July 12 / 17.25 York

17.25

Good

John Smith’s Sprint Handicap

  • Prize money: £12885
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 18 runners
RTV
View Course
John Smith’s Sprint Handicap

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Sunny

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 495903 CD BF

Last run: 5 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Splendid campaigner down the years, with a Stewards' Cup to his name; not the force of old but still managed third at Ayr on Monday; possibilities off the same mark but probably ideally suited by good ground or softer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(2)

2nd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:48 Pontefract

Aberama Gold

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Multiple winner down the years and gained his most recent success (narrowly, three starts ago) off current mark; subsequent dip in form is the negative.

12/1

11th

1

(15)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

18:15 Hamilton

Aberama Gold

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Getting on but retains a lot of his old ability, is still consistent enough and has won over C&D before; rare off-day at Thirsk a fortnight ago, having beating a subsequent winner in a small field off 1lb lower previously; quite capable of bouncing back.

12/1

6th

2

(5)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Thirsk

Aberama Gold

9st 9lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Retains a large portion of his ability despite his advanced years and took advantage of a reduced mark at Cattterick (6f, good) ten days ago; only nudged up 1lb for that narrow success.

7/2

14/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 271103 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who made all in a big field over C&D (good) in May and ran creditably when third at Doncaster in June; in the mix once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(1)

21st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 5

15:10 Catterick

Ingleby Archie

9st 9lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Adrian Nicholls

4-25; won from 3lb higher at York (6f, good) last May, and also went close (runner-up) back there in July; pestered for the lead, weakening late, when fourth on seasonal reappearance at Wetherby (5.5f; 15-8 favourite; form franked); now 2lb lower and with Jack Nicholls back aboard; chance.

8/1

4th

4

(4)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 110y

Class 5

17:05 Wetherby

Ingleby Archie

9st 6lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Adrian Nicholls

Prominent racer who goes well fresh; 1lb lower than when seeing off 19 rivals at York last May (6f, good); should be in the thick of the action.

5/1

11

(14)

24th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

16:28 Doncaster

Ingleby Archie

9st 1lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Adrian Nicholls

Won twice in May and also ran well at York in July (6f, good to firm; 12lb better off with Aberama Gold for a neck defeat); quiet since then, however, and others have more persuasive claims.

14/1

9/2

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 808065 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Decidedly useful at his peak, third in the 2023 Wokingham; slow to get going this year but he's very well handicapped as a result and he was arguably unlucky not to win when fifth at Haydock (repeatedly short of room) last week; can blow the start, so not one for maximum confidence, but he's too well treated to be ignored.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(13)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:40 Ascot

Juan Les Pins

9st 6lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

Ended a lengthy losing run at Newcastle in March and added to his tally with a Thirsk win last month (6f, good); better form when a close third in a Class 3 at Newbury three weeks ago and a 1lb rise is manageable; conditions won't be an issue having finished third in a Wokingham in his prime; high on the list.

11/2

3rd

16

(3)

17th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:25 Newbury

Juan Les Pins

8st 4lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael Appleby

He had dropped a long way in the weights prior to popping up at Newcastle (5f) last month; ran well at Doncaster ten days later and back on the scoresheet with a Thirsk win last week (6f, good); won that apprentice race (no penalty today) last time with more authority than the winning margin might suggest but he is up in class today.

10/1

14/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 6-1202 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Has an impressive strike-rate (8-30) for a sprint handicapper and he ran up to his best when second at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) last month; unlikely to be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(4)

21st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 5

15:10 Catterick

Fiscal Policy

9st 9lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Done the bulk of his winning on AW (6-26), but one of his two turf wins came over C&D (from 8lb lower) in August 2024; in fine fettle, with form figures of 322, since returning to turf, beaten just over 2l by Mumayaz at Leicester (6f, good to firm) latest; should give his best.

11/2

2nd

4

(3)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:25 Leicester

Fiscal Policy

9st 4lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Multiple wins on AW and turf; has done well for this yard and his 6f turf form in 2025 certainly bears scrutiny; respectable efforts back on grass of late and while not at full strength in either, he'll be suited by this stiffer test at 6f providing there's a good pace; form chance.

100/30

2nd

4

(10)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:55 Haydock

Fiscal Policy

9st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ruth Carr

No win on turf since September 2024 but he ran well for third at Thirsk (6f, good) two weeks ago, form that has been boosted by the winner and second running well in big fields since; one to be interested in off the same mark.

9/4

16/1

Form: 571221 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
As good as ever at the age of seven and his Doncaster success (6f, good to firm) eight days ago was his third of the season; should remain competitive despite a 5lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

(3)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

16:43 Redcar

Sugar Baby

8st 7lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Peter Niven

Four wins last year, two of them coming here (5f-6f); usually seen in a lower grade though and he will need to leave his return to action well behind him.

