Today / 16.10 York

16.10

Good

Sky Bet Stayers Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £51540
  • 2m 0f 56y
  • Class 2
  • 16 runners
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Sky Bet Stayers Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Form: -15760 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Eight AW wins, two last winter in 2m handicaps; however, he has tons to prove on turf record (0-7) and even best AW form does not look good enough; reportedly lame after losing right-hind shoe when tailed off 19 days ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

2

(7)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 4f 137y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Duke Of Oxford

9st 11lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Michael Bell

Eight AW wins, two last winter in 2m handicaps; however, he has tons to prove on turf record (0-6) and even best AW form does not look good enough.

20/1

6th

2

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

16:55 York

Duke Of Oxford

9st 0lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Michael Bell

Eight AW wins, two last winter in 2m handicaps; however, he failed to beat a rival in Group 3 at Sandown (2m, good) on turf return, has tons to prove on turf record (0-5) and even best AW form does not look good enough.

25/1

Form: 682157 D

Last run: 53 days

W: 9st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
8yo whose 11th success came over 1m4f in April; also effective at 2m this term but edged back up the weights and looks vulnerable for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(15)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Prydwen

9st 12lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: George Scott

Prolific 8yo who gained his 11th success when taking 1m4f Ripon handicap in April; also effective at 2m this term, including C&D, but he's edged back up the weights; place player but he may be vulnerable for win purposes.

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: 4-7521 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Ex-French 4yo who was upped to 2m on his third start for this yard when second of 20 in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (AW); smoothly went one better at Ascot (2m, good to firm) four weeks later, admittedly in just a four-runner race (from Ghaiyya and Fireblade) and that has earned him a 6lb rise, but he's relatively unexposed and heading the right way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 199-62

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Returned to Flat with an eye-catching effort at Royal Ascot (2m4f); going back down to 1m6f didn't look a problem at Glorious Goodwood (again good to firm) 18 days ago but he suffered a nightmare passage before running on into second of 13 (Valedictory fifth); a 4lb rise adds salt to the wounds but he could still have a big chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

13

(11)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Small Fry

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

1m4f festival wins off much lower marks at Chester and Epsom last July when trained by the Moores; returned to Flat with an eye-catching effort at Royal Ascot (2m4f, good to firm; 12-1) last month, turning for home towards rear but running on into sixth of 20; back down in trip but one to note.

6/1

6th

12

(17)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Small Fry

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

1m4f festival wins off much lower marks at Chester and Epsom preceded his 100,000gns purchase last July; two Flat runs (including 2m Irish Cesarewitch) last autumn didn't work out but there was encouragement to be drawn from his two hurdle races last month (second on latest) and he scored over an extended 1m6f in 2024; not entirely dismissed, from stable which runs seven.

18/1

Form: -26115 BF

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Stepping up to 1m6f with cheekpieces enlisted resulted in wins at Goodwood (good) and Newmarket (good to firm); that's not ironed out all the kinks, though, as he looked hard work at Glorious Goodwood 18 days ago on his way to a fair fifth of 13, with Small Fry in second; probably needs to resume improvement on this first go at 2m but he's one to be reckoned with if first-time blinkers receive the same response that first-time cheekpieces did.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

(6)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Valedictory

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

Stepped up to 1m6f with cheekpieces enlisted for last two starts and won them both, doing it smoothly at this track (good) and having to battle when prevailing by a neck in valuable race at Newmarket (good to firm); raised another 3lb but looks a serious contender once again.

5/2

1st

4

(9)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Valedictory

9st 1lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

All the rage in the betting for his first two starts this season, with the line coming a touch too soon on first occasion (1m2f); rather muted on the step up to 1m4f behind Wine Dark Sea at Ascot (good to firm) next time but the combination of 1m6f and first-time headgear worked a treat at Goodwood (good) seven weeks ago when he travelled much the best on his way to a tidy win; 5lb rise may well underestimate what he had in the tank.

