Pertemps Network King Charles II Stakes (Listed Race)
Date: 1 May 2026
Course: Newmarket
Type: Flat / 3yo Listed
Distance: 7f (Rowley Mile)
This Listed contest at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile features a high-quality field of promising 3-year-olds racing over seven furlongs. The race has garnered attention due to the presence of the odds-on favourite Cerro Blanco, fresh off a commanding debut win at the course and distance. Other key contenders include proven performers from Group and sales races, making this a competitive and intriguing event early in the season.
🚫 Betting Assessment
Race Verdict: No Bet
Reason for Verdict: The race looks highly competitive with multiple plausible winners, making it difficult to justify a confident wagering stance at this stage. The favourite is promising but unexposed at this level, and the threats have strong cases but little form to separate them fully.
📊 Race Quality Rating
Score: 7.8/10
Grade: High Quality Listed Race
Confidence: Moderate-Low
⭐ Main Contenders
Cerro Blanco Favourite
Odds-on favourite after an impressive winning debut over course and distance. Looks a very bright prospect with plenty of scope to improve at this Listed level.
Ellusive Butterfly Group 3 Proven
Fourth in the Group 3 Fred Darling was a solid effort, though settling issues may hold him back. Could be close at the finish if he gets things right.
Jel Pepper Strong Sales Race Winner
Won a big-field sales race over this course and distance last October. Expected to make a bold bid from the front or close up.
Maximized Consistent
Held third in a recent course effort behind Cerro Blanco. May remain second string in the stable but can’t be discounted for placing claims.
⚠️ Next Best / Dangers
Saber Strike Promising Debutant
Made a ready winning debut at Redcar last November and looks a very likeable prospect stepping into Listed company for the first time.
Stellar Sunrise Handicap Winner
Returned with a commanding handicap win at Newbury showing solid form, suggesting leading claims if taking to Listed company well.
❌ Outsiders / Weak Profiles
— No clear outsiders —
All runners have respectable form, so no true long shots expected to upset the key protagonists.
📌 Race Summary
- Cerro Blanco is the standout favourite following a decisive debut win.
- The race is competitive with several credible challengers from sales and Group 3 races.
- Settling and experience at this level may prove key given the quality of the field.
- No obvious form standout beyond the favourite, leading to a tight betting market.
Best Profile: Young, improving 3yo showing clear potential at Listed level and early season race sharpness.
🏁 Final Verdict
1st Choice: Cerro Blanco
Main Danger: Jel Pepper
Each-Way Value: Stellar Sunrise
Cerro Blanco’s comfortable debut win makes him the most convincing option, but with little experience at Listed level and a tightly matched field, the danger from consistent performers like Jel Pepper must be respected. Stellar Sunrise offers each-way value based on returning handicap form.
Betting Verdict: No Bet
Reason: Despite some attractive contenders, the race lacks a definitive standout beyond the favourite, presenting too many uncertainties for confident wagering.
📊 Ratings Guide
This guide explains how to interpret the Betting Grade and Confidence Level used in the race analysis.
💰 Betting Grades
🟢 High Confidence: Strong form and clear standout; suitable for stronger bets.
🟡 Medium Confidence: Competitive race; controlled staking advised.
🟠 Medium Risk: Tight field; smaller stakes or value plays preferred.
🔴 Low Confidence: Unpredictable race; minimal stakes or caution advised.
⚫ No Bet: Too risky; best avoided.
🎯 Confidence Levels
🟢 High: Clear selection with strong, reliable form and minimal risks.
🟡 Moderate: Solid pick but with some competition or minor doubts.
🟠 Moderate-Low: Open race with several possible winners; tight margins.
🔴 Low: Weak or inconsistent race; difficult to predict.
⚫ Very Low: Highly unpredictable; little trustworthy form.