2025 Flat Issue 5 - Points rack up as Kyprios bows out

Headlines

Aventure to the Clouds

Cold Grey Day at Goodwood

Organ Hits the High Note at Haydock

Guineas turn to Gold at Curragh

Master in Charge at Goodwood

Rivals Drowned in Lake Victoria

Sosie lands

Porta lands Curragh Fortunes

Report

Apologies to Neil and Cod as I missed Aventure at Saint – Cloud last week, in the 1m 2f fillies and mares group 2.  Raced in fourth, shaken up to challenge just under 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on strongly inside final furlong, wining readily  by 1 ¼ l. She gets 21.4 points.

At Haydock on Thursday in the 7f handicap Organ (Peej), took hi chance, In touch with leaders, headway over 1f out, soon outpaced, rallied final 110yds, kept on well and led narrowly towards finish, winning by a head. He gets 28.68 points.

At Goodwood on Friday Arctic Grey (Neil). went to post in the 1m handicap, In touch with leaders, headway from 2f out, soon bit short of room against far rail, led inside final furlong, ridden and drifted left final 110yds, kept on and all out, winning by a neck. He gets 40 points.

At Goodwood on Saturday in the 1m 6f handicap French Master (Bob), went to post, Ran in snatches, in touch with leaders, rapid headway and prominent 6f out, not clear run and lost position 3f out, switched right in the clear and rallied over 1f out, kept on well to lead final stride, winning by a neck. He gets 25 points.

At the Curragh in the 1m group 1 Irish 2000 Guineas Field of Gold ( Bob, Cliff, Peej, Neil), took his chance, Held up in midfield on outer, good headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, soon ridden, ran on well and went well clear inside final furlong, winning impressively by 3 ¾ l. He gets 27 points.

On Sunday at the Curragh in the 1m fillies Group 2 Porta Fortuna ( Bob), took hr chance, In touch with leaders on outer, good headway from over 3f out, led 1f out, soon ridden, kept on, winning by ½ l. She gets 44.5 points.

In the 1m group 1 1000 guineas Lake Victoria ( Bob, Peej), went to post, , Prominent on inner, waiting for room from 3f out, edged left and in the clear 2f out, led inside final furlong, pushed out,  winning comfortably by 2 ¼ l. She gets 26.91 points.

At Longchamp in the 1m 1f group 1 Prix D’Isphan Sosie (Cod), went to post, Close up and squeezed out before end of 1f, raced in fourth, angled out and ridden 2 1/2f out, about 3 lengths off the lead and headway 1 1/2f out, chased leader over 1f out, sustained run to lead final 75yds, winning  readily by 1l. She gets 53.4 points

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

           May        Total

Cod     302.69           302.69

Bob     261.45          261.45

Neil      169.68          169.68

Steve    149.5             149.5

Martin  143.44         143.44

Cliff    124.36             124.36

Peej     124.19            124.19

Stats Per String

               Runs     Wins

Martin     12              4

Steve       12              2

Bob        15              8

Cliff       11               3

Neil      15               4

Peej      14                4

Cod       15              7

The Weeks Losers

Haatem, Overture, Silver Knott, American Affair, Windlord, Hotazhell, Cosmic Year, Anmaat, Kalpana, White Birch, Ghostwriter. 

Weekend Entries

Saturday

Haydock 

2.23 Two Stars

3.33 Audience, 

4.08 Saarisskela

4.45 Saarisskela, Arctic Grey, Organ

Sunday 

Nottingham

4.35 Saarisskela

Longchamp

Prix Du Jockey Club - Bowmark, Detain, 

News

Kyprios has been hailed "the most incredible horse with a concrete mind" by Aidan O'Brien following the retirement of one of the greatest stayers of all time on Tuesday. 

A dual Gold Cup winner at Ascot, Kyprios won no fewer than 17 of his 21 starts and you have to rewind all the way back to October 2023 to find his last defeat. He won his nine subsequent outings and finishes his career on an official rating of 122, identical to the mighty Yeats who won four Gold Cups. 

The decision was made to call time on Kyprios's career due to an aggravation of an old ringbone lesion, picked up while winning the Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown for a third time this month. 

Reflecting on a glorious career which started in September 2020 with victory in a Galway maiden, O'Brien said: "Kyprios was just the most incredible horse. Obviously, we had to be ultra-respectful of him. Always. When he was a little bit sore after his run at Leopardstown, we were always not going to take any risks with him. Everybody felt the same way."

Kyprios was our Horse of the Season last year.

Grand Slam 

Leg 1Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve 

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

Leg 13  Neil

Leg 14 Cliff

Leg   15 Bob

Leg 16 Bob

Leg 17 Peej

Leg 18 Bob

Leg 19 Neil

Leg 20 Peej

Leg 21 Cliff

Leg 22  Peej

2025 Flat Issue 4 - Journalism at its best

Headlines

This Is Journalism at It’s Best

Fire Scorches Home at York

Bow Hits the Mark at York

Kyprios wins at Leopardstown

Artist Brushes Rivals aside at Newbury

Report

We Start a York on Thursday where in the 1m 2f fillies group 2 See The Fire (Martin), took her chance, Held up in rear, smooth headway 3f out, pushed along to lead 2f out, went clear over 1f out, ran on well. Winning impressively by 12 l. She gets 43.46 points.

At York on Friday in the 1m confined novice stakes Bowmark (Bob), went to post, Made all, shaken up 2f out, went clear and ridden 1f out, pushed out towards finish, winning comfortably by 4l. He gets 22.58 points

At Leopardstown in the 1m 6f group 3 Kyprios ( Cliff, Martin , Neil), took his chance, Raced in third, went second after 3f, nudged along over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, clear inside final furlong, kept on, winning by 1 ½ l. Cliff gets 32.16 points, Martin, Neil 16.08

At Newbury on Saturday in the 1m group 1 Lockinge Stakes Lead Artist (Steve), Dancing Gemini (Cod), went to post. Lead Artist, Prominent, led narrowly over 1f out, ridden and headed 1f out, kept on well and led again towards finish, winning by a neck. He gets 94 points.

Dancing Gemini, Held up in midfield, headway on far side of group over 2f out, challenging over 1f out, led and ridden 1f out, kept on but headed towards finish, 2nd beaten a neck. He gets 13.15 points.

At Pimlico in the 1m 1f grade 1 Preakness Stakes Journalism (Cod), went to post, Disputed lead, soon headed, raced in midfield on inside, sixth and niggled along halfway, disputed third 2f out, angled out and ridden between horses when bumped and hampered 1 1/2f out, chased 4 length leader 1f out, stayed on to lead close home, winning by ½ l. He gets 58 points.

Weekend Entries

Friday  

Goodwood

3.15 Overture

3.50 Silver Knott

4.55 Arctic Grey

Pontefract

6.15 Copper Knight

Saturday  

Haydock

3.30 American Affair

Goodwood

3.45 French Master

Curragh

3.05 Elite Status

3.40 Back in Black, Field of Gold, Cosmic Year, Ruling Court, Hotazhell, Henri Matisse, The Lion In Winter, Windlord, Whistlejacket, Delacroix, Ides of March, Isambard Brunel, Opera Ballo

Sunday 

Curragh

2,30 Porta Fortuna

3.05 Almaqam, Anmaat, Ghostwriter, Jan Brughel, Kings Gambit, Tower Of London, White Birch, Kalpana

3.40 Lake Victoria, Desert Flower, Ballet Slippers, , 

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

           May        Total

Cod     227.89           227.89

Steve    149.5             149.5

Martin  143.44         143.44

Bob     138.04            138.04

Cliff    97.36             97.36

Neil      81.28           81.28

Peej     41.6            41.6

Stats Per String

               Runs     Wins

Martin     10               4

Steve       9               2

Bob        9                  4

Cliff       8                 2

Neil      11                  2

Peej      8                 1   

Cod       12              5

The Weeks Losers

Gladius, Damysus, Nightwalker, The Lion In Winter, Love Olivia, Glittering Surf, Alsakib, Al Aasy. Kings Gambit, Sunway,  Ides Of March, Berkshire Whisper, Dancing Gemini, Fallen Angel, Rosallion, Noteable Speech, Likealot, Completely Random, Whistlejacket, Saariskela, Copper Knight

News

See you at Royal Ascot was the message from connections of Dancing Gemini and Rosallion, who are already relishing the prospect of a rematch with Lead Artist in the Queen Anne Stakes next month. Trainer Roger Teal said: “The winner has beaten us before and I did think he was overpriced. That's the quickest ground Dancing Gemini's ever been on and Ryan felt it might just have beaten us. The ground was rattling fast – I did ask the clerk of the course yesterday if he'd put a bit of water on it, but he wasn't playing ball.

“We don't duck and dive and have only gone down a neck. He's beaten the rest of them convincingly but it was just an awkward draw out on the flank and he had to take him back to get a bit of cover.”

A return to Royal Ascot is also on the cards for Rosallion, who was just over two lengths behind Dancing Gemini in third on his first outing since winning the St James’s Palace Stakes at last year’s royal meeting.

Trainer Richard Hannon said: “I was pleased with the run, but there is match fitness and he'll go very well at Ascot. Of course I’m disappointed not to win, but I’m sure in a few hours we'll realise he's run a very good race. He's still an extremely good horse and he'll strip a lot fitter next time and take a lot of beating. I’m looking forward to Ascot.”

George Scott has decided to wait for next month's Prix du Jockey Club before unleashing his unbeaten Champagne Stakes winner Bay City Roller, rather than taking on the likes of Field Of Gold, Twain and Cosmic Year in the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday.  Scott had been working back from the Curragh Classic with his Group 2 scorer, but a combination of factors have persuaded the Newmarket trainer to wait until the French Derby at Chantilly on June.

