Sporting Times Apprentice Handicap Stakes

17:32 Sandown Fri 11 Sep 2026 1m1f209y Class 4 Good 8 runners

Mr Fox’s call

Royal Poetry

SPECULATIVE Advised 13/2 Est. 30%

6TH

Mr Fox says

Royal Poetry (SR 84, 13/2) is the most compelling case in this field. Dropping one class (ClassMv:↓1) off a 272120 form line that includes back-to-back placed efforts, proven at today's trip (DistFit:+), and crucially steaming in the market with a 25% move since opening — money is talking here. Seamus Cronin posts a 15% career strike rate from 62 rides, strong for an apprentice, and the Hannon yard operates at 12% from nearly 2,800 runners, giving stable confidence. The weight of 9-10 sits comfortably in the middle of the field, carrying 2lb less than top-weight Tipsy Tiger and only 8lb more than the bottom weight, so no penalty burden here. Each-way alternative: Del Corso. Main danger: Del Corso — Del Corso (SR 89, 9/4) is the highest-rated horse in the field with a strong recent form line of 342113 and proven distance fitness (DistFit:+), and despite stepping up in class and a GoingFit:- concern, the raw SR advantage and Ashley Lewis's 14% strike rate make it the most likely winner if the going plays less of a role than anticipated.

Verify· #17260

Full result

Winner: Dancing Tiger (IRE) at SP 12/1. Mr Fox’s picks highlighted in gold.

1 Dancing Tiger Roger Teal · Owen Lewis(5) 18/1
2 Del Corso Fox #2 Ed Walker · Ashley Lewis 3/1
3 Plan C Alan King · Luke Catton 8/1
4 Tipsy Tiger Fox #4 William Stone · Laura Coughlan 5/1
5 Mr Seagull Fox #3 Hugo Palmer · Toby Moore(5) 7/2
6 Royal Poetry Fox #1 Richard Hannon · Seamus Cronin 7/1
7 Molo Del Palazzo Ralph Beckett · Jack Dace 4/1
— Letmebetheboss Tony Carroll · Myla Coppins(5) 66/1

Top 4 — how each finished

1 Royal Poetry 13/2 6TH
2 Del Corso 9/4 🥈 2ND
3 Mr Seagull 7/2 5TH
4 Tipsy Tiger 7/1 🏁 4TH