July 15 / 15.10 York

15.10

Good

John Smith’s Cup Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

  • Prize money: £103080
  • 1m 2f 56y
  • Class 2
  • 23 runners
ITV
View Course
John Smith’s Cup Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Runners: 23 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

33/1 (Won)

  • Win: £19.10
  • Place: £4.00

Form: -14617 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Down the field in French Group 3 last time but form figures in handicaps since start of last season read 1211141, the turf wins coming on soft/good to soft; this front-runner could make a bold bid if conditions suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(6)

31st Dec 2024

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

13:44 Lingfield (AW)

Pride Of America

9st 10lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Amy Murphy

High-class handicap form in 2023 and rounded off that campaign with two good runs in Listed company; absent for 398 days before a low-key run at Newcastle 25 days ago; subsequent wind op (his fourth) suggests there was more to that than just needing the outing and cheekpieces are now added (worn once in 2020); chance if back to his best but a point to prove for now.

11/2

5th

3

(6)

31st Dec 2024

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

13:44 Lingfield (AW)

Pride Of America

9st 10lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Amy Murphy

High-class handicap form in 2023 and rounded off that campaign with two good runs in Listed company; absent for 398 days before a low-key run at Newcastle 25 days ago; subsequent wind op (his fourth) suggests there was more to that than just needing the outing and cheekpieces are now added (worn once in 2020); chance if back to his best but a point to prove for now.

11/2

9th

1

(8)

6th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

15:13 Newcastle (AW)

Pride Of America

10st 0lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Amy Murphy

Very useful performer whose overall strike-rate is 7-21 (3-6 on AW); landed a major 1m2f handicap on turf (off 1lb lower) in 2023 and went close in Listed grade when last seen 13 months ago; market instructive on belated reappearance.

6/1

16/1

  • Place: £8.90

Form: 460-40

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Horse

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Caught the eye with strong-finishing fourth here (1m, good to firm) on stable debut in May, when denied a clear run; however, he was down the field in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m, good) last month and weakened into midfield in this race in 2021 on his last attempt at this trip; unproven on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

2

(9)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Newmarket

Astro King

9st 11lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Excelled in top handicaps at York and Newmarket in 2023, including with a C&D win in the Cambridgeshire (good to firm; 3lb lower today); however, he only once threatened to hit those heights in 2024 and, after wind surgery, missed all of 2025; that leaves him with a 658-day absence to overcome but his handicap mark has been slashed.

40/1

12th

1

(14)

13th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Astro King

9st 13lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Has a very lofty mark and hasn't been at his best the last twice but he excelled in big-field handicaps last year, finishing second in this (good to soft) and posting wins over C&D (good to firm) and in the Cesarewitch (1m1f, good to firm; off 4lb lower); not necessarily handicapped out of things.

14/1

14/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 13-102 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Continued progressive ways with a win in April (1m2f, AW) and bounced back from Royal Ascot defeat with close second at Sandown (1m2f, good) last Saturday, faring best of those held up; same mark today and should have race run to suit; a possible if conditions are okay (unraced on slow ground).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(6)

9th Aug 2025

Good

1m 2f 100y

Class 1

15:00 Haydock

Haunted Dream

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Won a strong conditions event over 1m1f at Goodwood last year on good to firm but missed the same race last week when the rain arrived; career-best RPR when fourth in 1m2f Saudi Group 2 in February and although he came last to Haatem in Royal Ascot Listed race (second in it last year) in June, getting badly hampered accounts for that; major player if the ground is okay.

10/1

16th

10

(4)

17th Jun 2025

Good

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

17:35 Ascot

Haunted Dream

9st 5lb

J: Mickael Barzalona

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Edged out the same owner's Torito for second in this last year and recorded a career-best RPR when fourth in 1m2f Saudi Group 2 (good to firm) in February when last seen; another who has to enter the reckoning.