Kalpana, a high-profile absentee from York's May meeting, is set to make her seasonal comeback in Sunday's Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh. Winner of last season's Group 1 Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot, Kalpana was ruled out of last week's Middleton Stakes with a dirty scope, but trainer Andrew Balding expects her to be fighting fit when she lines up in Ireland at the weekend

Twain will miss the Irish 2000 Guineas and Royal Ascot Aiden O’Brien told the Punter. He has not recovered from he respiratory issue that kept him out of the English 2000 guineas and will be given time to recover. O’Brien also told he Punter that Dreamy will miss the first half of the season.

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve 

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

Leg 13  Neil

Leg 14 Cliff

Leg   15 Bob

Leg 16 Bob

Leg 17 Peej

Leg 18 Bob

Leg 19 Neil

Leg 20 Peej

Leg 21 Cliff

Leg 22  Peej

2025 Flat Issue 3 - Cod on Top

Headlines

Rivals Out Foxed at Chester

Military Finds winning Code at Ascot

Delacroix wins a Leopardsown

Stewards Award Zaringa French Oaks

Matisse Brushes Longchamp rivals aside

Report

We start at Chester on Friday where in the 1m 2f group 2 The Foxes ( Cod) took his chance, Led, headed and prominent after 1f, ridden and edged right over 1f out, led final 110yds, won going away by 1 ¾ l. He gets 45.26 points.

At Ascot on Saturday in the 5f novice stakes, Military Code (Bob), went to post, Made all, joined and ridden over 1f out, edged left towards finish, just held on, winning by a neck. He gets 23.46 points.

At  Leopardstown on Sunday in the 1m 2f group 3, Delacroix (Cod), went to post, Raced in second, pressed leader halfway, led going easily 2f out, ridden and went clear inside final furlong, winning readily by 2 ¾ l . He gets 32.68 points.

At Longchamp in the 1m group 1  Poule d'Essai des Poulains Henri Matisse (Martin, Peej) took his chance, Held up towards rear of midfield, ridden and kept on strongly from 2 1/2f out, led inside final furlong, driven when pressed final 100yds, just held on, winning by a head. He gets 28.4 points.

 

In the 1m group 1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches for fillies, Zarigana ( Bob, Cod), took her chance, Travelled strongly, towards rear of midfield, ridden and good headway from 2f out, chasing leaders when slightly hampered 1f out, driven when rider dropped whip, kept on strongly final 150yds, just held, finished second, placed first. She gets 26.8 points. 

Weekend Entries

Friday  

York

2.10 Love Olivia

3.13 Glittering Surf

3.45 Alsakib

4.55 Crown Of Oaks, Bowmark

Newbury

3.33 Dr Strangelove

Newmarket

2.52 Crown Of Oaks

Leopardstown

7.23 Kyprios, Jan Brughel, 

Haydock

7.15 Overture

Saturday 

Newbury

12.50 Al Asay, Kings Gambit, Silver Knott, Sunway

1.25 Berkshire Whisper, Ides Of March, Whistlejacket

2.35 Rosallion, Dancing Gemini, Noteable Speech, Fallen Angel, Lead Artist, 

3.10 Likealot, 

3.45 Completely Random

Sunday 

Newmarket 

6.45 Saariskela

Naas

4.33 Whistlejacket, Ides Of March, 

Pimlico

12.01 Journalism

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

           May        Total

Cod     156.74           156.74

Bob     115.46            115.46

Cliff    65.2             65.2

Neil      65.2           652

Martin  83.9             83.9

Steve    55.5             55.5

Peej     41.6            41.6

Stats Per String

               Runs     Wins

Martin     4                 2

Steve       4                1

Bob        6                   3

Cliff       4                1

Neil      4                   1

Peej      5                   1   

Cod       7                 4

The Weeks Losers

Copper Knight, Isambard Brunel, Jonaquil, Mandanba, Elite Status, Smoken, Serenity Prayer

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve 

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

Leg 13  Neil

Leg 14 Cliff

Leg   15 Bob

Leg 16 Bob

Leg 17 Peej

Leg 18 Bob

Leg 19 Neil

Leg 20 Peej

Leg 21 Cliff

Leg 22  Peej

2025 Flat Issue 2 - All off and running

Headlines

Court Rules against Newmarket Rivals

Flower Blooms in 1000 Guineas

Report

We start at Newmarket on Saturday where in the 1m group1 2000 guineas Stakes Ruling Court (Martin, Steve), Field of Gold ( Bob, Cliff, Peej, Neil), took their chances,. 

Ruling Court, Towards rear on near side of group, headway from over 3f out, briefly disputed lead 2f out, ridden and pressed leader over 1f out, led final 110yds, kept on well, winning by  ½ l . He gets 55.85 points.

Field Of Gold, Held up in rear, good headway then switched left 2f out, soon outpaced, ridden and ran on well inside final furlong, went second final strides, beaten ½ l. He gets 13.2 points.

On Sunday a Newmarket in the 1m group 1 1000 guineas for fillies, Desert Flower (Bob, Cliff, Cod, Neil), took her chance, Made all, led narrowly and raced far side, pushed along 2f out, ridden final furlong, kept on well, winning by 1l. She gets 52 points.

News

Epsom will be next for Ruling Court, with Paddy Power cutting him to 5-1 (from 10) for the Derby. Should the Downs be conquered, then a £2 million bonus will be up for grabs in the St Leger at Doncaster, with Betfred putting up a reward for a Triple Crown winner having backed all five Classics this year. He is a 12-1 chance to complete the set with Paddy Power.

“We definitely think he’s a Derby horse and if he wins that . . .” Appleby said when asked about a Triple Crown bid. “It’s good for the sport to have an incentive like this, so we’ll go for the Derby and then we’ll see where we are, but the Derby is a race we always saw him running in.”

Weekend Entries

Friday 

Chester

2.35 The Foxes

Ascot

4.00 Storm Free

Ripon 

6.55 Copper Knight

Saturday 

Ascot

1.30 Military Code

Sunday 

Leopardstown

3.30 Delacroix

Longchamp

Henri Mattisse, Detain, Jonaquil, Hotazhell

Zaringa Mandanba, Zanzoun

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

           May        Total

Bob     65.2             65.2

Cliff    65.2             65.2

Neil      65.2           652

Martin  55.5              55.5

Steve    55.5             55.5

Cod     52           52

Peej     13.2           13.2

Stats Per String

               Runs     Wins

Martin     2                  1

Steve       1                  1

Bob        4                   1

Cliff       3                   1

Neil      4                   1

Peej      3

Cod     1                       1

The Weeks Losers

Journalism, Shadow Of Light , Field of Gold, Desperate Dan, French Master, Arctic Grey, White Birch, Lake Victoria, Chantilly Lace

Grand Slam 

Leg 1Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve 

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

Leg 13  Neil

Leg 14 Cliff

Leg   15 Bob

Leg 16 Bob

Leg 17 Peej

Leg 18 Bob

Leg 19 Neil

Leg 20 Peej

Leg 21 Cliff

Leg 22  Peej

 

2025 Flat Issue 1 - The Opening Weekend entries

Saturday

Newmarket  

1.10 Celandine

2.20 Desperate Dan

3.35 Field Of Gold, Ruling Court, Shadow of Light , Twain, Jonaquil, Cosmic Year, Henri Mattisse, 

4.05 French Master, 

Churchill Downs 

11.57 Journalism

Sunday

Newmarket 

1.45 Likealot

3.35 Desert Flower, Lake Victoria, Chantilly Lace, 

Hamilton 

3.05 Arctic Grey, Gladius

2025 Flat - The Points Scorers

Can Kyprios become the first horse to defend the flat's Horse of the Season title?

224.18 - Delacroix (32.68 + 84.1 + 27.4 + 81)

201.6 - Ombudsman (91.8 + 29.3 + 80.5)

187.8- Fallen Angel (73.8 + 56.5 + 57.5)

158.8 - Calandagan (26.6 + 53 + 79.2)

113.6 - Journalism (58 + 55.6)

97.3 - American Affair

94.68 - Organ (28.68 + 40 + 26)

94.0 - Lead Artist

91.93 - Field of Gold (13.2 + 27 + 51.73)

87.0 - Copper Knight (27 + 27 + 33)

82.6 - Dr Strangelove

70 - Brummell (36 + 34)

57.26 - Opera Ballo (28.5 + 28.76)

55.85 - Ruling Court

55.6 - Notable Speech

53.4 - Sosie

52.0 - Desert Flower

52.0 - French Master (25 +27)

50.3 - Aventure (21.4 + 28.9)

49.76 - Gladius (25 + 24.76)

48 - Jonquil

47.46 - Crown of Oaks (24 + 23.46)

45.26 - The Foxes

44.5 - Porta Fortuna

43.46 - See The Fire

41.7 - Henri Matisse (28.4 + 13.3)

40.25 - Zarigana (26.8 + 13.45)

40.0 - Arctic Grey

38.2 - Damysus

35.5 - Almaqam

35.26 - Al Aasy

32.16 - Kyprios

31.0 - Desperate Dan

30 - Aegean Prince

29.34 - Jan Brueghel

29.0 - Windlord

26.91 - Lake Victoria

26.9 - Anmaat (13.55 + 13.35)

26.46 - Rosallion (13.45 + 13.01)

25.2 - Dancing Teapot

23.46 - Military Code

22.58 - Bowmark

15.05 - Kalpana

14.63 - Almeric

13.15 - Dancing Gemini

2025 Flat - Single Picks

Bob (11) - Bowmark, Elizabeth Jane, French Master, Military Code, Notable Speech, Porta Fortuna,  Silver Knott, Storm Free, Tower Of London, Two Stars, Wonder Legend

Cliff (9) - Almaqam, Crystal Black, Damysus, Dreamy, Fairy Godmother, Hotazhell, Saariskela, Smoken, Uxmal. 

