2026 Flat issue 8 - Early Royal Ascot points

Headlines

Space Waltz’s home at Chantilly

Diamonds Sparkle at Chantilly

Rivals Bow To Echo at Ascot

Barrier Reef is Great At Ascot

Ombudsman Rules in Prince of Wales

Report

At Chantilly on Sunday in the 1m 2f group 1 fillies Prix Diane Diamond Necklace (Bob), took her chance, Midfield, steady headway on outer over 2f out, led narrowly and ridden over 1f out, edged right inside final furlong, ridden out, just held on winning by a short neck. She gets 53 points.

In the 1m 2f group 3 Space Waltz (Cliff), took his chance, In touch with leaders, headway and led narrowly 2f out, pushed along and went clear final 110yds, winning comfortably by 3 ½ l. He gets 35.4 points.

At Ascot on Tuesday in the 6f group 2 Great Barrier Reef (Steve) went to post, Raced far side of centre, prominent, pressed leaders when groups merged over 2f out, edged left when ridden over 1f out, led inside final 110yds, kept on, 1st of 6 in group, winning by ½ l. He gets 54.3 points.

In the 1m group 1 St James Palace stakes Bow Echo ( Bob, Cliff, Neil, Steve) Gstaad ( Cod, Peej), took their chances.

Bow Echo Took keen hold early, hampered soon after start, in touch with leaders, going best and headway on outer over 2f out, soon led and edged right, ridden inside final furlong, just did enough, winning by a short head. He gets 53.68 points.

Gstaad Edged left soon after start, soon bumped and unbalanced, towards rear, headway against far rail over 2f out, soon challenging, outpaced over 1f out, rallied final 110yds, kept on well, just held, 2nd beaten a short head. He gets 13.4 points.

On Wednesday in the 1m 2f group 1 Prince of Wales Stakes Ombudsman (Neil), Minnie Hauk ( Cod), took their chances.

Ombudsman Held up in rear, headway on near side of group 2f out, pushed along to lead over 1f out, edged right and went clear inside final furlong, ran on well, winning impressively by 4l. He gets 79.2 points.

Minnie Hauk, Soon raced in third, prominent behind clear leaders 6f out, headway 2f out, switched left then outpaced over 1f out, rallied and went second inside final furlong, no match for winner, 2nd beaten 4l. She gets 28.2 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 June      Total

Cod             163.6         459.94

Cliff          118.28            409.26

Bob           133.88         397.99

Neil         132.88           362.62

Steve         107.98       319.73

Peej           115.9           300.77

Martin      00           193.21

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      19          5

Bob           25   10

Cliff           23   10

Neil          23      9

Peej          23        8

Cod           28      10

Steve          18      9

The Weeks Losers

Dandana, Schrodinger’s Cat, Tiffany, Copper Knight, Opera Ballo , Damysus, Zeus Olympios, Noteable Speech, Asfoora, American Affair, Gstaad, Puerto Rico, Talk of New York, Kings Gambit, Lover Girl, Minnie Hauk, Daryz, See The Fire

Weekend Runners

Friday 

Ascot

3.05 Venetian Sun, Wise Approach, Charles Darwin

4.20 Precise, True Love, 

6.10 Schrodingers Cat

Saturday 

Ascot

3.05, Jan Brughel, Kalpana, 

4.20 Synchronicity

5.00 Double Rush, Addison Grey, Binhareer

5.35 Nobody Knows

6.10 Jan Brughel, French Master

Redcar

3.22 Schrodigers Cat

4.00 Copper Knight

Down Royal

4.33 Cape Cod, Port Ferdinand

Sunday 

Pontefract

4.05 Kisskodi

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2026 Flat Issue 7 - Christmas comes early for the Fish

Headlines

City Keeps Points Rolling In

Christmas Day comes early at Epsom

Kisskodi wins at Chepstow

Report

We start at Epsom on Saturday where in the 1m 4f group 1 Coronation Cup Bay City Roller ( Peej), Jan Brughel (Bob) went to post, Bay City Roller,  In touch with leaders, went second halfway, alone up the centre and disputed lead over 3f out, led over 2f out, ridden and clear over 1f out, kept on well, winning by 10l. He gets 102.5 points. Jan Brughel sweating, in rear, headway over 3f out, ridden and chased clear leader over 1f out, no impression, 2nd beaten 10 l. He gets 27.2 points.

In the 1m 4f group 1 Derby stakes Christmas Day (Cod), Maltese Cross (Cliff), took their chances. 

Christmas Day, Raced in second, pressed leader after 5f, led over 3f out, soon pushed along, drifted right over 1f out, kept on well, winning by 2 ¾ l. He gets 88 points. Maltese Cross Midfield, in touch with leaders after 2f, steady headway over 3f out, went second over 2f out, no match for winner 2nd beaten 2 ¾ l. He gets 29.2 points

At Chepstow in the 7f handicap Kisskodi (Cod) took his chance, In touch with leaders, good headway on far side of group to lead over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong, winning comfortably by 2 ½ l. He gets 34 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 June      Total

Cod             122           418,34

Cliff          29.2            320.18

Bob           27.2         291.31

Peej           102.5      287.37

Neil         00             229.74

Steve         00          211.75

Martin      00           193.21

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      15          5

Bob           19        8

Cliff           18      8

Neil          19      7

Peej          21        8

Cod           24        10

Steve          14        7

The Weeks Losers

Amelia Earhart, Calandagan, Jan Brughel, Convergent, Maltese Cross, James J Braddock, Renegade, Commandment, Quadrillion

Weekend Runners

Friday 

York

3.00 Dandana

4.45 Schrodinger’s Cat

Saturday 

York

3.00 Tiffany

Chester

4.00 Copper Knight

Sunday 

Cork

4.48  Finalise

Salisbury

2.44 Kisskodi

Doncaster

2.30 Quadrillion

Chantilly

Diamond Necklace

Tuesday 

Ascot

2.30 Noteable Speech, Opera Ballo, Zeus Olympios, Damysus, 

3.05 Great Barrier Reef

3.40 American Affair, Asfoora, Charles Darwin, 

4.20 Bow Echo, Gstaad, Talk of New York, Puerto Rico, Lifeplan

5.35 King’s Gambit

Wednesday

Ascot 

4.20 Daryz, Ombudsman, Calandagan, Minnie Hauk, Bay City Roller, Kalpana, See The Fire, Damysus, 

5.00 Mezcala

News

George Scott is working back from the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Coronation Cup winner Bay City Roller, who could have the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes also on the agenda should suitable ground conditions prevail at Ascot in July.

