Tomorrow / 15.00 York

15.00

Good To Soft

Sky Bet City Of York Stakes (Group 1)

  • Prize money: £340260
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 14 runners
ITV
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Sky Bet City Of York Stakes (Group 1)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

OUR TIP

Form: 7-1517 C

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
On three visits to York he's won a Gimcrack and finished an unlucky-in-running second in this 12 months ago; gelding operation has triggered a further upturn in his fortunes, winning Listed/Group 2 races over this trip (good ground) on either side of a close fifth in the 6f Group 1 sprint at Royal Ascot (running on); it was his second run in as many days at Glorious Goodwood (after winning the Lennox) when traffic issues scuppered all hope in the Sussex Stakes; the worry is this week's rain as he's had precious little racing on ground softer than good and hasn't shone when he has.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(5)

29th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

16:10 Goodwood

Lake Forest

9st 10lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Gelded prior to this season's impressive win at Haydock (7f Listed) and respectable fifth at Royal Ascot (6f Group 1); his 1m form comprises a respectable fifth in the 2025 Queen Anne and two lesser efforts on Australian soil; still needs to prove he's a genuine miler but he arrived late to win the 7f Group 2 Lennox here yesterday and is probably in the form of his life.

12/1

1st

2

(4)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Goodwood

Lake Forest

9st 6lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Gelded prior to impressive win at Haydock (7f Listed) and respectable fifth at Royal Ascot (6f Group 1) this season; fared best of the runners from off the pace when second to Witness Stand in this contest 12 months ago; top on ratings in this bid to go one better.

6/4

Form: 10-926 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Unraced at York but he does go on any ground, and his career-best form came on soft when impressing in a 7f Group 2 at Doncaster last September; creditable effort conceding weight all round when runner-up to Paborus in a Group 3 over 6f (AW) on his return to Britain in June and best to put a line through his run behind Lake Forest at Glorious Goodwood (7f) as he raced far too freely off a slacking pace; with a truer gallop on the cards and with no ground issues, he could be a lively one.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(1)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Goodwood

Marvelman

9st 6lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Creditable second, conceding weight all round, in 6f AW Group 3 at Newcastle latest start; readily bagged Group 2 honours at Doncaster on last attempt over 7f on home soil and may be capable of further progress at this distance; one of the main contenders.

5/1

2nd

1

(4)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:10 Newcastle (AW)

Marvelman

9st 10lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

1-1 on AW, namely a 7f novice a Kempton last March; recorded a big personal best when winning the Group 2 Park Stakes at Doncaster (7f, soft) and his two defeats since have been excusable; tough task trying to give weight away back sprinting after 133 days off.

11/2

Form: 15-271 D

Last run: 72 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Form figures of 1311571 in a visor; a graduate from the handicap ranks and didn't have all that much in hand when the 6-4 winner of a Group 3 in Ireland on final start in June (7f, soft); looks up against it now he's dining at the top table, unless transformed by a wind operation.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(4)

11th Jun 2026

Soft

0m 7f 35y

19:00 Leopardstown

Native Warrior

9st 9lb

J: James Doyle

T: K R Burke

Rediscovered his best with a visor added last summer, landing three handicaps, including at Ascot (7f, soft) off a mark of 103; cracking return when beaten 0.5l by Dreamliner in Group 3 at Saint-Cloud in March on soft; didn't come on as expected when beaten 7.5l into seventh by Wannabe Royal in Listed race at Naas 25 days ago; nothing got into it from off the pace that day so shouldn't be judged too harshly; handles soft and the one to beat.

7/4

7th

4

(9)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

15:56 Naas

Native Warrior

9st 11lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: K R Burke

British raider rediscovered his best when a visor was added last June, winning three handicaps from five starts, the last being the valuable Challenge Cup (7f, soft) at Ascot; ran right up to form on his stakes debut in a Saint-Cloud Group 3 (1m, soft) for seasonal return when a close runner-up; entitled to improve for that and top rated.

7/2

Form: 11-416 BF

Last run: 67 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Not the first time he's failed to fire at Ascot when a disappointing favourite in the Queen Anne, having previously looked better than ever in showing his trademark turn of foot to win the Lockinge at Newbury (good); renowned as a top-class domestic/international miler but he didn't run badly in last year's July Cup and should be fully effective at 7f; while fast ground shows him at his brilliant best, he nearly won a French Group 1 last season on good to soft; commands the utmost respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(1)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Ascot

Notable Speech

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

High-class miler domestically and internationally, predominantly on good and quicker ground in accordance with his bright turn of foot; readily justified strong market support in the Lockinge at Newbury most recently, registering a fifth success at the top level and looking better than ever; bit to prove at Royal Ascot, having flopped badly in the 2024 St James's Palace Stakes and finished only fourth in this race last year; otherwise a leading player on the figures.