Cod (14) - Calandagan, Carrytheone, Celandine, Copper Knight, Dancing Gemini, Delacroix, Desperate Dan, Ghostwriter, It’s Dan, Journalism, Ramadan, Sosie, Sunway, The Foxes, 

Martin (14) - Alkasib, Ballet Slippers, Chantilly Lace, Crown Of Oaks, Elite Status, Fallen Angel, Gladius, Old Harrovian, Opera Ballo, Rebels Gamble, Sand Trap, See The Fire, The Watcher, Windlord

Neil (10) - Aegean Prince, Arctic Grey, Cool Legend, Glittering Surf, Likealott, Love Olivia, Mandanba, Nightwalker, Starzintheireyes, White Birch, 

Peej (14) - Arabian Light, Bay City Roller, Brummell, Completely Random, Dancing Teapot, Double Rush, Dr Strangelove, Economics, Ides Of March, Isambard Brunel, Organ, Overture, Tiffany, Whistlejacket

Steve (12) - Audience, Bluestocking, Charyn, Detain, Haatem, Jonquil, King’s Gambit, Lead Artist, Nardra, Ombudsman, Secret Theory, Serenity Prayer, 

In addition there are are the following reserved rights:

Bob - American Affair

Cliff - Kyprios

2025 Flat - The Alphabetical List

Red = reserved single pick rights

Aegean Prince      Neil

Almaqam   Cliff 

Alkasib    Martin

Al Aasy      Cod

Almeric        Bob, Neil

Amerian Affair      Bob,  Martin

Anmaat,      Cliff, Neil

Arabian Light      Peej

Arctic Grey         Neil

Audience        Steve

Aventure      Cod, Neil

Back in Black,   Cliff, Neil

Ballet Slippers      Martin

Bay City Roller         Peej

Believing,        Cliff, Peej

Berkshire Whisper  Martin, Steve

Bluestocking     Steve

Bowmark          Bob

Brummell             Peej

Calandagan        Cod

Carrytheone      Cod

Celandine,       Cliff

Chantilly Lace    Martin

Charyn                     Steve

Completely Random      Peej

Cool Legend                 Neil

Copper Knight       Cod

Cosmic Year             Steve, Peej

Crown Of Oaks    Martin 

Crystal Black,   Cliff

Damysus,           Cliff

Dancing Gemini      Cod

Dancing Teapot      Peej

Delacroix                Cod

 Desert Flower,   Bob, Cliff, Cod, Neil

Desperate Dan        Cod

Detain                     Steve

Double Rush         Peej

Dreamy,             Cliff

Dr Strangelove     Peej

Economics          Peej

Elite Status         Martin

Elizabeth Jane    Bob

Fairy Godmother, Cliff

Fallen Angel          Martin

Field of Gold,     Bob, Cliff, Peej, Neil

French Master      Bob

  Gethin,             Cliff, Neil

Ghostwriter       Cod

Gladius               Martin

Glittering Surf        Neil

Haatem                  Steve

Henri Matisse      Martin, Peej

Hotazhell,        Cliff

Ide’s Of March      Peej

Isambard Brunel     Peej

It’s Dan              Cod

Jan Brughel        Bob,  Cod, Neil

Jonaquil             Steve

Journalism         Cod

Kalpana          Martin, Steve

King’s Gambit        Steve

 Kyprios,           Cliff, Martin, Neil

Lake Victoria       Bob, Peej

Lead Artist         Steve

Likealot                 Neil

Love Olivia             Neil

Mandanba                Cod

Military Code          Bob

Nardra                       Steve

Nightwalker                Neil

Noteable Speech      Bob

Old Harrovian         Martin

Ombudsman               Steve

Opera Ballo             Martin

Organ                        Peej

Overture                       Peej

Porta Fortuna           Bob

Ramadan                  Cod

Rebels Gamble        Marin

Rosallion                   Steve, Neil

Ruling Court           Martin, Steve

Saariskela,        Cliff

Sand Trap        Martin

Secret Theory        Steve

See The Fire     Martin

Serenity Prayer     Steve

Shadow of Light, Cliff, Peej

Silver Knott              Bob

Smoken,              Cliff

Sosie                        Cod

Starzintheireyes       Neil

Storm Free           Bob

Sunway                   Cod

The Foxes                 Cod

The Lion in Winter,       Bob, Cliff,  Neil Steve, 

Tiffany                         Peej

Tower Of London         Bob

Twain                          Cod, Steve

Two Stars                   Bob

The Watcher               Martin

Uxmal                         Cliff

Whistlejacket               Peej

White Birch                 Neil

Windlord                    Martin

Wonder Legend       Bob

Zanzoun                     Bob, Steve

Zarigana                    Bob,    Cod

2025 Flat - The Strings

Bob - Almeric, American Affair , Bowmark, Desert Flower, Elizabeth Jane, Field Of Gold, French Master, Jan Brueghel , Lake Victoria , Military Code, Notable Speech, Porta Fortuna, Silver Knott, Storm Free, The Lion In Winter, Tower Of London , Two Stars, Wonder Legend, Zanzoun, Zarigana

Cliff  - Almaqam , Anmaat,  Back in Black, Believing, Celandine,  Crystal Black,   Damysus,  Desert Flower, Dreamy , Fairy Godmother, Field of Gold, Friendly Soul, Gethin, Hotazhell,   Kyprios  Saariskela, Shadow of Light, Smoken,  The Lion in Winter,   Uxmal  

Cod - Al Aasy, Aventure, Calandagan, Carrytheone, Copper Knight, Dancing Gemini, Delacroix, Desert Flower, Desperate Dan,  Ghostwriter, It’s Dan, Jan Brughel, Journalism, Mandanba, Ramadan, , Sosie, Sunway, The Foxes, Twain, Zarigana

                      

Martin - Alkasib, American Affair, Ballet slippers,  Berkshire Whisper, Chantilly Lace,  Crown of Oaks, Elite Status, Fallen Angel, Gladius, Henri Mattisse, Kalpana, Kyprios, Old Harrovian, Opera Ballo, Rebels Gamble, Ruling Court, See the fire, Sand trap, The Watcher, Windlord

Neil - Aegean Prince, Almeric,   Anmaat, Arctic Grey, Aventure, Back In Black, Cool Legend, Desert Flower,  Field Of Gold, Gethin, Glittering Surf, Jan Bruegal, Kyprios, Likealot, Love Olivia,  Nightwalker Rosallion, Starzintheireyes, The Lion In Winter, White Birch

Peej - Arabian Light, Bay City Roller, Believing, Brummell, Completely Random, Cosmic Year, Dancing Teapot, Double Rush, Dr Strangelove, Economics, Field of Gold, Henri Matisse, Ides of March, Isambard Brunel, Lake Victoria, Organ, Overture, Shadow of Light, Tiffany, Whistlejacket

Steve - Audience, Berkshire Whisper,   Bluestocking,  Charyn.  Cosmic Year , Detain Getting,  Haatem , Jonquil, Kalpana, , King’s Gambit, Lead Artist, , Nardra,  Ombudsman, Rosallion, Ruling Court, Secret Theory, Serenity Prayer, The Lion in Winter, Twain, Zanzoun

2025 Flat - The Editor's Star Ratings (and the Could Be Anything brigade)

Hats off to the Editor for sticking his head over the parapet and giving a score from 1-5 for all the horses in the Profile section this year.

I've grouped them by rating and added another section for horses that the Ed has described as 'could be anything'. Let's see how they all do.

5 Star

Desert Flower

Field of Gold

Friendly Soul

Journalism

Jonquil

Lake Victoria

Rosallion

Sosie

White Birch

4 Star

Anmatt

Dreamy

French Master

Glittering Surf

Henri Matisse

Hotazhell

Likealott

Mandanba

The Lion in Winter

Twain

3 Star

Almaqam

American Affair

Ballet Slippers

Bay City Roller

Bowmark

Chantilly Lace

Cosmic Year

Crown of Oaks

Damysus

Detain

Double Rush

Gladius

Love Olivia

Opera Ballo

Secret Theory

Whistlejacket

2 Star

Arctic Grey

Dancing Teapot

Dr Strangelove

Military Code

Organ

Serenity Prayer

Storm Free

There were no 1 Star horses.

The Could Be Anything brigade

Chantilly Lace

Cosmic Year

Damysus

Dr Strangelove

Gladius

Military Code

2025 Flat - Two that didn't make the strings

Expanded 3y bc Wootton Bassett – Jigsaw 

Useful 2 year old who made his debut at the Curragh in October las year winning a 7f maiden by a neck from First Wave, then at Newmarket a week later was 2nd in the 7f group 1 Dewhurst stakes, beaten a neck by Shadow of Light. That was a good performance just a week after his debut and he will be a major player in the top mile races this season. He holds English and Irish Guineas and Derby entries, though I think 1 ½ m may be a stretch. He is currently 16/1 for the English guineas and only 12/1 for the Derby which suprises me. 

Aiden O’Brien told The Punter He’s a Guineas type of horse for sure. He’s a big, scopey horse that has done well over the winter. We had him away for a racecourse gallop the other day and his preparation is going very well. Plans will start to come together in the next couple of weeks, but he’s one that you’d have to be very excited about.

Editors Rating 4 

Trainer A O’Brien

Scorthy Champ  3 y ch c Mehmas - Fidaaha

Promising Colt who made his debut at Leopardstown in May las winning a 7f maiden by 2l from Dahlia Noir, then was 3rd at the Curragh in August in a 7f group 2 beaten 2l by Henri Matisse (gave 3lb), and finished the season at the Curragh in September winning the 7f group 1 National Stakes by ¾ l from Henri Mattisse. 