The Lion In Winter has died after sustaining a fracture on the gallops at Ballydoyle. The four-year-old colt was last seen finishing fifth in the Lockinge Stakes last month and was being aimed at the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday. Aidan O'Brien said: "He got a fracture and, unfortunately, we just weren’t able to save him. He was obviously a very good two-year-old and it’s a pity he never really got to fulfil that early potential. On his day he was very talented.’

Bow Echo's rapid rise shows no signs of stopping according to his trainer George Boughey, who sounded an ominous warning to his colt's Royal Ascot rivals when saying on Wednesday "his best days are ahead of him".Boughey is confident Bow Echo has improved physically since he left his rivals toiling on the Rowley Mile last month, his fourth win from as many starts, and he is the even-money favourite to assert his status as the best three-year-old miler in Europe.

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2026 Flat issue 6 - A record start

Headlines

Walk is Talk of Sandown

Ombudsman sets the Rules at Sandown

Estrange reaches a Pinnacle at Carlisle

Carmers wins at Down Royal

Report

We start at Sandown on Thursday where in the 1m listed stakes Talk of New York ( Bob, Steve), went to post, midfield, in touch with leaders 3f out, headway to lead over 1f out, soon went clear, ran on well inside final furlong, winning by 5 ½ l. He gets 14 points.

In the 1m 2f group 3 Ombudsman (Neil), went to post, In touch with leaders, headway and led narrowly from over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong, winning by a neck. He gets 32.8 points.

On Friday at Down Royal in the 2m listed stakes Carmers (Peej), took his chance, Raced in second, pressed leader over 2f out, led under 2f out, ridden and ran on well final furlong, winning comfortably by 2 ¼ l. He gets 27.68 points

On Saturday at Carlisle in the 1m 3f fillies group 3  Estrange (Neil), took her chance, in touch with leaders, headway over 2f out, led under 2f out, soon pushed along, winning comfortably by1 ½ l. She gets 33.46 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 May    Total

Cod             296.34    296.34

Cliff          290.98        290.98

Bob           264.11      264.11

Neil         229.74       229.74

Steve         211.75      211.75

Martin      193.21        193.21

Peej           184.87      184.87

Congratulations to Cod who is trainer of the month

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      14           5

Bob           19        8

Cliff           16       8

Neil          18       7

Peej          19         7

Cod           19         8

Steve          12        7

The Weeks Losers

Gethin, Almeric, Montezuma, Copper Knight

Weekend Runners

Friday 

Epsom

4.00 Amelia Earhart, Precise, 

Saturday 

Epsom

2.40 Calandagan,, Jan Brughel, Bay City Roller, See The Fire

4.00 Item, Pierre Bonnard, Maltese Cross, James J Braddock, Christmas Day, 

Doncaster

3.45 Quadrillion

Chepstow

7.25 Kiss Kodi

Goodwood

5.20 Kiss Kodi

Sunday 

Thirsk

4.45 Copper Knight, Montezuma

Saratoga

0.04 Renegade, Commandment

News

Royal Ascot winner Carmers is being aimed at an ambitious trip abroad for the Melbourne Cup at the end of the year after a promising success in the Listed His Majesty's Plate on Friday. 

The four-year-old, who defeated the likes of Scandinavia and Rahiebb in last year's Queen's Vase, claimed his first success since that Royal Ascot triumph when powering clear of Layfayette to win under Billy Lee, and has ignited dreams of heading to Flemington in November for trainer Paddy Twomey.

Before a potential trip to Australia, however, Carmers is slated for a return trip to Ascot on June 18, where he will take on Scandinavia once more in the Gold Cup, for which he was cut to 20-1 (from 33) by Paddy Power. 

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2026 Flat Issue 5 - Cod top after a close first month

Headlines

Daryz lands Prix Aga Khan

Bright Sunshine at Haydock

Danielle stars at York

Precise is Spot on at Curragh

Rivals Flounder on Barrier Reef

Aventure wins at Longchamp

View is Pur fect at Curragh

Report

We start at Longchamp on Thursday where in the 1m 1f group 1 Prix Aga Khan IV, Daryz ( Cliff, Cod, Neil), took his chance,  In touch with leaders, headway and switched left over 2f out, pushed along to lead over 1f out, kept on well and went clear final 110yds, winning readily by 3 ½ l. He gets 26.2 points.

At Haydock on Saturday in the 6f group 2 Venetian Sun (Martin, Peej), went to post, Took keen hold, held up in rear, switched left and pushed along briefly 2f out, headway to lead going easily 1f out, shaken up and ran on inside final furlong, winning comfortably by 3l. She gets 22.75 points.

At York in the 1m 6f fillies group 3 Danielle (Cod) took her chance, Raced in second, increased tempo and led after 3f, going best 3f out, soon shaken up, ridden over 1f out, faced challenge inside final furlong, kept on well final 110yds winning by 1 ¼ l. She gets 33 points.

At the Curragh in the 1m group 1 Irish 2000 guineas Gstaad ( Cod, Peej), went to post, Prominent, went second 2f out, led over 1f out, soon drifted right, against far rail when ridden and went clear inside final furlong, ran on strongly winning by 3l .He gets 26.37 points.

