Newmarket
Tomorrow, May 3, 2025FlatClass 21m1f
Verdict
Verdict
Plenty of interesting ones in this valuable handicap but none more so than HAND OF GOD, a fast-improving sort who won both his starts last season and promises to go on to even better things. Fox Legacy, Approval and Arabian Light complete the shortlist.
Hand Of God
Fox Legacy
Approval
1m1f Hcap Stks
1m1f Hcap Stks
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 3 places
- 3. Hand Of GodJ: Ryan MooreT: Harry CharltonF: 451/11-
- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 9-8
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 102
- Days Since Last Run:
- 315
VerdictNewmarket maiden winner who made a successful handicap debut/reappearance in 2024 in the Esher Cup at Sandown (1m) in April. Showed further improvement when following up in Golden Gates Handicap at Royal Ascot (10f) and type to go on to even better things at 4 yrs. Has been gelded. 
1. Arabian LightJ: William BuickT: Charlie ApplebyF: 211-31- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 9-12
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 106
- Days Since Last Run:
- 85
VerdictSuccessful on 2 of his 3 starts last summer and resumed his progress with victory in 16-runner handicap at Meydan (9f, good) in February. Nudged up 6 lb but in excellent hands and further improvement certainly possible given his lightly-raced profile.- 7. ApprovalJ: Tom MarquandT: William HaggasF: 9/22171-
- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 8-12
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 92
- Days Since Last Run:
- 275
VerdictQuickly developed into a useful performer in 2024, doing well under the circumstances (had to pick way through from 2f out) when winning 10-runner handicap at Goodwood (9.9f, good to firm) on his final outing of the year. Still lightly raced and could raise him game further as a 4-y-o. 
4. GaleronJ: Jason WatsonT: Charles HillsF: 5262300-5- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-8
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 102
- Days Since Last Run:
- 35
VerdictHighly tried at 3 yrs for current yard and placed 4 times in Australia in 2024 when trained by A Neasham & R Archibald. Matched anything he's achieved previously when fifth of 22 in Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster last time, despite not being ideally placed. Could go well once more.
11. Dutch DecoyJ: Joe FanningT: Charlie JohnstonF: 5324600-5- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 8
- Weight:
- 8-5
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 85
- Days Since Last Run:
- 16
VerdictTough, useful handicapper who ran right up to his best when runner-up in Golden Mile at Goodwood in August. Ended the season below his best but the assessor has relented and he took a step back in the right direction when fifth of 8 at Ripon (1m) on his recent reappearance.- 8. Fox LegacyJ: Oisin MurphyT: Andrew BaldingF: 74/24174-
- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 8-10
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 90
- Days Since Last Run:
- 210
VerdictTook a giant step forward when running out a wide-margin winner of a Salisbury handicap (9.9f) in August. Ran creditably next 2 outings and may have more to offer this year given his physique. Has been gelded and left the now retired Sir Michael Stoute. 
6. Silver SwordJ: David EganT: Dylan CunhaF: 22-854016- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 8-13
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 93
- Days Since Last Run:
- 21
VerdictDrew a blank in 2024 but shaped well a couple of handicaps at Meydan earlier this year prior to winning one dropped back to 1m in March, showcasing a good turn of foot in the process. Seemed undone by a 4 lb rise in the weights at Newbury last time, however.
2. SeanJ: Saffie OsborneT: Jamie OsborneF: 3464-0240- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 8
- Weight:
- 9-9
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 103
- Days Since Last Run:
- 35
VerdictPosted some smart handicap performances without getting his head in front season. However, strictly below the pick of his efforts in Dubai earlier this year when midfield in the Lincoln at Doncaster (1m) and others appeal more.
9. Born RulerJ: Luke MorrisT: Sir Mark Prescott BtF: 15/222413-- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 8-9
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 89
- Days Since Last Run:
- 288
VerdictSuccessful twice in 2023 and gained reward for some consistent efforts when back to winning ways at Ayr (1¼m) in July. Solid effort on the July course later that month and is capable of going well fresh as he showed on his reappearance last season.
12. Desperate DanJ: Warren FentimanT: Peter Chapple-HyamF: 80283126-- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 8-2
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 82
- Days Since Last Run:
- 189
VerdictImproved during second half of last season, landing a Nottingham handicap (8.3f, heavy) by 5 lengths in October. Beaten a whisker at Windsor next time and while he ended that campaign with a below-par effort, it would be no surprise to see him resume progress here.
5. BopedroJ: Sean LeveyT: David O'MearaF: 5602030-6- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 9
- Weight:
- 9-2
- Gear:
- visor
- Official Rating:
- 96
- Days Since Last Run:
- 16
VerdictWinless since scoring on the other course here in July 2023 but has put in a number of good shifts in strong handicaps since, including when third in the ultra-valuable Challenge Cup at Ascot (7f) in October. Ran below form on reappearance here 16 days ago, though.
10. MetalloJ: Silvestre De SousaT: Jack ChannonF: 74/83-2369- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 8-7
- Gear:
- blinkers
- Official Rating:
- 87
- Days Since Last Run:
- 21
VerdictRemains with just one victory to his name back in summer 2023 and, whilst he's posted some good efforts on all-weather during the winter, he didn't impress back on turf on his most recent outing, hanging under pressure. Blinkers on for 1st time.
13. Urban SprawlJ: Joanna MasonT: Charlie JohnstonF: 34282146- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 8-2
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 82
- Days Since Last Run:
- 7
VerdictBack to winning ways at Lingfield (1m) in April but his last 2 efforts suggest he's summed up by his handicap mark.- Unnamed Favourite
- Unnamed 2nd Favourite