July 15 / 16.55 York

16.55

Good

John Smith’s Stayers’ Handicap

  • Prize money: £10468
  • 2m 0f 56y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
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John Smith’s Stayers’ Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.75
  • Place: £1.30

Form: 011411 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Big improver who made it four wins from his last five starts when staying on well to score over 2m at Musselburgh last time; 3lb higher in this deeper race but he still looks feasibly treated and is versatile ground-wise; major player again in hat-trick bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(6)

11th Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

16:10 Newbury

Robert Johnson

9st 5lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Tracy Waggott

Not straightforward but his record for current stable features a useful win at Newmarket (2m2f) last September; creditable second (off 1lb lower) in this race last year; place possibilities.

7/1

3rd

6

(6)

11th Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

16:10 Newbury

Robert Johnson

9st 5lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Tracy Waggott

Not straightforward but his record for current stable features a useful win at Newmarket (2m2f) last September; creditable second (off 1lb lower) in this race last year; place possibilities.

7/1

4th

5

(6)

12th Oct 2024

Soft

2m 0f 56y

Class 3

16:30 York

Robert Johnson

9st 4lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Tracy Waggott

Five wins in his time with Phil Kirby; four runs for Tracy Waggott and better than ever when winning the Cesarewitch Trial at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm) under Aiden Brookes on latest; probably fine in the mud and won a C&D race last term, so should have a big say despite going back up 4lb.

5/1

6/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 611-32 D BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Four-time hurdle winner who is 3-10 on the Flat, with her last win gained at Newmarket (2m, good to soft) in October; still 3lb higher than for that success but she was a clear second behind a well-handicapped rival at Chester (2m, good) two weeks ago and has each-way claims again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

4

(1)

19th Aug 2023

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:45 Newmarket (July)

Malakahna

9st 0lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Ian Williams

Came good on Flat last autumn with 2m wins at Ascot (good) and Newmarket (good to soft); more to prove on soft, as her latest start (heavy defeat at Ascot) confirms but she was in good form going into that; usual cheekpieces are replaced by a visor.

10/1

6th

7

(9)

28th Jul 2023

Good

1m 7f 209y

Class 3

14:25 Ascot

Malakahna

9st 11lb

J: William Buick

T: Ian Williams

Came good on Flat last autumn with 2m wins here (good) and at Newmarket (good to soft; more to prove on soft); seconds this month at Chester and York confirm she's a big player if the ground is okay.

6/1

2nd

3

(8)

15th Jul 2023

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:55 York

Malakahna

9st 9lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Ian Williams

slightly awkward start, towards rear on outer, pushed along briefly halfway

6/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 622-63

Last run: 38 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
0-11 but runner-up three times on AW, including an eyecatching third over 2m at Kempton on his return last month; still unexposed on turf and he needs a close look back in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(3)

5th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 5

20:47 Kempton (AW)

Sharp Distinction

9st 9lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Lemos De Souza

3-34, with latest win last November on Lingfield Polytrack; shot back to some form when beaten a neck off career-low mark in six-runner race on turf at Leicester (1m4f) on latest outing and he's notched up a few placed efforts at this track, so he's one to consider back up 2lb.

100/30

2

(5)

10th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 179y

Class 5

15:30 Leicester

Sharp Distinction

10st 0lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Lemos De Souza

3-33 and has shown little in two runs since switching to current yard; has dropped to a career-low mark but needs to raise his game.

14/1

6

(7)

21st Jun 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:25 Newmarket (July)

Sharp Distinction

8st 9lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Lemos De Souza

Has struggled on AW in recent starts but has dropped back to a winning mark if staging a revival back on turf.

10/1

10/1

Form: 864-52 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 8st 4lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Two wins (1m6f/2m) in 2022 and she got right back on track with a close second at Carlisle (2m1f, good to firm) last month; this is a big step back up in grade but is only 1lb higher than last time and she seems effective on most ground; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

8

29th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

12:30 Kelso

Hellenista

11st 0lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Tim Easterby

midfield, mistake 3 out, weakened quickly before 2 out

25/1

6th

7

18th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:29 Wetherby

Hellenista

10st 7lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Tim Easterby

held up in rear

100/1

8th

2

(7)

16th Oct 2023

Good

1m 7f 217y

Class 6

16:40 Musselburgh

Hellenista

9st 11lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Beaten on her last 15 starts going back to last June but she's been running well of late in the main and could be thereabouts.

