July 09 / 18.52 Newbury

18.52

Good To Firm

Highclere Castle Gin Handicap

  • Prize money: £5757.4
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
Highclere Castle Gin Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

OUR TIP

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.90

Form: -28324 CD BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
8yo whose losing run goes back 18 races to July 2024 but he's often run well in the meantime, including on his last two starts; each-way player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(12)

14th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 12y

Class 5

15:42 Windsor

Strike

9st 11lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

A regular in the Grey Horse Handicap (6f) at Newmarket in which he didn't get much luck a month ago; had been running creditably prior to that, so one for the shortlist.

7/1

6th

7

(6)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:10 Newmarket (July)

Strike

9st 2lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Jonathan Portman

He has contested this race for the last four years, with form figures reading 1626; mostly running with credit this term and he narrowly prevailed at Newbury (6f, good to firm) five weeks ago; 3lb nudge shouldn't stop him being competitive under Billy Loughnane; player.

9/2

12/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 21-775 D

Last run: 4 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Enjoyed good spell of form over 6f last summer and the drop back in trip may help, but he hasn't shaped this year as though a win is imminent.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(14)

7th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 12y

Class 5

14:12 Windsor

Jimmy Knocker

9st 11lb

J: Kyle McHugh

T: Andi Brown

Won a couple of 6f handicaps last season and he was better than ever when going down by a short-head at Newbury (6f, good to firm; for today's apprentice) in July; failed to back it up at Newmarket three weeks later; others are preferred.

14/1

7th

5

(7)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Newmarket (July)

Jimmy Knocker

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Andi Brown

Ended his abbreviated campaign last season with a win in this race; well held in his first three runs this term but he turned things around with a near-miss at Newbury (6f, good to firm) three weeks ago; nudged up 2lb but he remains feasibly treated and is respected back at this track.

4/1

25/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 357607 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
Didn't run badly when 4l seventh of 13 at Windsor (5f, good to firm) ten days ago and she has another career-low mark this evening; however, she hasn't been threatening of late and others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

8

(14)

13th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 160y

Class 2

15:50 Bath

The Feminine Urge

9st 1lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Grace Harris

Bang there in a tight finish here 11 days ago, beaten a neck by Rinky Tinky Tinky; same mark with Ashley Lewis again claiming his 3lb.

12/1

2nd

1

(7)

2nd Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

14:30 Bath

The Feminine Urge

9st 9lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Grace Harris

Seeking her first win for Grace Harris but there have been some good runs along the way and this drop into a 0-55 will be in her favour; good chance for last year's winning yard.

4/1

4th
12 (4)
Nzuri

33/1

Form: 0-8207

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Bumped into smart prospect when 6l second at 150-1 in Kempton maiden (6f, AW) in May on third start for Jack Channon, but down the field in two handicaps since (6f, good/AW); may be best watched on stable debut; remains in same ownership.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

12

(10)

21st Sep 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

20:12 Wolverhampton (AW)

Nzuri

9st 5lb

J: Rose Dawes

T: Barry Brennan

Off the mark at the ninth attempt when making all at Windsor (6f, good to firm) five weeks ago; that form not really working out and a 7lb rise, and a wide stall, ask stiffer questions.

10/1

1st

2

(2)

17th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 6

19:25 Windsor

Nzuri

9st 9lb

J: Rose Dawes

T: Barry Brennan

Modest maiden after eight starts, first five for Jack Channon; started handicap life on a stiff mark (7lb lower today) but others have more pressing claims.

14/1

5th

5

(4)

31st Jul 2026

Firm

0m 5f 160y

Class 5

19:18 Bath

Nzuri

9st 4lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Barry Brennan

Looks pretty exposed after seven starts but has made the frame in two run-of-the-mill handicaps for her new stable this month (6f/5f) and has a decent chance at the weights here; sports first-time cheekpieces.

3/1

4/1

Form: 130093 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
3yo who returned to form when third in first-time blinkers at Wolverhampton (6f, AW) last month, a performance that can be marked up as he had a wide trip; also effective on turf and he's a major player if the blinkers maintain a positive effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(1)

5th Oct 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:45 Kempton (AW)

Wyle Cop

9st 9lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Jack Jones

Dual winner over 5f at Lingfield in August before looking to find the 7lb rise beyond him at the same course last time; can make the running and is drawn to attack, so better can be expected if allowed to dictate.

