15.10
GoodJohn Smith’s Cup Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
- Prize money: £103080
- 1m 2f 56y
- Class 2
- 18 runners
Runners: 18 runners
Type: Flat Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Sunny
6/1
Form: 314-01 CD
Last run: 57 days
W: 9st 12lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 104
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 1 (10) |
15th May 2026 Good 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 12lb |
Disappointing in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket on final outing last season and same story in Listed race at Kempton on last month's reappearance; however, he's back down to the same mark as when winning this last year (good to firm) and can have a big say if he's back on song. |
5/1 |
|
7th 6 (2) |
6th Apr 2026 Standard To Slow 1m 1f 219y Class 1 |
9st 3lb |
Won four of his first eight starts on turf but not seen since finishing down the field in the Cambridgeshire (1m1f, good to firm) last September; also has to prove himself on the AW but remains unexposed for his age and the stable does well with its runners here. |
11/1 |
|
22th 2 (5) |
27th Sep 2025 Good 1m 1f 0y Class 2 |
9st 6lb |
Lightly raced 4yo who was highly progressive last year and this prominent-racer continued the good work when winning at York (1m2f, good to firm) in May; however, his improvement has stalled on his last two outings. |
16/1 |
8/1
Form: 00-653
Last run: 22 days
W: 9st 11lb
5 yo Colt
OR: 103
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 2 (2) |
22nd May 2026 Soft 1m 1f 197y Class 1 |
9st 6lb |
Performed well twice over C&D last term but had the run of the race when belying his 33-1 odds for neck success at Listed level in September (good to soft) and looks no certainty to defy a 3lb penalty back here, unless things again fall his way. |
12/1 |
|
5th 3 (1) |
1st May 2026 Good To Firm 1m 0f 0y Class 1 |
9st 8lb |
Has raced as far as 2m1f in 2024 and never shorter than 1m2f; third at last year's Royal Ascot came over 1m4f but he broke a losing sequence when diverted from top handicaps to a 1m2f Listed race at Goodwood last September; the prospect of 1m now doesn't seem so ridiculous but a career best is needed. |
16/1 |
|
1st 4 (4) |
24th Sep 2025 Soft 1m 1f 197y Class 1 |
9st 4lb |
On a two-year losing spell and is 0-6 for current yard; still capable of very useful form, having been placed in handicaps at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood this summer; however, this seems a harder task. |
16/1 |
18/1
Form: -70903 D
Last run: 7 days
W: 9st 10lb
6 yo Colt
OR: 102
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
No Results Found |
8/1
Form: /11-96 D
Last run: 22 days
W: 9st 10lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 102
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 1 (3) |
15th May 2026 Good 1m 2f 0y Class 3 |
9st 10lb |
Talented 5yo, but has endured some lengthy absences in his career and was returning from another 280 days off when seventh of 24 in the Spring Cup here (1m, good) last month; return to this trip is not a problem and he's interesting down in grade. |
9/2 |
|
7th 12 (2) |
18th Apr 2026 Good 1m 0f 0y Class 2 |
9st 4lb |
Won the Golden Gates Handicap at Royal Ascot (1m2f, good to firm) in June 2024; seen only three times last season and wasn't at his best, although each run came in a highly competitive race; may need a positive ride to get away with this shorter trip on his reappearance, but the handicapper has given him a chance and he's certainly not ruled out. |
16/1 |
50/1
Form: 424140 D
Last run: 24 days
W: 9st 9lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 101
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 (10) |
24th Aug 2025 Good 1m 0f 0y Class 3 |
10st 2lb |
Gained his wins in Ireland and during a spell in Bahrain; has struggled in Britain this summer and needs to derive significant benefit from this drop back in class. |
33/1 |
|
2 (8) |
7th Aug 2025 Standard To Slow 1m 2f 0y Class 2 |
9st 7lb |
Won in Bahrain (1m2f, good to firm) in March; returned from break with mid-division finish in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) and he was always in rear at York (1m2f) last month; dropped 3lb and this return to Polytrack is no problem but others are more compelling. |
10/1 |
|
5 (4) |
12th Jul 2025 Good 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 9lb |
Won in Bahrain (1m2f, good to firm) in March; returned from break with mid-division finish in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) last month and this step back up in trip could help, but others are more compelling. |
