May 15 / 16.55 York

16.55

Good To Firm

Frank Whittle Partnership ebfstallions.com Novice Stakes (GBB/IRE Incentive Race)

  • Prize money: £15462
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 11 runners
RTV
View Course
Frank Whittle Partnership ebfstallions.com Novice Stakes (GBB/IRE Incentive Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

8/1

Form: 1

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 9lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
100,000gns yearling who was heavily odds-on and easily made all on debut in a four-runner maiden at Thirsk (5f, good to firm); carries 5lb penalty and this is a much tougher test of his credentials, but his trainer's 2yos continue in flying form and he could have a very bright future.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(5)

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:25 Newbury

Jan Steen

9st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: K R Burke

Hasn't gone on as might have been expected after a comfortable Thirsk debut success in the spring but he did take a step back in the right direction after a gelding operation when making late headway for third in 5f Chester nursery (good to soft) six weeks ago, shaping as if this return to 6f may suit.

6/1

3rd

2

(5)

13th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

15:23 Chester

Jan Steen

9st 5lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: K R Burke

All runs on good to firm; highest RPR was his debut win at Thirsk (5f); down the field in the Windsor Castle before finishing only fifth of seven on nursery debut at Haydock (5f); now on a recovery mission but has been gelded.

12/1

1

(1)

10th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:15 Haydock

Jan Steen

9st 11lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Came up well short in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot (5f) last time; has otherwise shown promise with comfortable win at Thirsk (5f, good to firm) and placed effort at York (6f); interesting back down in grade.

4/1

Form: 1

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 9lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Carries a 5lb penalty against some very interesting types but he won a warm conditions race on his debut at Ascot (5f, good to firm; joint-favourite) and this 1,000,000gns half-brother to Group 1 winner Perfect Power could have lots more to offer for his top stable, especially now at 6f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(1)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Newbury

Wise Approach

9st 7lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Campaigned only on good/firmer; progressive 2yo campaign featured 6f wins at Newbury (Listed) and Newmarket (Group 1 Middle Park Stakes); may be back in top form with Ascot reappearance (Group 3) under his belt; major player, despite conceding weight all round.

9/2

5th

1

(3)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Ascot

Wise Approach

9st 7lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

On the up when last seen, rounding off his 2yo campaign with a comfortable come-from-behind win in the Middle Park in September (6f, good to firm); may confirm his superiority over Brussels and Coppull despite the weights turnaround and he is not fully exposed just yet.

11/8

9

(8)

27th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Wise Approach

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Cost 1,000,000 guineas as a yearling and has developed into a smart colt, with ready Listed win at Newbury flanked by good efforts at Royal Ascot and Deauville, close third in the Prix Morny (6f, good) last time; top on ratings and aptly bred, being half-brother to a Middle Park winner.

Evs

OUR TIP

Form:

Last run:

W: 9st 4lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
50,000euros foal, 500,000gns 2yo breeze-ups last month; Mehmas half-brother to winners Lady Of Spain (1m-9.5f including 2yo/Listed); dam unraced half-sister to 1m Group 2 winner Real World; trainer is having a good spring with his 2yos; interesting newcomer, especially if well backed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(7)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:50 Leicester

First Legion

9st 8lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Richard Hannon

Successful 2yo debut and later close up in a 6f York handicap (good to firm) last August; best effort since when beaten about 1l at Newmarket in April but the step up to 7f back at York last time wasn't a particular positive, even though he ran perfectly well in fifth of 14; major contender back at 6f on drying ground.

5/1

5th

4

(7)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:40 York

First Legion

9st 4lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Richard Hannon

Made a winning debut in 6f novice event at this meeting last year; has become quite exposed kept to sprinting since but this combination of new trip and return to the Dante festival may have a positive effect.

10/1

4th

6

(1)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Newmarket

First Legion

9st 2lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Richard Hannon

Came to hand early last year, winning a York novice on debut before finishing second in the Listed National Stakes at Sandown; only sixth in the C&D handicap won by Sovereign Spell 16 days ago and he needs that run to have brought him on significantly.

16/1

20/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 9st 4lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
60,000euros yearling; fourth foal; Bungle Inthejungle brother to 5f AW 2yo winners Funny Money Honey (Listed) and Sports Coach (RPR 91); will need to be very useful to make a winning debut in this race but he has a precocious pedigree; one of two newcomers for the yard; watch the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(3)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

16:10 Redcar

Full Gas

9st 7lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

No threat to winner but made good headway from the rear to finish second at Haydock (6f, good to firm; first-time cheekpieces) last month; eased in grade here and looks well worth another crack at 7f; good chance.