7/4

1st

7

(3)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:35 Newbury

Notable Speech

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

High-class miler domestically and internationally, predominantly on good and quicker ground; lacked recent match practice when only fourth in this race 12 months ago; bagged the 2,000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes in 2024 and completed a North American Grade 1 double, including Breeders' Cup Mile success, last autumn; had no luck in running at Keeneland on reappearance; leading player on best figures.

9/2

Form: 1/13-1 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Strike-rate of 5-8 and long absences are a feature in his profile; back from another to produce career-best form in beating Marvelman at Newcastle in June (6f AW) but he'd be no certainty to confirm those placings on 5lb worse terms, while there are plenty of others to worry about; on the plus side, he remains a relative unknown quantity and trip/ground will be fine.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(1)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:10 Newcastle (AW)

Paborus

9st 5lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Ended 2024 with a runaway win in a 7f handicap at Southwell; created another big impression when winning a conditions event at Thirsk (7f, good) on last season's reappearance and he was a good third of eight upped to Group 3 company when last seen a year ago; drops to 6f for the first time but this strong traveller should have the pace to cope; still has potential.

7/1

5

(2)

28th Jun 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:25 York

Paborus

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: Edward Bethell

Unexposed 4yo who was impressive when taking his career record to 4-6 in smart 7f conditions event at Thirsk (good) on reappearance in April; subsequently recruited by Wathnan Racing; looks one who can make his presence felt in this higher grade.

3/1

Form: /851-7

Last run: 91 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Has some CV for one so lightly raced, having won the Group 2 Mill Reef (heavy) as a 2yo and adding the Group 1 Champions Sprint at Ascot last October (good), beating previous Group 1 winner Lazzat; his comeback run at the Curragh was a bit of a damp squib, though he was conceding weight all round in that Group 2 and he probably needed it; dangerous to dismiss, for all that he'll be into unknown territory inside today's final furlong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(10)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:05 Curragh

Powerful Glory

9st 8lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Looked smart when landing the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury (6f, heavy) on final juvenile start; beat only one rival in his first two races last term; produced massive shock (200-1) when beating the favourite Lazaat in 6f Group 1 at Ascot last October (good); wind-surgery evidently the key to that success; little mileage on the clock, fascinating prospect for this season.

7/2

Form: -25712 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Seriously progressive this season in 1m handicaps, including a near miss in the Lincoln (good to soft; won on soft) and victory in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot (good to firm); dispelled any doubts about his Group-race credentials when emerging from last in a steadily-run race to push Lake Forest to a neck in the 7f Lennox at Glorious Goodwood (good); that effort deserves an upgrade so he's in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(8)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Goodwood

Rogue Diplomat

9st 6lb

J: Harry Davies

T: James Owen

Progressive handicapper who landed the Hunt Cup from favourable draw at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm) most recently; faces a stiffer task on these terms but possibly hasn't reached his ceiling yet and a strike-rate of 5-6 over 7f bodes well.

10/1

1st

28

(33)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Rogue Diplomat

9st 0lb

J: Harry Davies

T: James Owen

Failed to fire in French Listed race last time; broadly progressive in handicaps and went close in the Lincoln when bidding for a five-timer (ran creditably in Spring Cup next time); however, chance partly depends on the weather, as he's ideally suited by ground softer than good.

16/1

Form: 9-1223 BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Horse

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Japanese raider who has made his name over 6f, winning two Grade 1s on home soil and placed in three British Group 1s, latterly the July Cup at Newmarket where he wasn't stopping at the finish; ran well on his only previous start over 7f (in 2024) and it was over 1m that he won his first ever race; an intriguing runner, though the glaring concern is that his peak efforts have come on good or faster ground and this surface is likely to be the softest he's raced on (effective on yielding back home).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(8)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Satono Reve

9st 8lb

J: Christophe-Patrice Lemaire

T: Noriyuki Hori

Japanese horse who is a two-time Grade 1 scorer on home soil and has finished a creditable second in the last two runnings of the 6f Group 1 at Royal Ascot, beaten only a nose by Almeraq the latest time; could go one better at Newmarket, as was the case with compatriot Agnes World who was runner-up at Royal Ascot prior to winning this contest in 2000.

