Ascot
Today, July 12, 2025FlatClass 17fGood Firm
Verdict
Verdict
NEVER SO BRAVE produced one of the best handicap performances in recent times under joint-top weight when winning the Buckingham Palace Stakes here last month and, with the slightly longer trip unlikely to hold any fears, he's fully expected to take the step up in grade in his stride. Haatem looked back to his very best when landing the Wolferton Stakes and merits plenty of respect, with Quddwah possibly best of the remainder.
Never So Brave
Haatem
Quddwah
1m Grp 2
1m Grp 2
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 2 places
- 4. Never So BraveJ: David ProbertT: Andrew BaldingF: 116720-21
- Price History:
- 2.20
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 9-3
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 23
VerdictMaiden/handicap winner for Sir Michael Stoute who produced one of the best handicap performances in recent times under joint-top weight when winning 27-runner Buckingham Palace Stakes here (7f) on most recent outing. Should be fine over this slightly longer trip and big chance up in grade. - 2. HaatemJ: Sean LeveyT: Richard HannonF: 5/1321-541
- Price History:
- 2.38
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 9-3
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 25
VerdictHad a highly-productive 3-y-o campaign with victories in the Craven/Jersey Stakes and proved just about as good as ever when winning 16-runner Wolferton Stakes at this course (10f, good to firm) 25 days ago, digging deep. Much respected back up in grade. 
7. PragueJ: Kieran ShoemarkT: Dylan CunhaF: 145210-5- Price History:
- 9.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-3
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 14
VerdictDual winner in 2024, including Group 2 Joel Stakes at Newmarket. Ran as if amiss in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes final outing that year and probably needed the run when fifth of 8 in Criterion Stakes on reappearance 2 weeks ago. Better expected now stepping back up in trip.
6. Point LynasJ: Jamie SpencerT: Edward BethellF: 4/1401-284- Price History:
- 19.00
- Age:
- 6
- Weight:
- 9-3
- Gear:
- hood
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 27
VerdictGot well and truly back on the up with a dominant display when making all in Pontefract listed event last July. Not disgraced when second of 13 in Group 2 at Doha 7 months later and quickly cast aside a lesser run at Doncaster when fourth in Group 3 at Chantilly last month. This is tougher, though.
5. NostrumJ: David NolanT: David O'MearaF: 126/628-8- Price History:
- 41.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-3
- Gear:
- hood
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 14
VerdictHas looked fragile/unreliable in the past and shaped as if amiss on first outing since leaving Sir Michael Stoute (sold 120,000 gns) last autumn when last of 8 in Criterion Stakes at York 2 weeks ago. Hooded for 1st time and easy enough to look elsewhere.
1. Dark TornadoJ: John EganT: Denis QuinnF: 62/30-211- Price History:
- 51.00
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 9-3
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 56
VerdictGelded following truncated 2024 campaign for James Horton and is progressing well for current yard, following up his Leicester maiden after just a week off in 8-runner handicap at Newmarket (7f) 56 days ago. Has a lot more on his plate up appreciably in grade here, however. Tongue tied.- Unnamed Favourite
- Unnamed 2nd Favourite
Non-Runners
3. My CloudJ: Non RunnerT: Roger VarianF: 221-111- Price History:
- 5.00
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 9-3
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 24
- 8. QuddwahJ: Callum ShepherdT: Simon & Ed CrisfordF: 11/1145-10
- Price History:
- 6.50
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-3
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 25
VerdictQuickly developed into a smart performer, winning his first 4 starts, including this corresponding event in 2024. Also won listed race at Longchamp on return before disappointing in the Queen Anne Stakes. Type to bounce back quickly.