May 17 / 15.00 York

15.00

Good

1895 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes Stakes (Group 2)

  • Prize money: £82229.5
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
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1895 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes Stakes (Group 2)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £13.40
  • Place: £2.50

Form: 1411-1 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Progressive filly who has done particularly well at the Newmarket tracks since last July, winning four times, most recently in Listed event (6f, good to soft) on seasonal debut 11 days ago; not disgraced in both York runs; well down this pack on ratings but could well improve further.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(11)

20th Sep 2024

Good

0m 5f 110y

Class 1

15:40 Ayr

Azure Blue

9st 5lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

Classy winner of Group 2 (6f, good) in May 2023 but her season ended that July; offered hope that she was on the way back when dead-heating for 5f Listed race here in June but following a fair run in a Group 1 she was tailed off back in Listed company this month (said to have been unsuited by losing a shoe early); questions hang but major claims if that can be overlooked.

13/2

8th

6

(1)

8th Sep 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:00 York

Azure Blue

9st 2lb

J: David Egan

T: Michael Dods

taken down early, ducked left start, soon in touch with leaders on far side of group

7/1

9th

10

(6)

23rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Azure Blue

9st 10lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

Looked set to be a major sprinting force when beating a top sprinter in a 6f Group 2 on this track (good) in May 2023 but she's had only a handful of starts since and her dead-heat for first in a 5f Listed race at Ayr (good to firm) last time wasn't really worthy of the sprinter she promised to become; still time for her to do better but she's up against the specialist 5f sprinters, which gives her more to prove; yard won this in 2015 and 2016.

25/1

OUR TIP
2nd
1 (8)

100/30

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 61114- CD

Last run: 193 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Fantastic mare who has shown remarkable progress from humble beginnings, peaking last August/September with a Group 1 hat-trick; not far behind Emaraaty Ana and Creative Force at the Breeders' Cup on final start; won this race last year and holds solid claims even with a 5lb penalty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

20/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: 35-723 D

Last run: 4 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Dual winner of the Stewards' Cup; finished just in front of Creative Force at Newmarket two starts ago but those placings were comfortably reversed at Haydock latest; opposed on balance at this new level (first Group 2 attempt).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(9)

11th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:15 York

Commanche Falls

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

A tremendous campaigner over the years with two Stewards' Cups to his name; in and out this season and only twelfth in the Ayr Gold Cup three weeks ago, but he has clear possibilities on his fast-finishing second to stablemate Northern Ticker over C&D in August; 1lb lower today.

16/1

8

(16)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ayr

Commanche Falls

9st 5lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Two years since his last win but this dual Stewards' Cup winner is more realistically treated these days and he gave his younger stablemate Northern Ticker a race at York last month; not so good at Doncaster last week and he will do well to win this race in his fourth attempt (seventh in 2021, runner-up in 2022 and sixth last year).

16/1

3

(2)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 111y

Class 2

15:00 Doncaster

Commanche Falls

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Hasn't won for just over two years and whether the extra half-furlong suits remains to be seen, but he kept on well for a head second of 20 at York (6f, good to firm) three weeks ago and that performance bodes well for a prominent showing today; versatile ground-wise.

13/2

40/1

Form: 5-1113 D BF

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Useful on AW, most recently third to Diligent Harry at Newcastle on Good Friday when bidding for a four-timer; remains in form but faces a much harder task back on turf; 0-5 in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

1

(1)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Annaf

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Michael Appleby

Group 3 winner at Ascot (6f, soft) last October and he's versatile ground-wise; down to a dangerous mark but he hasn't been at the top of his game on his four runs this year, in handicaps on the last two occasions, and he needs to turn things around in a first-time tongue-tie and reapplied cheekpieces.

14/1

13th

1

(5)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Annaf

9st 12lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Michael Appleby

Successful in major handicap in 2023 and a few Group races since but balance of 2026 form suggests he's unlikely to defy top weight in this field.

14/1

6th

1

(12)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Annaf

9st 12lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

Ended last season with a game win in Group 3 at Ascot (6f, soft) in October; repeatedly met trouble when only seventh in Saudi Arabia (a race he'd won two years earlier) in February and things didn't really go his way again in a Listed race at Doncaster last month; has possibilities on this drop back in class and his last handicap win was off 1lb higher.

