when coming with a strong late run (started slowly) for 0.5l third to Coppull in Ascot Group 3 (good to firm) on reappearance three weeks ago; probably capable of better again.

5/2

12/1

  • Place: £4.55

Form: 1220-1 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Runner-up to subsequent 1,000 Guineas winner True Love in the Group 1 Cheveley Park at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) last September and travelled well when a gutsy winner of the Group 3 Lacken Stakes at Naas (6f, good) on her reappearance; could build on that latest run and give a good account.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(3)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

15:25 Curragh

Havana Anna

9st 2lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: Donnacha Aidan O’Brien

3yo filly is 3-9 with all three of her wins coming over 5f/6f at Naas; won a Group 3 over the latter trip on her seasonal return (good) and outran her odds of 28-1 when a fine 2l fourth in the Commonwealth Cup (6f, gd-fm); gets all the allowances here and the drop back to 5f should pose no problems; big chance.

11/4

4th

17

(7)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Havana Anna

8st 13lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: Donnacha Aidan O’Brien

Runner-up to subsequent 1,000 Guineas winner True Love in the Group 1 Cheveley Park at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) last September and travelled well when a gutsy winner of the Group 3 Lacken Stakes at Naas (6f, good) on her reappearance; could build on that latest run and give a good account.

12/1

1st

3

(5)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 205y

16:56 Naas

Havana Anna

9st 2lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: Donnacha Aidan O’Brien

Maiden and Listed winner over 5f; beaten only a nose in a Group 3 over the minimum trip at Longchamp, though produced her best effort when chasing home True Love in the 6f Group 1 Cheveley Park; failed to cope with the challenge of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint; appealing given her top-rating and she's unpenalised but lacks a run.

4/1

66/1

Form: 125-56 CD BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Made all in the Group 3 Princess Margaret Stakes over C&D (good) last July; some good runs in defeat since but she again looks vulnerable today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(5)

2nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 1

15:20 Chester

Fitzella

8st 10lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

Kept good company as a 2yo, winning Group 3 Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot (6f, good); unplaced in four runs this year but her close fifth in the Commonwealth Cup was a personal best; down the field at York last month but she raced alone towards the stands' side and that isn't the run to judge her on; big player.

9/1

11th

10

(13)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:45 York

Fitzella

9st 0lb

J: W J Lee

T: Hugo Palmer

Made all in the Group 3 Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot (6f, good) last July; finished behind reopposing pair America Queen and Soul Love when below par on first two outings this year but showed she's trained on when very good fifth of 22 in Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm), albeit Spicy Marg was just under 3l ahead in second.

7/1

5th

16

(16)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Fitzella

8st 13lb

J: James McDonald

T: Hugo Palmer

Made all in the Group 3 Princess Margaret Stakes over C&D (good) last July; some good runs in defeat since but she again looks vulnerable today.

66/1

Form: 125-41 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Won a sales race at York (6f, good to firm) last August and his form went to a new level when an all-the-way Listed winner at Newbury (6f, good) last month, narrowly from Albert Einstein; this is his first Group-race assignment and further improvement is needed but he's an each-way possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(8)

2nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 1

15:20 Chester

Song Of The Clyde

9st 4lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Clive Cox

Won a valuable sales race at last season's Ebor meeting; improved performer this year, winning a Listed event at Newbury (6f, good) before a close seventh in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot; disappointed at Newbury two weeks ago when reportedly finding the ground too fast; a penalty could leave him vulnerable today.

7/1

7th

7

(6)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:02 Newbury

Song Of The Clyde

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Sole 3yo in this field; largely progressive colt whose form features wins in York sales race as a 2yo and C&D Listed event on penultimate outing; creditable seventh in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot latest; may have more to offer back down in class; major player.

5/1

7th

13

(2)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Song Of The Clyde

9st 2lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Clive Cox

Won a sales race at York (6f, good to firm) last August and his form went to a new level when an all-the-way Listed winner at Newbury (6f, good) last month, narrowly from Albert Einstein; this is his first Group-race assignment and further improvement is needed but he's an each-way possible.