3/1

Form: 020-10

Last run: 64 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Thorough Flat stayer who reappeared this spring with a career best on Flat to win at Navan (1m6f, heavy) and a creditable third in 3m hurdle race; good ground looked okay for him last season but a muted display at Royal Ascot nine weeks ago perhaps confirmed that anything firmer is not ideal; either way, another career best is needed today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

6

(12)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Mordor

9st 6lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Gordon Elliott

Brought from Ireland last year for Glorious Goodwood (2m4f, soft; second off 6lb lower than today) and the Cesarewitch (2m2f, good to firm; 14th); reappeared this spring with a career best on Flat to win at Navan (1m6f, heavy) and a creditable third in 3m hurdle race, but another career high is needed.

20/1

3rd

1

15th May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 50y

18:30 Kilbeggan

Mordor

11st 12lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Dual hurdles winner was last seen over timber finishing eighth of 24 in the 2025 Martin Pipe (2m5f, good to soft); kept on Flat since then and added a third win in that sphere when successful at Navan last time (1m6f, heavy); most of his wins came on good ground, so leading contender back over obstacles fit and in form.

9/4

Form: -11592 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Comes from off the pace; progressed very well initially this season; then wore cheekpieces on last two starts, never getting seriously involved as second favourite in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle but beaten a nose by Shrimp Shady at Newbury (2m, good to firm); in the mix up 2lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(6)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Team Player

9st 8lb

J: Greg Fairley

T: Ewan Whillans

With tongue-tie enlisted he's hit major new heights for new yard this year, with two wins preceding his excellent fifth of 15 in the 2m2f Chester Cup; comes from off the pace but never got seriously involved wearing first-time cheekpieces when ninth of 20 as second favourite in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m); needs to bounce back from that pretty disappointing show.

11/2

9th

8

(6)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Team Player

9st 1lb

J: Greg Fairley

T: Ewan Whillans

With tongue-tie enlisted he's hit major new heights for new yard this year; started it with wins from off the pace at Newcastle (2m, AW) and Musselburgh (1m6f, soft), both in some style, before his excellent fifth of 15 from out the back in the 2m2f Chester Cup; a bit slow to find his stride that day and cheekpieces now go on; more to give if he takes to them, so a major player.

8/1

Form: 21003- D

Last run: 351 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Progressive in 2023, 2024 and 2025; that included getting pipped in the 2024 Cesarewitch (2m2f, soft) and two big runs last year at Goodwood; runner-up in his 2024 and 2025 reappearances, though not in such good races as this one; would have a lot more to prove on good to firm ground than good or softer, but this 2026 return is off a competitive mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(1)

2nd Sep 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:08 Goodwood

Manxman

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Progressive in 2023 and 2024, nearly winning last season's Cesarewitch on soft ground; fast ground and a dodgy draw were feasible excuses for his last two defeats; C&D winner and still on a competitive mark.

5/1

Form: 47-101 D

Last run: 73 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Only his second attempt over this far in a 31-race career came at Goodwood (soft) ten weeks ago when he came from the rear in a six-runner race to win by 5l; 6lb higher today (with more to prove if the ground is firmer than good) but new horizons as a stayer have been opened up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(6)

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:10 Goodwood

In The Breeze

9st 8lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Henrietta C Knight

Had a 1m4f win for Mick Appleby last September and another for Henrietta Knight at Thirsk this April; however, no show in a more competitive race on latest start, has never won over further than 1m4f and, although probably stays 1m6f, his sole attempt at 2m (final start last term) was not persuasive.

20/1

11th

8

(14)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

14:55 Ascot

In The Breeze

9st 3lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Henrietta C Knight

Won at Pontefract (1m4f, good to soft) for Mick Appleby last September and bounced back from below-par efforts to end 2025 when making a successful start for the Henrietta Knight stable over 1m4f at Thirsk (good) four weeks ago; did that readily but this looks significantly tougher than that five-runner affair.

16/1

Form: 8-0371 D

Last run: 45 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
0-8 on turf; that's despite some good form last year but his best two runs this season were on AW, latterly when winning at Southwell early last month on his step up to 2m; that came by 13l in a five-runner race; has a 6lb higher mark in this very different contest but he's unexposed at the trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(1)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

17:55 Southwell (AW)

Boatswain

9st 7lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Has some good form on turf but latest defeat took his record in that sphere to 0-8; two attempts on AW comprise a win at Lingfield (1m2f) on debut and keeping-on third at Kempton (1m4f) in May; unexposed on artificial surfaces and looks interesting assuming he stays the new trip.