Joseph O’Brien told The Punter As a type, he very much looks one that will be better as a three-year-old and stepping up to at least a mile should suit him well. We are training him for the 2000 Guineas and feel that the track there will play to his strengths. He has done particularly well over the winter in physical terms and looks fantastic. 

We are counting down the days to Newmarket and everything has gone smoothly with him so far. He is at the time of writing 8/1 for the 2000 guineas and that looks fair each way value. He should prove a player in all the top mile races this season 

Editors Rating 4 

Trainer J O Brien

2025 Flat Profile - Whistlejacket

3 y ch c No Nay Never – Adventure Seeker (Peej)

It’s always a brave call to pick a 2 year old but Peej turned up a class act with this one last season. He made his debut at the Curragh in April las year, finishing 2nd in a 6f maiden, beaten 2 ½ l by Cowardofthecounty, then in May again at the Curragh won a 5f 2 year old listed sakes by 3 ¾ l from Arizona Blaze. In June at Ascot in a 5f group 2 he was 4th, beaten 1 ¼ l behind Shareholder, then in July at Newmarket won a 6f group 2 by 1 ¾ l from Billboard Star, and in August back a the Curragh was 2nd in the 6f Group 1 Phoenix S, beaten 1 ½ l by Babouche. 2 weeks later he went to Deauville and won 6f group 1 Prix Morny, beating Rashabar ¾ l, then in September at Newmarket was 2nd in the 6f group 1 Middle Park Stakes, beaten 4l by Shadow of Light. He finished the season a Del Mar, finishing 5th in the 5f Grade 1 Juvenile Breeders Cup turf Sprint beaten 2l behind Magnum Force. 

He should win some decent sprints again, and also holds a Irish 2000 Guineas entry. Aiden O’Brien told the Punter, He’s a real sprinter. He’ll be trained for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. I’d imagine we’ll look to give him a run or two before it, probably in the established trials for the race in Ireland. I’m very happy with how he’s come through the winter, and he was obviously a very high level colt last year, so the hope will be that he is a big contender in his division again. He reappeared at Navan recently, winning a 6f listed sakes by ½ l from Ides Of March

Editors Rating 3 

Trainer A O’Brien

2025 Flat Profile - White Birch

3 y gr c Ulysses – Diagnostic  (Neil)

Very smart colt and another grey, though his name is more reflective of his colour, he made his debut at Naas in November 2022 finishing 5th in a 1m maiden beaten 8 ¼ l by Sierra Blanca, then 2 weeks later won a 7f Dundalk maiden by 6 ½ l from Brasilian Princess.  He reappeared at the start of April 2023 winning a 1m 2f group 3 at Leopardstown by ½ l from Up and Under, and as a result was thrown in to the Derby reckoning at 25/1. He then went to York and was 2nd in a 1m 2f group 2 beaten a neck by the Foxes, then in June at Epsom was 3rd in the 1m 4f Group 1 Derby Stakes, beaten 5 ¼ l behind Auguste Rodin. In July at he Curragh he disappointed when 8th beaten 18 ½ l in the 1m 4f group 1 Irish Derby behind Auguste Rodin, and a month later at Leopardstown , finished 3rd in a 1m 4f group 3 beaten 1 ½ l behind Adelaide River (received 3 lb). 

He made a winning start last season in April, taking a 1m 2f group 3 at the Curragh by a neck from Maxux, then followed up in May over course and distance in a group 2 beating Lord Massussus 3 ¾ l. He was last seen in May las year a he Curragh winning the 1m 2f group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup by 3l from Auguste Rodin. He was injured after, but is reported fully recovered  and group 1 entries in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and Coronation Stakes and if he says fit is a major player in the top middle distance races.

John Murphy told the Punter He's in super form and we're very happy with him," said Murphy. "We had him entered in the Alleged Stakes but we said we'd wait and start him in the Mooresbridge next month [May 5]. "We're looking forward to him. He looks great after the winter and is training very well. The plan is to go to the Mooresbridge and then on to the Tattersalls Gold Cup. We'll regroup after that and make a plan with the owners from there."

Editors Rating 5

TrainerJ J Murphy

2025 Flat Profile - Twain

3 y  bc Wootton Bassett – Wading  ( Cod)

Unbeaten colt he made his debut at Leopardstown in October winning a 7f maiden by 6l from stable mate Mississippi River and Serengeti, another stablemate, Twain was 28/1 that day, he out sider and no doubt a surprise as his 2 stable mates were much shorter. He followed up 2 weeks later at Saint- Cloud, winning the 1m group 1 Criterium International by 1 ¼ l. 

He is obviously an improving colt who should win at the top level this season. He holds a 2000 Guineas entry, and English and Irish Derby entries. On breeding I can’t see him staying beyond a mile.

Editors rating 4 

Trainer AO’Brien

2025 Flat Profile - The Lion in Winter

3 y bc Sea The Stars – What A Home (Bob, Cliff, Neil, Steve), 

Unbeaten high class 2 year old who made his debut at the Curragh in July last year, winning a 7f maiden by 2 ½ l from Currawood and followed up a York a month later, winning a 7f group 3 by 1 ¾ l from Wimbledon Hawkeye. Not seen since he has been at the foefront of the 2000 Guineas and Derby markets, but since the end of March Aiden O’Brien has been suggesting he may no be ready for the Guineas. 

As a result he now trades at 16/1 for the Guineas , and is 4/1 favourite for the Derby. Bred to stay the Derby trip, he needs to step up significantly on his bare form, but is in the hands of the master trainer.

Editors Rating  4 

Trainer A O’Brien

2025 Flat Profile - Storm Free

3 y ch c Iffraj – La Napoule  (Bob)

Useful colt who made his debut at Newmarket in July last year finishing 8th, beaten 14 ¼ l by Shadow of Light, then at Kempton in September was 2nd in a 6f novice stakes beaten 1 l by Aviation Time (received 1 lb). In October a Chelmsford he was 2nd again in a 6f novice stakes beaten ½ l by Naanas Sparkle, then in April this year at Nottingham, won a 6f restricted maiden by ¾ l from Dan Tucker.  6f – 1m will be his trip, and he should win another race or wo this season 

Editors rating 2

Trainer J.Tate

2025 Flat Profile - Sosie

4 y bc Sea The Stars – Sosia  (Cod)

Top class colt who made his debut at Chantilly in September 2023, winning a 1m unraced colts and geldings maiden by 2l from Atlast, then in October in a 1m 1f listed race was beaten 5l in 2nd behind War Chimes (received 4 lb).He reappeared a Longchamp last April winning a 13 year old conditions stakes by 1 ½ l from Arrow Eagle, then in June a Chantilly in the 1m 2f group 1 Prix Du Jockey Club, finished 3rd beaten 2 ¼ l by Look De Vega. 

He then won the 1m 4f group 1 Prix De Paris by 2l from Illinois in July and followed up at Longchamp in September, winning a1m 4f group 2 by 1 ½ l from Delius. He finished he season in the 1m 4f group 1 Prix Del Arc De Triomphe, beaten 4 ½ l by Bluestocking gave 3lb, and made a winning reappearance at Longchamp recently, winning the 1m 2f roup 1 Prix Ganay by a neck from Map of Stars. He will be a major player in 1m 2f – 1m 4f group 1 races this season. 

Racing Manager  Pierre-Yves Bureau told The Punter, Everything is open to him; there's the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, the King George, while we'll also talk to Andre to see whether we consider races like the Eclipse over a shorter trip. The second half of the year will be geared towards another try in the Arc."

Editors Rating 5 

Trainer A Fabre

2025 Flat Profile - Serenity Prayer

3 y bf Dubawi – Peach Tree  (Steve)

Another unraced at 2, she made her debut at Newbury in April, winning a 1m 2f maiden fillies stakes by 1 ½ l from Lady Ridgewood. She doesn’t have any group entries, but from a shrewd stable, she could a decent 1m 2 – 4 f handicapper at least. Steve will have the prayer mat out

Editors rating 2 

Trainer A Balding

2025 Flat Profile - Secret Theory

3 y bc Dubawi – Mistrusting (Steve)

Interesting unbeaten colt, who doesn’t currently figure at the top of the Godolphin tree, he made his debut at Newmarket in October, winning a 7f maiden by a head from Spirit of Summer, and reappeared at Nottingham in April, winning a 1m novice stakes by 1 ¾ l from Archivist (received 7lb). He doesn’t have any group entries, but is progressive and should win a handicap or two a least.

Editors rating 3 

Trainer C. Appleby

2025 Flat Profile - Rosallion

4 y bc Blue Point – Rosaline ( Neil, Steve)

Top class colt, he made his debut at  Newbury in June 2023, winning a 6 ½ f maiden by 1 ½ l from Bigbertiebassett, then in July, followed up a Ascot in a 7f listed stakes, beating Al Musmak 4l. He then was third at Doncaster in September in a 7f group 2, beaten 3 ½ l by Iberian, then finished the season with victory at Longchamp in the 7f group 1 Prix Jean –Luc Lagardere, beating Unquestionable 1l.

 He reappeared at Newmarket in May last year finishing 2nd in the 1m Group 1 2000 Guineas, beaten 1 ½ l by Noteable Speech, then in May at the Curragh won the Irish 2000Gunieas by a head from Haatem. He then won 1m group 1 S James Palace stakes at Royal Ascot by a neck from Henry Longfellow, but then had a respiratory infection, and was put away to recover for his season. He sets a high standard in the mile division. He holds a Lockinge entry. 