16/1

8th
5 (14)
Coppull

12/1

Form: 3153-1 CD

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Third in the Coventry here (6f, good to firm) last June before 2l win in the Group 2 Richmond at Goodwood (6f, good), and campaign concluded with close third in the Group 1 Middle Park at Newmarket (6f, good to firm); reappeared with Group 3 win in the Trial over C&D (good to firm) and he's respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(6)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Coppull

9st 2lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Clive Cox

Very useful 3yo but finished only eighth, albeit best of the near-side runners, in the Commonwealth Cup for 3yos at Royal Ascot when bidding to follow up his trial success over the same C&D; bare form of the latest effort gives him work to do with Venetian Sun and Division; furthermore, it took his Group 1 record to 0-3.

33/1

8th

5

(14)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Coppull

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Third in the Coventry here (6f, good to firm) last June before 2l win in the Group 2 Richmond at Goodwood (6f, good), and campaign concluded with close third in the Group 1 Middle Park at Newmarket (6f, good to firm); reappeared with Group 3 win in the Trial over C&D (good to firm) and he's respected.

12/1

Form: 59-110 D

Last run: 83 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Won two conditions races at Meydan (7f/6f, good) early this year then finished down the field against older horses in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint there (6f, good) in March; Jamie Spencer being on board is a positive on the straight course here but this 3yo has something to find.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(9)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Goodwood

Northern Champion

9st 9lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Ed Walker

Two wins in Dubai early in the year before coming up short in Group 1 company in March and June; back on the up with a 7f Listed win at Chester three weeks ago; this looks a tough task under 6lb penalty though.

16/1

1st

9

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 1

15:52 Chester

Northern Champion

8st 13lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Ed Walker

Won two conditions races at Meydan (7f/6f, good) early this year and he's had tough tasks in Group 1 events in last two starts including the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot; still lightly raced but he needs to find more progress back up in trip and down in class.

7/1

9th

9

(5)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Northern Champion

9st 2lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Ed Walker

Won two conditions races at Meydan (7f/6f, good) early this year then finished down the field against older horses in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint there (6f, good) in March; Jamie Spencer being on board is a positive on the straight course here but this 3yo has something to find.

66/1

OUR TIP

40/1

Form: 33-730 D

Last run: 3 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Third in Group 3 Cornwallis (5f, good) and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (5f, firm) on final two 2yo starts, and also third in Listed race at York (5f, good) last month; respectable midfield finish in King Charles III Stakes here (5f, good to firm) on Tuesday but needs a career best today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

(7)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Aspect Island

9st 0lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: James Owen

Third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint last October and he's gone close in a couple of Listed races at York (5f, good to firm) this season, the latest three weeks ago in first-time cheekpieces (retained); however, his form has to go to a new level if he's to win this.

16/1

2nd

9

(2)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:12 York

Aspect Island

8st 10lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: James Owen

Third to Dickensian over C&D in May, stern assignments in Royal Ascot Group 1s since; sole win came in Yarmouth nursery and he's still in deep waters despite this apparent drop back in grade; cheekpieces replace visor.

12/1

12th

2

(19)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Aspect Island

9st 2lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: James Owen

Third in Group 3 Cornwallis (5f, good) and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (5f, firm) on final two 2yo starts, and also third in Listed race at York (5f, good) last month; respectable midfield finish in King Charles III Stakes here (5f, good to firm) on Tuesday but needs a career best today.

40/1

33/1

Form: 4460-2 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
0-6 in Group/Listed races since winning a maiden at Hamilton last June on her second start but she's often run well and was better than ever when a neck runner-up to Coppull in the Group 3 Trial over C&D (good to firm) on last month's return; each-way claims if backing up that performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

19

(17)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Midnight Tango

8st 13lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

0-6 in Group/Listed races since winning a maiden at Hamilton last June on her second start but she's often run well and was better than ever when a neck runner-up to Coppull in the Group 3 Trial over C&D (good to firm) on last month's return; each-way claims if backing up that performance.

33/1

2nd

8

(7)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Ascot

Midnight Tango

9st 0lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Ran well in Listed/Group 3 company last summer following her maiden win at Hamilton and her two lesser efforts at the end of the campaign can both be excused; this free-going filly shouldn't mind the return to sprinting but she will need to raise her game a notch.