In the 1m 4f listed stakes Purview ( Bob) took his chance, Travelled strongly, midfield, headway on outer over 2f out, shaken up and edged right over 1f out, soon led and went well clear, eased inside final 110yds, winning impressively by 6l. He gets 34 points. 

On Sunday at the Curragh in the 6f 2 year old group 3 Great Barrier Reef (Steve), went to post, Dwelt start, towards rear, headway on far side of group 3f out, ran green when ridden over 1f out, led inside final 110yds, kept on. Winning by 1 ¼ l. He gets 33.08 points.

In the 1m fillies group 1 Irish 1000 guineas Precise ( Bob, Cliff, Neil, Peej), took her chance, Awkward start, towards rear on outer, headway 2f out, soon ridden, hung right 1f out, soon led, ran on well inside final 110yds, winning by 2 ½ l. She gets 30.95 points 

At Longchamp in the 1m 2f group 2 for fillies and mares Aventure (Cod), took her chance, Raced in second, led and pushed along 2f out, kept on final 110yds, eased towards finish, winning by ¾ l. She gets 44.2 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 May    Total

Cod             296.34    296.34

Cliff          290.98        290.98

Bob           250.11      250.11

Steve         197.75      197.75

Martin      193.21        193.21

Neil            163.48       163.48

Peej           157.19      157.19

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      13             5

Bob           17        7

Cliff           15        8

Neil          15          5

Peej          17         6

Cod           18         8

Steve          11         6

The Weeks Losers

Asfoora, American Affair, Spycatcher, Bay City Roller, Minnie Hauk, True Love, Abashiri, Alther Walden

Weekend Runners

Friday 

Down Royal

6.50 Carmers

Saturday 

Haydock

3.10 Estrange

Sunday 

Thirsk

4.45 Copper Knight, Montezuma

News

Daryz continued his merry way cutting a swathe through the European Pattern on a balmy Thursday evening at Longchamp, completing a hat-trick of Group 1 victories while doing a decent impression of a morning breeze on Les Aigles. In doing so, he made it abundantly clear that Minnie Hauk, Ombudsman, and any other horse planning to deny him a fourth in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Ascot next month will almost certainly have to run the race of their lives.

If you had posed the question in the wake of Daryz’s Arc victory last October, you would have been forced to say that all three of them were suited to further than the 1m1½f trip of the newly renamed Prix Aga Khan IV. But given the dash that the son of Sea The Stars showed last month in the Prix Ganay and again here, we may be dealing with one of those rare horses that can follow any pace over a variety of trips, and still deliver a searing turn of foot. 

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2026 Flat Issue 4 - More winners

Headlines

Steve has Chosen a nice Item

Portcullis shuts out rivals at York

Scandinavia lands Levmoss stakes.

Speech lands Noteable points at Newbury

Kalpana takes Aston Park stakes

Reports

We start at York on Thursday where in the 1m 2f group 2 Fillies stakes See The Fire (Martin), went to post, Took keen hold, raced in second, pressed leader over 4f out, led over 2f out, nudged along over 1f out, winning cosily by ¾ l. She gets 43.68 points.

In the 1m 2f group 2 Item ( Steve), took his chance, Took keen hold, in rear, headway over 3f out, went second 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out, edged left but went clear inside final 110yds, ran on strongly winning by 2 ¾ l. He gets 53.4 points.

At York on Friday in the 1m confined novice stakes Portcullis (Cliff, Peej, Steve) went to post, Took keen hold, soon prominent, went second halfway, led narrowly over 2f out, ridden and faced challenges over 1f out, stayed on well, winning by ¾ l  He gets 12 points.

At Leopardstown in the 1m 6f group 3 Scandinavia ( Bob, Cliff, Cod, Neil), went to post, Raced in third, went second after 5f, nudged along 3f out, led under 2f out, faced challenge inside final furlong, ridden and kept on well towards finish, always doing enough, winning by ½ l. He gets 16.23 points.

On Saturday at Newbury in the 1m 4f group 3 Kalpana (Martin, Steve), took her chance, Soon in rear but in touch with leaders, switched left and headway 3f out, soon went second, led 2f out, soon ridden, reduced lead towards finish, always doing enough, winning by a neck. She gets 17.1 points.

In the 1m group 1 Lockinge stakes Noteble Speech (Martin), went to post, Travelled strongly, in touch with leaders, switched right over 2f out, good headway to lead 1f out, ridden briefly and ran on well final furlong, winning readily by 2l. He gets 81 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 May    Total

Cliff          233.83        233.83

Bob           185.16       185.16

Martin      170.46        170.46

Cod             166.57     166.57

Steve         164.67      164,67

Neil            106.33       106.33

Peej           77.12        77.12

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      10              4

Bob           13          5

Cliff           11         6

Neil          13              3

Peej          13           3

Cod           11         4

Steve          9              5

The Weeks Losers

Corolla Point, Copper Knight, Red Letter, Fallen Angel, Synchronicity, Lover Girl, Schrodingers Cat, Revival Power, French Master, Damysus, The Lion In Winter, Zeus Olmypios, Addison Grey, Mezcala, Montezuma, Port Ferdinand, Charles Darwin, Wise Approach, Railway Man, Dancing Tiger

Weekend Runners

Saturday 

Haydock

1.45 Morrophore

2.20 Objector

2.58 Venetian Sun

3.30 Asfoora, American Affair

York

3.15 Danielle

Curragh

3.05 Spycatcher

3.40 Gstaad, Puerto Rico, Bow Echo, Lifeplan

Sunday 

Curragh

2,15 Great Barrier Reef

3.20 Fallen Angel, 

3.55 Almeric, Aventure, Bay City Roller, Faiyum, Jan Brueghel, Kalpana, Minnie Hauk, Ombudsman, Purview, Red Letter, The Lion In Winter

4.30 Abashiri, Amelia Earhart, Diamond Necklace, Precise, Synchronicity, True Love, Venetian Sun

News

George Boughey has revealed his 2,000 Guineas star Bow Echo will skip the Irish 2,000 Guineas and head to the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot next.

