Pace Forecast: Very Strong | Draw Bias: Strongly favours high numbers


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1. Race Conditions + Pace/Draw Angles

This is one of Royal Ascot’s most competitive sprint handicaps: 6 furlongs on the straight course for horses rated up to 110. The field is deep, and the early pace is forecast to be very strong, with several habitual front-runners across the field.

There is a well-established draw bias favouring high numbers in big-field Ascot sprints on good to firm ground. That could benefit closers drawn 20+, especially if pace collapses late. However, prominent racers that can travel up with the speed and handle pressure tend to fare best here. Hold-up horses are at risk of meeting trouble in running and needing luck.


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2. Contenders, Dangers & Interesting Profiles

Proven & in form:

More Thunder (stall 23) [Timeform 124p]: Dual winner at Newmarket; improving, tactically versatile, relishes strong pace. Progressive and ideally drawn.

Aramram (19) [120]: Consistent and tough; held off reopposing rivals last time. Reliable and has Ryan Moore booked.

Jarraaf (12) [118p]: 4-time course winner with strong C&D record. Shaped as if run needed last time. Horse for course, drawn low, which is a slight negative.


Main Dangers:

Get It (13) [122]: Won Stewards’ Cup and followed up with fluent Ascot win. Quick turnaround but in-form, and capable of bossing from the front.

Korker (24) [119]: Fast closer, in-form; however, often misses the break and needs luck. Hold-up type, ideally drawn to swoop late.

Shartash (3) [120+]: Classy on his day, drawn low, may get isolated. Back from break; needs race to fall right. Dangerous if on song.


Interesting Outsiders:

Roman Dragon (18) [120]: Chester specialist but thriving; latest win suggests form on the up again. Handles all ground, strong-finishing style suits strong pace.

Completely Random (14) [118]: Improved rapidly this spring. Not ideally placed last time but shaped well. Promising profile, strong late splits.

City House (5) [115]: Poorly drawn but finished well last time after a layoff. Market check advised.


Hold-up risks (needs luck in running):

Korker, Shartash, Completely Random, Vadream, Cover Up
(Hold-up types all with ability, but pace-dependant and may need gaps to open late)


Notable trainers with Wokingham form:

Richard Fahey (Golden Mind): Won this race in 2016 (Out Do)

Charles Hills (Orazio): Near-miss in 2024 with this same runner

William Haggas (More Thunder): Yard in top current form

Richard Hannon (Aramram): Several placed runners in major sprint handicaps



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3. Runner Ratings (Suitability Score out of 10)

Horse Suitability (/10)

More Thunder 9 – Well drawn, peaking, race should suit
Aramram 8 – Solid performer, drawn high, race-fit
Jarraaf 7 – Course form, but lower draw and off layoff
Get It 7 – In form and relishes quick conditions
Korker 7 – Strong closer, drawn well, but starts slowly
Shartash 6 – Classy, but out of form and awkwardly drawn
Roman Dragon 7 – Peaking again, strong closer from good draw
City House 6 – Respected but draw is tough
Purosangue 6 – Needs to jump better; eye-catching last time
Apollo One 6 – Course form, but may get swallowed late
Golden Mind 6 – Back to form at Epsom; pace and draw against
Completely Random 7 – Improving, draw OK, trip ideal
Cover Up 6 – Tricky ride, but talented when things click
Twilight Calls 5 – Regressing and yet to fire for new yard
Vadream 5 – High rating, but form dipped and draw not helpful
Game Run 5 – French raider, unknown against deeper field
Orazio 6 – Placed in this last year, but long layoff
Desert Cop 5 – Smart on day, but below par at Epsom
Woodhay Wonder 6 – On upgrade, but stiff ask in this field
Ten Pounds 5 – May want further or slower tempo
We Never Stop 5 – Below form last time, inconsistent
Valiant Force 4 – Regressed since winning as 2yo
Jumby 4 – More effective in conditions races
Germanic 4 – Exposed and inconsistent
Holkham Bay 4 – Outclassed at this level



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4. Each Way Angles

With 29 runners, standard each-way terms apply (5 places, possibly 6 or more in some books). Value can be found in unexposed, improving types like Completely Random, or revitalised sprinters such as Roman Dragon.


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5. Private Tissue Estimate (Top 8)

1. More Thunder – 4/1


2. Aramram – 6/1


3. Korker – 10/1


4. Get It – 12/1


5. Roman Dragon – 14/1


6. Jarraaf – 14/1


7. Completely Random – 16/1


8. City House – 20/1




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6. Summary + Smart Play

This year’s Wokingham sets up for a very strong pace with high-drawn horses likely holding the aces. More Thunder is upwardly mobile and fits the race profile superbly: high draw, pace to run at, proven on quick ground, and from a yard in strong form. Aramram remains a live threat—genuine, game, and consistent—but might just lack More Thunder’s scope for further improvement.

Smart Play:

Win bet: More Thunder – peaking, well-drawn, and tactically flexible

Each-way saver: Completely Random – overlooked improver with excuses last time, 6f ideal and drawn to stay with the pace


Market watch essential for any drifters off a break, especially Orazio, Jarraaf, and City House who could go either way late on.