33/1

10th

5

(7)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Newmarket

Midnight Tango

9st 2lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Has Listed and Group 3 form, including at Newmarket, but seems to have stopped progressing; chance partly depends on how well she responds to first-time headgear.

12/1

Form: 11-632 D BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
2-2 in truncated 2yo campaign, including 6f Group 3; 0-3 this year but appeared suited by the drop back to 6f when neck second to Song Of The Clyde in Listed race at Newbury (good) last month, faring best of those who raced in the centre group; improvement needed but he's Ryan Moore's mount of the Ballydoyle three and could still have more to offer; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

1

(11)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Albert Einstein

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

2-2 in truncated 2yo campaign, including 6f Group 3; 0-3 this year but appeared suited by the drop back to 6f when neck second to Song Of The Clyde in Listed race at Newbury (good) last month, faring best of those who raced in the centre group; improvement needed but he's Ryan Moore's mount of the Ballydoyle three and could still have more to offer; not ruled out.

6/1

2nd

3

(4)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Newbury

Albert Einstein

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Has rather compromised his chance by taking a good hold in 7f events this term, latest at Newbury (Group 3) when still running creditably in a hood that is now removed; skipped the Guineas option and heads down the Commonwealth Cup route instead; 2-2 previously, both wins over 6f in May 2025, including Curragh Group 3; retains potential.

5/2

3rd

1

(4)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:00 Newbury

Albert Einstein

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Rare runner in the Greenham for his powerful connections, who are still working out whether the highly regarded colt is a Guineas prospect or needs a return to 6f over which he was 2-2 as a 2yo (both on good ground); only sixth when favourite for Curragh Listed race (7f, soft to heavy; took a good hold) on return from ten-month absence but retains potential and could well take a big step forward, as well as settle better, in first-time hood with the outing under his belt; adds great interest to this field.

2/1

50/1

Form: 9226-6 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Second in the Gimcrack at York (6f, good to firm) last August but well beaten in the Mill Reef at Newbury (6f, good to soft) next time and same story in the Sandy Lane at Haydock (6f, good to soft) last month; cheekpieces and the return to fast ground could help but others have less to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(7)

2nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 1

15:20 Chester

Rock On Thunder

9st 1lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Chased home Lifeplan in the Gimcrack last August; well beaten in Group 2/Group 1 events so far this year; this drop in class could revive his fortunes but he is up against some progressive sorts.

10/1

15th

11

(22)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Rock On Thunder

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Second in the Gimcrack at York (6f, good to firm) last August but well beaten in the Mill Reef at Newbury (6f, good to soft) next time and same story in the Sandy Lane at Haydock (6f, good to soft) last month; cheekpieces and the return to fast ground could help but others have less to prove.

50/1

6th

6

(5)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:58 Haydock

Rock On Thunder

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Raced at 6f; smart 2yo, notably second in the Gimcrack at York; below par tackling going softer than good for the first when sixth in the Mill Reef at Newbury on final start, which is a bit of a concern should the ground here remain on the soft side; on a positive note, his yard has won this twice since 2019, including with Inisherin in these silks two years ago.

10/1

14/1

Form: 111-18 C BF

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Impressive in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes here (5f, good to firm) last June on fourth and final 2yo start; reappeared with Listed win at Navan (6f, good to yielding) in April and he was eased at Naas last month after Ryan Moore felt he lost his action; Moore rides stablemate Albert Einstein but this fellow remains one to be interested in; wears first-time blinkers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

8

(6)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

15:25 Curragh

Charles Darwin

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

3yo won three of his four starts last season, including the Norfolk Stakes (5f, gd-fm); started off this campaign with a Listed win at Naas (6f, gd-yld) but has questions to answer after finishing well beaten in a Group 3 back at Naas and in the Commonwealth Cup in first-time blinkers (retained) on latest; the pick of Moore, but needs to get back on track down in trip.

8/1

16th

4

(20)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Charles Darwin

9st 2lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Impressive in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes here (5f, good to firm) last June on fourth and final 2yo start; reappeared with Listed win at Navan (6f, good to yielding) in April and he was eased at Naas last month after Ryan Moore felt he lost his action; Moore rides stablemate Albert Einstein but this fellow remains one to be interested in; wears first-time blinkers.

