June 08 / 15.35 Haydock

15.35

Good

Betfred John Of Gaunt Stakes (Group 3)

  • Prize money: £48203.5
  • 0m 7f 37y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
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Betfred John Of Gaunt Stakes (Group 3)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £2.20

Form: 213-5F D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Beaten when hampered and falling in the Group 2 Duke Of York (6f) last month; needs to prove that nasty incident hasn't left its mark and there's also a question mark about the return to 7f; however, form such as his Group 3 Chipchase win at Newcastle (6f, AW) last July puts him high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(5)

10th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 212y

Class 1

15:55 Haydock

Tiber Flow

9st 10lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Won Group 3 John of Gaunt over C&D last June and returned to form to land Group 2 Hungerford at Newbury (7f, good to firm; Kikkuli fourth) two months later; probably unsuited by very testing ground when well held in French Group 1 final start; escapes a penalty for those Group wins but he's taken a couple of runs to find his best form in the last two seasons.

9/4

5

(5)

10th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 212y

Class 1

15:55 Haydock

Tiber Flow

9st 10lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Won Group 3 John of Gaunt over C&D last June and returned to form to land Group 2 Hungerford at Newbury (7f, good to firm; Kikkuli fourth) two months later; probably unsuited by very testing ground when well held in French Group 1 final start; escapes a penalty for those Group wins but he's taken a couple of runs to find his best form in the last two seasons.

9/4

1st

4

(3)

17th Aug 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newbury

Tiber Flow

9st 8lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Showed himself none the worse for a nasty fall at York when coming from behind to land a second Group 3 win at Haydock (7f, good) in June but behind English Oak in the Lennox at Goodwood since; 6f course Listed winner.

9/2

16/1

  • Place: £4.10

Form: 8518-3 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Won a handicap at Ayr (7f, soft) last October on penultimate run for Charlie Johnston and another career best when close third in Group 3 Chartwell Fillies' Stakes at Lingfield (7f, good) on last month's stable and seasonal debut; takes on males here and others have more substance to their claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(7)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 0f 113y

Class 1

13:00 Epsom

Sirona

9st 8lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: David Menuisier

Versatile tactically; took her form to a new level in 2024, which included a Listed win at Newmarket (1m, heavy) in September and some solid runs in Group races to start the season; close fourth from the front at Goodwood on reappearance five weeks ago and has each-way claims.

5/1

1

(7)

3rd May 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:00 Goodwood

Sirona

9st 10lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Menuisier

Took her form to a new level last season, which included a Listed win at Newmarket in September and a second in a Group 3 in France the following month (both at 1m on heavy); has to concede weight all round on her return but she has the best form in this line-up and is fairly versatile ground-wise; big player.

11/4

4th

1

(7)

3rd May 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:00 Goodwood

Sirona

9st 10lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Menuisier

Took her form to a new level last season, which included a Listed win at Newmarket in September and a second in a Group 3 in France the following month (both at 1m on heavy); has to concede weight all round on her return but she has the best form in this line-up and is fairly versatile ground-wise; big player.

11/4

7/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 904-42 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

8 yo Horse

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Has run here twice, winning this race in 2022 (good) and going very close in a Listed race over C&D (good to firm) four weeks ago; this prominent-racer can give another good account and may well be in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

3

(1)

11th Oct 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Pogo

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Charles Hills

prominent towards far side

33/1

8th

3

(2)

14th Sep 2024

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 1

15:00 Doncaster

Pogo

9st 6lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Charles Hills

8yo who ran creditably in the frame in 7f Group 3s at Haydock and Newmarket in June but was below par when fifth (2l behind Kinross) in the Lennox at Goodwood last time; fully exposed and would be a surprise winner.

25/1

5th

6

(3)

30th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Goodwood

Pogo

9st 6lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charles Hills

Front-runner who was a short head behind Kinross when third in this race two years ago; his enthusiasm appears to remain intact at the age of eight, but his losing run is up to 12 and he finished just over 2l behind Noble Dynasty when fourth of five in a Group 3 on the Newmarket July Course last month; unlikely to gain an uncontested lead here and has a bit to find in any case.

25/1

Form: 2024-1 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Progressive in handicaps last season prior to fair fourth of seven in Group 3 Superior Mile here in September; better than ever when making all in big-field handicap at York (1m, good) on last month's reappearance but today's company demands another career best and York suits him extremely well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(1)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Point Lynas

9st 12lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Below best on final two starts last season and same story on sole run this term, in Qatar in February; also has a hefty mark to defy but this front-runner was a fine second under an enterprising ride in a Group 2 at Ascot last July and has a strong record here, finishing second in this race in 2023 and winning it in 2024; capable of very bold bid from the inside stall.