10/1

5th

4

(4)

3rd Sep 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 4

16:20 Lingfield (AW)

Wyle Cop

9st 10lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Jack Jones

Back in the groove over C&D last month, winning twice; a 7lb rise looks harsh for winning an uncompetitive, small-field affair latest, but he had a good bit in hand after fluffing the start and being unable to dominate; good chance of the hat-trick.

7/4

1st

2

(2)

15th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 5

18:16 Lingfield (AW)

Wyle Cop

9st 9lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Jack Jones

Has rather mixed record this season but was back in good form when dominating from the front over C&D a week ago, and a recent 5lb rise is manageable if he's in the right mood again.

4/5

3/1

Form: 3-6531 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
3yo who has worked his way back into form this term and posted a good third at Doncaster (6f, good to soft) in May before winning there (6f, good to firm) last month from one who won next time out; also effective elsewhere; respected up 4lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(8)

23rd Sep 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Black Endeavour

9st 12lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Mark Rimell

Dual turf winner over 6f; respectable 2l fourth of nine at Southwell (7f, AW) two starts back and soft ground is a possible excuse for his lesser effort at Salisbury; each-way chance back on the AW.

12/1

12th

3

(2)

11th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:16 Salisbury

Black Endeavour

9st 7lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Mark Rimell

Still 3lb higher than for narrow win at Doncaster (6f, good to firm) in June, but gave good account when fourth at Southwell (7f, AW) recently and this stiff 6f ought to suit; considered each-way.

14/1

Form: 6368-8 D

Last run: 87 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
He's on a reduced mark and his yard is going well; however, he had a patchy campaign last season and was soundly beaten in April on his sole run this year (pulled hard on that stable debut); others have less to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(8)

12th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:07 Ffos Las

The Coffee Pod

9st 11lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

No longer the force of old but was close third off today's career-low mark here (6f, good) eight days ago; eased in grade today and can handle the drop back to 5f; must be considered.

5/2

3rd

6

(6)

4th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

14:30 Ffos Las

The Coffee Pod

9st 6lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Both wins came at York when trained by Richard Hannon; denied a clear run when finishing fifth of ten at Sandown (6f, good to firm) ten days ago; has dropped to a career-low mark but may be getting his act together.

6/1

5th

3

(8)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:15 Salisbury

The Coffee Pod

9st 8lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Spoiled chance by refusing to settle on seasonal/stable but this month's midfield finish at Newbury (6f, good to firm) was more encouraging; has slipped to a dangerous mark and should now be approaching concert pitch.

12/1

Form: 21-697

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 3yo who won two nurseries last year and is below his last winning mark; Windsor last month was a step back in the right direction but he needs another today if he's to be a serious force.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(2)

2nd Oct 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

15:51 Wolverhampton (AW)

Campenaerts

9st 9lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

Won two small-fileld 5f nurseries for Archie Watson last season, one of them at this track; finished down the field in his first four runs this season but he got back on track with a clear second behind Miracleoftheandes (runs in 3.16) over C&D in August; that was much more like it and he's a big player if he can back that up.

11/4

2nd

4

(2)

26th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

15:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Campenaerts

9st 7lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

The winner of two small-fileld 5f nurseries for Archie Watson last season, one of them at this track; the handicapper has been on top so far this year and a full revival is required.

16/1

8th

7

(7)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:52 Newbury

Campenaerts

9st 10lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Jonathan Portman

Lightly raced 3yo who won two nurseries last year and is below his last winning mark; Windsor last month was a step back in the right direction but he needs another today if he's to be a serious force.

12/1

Form: -57696 CD

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Hard to fancy on recent evidence whereas she arrived in good form prior to winning this last year (good to firm); however, she's dropped to a dangerous mark and can't be written off in her bid to make it 2-2 here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

13

(2)

1st Oct 2026

Good

0m 6f 18y

Class 5

16:50 Nottingham

Thunderous Love

9st 4lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Sterling work in 2025, winning five times over 6f, including two over this C&D (good to firm; has also won on soft); winless this year but she lost her lead only late on to Melissa Honey here in August and looks sure to be involved in her first course run since.