14/1

8th

1

(3)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 205y

16:56 Naas

Charles Darwin

9st 8lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Beaten on debut at Cork before going the rest of the season unbeaten; landed a Navan maiden (6f, soft), a four-runner conditions event here (5f, good) and ultimately the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm); workmanlike when justifying short odds at Navan on seasonal return (6f, good to yielding) and there is likely improvement to come; holds Group 1 entries for Ascot.

10/11

16/1

Form: 121-9

Last run: 40 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Enjoyed the run of the race against the rail when making virtually all to win the Group 2 Rockfel at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) last September on her third start, but there was still lots to like about that performance and the runner-up went on to finish fourth in the 1,000 Guineas; soundly beaten in the French 1,000 Guineas (1m, heavy) on sole outing this year but she's lightly raced and could be suited by this first crack at sprinting; chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

14

(7)

29th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Goodwood

Zanthos

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Down the field in Group 1s on her two starts this season, specifically the French 1,000 Guineas and the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot; however, today's drop back in grade and first-time tongue-tie could prompt an upturn in fortunes, and she made virtually all to win the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) last September; can have a big say if back on song.

9/2

16th

22

(1)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Zanthos

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Enjoyed the run of the race against the rail when making virtually all to win the Group 2 Rockfel at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) last September on her third start, but there was still lots to like about that performance and the runner-up went on to finish fourth in the 1,000 Guineas; soundly beaten in the French 1,000 Guineas (1m, heavy) on sole outing this year but she's lightly raced and could be suited by this first crack at sprinting; chance.

16/1

10

(10)

26th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:25 Newmarket

Zanthos

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Registered an easy win in newcomers' race on the July course (7f, good to firm); readily outgunned by Touleen at Leicester, having pulled hard, but may make the rematch tighter provided she settles better; still of interest.

5/2

Form: 2346-3 C

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
0-5 since winning the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes here 12 months ago (5f, good to firm) and couldn't threaten Song Of The Clyde and Albert Einstein when third in Listed race at Newbury (6f, good) on reappearance; however, he was held up in a race in which the first two were in front throughout, and today's big field and stiff finish may well see him to better effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

11

(9)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:55 Ascot

Havana Hurricane

9st 3lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Useful 2yo, winning the Windsor Castle over C&D last June and running creditably in Group 2 company on a couple of occasions; two sound efforts this year, including in first-time cheekpieces at Sandown (5f, good) eight days ago; this test should suit and he's a possible.

6/1

3rd

1

(5)

3rd Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 2

13:50 Sandown

Havana Hurricane

9st 9lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Useful and broadly consistent sprinter whose Listed/Group form includes a 2yo win at Royal Ascot; faced a stiffer task in the Commonwealth Cup back there last time; has earned top weight on handicap debut and looks one of the main players; wears first-time headgear.

7/2

18th

7

(10)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Havana Hurricane

9st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

0-5 since winning the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes here 12 months ago (5f, good to firm) and couldn't threaten Song Of The Clyde and Albert Einstein when third in Listed race at Newbury (6f, good) on reappearance; however, he was held up in a race in which the first two were in front throughout, and today's big field and stiff finish may well see him to better effect.

33/1

50/1

Form: 222-64 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in two top-level races last autumn, namely the Middle Park at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (5f, firm); a long way below that level on both outings this term and arrives with plenty to prove but he's an each-way possible if cheekpieces prompt a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

12

(11)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Brussels

9st 0lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

He's the sole Ballydoyle runner and was second in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint last October; however, unable to match that form this season and was behind Partisan Hero and Jakajaro at the Curragh last time.

40/1

5th

7

(1)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

15:25 Curragh

Brussels

9st 5lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

3yo son of Wootton Bassett signed off last term with an excellent second at the Breeders' Cup (5f, firm) but form has been regressive this season, albeit all three runs have come over 6f; the drop back to 5f is a positive, but he has a fair bit to find on the figures and Ryan Moore prefers the chances of Charles Darwin.

16/1

19th

3

(18)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Brussels

9st 2lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: A P O’Brien

Runner-up in two top-level races last autumn, namely the Middle Park at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (5f, firm); a long way below that level on both outings this term and arrives with plenty to prove but he's an each-way possible if cheekpieces prompt a revival.