100/30

2nd

14

(18)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Satono Reve

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Noriyuki Hori

Two-time Japanese Grade 1 winner who was a clear second in this race last year (good to firm); he's taking the same route as last season, again arriving after finishing second to the Hong Kong phenomenon Ka Ying Rising in the Group 1 Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin in April; key player.

4/1

Form: -48114 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Prior to this year all his best form was at 7f on ground good or slower, and yet he popped up at 50-1 in a fast-ground Queen Anne and proved that was no flash in the pan with his close fourth to Bow Echo in the Sussex Stakes (again 1m on good to firm), in which he was nearest at the finish having been held up out the back; hard to knock.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(7)

29th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

16:10 Goodwood

Ten Bob Tony

9st 10lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Came off the good pace set by Opera Ballo when 50-1 winner of the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm) last time, completing a quickfire June double that was initiated over 7f at Epsom; still unexposed as a miler and has frame possibilities provided the latest piece of form is backed up.

14/1

1st

8

(8)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Ascot

Ten Bob Tony

9st 2lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Acts particularly well on ground softer than good; very useful 7f performer who prevailed narrowly at Epsom ten days ago for a second success in the Group 3 that was formerly the John of Gaunt Stakes and run at Haydock; ran creditably over 1m in 2024 German 2,000 Guineas but this is a stiffer test at the trip and a stiffer assignment to boot.

50/1

Form: 9-1011 C

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
A standing dish in Group races over 6f but had long given the impression that 7f might suit and she duly saw that trip out well to take the Group 3 Oak Tree at Glorious Goodwood (good to firm; could be even better on softer); the close proximity of the third/fourth horses would suggest that a repeat performance won't get the job done here, but she's a likeable mare who should give her running, especially with form figures of 121 on her last three visits to York; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(4)

29th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Goodwood

Flora Of Bermuda

9st 9lb

J: James Doyle

T: Andrew Balding

Classy 6f performer who has been placed in Group 1s at that trip and she won a Group 3 at York (6f, good to firm) this month, for which she carries a 3lb penalty today; untested at 7f but she frequently finishes her races strongly, as was the case when fourth in the 2024 Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville over 6.5f; leading contender if staying the trip.

11/4

1st

3

(1)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:45 York

Flora Of Bermuda

9st 6lb

J: James Doyle

T: Andrew Balding

Won this on good to soft in 2024 and also close second in C&D Group 2 on good to firm last year; reappeared with Listed win at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) in May; eased off as if amiss (got upset in stalls) in Royal Ascot Group 1 since but turns out again three weeks later and will have a big say if back near her best.

7/2

Form: 11-3 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
All runs at 6f on good or faster ground; unbeaten as a 2yo, winning a weak Gimcrack here 12 months ago on his second start (good to firm); lots to like about his comeback run at Chester, as he did a lot of early running from a bad draw and was only picked off late on; however, that was a Listed race and this is a new trip, so it looks a big ask.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(9)

2nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 1

15:20 Chester

Lifeplan

9st 1lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

2-2 as a 2yo, following his debut success in a novice at Thirsk (6f, good) with a ready win in the Group 2 Gimcrack at York (6f, good to firm) last August; that form hasn't worked out and his subsequent absence is a slight concern; has the highest BHA rating in the field but he's drawn widest and there are grounds for taking him on.

3/1

5

(6)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Lifeplan

9st 2lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Once-raced colt who brings potential; it's difficult to go wild about his 1l success at Thirsk (6f, good; 5-1 from 7-1) but a Middle Park entry confirms that he's evidently held in high regard by connections; indeed, he's described as a "proper horse" by his part-owner; interesting contender.

9/2

Form: -27441 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Debut winner at two on soft and later beat this year's 1,000 Guineas heroine True Love in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes (6f, good); no more than minor roles in a trio of 1m Group 1s this season before justifying favouritism when his sights were lowered in a Curragh Group 2 last month (7f, good to firm); he didn't exactly blow his rivals away that day and he's probably playing for the places, for all that a fast-run race at 7f might be his ideal scenario these days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(5)

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Power Blue

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Robson De Aguiar

Won a Group 1 over 6f here on his final juvenile start (good); runner-up behind subsequent Royal Ascot and Group 1 winner on his reappearance in a Group 3 over 7f at Leopardstown in April (good to yielding); probably not up to the top level as shown in three Group 1 runs over 1m since, but his latest two were meritable; big danger dropping in class and trip; top rated of the field too; stable a little cold currently though.

