Second Race 5.47PM

The William Hill Epic Boost Handicap Stakes

Class 4. One mile about four furlongs (11f abt 218yds), for three yrs old

Estimated Total Value: Total prize fund £12650. Penalty Value £6621.

Owners Prize Money: Winner £5223; Second £2612; Third £1305; Fourth £653; Fifth £326. Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code

No Horse Weight Draw

1 SOVEREIGN SPIRIT (GB) (13)

9-11 (1)

B g Le Havre (IRE) - Shutka (FR) (Holy Roman Emperor (IRE)) Jockey: David Probert

Owner: Mr Michael Blencowe

Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere

Breeder: J. P. Dubois

Sponsor: Moretons Investments Ltd

Colours: FLAME RED, OLD GOLD collar cuffs and cap.

Form: 531101 D

He has won three times at 1m 4f on good to firm ground and on the all-weather A winner at 7-1 at Beverley over 1m 4f (good to firm) on his latest outing earlier this month, beating Imaginary World by a short head. Can mount another stern challenge. Official BHA Rating 82

2 IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU (IRE) (17)

9-11 (5)

B c Highland Reel (IRE) - Three Moons (IRE) (Montjeu (IRE)) Jockey: Tom Queally

Owner: Paul & Clare Rooney

Trainer: Harry & Roger Charlton, Beckhampton

Breeder: Paget Bloodstock & Eadling Farm

Sponsor: Tote

Colours: DARK BLUE and YELLOW (quartered), striped sleeves.

Form: 351-33

A winner at 1m on soft ground. Third of 8 behind Fairbanks beaten 10l at 7-1 on his latest outing at Leicester over 1m 4f (good to firm) earlier this month. He’s been held on both of his handicap starts so far, and more will be needed to land the spoils today Official BHA Rating 82

3 ALBA LONGA (GB) (39)

9-10 (6)

B f Muhaarar - Alla Speranza (Sir Percy) Jockey: Hector Crouch

Owner: Miss K. Rausing

Trainer: Ralph Beckett, Kimpton Down

Breeder: Miss K. Rausing

Colours: WHITE, EMERALD GREEN hoops, WHITE sleeves and cap.

Form: 063-1

A winner at 9-4 at Windsor over 1m 3f (soft) on her latest outing last month, beating Crema Inglesa by 3 1/2l, her first success from four starts. She’s likely to progress over middle distances this season and appeals as a leading contender off 6lb higher Official BHA Rating 81

4 DIVINA GRACE (IRE) (21)

9-9 (3)

B f Golden Horn - Beautiful Forest (Nayef (USA)) Jockey: Kieran O’Neill

Owner: Top Hat and Tails

Trainer: Rae Guest, Newmarket

Breeder: Godolphin

Sponsor: Flahive Brickwork Ltd

Colours: YELLOW, RED seams and armlets.

Form: 21035-1

Successful at 7f and 1m 2f on good to firm ground. A winner at 15-2 at Chepstow over 1m 2f (good to firm) on her latest outing earlier this month, beating In The Trenches by 3/4l. She might be even better raised further in trip and must go on the shortlist. Official BHA Rating 80

5

WE COULD BE HEROES (IRE) (27)

Ch g Ribchester (IRE) - Mirabile Dictu (IRE) (King’s Best (USA))

Owner: Bernardine and Sean Mulryan

Trainer: Richard Hughes, Upper Lambourn

Breeder: Joseph Stewart Investments

Sponsor: Ballymore

9-7 (2)

Jockey: Pat Cosgrave

Colours: DARK BLUE, YELLOW stripe, RED cap.

Form: 325-55

Placed twice in five starts. Finished 5l behind Perfect Play when fifth of 8 at 12-1 on his latest outing at Chester over 1m 2f (good) last month. Needs to improve on what he’s shown so far, but the step up in trip could suit. Official BHA Rating 78

6 GREAT BEDWYN (GB) (36)

9-6 (4)

B c Showcasing - Mistress Quickly (IRE) (Mastercraftsman (IRE)) Jockey: Pat Dobbs

Owner: Denford Stud

Trainer: Richard Hannon, Marlborough

Breeder: Mrs M. E. Slade

Colours: DARK GREEN, YELLOW hoop, YELLOW cap.

Form: 0-3106

A winner at 1m 2f on the all-weather Finished 4l behind Chesspiece when sixth of 11 at 40-1 on his latest outing at York over 1m 4f (good to firm) last month. Didn’t shape without promise on that occasion and he can’t be ruled out dropping in class. Official BHA Rating 77

7 BLUE UNIVERSE (IRE) (20)

B c Iffraaj - Zara (BRZ) (Redattore (BRZ))

Owner: Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum

Trainer: Charlie Johnston, Middleham

Breeder: Godolphin

Sponsor: Johnston Racing Ltd

9-4 (7)

Jockey: Joe Fanning

Colours: SILVER, tassel on cap.

Form: 433-120

A winner at 1m 1f on the all-weather Beaten 12l behind Torito at 40-1 when 11th of 13 on his latest outing at Epsom over 1m 2f (good to firm) earlier this month. This represents a significant drop in class, and first-time blinkers could eke out further improvement. Official BHA Rating 75

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 7

Blinkers worn first time by No. 7. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 5. Racing Post Standard Time: 2 min 33.00 secs Record Time: 2 min 31.39 secs

BETTING FORECAST 15-8 Alba Longa (GB), 9-2 Divina Grace (IRE), 5-1 Sovereign Spirit (GB), 15-2 Great Bedwyn (GB), 10-1 It’s All About You (IRE), 12-1 Blue Universe (IRE), 22-1 We Could Be Heroes (IRE)

Race Result 1st: ................................

Distances: 1-2 2-3 ........... 3-4 ........... Time: Min .Secs ...........

2022 WINNER: NO CORRESPONDING RACE LAST YEAR

STEWARDS NOTED:

WE COULD BE HEROES:Following its run on 27/5/2023 it was reported that the horse was hampered in the back straight.

Race Summary

ALBA LONGA made a mockery of her opening mark when winning in impression fashion over an extended 1m3f at Windsor last month, and Ralph Beckett's filly is the one to beat off 6lb higher Recent Chepstow scorer Divina Grace can progress further upped in trip, while class-dropper Great Bedwyn should not be taken lightly. Sovereign Spirit gained a third win from his last four starts when winning at Beverley 13 days ago and also commands attention.

Win: ALBA LONGA Danger: Divina Grace