12/1

10/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: /18-01 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Impressed in novice events (1m/1m2f, AW/good) on first two starts and bounced back from two disappointing runs (1m2f, soft/good to firm) when easily making all at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) a fortnight ago; capitalised on an easy lead last time but this very lightly raced 4yo could have more to offer now things have clicked again, and he's ahead of the handicapper under a 5lb penalty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

14

(3)

15th Jul 2023

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Nobel

8st 9lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Andrew Balding

Impressed in novice events (1m/1m2f, AW/good) on first two starts and bounced back from two disappointing runs (1m2f, soft/good to firm) when easily making all at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) a fortnight ago; capitalised on an easy lead last time but this very lightly raced 4yo could have more to offer now things have clicked again, and he's ahead of the handicapper under a 5lb penalty.

10/1

1st

4

(6)

1st Jul 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 42y

Class 3

15:50 Newcastle (AW)

Nobel

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

made all, set steady pace, switched to centre 3f out, increased tempo and went clear over 1f out, soon ridden, kept on well, unchallenged

5/1

5

(6)

16th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

1m 1f 209y

Class 3

15:15 Sandown

Nobel

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Impressed in novice events on first two starts, latterly over 1m2f on good at Epsom last September; however, well beaten in Listed race at Newmarket (1m2f, soft) in October and tenth of 13 in handicap at York (1m2f, good to firm) four weeks ago; he was favourite in the latter, following wind surgery and with his tongue tied, but weakened in the final 2f; questions to answer.

5/1

Form: 2182/1 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Very lightly raced 6yo who returned from a long absence with an easy win in a first-time hood (retained) in a Class 4 at Chelmsford (1m2f, AW) 23 days ago; tougher opposition here but he's 9lb well in under a 5lb penalty and has shown promise on turf in the past (various ground); strong claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(11)

16th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 2f 50y

Class 3

15:45 Nottingham

Long Tradition

9st 7lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Saeed bin Suroor

Chelmsford win (1m2f, AW) in June 2023 after 607 days off is miles ahead of his other form; ridden that day by Christian Howarth and when respectable fifth of nine at Yarmouth last month following another long layoff; runner-up sole start on soft; not totally ruled out.

9/1

5th

3

(8)

18th Sep 2024

Good

1m 1f 21y

Class 3

16:05 Yarmouth

Long Tradition

9st 11lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Saeed bin Suroor

in touch with leaders

8/1

12/1

Form: -51652 C

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Smooth win in big field here (1m4f, good) in May and good second in the Old Newton Cup at Haydock (1m4f, good to firm); needs to prove he is fully effective at this trip (and slow ground would be another question mark) but there should be a competitive gallop, which will play to his strengths.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

5

(17)

14th Jun 2024

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Scampi

9st 3lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: Andrew Balding

Two good wins at 1m4f in 2023, impressing on this track (good) and just scraping home at Ascot (good to soft) in October; effective over C&D but he lacks a recent run and his time is more likely to come when back up in trip; hood refitted for the first time in 12 months.

14/1

4th

5

(10)

14th Oct 2023

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:35 York

Scampi

9st 6lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Andrew Balding

dwelt start, in touch with leaders

7/1

8/1

Form: /5475-

Last run: 227 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Ex-French 5yo who wasn't at his best last year; however, endured wide trip when not beaten far on stable debut at Lingfield (1m2f, AW) in November, and gelded since which could help him tap back into his 2021 promise, when third in the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club (10.5f, soft); very well handicapped on that form; sole runner for top trainer who has won three of the last 12 runnings, including in 2020 with one returning from an absence having been gelded.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(9)

13th Oct 2023

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

15:50 York

Millebosc

9st 0lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

He's not the force of old (third in the French Derby in 2021) but, having dropped down the weights, he went close at Haydock (1m, heavy) a fortnight ago; testing ground may suit best but that's not guaranteed; a contender if backing up that latest performance.

7/1

2nd

11

(6)

30th Sep 2023

Soft

0m 7f 212y

Class 2

16:25 Haydock

Millebosc

9st 3lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Very smart as 3yo (third in French Derby); some initial promise for this yard but his recent efforts have been less encouraging, finishing sixth of eight over 1m2f at Newbury (heavy) last weekend.