100/30

Form: 11-460 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Last two efforts in fast-ground Group 1s at 1m don't reflect his true ability and on going slower than good he has form figures of 114 (all on very soft) in Group 1s at 7f and 1m, with the defeat on this season's reappearance highly respectable when close up behind last weekend's Jacques le Marois winner Rayif; he's one to be interested in with cheekpieces given a go.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

(10)

29th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

16:10 Goodwood

Puerto Rico

9st 2lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: A P O’Brien

Ran creditably in the Poulains on seasonal debut when bidding for a French Group 1 hat-trick; dropped away to finish last of six, having been pestered for the lead, in the St James's Palace Stakes since; that latest effort doesn't reflect his ability but he's again the stable second string behind Gstaad and remains below the standard required to win this prize.

40/1

6th

5

(4)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:20 Ascot

Puerto Rico

9st 2lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: A P O’Brien

Stablemate of Gstaad; appears versatile as regards ground; tough colt who proved a useful maiden prior to ending last season with a hat-trick when upped to 7f/1m in major 2yo races, including two French Group 1s; creditable fourth when favourite for the Poulains at Longchamp on reappearance; has significant form, may rate higher still over this distance and looks set to have his own way up front (gained his wins making all); one of the main players.

11/1

Form: 114-25 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
One of the best 2yos around last season, with his head defeat of Gstaad in the Group 1 National Stakes at the Curragh (7f, yielding; unraced on softer) his most striking piece of form; a setback ruled out him out of the 2,000 Guineas after shaping encouragingly in a trial, and he got messed about at a crucial stage when fifth in the Sussex (one place behind Ten Bob Tony); this shorter trip might be a better fit for him and, as he still retains some upside, he looks a key player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

12

(11)

29th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

16:10 Goodwood

Zavateri

9st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Game colt whose record of 4-5 as a 2yo featured wins in the Vintage Stakes at this meeting and National Stakes at the Curragh; latter is one of two pieces of form that tie him in with Gstaad; respectable second in the Greenham at Newbury (kept to 7f) on reappearance but missed the 2,000 Guineas due to a setback; ready for a crack at 1m and, having raced only once this season, there's still some unfinished business about him; adds interest.

20/1

2nd

8

(6)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:00 Newbury

Zavateri

9st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Cracking purchase at 35,000gns as a yearling, and developed into a smart colt during a 2025 season that featured wins in three major 2yo races, notably the National Stakes at the Curragh (7f, yielding) where his gameness was confirmed; handled the July course at Newmarket in the summer but proved all at sea on the Rowley Mile in the Dewhurst, losing his unbeaten record (still ran respectably in fourth place); he's the pick on form and launches 3yo campaign in a race that his trainer's father Fulke won twice.

2/1

Betting Forcast

9/2 Lake Forest, 20/1 Marvelman, 40/1 Native Warrior, 3/1 Notable Speech, 16/1 Paborus, 33/1 Powerful Glory, 14/1 Rogue Diplomat, 10/1 Satono Reve, 8/1 Ten Bob Tony, 16/1 Flora Of Bermuda, 25/1 Lifeplan, 14/1 Power Blue, 16/1 Puerto Rico, 11/2 Zavateri

Verdict

The solitary Group 1 over 7f in Britain has unsurprisingly produced a stellar field. This week's rain has put a different complexion on matters, casting doubts over the persuasive faster-ground credentials of Notable Speech, Lake Forest, Zavateri and Japanese runner Satono Reve. There are no such concerns with Rogue Diplomat who showed he belonged at Group level at Goodwood, Ten Bob Tony who is hard to knock, or Puerto Rico who must enter the equation on his slow-ground form. However, it could pay to jump aboard Andrew Balding's accelerating bandwagon as Flora Of Bermuda broke new ground in winning over 7f last time and her course record bodes well, and then there's MARVELMAN. He delivered a clear career best the last time he raced on ground with any soft in the description and, after a perfectly acceptable return to Britain on the AW, his run behind Lake Forest and Rogue Diplomat at Goodwood essentially counts for nothing when he pulled his rider's arms out for the majority of that slowly run race.[Alistair Jones]

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Ten Bob Tony

SPOTLIGHT:

Marvelman

RP RATINGS:

Notable Speech

POSTDATA:

Lake Forest

LAMBOURN:

Ten Bob Tony