16/1

5th
11 (2)
Marshman

5/1

Form: 1125-1 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Ruined chance by pulling hard in last year's Group 1 Middle Park but very progressive otherwise and regained the winning thread at Chantilly (5.5f, soft; Group 3) on reappearance, taking record to 3-5; clear second in the Gimcrack on sole York start; this still-unexposed 3yo colt is interesting on first attempt against his elders.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(7)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Marshman

9st 11lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Close third in Listed company at Wolverhampton last month on his first attempt at 7f and he wasn't beaten for a lack of stamina; not at his best in a hot sprint handicap at Newcastle on Good Friday; no surprise to see him bounce back with a big run.

10/1

8th

5

(9)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Marshman

9st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Did well in early 2025 on AW, winning a C&D handicap in good style and following up in Listed company at Lingfield; finished third in the corresponding race 12 months ago when rated 5lb higher; running himself back into form this winter, most recently a close third over 7f four weeks ago, and he looks primed to give Clifford Lee a winning return to the saddle.

6/1

3rd

4

(6)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 1

15:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Marshman

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Strong AW form in the first half of 2025; awkward leaving the stalls in his two runs this winter and the form has been well short of his best; steps up to 7f for the first time.

6/1

Form: 0-2191 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Made all for narrow win in notable event at Newcastle (6f) on Good Friday, taking AW record to 5-9; has some useful form on turf but he's 0-6 in this sphere and faces a tough assignment back at Group level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(4)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:30 York

Diligent Harry

9st 10lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Good strike-rate on AW includes a Listed sprint double at Lingfield this year; has lots of good form on turf, including very close third in this race two years ago and respectable fourth in Newmarket Group 3 last time; still a maiden (0-19) in this sphere, however.

20/1

4th

4

(14)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Diligent Harry

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Good strike-rate on AW includes a Listed sprint double at Lingfield this year, sharing the spoils with Completely Random on reappearance; similar to that rival, looks far from guaranteed to maintain the form back on turf; 0-18 in this sphere.

14/1

1st

1

(6)

21st Feb 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 1

13:25 Lingfield (AW)

Diligent Harry

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Smart on turf but AW is his thing and he added another Listed win to his tally when dead-heating in the Kachy Stakes (6f) here three weeks ago; has a penalty to shoulder but that was also the case when he won the corresponding race in 2024 (run at Southwell); a lower draw would have been preferable but he looks set to go well again.

2/1

Form: 81-062 D

Last run: 53 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Australian gelding who comes here en route to a crack at Royal Ascot; smart sort (dual Group 3 scorer) on home soil and went very close, recording a career-best effort, in the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan (6f, good; Group 1) most recently; adds spice and looks a big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(6)

24th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

The Astrologist

9st 5lb

J: Damian Lane

T: Leon & Troy Corstens

Australian-trained 7yo; just one win from his last 19 outings but he comes into the reckoning on his head second in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan (6f, good; strong-travelling Al Suhail a close third) in March and wasn't disgraced in a messy 7f Group 3 at Haydock last time out; headgear back on for the first time since last autumn; could make the frame.

50/1

2nd

1

(2)

10th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 7f 37y

Class 1

15:35 Haydock

The Astrologist

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Leon & Troy Corstens

soon led

11/4

7th

9

(4)

17th May 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

The Astrologist

9st 10lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Leon & Troy Corstens

Australian gelding who comes here en route to a crack at Royal Ascot; smart sort (dual Group 3 scorer) on home soil and went very close, recording a career-best effort, in the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan (6f, good; Group 1) most recently; adds spice and looks a big player.

11/2

25/1

Form: 18366- C BF

Last run: 142 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Horse

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Major player on peak form, including Group 3 win at the Curragh last September; however, below-par favourite in last three appearances (turf/AW) and the subsequent gelding operation needs to prompt a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(7)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 1

13:50 Doncaster

Art Power

10st 1lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Usually races up with pace; fine sprinter over the years but the majority of his big wins have come at the Curragh, where he's won five Group races; well beaten over this C&D when last seen in November and, although he'd be dangerous on a going day, others seem more likely to give their running.