16/1

6th

3

(4)

23rd Sep 2023

Heavy

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Newbury

Millebosc

9st 3lb

J: James Doyle

T: William Haggas

led, headed over 2f out, weakened gradually over 1f out

11/1

8th
11 (21)

9/1

Form: 2412-3 CD

Last run: 57 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Did well in fast-ground C&D handicaps last summer, finishing a close fourth in this and winning next time; reappeared with close third to Marhaba The Champ over C&D (good to firm) in May; effective on slow ground in the past; could have more to offer and every chance he'll be in the shake-up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

12/1

Form: 209027

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Short-headed at Meydan (1m2f, soft) in January and Chelmsford (1m2f, AW) last month; again ran well when close seventh in the Duke Of Edinburgh (1m4f, good to firm) at Royal Ascot last time, when losing places close home having failed to settle early; could be in the mix now back down in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

50/1

Form: 130-86 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
No impact when mid-division back on the Flat the last twice (1m4f/1m2f) and he's hard to fancy on that recent evidence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(4)

29th Dec 2023

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 2

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Postmark

8st 12lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Anthony Charlton

led, headed and raced in second after 2f

14/1

3rd

3

(2)

14th Dec 2023

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Postmark

9st 4lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Anthony Charlton

The handicapper was in command on the Flat this summer and although his latest hurdle second (October) was respectable, he will need to raise his game to win here.

14/1

2nd

4

17th Oct 2023

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

17:00 Huntingdon

Postmark

11st 9lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Milton Harris

in touch with leaders, pushed along before 2 out, ridden and kept on run-in, no match for winner

15/2

25/1

Form: 03-730 C

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
7yo who has the same mark as when midfield in this race last year; however, he was runner-up in 2020 (good ground) and won a Group 3 here that August; encouraging third in Chester handicap (10.3f, soft) two starts ago and had an excuse at Royal Ascot latest (badly hampered early); not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(8)

22nd May 2026

Soft

1m 1f 197y

Class 1

16:17 Goodwood

Certain Lad

9st 3lb

J: George Bass

T: Jack Channon

Multiple winner down the years but 2025 figures suggest age may be catching up with him to some degree; hasn't won a domestic race since 2023 and it's an even longer time since he made a successful seasonal debut.

14/1

3

(3)

19th Oct 2025

Yielding

1m 2f 0y

15:26 Leopardstown

Certain Lad

9st 7lb

J: George Bass

T: Jack Channon

Strike rate of 11-49 reads well although hasn't won in over a year and this season has been restricted by quick ground; had his favoured soft ground but still good bit below best at Ayr last month so must be doubtful he can run to current mark and ideally wants a bit further.

8/1

3

(1)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Ayr

Certain Lad

9st 5lb

J: George Bass

T: Jack Channon

9yo whose form has been mixed across three starts this year; however, they've all been on good ground and his last five wins have come on good to soft and slower ground, the latest a Group 3 at Longchamp (1m2f, soft) last September; could bounce back with a big run if conditions are in his favour.

6/1

12th
21 (1)
Faylaq

18/1

Form: 20-233

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Ran a cracker when upped to 2m and third in the Northumberland Plate consolation race at Newcastle (AW) a fortnight ago; much shorter distance today but trainer's horses are often versatile trip-wise and he was a close second of 16 over C&D (good to soft) last October; possible each-way player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(8)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:35 Hamilton

Faylaq

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

9yo who was well beaten in the John Smith's Cup at York last month but won two in a row here (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and continued in good form until his blip last time; not ruled out now back here.

12/1

9

(12)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Faylaq

9st 4lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Two wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and creditable fifth in the Northumberland Plate a fortnight ago (2m, AW); he's a 9yo who has never won off a mark this high but is versatile in terms of trip and ran well over C&D last month; not ruled out each-way.

22/1

5th

7

(2)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Faylaq

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Third and sixth in last two runnings of the C&D Vase on this card; in the groove with successive wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f) this May; however, he's been held off this mark when back up to Class 2 in his three starts since, still in form but suggesting that others will have the edge today.

18/1

13/2

Form: 379-92

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
With these blinkers applied he returned to form when second of 30 in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m, good) on his second start for this yard; able to run off the same mark today (due a 4lb rise) and he was third in the Listed Dee Stakes over 10.3f (good to soft) last May; respected now back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(2)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Goodwood

Sonny Liston

9st 7lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Acts on soft and good to firm; has the makings of a Group performer judged on his smart handicap form this term, notably close second off top weight in the Royal Hunt Cup; prominent for a long way in the Sussex Stakes over C&D most recently, fading only inside the final furlong; major player back down in class.

