August 23 / 16.10 York

16.10

Good

Sky Bet Stayers Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

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

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.00
  • Place: £3.15

Form: 3-5772 C

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Dropped from Class 2 to Class 4 when front-running second of seven at Hamilton (1m5f, heavy; acts on good to firm) 18 days ago, his best run this season and his stiffest test of stamina; fully effective at this track but the new trip is a step in the dark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(3)

15th Jun 2025

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:45 Hamilton

Forza Orta

8st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

Disappointing sort who ended up 12l behind King's Scholar here last time, following wind surgery; now has a tongue-tie (tried on final start last term) and first-time blinkers.

25/1

2

(14)

28th May 2025

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

16:30 Hamilton

Forza Orta

9st 6lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

0-7 last year and has weakened quickly on both runs this term; however, a wind operation may have done the trick and his good course form and a dangerous mark suggest he's worth a second look.

12/1

2

(14)

28th May 2025

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

16:30 Hamilton

Forza Orta

9st 6lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

0-7 last year and has weakened quickly on both runs this term; however, a wind operation may have done the trick and his good course form and a dangerous mark suggest he's worth a second look.

12/1

OUR TIP

6/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 416633 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Won twice (1m4f/2m) on Kempton AW early this year; very good third in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW) and creditable third off this mark in a warm race at Newbury (2m, good; unraced on good to firm) three weeks later; while a bit extra is required to win this, he needs respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(4)

10th May 2024

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:40 Chester

Aztec Empire

8st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Dual Polytrack winner; won just the second of his eight handicaps but clocked up two placings in hot 2m races on good or good to firm last summer (neck second to Forza Orta at York) before a disappointing show in September when last seen; gelded since; seriously involved if back to form and it looks like he'll have his ground; in the mix.

11/2

4th

9

(4)

10th May 2024

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:40 Chester

Aztec Empire

8st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Dual Polytrack winner; won just the second of his eight handicaps but clocked up two placings in hot 2m races on good or good to firm last summer (neck second to Forza Orta at York) before a disappointing show in September when last seen; gelded since; seriously involved if back to form and it looks like he'll have his ground; in the mix.

11/2

12/1

  • Place: £4.15

Form: 476194 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
In career-best form this season, notably from the front when winning at Haydock (2m, good to firm) in May and fourth of 13 off this career-high mark at Newbury (2m, good) on latest start; it may be asking a bit much for him to see off all of today's rivals, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

21st Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

17:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Solent Gateway

11st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Four-time Flat winner; got off the mark over hurdles on his sixth attempt when making all over C&D (good) 15 days ago with first-time blinkers (retained) replacing cheekpieces; has solid claims to defy penalty.

8/13

1st

4

6th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

13:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Solent Gateway

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Four-time Flat winner who was placed on the last four of his five hurdling starts, most recently when close second in Sedgefield maiden (2m4f, good) last month; should be fine over today's shorter trip and has another big role to play; swaps usual cheekpieces for first-time blinkers.

7/4

2nd

3

13th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

18:10 Sedgefield

Solent Gateway

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

led, joined when not fluent last, soon headed, kept on

5/4

Form: -77220 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Remote behind two of these over 2m4f at Goodwood latest, a worry as he had soft-ground form previously; stays 2m well, as shown when second at Goodwood (good to firm) and Newcastle (AW) this summer, which was up with his best form but he needs a bit extra to win this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

1st Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 3

16:28 Warwick

Mostly Sunny

11st 12lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Consistent gelding who ran up to his best when third in a Class 2 handicap over this trip at Newton Abbot in August (2m5f); unlikely to be far away.

4/1

6

30th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 2

16:30 Newton Abbot

Mostly Sunny

10st 9lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Dan Skelton

Collected a good prize at Plumpton (2m4f, good) in April and has made the frame on all fourth subsequent appearances; can cope if the ground softens here and will probably be on the premises again.

8/1

Form: 590344

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Effective at 1m4f-1m6f with varied tactics but unraced beyond that; got near his best form only once (three runs back, in small field) from four starts this summer but he is now 5lb lower than his last winning mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Worcester

Charging Thunder

11st 13lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: James Owen

Dual hurdle winner who is 0-4 in handicaps; however, he should be on a fair mark given the level of his Flat ability and he ran quite well in a valuable Newmarket handicap at the Guineas meeting; player.

9/4

7th

9

(8)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Charging Thunder

8st 10lb

J: Luke Morris

T: James Owen

Had underwhelming hurdle and AW campaigns before his second of five when returned to Flat turf at Beverley (2m) 18 days ago; this demands markedly better and his 2024 and 2025 turf records aren't that persuasive.

25/1

2nd

1

(3)

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 32y

Class 3

16:00 Beverley

Charging Thunder

10st 0lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: James Owen

Second to Sax Appeal over C&D and successful over 1m6f at Wolverhampton (both off 2lb higher than today) last July; it's hard to be enthused by his more recent efforts, including well held at Newcastle on Good Friday, but this is a much less competitive scenario.

