Newmarket
Today, April 16, 2025FlatClass 26f
Verdict
Verdict
DOUBLE RUSH upped his game significantly when scoring on his return at Wolverhampton last month and is attractively weighted on his first crack at handicapping. He gets the nod. There are plenty of dangers, however, with Al Misbar and The Dragon King of particular interest.
Double Rush
Al Misbar
The Dragon King
Win or Each Way
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 3 places
- 9. Al MisbarJ: William BuickT: Charlie ApplebyF: 4232-
- Price History:
- 6.50
- Age:
- 3
- Weight:
- 9-1
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 86
- Days Since Last Run:
- 175
Verdict1.5 million half-brother to outstanding sprinter Battaash who upped his game when very good second of 11 in nursery (3/1) at this course (7f, soft) in October. Looks the type to make up into a useful handicapper this term and is one for shortlist. Cheekpieces on first time. 
2. Defence MinisterJ: James DoyleT: Hamad Al JehaniF: 116-- Price History:
- 6.00
- Age:
- 3
- Weight:
- 9-9
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 94
- Days Since Last Run:
- 200
Verdict€210,000 breeze-up purchase who made it 2-2 when seeing off a couple of promising sorts at Haydock (6f) in September. Limitations seemingly exposed in Middle Park here next time but must enter calculations on return/handicap debut.
13. GallantJ: Oisin MurphyT: Andrew BaldingF: 51-4- Price History:
- 7.50
- Age:
- 3
- Weight:
- 9-0
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 85
- Days Since Last Run:
- 23
VerdictWon at second time of asking at Kempton in October and shaped as if needing the run, back from 6 months off, when fourth of 8 in novice at Lingfield (6f, AW) 23 days ago. Merits consideration on handicap debut.- 5. The Dragon KingJ: Ryan MooreT: Clive CoxF: 2411621-
- Price History:
- 8.00
- Age:
- 3
- Weight:
- 9-7
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 92
- Days Since Last Run:
- 193
VerdictThree-time winner last year who found improvement when landing valuable contest over C&D (good to soft) in October. Ryan Moore booked for return and must be taken seriously. Gelded since last run. - 12. Double RushJ: Jason WatsonT: Charles HillsF: 245-1
- Price History:
- 8.00
- Age:
- 3
- Weight:
- 9-0
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 85
- Days Since Last Run:
- 16
VerdictMuch improved when taking 8-runner maiden at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 16 days ago and looks nicely treated on switch to handicapping. Player. 
3. Invictus GoldJ: Neil CallanT: Tom CloverF: 6115-- Price History:
- 9.50
- Age:
- 3
- Weight:
- 9-8
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 93
- Days Since Last Run:
- 186
VerdictOff the mark at Southwell in July and useful effort to defy a penalty on July course the following month. Shaped better than distance beaten in listed company at York on final outing last term and may have more to offer this season.
10. DiligentlyJ: David ProbertT: Clive CoxF: 404381-- Price History:
- 12.00
- Age:
- 3
- Weight:
- 9-1
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 86
- Days Since Last Run:
- 237
VerdictLeft his previous form behind when getting off the mark at the sixth time of asking in valuable sales race at the York Ebor meeting (6f) in August. Should be competitive back in a nursery but others are more appealing.
14. Cayman TaiJ: Joe LeavyT: Richard HannonF: 222127-2- Price History:
- 12.00
- Age:
- 3
- Weight:
- 8-12
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 83
- Days Since Last Run:
- 8
VerdictWon 1 of his 6 starts as a juvenile and got back in the up when good 1¾ lengths second of 9 to Dark Cloud Rising in handicap at Pontefract (6f, good) on return 8 days ago. Can make presence felt again.
4. LoomJ: Billy GarrittyT: Richard FaheyF: 717-- Price History:
- 21.00
- Age:
- 3
- Weight:
- 9-7
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 92
- Days Since Last Run:
- 300
VerdictOff the mark at Ripon in June and acquitted himself well in Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot when last seen 10 months ago. Opening mark could have been kinder for handicap debut, however. Gelded since last start.
11. BelgraveJ: Rossa RyanT: Ralph BeckettF: 6221-- Price History:
- 15.00
- Age:
- 3
- Weight:
- 9-1
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 86
- Days Since Last Run:
- 170
VerdictProgressed through last term, ending campaign with victory in 4-runner novice at Leicester (6f, heavy) in October. He remains low mileage and may be capable of better this season.
7. Majestic WaveJ: Paddy BradleyT: Simon DowF: 84221-4- Price History:
- 19.00
- Age:
- 3
- Weight:
- 9-4
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 89
- Days Since Last Run:
- 47
VerdictNavan maiden winner in October who found improvement for new yard when fourth of 12 on handicap debut at Lingfield (6f, AW, 14/1) 47 days ago. He remains fairly treated and should give another good account.
8. Bob MaliJ: David EganT: Charles HillsF: 1118-- Price History:
- 26.00
- Age:
- 3
- Weight:
- 9-3
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 88
- Days Since Last Run:
- 172
VerdictMade it 3-3 over 6f when seeing off 5 rivals in a Salisbury conditions race back in October but failed to give his running in Horris Hill Stakes later that month. Has since left Ollie Sangster (for 50,000 gns and gelded) and the market should prove the best guide to claims on yard/handicap bow.
1. King Of BearsJ: Callum ShepherdT: George ScottF: 7176-- Price History:
- 21.00
- Age:
- 3
- Weight:
- 9-9
- Gear:
- hood and tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 94
- Days Since Last Run:
- 216
VerdictOff the mark at second attempt at Newbury in July and not disgraced in better company thereafter. However, looks on a stiff mark for new yard on handicap debut here. Hood on first time/had wind operation.- Unnamed Favourite
- Unnamed 2nd Favourite
Non-Runners
6. Dark Cloud RisingJ: Daniel TudhopeT: David O'MearaF: 8137-1- Price History:
- 9.00
- Age:
- 3
- Weight:
- 9-6
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 91
- Days Since Last Run:
- 8
VerdictJustified support when comfortably taking 9-runner handicap at Pontefract (6f, good, 10/3) on return 8 days ago by 1¾ lengths from Cayman Tai. 6 lb penalty to carry now but ought to go well again.