RACE 3 3.00

THE BetVictor

London Gold Cup

HERITAGE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2)

for three yrs old

Total prize fund £100000

(For conditions of this race see page 63)

Leading course trainer (17-22): R Hannon (53 wins from 463 runners, 11%) runs FORCA TIMAO

Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): C Appleby (10 wins from 39 runners, 26%) runs BOLD ACT

Longest Traveller: BERTINELLI trained by A O’Brien, Ireland.

RACE FACTS: BREEDING J JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER

HEADGEAR KEY: H HOOD B BLINKERS V VISOR E EYESHIELD T TONGUE STRAP CP SHEEPSKIN CHEEKPIECES

COLOURS NO HORSE/DAYS SINCE LAST RUN

1 BOLD ACT (IRE) (31)

B g New Approach (IRE) - Dancing Sands (IRE) (Dubawi (IRE))

Godolphin Charlie Appleby, Newmarket

Br Godolphin S Emirates Fly Better

TIMEFORM VIEW Improved again to make it 4 in a row in a valuable conditions race at Chelmsford in April. His winning run came to a halt when only fifth in Newmarket listed race last time and he’ll require a really smart effort to defy clear top weight in this very strong handicap.

2 BERTINELLI (USA) (29)

Ch c Justify (USA) - Together Forever (IRE) (Galileo (IRE))

9 5 (10) BHA99

D.Smith,Mrs J.Magnier,M.Tabor,Westerberg Aidan O’Brien, Ireland

Br Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt

J Ryan Moore

21-2

TIMEFORM VIEW AW maiden winner at Dundalk last November who took his form up another notch when second in 1 1/4m Cork conditions race on his reappearance 29 days ago. Highly likely this well-bred colt from a top stable has more to give TFRHHHHI

3 EXOPLANET (FR) (29)

B c Sea The Stars (IRE) - Gumriyah (Shamardal (USA))

9 3 (16) BHA97

J Jack Mitchell

Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum RogerVarian, Newmarket 16-2 C

Br Rabbah Bloodstock Limited

TIMEFORM VIEW Son of Sea The Stars who looked good when making a winning debut over 7f here last September Found the Group 3 Autumn Stakes at Newmarket too much 3 weeks later but quickly back on the up with second to the very promising Military Order in C&D conditions race on reappearance. Much respected.

4 ROYAL RHYME (IRE) (13)

B c Lope deVega (IRE) - Dubai Queen (USA) (Kingmambo (USA))

TFRHHHHI

9 1 (12) BHA95

J Clifford Lee

Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum K. R. Burke, Leyburn 1-431 D

Br Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum T

TIMEFORM VIEW Going the right way, finding another chunk of improvement when the ready winner of a 1 1/4m Newmarket handicap (soft) 13 days ago. Handicapper hasn’t missed him with a 10lb rise but this progressive colt remains of interest.

5 DESERT HERO (GB) (208)

Ch c Sea The Stars (IRE) - Desert Breeze (Dubawi (IRE))

HM The King & HM The Queen

Br The Queen

TFRHHHHI

9 0 (3) BHA94

William Haggas, Newmarket

J Tom Marquand

131-

TIMEFORM VIEW Plenty of promise at 2, finishing third in Group 3 Solario at Sandown in between novice wins at Haydock (7f, good) and Redcar (9f, soft). This Derby-entered colt can go on to better things this year High on the shortlist.TFRHHHHH

6 MR MISTOFFELEES (IRE) (30)

B c Siyouni (FR) - Jellicle Ball (IRE) (Invincible Spirit (IRE))

One More Moment of Madness

Br Tony Weschsler & Ann Plummer

8 12 (13) BHA92

Hughie Morrison, East Ilsley

S Bridgend Hotel

J Rossa Ryan

051-6

TIMEFORM VIEW Siyouni colt who progressed nicely last year, culminating with 1m Kempton novice win in December Beaten 7 3/4 lengths into sixth but improved again when pitched into the Group 3 Craven on his Newmarket reappearance. Steps up to 1 1/4m for handicap debut.