Editors Rating 5 

Trainer R.Hannon

2025 Flat Profile - Organ

3 y ch g Ulysses – Rock Choir   (Peej)

I wasn’t sure if we wanted to discuss Peej’s Organ in the handbook. But here we are, and he is not that well named as he has already has his nuts removed. He made his debut a Newbury in May last year, finishing 4th in a 6f maiden beaten 3 ¾ l behind Mr Chaplin, then in June at Newbury was 7th in a 6 ½ f novice stakes beaten 4 ½ l by Anno Domini. 

He had been trained by Brian Meehan , but now switches to Martyn Meade and he next appeared at Newbury again in July finishing 5th in a 7f novice sakes, beaten 6l by Linwood (received 3lb). He reappeared at Newmarket in April, finishing 3rd in a 7f class 4 handicap, and may be capable of winning a similar event.

Editors Rating 2

Trainer M.Meade

2025 Flat Profile - Opera Ballo

3 y bc Ghaiyyath – Dubai Opera   (Martin)

Exciting unbeaten colt, unraced at 2 , he made his debut at Kempton on 29 January this year, winning a 1m maiden by 8 ½ l from Gennadius, then followed up over course and distance in a 1m conditions stakes beating Hott Shott 4l.  He was disappointing at Newmarket in April, finishing 6th  in a 1m group 3, beaten 7 ¼ l behind Field Of Gold. He holds a 2000 guineas entry, and a mile would look his best trip. He needs to step up again to be a serious classic contender, but has shown all the right signs so far and will hopefully dance home in some decent races

Editors Rating 3 

Trainer C Appleby

2025 Flat Profile - Military Code

2 y bc Wotton Bassett – Wishfully   (Bob)

A rare 2 year old selection, he made his debut at Newmarket in April, winning a 5f novice sakes by 1 ¼ l from Moonfall. He falls in to the could be any thing category.

Editors Rating 2 

Trainer C.Appleby

2025 Flat Profile - Mandanba

3 y  bf Ghaiyyath – Mandesha  (Cod)

Unbeaten 2 year old who made her debut at Chantilly in November last year winning a 1 m 1 ½ f unraced fillies maiden by 6l from Day Dreaming, and followed up in April this year at Longchamp, winning a 1m 1f fillies group 3 by ¾ l from Flaming Stone. She hols a group 1 entry at Royal Ascot in the Coronation stakes, and should be a player in the top fillies races up to 1m 4f. 

Editors Rating 4 

Trainer F Graffard

2025 Flat Profile - Love Olivia

2 y gr f Havana Grey – Step Sister (Neil)

A rare 2 year old pick, she made her debut at Wolverhampton in April winning a 5 f maiden fillies stakes by 7 ½ l from Very Mindful. Bred o be a sprinter, her winning distance suggests she is useful, though how high she can go is a guess. She has no fancy entries.

Editors Rating 3

Rainer K.Burke

2025 Flat Profile - Likealott

3 y gr f Camelot – Likeable (Neil)

Nicely named, , unraced at 2,  unbeaten filly, she made her debut at Chelmsford in February this year, winning a 1m 2f novice stakes by 3 ½ l from Pearl of Hope. She has a listed entry, and a Group 1 English Oaks entry for which she is 33/1. From a yard ha excels with fillies, she is an exciting prospect. 

Editors Rating 4

Trainer R Beckett

2025 Flat Profile - Lake Victoria

3 y bf Frankel – Quiet Reflection ( Bob, Peej)

Top class unbeaten 2 year old, she made her debut at the Curragh in June, winning a 7f fillies maiden by a head from Red Letter, then followed up in August at Newmarket, winning a 7f group 3 by 2l from Mountain Breeze. In September, back a the Curragh, she won the 7f Group 1 fillies Moyglare Stud stakes by 1 ¼ l from Simmering, then 2 weeks later at Newmarket, won the 6f group 1 fillies Cheveley Park sakes by 3l from Daylight. 

She finished the season with victory a Del Mar in November, winning the 1m grade 1 fillies turf by 1 ½ l from May Day Ready. A mile looks her best trip and she holds Group 1 entries in the English and Irish 1000 Guineas, and an Irish Oaks entry. She and Desert Flower could produce some great races this season. 

Editors rating 5 

Trainer A O’Brien

2025 Flat Profile - Jonquil

3 y bc Lope De Vega – Jovial (Steve)

He made his debut at Sandown last August, winning a 7f maiden by a short head from Centigrade, then disappointed at Doncaster in September, finishing 6th in a 7f listed stakes beaten 9 ¾ l behind Benevento. 

Trained by Sir M Stoute last year he is now with Andrew Balding and he reappeared at Newbury in April, winning a 7f group 3 by 1 ½ l from Rashabar, and holds a 2000 guineas entry for which he is a 20 /1 shot at the time of writing. He should certainly win at group level this season.

Editors Rating 5 

Trainer A. Balding

2025 Flat Profile - Journalism

3 y bc  Curlin – Mopotism    (Cod)

Cod loves a state side runner and looks to have a good one here.he made a winning debut in December las year, taking a 1 m ½ f grade 2 by3 ½ l a Los Alamitos, beating Getaway Car.. He then won a similar event at Sana Anita in March this year beating Barnes (received 4lb), 1 ¾ l hen followed up in April, winning the 1m 1f grade 1 Sana Anita Derby by ¾ l from Baeza and there will probably be a few more column inches to be written about him this season

Editors Rating 5 

Trainer M Mcarthy

2025 Flat Profile - Hotazhell

3 y Too Darn Hot – Azenzar  (Cliff)

High class 2 year old, he could just be over priced in the 200 guineas market a 20/1. He made his debut at Leopardstown in May last year, finishing 4th beaten 4l behind Scorthy Champ in a 7f maiden, then in June a the Curragh, won a 7f maiden by 1 ¼ l from Mount Parnassus. He then followed up 3 weeks later over course and distance in a group 3, beating Swagman 1 ½ l, then in August was 2nd in a 7f group 2 again a he Curragh, beaten 1l by Henri Matisse (gave 3lb). 

In September he stepped up o a mile, winning a group 2 at the Curragh again, by ¾ l from Tennessee Stud, and finished the season with victory a Doncaster in the 1m group 1 Futurity stakes beating Delacroix a nose, and showing a real battling attitude. A mile would look his optimum trip, and he should win some decent races this season. 

Editors Rating 4 

Trainer Mrs J Harrington

2025 Flat Profile - Henri Matisse

3 y bc Wootton Bassett – Immortal Verse (Martin,Peej)

Beautifully bred, top class 2 year old, he made his debut at the Curragh in May last year winning a 6f maiden by a short head from Cadogan, then in June followed up over course and distance in a group 2, beating The Strikin Viking ½ lIn August over 7f at the Curragh he won a group 2 by 1l from Hotazhell (received 3lb), then in September in the 7f group 1 National Stakes at the Curragh was 2nd beaten ¾ l by Scorthy Champ. In October h went to Longcamp for the 7f group 1 Prix Jean Luc Lagardere, finishing 5th beaten 2 ¼ l behind stable mate Camille Pissaro and finished the season with victory at Leoparstown, taking a 7f group 3 by ½ l from Comanche Brave (received 3lb). 

He has entries in both English and Irish Guineas and Oaks, though i doubt he will go beyond a mile. He should be a major player in the top mile races this season. Aiden O’Brien told The Punter We see him as a miler that will be best on firmer ground. He has loads of pace and is an obvious one for a Guineas. Plans will start to come together with him in the coming weeks.

Editors Rating 4 

Trainer A’O Brien

2025 Flat Profile - Glittering Surf

3 y bf Oasis Dream – Sparkling Surf  (Neil)

Unbeaten filly who made her debut at Kempton In December last year winning a 1m fillies maiden by 3 ¼ l from Pearl Of Hope, then in March this year over course and distance won a 3 year fillies conditions stakes by 1l from Bermuda Longtail. She holds a Group 1 entry in the Coronation sakes, is well regarded by her trainer and should win a Group level his season.

Editors Rating 4 

Trainer O. Burrows

2025 Flat Profile - Gladius

3 y bc Night of Thunder – Persona Grata   (Martin)

Un raced at 2, he is another of the could be anything brigade, he made his debut at Kempton in  April this year winning a 1m  maiden by 1l from Dixieland Blues. He doesn’t hold any group entries currently, Andrew Balding told The Punter He won on his debut at Kempton, and I was pleased with that as he showed good acceleration to win. We are going to try him in another novice, and we are not quite sure what his best trip will be, it could be a mile and a quarter in time. He is coming together all the time.

Editors Rating 3 

Trainer A.Balding

2025 Flat Profile - Friendly Soul

4 y bf  Kingman – In Clover  (Cliff)

In Martin’s string last season she is a high class filly who made her debut at Kempton in December 2023, winning a 1m maiden fillies stakes by ½ l from Izipizi, then in May last year, at Newmarket, followed up in a 1m 2f listed fillies stakes, beating Kalpana 1 ¼ l. 

She then went to York 12 days later finishing 7h beaten 9 ¼ l behind Secret Satire, in a race that could have come to quick after her Newmarket run. She reappeared at Ascot in July, winning a 1m fillies and mares group 3 by 3l from Doom (gave 8lb), then in August  at Deauville won a 1m 2f group 2 by 1l from Birthe, and finished the season with victory at Longchamp in October winning the 1m 2f Group 1 Prix Del L’Opera for fillies and mares by ¾ l from Running Lion (gave 5lb). 