11/4

7th

7

(1)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 2

14:53 Ayr

Boatswain

9st 4lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Contested some tough turf handicaps in last season's 3yo campaign and, having dropped down the weights, he returned to form when third at Kempton (1m4f, AW) last month on his second start of the year; kept on well last time and today's extra yardage may well be a positive; chance.

8/1

Form: -07100

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Ex-Polish and German, placed in 1m2f Group races in 2024; took a while to find his level in Irish handicaps but decisively landed a gamble in a 24-runner race at the Curragh (1m6f, good) in May; should stay this far but never threatened at Royal Ascot (2m4f, sole start on officially good to firm) next time and weakened right out of it at Galway (2m1f) on latest, which leaves him with something to prove again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

7

(11)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Westminster Moon

11st 10lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: A J Martin

Ex-Polish and German, placed in 1m2f Group races in 2024; took a while to find his level in Irish handicaps; decisively landed a gamble in a 24-runner handicap at the Curragh (1m6f, good) in May; never threatened in the Ascot Stakes; this trip should be within his range; live each-way chance.

12/1

13th

13

(11)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Westminster Moon

9st 4lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: A J Martin

Officially unraced on firmer than good; ex-Polish and German, placed in 1m2f Group races in 2024 before a 260,000euros sale; failed to fire last year (including one 2m1f race) but shaped nicely on second start this term and landed a gamble in clearcut fashion in 24-runner handicap at the Curragh (1m6f, good) on latest, challenging 2f out; he was ridden that day as if stamina is a strength and, despite his revised mark, is one to note.

12/1

Form: 121612 D BF

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Won the 17-runner Chester Plate (2m2f, good) in May and beat Team Player by a nose to score at Newbury in July; another step forward when second in Shergar Cup race at Ascot (again 2m on good to firm) 11 days ago and a 1lb rise surely won't prevent another bold show.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(10)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Shrimp Shady

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Andrew Balding

Won the 17-runner Chester Plate (2m2f, good) in May on return to turf and went in again last time at Newbury (2m, good to firm), where it was hard work in the end but he travelled strongly deep into the race; only 3lb higher and hasn't had a lot of racing.

9/4

1st

5

(4)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Shrimp Shady

9st 3lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Pretty consistent in seven AW runs and well backed when leading final 1f to win the 17-runner Chester Plate (2m2f, good) in May on return to turf; failed to live up to favouritism in another consolation race at Newcastle (2m Vase, AW) three weeks ago but that sixth of 20 off this mark was his best form, so he remains one to be interested in.

6/1

Form: 2-7359

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
1m4f Flat winner at last year's Galway festival and took a maiden hurdle this January; that's from 14 races for Donnacha O'Brien, for whom he was a promising third of 24 to Westminster Moon (1m6f, good) in May and a fair fifth over 2m in June; not beaten far when ninth in 2m Shergar Cup race at Ascot but that shows he needs marked improvement in today's first-time visor (1-8 in cheekpieces), replacing a tongue-tie.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(7)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Kilmeaden

9st 7lb

J: C Y Ho

T: Faye Bramley

Hurdle/Flat winner; ran in snatches when a 5l fifth in a 2m fast-ground handicap at the Curragh on what proved to be his final start for Donnacha O'Brien; that last run was his first on ground quicker than good and he does like the mud.

7/1

5th

4

(7)

26th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 76y

19:55 Curragh

Kilmeaden

9st 5lb

J: Paddy Harnett

T: Donnacha Aidan O’Brien

Dual-purpose; hurdle winner is 1-9 on the Flat; has come up dry since winning a Galway Festival maiden last July (12.5f, yielding); kept on nicely for third over 1m6f here latest (Delta behind); raised 2lb for that but should go well again up in trip.