14/1

5

(4)

27th Jul 2025

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 1

14:55 Pontefract

Point Lynas

9st 7lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Good second in Ascot Group 2 last time, collared only late having raced in clear lead for long way; made all for emphatic success in this race 12 months ago (good to firm) and commands respect back here.

6/4

6

(1)

12th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:22 Ascot

Point Lynas

9st 3lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Edward Bethell

Often leads, as was the case when well clear at one stage before finishing close up in a 1m Group 3 at Chantilly a month ago; that was bordering on his best form and he could outrun his odds if getting loose on the lead.

20/1

15/2

Form: 7231-0 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Tailed off in the Group 1 Lockinge on reappearance and faces no easy task today under a 5lb penalty; however, he may have needed his comeback run and is entitled to respect in view of his front-running win in the Group 2 Dullingham Park Stakes at Leopardstown (1m, good) last September.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

(2)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Flight Plan

9st 3lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Failed to build on a decent fourth at Lingfield (1m2f) in February when behind Blue Rc at Newcastle (1m) on Good Friday but the fact he made all in this race off 8lb lower last year means a revival can't be discounted, particularly as he's well drawn to attack again; tongue-tied first time.

13/2

8th

9

(5)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Flight Plan

8st 13lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Quiet in Dubai in January but he returned to Britain with a good fourth at Lingfield (1m2f) five weeks ago; now 6lb lower than when winning the Thirsk Hunt Cup last May and he has the ability to feature.

25/1

4th

4

(5)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Lingfield (AW)

Flight Plan

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Often front runs; below par in three outings at Meydan last month (including dirt) but well treated if a return to Britain sparks a revival having landed last year's Thirsk Hunt Cup off 6lb higher; Tapeta winner at the start of his career.

16/1

Form: 1310-8 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Highly progressive handicapper last year, winning seven times (6f/7f); encouraging reappearance at Newmarket three weeks ago but tackles a Group race for the first time and others have stronger claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

(13)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:30 York

Quinault

9st 10lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Stuart Williams

Front-runner who has a strike-rate of 12-34 overall and 3-4 at York, the most recent course success in 7f Group 3 last June (equally effective at 6f); ties in with some of today's opponents on penultimate effort; removal of usual hood backfired last time; likely to go well.

10/1

6th

6

(3)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:55 Newmarket

Quinault

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Stuart Williams

Front-runner whose 12 wins include a Group 3 at York (7f, good) last June; he was an excellent third of 19 in the Group 1 Champions Sprint at Ascot (6f) in October; has since run up to his best in a 5f AW race at Newcastle in January and it will be interesting to see how he gets on back at this trip on turf with his regular hood discarded; ran creditably in 6f Group 3 at Newmarket last time.

8/1

3rd

9

(5)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Quinault

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Stuart Williams

Very useful front-runner whose strike-rate is 12-32; bagged Group 3 honours at York (7f) last June and a valuable pot at Doha (6f) most recently; unbeaten (4-4) in 6f contests on the Newmarket courses and has shown that he can win in sizeable fields; likely to make a bold bid back here.

9/1

20/1

Form: 212-67 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Did very well last year, including a Listed win at Newbury (7f, soft) in September, and he was a creditable seventh of 21 off a lofty mark in the Victoria Cup Handicap at Ascot (7f, good) last month; might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

7

(2)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Popmaster

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Ed Walker

Campaigned on AW since December, proving consistent until coming up a tad short on finals day last time; has loads of Ascot form but three defeats in this race (finishing positions 074) suggest he can be opposed, especially now aged eight.

33/1

7th

4

(2)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Popmaster

9st 2lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Ed Walker

Arrives in fine form, beating The Lost King at Kempton in February and runner-up on his two runs since; sneaking back up the weights and he was only fifth in this race 12 months ago off today's mark.

20/1

6/1

Form: 122-22 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Had an improving profile in handicaps last season prior to Listed near-miss at Redcar (7f, good) in October; another big run when beaten just a head in the Victoria Cup Handicap at Ascot (7f, good) four weeks ago and he's in calculations on the back of that effort; stable is in excellent form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

23th

21

(5)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Ramazan

9st 3lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

Has left an imprint on some of the best-known handicaps, such as when only just losing out in the Victoria Cup over C&D (good) in May 2024; has not aspired to those heights in 2025 but he's 9lb lower than for the aforementioned run and promising Warren Fentiman claims 5lb; one to keep an eye on.