16/1

8th

8

(9)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Thirsk

Sugar Baby

8st 13lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Peter Niven

Four wins last year, including 6f on good to firm; mark went up as a result but showed he can still be very competitive when runner-up on AW on his penultimate outing of 2025; no great record fresh so it might be best to look elsewhere this time.

12/1

2nd

1

(11)

1st Nov 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Sugar Baby

9st 9lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Peter Niven

Trip and track no issue and he arrives on the back of a hard-fought win at Redcar two weeks ago (6f, good); a 2lb rise shouldn't prevent another good run.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: -07761 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Capitalised on a drop in the weights when winning at Thirsk (6f, good) ten days ago, making all; clearly in top form but is back up 4lb and this is more competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

14

(14)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Manila Scouse

8st 2lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

His last win came over C&D last July (good; off 1lb higher) and he stayed on for a close third at Hamilton (5f, good) a fortnight ago; could build on that latest performance now back up in trip; firmly in calculations.

10/1

3rd

10

(12)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

17:15 Hamilton

Manila Scouse

8st 13lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

May have needed his recent comeback from six months off at his age (cracked late on having raced prominently from a low stall over 6f round Chester); 2lb below his last successful mark and has won here before but David Allan has opted for Vince L'Amour.

12/1

7th

12

(2)

8th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 4

15:40 Chester

Manila Scouse

9st 5lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

On a competitive mark with a handy inside draw but he is returning from a seven month absence and his connections are also represented by Miraculous.

8/1

Form: 724343 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Usually gives his running and he was third to Ingleby Archie over C&D in May; has made the frame both starts since and has each-way hopes again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

(9)

2nd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:48 Pontefract

Rock Opera

9st 0lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

In reasonably good form having made the frame in last two starts, rallying both times; on a two-year losing spell but remain 7lb below last winning mark; enters calculations.

6/1

4th

11

(1)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

18:15 Hamilton

Rock Opera

8st 13lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Winless in two years but has slid to a handy mark and resumed in decent form; holds each-way claims but this is a stronger race than the Thirsk handicap in which he was a bit unlucky not to finish closer last time.

10/1

3rd

7

(4)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Thirsk

Rock Opera

8st 13lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Hold-up sprinter and on a losing run of 21; well handicapped as a consequence and should be sharper for his Ripon reappearance 16 days ago.

5/1

40/1

Form: 038415 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Won at Catterick (6f, good to soft) in May but that was a weaker race than this one and she was only fifth at Pontefract last time; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

11

(12)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:42 Ripon

Glory Hyde

9st 2lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Roger Fell

Didn't get the breaks at Beverley (5f, good to firm) on penultimate start, but she pounced late to continue her consistent spell at Redcar (6f, good; from 3lb lower) subsequently, justifying favouritism; is well drawn in stall 12, so should have a positive role to play.

9/2

1st

1

(9)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

15:40 Redcar

Glory Hyde

9st 9lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Roger Fell

Scored at Wetherby (5.5, good to firm) last month and did well to finish fifth at Beverley (5f, good to firm) on Tuesday, having encountered all sorts of traffic; will be suited by this return to 6f; likely contender.

3/1

5th

6

(1)

12th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:00 Beverley

Glory Hyde

9st 4lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Roger Fell

Proved resurgent with neck success at Wetherby (5.5f, good to firm) most recently and remains competitively treated on peak form, which features a C&D win; likely player from the inside draw.

9/2

6/1

Form: 6-0541 D

Last run: 72 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who tapped into her early promise with an easy, all-the-way win at Southwell (6f, AW) ten weeks ago; 9lb higher today and needs to transfer her improvement back to grass (unplaced only turf start), but she's related to several smart sprinters and probably still unexposed; withdrawn after refusing to enter the stalls at Redcar in May.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(3)

13th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

18:20 Southwell (AW)

Filly One

9st 5lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Front-runner who is 4-8 on the AW including a C&D success in May last year; beaten a head back here on New Year's Day and although off ten weeks since, she is proven fresh; major player.

9/4

9th

6

(14)

25th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:13 York

Filly One

9st 8lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Made the running for two of her three AW wins; not disgraced over C&D recently in only her second turf run and although more is needed it wouldn't surprise to see her do better on grass.

16/1

Form: 61-680 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Ended 2024 with two 5f AW wins but has been below par this term (behind Ingleby Archie here on latest); still above his last winning mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(9)

11th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Thankuappreciate

9st 9lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Stable yet to get rolling for the year but he was a bright spot when springing a surprise over C&D off 3lb lower in February; not entirely convinced over 7f a couple of times since and holds each-way claims.