50/1 |
40/1
Form: 77000-
Last run: 347 days
W: 9st 6lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 98
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 6 (8) |
2nd May 2026 Good 1m 1f 0y Class 2 |
9st 6lb |
Easily first home in his near-side group when strong-finishing fourth of 23 in the Cambridgeshire over C&D (good to firm) in September; just 1lb higher today and that wasn't his only solid performance in a good handicap last term, so he could be a major each-way player. |
10/1 |
|
3 (3) |
1st Nov 2025 Good 1m 2f 0y Class 1 |
9st 6lb |
Runner-up in Group races earlier in career and has shaped well in some strong handicaps for new yard this year, including first home in his group when fourth of 23 in the Cambridgeshire here (1m1f, good to firm) in September; better than result again at York three weeks ago but does have a bit to find on these terms. |
16/1 |
|
3 (3) |
1st Nov 2025 Good 1m 2f 0y Class 1 |
9st 6lb |
Runner-up in Group races earlier in career and has shaped well in some strong handicaps for new yard this year, including first home in his group when fourth of 23 in the Cambridgeshire here (1m1f, good to firm) in September; better than result again at York three weeks ago but does have a bit to find on these terms. |
16/1 |
33/1
Form: 143-20 D
Last run: 22 days
W: 9st 5lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 97
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 1 (1) |
25th May 2026 Good To Firm 1m 2f 0y Class 3 |
9st 11lb |
Ended his 2025 campaign with a half-length success in Class 2 event over C&D (good to firm) and is only 2lb higher back here; possibilities with Chester reappearance under his belt. |
5/1 |
|
8th 4 (14) |
8th May 2026 Good 1m 2f 70y Class 2 |
9st 6lb |
All four wins at around this trip including one here (soft) in the summer of 2023; looked unlucky when beaten a head in this race off 3lb lower on his reappearance a year ago; won't mind what the weather does, but stall 14 isn't ideal. |
12/1 |
9/1
Form: 174-16 D
Last run: 24 days
W: 9st 4lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 96
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 5 (2) |
18th Oct 2025 Good 1m 1f 212y Class 1 |
9st 7lb |
Record of 3-4 this season for new stable includes two wins in major handicaps; took his form to an even higher level with impressive performance in a conditions race at Glorious Goodwood (1m1f, good to soft) on last appearance; one of two Andrew Balding-trained runners who are going into deeper waters but may be capable of further improvement. |
20/1 |
|
1st 3 (9) |
1st Aug 2025 Good 1m 1f 11y Class 2 |
9st 10lb |
Won in style at Newmarket (1m1f) in May, first home in the centre group in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m) in June and tidy winner of the valuable John Smith's Cup at York (1m2f) three weeks ago; more to prove on ground softer than good, which he tried four times in previous seasons; going great guns but needs markedly better form to upstage all of today's rivals. |
11/2 |
|
8 (19) |
12th Jul 2025 Good 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 4lb |
Won over 1m2f for Sir Michael Stoute and scored in style on his stable and seasonal debut at Newmarket (1m1f, good) in May; first home in the centre group when sixth of 30 in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) last month and he could have more to offer now back up in trip; interesting contender for connections who won this in 2019 and 2021. |
9/1 |
22/1
Form: 116535 D
Last run: 14 days
W: 9st 4lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 96
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 (8) |
22nd Aug 2025 Good To Firm 1m 4f 15y Class 2 |
9st 8lb |
9yo who was well beaten in the John Smith's Cup at York last month but won two in a row here (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and continued in good form until his blip last time; not ruled out now back here. |
12/1 |
|
9 (12) |
12th Jul 2025 Good 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 4lb |
Two wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and creditable fifth in the Northumberland Plate a fortnight ago (2m, AW); he's a 9yo who has never won off a mark this high but is versatile in terms of trip and ran well over C&D last month; not ruled out each-way. |
22/1 |
|
5th 7 (2) |
28th Jun 2025 Standard 2m 0f 56y Class 2 |
9st 3lb |
Third and sixth in last two runnings of the C&D Vase on this card; in the groove with successive wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f) this May; however, he's been held off this mark when back up to Class 2 in his three starts since, still in form but suggesting that others will have the edge today. |