12/1

11th

5

(10)

14th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:42 York

Ramazan

9st 6lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Richard Fahey

Numerous fine efforts in top handicaps, runner-up in the 2023 Ayr Gold Cup and filling the same berth in last year's Victoria Cup and Great St Wilfrid; not sparkled in two 7f handicaps this season but he's dropped a handy 5lb and his rider claims a valuable 3lb too; better expected this time.

10/1

11th

5

(10)

14th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:42 York

Ramazan

9st 6lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Richard Fahey

Numerous fine efforts in top handicaps, runner-up in the 2023 Ayr Gold Cup and filling the same berth in last year's Victoria Cup and Great St Wilfrid; not sparkled in two 7f handicaps this season but he's dropped a handy 5lb and his rider claims a valuable 3lb too; better expected this time.

10/1

5/1

Form: 10-533 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Hold-up horse who is at his best off a strong pace, which he got last season when winning the Buckingham Palace Handicap at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) and the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes at Newbury (7f, good to soft); this should be run to suit and he ran creditably when third (albeit well beaten) in a curious renewal of the Lockinge at Newbury last time; lots to like.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

4

(14)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Witch Hunter

9st 9lb

J: Tyrese Cameron

T: Richard Hannon

His only turf wins came in a Royal Ascot handicap and Newbury Group 3, but they were in 2023 and he needs the cards to drop right for his late bids; scored on AW in January but subsequent form, including when 40-1 in the Victoria Cup last Saturday, isn't good enough.

40/1

20th

1

(9)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Witch Hunter

9st 12lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Very useful but rather needs the cards to drop right and gained his only turf wins, namely in Royal Ascot handicap and Newbury Group 3, in 2023; peak AW form this year when scoring in January; finished seventh (off 4lb higher) in this contest 12 months ago.

25/1

25/1

Form: 0750-3 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
10yo who has been a highly admirable performer in prestigious 7f/1m handicaps over the years and was a very close third of 21 in the Victoria Cup (7f, good) on his reappearance; however, he's up against it today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(3)

6th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 3

17:20 Newcastle (AW)

Bless Him

9st 10lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: David Simcock

Veteran whose losing run goes back to his success in the 2022 Bunbury Cup; down the field in two races at Kempton since returned to AW but his Newcastle record (1213) offers hope for a revival.

16/1

4th

7

(3)

6th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 3

17:20 Newcastle (AW)

Bless Him

9st 10lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: David Simcock

Veteran whose losing run goes back to his success in the 2022 Bunbury Cup; down the field in two races at Kempton since returned to AW but his Newcastle record (1213) offers hope for a revival.

16/1

11th

10

(3)

20th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:30 Kempton (AW)

Bless Him

9st 0lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: David Simcock

Veteran hold-up performer who is now 8lb lower than when third in the Victoria Cup in May; capable but he'll need everything to go his way to win.

33/1

OUR TIP

12/1

Form: 959-90 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Won this 12 months ago (good to firm) and good second in Group 3 at Newmarket next time; however, he hasn't hit the same heights on his five runs since and needs to turn things around.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

29

(24)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Jumby

8st 12lb

J: Oliver Carmichael

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Two-time Group winner over 7f but is on a near three-year losing spell and current mark reflects that he's not the force of old (admittedly showed bits of useful form in 2025); needs to step up on reappearance effort; failed to shine in the last two runnings of this contest.

33/1

8th

4

(12)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket

Jumby

9st 6lb

J: Oliver Carmichael

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

C&D winner who could only beat one home in this race when it was staged as a Class 2 last year; managed a handful of creditable efforts subsequently but it's hard to ignore his last win came back in June 2023 (7f Group 3); returns on reduced mark.

20/1

18

(8)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Jumby

8st 9lb

J: Oliver Carmichael

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

He didn't get much luck last time at Newbury (7f, good to soft) off this much reduced mark; the type who could go well with Oliver Carmichael taking off 7lb, but confidence would be greater on faster ground.

25/1

Non-runners

Noble Dynasty

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £76.70
Straight Forecast £77.00
Tricast £430.97
Trifecta £576.60

Selections

The Times:

Ramazan

SPOTLIGHT:

Witch Hunter

RP RATINGS:

Noble Dynasty

TOPSPEED:

Pogo

POSTDATA:

Point Lynas

The Guardian:

Ramazan

D Express:

Ramazan

Daily Mirror:

Ramazan

The Star:

Ramazan

Telegraph:

Witch Hunter

Daily Record:

Witch Hunter

NEWMARKET:

Noble Dynasty

The Sun:

Noble Dynasty

Daily Mail:

Pogo