4/1

6/1

Form: -21081

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Led in the final stride for 2m hurdles win in March and asserted late on for Flat wins over 2m1f at Killarney in May and 1m6f at the Curragh (good; unraced on good to firm) ten days ago; it hasn't all gone smoothly but he now looks like a stayer with potential, one to note despite 5lb penalty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

(13)

5th Sep 2025

Good

2m 2f 141y

18:24 Down Royal

Grappa Nonino

9st 7lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: D K Weld

Three Flat wins include over 2m1f at Killarney and more recently 2m AW success in March; back from a break with encouraging third (Party Dress second) in Leopardstown lady riders' handicap last month; one to consider.

9/1

3rd

4

(5)

7th Aug 2025

Good

1m 7f 0y

20:25 Leopardstown

Grappa Nonino

11st 11lb

J: Miss Sara Horcajada

T: D K Weld

Dual-purpose gelding snapped a long losing run at Dundalk (2m) in March; seen just twice since and has failed to replicate that effort; questions to answer for now.

9/1

13

(23)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

17:05 Navan

Grappa Nonino

9st 9lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: D K Weld

Strong stayer has won at up to 2m1f; got the better of Palamon by 1.5l over 2m on AW in March but was well behind that rival from 8lb worse off at Gowran on latest; might prefer further than this these days.

16/1

11/2

Form: 3113-0

Last run: 87 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Unraced on firmer than good; four turf wins in France up to 10.5f (stayed 1m4f); showed promise in three maiden hurdles for this yard last winter and also when never-dangerous 12th of 18 in Flat handicap at the Curragh (1m6f, good) in May; needs a second look for trainer who won this race in 2015 and has Ryan Moore booked.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

(9)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Zanndabad

8st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: A J Martin

An unlucky, strong-finishing third in this race in 2024 (good to firm; his only run here) and has a 1lb lower mark today; flickers of that ability on occasions since, though had to have his sights lowered for two hurdle wins last autumn; tailed off at 40-1 in a Grade 1 novice hurdle four weeks ago, after a winter break, and could be more interesting this time.

12/1

10th

11

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:55 Aintree

Zanndabad

11st 7lb

J: Daniel King

T: A J Martin

Won four-runner handicap at Sedgefield (2m4f, good) last October and followed up in a warm Newcastle novice (2m6f, good to soft), again with plenty in hand; he's useful on the Flat and could have more to offer in this code now things have started to click, but such improvement is necessary.

33/1

1

19th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 3

16:41 Sedgefield

Zanndabad

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: A J Martin

No win since 2022 in his French days but some good runs in defeat in big Flat handicaps, including last year's Chester Cup and a 1m4f race at York this August; he's a rather frustrating 0-9 over hurdles, with four seconds including on three of his last four attempts, but this is a drop in class.

15/8

28/1

Form: 513970 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
First and third in 2m Goodwood handicaps before finishing last in the Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot and he's not regained his form in his two starts since; therefore has a question to answer at present.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(10)

29th Mar 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 3

15:15 Lingfield (AW)

First Emperor

9st 6lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: John Ryan

Some creditable efforts over 2m this year and he wasn't far behind Red Flyer in a Class 2 over C&D (sixth of 13) last time; his losing run is mounting up but he's edging down the weights and could go well on this drop back in grade.

14/1

6th

13

(7)

1st Mar 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 2

15:47 Lingfield (AW)

First Emperor

8st 11lb

J: Luke Morris

T: John Ryan

pushed along soon after start, towards rear after 2f

16/1

3rd

5

(4)

24th Feb 2024

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

17:05 Southwell (AW)

First Emperor

9st 9lb

J: Luke Morris

T: John Ryan

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, headway over 3f out, soon outpaced, rallied from 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, went third towards finish, not pace to challenge

16/1

8/1

Form: 32-613

Last run: 19 days

W: 8st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Ages since his only two runs on good to firm; came from even further back than Robert Johnson when third of 17 off this mark at Goodwood (2m4f, soft) 19 days ago, his best Flat form; needs better still but one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

31st Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 2

15:55 Newton Abbot

Tronador

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

in touch with leaders, not fluent 6th

12/1

16th

19

2nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

2m 4f 97y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Tronador

8st 6lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Olly Murphy

Ex-Gordon Elliott, third in this race last year from out the back off 2lb higher; won over hurdles in May on debut for Olly Murphy and not disgraced here next time, before a poor show over hurdles 25 days ago; not impossible if that latest run can be forgiven.