11/2

13/2

Form: 6-6453 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
His last win was at Nottingham (2m, soft) in November 2021 but that was off 2lb higher and he's run some good races this season including when a fading third over 2m2f at Pontefract (good to firm) last time; has possibilities on this drop back in trip and it would be bonus if rain arrives.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(7)

3rd Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:35 Newmarket

Land Of Winter

9st 12lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Rae Guest

Won four-runner race at Beverley (2m, soft) in July but out of form since; soundly beaten last time in the Cesarewitch here for the third year running; well handicapped if this proved one of his good days.

14/1

0

26

(11)

14th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Newmarket

Land Of Winter

8st 5lb

J: Aidan Keeley

T: Rae Guest

Well beaten in this race in 2021 and 2022 and even further adrift in the Trial three weeks ago on his only other race at Newmarket; good ground for all three of those was probably not ideal and he'd be well handicapped if this proved one of his best days, but others look more solid.

100/1

Form: 795035

Last run: 34 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Bumper, hurdle and chase winner; opened his Flat account when landing a 1m4f AW maiden in December but he's been generally disappointing since and was beaten 9l at Beverley (2m good to firm) last time; mark continues to fall but others are more convincing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

21st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:25 Musselburgh

Punxsutawney Phil

12st 0lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Won over C&D in December and by 16l at Newcastle (extended 2m4f) in February, both from the front on good to soft; disappointing in his two runs in between and again on latest start but he was brought out quickly under a penalty in the latter; visor replaces his usual cheekpieces.

14/1

3

20th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 4

14:45 Huntingdon

Punxsutawney Phil

11st 12lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Won at Musselburgh (3m) in December and by 16l at Newcastle (extended 2m4f) last Thursday, both from the front on good to soft; disappointing in his two runs in between but he'd have a huge chance under this penalty if that form from last week (a narrow career best) is repeated.

2/1

3

13th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

15:25 Newcastle

Punxsutawney Phil

11st 11lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Won over 3m at Musselburgh in December (good to soft); rather disappointing in his two runs since and needs to bounce back.

16/1

Form: 04208- D

Last run: 285 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Made a bold bid when a close second off this mark at Thirsk (2m, good) last August but he struggled in his final two runs last season; record now stands at 1-10 and has something to prove back up in grade after 285 days off; cheekpieces removed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(1)

10th Sep 2023

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

14:45 York

Tendentious

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Began the season with two heavy defeats but he bounced back to form when scoring at Redcar a fortnight ago (1m6f, good to firm; cheekpieces back on); consistency hasn't been his strong suit so no guarantee he'll be in the same form; non-runner at Thirsk yesterday.

2/1

1st

7

(3)

26th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

1m 5f 218y

Class 5

18:30 Redcar

Tendentious

9st 3lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Sole win came at Doncaster (2m Class 5, good to firm) in April 2022, although he did also go close at Thirsk (2m) later in the season; bit to prove after finishing down the field in his two outings this year.

20/1

Form: 117-83 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Won three of his first five handicaps last summer and last success was off 2lb lower at Lingfield (2m, AW); lost his way with two major blowouts but he turned things around with a staying-on third at Newmarket (2m, good to soft) two weeks ago; that was much more like it and has claims if he can build on that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

11th Oct 2023

Good

2m 0f 178y

Class 4

14:20 Sedgefield

At The Double

11st 3lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Adam Nicol

took keen hold, prominent, awkward jump and dropped to rear 1st, detached 3rd, soon struggling

16/1

6th

4

(5)

20th Aug 2023

Good

2m 1f 27y

Class 5

16:00 Pontefract

At The Double

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Adam Nicol

Won three of his first five handicaps (1m6f-2m) last summer in these colours when trained by Sir Mark Prescott; a 4l third over 2m at Newmarket in June divides two complete no-shows and it's not clear what to expect.

8/1

8th

9

(7)

15th Jul 2023

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:55 York

At The Double

8st 10lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

raced in last, pushed along before halfway, struggling and reminders 6f out

7/1

16/1

Form: 480135

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Won at Musselburgh (12.4f, good) last month but she was only fifth of six in a Class 4 event at Ayr (1m2f, good to soft) last week; looks weighted near her best off this sort of mark and she goes into unknown territory on this step up to 2m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(5)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 6

17:22 Hamilton

Sophiesticate

9st 9lb

J: Kyle McHugh

T: R Mike Smith

Below par on final two starts last year and same story on recent reappearance over 1m at Ayr; however, she's back up to a more suitable trip today and is 6lb below her last winning mark; not written off.