7/2

5th

3

(5)

31st Jul 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Sonny Liston

9st 10lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

pressed leader

20/1

6th

8

(5)

13th Jul 2024

Soft

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:20 Ascot

Sonny Liston

9st 3lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Ralph Beckett

held up in rear, some headway 2f out, no extra from 1f out

3/1

14/1

Form: -49424 BF

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Won the Cambridgeshire (1m1f, good) last September and has run well in defeat in competitive handicaps on his last three starts, including over C&D (good to firm); versatile ground-wise and has each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(6)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 15y

Class 3

19:15 Hamilton

Majestic

9st 6lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Jack Channon

Went close when returned to Britain at Goodwood (1m4f, good to firm) last August but towards the rear on all four starts since, latest when back on good ground 13 days ago; coming down the weights but best watched at present.

12/1

7th

4

(6)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

16:00 Goodwood

Majestic

9st 3lb

J: George Bass

T: Jack Channon

Very useful winner at his best; posted a good third over 1m4f here in August but below par on softer ground subsequently; not dismissed off a reduced mark on his return.

25/1

3

(10)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 2f 43y

Class 2

16:25 Doncaster

Majestic

9st 7lb

J: Rose Dawes

T: Jack Channon

Well beaten when upped to 13.2f at Newbury last month but showed spark when close third of seven in slowly run race at Goodwood (1m4f, good to firm) previously; his handicap wins have come at 1m1f/1m2f and he seems versatile ground-wise; not ruled out now back down in trip.

20/1

Form: -11457 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Second in this in 2021 and ninth last year; kicked off this campaign with two front-running wins at Ripon (1m2f, soft/good to firm) but unplaced on his three runs since and is 2lb out of the handicap; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(5)

11th May 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

15:25 Newcastle (AW)

Cockalorum

9st 5lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Roger Fell

10yo with a 9-57 record on turf compared to 0-9 (three seconds) on AW; still a force on turf last season (won off 5lb higher) and 2025 reappearance was okay but he took a backward step at Ripon next time.

16/1

4th

5

(5)

11th May 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

15:25 Newcastle (AW)

Cockalorum

9st 5lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Roger Fell

10yo with a 9-57 record on turf compared to 0-9 (three seconds) on AW; still a force on turf last season (won off 5lb higher) and 2025 reappearance was okay but he took a backward step at Ripon next time.

16/1

6th

11

(2)

17th Apr 2025

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 4

16:15 Ripon

Cockalorum

9st 1lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Roger Fell

in touch with leaders, weakened over 1f out

10/1

Form: 600526

Last run: 42 days

W: 8st 12lb

7 yo Horse

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Popped up with a neck second to Marhaba The Champ over C&D (good to firm) in May, when making the running at 33-1; however, this 7yo has been inconsistent this year and his losing run goes back 27 races to July 2021; soundly beaten in this race last season; slow ground would be a concern.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(6)

14th Oct 2023

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:45 York

Maries Diamond

10st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

led, headed under 3f out, kept on until no extra inside final 110yds

20/1

10th

2

(4)

7th Sep 2023

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 3

19:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Maries Diamond

9st 8lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Ran a cracker from the front at York in May (extended 1m2f) and he turns up here off a 7lb lower mark after some struggles in classy company; ran well in one start at this track and a more positive showing is expected in this weaker race.

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1922-1 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on final two starts last season (1m2f/1m3f, good/AW) and improved form when readily winning six-runner Class 3 at Lingfield (1m2f, AW) last month; unraced on slow ground; this is much tougher but this lightly raced 4yo is ahead of the handicapper under a 5lb penalty; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(10)

29th Sep 2023

Standard

1m 2f 150y

18:45 Dundalk (AW)

Sea The Casper

9st 7lb

J: Ross Coakley

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Four-time winner, including twice on the AW in UK; held in this grade at Windsor last time but can do better back to this surface.