Diamond Necklace was cut across the board for the Betfred Oaks, with the sponsors making her 5-1 second-favourite behind stablemate Amelia Earhart, though it’s hard to escape the conclusion there are a couple of extra points on top because the Coolmore partners may be tempted to return to France for the Prix de Diane Longines at Chantilly on June 14. O’Brien and the owners will have that discussion in the days to come, but confirmed she will go up in trip for one of the two middle-distance Classics rather than stay at a mile.

Aidan O'Brien's impressive Chester heroine Amelia Earhart and Precise look poised for a tilt at Betfred Oaks glory with stablemate Diamond Necklace likely to return to France for the Prix de Diane after she put up a scintillating display in the French 1,000 Guineas last weekend.

Triple Group 1 winner Ombudsman is set to warm up for Royal Ascot at either Sandown or the Curragh before he bids for back-to-back wins in the Prince of Wales's Stakes. John and Thady Gosden are considering another crack at Sandown's Group 3 Star Sports Brigadier Gerard Stakes with their five-year-old, who finished second to Almaqam in the 1m2f contest last year under a 3lb penalty.

The Commonwealth Cup favourite Charles Darwin will warm up for Royal Ascot at Naas on Sunday in the Group 3 Goffs Lacken Stakes, while the market leaders for the Coventry and Albany Stakes could also feature on what promises to be a highly informative Royal Ascot Trials day at the track.

Charles Darwin is 5-1 with Ladbrokes for the Commonwealth Cup following his stylish winning reappearance at Navan last month and Aidan O’Brien expects him to make a giant leap forward from that comeback success on Sunday, where a field of 12 have been entered at the five-day stage.

Few horses have created as much of an impression on their debut this season as Great Barrier Reef, who won a Curragh maiden ultra-impressively by six lengths, and he is already favourite for the Coventry Stakes on the back of that and no bigger than 3-1 with any firm.The next rung up the ladder on the way there could arrive in the sprint won by Charles Darwin last year, which has attracted a dozen entries.

Owen Burrows said the decision to bypass next month's Betfred Derby with Raaheeb was a simple one, but he hopes a Classic bid remains in the equation with the Irish Derby under consideration.

The son of Sea The Stars made it two wins from two starts with victory in last month's bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown, resulting in bookmakers cutting him into 8-1 (from 20) for the Epsom showpiece on June 6. 

However, Raaheeb returned stiff from that success and was ruled out of the Group 1 and although it was unfortunate news, Burrows said it was not a tricky decision to make with the brother to Group 1 winners Baaeed and Hukum. Burrows said: "He's been back cantering for a week. He had to walk for ten days, and then trot, and you have to be 110 per cent going to a Derby, so it made our decision quite easy. It's a long season and we want him about for when he's four and five, if he can prove himself. He's an important horse for everybody."The Lambourn trainer is now looking ahead with the unbeaten colt, who will be given an entry for Royal Ascot next month, but the Irish Derby at the Curragh on June 28 is a race he is leaning towards.

Last year’s Gold Cup winner Trawlerman is not a definite runner in this year’s Royal Ascot showpiece due to taking longer than anticipated to come to hand this spring.

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2026 Flat Issue 3 - The winners keep coming

Headlines

Jan Brueghel lands Ormonde Stakes.

Maltese Cross lands Derby Trial

Necklace proves a Diamond Pick

James J Braddoclk lands Derby Trial

Report

We Start at Chester last Thursday where in the 1m 5f group 3 Jan Brueghel (Bob) went to post, In touch with leaders, dropped to rear after 3f, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden and ran on final 110yds, winning by 2 ½ l. He gets 33.16 points.

At Lingfield on Saturday in the 1m 3f listed stakes Maltese Cross (Cliff), went to post, In touch with leaders, headway 3f out, led 2f out, sustained duel and went clear with runner-up from over 1f out, ran on well, just did enough, winning by a neck. He gets 36.5 points.

On Sunday at Longchamp in the 1m  Poule d'Essai Des Pouliches (Group 1) (Fillies) Diamond Necklace (Bob), took her chance, Midfield on inner, headway to lead over 1f out, soon clear, ridden out, winning by 3l. She gets 53.6 points.

At Leopardstown in the 1m 2f group 3 James J Braddock (Cliff) took his chance, Raced in fourth, went third but pushed along over 2f out, outpaced over 1f out, 3 lengths down inside final furlong, ridden and ran on well to lead post, winning by a short head. He gets 50 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 May    Total

Cliff          205.6        205.6

Bob           168.93    168.93

Cod             150.34    150.34

Neil            90.1         90.1

Steve         82.17     82.17

Peej           65.12        65.12

Martin      28.68        28.68

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      4                1

Bob           8         4

Cliff           7            4

Neil          7              2

Peej          7             2

Cod           6            3

Steve          4               2

The Weeks Losers

Bay City Roller, Kings Gambit, Schrodinger’s Cat, Maho Bay, Gilded Prize, Puerto Rico, Pierre Bonnard, Binharheer, American Affair

Weekend Runners

Friday 

York

2,20 Synchronicity

3.30 Lover Girl

4.05 French Master

4.40 Schrodinger’s Cat

5.15 Portcullis

Newmarket

1.57 Portcullis

Leopardstown

7.22 Scandinavia

Saturday 

Newbury

1.25 Kalpana, French Master

2.35 Damysus, Zeus Olympics, Noteable Speech, Opera Ballo, The Lion In Winter, Gladius

3.45 Objector

4.20 Addison Grey, 

5.00 Mezcala

5.40 Objector

Navan

4.42 Cape Cod

Sunday 

Hamilton

5.15 Montezuma

6.15 Montezuma

Naas

1.55 Port Ferdinand

2.56 Great Barrier Reef

4.56 Charles Darwin

News

George Boughey has revealed his 2,000 Guineas star Bow Echo will skip the Irish 2,000 Guineas and head to the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot next.