20/1

1

(10)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Art Power

9st 4lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Sprang a 40-1 surprise in this race in 2023 and showed he's still capable of smart form when winning the Group 3 Renaissance Stakes at the Curragh (6f, soft) three weeks ago; however, he's some way down the pecking order on this year's form and others appeal more.

22/1

1st

1

(6)

28th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:12 Curragh

Art Power

9st 7lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

A regular visitor to these parts and has won here four times, including this race in 2021 and 2022; ran a blinder in the Phoenix Sprint Stakes over C&D on his seasonal reappearance last month; below best in Flying Five two weeks ago; could rebound stepped back up in trip.

6/1

9th
7 (11)

12/1

Form: 06322- CD

Last run: 193 days

W: 9st 10lb

7 yo

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Suited by fast ground; landed the Sprint Cup in 2021; placed in the Nunthorpe, Sprint Cup and Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint on last three outings in 2022; each-way possibilities provided he returns in the same form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 433-31 D

Last run: 4 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Comfortably justified favouritism in conditions race at Haydock (6f, good to soft) on Saturday, reversing last month's Newmarket placings with Commanche Falls and recording first win since landing Ascot Group 1 in 2021; smart performer who commands respect back up in grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(10)

17th May 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Creative Force

9st 10lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Comfortably justified favouritism in conditions race at Haydock (6f, good to soft) on Saturday, reversing last month's Newmarket placings with Commanche Falls and recording first win since landing Ascot Group 1 in 2021; smart performer who commands respect back up in grade.

3/1

1st

2

(2)

13th May 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:45 Haydock

Creative Force

9st 8lb

J: James Doyle

T: Charlie Appleby

Turned over at odds-on in Group 3 Abernant at Newmarket on last month's reappearance (behind Commanche Falls); however, it wasn't a bad performance and he could improve for it; holds leading claims judged on last year's efforts in Group/Grade 1 sprints.

5/6

3rd

2

(4)

20th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Creative Force

9st 9lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Group 1 winner as 3yo (6f, good to soft) who raced only at that level in 2022, failing to win but running some excellent races in defeat; not that fussed about the state of the ground and should have plenty going for him now racing in a Group 3 for the first time in nearly two years.

Evs

Form: 49-060 D

Last run: 74 days

W: 9st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Respectable fourth in last year's Nunthorpe here having bagged Group 3 and Group 2 wins en route; not in the same form since, latterly in Dubai this year; doesn't look poised to take a serious hand in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(13)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

Khaadem

9st 9lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Charles Hills

Won the 6f Group 1 at Royal Ascot in 2023 and 2024 and added 5.5f Grade 2 win at Keeneland last October; however, this 10yo wasn't at his best at Meydan in March on his sole run this year, and the drop back to 5f and the forecast slow ground are likely negatives.

33/1

10th

4

(10)

1st Aug 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Goodwood

Khaadem

9st 4lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Charles Hills

Best on good or quicker; his trainer has done so well to keep him to such a high level over the years and he's 2-2 here (including this race in 2022) as well as winning two Group 1s at Royal Ascot, the latest only last June; however, yesterday's rain won't have been welcomed.

20/1

5

(9)

19th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:57 Newbury

Khaadem

9st 9lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charles Hills

C&D winner; two Group 1 wins at Royal Ascot (2023 and 2024; both 6f, good to firm); not far off his best when second in a Grade 2 in America last September; returns from 315 days off though and whether he'll retain all his ability as a 9yo is a moot point.

16/1

Non-runners

Khaadem

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £70.00
Straight Forecast £69.02
Tricast £757.59
Trifecta £665.70

Selections

NEWMARKET:

The Astrologist

SPOTLIGHT:

Marshman

RP RATINGS:

Highfield Princess

POSTDATA:

Creative Force

Telegraph:

Azure Blue

LAMBOURN:

Khaadem

The Star:

Marshman

Daily Record:

Marshman

TOPSPEED:

Highfield Princess

D Express:

Highfield Princess

The Times:

Creative Force

Daily Mail:

Creative Force

The Guardian:

The Astrologist

Daily Mirror:

The Astrologist

The Sun:

The Astrologist