13/2

6th

4

(1)

26th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

1m 3f 99y

Class 1

18:20 Windsor

Sea The Casper

9st 7lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Record of 4-9; posted his best RPR by some way when coming clear in a 1m2f AW handicap in June before reportedly unsuited by the good to soft ground when favourite for York's John Smith's Cup (also raced freely); the potential is there to make a mark at Listed level.

10/1

17th

4

(4)

15th Jul 2023

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Sea The Casper

9st 4lb

J: Andrea Atzeni

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Runner-up on final two starts last season (1m2f/1m3f, good/AW) and improved form when readily winning six-runner Class 3 at Lingfield (1m2f, AW) last month; unraced on slow ground; this is much tougher but this lightly raced 4yo is ahead of the handicapper under a 5lb penalty; one to consider.

15/2

Form: 47-040

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Stayed on well from the rear for fair fourth at Chester (7.5f, good) in May but well beaten in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m, good) last month; unproven at today's trip (and also on slow ground) and others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(7)

27th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 207y

Class 5

15:45 Beverley

Dawn Of Liberation

9st 5lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

His five wins include one over C&D last May; below his best on his first two starts this year but took a step back in the right direction when a 2l fifth of 12 at Ripon (1m2f, good) 19 days ago; contender.

9/2

5th

5

(2)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 1f 170y

Class 5

19:45 Ripon

Dawn Of Liberation

9st 5lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Five-time winner, three times at around 1m2f (good/good to firm) last summer; well handicapped on his best form last season but he's been quiet in two runs this spring and needs to rediscover his spark.

12/1

6th

3

(9)

20th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 5

16:50 Redcar

Dawn Of Liberation

9st 7lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Won three times last summer and ran well when placed subsequently; well held when tenth of 12 on his return at Wolverhampton (9.5f, AW) three weeks ago and is still 2lb higher than his last winning mark.

16/1

Form: 34-010 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in Royal Ascot Listed race last time but had an excuse as he was badly hampered early; before that he won a handicap at Epsom (1m2f, good to firm) on Oaks day and is not ruled out; versatile ground-wise in the past; makes yard debut having left George Boughey (remains in same ownership).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(13)

1st Aug 2023

Good To Soft

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

14:50 Goodwood

Cadillac

9st 12lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Alice Haynes

slowly into stride, towards rear

20/1

1

(10)

15th Jul 2023

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Cadillac

9st 12lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Alice Haynes

Well beaten in Royal Ascot Listed race last time but had an excuse as he was badly hampered early; before that he won a handicap at Epsom (1m2f, good to firm) on Oaks day and is not ruled out; versatile ground-wise in the past; makes yard debut having left George Boughey (remains in same ownership).

16/1

15th

6

(4)

20th Jun 2023

Good

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

17:35 Ascot

Cadillac

9st 5lb

J: James McDonald

T: George Boughey

Second in this last year; back to best when producing a really smart handicap performance to defy a big weight at the recent Epsom Derby meeting (1m2f, good to firm); cheekpieces worn on that occasion are retained; not long in the excellent George Boughey yard and should make a bold bid to go one place better than 12 months ago.

9/1

Form: 512-37 D

Last run: 52 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Something to prove after disappointing Listed run at Ayr (1m2f, good) in May, following a break; unproven on slow ground; however, she was progressive last year, with three wins (1m2f, good/AW), and this hold-up filly should have the race run to suit if back on song.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(4)

31st Dec 2023

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

13:54 Lingfield (AW)

Makinmedoit

9st 5lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: Harry Eustace

C&D winner who has recorded her three highest RPRs under these conditions; couldn't land a telling blow over 1m in Listed race at Kempton 25 days ago but she should be seen to better effect back at this trip and track.

6/1

4th

9

(3)

6th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Makinmedoit

9st 1lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: Harry Eustace

slowly into stride, in rear, headway over 1f out, kept on, not pace to challenge

14/1

4th

2

(7)

11th Nov 2023

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

13:30 Newcastle (AW)

Makinmedoit

9st 4lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: Harry Eustace

Returned from a 12-week break to finish a creditable third in a 1m2f Salisbury Listed event in August; below that level in two similar races subsequently but freshened up since and possible she could revive back on AW (has a good record).