18/1 |
14/1
Form: 10-881 D
Last run: 29 days
W: 9st 4lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 91
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 2 (8) |
28th Sep 2025 Good 1m 2f 17y Class 3 |
10st 2lb |
Has become inconsistent but looks interesting back down in grade, having recorded 1m2f wins at Ascot and Sandown in last two attempts in Class 3; admittedly on a tougher mark now. |
8/1 |
|
7th 6 (14) |
30th Aug 2025 Good 1m 1f 209y Class 2 |
9st 6lb |
4yo who won twice last year and got back on track to score over C&D (good; acts on soft) this June in first-time cheekpieces, which have been kept since; did not get run of the race in a top York handicap seven weeks ago and not discredited; needs a second look. |
16/1 |
|
10 (18) |
12th Jul 2025 Good 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 4lb |
4yo who won twice last year and got back on track to win in first-time cheekpieces at Sandown (1m2f, good) last month; appeared to have more in hand than the 1l winning margin suggests and he might have more to offer in the headgear; could be in the mix under a 5lb penalty. |
14/1 |
5/1
Form: 11-122 D
Last run: 29 days
W: 9st 3lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 95
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11 (10) |
12th Jul 2025 Good 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 3lb |
Made it 4-4 in handicaps (and for this yard) when winning at Redcar (1m2f, good to firm) in May and he's been a very creditable second on his next two starts, most recently over C&D when behind an exciting prospect from the Gosden yard; has the same mark as last time and could play a leading role. |
5/1 |
|
4 (1) |
13th Jun 2025 Good To Firm 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 3lb |
Improving 4yo who tasted his first defeat in handicaps (had been 4-4) when unable to reel in the front-running Liberty Coach in Redcar's Zetland Gold Cup (1m2f, good to firm); that was no backward step and the 4lb rise is fair enough; considered. |
11/2 |
|
2nd 6 (3) |
26th May 2025 Good 1m 2f 1y Class 2 |
9st 11lb |
Reappeared over C&D this month having been gelded, and in winning he made it 4-4 in handicaps and for this yard (the other wins were also over 1m2f on good to firm; two here); remains to be seen where the ceiling of his ability lies and a modest 3lb rise for last time could underestimate him. |
7/2 |
25/1
Form: -01320 D
Last run: 36 days
W: 9st 1lb
5 yo Colt
OR: 93
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 5 (6) |
15th May 2026 Good 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
9st 7lb |
6yo who is on a career-high mark but he looked better than ever when winning by just over 2l at Pontefract (1m2f, good) last month; close third in this last year (good to firm) and could again be thereabouts. |
10/1 |
|
1st 7 (3) |
21st Apr 2026 Good To Soft 1m 2f 5y Class 2 |
9st 0lb |
Won at Redcar (1m2f, good) last November and not beaten far when fifth of 12 at Doncaster (1m2f, good to soft) last month; could show the benefit of that latest outing today and he's one to consider. |
7/1 |
12/1
Form: 2-1502
Last run: 16 days
W: 8st 12lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 90
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9 (2) |
21st Apr 2026 Good To Soft 1m 2f 5y Class 2 |
8st 13lb |
Very lightly raced, ex-French 5yo; up and down among his five British starts last season but ran some big races, including first time up, and he should be capable of winning off his current mark. |
9/1 |
|
13 (11) |
12th Jul 2025 Good 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
8st 12lb |
Ex-French 4yo who has raced only six times; ran well on first two stable starts (including over 1m here on fast ground) and bounced back from Redcar flop with close second at Newcastle (1m2f, AW), where he may well have won with a clear run; unexposed at the trip and could have a part to play. |
12/1 |
50/1
Form: 2-3870 C
Last run: 29 days
W: 8st 11lb
6 yo Colt
OR: 89
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 11 (2) |
13th May 2026 Good 1m 3f 188y Class 2 |
8st 9lb |
C&D winner in 2023; no joy anywhere last season (mostly at this track) but the closest he came was a neck defeat here (1m2f; 4lb higher today) on final start; not far away on AW last three starts this year and the same may be possible on today's return to turf. |
16/1 |
|
4th 6 (7) |
3rd Apr 2026 Standard 1m 2f 0y Class 3 |
9st 7lb |