9/2

2nd

11

(10)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:20 Haydock

Full Gas

8st 11lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

More encouraging signs with his staying-on fourth of 13 at Newcastle (6f) 12 days ago; dropped 2lb for his troubles and now has headgear added for the first time; could have a bigger effort lurking.

11/1

4th

9

(6)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Full Gas

9st 4lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Two handicap runs have resulted in heavy defeats, the latest at Pontefract last week (had excuses); not solid but his best run did come at this track (7f).

20/1

Form:

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Useful pedigree and was drawn wide on his debut at Beverley (5f, good), but he was well beaten at 28-1 and is probably best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(6)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:05 York

Going Commando

8st 12lb

J: J F Egan

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Has shown ability but remains winless after seven attempts and it would be a shock if his first win is registered in this warm contest.

66/1

5th

1

(6)

12th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 5

13:05 Chester

Going Commando

9st 7lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Creditable second over C&D (good) in May but not in the same form again since, including when beaten in plating company two starts ago, and needs to up his game; refitted cheekpieces the headgear of choice today.

7/1

3

(3)

20th Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:50 Kempton (AW)

Going Commando

9st 2lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Second of eight at Chester (6f) in May but he's been below his best in two starts since being gelded, including in a seller at Musselburgh (7f; first-time cheekpieces) 12 days ago; blinkers now tried on his first attempt over 1m.

5/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 9st 4lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
115,000gns yearling; fourth foal; No Nay Never half-brother to 7.3f-1m1f winner The Parent (including 2yo; RPR 96); dam 7f-1m1f winner (including US turf Grade 1); should have a future but may be one for later on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(3)

17th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 100y

Class 5

15:48 Beverley

Isambard Kingdom

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Charlie Johnston

Upped 2f for his nursery debut at Kempton last month (1m) and made all to record a wide-margin success; beaten favourite at Chelmsford ten days later and now has a 3lb higher mark to deal with; not fully exposed at the trip though and returning to turf shouldn't be an issue.

5/1

2nd

4

(2)

21st Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

18:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Isambard Kingdom

9st 8lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Charlie Johnston

Failed to threaten in three 6f races on turf but proved a very different proposition when switched to the AW for nursery debut at Kempton where he made all for an easy success (1m); 5lb well in even with a penalty and he did cost 115,000gns as a yearling.

4/6

1

(1)

11th Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

14:45 Kempton (AW)

Isambard Kingdom

9st 9lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Charlie Johnston

Not really threatened in three starts over 6f on turf, but is bred to be better than that and this trip is more in line with his pedigree; market support would be significant on nursery debut.

5/2

33/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 9st 4lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
38,000gns yearling, £125,000 2yo breeze-ups; Havana Grey half-brother to winners Calidus Mirabilis (1m/1m2f AW; RPR 75) and Escher (Italian 6f 2yo/7f); dam 1m3f AW winner (76), sister to 7f/1m winner Rare Ransom; one of two newcomers for yard; worth a market check given last month's purchase price.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(3)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:15 Thirsk

Kinnalargy

9st 7lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Kevin Ryan

A fairly useful 5f juvenile winner; gelded/off eight months and shaped as if the run was needed when 13th in 5f York handicap 16 days ago; no surprise to see him play a prominent role here.

12/1

13th

6

(1)

15th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:40 York

Kinnalargy

9st 4lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Kevin Ryan

Ran five times last year, winning a novice at Redcar (5f, good to firm) last June and showing good pace when fourth of 15 on nursery debut at Doncaster (6f, good) when last seen in September; gelded since; the drop back to 5f could be a positive on his reappearance and he's a possible player.

10/1

3

(3)

12th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

16:45 Doncaster

Kinnalargy

9st 9lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Came up short in Listed grade last time; progressive novice form otherwise and is interesting on his third at Thirsk (6f) behind subsequent winners, including of the Gimcrack.

10/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 9st 4lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
16,000gns foal, £140,000 yearling; by Sergei Prokofiev; first foal; dam 6f 2yo winner (RPR 71), half-sister to 6f 2yo/7f winner Another Investment, out of US 5f 2yo/6f winner; trainer saddled subsequent Listed winner Yah Mo Be There to be second on debut in this race last year; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(1)

5th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Romeo Montague

9st 1lb

J: George Wood

T: Richard Spencer

Won a Lingfield maiden (6f, Polytrack) on his third start but was unable to get involved on his handicap debut at Newcastle (6f, Tapeta) since; drops 1lb but on that evidence is not on an obviously lenient mark.