14/1

7th

6

(6)

20th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

17:15 Ayr

Sophiesticate

9st 6lb

J: Joe Bradnam

T: R Mike Smith

Campaigned mostly at longer trips (stays 12.5f) and offered little back over 1m at Newcastle in early December.

33/1

7

(2)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

13:40 Ayr

Sophiesticate

9st 2lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

C&D winner who was on the scoresheet at Musselburgh (1m4f, good) in August; ran okay when third over C&D (soft) nine days ago but was no match for the first two (including Cisco Disco); needs something extra.

9/1

OUR TIP

9/1

Form: 0-5544

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Has ordinary strike-rate of 3-45 but she's a generally reliable type who ran into some trouble before staying on well to finish fourth at Newmarket (1m6f, good) last time; could be dangerous on this step back up in trip and she won't mind what the weather does.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

18

2nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

2m 4f 97y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Single

8st 9lb

J: David Probert

T: Jack Channon

Not proven over this far (stiff tasks at 2m5f); won at Nottingham (1m6f) in June; not quite so potent in her three runs since and although she's a highly consistent sort, effective at this track, her strike-rate is just 4-50.

33/1

6th

6

(3)

19th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 61y

Class 3

16:45 Newbury

Single

9st 0lb

J: David Probert

T: Jack Channon

Won six-runner handicap on reappearance at Nottingham last month (1m6f, good to firm; from 3lb lower); however, she's been soundly beaten the next twice and needs to raise her game today.

16/1

8th

2

(3)

29th Jun 2024

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:35 Newcastle (AW)

Single

9st 12lb

J: David Probert

T: Jack Channon

Faces a tough task under 5lb penalty for Nottingham reappearance win (penultimate start) and has not raced on AW for over three years; effectively back on a career-high mark; opposed.

16/1

Form: 745254

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(4)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 16y

Class 5

16:51 Hamilton

Glasses Up

8st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: R Mike Smith

11yo who was a close third over 1m1f at Ayr two starts ago and is versatile trip-wise; however, Ayr brings out the best in him and he was well beaten at Musselburgh last time; 0-4 here, with last visit coming last June.

25/1

5th

3

(5)

21st May 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 6

15:50 Musselburgh

Glasses Up

9st 8lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who has won at this track but who is better known for his exploits at Ayr; solid third at that track 16 days ago (1m1f, good to firm); shouldn't be far away if backing it up.

4/1

3rd

7

(3)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 20y

Class 6

15:30 Ayr

Glasses Up

9st 3lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who has won 11 times here, including three last year (1m2f/1m5f); on a good mark and should come on for his run at Musselburgh last week; contender.

13/2

Form: /111-5 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 8st 8lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

10

(11)

5th Dec 2023

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 5

15:05 Lingfield (AW)

Kalamity Kitty

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ed de Giles

Yet to win this year but there has been a recent upturn in her form, and she would probably have preferred a stronger pace to aim at when a staying-on second behind Fair Dinkum over C&D last month; up in grade today but has the services of Oisin Murphy; shortlisted.

6/1

2nd

4

(9)

18th Nov 2023

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 6

12:16 Lingfield (AW)

Kalamity Kitty

9st 11lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Ed de Giles

dwelt start, in rear

13/2

4th

6

(2)

2nd Nov 2023

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 5

15:20 Wolverhampton (AW)

Kalamity Kitty

9st 4lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Ed de Giles

Won all three races last season but seems badly to have lost her way since an encouraging reappearance in June; leap of faith is required to support her at present.

20/1

Non-runners

Single, Glasses Up, Kalamity Kitty

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £14.40
Straight Forecast £12.33
Tricast £67.57
Trifecta £76.70

Selections

POSTDATA:

Single

SPOTLIGHT:

Robert Johnson

TOPSPEED:

Hellenista

The Times:

Sharp Distinction

NEWMARKET:

At The Double

Daily Mirror:

Malakahna

RP RATINGS:

Kalamity Kitty

D Express:

Land Of Winter

The Star:

Robert Johnson

Daily Record:

Robert Johnson

The Sun:

Hellenista

Telegraph:

Single

The Guardian:

Single

Daily Mail:

Single