6/1

Form: 0-4423 D BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Disappointed in this race last year and the form of his close third over C&D that September has not been matched; second of six at Ascot on penultimate start was his best show this term but he needs better than that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(3)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 3

15:30 Ascot

Fireblade

9st 4lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Dylan Cunha

Won the Shergar Cup Stayers handicap over C&D last August and he was back to that level when second over 1m6f here (good to firm) a fortnight ago; remains on a competitive mark and needs respect.

3/1

2nd

2

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 3

15:34 Ascot

Fireblade

10st 2lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Dylan Cunha

Made good strides last season and scored twice at up to 2m, latterly at this track (good to firm); shaped encouragingly on 2026 return (1m2f); failed to build on that at Windsor (11.4f) nearly ten weeks later but takes another step back up in trip today; well handicapped if he returns to his best.

9/2

Form: 42-363 BF

Last run: 32 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Maiden winner who was on the premises in all six handicaps, albeit managing only sixth of 20 when favourite for Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (upped to 2m) penultimate start on AW debut; on the heels of Shrimp Shady at Newbury latest; pretty reliable but needs to find extra for the win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(3)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Ride The Thunder

9st 5lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Roger Varian

Maiden winner who's been on the premises in all his five handicaps, albeit managing only sixth of 20 from midfield when clear favourite for the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (upped to 2m) last time on AW debut; no handicap win but he's been pretty reliable and this race is a lot less competitive.

3/1

6th

15

(7)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Ride The Thunder

8st 13lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Won 1m2f maiden last June; on the premises in all his four handicaps, coming from off the pace when second at Haydock (1m6f) on final 3yo start and when third at Hamilton (1m5f; gelded and hooded) on reappearance six weeks ago; relatively lightly raced, so could have further improvement in him and 2m is plausible for this AW debut.

15/2

Form: /43513 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Missed 2025; has mostly been coming from well off the pace this term and that yielded a win at Thirsk (2m, good) in May and he ended up on the heels of the leaders in a Shergar Cup race at Ascot (2m, good to firm) when next seen 11 days ago; 5lb claimer takes over in what looks a tougher race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(9)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Mountain Road

9st 3lb

J: Yutaka Take

T: Jim Goldie

A winner off this mark on the AW just over two years ago when trained by David Simcock; returned from a long absence in the spring and back to his best best when coming from a long way off the pace to win well at Thirsk (2m, good) 69 days ago; back from a break with his yard going well; considered off 4lb higher.

8/1

1st

9

(7)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Mountain Road

9st 5lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

4-15 for David Simcock; four runs for current yard, absent 582 days before this season's, in which he showed that significant ability remains; needs to build on those performances but going back up from the 1m5f of last two outings should suit and he continues down the weights; case can be made.

10/1

Betting Forcast

66/1 Duke Of Oxford, 40/1 Prydwen, 5/1 Kirchner, 5/2 Small Fry, 6/1 Valedictory, 40/1 Mordor, 10/1 Team Player, 18/1 Manxman, 22/1 In The Breeze, 20/1 Boatswain, 18/1 Westminster Moon, 9/1 Shrimp Shady, 16/1 Kilmeaden, 20/1 Fireblade, 9/1 Ride The Thunder, 12/1 Mountain Road

Non-runners

Ghaiyya

Verdict

Shrimp Shady and Team Player have fared well in the heat of battle almost every time this season and are not passed over at all lightly. However, the two who still promise most to be ahead of their revised marks are SMALL FRY and Kirchner. Having to pin down just how unlucky Small Fry was at Goodwood and just how much Kirchner had in the tank at Ascot is not easy but slight preference is for the Joseph O’Brien-trained 5yo who was close up travelling strongly over 3f out at Goodwood but then found himself with seven or eight rivals to pass in the last 2f and managed to overtake all but one of them.[Richard Austen]

Selections

Telegraph:

Kirchner

SPOTLIGHT:

Small Fry

RP RATINGS:

Shrimp Shady

Daily Mirror:

Team Player

NEWMARKET:

Boatswain

TOPSPEED:

Fireblade

Daily Mail:

Valedictory

POSTDATA:

Ride The Thunder

The Guardian:

Kirchner

D Express:

Kirchner

The Sun:

Kirchner

The Star:

Kirchner

LAMBOURN:

Shrimp Shady

The Times:

Small Fry

Daily Record:

Small Fry