16.50
Good To SoftJohn Smith’s Stayers’ Handicap
- Prize money: £10729.7
- 2m 0f 56y
- Class 4
- 14 runners
Runners: 14 runners
Type: Flat Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Showers
14/1 (Won)
Form: 3-4859 D
Last run: 14 days
W: 9st 5lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 76
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 6 (2) |
4th Sep 2026 Soft 1m 6f 0y Class 5 |
9st 7lb |
Dual winner here (1m4f/2m, soft and heavy) although he was only fifth behind Gentle Warrior in this race last year; generally campaigned over further these days and a falling mark/return to soft ground did the trick when scoring with authority over 2m at Ripon (well backed) on Tuesday; 4lb penalty wouldn't have stopped him then and it might not now. |
7/4 |
|
1st 2 (5) |
1st Sep 2026 Good 2m 0f 0y Class 6 |
10st 0lb |
5-46, but without a win since July 2024 (York); runner-up in added cheekpieces at Catterick (2m, good) in May; soundly beaten at Pontefract (2m1f; beaten 22l) three months ago; mark continues to ease; this stablemate of Bollin Neil has questions to answer. |
5/1 |
|
6th 3 (4) |
8th Jun 2026 Good 2m 1f 27y Class 6 |
9st 7lb |
Should be well handicapped and has run well in defeat with cheekpieces added (joining regular tongue-tie) in last two races, behind Laravie in the penultimate one; surprising to see the blinkers back on. |
11/2 |
12/1
Form: 63-273 D
Last run: 20 days
W: 8st 13lb
6 yo Filly
OR: 70
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 3 (7) |
29th Aug 2026 Good 1m 4f 23y Class 5 |
9st 11lb |
She recorded the latest of her six wins when readily taking five-runner Carlisle handicap (1m3f, good) last month; not disgraced at York over an extended 2m on her next two starts and now drops back in trip and grade; acts on most ground and warrants consideration. |
8/1 |
|
6th 9 (9) |
24th Jul 2026 Good To Firm 2m 0f 56y Class 4 |
9st 0lb |
Behind a couple of these when fourth over C&D (good to firm) a fortnight ago but that was still a respectable run and she won at Carlisle (1m3f, good) prior to that; went close in this race in 2024; not ruled out. |
14/1 |
|
4th 6 (11) |
11th Jul 2026 Good To Firm 2m 0f 56y Class 4 |
9st 0lb |
Five-runner race at Carlisle (1m3f) last Saturday was first win since 2023 and she's a dependable sort who finished a C&D second (twice) and fourth in July 2024 and 2025 on her only three appearances at York; going back up 5lb since Carlisle seems to pose the difficulty but she should be on the premises. |
13/2 |
9/2
Form: -68411
Last run: 27 days
W: 9st 0lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 71
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 3 (5) |
16th Aug 2026 Good To Firm 2m 1f 27y Class 3 |
9st 10lb |
Ridden this season by Lauren Young; won at Musselburgh (1m4f) and Hamilton (1m3f) on first two starts, with a good third at Thirsk (1m4f) next time, all on good ground; shaped as if still in form in a steadily run race on latest outing; this good season (better than 2025) has been over much shorter but he did win this race on good to firm in 2024; not dismissed. |
7/2 |
|
6th 10 (12) |
20th Jun 2026 Good 1m 5f 26y Class 2 |
8st 8lb |
He's reappeared in rude health this year with wins under Lauren Young at Musselburgh (1m4f, good) and Hamilton (1m3f, good) before good third at Thirsk (1m4f, good) last time; he'll be fine at this longer trip, and also if slow ground prevails; could be bang there. |
8/1 |
9/1
Form: /700-9
Last run: 15 days
W: 9st 10lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 81
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 5 (8) |
28th Feb 2025 Standard 1m 7f 169y Class 2 |
8st 10lb |
held up in rear, bit short of room when headway over 2f out, hung left over 1f out, no impression |
20/1 |
|
5th 5 (5) |
7th Feb 2025 Standard 2m 0f 0y |
9st 4lb |
prominent on inner, weakened on far side of group over 1f out |
10/1 |
|
5th 5 (5) |
7th Feb 2025 Standard 2m 0f 0y |
9st 4lb |
prominent on inner, weakened on far side of group over 1f out |
10/1 |
20/1
Form: -15734 BF
Last run: 21 days
W: 8st 10lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 67
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 4 (8) |
