The 2025 Schweppes Handicap at Ascot stands as one of the prime betting puzzles of the autumn, with 20 runners lining up on a rain-softened seven furlongs.
Held on Saturday September 06, it’s a race famous for upsets and dramatic finishes, where each-way punts on unfancied horses have often paid off handsomely.
While the market is dominated by Native Warrior and Akkadian Thunder, history and the conditions invite serious interest in horses at double-figure odds.
So let’s take a look at some of the runners who have a real shot at placing, or even winning, this heritage race in 2025.
Great Acclaim
Great Acclaim, trained by Eve Johnson Houghton, is the archetype of a big-field handicapper who thrives in these environments.
Although he’s currently priced around 10/1, his form this season includes a decisive win at Goodwood on similar ground and placed efforts in tough heritage handicaps.
Consistently competitive at seven furlongs and effective on both fast and testing surfaces, Great Acclaim is often overlooked by the market in favour of those with more group-race experience.
However, his ability to perform under pressure and his tenacity in the finish line scramble make him a value selection for those looking beyond the obvious.
Tarkhan
Another with outsider appeal is Tarkhan from Jamie Osborne’s stable, listed around 12/1.
Tarkhan has a strong handicap pedigree, often running reliably in fields of 12+ runners and placing at this level.
His style often sees him sit close to the pace, conserving energy for a determined run in the final furlong.
While he didn’t esactly start the season with a flourish, more recently he seems to have found his footing and has shown a liking for the soft ground forecast at Ascot.
With stamina for a strongly-run seven furlongs, Tarkhan shapes as one who can hit the frame if luck goes his way in a busy contest.
Telemark
Telemark, trained by Simon & Ed Crisford, sits near 14/1 and brings a blend of experience and adaptability to big handicaps.
He’s not the most consistent but can pop up when least expected. Telemark’s running style is versatile, and when everything falls right tactically, he’s capable of producing a career best.
Form this season is patchy but he handles various ground conditions and gets a jockey familiar with extracting value from each-way prospects.
Darkness
Darkness, a seven-year-old campaigner who has lived among handicap company for years, presents at 12/1 as a reliable choice for those seeking a steady run and a possible late charge.
With a past win at Sandown on soft ground and several placed efforts in heritage handicaps, Darkness is the kind who often picks up minor prize money when the leaders tire.
Adapting to variable ground, his experience could see him weave through the pack for an each-way payoff.
Sterling Knight
Sterling Knight offers another layer of value around 18/1, carrying extra experience as a six-year-old hardened by seasons of competitive handicapping, often running up to three times a month.
Eight times placed in fields of 14 or more, he has a knack for grinding out results on turf softened by rain.
Often exhibiting late momentum when conditions turn testing, Sterling Knight is capable of running into the frame if the leaders overdo things up front.
To put all of that into perspective: Sterling Knight has run 10 times since April 2025. Of those ten races, he has finished in the top four eight times. The other two races were on all-weather tracks.
For the race in 2025, Betfred are paying out to five each-way places. So, this suggests there’s approximately an 80% chance Sterling Knight could land an each-way payout if that consistent form continues in Saturday’s race…
Is It Wise to Back an Outsider?
Handicaps like Ascot’s Schweppes are defined by their unpredictability. The combination of a big field, variable ground, and complex draw bias levels the playing field more than most conditions races.
Favourites have a habit of coming up short here; recent winner prices have often ranged from 10/1 to 22/1, reflecting how difficult it is to single out the winner in advance.
The handicapper’s job is to equalise the chances, so those sitting in the middle of the market frequently possess the right blend of recent form and hidden improvement.
Backing an outsider also allows punters to take advantage of generous place terms.
Bookmakers typically pay out on five or more places in these races, meaning each-way backers can play for a big win or a return if their selection sneaks into the frame.
Furthermore, horses with proven ability to handle big fields, adaptable ground, and running styles suited to a turbulent pace often deliver for those willing to take the risk.
Looking Ahead
In the 2025 Schweppes Handicap, punters who look beyond the market leaders often find themselves rewarded.
Horses like Great Acclaim, Tarkhan, Telemark, Darkness, and Sterling Knight bring enough form, grit, and adaptability to make their presence felt in a high-pressure race.
With competitive odds and past results showing outsiders win as often as favourites, taking a shrewd each-way approach and embracing the race’s unpredictability can be a wise, and profitable, move.
For those chasing returns on Saturday, conviction in a value selection may be just what’s needed for a memorable result at Ascot.
BETFRED
