16:05 Ascot

Friday 3 October 2025

All14:2014:5515:3016:0516:4017:15

BetMGM Noel Murless Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 16:05 | Winning time: 3m 12.08s

(8)

Arabian Force⁴⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 111

7/2

Progressive, winning a couple of novices before acquitting himself well at a higher level, arguably unlucky not to win listed race at Hamilton (11f) in July before an excellent length third of 7 to Pride of Arras in the Great Voltigeur at York (1½m, good) in August. Should stay 1¾m. Major player.

Form: 611723

(6)

Circus Of Rome²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Finley Marsh| T: R Hughes| OR: 98

8/1

Circus Maximus gelding who has made good progress in handicaps, winning around 1½m at Newbury and Newcastle this summer. Good fourth of 10 when stepped up to 1¾m at Haydock (good to firm) 4 weeks ago. This demands more but he may not have reached his limit.

Form: 167114

(3)

Defiantly⁴³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: S M Levey| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 98

10/1

Killarney maiden winner in July who improved with cheekpieces added (discarded) when 5½ lengths fourth of 8 to Floresta in listed race at Leopardstown (1¾m, good) 43 days ago, running on late.

Form: 314

(4)

Fantasy World²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Rob Hornby| T: A M Balding| OR: 89

20/1

Has developed into a useful performer, running well in defeat in strong 1¾m handicaps at York and Haydock on his last 2 outings. Will need to raise his game to get seriously competitive in this higher grade, though.

Form: 331153

(2)

Many Men⁴¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Oisin Murphy| T: J R Boyle| OR: 95| BF| C

5/1

Really likeable handicapper, gaining a third win of the season when accounting for 5 rivals over 2m here at the end of July. Improved again when narrowly denied in the ultra-competitive Melrose at York last month. More will be needed to win at this level but should give a good account.

Form: 531812

(5)

Nightwalker^h1²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Colin Keane| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 101

17/2

Placed at listed and Group 3 level but his progress has stalled after looking promising in the spring. A first-time hood may help him to settle better but others are still preferred.

Form: 350634

(1)

Push The Limit²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: H Crouch| T: R M Beckett| OR: 103| BF

13/8

Very progressive, producing smart handicap performances when winning at Glorious Goodwood (11f, good) second over C&D (good to soft) in recent months. Can take the step up to listed company in his stride.

Form: 1-2212

(7)

Too Soon^b⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Rhys Clutterbuck| T: G & J Moore| OR: 95

40/1

Useful performer but there's nothing in his record to think he'll be up to the task here.

Form: 695533

Forecasts

Push The Limit (13/8), Arabian Force (7/2), Many Men (5/1), Circus Of Rome (8/1), Nightwalker (17/2), Defiantly (10/1), Fantasy World (20/1), Too Soon (40/1)

There was no disgrace in PUSH THE LIMIT being unable to concede 6 lb to the highly progressive Tenability in a course handicap last month and he might get the better of what could develop into another straight fight with a William Haggas inmate, as Great Voltigeur third Arabian Force looks the obvious danger. Likeable handicappers Circus of Rome and Many Men can battle it out for third.