Diamond Necklace was cut across the board for the Betfred Oaks, with the sponsors making her 5-1 second-favourite behind stablemate Amelia Earhart, though it’s hard to escape the conclusion there are a couple of extra points on top because the Coolmore partners may be tempted to return to France for the Prix de Diane Longines at Chantilly on June 14. O’Brien and the owners will have that discussion in the days to come, but confirmed she will go up in trip for one of the two middle-distance Classics rather than stay at a mile.

Aidan O'Brien's impressive Chester heroine Amelia Earhart and Precise look poised for a tilt at Betfred Oaks glory with stablemate Diamond Necklace likely to return to France for the Prix de Diane after she put up a scintillating display in the French 1,000 Guineas last weekend.

Triple Group 1 winner Ombudsman is set to warm up for Royal Ascot at either Sandown or the Curragh before he bids for back-to-back wins in the Prince of Wales's Stakes. John and Thady Gosden are considering another crack at Sandown's Group 3 Star Sports Brigadier Gerard Stakes with their five-year-old, who finished second to Almaqam in the 1m2f contest last year under a 3lb penalty.

The Commonwealth Cup favourite Charles Darwin will warm up for Royal Ascot at Naas on Sunday in the Group 3 Goffs Lacken Stakes, while the market leaders for the Coventry and Albany Stakes could also feature on what promises to be a highly informative Royal Ascot Trials day at the track. Charles Darwin is 5-1 with Ladbrokes for the Commonwealth Cup following his stylish winning reappearance at Navan last month and Aidan O’Brien expects him to make a giant leap forward from that comeback success on Sunday, where a field of 12 have been entered at the five-day stage.

Few horses have created as much of an impression on their debut this season as Great Barrier Reef, who won a Curragh maiden ultra-impressively by six lengths, and he is already favourite for the Coventry Stakes on the back of that and no bigger than 3-1 with any firm. The next rung up the ladder on the way there could arrive in the sprint won by Charles Darwin last year, which has attracted a dozen entries

First Course Winner Bonus is available at 

In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Stratford, Worcester

In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Layto

2026 Flat Issue 2 - A frantic start

Headlines

Double Rushes to Newmarket Victory

Cheers Echo Round Newmarket

Love is a True Winner at Newmarket

Neil Scores with his Lover Girl at Salisbury

Knight Earns ore Coppers at Beverley

Hauk Fly’s in at Curragh

Railwayman Steams in at Ayr

Adonius is To Strong for Chester Rivals

Amelia Earhart Flies in at Chester

Report

We start at Newmarket on Saturday where in the 6f Heritage handicap Double Rush ( Bob, Steve) went to post, Took keen hold, pressed leader, led 2f out, pushed along and went clear inside final furlong, winning readily by 2 ¼ l. He gets 26.67 points.

In the 1m group 1 2000 guineas Bow Echo (Bob, Cliff, Neil, Steve), Gstaad (Cod, Peej), took their chances.  Bow Echo raced centre, in rear, headway on near side of group over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on well final 110yds, won going away by 2 ¾ l. He gets 55.5 points.

Gstaad Raced centre, soon in touch with leaders, headway when groups merged over 3f out, briefly disputed lead over 1f out, soon edged right and went clear with winner, kept on but no match for winner, 2nd beaten 2 ¾ l. He gets 13.4 points.

On Sunday in the 1m group 1 1000 Guineas True Love (Cliff, Cod), took her chance, raced near side, midfield, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, drifted right inside final 110yds, kept on well, 1st of 8 in group, winning by 1 ¾ l. She gets 63.6 points.

At Salisbury Lover Girl (Neil) went to post in the 5f fillies conditions stakes, Made all, kept on well from over 1f out, winning by 1 ¾ l. She gets 34.6 points. 

On Monday at Beverley in the 5f handicap Copper Knight (Cod), went to post, Pressed leader, ridden and led narrowly over 1f out, kept on final 110yds, just prevailed, winning by a head. He gets 30 points.

At the Curragh in the 1m 2f group 2 Minnie Hauk (Cod) took her chance, raced in fourth, behind clear leader after 3f, shaken up and went second over 2f out, led inside final furlong, pushed out winning by 1 ¾ l. She gets 43.34 points.

On Tuesday at Ayr in the 6f maiden stakes Railwayman (Peej)went to post, Prominent, led over 1f out, soon ridden, kept on final 110yds  winning by 1 ¾ l. He gets 22.46 points.

At Chester on Wednesday in the 5f 2 year old conditions stakes Adonius (Martin), took his chance, Made all, soon pestered, asserted under 2f out, edged left inside final furlong, ridden out winning by 1 ¼ l. He gets 28.68 points.

In the 1m 3f listed fillies stakes Amelia Earhart (Peej), took her chance, Prominent on inner, pushed along and went second over 1f out, led and edged left inside final furlong, ridden out, winning by 2l. She gets 29.26 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 May    Total

Cod             150.34    150.34

Cliff          119.1        119.1

Neil            90.1         90.1

Steve         82.17     82.17

Bob           82.17    82.17

Peej           65.12        65.12

Martin      28.68        28.68

Stats Per String

           Runs        Wins

Martin      4                1

Bob           4               2

Cliff           4            2

Neil          4               2

Peej           5             2

Cod           6            3

Steve          3               2

The Weeks Losers

Addison Grey, Gstaad, Needle Match, Renegade, Commandment, Venetian Sun, Precise, Abashiri, Asfoora, Faiyum

Weekend Runners

Friday 

Chester

2.35 Bay City Roller, Kings Gambit

3.05 Almeric

4.45 Schrodinger’s Cat

Saturday 

Ascot

2,20 Power Fizz

Lingfield

1.58 Maho Bay, Maltese Cross

Sunday 

Longchamp

Poule d’Essai des Pouliches - Diamond Necklace

Poule d’Essai des Poulains - Puerto Rico

News

George Boughey has revealed his 2,000 Guineas star Bow Echo will skip the Irish 2,000 Guineas and head to the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot next.