She holds a Group 1 entry in the Lockinge stakes, and I could see her running a big race in the Eclipse later in the season. She should certainly win a top level again his season 

Editors Rating 5

Trainers J & T Gosden

2025 Flat Profile - French Master

4 y bc Frankel – French Dressing (Bob)

Lightly raced 4 year old, and another unraced at 2,  he is a home bred and you have to think they will try to get him black type his season. He made his debut at Sandown in June last year finishing 9th, beaten 11l by Prague (gave 13 lb), in a 1m 2f maiden, then in July at Doncaster won a 1m 4f novice stakes by 1 ¼ l from Regal Connection. He finished the season in October at Kempton winning a 1m 4f novice stakes by 6l from Alnayef (received 7lb). 

Editors Rating 4 

Trainer J & T Gosden

2025 Flat Profile - Field of Gold

3 y gr c Kingman – Princess De Lune  (Bob, Cliff, Peej, Neil)

Top class colt who made his debut at Doncaster in June last year, finishing 3rd in a 7f novice stakes, beaten 2 ¾ l by New Century, then in July at Newmarket, won a 7f maiden stakes by 3 ¼ l from Starzinthireyes. In August  at Sandown he won a 7f group 3 by ¾ l from Maturai Bay, and finished the season at Longchamp, finishing 4th beaten 2 ¼ l by Camille Pissaro in the 7f Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Group 1) (2yo Colts & Fillies) . 

He made an eye catching reappearance at Newmarket in April, winning a 1m group 3 by 3 ½ l from Wimbledon Hawkeye, and was made 7/2 favourite for the 2000 Guineas. He will certainly be a major player in the top mile races this season, and may stay a bit further.

Editors rating 5

Trainers J & T Gosden

2025 Flat Profile - Dreamy

3 y bf American Pharoah – Tapestry   (Cliff)

Smart 2 year old filly, she made her debut at Goodwood in August last year, winning a 7f maiden fillies stakes by a neck from Bouvier, and followed up 4 weeks later at the Curragh winning a 1m fillies group 3 by 1 ½ l from Firey Lucy. She finished the season at Newmarket in October, finishing 4th beaten 14 l behind Desert Flower. She holds Irish 1000 guineas and English Oaks entries and will hopefully be an Oaks filly.

Editors Rating 4 

Trainer A O’Brien

2025 Flat Profile - Dr Strangelove

3y bc Mohaather – Cheap Thrills (Peej)

Unraced at 2 , One of the could be anything brigade, he made his debut at Kempton in  April, winning a 6f novice stakes by a neck from Lazzar. Bred to be a sprinter he holds no fancy entries, but will be well placed by connections and should win again. 

Editors Rating 2 

Trainer P & O Cole

2025 Flat Profile - Double Rush

3 y bc Blue Point – Duet (Peej)

Average 2 year old who made his debut at Windsor in August last year, finishing 2nd in a 6f maiden, beaten 4 ½ l by Midnight Thunder, then in September at Haydock was 4th in a 6f novice stakes beaten 1 ¾ l by Defence Minister (gave 7lb). At Nottingham in October he finished 5th in a 6f novice stakes beaten 8 ¾ l by Arctic Voyage . He got off the mark at Wolverhampton in March this year, wining a 6f maiden by 4l from French Sand, (received 5lb), then followed up at Newmarket in April winning a 6f handicap by 1 ¼ l from Bob Mail (gave 3lb). He doesn’t hold any group entries, but looks progressive and should win another handicap or two at least his season. 

Edtiors Rating 3

Trainer C.Hills

2025 Flat Profile - Detain

3 y bc Wotton Bassett – Nisriyna   (Steve)

Another smart Juddmonte colt, he made his debut at Kempton in August last year , winning a 7f novice stakes by 2l from Afentiko (gave 4lb), and followed up in October over course and distance in a novice stakes beating Fosroc (received 7lb )7l. He finished the season at Doncaster in October finishing  6th beaten 8l in the 1m Group 1 Futurity stakes behind Hotazhell. He reappeared at Chelmsford in April, winning a 1m 3year old condition stakes by 1l from Luther and has a group 2 Dante entry and a group 1 entry in the S James Palace stakes. 

Editors Rating 3

Trainer J&T Gosden

2025 Flat Profile - Desert Flower

3 y ch f Night Of Thunder – Promising Run (Bob Cliff, Cod, Neil)

Top class unbeaten filly who made her debut at Newmarket in July , winning a 7f fillies maiden by 3 ¼ l from Flight, and followed up over course and distance a month later in a fillies novice stakes beating Dash Of Azure (received 7lb ) by 6 ½ l. She then stepped up to Group 2 level at Doncaster in September winning g over a mile by 1 ½ l from January, and finished the season with victory at Newmarket in the Group 1 fillies mile, beating January again, this time by 5 ½ l. She is the one to beat on 2 year old form, is currently 13 /8 f for the 1000 Guineas. A mile looks her best rip on breeding, and she holds no entries beyond that .

Editors Rating   5

Trainer C.Appleby

2025 Flat Profile - Damysus

3 y ch c Frankel – Legerete  (Cliff)

Colt who falls in to the could be any thing category, but is bred to be top class up 1 ½ miles. Frankel needs no introduction but the dam won a group 2 at 1 ½ miles and a group 3 at 1m 2f, so there is plenty of stamina. He made his debut at Soutthwell on 10 December last year winning a 7f 2 year old novice stakes by 2 ½ l from Hidden Secret. He was sent off 8 /11 fav, so must be smart at home as the 2nd is a Godolphin horse, he holds a Derby entry, and is a very interesting prospect.

Editors Rating 3 

Trainer J & T Gosden

2025 Flat Profile - Dancing Teapot

3 y bf Camelot – Lady Adelaide   (Peej)

Not sure about the name, she made her debut at Dundalk in November, finishing 2nd in a 6f fillies maiden, beaten a head by Misappropriation, then 2 weeks later at Dundalk was 2nd in a 1m fillies maiden beaten ¾ l by Carolina Jetstream. Nicely bred, she does hold an Irish Oaks entry, and she could Waltz in to the winners enclosure at some point. 

Editors Rating 2 

Trainer J O’Brien

2025 Flat Profile - Crown of Oaks

3 y bc Wootton Bassett – Forest Crown (Martin)

Nicely named he made his debut at Newmarket In October, finishing 3rd in a 7f maiden, beaten 1 ¼ l bt Secret Theory, then reappearing at Newbury this April, was 3rd in a 1m confined maiden , beaten 1 ¼ l by Point of Contact. He has a group 2 Dante Entry, although on breeding he looks a miler, He is with a stable that will place him well and he should win his season.

Editors Rating 3 

Trainer W. Haggas 

2025 Flat Profile - Cosmic Year

3 y bc Kingman – Passage of Time  (Steve)

One of the could be anything brigade he made his debut at Sandown in September las year winning a 7f novice stakes by 6 ½ l from Rock D’Oro. He reappeared at Kempton in April, winning a 7f novice stakes by 5l from Hit Squad (received 7lb),  He will get at least a mile, holds Group 1 entries in both the English and Irish 2000 Guineas and should win a Group level this season. At the time of writing he is 6/1 2nd favourite for the 2000 Guineas

Editors Rating 3

Trainer H.Charlon 

2025 Flat Profile - Bowmark

3 y bc Kingman – Bound  (Bob)

Interesting colt who made his debut at Kempton in December last year, winning a 1m novice sakes by 4 ½ l from Oursin. He reapeared a Newcastle in mid April, finishing a neck 2nd to Glittering Legend, and holds a group 2 Dane entry, and a group 1 S Jams Palace stakes entry. He has a way to go to justify hose but is well bred and should be a listed class winner by the end of the season at least.

Editors Rating 3

Trainer J & T Gosden

2025 Flat Profile - Bay City Roller

3y bc New Bay –Bloomfield  (Peej)

High class 2 year old, with a trainer now establishing himself at a high level, this colt made his debut at Sandown at the end of July last year, winning a 7f novice stakes by a neck from Vecu, then a month later a Chelmsford, followed up in another 7f novice stakes, beating Rock d’Oro (received 7 lb) by ¾ l. His last run at Doncaster stamped as a horse to take note of as he won a 7f group 2 by ½ l from Monumental. George Scott told he Punter he will be aimed at either the Irish or French guineas as the flat racks will suit better than Newmarket. He has done really well over the winter.

Editors rating 3

Trainer G.Scott

2025 Flat Profile - Ballet Slippers

3y ch f Dubawi – Magical (Martin)

Decent 2 year old, she made her debut at the Curragh in July las year finishing 3rd beaten 4 ½ l in a 7f fillies maiden behind Red Letter, then in August in a similar event was 2nd beaten a neck by stablemate Falling Snow (received 3 lb). She then came across the water to Ascot in September and won a 1m novice stakes by 1l from Music Piece, and finished the season with 3rd at Newmarket  in the 1m group 1 fillies, beaten 6l by Desert Flower. 

Aiden O’Brien told the Punter She has a beautiful pedigree and ran well in the Fillies’ Mile. She shapes like one that should stay a mile-and-a-half, and I’d say she’ll start off in an Oaks trial in the coming weeks.  She should win a group race or 2 but whether she can win a group 1 is debatable

Editors Rating 3 

2025 Flat Profile - Arctic Grey

3 y gr c Dark Angel – Postulant  (Neil)

Unraced a 2, he made his debut a Southwell in April this year winning a 1m novice stakes by a neck from Nebras (gave 7lb). He doesn’t  hold any group entries but from a stable who will place him well he should win again.