9/1

Form: 218-16 CD

Last run: 43 days

W: 8st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent during light career and well-beaten sixth at Epsom last time, but was reportedly unsuited by the first-time tongue-tie (now left off) and may not have handled the track; won over C&D in May (good to firm; has also won on good to soft) and retains potential; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

17:00 Newton Abbot

Marhaba The Champ

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Sophie Leech

Largely disappointing for this stable under both codes and, after a brief respite on the Flat at Newbury in April, he refused to come out of the stalls at York last month, both times in this headgear; best hurdle effort when runner-up at Newcastle (2m1f, good) in October offers some hope on handicap switch, but current form is a clear concern.

11/2

7

(14)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Marhaba The Champ

9st 4lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Sophie Leech

Formerly useful for Kevin Ryan but was sold last July and has been comfortably held since on the Flat and over hurdles; this tongue-tie (tried once in 2023) returned on latest outing, along with first-time hood; 17lb below his peak mark, but no win since he scored twice at York in 2023.

33/1

9th

5

(16)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

16:55 Newbury

Marhaba The Champ

9st 6lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Sophie Leech

Formerly useful on the Flat for Kevin Ryan but was sold last July and has been comfortably held since on the Flat and over hurdles; tongue-tie (tried once in 2023) returns, plus first-time hood.

50/1

Form: 2-0530

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Ex-Ballydoyle 4yo who was close third over 1m2f on AW last month and was having his first crack at 1m4f when down the field in last Saturday's Old Newton Cup; however, he's won just one of his 18 races and others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 3

16:30 Newton Abbot

Howth

12st 0lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Switched to hurdles for new yard last May-September and won four of his six starts (all on good ground), two of them over C&D (one a handicap); held in fourth of six at Plumpton last September when last seen but retains potential; yard among the winners and he could go well back from a break.

9/2

4th

1

21st Sep 2025

Good To Firm

1m 7f 195y

Class 3

15:50 Plumpton

Howth

12st 0lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Useful Flat stayer who has won a handicap over hurdles (off 8lb lower) and has since made it 4-5 in this discipline when defying penalties in a 2m1f good-ground novice at Newton Abbot; he was entitled to win that and probably with greater ease than he did, but he's a likeable type.

11/8

1

30th Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 4

14:45 Newton Abbot

Howth

11st 12lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Useful Flat stayer who is 3-4 over hurdles and comfortably won a small-field handicap over C&D last month; penalised accordingly but he has the best form by some margin; the glaring concern would be should the ground go soft.

4/6

Form: 046-03 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 8st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

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

6th

11

(2)

10th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:32 Leicester

The Citys Phantom

9st 4lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Richard Spencer

From the front he conceded only late on at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm) 12 days ago and gets in here off the same mark; his inconsistency is a drawback, however.

10/1

2nd

2

(1)

28th Sep 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

17:53 Newmarket

The Citys Phantom

9st 10lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Richard Spencer

Inconsistent and was well beaten at Windsor last month, but prior to that he was a good third at Epsom (1m2f, good to firm) and a repeat of that penultimate form would put him bang there.

8/1

12th

10

(12)

17th Aug 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

20:00 Windsor

The Citys Phantom

8st 7lb

J: Danny Sheehy

T: Richard Spencer

All three wins have come first time out (2020, 2021 and 2022) over 1m2f at Yarmouth on good to firm, making all in small fields on last two occasions; failed to repeat the feat in a much more demanding Newmarket race on this year's return, but third at Epsom on Oaks day was creditable; likely to find this race a bit too competitive.

16/1

Non-runners

Cadillac, Makinmedoit, Marhaba The Champ, Howth

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £895.50
Straight Forecast £774.55
Tricast £9153.64
Trifecta £16721.40

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Long Tradition

The Guardian:

Sea The Casper

POSTDATA:

Majestic

SPOTLIGHT:

Millebosc

Daily Mirror:

Nobel

Telegraph:

Sonny Liston

TOPSPEED:

Spirit Dancer

LAMBOURN:

Astro King

D Express:

Sea The Casper

Daily Mail:

Majestic

NEWMARKET:

Long Tradition

The Sun:

Long Tradition

The Star:

Long Tradition

Daily Record:

Long Tradition

The Times:

Millebosc