First Course Winner Bonus is available at 

In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Stratford, Worcester

In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick,  Listowel, Kilbeggan

2026 Flat Issue 1 - Entries for Guineas weekend

Weekend Runners

Saturday 

Newmarket

1.45 Power Fizz, Double Rush, Corrolla Point

2.20 Mezcala

3.35 Bow Echo, Puerto Rico, Needle Match, Gstaad, 

Churchill Downs

11.75 Renegade, Commandment

Sunday

Newmarket 

2.55 French Master

3.35 Precise, Diamond Necklace, Venetian Sun, True Love, Abashiri

Salisbury

2.00 Lover Girl

2026 Flat - The Points Scorers

Calandagan sets out to defend the Horse of the Season title.

112.0 - Ombudsman (32.8 + 79.2)

109.18 - Bow Echo (55.5 + 53.68)

106.6 - Diamond Necklace (53.6 + 53)

102.5 - Bay City Roller

88.0 - Christmas Day

87.38 - Great Barrier Reef (33.08 + 54.3)

81.0 - Notable Speech

71.54 - Minnie Hauk (43.34 + 28.2)

65.7 - Maltese Cross (36.5 + 29.2)

63.6 - True Love

60.36 - Jan Brueghel (33.16 + 27.2)

53.4 - Item

53.17 - Gstaad (13.4 + 26.37 + 13.4)

50.0 - James J Braddock

44.2 - Aventure

43.68 - See The Fire

35.4 - Space Waltz

34.6 - Lover Girl

34.0 - Kisskodi

34.0 - Purview

33.46 - Estrange

33.0 - Danielle

30.95 - Precise

30.0 - Copper Knight

29.26 - Amelia Earhart

28.68 - Adonius

27.68 - Carmers

26.67 - Double Rush

26.2 - Daryz

22.75 - Venetian Sun

22.46 - Railwayman

17.1 - Kalpana

16.23 - Scandinavia

14.0 - Talk of New York

12.0 - Portcullis

2026 Flat - The Single Picks

Bob (12) - Alther Walden, American Affair, Diamond Necklace, Faiyum, French Master, Go Rimbaud, Jan Brueghel, Morrophore, Puerto Rico, Purview, Revival Power, Soldiers Tree

Cliff (13) - Asfoora, Calendar Girl, Gilded Prize, James J Braddock, Maltese Cross, Objector, Power Fizz, Rebel's Romance, Space Waltz, Synchronisity, The Lion in Winter, Theophilos, Trawlerman

Cod (14) - Aventure, Calandagan, Cape Cod, Christmas Day, Commandment, Copper Knight, Dancing Tiger, Dandana, Danielle, Kiss Kodi, Minnie Hauk, Monsieur Kodi, Renegade, Sovereignty

Martin (13) - Adonius, Alkasib, Almeric, Big Leader, Fallen Angel, Gladius, Needle Match, Nobody Knows, Notable Speech, Opera Ballo, See The Fire, Spycatcher, Wise Approach

Neil (13) - Addison Grey, Aegean Prince, Armor De Contramano, Binharheer, Charles Darwin, Estrange, Lover Girl, Maho Bay, Ombudsman, Pierre Bonnard, Port Ferdinand, Red Letter, Teao

Peej (15) - Amelia Earhart, Bay City Roller, Carmers, Consent, Constitution Hill, Corolla Point, Finalise, Lifeplan, Niminy Piminy, Quadrillion, Railwayman, Schrodinger's Cat, Shaihaan, Sibayan, Tiffany

Steve (10) - Enoch, Hasten, Item, Kings Gambit, Great Barrier Reef, Mezcala, My Ophelia, Never So Brave, Protection Act, Ya Karin

In addition, Cliff has reserved rights for Damysus.