10/1

4th

7

(6)

11th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:15 Southwell (AW)

Thankuappreciate

9st 5lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

6f winner here on his penultimate start and he didn't fail through a lack of stamina when third at Chelmsford 13 days ago; he was well positioned in a race where nothing challenged from the rear there though and others appeal more for win purposes.

8/1

3rd

6

(3)

26th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Thankuappreciate

9st 5lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Strong at the finish when winning a 6f handicap at Southwell two weeks ago; the subsequent 4lb rise looks less of a concern than the additional furlong.

8/1

16/1

Form: 984114 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Best known for her Hamilton exploits (two 6f wins in June, eight in all) but she does have form here, and 7f in the mud at Carlisle last time possibly stretched her stamina; tough, game and impossible to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

13

(1)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 182y

Class 5

15:00 Carlisle

Iris Dancer

8st 10lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Tristan Davidson

Eleven turf wins, mostly at Hamilton but once over C&D, on ground ranging from soft to good to firm; weighted to find another race and will be suited by returning to a track with a stiff finish following her persevering fourth at Ayr 13 days ago; thereabouts.

8/1

4th

1

(7)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Iris Dancer

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Tristan Davidson

Has form at several different venues but is ideally suited by Hamilton, having done nearly all of her winning there; below par last time, failing to back up reappearance effort; 0-9 at Ayr.

10/1

11/1

Form: 111807 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Started the year with a bang, winning 6f handicaps at Catterick, Pontefract and Ripon, and has shaped as if still in form since, not getting the rub of the green when seventh to Manila Scouse at Thirsk ten days ago; one of the likelier candidates.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

(6)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Mister Sox

8st 11lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

His six successes include four last season; retains all his ability but he's still above his last winning mark and he was only eighth at York last Saturday.

16/1

8th

8

(18)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Mister Sox

9st 8lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Started 2025 with three wins; wasn't as forward for this year's reappearance but quickly back on form when second (Kats Bob fourth) of nine at Thirsk (6f, good to firm) three weeks ago.

12/1

2nd

4

(8)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Thirsk

Mister Sox

9st 7lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Started 2025 with three wins but didn't seem as forward for this year's reappearance, never threatening at Ripon 16 days ago; he'll need to have come on a bit but is nicely handicapped again if staging a revival.

11/1

40/1

Form: 0/09-5

Last run: 168 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Looked a good prospect when winning at Carlisle on 2yo debut but lightly raced and unplaced all outings since; wasn't disgraced when fifth at Newcastle in January but he'll need to improve on that to win here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(7)

6th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Emperors Son

9st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

Back to winning ways at Wolverhampton (5f) in January and suffered a poor run when sixth of ten over C&D last time; ought to be thereabouts.

7/1

6th

2

(4)

31st Jan 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:55 Newcastle (AW)

Emperors Son

9st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

Took advantage of a favourable mark when scoring at Wolverhampton (5f) four weeks ago, but he was well below that form at Southwell last time; remains well handicapped on old form but he needs to step up again after that last run.

11/2

6th

1

(8)

21st Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Emperors Son

9st 12lb

J: Conor Orr

T: Richard Fahey

Dropped out over 5f two starts ago but good efforts at 6f either side of that and he's 11lb lower than a close fifth of ten over 5f on this track in January; can be on the premises.

7/1

Form: -83753 CD BF

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Last five successes have come over 5f with an uphill finish, but he did win this race in 2022; pretty reliable and arrives in reasonable form so should be involved, although he may be vulnerable to younger legs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(5)

30th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 5

16:12 Catterick

Good Earth

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Michael Herrington

Has been a superb servant, winning 16 of his 99 starts, including three this year; comfortable scorer at Haydock (6f, good to firm) latest, for which he has gone up 6lb; has won over C&D and looks a player again.

2/1

1st

5

(5)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:55 Haydock

Good Earth

9st 7lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Michael Herrington

The winner of two of his six starts this year, both over 6f at Southwell; he could only manage fourth of the nine runners back at Southwell 20 days ago and he will need to raise his game to defy this mark.

6/1

4th

1

(3)

5th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

13:55 Southwell (AW)

Good Earth

9st 12lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

Made it 4-15 under Connor Planas when gaining his second C&D success ten days ago; did it comfortably enough and despite a 5lb higher mark, is a major player if in the same form; stable also runs Melissa Honey.