4/1

3

(8)

17th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Romeo Montague

9st 7lb

J: George Wood

T: Richard Spencer

Signs of ability first two starts but appeared to take a step forward for being gelded, clinging on by a fast-diminishing margin at Lingfield (6f maiden; 11-8 favourite) latest; that form has received a boost but this opening mark isn't a gimme and this stiff track also provides a sterner test.

7/2

Form:

Last run:

W: 9st 4lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
80,000euros yearling, 280,000gns 2yo breeze-ups last month; by Starspangledbanner; first foal; dam placed 1m2f-1m4f (RPR 78), half-sister to two winners; worth a second look on debut in view of his purchase price.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

(10)

4th Jun 2025

Good

0m 6f 18y

Class 5

14:22 Nottingham

Side Deal

9st 7lb

J: David Egan

T: Raphael E Freire

Amo Racing colt who is a 280,000gns breeze-up purchase; promising second at York (6f) where he was in front for most of the final furlong; winner has since performed creditably at Listed level; leading player.

5/2

6th

9

(10)

4th Jun 2025

Good

0m 6f 18y

Class 5

14:22 Nottingham

Side Deal

9st 7lb

J: David Egan

T: Raphael E Freire

Amo Racing colt who is a 280,000gns breeze-up purchase; promising second at York (6f) where he was in front for most of the final furlong; winner has since performed creditably at Listed level; leading player.

5/2

2nd

9

(6)

15th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:55 York

Side Deal

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Raphael E Freire

80,000euros yearling, 280,000gns 2yo breeze-ups last month; by Starspangledbanner; first foal; dam placed 1m2f-1m4f (RPR 78), half-sister to two winners; worth a second look on debut in view of his purchase price.

11/1

3/1

Form: 4

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 4lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well-backed 7-2 shot when fourth on debut at Ascot (5f, good to firm), beaten just under 1l by the winner Wise Approach; he's 5lb better off with that reopposing rival and the step up to 6f seems a likely plus; contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(6)

10th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 2

16:50 Wolverhampton (AW)

Tadej

9st 5lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Went close in French Group 2 in July and picked up Deauville Group 3 (also 6f, first-time blinkers) the following month; gelded prior to his reappearance and did enough to show he'd trained on when third of four, beaten 3l, on AW debut at Kempton (1m) in February; wore cheekpieces that day and now drops back to sprinting in returning blinkers; firmly in the picture.

4/1

3rd

2

(3)

25th Feb 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:10 Kempton (AW)

Tadej

9st 7lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Well placed by connections to land French Group 3 in August, which earned him a triple-figure BHA rating; gelded after managing sixth in valuable sales race at Doncaster's St Leger meeting; yet to go beyond 6.5f but this is unlikely to be a true test and his dam ran over 1m/1m2f; AW debut; cheekpieces return to replace blinkers; trainer took this in 2023 with one who had won in France.

5/1

1

(22)

11th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 111y

Class 2

13:50 Doncaster

Tadej

9st 5lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Below-par favourite in the York sales race won by Song Of The Clyde but steadily progressive otherwise and bagged Group 3 honours at Deauville (6f, good) earlier in August; major player provided he rebounds.

9/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 8st 13lb

2 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
27,000gns yearling, 32,000gns 2yo breeze-ups; fifth foal; Sergei Prokofiev half-sister to French/Italian 6f-7f winner Muchas Gracias (including 2yo); dam 1m-1m2f winner (RPR 72), sister to 5f 2yo Listed winner Roxan; takes on males on debut and likely to improve for the run; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

(3)

5th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

17:30 Newcastle (AW)

Lina Codina

8st 5lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Patrick Neville

Moderate form in five starts for Nigel Tinkler, finishing around 4l behind Espona Bay when last of nine at Wolverhampton (6f, Tapeta) in January; blinkers added on stable debut and a transformation is required.

33/1

Non-runners

Spaceman

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £78.50
Straight Forecast £68.60
Trifecta £337.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Wise Approach

TOPSPEED:

Tadej

D Express:

Jan Steen

POSTDATA:

Wise Approach

NEWMARKET:

Wise Approach

Telegraph:

Wise Approach

The Guardian:

Wise Approach

The Sun:

Wise Approach

Daily Record:

Wise Approach

The Times:

Tadej

Daily Mail:

Tadej

The Star:

Tadej

Daily Mirror:

Jan Steen