2026 Flat - Alphabetical List

Abashiri          Martin, Steve

Addison Grey    Neil

Adonius            Martin

Aegean Prince   Neil

Alkasib             Martin

Almeric             Martin

Alther Walden   Bob

American Affair   Bob

Armor De Contramano   Neil

Asfoora,   Cliff

Amelia Earhart    Peej

Aventure               Cod

Bay City Roller     Peej

Big Leader            Martin

Binharheer            Neil

Bow Echo     Bob, Cliff, Neil , Steve

Calandagan      Cod

Calendar Girl, Cliff

Cape Cod           Cod

Carmers         Peej

Charles Darwin   Neil

Christmas Day     Cod

Commandment     Cod

Consent        Peej

Constitution Hill     Peej

Convergent             Martin, Steve

Copper Knight     Cod

Corolloa Point          Peej

Damysus,   Cliff , Steve

Dancing Tiger      Cod

Dandana              Cod

Danielle           Cod

Daryz,         Cliff, Cod, Neil

Diamond Necklace  Bob

Double Rush      Bob, Steve

Enoch               Steve

Estrange            Neil

Faiyum               Bob

Fallen Angel   Martin

Field Of Gold    Martin, Neil

Finalise        Peej

French Master      Bob

Gethin,         Cliff, Neil

Gilded Prize   Cliff

Gladius           Martin

Go Rimbaud    Bob

Great Barrier Reef        Steve

Gstaad             Cod, Peej

Hasten              Steve

Item                  Steve

 James J Braddock,   Cliff

Jan Brughel     Bob

Kalpana           Martin, Steve

Kings Gambit     Steve

Kiss Kodi         Cod

Lifeplan         Peej

Lover Girl     Neil

Maho Bay      Neil

 Maltese Cross, Cliff

Mezcala            Steve

Minnie Hauk     Cod

Monsieur Kodi    Cod

Montezuma      Bob,  Peej

Morrophore     Bob

My Ophelia      Steve

Needle Match     Martin

Never So Brave    Steve

Niminy Piminy    Peej
Nobody Knows     Martin

Noteable Speech     Martin

Objector,    Cliff

Ombudsman   Neil

Opera Ballo     Martin

Pierre Bonnard     Neil

Portcullis,     Cliff, Peej, Steve

Port Ferdinand       Neil

Precise,       Bob, Cliff, Neil,  Peej

Protection Act    Steve

 Power Fizz ,   Cliff

Publish          Bob, Steve

Puerto Rico     Bob

Purview           Bob

Quadrillion     Peej

Raaheeb,    Cliff, Martin, Neil,  Steve

Railwayman    Peej

Rebel’s Romance , Cliff

Red Letter            Neil

Renegade              Cod

Revival Power        Bob

 Scandinavia,      Bob, Cliff, Cod, Neil

Schorodingers Cat    Peej

See The Fire     Martin

Shaihaan              Peej

Sibayan                Peej

Soldiers Tree       Bob

Sovereignty         Cod

Space Waltz,      Cliff

Spycatcher         Martin

Synchronisity,   Cliff

Talk of New York    Bob, Steve

Teao                          Neil

The Lion In Winter    Cod

Theophilos               Cod

Tiffany                Peej

 Trawlerman,   Cliff

True Love     Cliff, Cod

Venetian Sun     Martin, Peej

Wise Approach    Martin

Ya Karin              Steve

Zeus Olympios   Bob, Martin Peej

2026 Flat - The Strings

Cliff  -   Asfoora, Bow Echo, Calendar Girl, , Damysus, Daryz, Gethin, Gilded Love,  James J Braddock, Maltese Cross, Objector, Portcullis, Precise, Power Fizz , Raaheeb, Rebel’s Romance , Scandanavia, Space Waltz, Synchronisity, Trawlerman, True Love

Peej - Amelia Earhart, Bay City Roller, Carmers, Consent, Constitution Hill,  Corolla Point, Finalise, Gstaad, Lifeplan, Montezuma, Niminy Piminy, Portcullis, Quadrillion, Railwayman, Schrodinger's Cat, Shaihann, Sibayan, Tiffany, Venetian Sun, Zeus Olympios

Bob - Alther Walden, American Affair, Bow Echo, Diamond Necklace, Double Rush, Faiyum, French Master, Go Rimbaud, Jan Brueghel, Montezuma, Morrophore, Precise, Publish , Puerto Rico, Purview, Revival Power, Scandinavia,  Soldiers Tree, Talk of New York, Zeus Olympios 

Martin -  Abashiri,  Adonius. Alkasib, Almeric , Big Leader, Convergent, Fallen Angel,, Field of gold, Gladius, Kalpana, Needle Match, Nobody Knows, Notable Speech, Opera Ballo, Raaheeb.,See The Fire, Spycatcher,, Venetian Sun, Wise Approach, Zeus Olympios

Cod - Aventure,   Calandagan,  Cape Cod, Christmas Day, Commandment  Copper Knight,  Dancing Tiger,  Dandana,  Danielle, Daryz, Gstaad,    Kisskodi, Minnie Hauk, Monsieur Kodi,  Renegade, Scandinavia, Sovereignty, The Lion In Winter, Theophilos True Love, 

Steve - Abashiri ,Bow Echo, Convergent, Damysus, Double Rush, Enoch, Hasten Item, Kalpana, Kings Gambit Mezcala My Ophelia   Never So Brave,  Portcullis, Protection Act, Publish , Raaheeb. Talk of New York , Ya Karin

 

Neil -  Addison Grey, Aegean Prince, Amor De Contramano, Binhareer, Bow Echo, Charles Darwin, Daryz, Estrange, Field Of Gold, Gethin, Lover Girl, Maho Bay, Ombudsman, Pierre Bonnard, Port Ferdinand, Precise, Raaheeb, Red Letter, Scandanavia, Teao

2026 Flat - Editor's Star Ratings

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

Bow Echo

Calandagan

Commandment

Diamonsd Necklace

4 Star

Abashiri

Asfoora

Charles Darwin

Christmas Day

Daryz

Gethin

Maho Bay

Minnie Hauk

Ombudsman

Power Fizz

Precise

Publish

Raaheeb

Renegade

Scandinavia

Venetian Sun

Zeus Olympios

3 Star

Addison Grey

Adonius

Alther Walden

Calendar Girl

Double Rush

Enoch

Faiyum

Go Rimbaud

Item

James J Braddock

Mezcala

Montezuma

My Ophelia

Needle Match

Objector

Purview

Quadrillion

2 Star

Amelia Earhart

Amor De Contramano 

Niminy Piminy

Railwayman

Schrodinger's Cat

Soldies Tree

Could be anything

James J Braddock

Needle Match

Objector

2026 Flat Profile - The ones who didn't make it

Montreal 3 y bc Sea The Stars Muwakaba

Highly regarded colt who made his debut at Leopardstown in July last year finishing 3rd in a 1m maiden, beaten 6 ¼ l by Hardy Warrior, then in August over course and distance won 1m maiden by 8l from Strikewhileitshot. He holds Group 1 entries in the English and Irish 2000 Guineas and both Derbys. 

Aidan O’Brien told The Punter: He won very easily at Leopardstown and is an exciting horse. He could be one for the Derby, but we haven’t picked out a starting point for him yet. He’s not short of pace, but we think he could stay a mile-and-a-half." He could be a dark one for the Derby.

Trainer A O’Brien

Study of Words 3 y bc Frankel - Discursus

Potentially high class colt who was a slow burner who came to the boil in his final appearance last season. He made his debut at Ascot in September, finishing 5th beaten 8l in a 1m maiden behind Maltese Cross, then at Goodwood 3 weeks later was 2nd in a 1m 2f maiden beaten ¾ l by Bay of Brilliance. He then won a 1m 2f Newmarket maiden by eye watering 15l recording the best Racing post rating for a novice or maiden win by any 2 year old last season. 

Bred to stay he holds a Derby entry and is 33/1 at the time of writing and his reappearance will tell us a lot more.