13/2

20/1

Form: 15-765 D

Last run: 54 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Gained three 6f wins in 2024 (all on good to firm) but slim pickings this season and blinkers failed to help last time; needs to be revived by a change of stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(6)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 195y

Class 6

17:15 Carlisle

Kings Merchant

9st 8lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Philip Kirby

Won four times in 2024, but losing run up to 14 despite a tumbling mark; fair effort when fourth of 13 at Catterick (7f, good) 18 days ago, though, and the winner has gone in again since; each way claims.

7/1

4th

3

(3)

11th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

14:30 Catterick

Kings Merchant

10st 0lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Philip Kirby

He needs to produce a bigger performance than he's managed over 6f on his four starts this spring but he hasn't been running badly and is dropping down the weights; showed promise over 7f at Carlisle last September and the step back up in trip may be a positive move; possible player.

9/1

6th

6

(10)

1st May 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:10 Newcastle (AW)

Kings Merchant

9st 6lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Philip Kirby

On a dangerous mark now and his three runs this year have offered hope that his losing run could be snapped imminently; effective on AW and likely to be involved.

8/1

Form: 242741

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Gained his fourth career win last week at Nottingham, sweeping through from the rear to beat four rivals comfortably; may have more in the tank but this is a warmer race and all his best efforts have come over 5f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(10)

24th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:40 Beverley

Frank The Spark

9st 10lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Paul Midgley

Handicapper had his say after an easy Nottingham win (2-2 there) early last month and this 5yo has been held since; often dropped in (may well be again from a wide stall) and would then be reliant on the race setting up for him, as well as some luck.

12/1

4th

9

(4)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

15:47 Redcar

Frank The Spark

8st 10lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Paul Midgley

Won at Nottingham (5f, good to firm) in July but that wasn't much of a race and he has not repeated the form; now wears cheekpieces; others preferred.

14/1

4

(2)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:25 Thirsk

Frank The Spark

9st 10lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Paul Midgley

Gained his fourth career success at Nottingham (5f, good to firm) in July and 6f will have been too far for him at York next time; however, he's still 7lb higher than for the win and others make more obvious appeal.

8/1

Form: 239033 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
No obvious excuses when third to Frank The Spark over 5f at Nottingham last Saturday; just as effective at 6f, but his record at York is nothing to write home about and he was well held in this race in 2024.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(5)

24th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

17:55 Southwell (AW)

Spirit Of Applause

8st 11lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Ended a 15-race losing run when scoring by a head over C&D last month; only midfield under his penalty at Nottingham (6f, good to soft) next time, but each-way claims back here.

6/1

7th

10

(1)

2nd Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 18y

Class 2

15:35 Nottingham

Spirit Of Applause

8st 11lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

First win for 11 months when leading towards the finish at Southwell (5f, AW) 11 days ago; carries a 5lb penalty and has yet to win back to back in his 43-race career.

10/1

13

(14)

21st Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 4f 214y

Class 5

17:07 Southwell (AW)

Spirit Of Applause

9st 3lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

Did well on AW in late 2024, including a Newcastle win and two runner-up finishes over C&D; 0-12 in 2025 but has dropped a long way in the weights and returns to AW off a 13lb lower mark than when sixth in a C&D Class 4 in April; considered.

12/1

18th
16 (17)
Strike

14/1

Form: -42245 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Reliable but seemingly exposed; another creditable effort when fifth of 11 at Newbury (7f, good to firm) last month; this return to 6f should suit and he should again give his running, but others appeal as likelier winners.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(1)

26th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 160y

Class 5

15:30 Bath

Strike

9st 3lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Won three times in 2024 but unable to add to his haul since; retains ability but perhaps vulnerable for win purposes once more.

9/2

3rd

4

(2)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

14:08 Salisbury

Strike

9st 9lb

J: Arron D’Arcy

T: Jonathan Portman

Four-time winner from 40 starts; made an encouraging start to the campaign when second at Bath last month but ran below his best at Windsor (6f, good to firm) 10 days ago; without a win since July 2024 and needs to bounce back from that latest effort.

6/1

Non-runners

Raatea, Alfa Whiteburd

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £38.80
Straight Forecast £32.05
Tricast £126.47
Trifecta £224.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Juan Les Pins

Telegraph:

Fiscal Policy

POSTDATA:

Strike

The Guardian:

Sugar Baby

RP RATINGS:

Alfa Whiteburd

TOPSPEED:

Spirit Of Applause

Daily Mail:

Good Earth

Daily Mirror:

Fiscal Policy

The Star:

Fiscal Policy

LAMBOURN:

Strike

Daily Record:

Sugar Baby

The Times:

Juan Les Pins

D Express:

Juan Les Pins

The Sun:

Juan Les Pins