Editors Rating 2 

Trainer R. Hannon

2025 Flat Profile - Anmaat

7 y bg Awtaad – African Moonlight  (Cliff, Neil)

Anmaat must  be the first horse aged 7 to be picked as a group race performer, however, he looks primed for a successful season at the top level in the middle distance races. He made his debut at  Kempton in November 2020, finishing 2nd in a 1m 2year old novice sakes, beaten 4l by Rebels Romance, then in May 2021, reappeared at Lingfield , winning a 1m novice stakes by a neck from Glentaneous (gave 7lb), then a month layer at Doncaster was third in another 1 m novice stakes beaten 1 ½ l by Bashosh. In July he finished 2nd at Newbury in a 1m 2f handicap, beaten ¾ l by Encourage (received 5lb), then in August a Bath, won a 1m 2f handicap by 3 ¾ l from Celtic Art (gave 12 lb). He followed up in September a Doncaster, winning another 1m 2f handicap from Faisal (gave 10lb), by1 ¾ l, then 3 weeks later at Newmarket, was 2nd in a 1m 1f handicap, beaten ¾ by Bedouin’s Story (gave 1 lb).

 He reappeared at York in July 2022, winning the 1m 2f John Smith’s handicap by ½ l from Achelois ( received 10 lb), then in August at  Haydock, stepped in to Group Company for the first time, winning a 1m 2f group 3 by 4l from Grocer Jack. He followed up in October at Longchamp winning a 1m 2f group 2 by a head from Junko (received 3lb), then reappeared at Newmarket in May 2023, finishing 2nd in a 1m 2f group beaten 2 ½ l by Adayar, then 3 weeks later at Longchamp won the 1m 1f group 1 Prix d’Ispahan by a short neck from Light Infantry Man. 

He followed up at Haydock in August 2024 winning a 1m 2f group 3 from Certain Lad, then in October at Longchamp finished 5th in a 1m 2f group 3, beaten 5 ¼ l behind Jayarebe. He finished the season at Ascot winning he 1m 2f Group 1 Champion Stakes by ½ l from Calandagan (received 4lb), and will hopefully win his share of races again this season

Editors rating 4 

2025 Flat Profile - American Affair

5 ybg Washington DC – Classy Anne ( Bob, Martin)

Bob has done well with Jim Goldie horses and this one did him well last season and looks progressive and could be a key player in the sprint handicaps this season. Unraced at 2, he made his debut at Doncaster in April 2023, finishing 6th beaten 7l by United Approach in a 6f novice stakes, then a Mussleburgh in May, finished 5th beaten 3 ¾ l by Whisky Mcgonagall in a 5f restricted maiden stakes. 

He got off the mark 2 weeks later at Wetherby, winning a 7f restricted novice stakes by 1l from Glory Sky (received 5lb), then at York at the end of May finished 6th beaten 5 ¾ l by Starnberg (gave 4lb) in a 7f handicap. In June at Hamilton, he finished 4th, beaten 7 ¾ l by Rock Of England (gave 2lb), in a 6f handicap. In July at Ayr in a 6f handicap he was 10th beaten 13 l by Ramiro (gave 10lb), then 2 weeks at Ayr in a 7f handicap, finished 2nd beaten 5l by Gainsborough (gave 16 lb. )Again a Ayr in August he was 2nd again in 7f handicap beaten ½ l by Wreck it Ryley (received 2 lb) then in September at Carlisle, won a 6F handicap by ¾ l from Mighty Power. 

3 weeks later at Ayr in a 5f handicap he was 3rd beaten 2 ¼ l by Aconcagua Mountain(received 13 lb), then after a break reappeared at Mussleburgh in April last year winning a 5f handicap by 2 ½ l from Paddy’s Day (received 5lb), then in June at Hamilton was 2nd in a 5f handicap beaten 4 ½ l by Desperate Hero (gave 11lb). In June at Thirsk he won a 5f handicap by 1l from Lethal Nymph ( gave 7lb), then was 2nd at Haydock in August in a 5f handicap beaten a neck by Jer Batt (received 1 lb).2 weeks later at Pontefract over 5f he was 2nd in a handicap beaten 1 1/2l by Dream Composer (received 3lb), then in September in another 5f handicap finished 3rd beaten 1 ½ by Shagraan (gave 10 lb). At Doncaster a week later he won a 5 ½ f handicap by a nose from Apollo One ( gave 11 lb), and finished the season a week later a Ayr finishing 16th beaten 6 ¾ l by Lethal Levi (gave 5lb). 

He reappeared at Mussleburgh in April, winning a 5f handicap by ¾ l from JM Jungle, gave 1lb, and still looks progressive

He should pay his way again in similar handicaps this season 

Editors Rating 3 

2025 Flat Profile - Almaqam

4 y bc Lope De Vega – Talmada  (Cliff)

Smart colt who made his debut at Newmarket in October 2023, finishing 4th in a 1m maiden, beaten 5l by Feigning Madness, gave 6lb, then reappeared at Yarmouth in April last year winning a 1m maiden by 1 ¼ l from English Harbour. Stepped up to lasted class a month later at Sandown, he won over a mile beating Kikkuli 3 ¾ l , then in June at Royal Ascot was thrown in to Group 1 company in the 1m St James Palace stakes, finishing 6th, beaten 5 ¾ l behind Rosallion. In August at Deauville in a 1m 2f group 2 he finished 3rd beaten 8l behind Economics, then finished the season with 2nd at Longchamp in a 1m 2f group 2 beaten a head by Jayarbe. He should be competitive again in similar races this season.

Editors Rating 3 

Trainer E Walker

2025 Flat - What's in a Name

Henri Matisse 

Henri Émile Benoît Matisse (31 December 1869 – 3 November 1954) was a French visual artist, known for both his use of colour and his fluid and original draughtsmanship. He was a draughtsman, printmaker, and sculptor, but is known primarily as a painter. Matisse is commonly regarded, along with Pablo Picasso, as one of the artists who best helped to define the revolutionary developments in the visual arts throughout the opening decades of the twentieth century, responsible for significant developments in painting and sculpture. The intense colourism of the works he painted between 1900 and 1905 brought him notoriety as one of the Fauves (French for "wild beasts"). 

Many of his finest works were created in the decade or so after 1906, when he developed a rigorous style that emphasized flattened forms and decorative pattern. In 1917, he relocated to a suburb of Nice on the French Riviera, and the more relaxed style of his work during the 1920s gained him critical acclaim as an upholder of the classical tradition in French painting. After 1930, he adopted a bolder simplification of form. When ill health in his final years prevented him from painting, he created an important body of work in the medium of cut paper collage.

Dr Strangelove

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (better known as only Dr. Strangelove) is a 1964 British-American black comedy movie directed and produced by Stanley Kubrick, and starring Peter Sellers.

The story concerns an unhinged United States Air Force general, Sterling Hayden as Jack D. Ripper. He orders a first strike nuclear attack on the Soviet Union. It follows the President, his advisers, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and a Royal Air Force (RAF) officer as they try to recall the bombers to prevent a nuclear apocalypse. It separately follows the crew of one B-52 bomber as they try to deliver their payload.

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is one of the African Great Lakes. With a surface area of approximately 59,947 km2 (23,146 sq mi). Lake Victoria is Africa's largest lake by area, the world's largest tropical lake, and the world's second-largest fresh water lake by surface area after Lake Superior in North America. In terms of volume, Lake Victoria is the world's ninth-largest continental lake, containing about 2,424 km3 (1.965×109 acre⋅ft) of water.

 Lake Victoria occupies a shallow depression in Africa. The lake has an average depth of 40 m (130 ft) and a maximum depth of 80–81 m (262–266 ft). Its catchment area covers 169,858 km2 (65,583 sq mi). The lake has a shoreline of 7,142 km (4,438 mi) when digitized at the 1:25,000 level, with islands constituting 3.7% of this length.

The lake's area is divided among three countries: Tanzania occupies 49% (33,700 km2 (13,000 sq mi)), Uganda 45% (31,000 km2 (12,000 sq mi)), and Kenya 6% (4,100 km2 (1,600 sq mi)). The lake is home to many species of fish which live nowhere else, especially cichlids. Invasive fish, such as the Nile perch, have driven many endemic species to extinction.

2025 Flat - Bonus Races and Scoring

All races in the UK and Ireland, Group and listed races in France, Group races in rest of Europe and Turkey, Non Handicap Group 1 Grade1 Races in America and Canada

Group 1 25 points,

Group 2 20

Group 3 15

Listed          12 ( Races run off set weight Bands)    

Handicaps   10 (Races run off a weight range , ie 0-90, and including handicaps with the word listed in the title)

Heritage handicaps 25 points. 

All other races     10

2nd place in Bonus races 12 points + tote return

Grand Slam , there are 4 grand slam events, 2 on the flat at Royal Ascot and York in August, Cheltenham and Aintree over jumps.  the top scoring trainer at these meetings gains an extra 20 points. Any one winning all 4 on the bounce completes the Grand Slam and gets another 20 point bonus.

Single Pick Bonus of double points, unless race is bonus race, when only the points value of the race is added as a bonus.