27th Aug 2026 Good 2m 0f 0y Class 6 |
10st 0lb |
Second to Golden Flame over C&D (good) before doing some hanging on fast ground at Nottingham; any rain would aid his chance. |
9/2 |
|
3rd 2 (4) |
17th Jul 2026 Good To Firm 2m 1f 208y Class 5 |
9st 7lb |
Adaptable regarding ground and tactics; this looks less competitive than the Ffos Las 0-65 in which he finished second last time (hampered; two of these behind) and his claims are obvious. |
7/4 |
|
2nd 2 (2) |
30th Jun 2026 Good To Firm 2m 0f 0y Class 6 |
9st 8lb |
Done a lot of his winning later in the year but offered more in the returning blinkers last time, back from a couple of months off; boasts a decent record when dipping below 0-70 company and won't mind any rain. |
5/1 |
20/1
Form: 8-7205
Last run: 14 days
W: 8st 11lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 68
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 4 (5) |
1st Sep 2026 Standard 1m 4f 51y Class 6 |
9st 6lb |
Regressive 6yo who is now 0-6 since joining this yard; others look more likely. |
8/1 |
|
4th 2 (4) |
12th Aug 2026 Good 1m 3f 209y Class 6 |
10st 2lb |
Regressive 6yo who managed only third of four over C&D (good; first-time tongue-tie) last month and is now 0-5 for his new stable this year; cheekpieces (no obvious effect when used twice last season) are given another whirl; revival needed. |
12/1 |
|
3rd 2 (1) |
14th Jul 2026 Good 1m 3f 209y Class 5 |
9st 12lb |
On a good mark and knows how to win; however, three of his four runs since a break have been underwhelming. |
13/2 |
14/1
Form: 131464 D
Last run: 16 days
W: 9st 4lb
4 yo Filly
OR: 75
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 (1) |
16th Aug 2025 Good 1m 4f 10y Class 5 |
10st 2lb |
Won four times for David O'Meara last year (1m6f-2m) but has been out of form for new stable this season and is not sure to be ideally suited by today's drop back in trip; considered only if lively in the betting. |
10/1 |
|
3 (6) |
12th Jul 2025 Good 2m 0f 56y Class 4 |
9st 2lb |
Yet to strike form after three runs for new stable this year but now 1lb lower than when winning over C&D (good to firm) for David O'Meara just under a year ago; usually ridden patiently; revival possible. |
20/1 |
|
13 (2) |
28th Jun 2025 Standard 2m 0f 56y Class 2 |
9st 0lb |
Four wins for David O'Meara last year (2m/1m6f), two on Tapeta, and she's on a competitive mark on her best form; the step back up in trip may help but she's not easy to fancy judged on this year's two runs. |
40/1 |
10/1
Form: 634251
Last run: 24 days
W: 8st 11lb
4 yo Filly
OR: 68
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 5 (9) |
10th Aug 2026 Standard To Slow 1m 7f 218y Class 4 |
9st 11lb |
Record of 6-25 on turf but 0-10 on the AW; this year started off okay but after predictably struggling in a Group 3 she's disappointed in a couple of handicaps; needs to get back on track. |
33/1 |
|
9th 1 (9) |
11th Jul 2026 Good To Firm 2m 0f 56y Class 4 |
9st 11lb |
Three wins last summer included two over C&D; started this season in good form but well beaten on last two outings when back to York for a Group 3 and, more worryingly, a 1m6f handicap; off 2lb higher than her last winning mark, she'll have a shout if returning to her best. |
12/1 |
14/1
Form: 222233
Last run: 7 days
W: 8st 6lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 63
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 1 |
28th Aug 2026 Good To Firm 2m 0f 178y Class 5 |
11st 12lb |
Campaigned exclusively on the Flat since 2024, beaten over 20l at Wolverhampton (1m6f, AW) latest; now 2lb lower than when third of 17 at Doncaster (2m, good) in January 2024; market check the best course of action. |
5/1 |
|
5th 1 (2) |
21st Jul 2026 Standard 1m 5f 219y Class 6 |
11st 2lb |
Three wins and two seconds to his name from ten runs over C&D but he's struggled this year; absent for ten weeks since hanging right on the home turn over C&D and others make more obvious appeal. |
10/1 |
12/1
Form: 4-3171 D
Last run: 16 days
W: 9st 2lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 73
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 1 (1) |
31st Aug 2026 Standard 1m 6f 21y Class 6 |