18/1

10th

2

8th Jul 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Worcester

Tronador

11st 10lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

sweating, took keen hold, held up in rear, not fluent 7th, no impression from 4 out

6/1

25/1

Form: 412350

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
1m5f winner at Hamilton in June and career-best form when pipped over 1m4f next time, both on good to firm; a little below that level on his next two starts, before tailed off on heavy ground at Goodwood (1m6f) latest; he'd won his only other attempt over 1m6f (last September) and stamina seemed to win it for him that day, so he's quite interesting given this new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(5)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:35 Hamilton

La Pulga

9st 8lb

J: Archie Young

T: Charlie Johnston

Front-runner who has been keeping busy, winning at Newcastle (1m4f, AW) last month and going close on two of his three starts since, most recently beaten half a length at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm); has won here and is capable of another bold bid.

7/1

3

(6)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

La Pulga

9st 13lb

J: Hugh Bowman

T: Charlie Johnston

Usually front-runs; never better than with his first and second at the end of last month, which were on AW however and his top four RPRs have now been registered in that sphere; something to find on turf, including as he was third here (1m6f, good to firm) earlier in July but is now 7lb higher and he dropped out at Chepstow on Thursday.

5/1

10/1

Form: -07582 C

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Easily his best run this season came on latest start when second of 11 at Yarmouth (1m6f, good to soft) off a career-low mark; back up 2lb, which still leaves him well treated on peak 2022 efforts (including on good to firm) but his three attempts at 2m+ don't rank among his best shows.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(4)

5th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 6

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Haliphon

9st 6lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

0-17 on AW but he returned to form with a staying-on third here (1m6f) last month; now drops back in trip but he's 1lb lower than last time and has possibilities if this sets up for his closing style; visor reapplied.

9/2

3rd

2

(7)

20th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 6

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Haliphon

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

On losing run and 0-16 on AW, unable to justify favouritism at Chelmsford 12 days ago; another 2lb lower today and too much ability to discount.

9/2

Form: 141112 CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Has stormed through the ranks in handicaps this season, winning five; last two wins were over 2m at Musselburgh (good to firm) and York (good to soft) before his strength in stamina became even more evident with his never-nearer second of 17 over 2m4f at Glorious Goodwood (soft); up another 4lb but he's made almost relentless progress on turf this year.
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

14/1

Form: 407703

Last run: 39 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Has had different trainers as 2yo, 3yo and now 4yo; failed to shine this year at Meydan (four runs) or back in Britain (four) but has sunk in the weights and there were hints lately of him getting more competitive; worth this second go at 2m judged on his 1m6f Ascot performance last time but cheekpieces have seen him well beaten on both previous appearances.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

29th May 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

18:05 Wolverhampton (AW)

Green Team

10st 7lb

J: Miss Grace Littmoden

T: Nick Littmoden

A three-time winner (including over C&D) in 2025 for Ian Williams; in good nick for his present yard too, fourth of eight in 1m3f Southwell handicap eight days ago; not out of things.

12/1

4th

4

(7)

21st May 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 5

17:23 Southwell (AW)

Green Team

10st 8lb

J: Miss Grace Littmoden

T: Nick Littmoden

On the downgrade in recent times for Ian Williams, from whom he was picked up for 7,500gns last month; just a fair debut for his new yard recently and this trip is a bare minimum these days.

12/1

4th

4

(9)

11th May 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Green Team

9st 6lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Nick Littmoden

On the downgrade in recent times for Ian Williams, from whom he was picked up for 7,500gns last month, his latest second coming in a messy, small-field affair; decent record here, though, and is one to consider under regular partner Billy Loughnane.

7/1

Form: 7-9300 D

Last run: 53 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Best on good or good to firm; rarely that competitive these days, with his latest win coming under Jamie Spencer at the Shergar Cup last August off 2lb higher; comparable form when third this May and not disgraced in his two top handicaps since; others look more solid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

5

(13)

23rd Aug 2023

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Themaxwecan

9st 7lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Charlie Johnston

always behind, lost action and pulled up quickly home turn

14/1

6

(1)

14th Jul 2023

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Themaxwecan

8st 13lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Charlie Johnston

Best on good or good to firm; 1lb lower than when winning over 2m at Ascot last August; comparable form when third this May and not disgraced in his two top handicaps since; however, he does not appear the percentage call and perhaps it's clutching at straws that a new jockey (as he has in today's race) has coincided with most of his wins.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £70.20
Straight Forecast £33.64
Tricast £402.68
Trifecta £717.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Grappa Nonino

Daily Mail:

Robert Johnson

The Times:

Aztec Empire

D Express:

Green Team

POSTDATA:

Solent Gateway

RP RATINGS:

Themaxwecan

TOPSPEED:

Grappa Nonino

Telegraph:

Grappa Nonino

The Guardian:

Grappa Nonino

The Sun:

Grappa Nonino

Daily Record:

Grappa Nonino

Daily Mirror:

Robert Johnson

The Star:

Robert Johnson