Bonus Races

2,000 GUINEAS NEWMARKET, MAY 

1,000 GUINEAS NEWMARKET, MAY 

Lockinge Stakes                        Newbury May                                             

Oaks        EPSOM, JUNE 

CORONATION CUP EPSOM   JUNE 

DERBY EPSOM    JUNE 

ST JAMES PALACE STAKES ROYAL ASCOT,  JUNE 

QUEEN ANNE STAKES ROYAL ASCOT,  JUNE 

PRINCE OF WALES STAKES ROYAL ASCOT,  JUNE 

ASCOT GOLD CUP ROYAL ASCOT,   JUNE 

CORONATION STAKES ROYAL ASCOT,  JUNE 

DIAMOND JUBILEE STAKES ROYAL ASCOT,  JUNE 

KING CHARLES III Stakes (Kings Stand)  Royal Ascot June                                          

Commonwealth Cup       Royal Ascot June                                                     

Irish Derby CURRAGH,   JUNE  

ECLIPSE STAKES SANDOWN    JULY  

JULY CUP NEWMARKET,   JULY   

KING GEORGE VI & QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES ASCOT,   JULY  

SUSSEX STAKES GOODWOOD,   JULY 

NASSAU STAKES GOODWOOD,  AUGUST                                      

INTERNATIONAL STAKES  York

NUNTHORPE STAKES YORK,   AUGUST                               

IRISH CHAMPION STAKES , LEOPARDSTOWN, SEPTEMBER 

ST LEGER DONCASTER,  SEPTEMBER 

PRIX DE L'ARC DE TRIOMPHE LONGCHAMP OCTOBER 

CHAMPION STAKES  ASCOT,   OCTOBER 

QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES ASCOT,  OCTOBER

2025 Flat - Previous Champs and Chumps

Previous Champs and Chumps

Figures in brackets are point’s totals. 10 Horses were used up to jumps 99/2000 when we moved to 15.

From jump season 200/7 8 single picks get double points.

Hall Of Fame                              List Of Shame                             

Flat 1998   Steve

Flat 1999  Tony (276)            Spoon Bob (59)

Flat 2000 Bob    (497)           Spoon  Steve (105)

Flat 2001 Cod    (402)           Spoon  Cliff (99)

Flat 2000 John (794)            Spoon  Steve (259)

Flat 2003 Neil (601)             Spoon)  Steve) (229)

Flat 2004  John                    Spoon  Peej)

Flat 2005  Neil                      Spoon John   

Flat 2006 Neil (580)             Spoon Peej (224)

Flat 2007  Cliff 703             Spoon Martin 155     

Flat 2008  Cod 1019             Spoon  Steve

Flat 2009  Peej 874                Spoon Tony333

Flat 2010 Bob 958                  Spoon  John 456

Flat 2011 John967                Spoon    Steve    546

Flat 2012  Cod   881               Spoon    Peej   498

Flat 2013 Martin   778.5           Spoon   Bob   377

Flat 2014  Lee    1222.1             Spoon   Martin 443.1

Flat 2015  Cliff   1057.1            Spoon   Steve     340.8

Flat 2016   Bob   875.9             Spoon    Steve  328.1   

Flat 2017   Martin  821.2         Spoon Cod   184.5

Flat2018    Cliff     1254.8         Spoon  Cod  246.2

Flat 2019    Neil  1437.2            Spoon   Peej 545.4

Flat 2020   Cliff   872.4              Spoon   Cod    307.35 * short season due to Covid      

Flat 2021 Steve 802.8                Spoon Peej    217.75

Flat 2022   Neil 838.73                Spoon Cod 250.8

Flat 2023   Bob  995.46              Spoon   Peej  432.74

Flat   2024 Neil 1039.33              Spoon  Bob 553.22

Jumps Hall Of Fame                    List Of  Shame

Jumps 98/99 Cliff                        Spoon Steve

Jumps 99/00 Cliff(541)                Spoon Steve (182)

Jumps 00/01 Bob (387)                Spoon Lee  (198)

Jumps 01/02 Martin (512)          Spoon Steve (161)

Jumps 02/03 Lee (618)                Spoon Cod  (238)

Jumps 03/04 Neil( 661)               Spoon Steve (361)

Jumps 04/05 John (571)             Spoon Steve (166)

Jumps 05/06 John (571)             Spoon Cliff (180)      

Jumps 06/07 Lee 705                   Spoon  Cod  203

Jumps 07/08 Cliff 703                Spoon   John 322

Jumps 08/09 Lee 737                 Spoon   Tony 249

Jumps   09/10  Bob 983              Spoon    Neil 497

Jumps 10/11   Martin 750         Spoon   Peej 481

Jumps 11/12    Cod   698           Spoon Neil 441

Jumps 12/13  Neil                       Spoon Cliff  

Jumps 13/14  Peej, 842.6          Spoon  Cliff   400.2

Jumps 14/15 Tony 910.6      Spoon 327.8

Jumps 15/16   Neil                 Spoon Steve 545.4  

  Jumps   16/17 Lee 1061                 Spoon   Bob  645.8           

Jumps 17/18  Steve    1035.84          Spoon  Bob  510.9

Jumps 18/19   Peej    1055.1               Spoon     Neil 559.1

Jumps 19/20  Steve 737.7                   Spoon  Cod 481.3  (Season stopped on March 20th due to Covid 19)

Jumps 20/21  Cliff   1093.8           Spoon  Bob   373.1

Jumps 21/22    Peej 1203.92         Spoon Martin 427.99

Jumps 22/23  Peej  1226.22             Spoon  Cliff  680.42

Jumps 23/4    Peej   111.9                  Spoon Cod 639. 57

Jumps 24/5    Steve 794.57               Spoon Martin 351.45

2025 Flat - Editor's Introduction

Firstly to add more fuel with which to ridicule the Editor through the season I have been asked to give my rating on the picks in this hand book, so they will have a 1 to 5 star rating, 1being the lowest.

The classic lists have taken a shake up since the start of the season, as  Coolmore and Godolphin have found Juddmone muscling in to the classic markets,  and it will be interesting to see what Coolmore send to the 2000 Guineas  as O’Brien has been casting doubts about the Lion In Winter being ready. Perhaps he is more of a Pussy Cat than a Lion, time will tell. 

We have a bigger focus on handicaps with the amended scoring system and it will be interesting to see if it has the same effect as over jumps. I certainly changed my selection process a bit. Again it is nice to see a number of the decent 3 year olds staying in training at 4. 

One thing I have noticed is that the all weather has given late developing 2 year olds opportunities , a few in here made debuts between mid October and December.

The 3 year old sprint division looks ultra competitive so we have plenty to look forward to, in total, 108 different horse’s !   41 are covered.

Good luck to all

Horse of the Season - The Roll of Honour

It's not scientific, it's the horse that earns the most points for us.

Here's a list of all the winners*

2024/25 - Jonbon

2024 - Kyprios

2023/24 - State Man

2023 - Highfield Princess

2022/23 - State Man

2022 - Alpinista

2021/22 - Allaho

2021 - St Mark's Basilica

2020/21 - Shishkin

2020 - Ghaiyyath

2019/20 - Defi Du Seuil and Honeysuckle (shared)

2019 - Japan

2018/19 - Frodon

2018 - Alpha Centauri

2017/18 - Footpad

2017 - Enable

2016/17 - Native River

2016 - Minding

2015/16 - Cue Card

2015 - Muhaarar

2014/15 - Don Cossack

2014 - Charm Spirit

2013/14 - O'Faolain's Boy

2013 - The Fugue

2012/13 - Hurricane Fly

*OK, so Horse of the Season wasn't a thing until 2015/16 but we can apply the same principle and go back a bit further with the theme.

2024/25 Boozy Punter Horse of the Season

Congratulations to...

Jonbon

Nicky Henderson's stable star has been a regular in the competition since 2021/22, racking up 82.31 points in that season, 150.79 in 2022/23, 154.03 in 2023/24 before finally coming out on top this season with a total of 228.9.

The biggest surprise was that Jonbon was a single pick for Steve this season having been abandoned by Martin. It played a part in Steve ultimately taking the title.

Jonbon's season started in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham on the opening day of the competition. A one and a half length win at 1/3F was good for 42.68 points.

The Tingle Creek at Sandown was next and the 8/13F overcame the heavy ground under Nico De Boinville to run out an eight length winner and earn Steve another 53.24 points.

That points haul was exactly repeated at Ascot in January in the Clarence House. It was a comfortable win by six and a half lengths with Energumene the nearest challenger.

The first blemish of the season came in the Champion Chase at the Festival. A shocking jumping error cost the odds-on favourite any chance of getting involved in the finish and it was an 18 lengths second to Marine Nationale in the end. A bonus race still earned Steve 26.4 points.

Jonbon returned to winning ways at Aintree in the Melling Chase. Leading after the eighth the horse eased clear to deliver another 53.34 points to Steve's total. The season ended at Sandown with a defeat to Il Etait Temps but Jonbon had already done enough to etch his name onto the Roll of Honour.

The top three:

228.9 - Jonbon (42.68 + 53.24 + 53.24 + 26.4 + 53.34)

193.0 - Golden Ace (44.4 + 148.6)

161.0 - Lossiemouth (53.16 + 53.34 + 54.5)

2024/25 Jumps Issue 25 - Steve takes the title

Headlines

Warrior fights of Sandown rivals

Temps makes Permanent Point

Report

At Sandown on Saturday in he 2m 6f grade 2 chase Gaelic Warrior ( Bob, Steve), went to post, Towards rear, in touch with leaders after 4 out, went second before 2 out, led after 2 out, clear run-in, winning comfortably by 5l. Bob gets 43.68 points, Steve 21.84

In the 2m grade 1 Celebration Chase IL Etait Temps ( Neil, Peej), took his chance, Travelled strongly, in rear, smooth headway after 4 out, went second after 3 out, led after 2 out, shaken up and went clear run-in, winning impressively by 5 ½ l . He gets 30.7 points.

John  Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 April         Total

Steve      184.68              794.57

Bob         101,18                  745.72

Neil          142.2                728.86

Cliff          129                  712.85

Peej        184.7                710.71

Cod          30.4                419.8

Martin      00                351.45

So Peej just takes trainer of the Month, Steve is Jumps Champion, Congratulations ! 

Stats Per String

        Runners     Winners

Bob,           56 24

Cliff           59     21

Cod,          51      14

Martin,      73    15

Neil           53  24

Peej          58  23

 Steve       53 26

The Weeks Losers

Mister Meggitt, We’re Red And Blue, Salver, Jonbon, Dancing City