8/1

4th

10

(10)

16th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 3y

Class 5

17:15 Yarmouth

Thunderous Love

9st 4lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Jonathan Portman

Five-time winner (soft/good to firm); runner-up at Salisbury (6f, good to firm) in July and went close at Nottingham (6f, good to firm) next time, but she was down the field on the AW at Southwell two weeks ago (has won there); needs to bounce back but could do.

14/1

9th

11

(8)

31st Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Thunderous Love

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

C&D win last spring was the first of five victories in 2025 (this her first AW run since); arguably an unlucky loser the last twice on turf and she's only 1lb higher, so needs considering.

7/1

Form: 5-7738 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Merely mid-division at Newmarket (6f, good) three weeks ago but prior to that he took a step back in the right direction when third on the Rowley Mile there (6f, good) and his stable is in fine form; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

14

(7)

14th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 12y

Class 5

15:42 Windsor

Rebel Path

9st 4lb

J: Olivia Haines

T: Stuart Williams

Unpenalised for last week's narrow win here when prominent throughout in the reapplied visor; had dropped to a good mark anyway so clear claims if he can hold his form, which is not always the case.

5/1

1st

9

(11)

7th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 12y

Class 5

14:12 Windsor

Rebel Path

9st 7lb

J: Olivia Haines

T: Stuart Williams

Hit and miss this season but he is on a handy mark and form such as his third at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) on penultimate start brings him right into it; visor back on after two runs in cheekpieces.

8/1

Form: 60-085 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Very well handicapped on last summer's exploits but he's been a long way below that level this year and a major turnaround is needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

(6)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:52 Newbury

Arabian Cobra

10st 1lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Adrian Wintle

Very well handicapped on last summer's exploits but he's been a long way below that level this year and a major turnaround is needed.

25/1

5th

1

(3)

23rd Jun 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:00 Ffos Las

Arabian Cobra

9st 9lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Adrian Wintle

Won two 6f handicaps on good ground last summer when with Hugo Palmer; quiet in two runs for current yard (cheekpieces then a visor) and soft ground might not be what he wants.

20/1

8th

1

(9)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

14:08 Salisbury

Arabian Cobra

10st 0lb

J: Alfie Redman

T: Adrian Wintle

Won at Thirsk (6f, good) last June before following up at Chester (6f, good) a week later; well beaten in the Ayr Bronze Cup on his final start for Hugo Palmer and he beat only one rival home at Bath on his stable debut 27 days ago; visor back on (replacing cheekpieces worn last time).

14/1

Form: -36073 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent this season but he won three times last year and returned to form when third over C&D (good to firm) recently; another 1lb lower today and can be in the mix if backing up that latest performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(9)

28th Sep 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 60y

Class 6

13:30 Brighton

Roman Spring

9st 0lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Rachel Cook & John Bridger

Two 6f wins on this course (good to firm) in 2025, with varying tactics; in good form and although he had the run of the race to a certain extent when holding Dreambird Dolly at Windsor (5f, good) last time he remains with some handicapping scope despite going back up 3lb.

7/2

1st

8

(3)

7th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 21y

Class 6

17:15 Windsor

Roman Spring

9st 3lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Rachel Cook & John Bridger

Versatile sort, being effective on turf/AW over distances between 5f and 7f; back to form when beaten half a length at Lingfield (5f, AW) 16 days ago (third has won since) and shortlisted from just 1lb higher.

9/2

Non-runners

Phoenix Moon

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £36.20
Straight Forecast £32.07
Tricast £258.09
Trifecta £270.80

Selections

The Times:

Black Endeavour

RP RATINGS:

Strike

Daily Mail:

Thunderous Love

WEST COUNTRY:

The Feminine Urge

SPOTLIGHT:

Wyle Cop

NEWMARKET:

Jimmy Knocker

Telegraph:

Black Endeavour

The Guardian:

Black Endeavour

D Express:

Black Endeavour

The Sun:

Black Endeavour

Daily Record:

Black Endeavour

The Star:

Thunderous Love

POSTDATA:

Strike

LAMBOURN:

Strike

Daily Mirror:

Strike