TFRHHIII

7

FORCATIMAO (IRE) (15)

8 12 (5) BHA92

B c Kessaar (IRE) - Belle Diva (IRE) (Dark Angel (IRE)) J Kevin Stott

Amo Racing Limited Richard Hannon, Marlborough 01-5

Br Rossenarra Bloodstock Limited

S Sports Invest UK Ltd

TIMEFORMVIEW Left debut behind when 40/1 winner of 7f Doncaster novice last June. Not seen again until 7 lengths fifth of 7 to Castle Way in Listed race at Newmarket (1 1/4m, good) 15 days ago. Entitled to come on for that first outing in 11 months. TFRHHHII

8 LIEBER POWER (GB) (66)

8 12 (4) BHA92

B c Cracksman - Astrelle (IRE) (Makfi) J Oisin Murphy

King Power Racing Co Ltd Andrew Balding, Kingsclere 01-6 BF

Br Essafinaat UK Ltd

S King Power International Co Ltd

TIMEFORM VIEW Different proposition on second start when winning 10-runner novice event at Kempton (7f) in October Possibly needed the run when only sixth of 7 in 1m novice there 5 months later Still early days and 1 1/4m will suit on breeding.

9 LOYALTOUCH (IRE) (173)

TFRHHHII

8 10 (9) BHA90

B c No Nay Never (USA) - Devoted ToYou (IRE) (Danehill Dancer (IRE)) J Frankie Dettori

Mr Jaber Abdullah Charlie Johnston, Middleham 33151Br Barronstown Stud

S Johnston Racing Ltd

TIMEFORMVIEW Won a Carlisle novice and Kempton handicap (both 1m) as a juvenile. Pedigree suggests there could be more to come now stepping up to 1 1/4m for reappearance.

10

HAVE SECRET (IRE) (227)

TFRHHHII

8 9 (2) BHA89

Ch g Havana Gold (IRE) - Secret Existence (IRE) (Sakhee’s Secret) J Andrea Atzeni

Peter Timmins & John Rhodes Richard Fahey, Malton

342131- D Br Kildaragh Stud S Tote

TIMEFORM VIEW Improved with each start last year, winning nurseries over 7f at Haydock (good to firm) and 1 1/4m at Nottingham (heavy). Another 8lb higher on reappearance but further progress can’t be discounted.

11 COOL PARTY (GB) (13)

B c Postponed (IRE) - Party Line (Montjeu (IRE))

Mr S. R. Counsell

TFRHHHII

8 4 (6) BHA84

Charlie Johnston, Middleham

Br Mr Stuart Counsell S Johnston Racing Ltd

J Franny Norton

211-5

TIMEFORMVIEW Won Epsom maiden and a Wolverhampton novice over an extended 1m at 2. Possibly not at home on soft ground when only fifth of 6 to Royal Rhyme on his 1 1/4m Newmarket handicap debut/reappearance and retains potential.

12 OLD SMOKE (IRE) (28)

Gr g Caravaggio (USA) - Burke’s Rock (Cape Cross (IRE))

Farranamanagh

Br George Kent

TFRHHHII

8 2 (1) BHA82

Richard Fahey, Malton

J George Rooke

3221

TIMEFORMVIEW Placed first 3 times prior to getting off the mark in 1mThirsk novice 4 weeks ago. Clear with a subsequent winner on that occasion and appeals as one who could go on to even better things in handicaps. Up in trip. TFRHHHII

13 SILVER SWORD (GB) (32)

Gr g Charm Spirit (IRE) - Aurora Gray (RipVan Winkle (IRE))

8 2 (7) BHA82

J Greg Cheyne

Mrs Kirsten Dixon Dylan Cunha, Newmarket RR52-1

Br Culworth Grounds & Fortune Bloodstock S Tattersalls

TIMEFORMVIEW Refused to race on first 2 starts but hard to knock since then, making short work of his rivals in a 1m Southwell maiden last month.Very much pitched in at the deep end for handicap debut but may have more to offer TFRHHHII