Losing run now up to 14, but his last couple of efforts have been encouraging as when second of six in a slightly stronger contest at Chelmsford (1m2f, Polytrack) last month; still on his last winning mark and holds each-way claims. |
10/1 |
|
2nd 4 (5) |
12th Mar 2026 Standard 1m 2f 0y Class 3 |
9st 5lb |
Drew a blank in 2025 but he ended that campaign with a good second in a big-field 10.2f handicap at York; two respectable AW runs this year but he will need to raise his game to take this. |
5/1 |
25/1
Form: 115-35 C
Last run: 65 days
W: 8st 10lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 98
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 7 (4) |
16th May 2026 Good 0m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 2lb |
Narrowly regained the winning thread in big field over C&D (good) last time when dropped back to 6f for first time since debut; unexposed at this trip and still looks favourably treated back up just 3lb; respected. |
5/1 |
|
1st 6 (4) |
17th Apr 2026 Good 0m 6f 0y Class 3 |
9st 5lb |
Campaigned over as far as 10.3f and this will be his first 6f run since his 2yo debut; well beaten in the Lincoln on his reappearance (1m, good to soft); dangerous mark judged on best 2025 effort (7f, good to soft); trip is a query but Oisin Murphy a notable booking. |
16/1 |
|
19th 14 (22) |
28th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 1m 0f 0y Class 2 |
9st 2lb |
Trainer won this in 2024; ran well when third of 20 off 1lb higher at Ascot (7f, good to soft) in September but unable to match that level on final four starts last season; returns having been gelded; needs something extra. |
33/1 |
28/1
Form: 0-2277 D
Last run: 29 days
W: 8st 8lb
6 yo Colt
OR: 86
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 8 (1) |
28th May 2026 Good 1m 1f 170y Class 3 |
8st 10lb |
On a losing run and went backwards from C&D reappearance fifth to Spioradalta when well held at Hamilton a fortnight ago; on a career-low mark but need to see more. |
14/1 |
|
9th 3 (7) |
15th May 2026 Good 1m 1f 35y Class 4 |
9st 8lb |
On a losing run but he wasn't disgraced on his reappearance when fifth of ten in 1m2f Ripon handicap 29 days ago; this course winner can't be ruled out. |
13/2 |
9/4
Form: 22-211 C
Last run: 14 days
W: 8st 7lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 90
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
18 (6) |
12th Jul 2025 Good 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
8st 7lb |
Got off the mark at the sixth attempt in Leicester maiden (1m, good to firm) last month and followed up on handicap debut here (1m, good) a fortnight ago; there are mixed messages from his pedigree regarding the step up in trip and he could do with settling better than last time, but this progressive 3yo was strong at the finish and could take a 5lb penalty in his stride for a top trainer who has won this three times since 2011. |
9/4 |
|
1st 9 (2) |
28th Jun 2025 Good 0m 7f 192y Class 3 |
9st 7lb |
Promising 2yo for the now-retired Sir Michael Stoute last season; didn't enjoy a clear run when second in Nottingham novice (1m, good) on his stable and seasonal debut, and easily won Leicester maiden (1m, good to firm) next time; with a top Newmarket trainer and has potential off his opening mark. |
5/6 |
|
18 (13) |
21st Jun 2025 Good To Firm 1m 1f 212y Class 2 |
8st 13lb |
Runner-up four times in a row (met trouble in running on return) before his stylish win in a Leicester maiden (1m, good to firm) 18 days ago, albeit at 2-5; needs better on this handicap debut but there's major hope for 1m2f. |
7/1 |
50/1
Form: 475744 D
Last run: 6 days
W: 8st 5lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 83
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 (4) |
4th Jun 2026 Good To Firm 1m 1f 35y Class 4 |
9st 5lb |
Inconsistent and without a win since September 2024; however, he was denied a clear run when second of six at Leicester (1m2f, good to firm) recently and can be in the shake-up if backing that up; versatile ground-wise. |
13/2 |
|
2nd 5 (2) |
25th May 2026 Good 1m 2f 0y Class 4 |
9st 5lb |
Three turf wins at up to about 1m2f (good to soft and soft), most recent in 2024; promising reappearance on AW in February but he hasn't done as well since and there was little in the locker at Hamilton recently. |
9/2 |
|
4th 4 (3) |
15th May 2026 Good 1m 1f 35y Class 4 |
9st 6lb |
It's now 15 starts since his last victory and he was tried in cheekpieces when a below-par seventh in 1m2f handicap at Nottingham last month; needs to take a big step forward. |
13/2 |
Non-runners
Paddy The Squire
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £54.30 |
| Straight Forecast | £65.43 |
| Tricast | £157.71 |
| Trifecta | £379.50 |