Trainer C.Appleby

2026 Flat Profile - Zeus Olympios

4 y ch c Night of Thunder – Rhea  (Bob, Martin Peej)

Lightly raced 4 year old, who was unraced at 2 but was unbeaten in 4 runs last season and looks a progressive sort. He made his debut at Kempton in January last year winning a 7f maiden by 1l from Chemical, then in August  at Thirsk, won a 1m novice stakes by 5 ½ l from Due West (received 7lb). In September at Haydock he won a 1m group 3 by 2l from Excellent Believe and finished the season with victory 3 weeks later at Newmarket winning a 1m group 2 by 2 ¼ l from Opera Ballo. 

Karl Burke told The Punter: "He’s a very exciting horse that we think a lot of and he will start in the Lockinge and have entries in all the Group 1 miles. He’s done well over the winter and filled his frame nicely." He reappeared at Sandown recently finishing 3rd in a 1 m group 2 beaten 3 ¾ l by Opera Ballo (gave 2lb).

Editors Rating - 4

Trainer K.Burke

2026 Flat Profile - Venetian Sun

3 y bf Starman – Johara  ( Martin, Peej)

High class 2 year old filly, she made her debut at Carlisle last May winning a 5f fillies novice stakes by 1 ½ l from Argentine Tango (gave 6lb), then followed up at Royal Ascot winning a fillies group 3 by 1 ½ l from Awaken. In July she went to Newmarket and won a 6f fillies group 2 by a neck from Royal Fixation, and stepped up again at Deauville in August, winning the 6f Group 1 Prix Morny by a short neck from Gstaad ( gave 4lb). 

She finished the season in September at Leopardstown, finishing 3rd in the 7f fillies group 1 Moyglare stud stakes, beaten 2 ½ l by Precise. Karl Burke told The Punter she will be aimed at the 1000 Guineas unless she looks unlikely to stay a mile. Her dam won over 1m 2f so she should, and Karl said she looks great after the break and is very exciting. .She is currently 7/1 for the English 1000, and 12/1 for the Irish. 

Editors Rating - 4

Trainer K Burke

2026 Flat Profile - Soldiers Tree

5 y bg Soldiers Call – Moonttri  (Bob)

The most interesting pick of all for me. I will be interested to hear how Bob found this one. Un raced at 2 and 3 he made his debut at Dundalk in December last year, finishing 3rd in a 1m maiden beaten 6 l by Tina’s Charm (received 6 lb), then in January this year won a 7f Apprentice maiden by 6l from Spacebound ( gave 3lb) then in April at Cork was 2nd in a 6f listed stakes, beaten 3 ¼ l by Navassa Island (received 5lb). 

That shows a fair level of ability and is probably why he has been perservered with, how he goes on will be interesting.

Editors Rating - 2

Trainer M Tynan

2026 Flat Profile - Schrodinger’s Cat

3 y bg Ardad – Singyoursong  (Peej)

Another interesting pick from Peej, he made his debut at Chepstow in May last year, finishing 6th beaten 7 ¾ l by Italica in a 6f maiden, then in June at Nottingham finished 2nd in a 5f maiden beaten ½ l by Lil Brother. 2 weeks later at Windsor he was 2nd again beaten 1 l by Irish Fighter (received 2lb ) in a 5f restricted maiden, then at Yarmouth in July was 3rd beaten 1 ½ l by Desert Treasure (received 7lb) in a 5f restricted maiden. 

In August at Mussleburgh he was 4th in a 5f novice stakes beaten ¾ l by Mission Classified, then at Ripon in August was 2nd in a 5f maiden beaten a nose by Kind Touch. He finished the season at Redcar winning a 5f restricted novice stakes by ½ l from Star Noir ( received 4lb).  

He was trained by Harry Charlton but has been gelded and recently moved to Grant Tuer, and reappeared at Thirsk recently finishing 2nd in a 5f handicap beaten 1 ¾ l by .Simplify ( gave 5lb), and should win a couple of similar handicaps on the northern circuit

Editors rating - 2

 

2026 Flat Profile - Scandinavia

4y bb c Justify – Fabulous (Bob, Cliff, Cod, Neil)

High class 3 year old who is a big hope at Ballydoyle to replace Kyprios in the staying division this season. He made his debut at Leopardstown in July 2024, finishing 3rd in a 1m maiden, beaten 4 ¼ l by Green Impact, then in August at Newmarket in another 1m maiden was 2nd to Anniversary beaten ¾ l. In Setember at Doncaster in another 1m maiden he was 7th to Yabher (received 3lb)  beaten 4 ¾ l, then reappearing at Navan last May, won a 1m 2f maiden by 3 ¼ l from Carthusian , then at Royal Ascot in June was 5th, beaten 1 ½ l in a 1m 6f group 2. In July at Newmarket he won a 1m 5f group 3 by 8 ½ l from Nighttime Dancer, and followed up at Goodwood 3 weeks later winning the 2m Group 1 Goodwood Cup by ¾ l from Illinois (received 14 lb), and finished the season at Doncaster with victory in the 1m 6f Group 1 St Leger, beating Rahiebb a neck. 

Editors Rating - 4

Trainer A O ‘Brien

2026 Flat Profile - Renegade

3 y bc Into Mischief – Spice Is Nice (Cod)

Another of Cod’s state side team, he made his debut at Saratoga in August last year finishing 3rd in a maiden Special Weight beaten 18 ¼ l by It’s Our Time, then in October at Belmont won a 1m maiden Special Weight by a head from Paladin. 

In December at Aqueduct he was 2nd in a 1m 1f grade 2 beaten 2l by Paladin, then in February this year at Tampa Bay Downs won a 1m listed stakes by 3 ¾ l from Wayne’s Law, and on his last appearance at Oaklawn Park in March won the 1m 1f Grade 1 Arkansas Derby by 4l from Silent Tactic. He has Kentucky Derby entry and it is difficult to chose over him and Comandment over which is best currently.

Editors Rating 4 

Trainer T Pletcher