14 PJANOO (GB) (254)

B c Muhaarar - Cockney Dancer (Cockney Rebel (IRE))

Phil Cunningham

8 2 (11) BHA81

J Hollie Doyle

Richard Spencer, Newmarket 2360-

Br The Cockney Dancer Partnership S Rebel Racing Ltd, Direct Commercial Ltd

TIMEFORMVIEW Fairly useful form without winning in his 4 outings over 6f/7f at 2. Steps up significantly in trip for this handicap debut/reappearance after 8 months off. Others have much more obvious claims.

15

RAINTOWN (IRE) (15)

Gr g Outstrip - Miss Fifty (IRE) (Whipper (USA))

Ms Caroline Instone & J S Moore

Br Ballyhane

TFRHHIII

8 2 (15) BHA79

J Georgia Dobie (3)

J. S. Moore, Upper Lambourn 03111-0 D

S Tote

TIMEFORM VIEW Enjoyed a productive 2-y-o campaign on the AW, completing the hat-trick in a nursery at Lingfield (1 1/4m) on NewYear’s Eve. Off 4 months, seemed ill at ease on the track when only seventh at Goodwood 15 days ago but even his very best form leaves him with a bit to find from 3lb out of handicap.

16 ITHACA’S ARROW (GB) (16)

Ch c Ulysses (IRE) - Eyeshine (Dubawi (IRE))

The Agincourt Partnership

Br W. Farish Snr & Flaxman Stables Ireland

TFRHHIII

8 2 (8) BHA79

J Rose Dawes (5)

Dominic Ffrench Davis, Lambourn 050-1

S The Cherwell Group, HighView Racing Ltd

TIMEFORM VIEW From a stable which has enjoyed a cracking spring and he stepped up on his 2-y-o form to win a 1 1/2m Lingfield (AW) novice on his reappearance 16 days ago.Very much enjoyed the run of that race from the front and lot more on his plate now handicapping from out of the weights.

TFRHHIII

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 16 (EXACTA)

Tongue Strap worn by No. 4. Running for the first time since Gelding No. 10.

2022: ISRAR 3 9 5 Jim Crowley 3-1 (John & Thady Gosden) 12 ran

Betting Forecast: 4-1 Desert Hero (GB), 15-2 Bertinelli (USA), Exoplanet (FR), 8-1 Royal Rhyme (IRE), 12-1 Bold Act (IRE), 14-1 Silver Sword (GB), 16-1 Lieber Power (GB), 20-1 Forca Timao (IRE), Have Secret (IRE), 22-1 Loyal Touch (IRE), Old Smoke (IRE), Pjanoo (GB), 28-1 Mr Mistoffelees (IRE), 40-1 Cool Party (GB), 66-1 Ithaca’s Arrow (GB), 100-1 Raintown (IRE)

Race Summary: Nearly always one of the strongest 3-y-o handicaps of the season. DESERT HERO is in the Derby and gets the vote to take his record to 3-4 on his reappearance. Irish-raider Bertinelli is another low-mileage colt with plenty of potential and heads the dangers along with easy Newmarket handicap winner Royal Rhyme. The other Sheikh Mohammed Obaid runner Exoplanet chased home Lingfield Derby Trial winner Military Order on his C&D return and can also figure if stall 16 isn’t too troublesome.

1-2-3: 1.DESERT HERO 2.BERTINELLI (USA) 3.ROYAL RHYME (IRE)

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RESULT PANEL:

A competitive field full of unexposed horses. William Haggas is a master with these 3yo handicappers, and Desert Hero should not be far away. For a bit of added value, it’s worth taking a chance on Pjanoo. He is still a maiden, but has run some solid runs in defeat behind some top class horses. Given his connections and price, he is likely to be bigger in the pool, too.

Bet Type: Swinger. Selections: Desert Hero, Pjanoo