10st 0lb |
Back with his old yard following a spell in France and has run a couple of solid races in defeat for them off a career-low mark, albeit he's enjoyed the run of things each time; boasts a patchy record round here but enters calculations. |
5/2 |
|
2nd 2 (2) |
17th Aug 2026 Standard 1m 7f 169y Class 6 |
9st 9lb |
Rejoined Mick Appleby before reappearing with a good second at Yarmouth (1m6f, good) 12 days ago; has a patchy profile but he's on the same mark as last time and his last win was over nearly 2m in France (AW) in March; respected with Oisin Murphy booked. |
2/1 |
|
2nd 1 (7) |
5th Aug 2026 Good To Firm 1m 6f 17y Class 6 |
9st 9lb |
Only 1-16 on turf and 3-24 on the AW; well handicapped on his best form when previously with Mick Appleby and won over nearly 2m in France earlier this year; absent since April so market support would be welcomed. |
7/2 |
25/1
Form: /7/2/4 D
Last run: 20 days
W: 9st 10lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 81
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11th 3 (16) |
13th Jul 2024 Good To Soft 2m 0f 56y Class 4 |
9st 10lb |
prominent, led over 6f out, headed and lost ground quickly over 3f out |
25/1 |
|
4th 2 (2) |
23rd Jun 2024 Good 2m 2f 2y Class 4 |
9st 7lb |
Never figured over hurdles last month on stable debut and return from long absence; not seen on Flat since 2018; best watched. |
33/1 |
|
14th 1 |
8th May 2024 Good 2m 6f 151y Class 4 |
12st 1lb |
Easy win in a Newton Abbot seller (2m2f, good) for Dan Skelton in September 2022 but he's not been since then; well treated on his old handicap form but he's untried beyond 2m4f and has something to prove for new yard after a long absence. |
16/1 |
8/1
Form: 316633
Last run: 14 days
W: 9st 11lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 82
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12th 7 |
11th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 2m 0f 0y Class 3 |
10st 12lb |
in rear |
20/1 |
|
12th 7 |
11th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 2m 0f 0y Class 3 |
10st 12lb |
in rear |
20/1 |
40/1
Form: 3/53-6
Last run: 26 days
W: 8st 7lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 64
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9 (4) |
19th Sep 2024 Good 2m 1f 27y Class 5 |
9st 4lb |
held up in rear, weakened quickly and detached 5f out, pulled up 4f out |
6/1 |
|
2nd 2 (8) |
10th Aug 2024 Good To Firm 1m 5f 218y Class 6 |
9st 13lb |
Bumper winner who's regressed and only seen sporadically in recent times; came in for support over C&D last time, though, and worth considering down another 3lb in first-time headgear. |
10/1 |
|
6th 5 (6) |
21st Jul 2024 Good To Soft 1m 5f 218y Class 5 |
9st 2lb |
Won a bumper in 2021; 0-9 under Flat rules and absent 352 days before soundly beaten in his two runs (upped to 1m6f, then 2m) this summer; some 2022 form reads well but he has questions to answer at present. |
20/1 |
8/1
Form: -12612 D
Last run: 14 days
W: 8st 11lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 68
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 1 (9) |
13th Oct 2025 Good 1m 7f 217y Class 5 |
10st 2lb |
Gained most recent success off just 1lb lower in June (over 2m at Catterick); however, subsequent form (Flat/hurdles) is unconvincing. |
12/1 |
|
2 |
24th Sep 2025 Good To Soft 2m 7f 207y Class 5 |
11st 12lb |
Four-time Flat winner who got off the mark over hurdles at Carlisle (2m3f, good) in April; only 2lb higher today and could plausibly have untapped potential over this longer trip but disappointed on last two outings (hurdles/Flat) and arrives here with a point to prove. |
14/1 |
|
4 (4) |
1st Aug 2025 Standard 2m 0f 56y Class 5 |
9st 5lb |
Front-runner who has made all in all four of his victories on the Flat, including two over C&D; modest over hurdles 12 days ago but respected back here, especially as he may again enjoy the run of the race; new headgear combination. |
11/2 |
Non-runners
Duke Of Verona, Tailorman, Red Force One
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Straight Forecast | £85.25 |
| Tricast | £206.09 |
Selections
The Guardian:
Duke Of VeronaDaily Record:
Red Force One