50/1

100/1

Form: 794-00

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Eight runs last season, the highlight his 6f Group 2 near-miss at Chantilly in July; however, he was inconsistent and hasn't shown anything like enough on his two runs this term to suggest he'll make an impact today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

21th

14

(12)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Super Soldier

9st 2lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: K R Burke

Eight runs last season, the highlight his 6f Group 2 near-miss at Chantilly in July; however, he was inconsistent and hasn't shown anything like enough on his two runs this term to suggest he'll make an impact today.

100/1

10th

2

(7)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 York

Super Soldier

9st 6lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Eight runs last season, the highlight his 6f Group 2 near-miss at Chantilly in July; however, he was inconsistent and finished down the field on his reappearance at Doncaster in March (Listed); others appeal more.

33/1

11th

12

(10)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 1

13:50 Doncaster

Super Soldier

8st 11lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Winless after debut (5f, good to firm) last spring but he did finish second in Listed race (5f, good to soft) and Group 2 (6f, soft) in France; however, this looks a stern assignment for his reappearance and it's over 20 years since a 3yo won this race.

20/1

Form: 131-54 C

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Runner-up to Charles Darwin in the Norfolk here (5f, good to firm) 12 months ago and won the Group 1 Middle Park at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) in September; hasn't hit the same heights in races won by Coppull and Song Of The Clyde this season but he's not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22th

15

(15)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Wise Approach

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Runner-up to Charles Darwin in the Norfolk here (5f, good to firm) 12 months ago and won the Group 1 Middle Park at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) in September; hasn't hit the same heights in races won by Coppull and Song Of The Clyde this season but he's not written off.

11/1

4th

1

(1)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Newbury

Wise Approach

9st 7lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Campaigned only on good/firmer; progressive 2yo campaign featured 6f wins at Newbury (Listed) and Newmarket (Group 1 Middle Park Stakes); may be back in top form with Ascot reappearance (Group 3) under his belt; major player, despite conceding weight all round.

9/2

5th

1

(3)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Ascot

Wise Approach

9st 7lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

On the up when last seen, rounding off his 2yo campaign with a comfortable come-from-behind win in the Middle Park in September (6f, good to firm); may confirm his superiority over Brussels and Coppull despite the weights turnaround and he is not fully exposed just yet.

11/8

Form: 21-111

Last run: 66 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Won over 1m/6.5f earlier this season and made it four wins from his five starts when landing a Group 3 by a neck at Chantilly in April (5.5f, good; from Kimi Rey); he needs another step forward today but this French challenger is progressive and might have more left in the tank; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

16/1

Form: 410-11 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
No match for the front three (including Venetian Sun and Wise Approach) when fourth of six in the Group 1 Prix Morny at Deauville (6f, good) last August but unbeaten over sprint trips otherwise; he's posted ready wins in two conditions races in the US this year and his US trainer has enjoyed plenty of success at Royal Ascot, winning this race in 2021; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 111-24 D BF

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Won Group 3 and Group 2 races over 6f at Chantilly (good to soft/soft) last autumn and reappeared with solid second in Group 3 at Deauville (7f, good to soft); perhaps unsuited by heavy ground when below par at Chantilly last month and he retains potential, but others have stronger credentials.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 13-123

Last run: 31 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Two-time French Listed winner who has finished close up in Group 3s at Chantilly on her last two runs (5.5f/6f, good/heavy), a head behind My Calyx Cen on the first occasion; however, she has to produce something new today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £98.10
Straight Forecast £113.40
Tricast £498.96
Trifecta £872.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Venetian Sun

D Express:

Albert Einstein

The Times:

Division

TOPSPEED:

Havana Anna

NEWMARKET:

Wise Approach

LAMBOURN:

Coppull

RP RATINGS:

Venetian Sun

POSTDATA:

Venetian Sun

Telegraph:

Venetian Sun

The Guardian:

Venetian Sun

Daily Mail:

Venetian Sun

Daily Mirror:

Venetian Sun

The Sun:

Venetian Sun

The Star:

Venetian Sun

Daily Record:

Albert Einstein