July 13 / 16.50 York

16.50

Good To Soft

John Smith’s Stayers’ Handicap

  • Prize money: £10729.7
  • 2m 0f 56y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
RTV
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John Smith’s Stayers’ Handicap

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

Form & Verdict
Twice made the frame over C&D last term; has not been performing in quite the same vein this season, albeit on AW latest (Northumberland Vase); others are preferred at the moment.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(4)

8th Jun 2026

Good

2m 1f 27y

Class 6

20:00 Pontefract

Zimmerman

9st 7lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

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

3rd

2

(4)

21st May 2026

Good

1m 7f 217y

Class 6

14:20 Musselburgh

Zimmerman

11st 1lb

J: Mr Thomas Easterby

T: Tim Easterby

Solid effort when second of eight at Catterick ten days ago (2m, good; first run in this combination of accessories); should remain competitive.

11/2

2nd

2

(4)

11th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 189y

Class 6

15:30 Catterick

Zimmerman

9st 11lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

The odd sign of spark last season and he may have needed his recent comeback run; down to a dangerous mark but this 7yo has been regressive and is winless since July 2024; cheekpieces return for first time since last May.

6/1

Form: 63-273 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Four wins last term; ran well on reappearance and respectably on both starts since, so she's in each-way calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(11)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:20 York

Valley Of Flowers

9st 0lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

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

1st

3

(5)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 3f 39y

Class 5

19:39 Carlisle

Valley Of Flowers

10st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Five-time winner who hasn't won since 2023 but she's run with credit on many subsequent occasions, including on her only visit here when second under Joanna Mason in this race last year; back in form on her last two starts and she's in calculations.

4/1

4th

3

(2)

22nd Jun 2026

Good

1m 7f 189y

Class 5

16:35 Catterick

Valley Of Flowers

9st 6lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

No win since completing a three-timer at 1m4f-2m in the autumn of 2023; however, she ran her best race of the year when going close at Thirsk (1m4f, good) last month; has a good run in her back up in trip.

13/8

Form: -68411

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Came good at the fifth attempt in winning a handicap at Hamilton (1m3f, good) and he followed that up with another successful challenge in the final 1f at Thirsk (1m6f, good to soft) two weeks later; up another 5lb but he's on the march now and today's extra 2f may well be within range.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

(12)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 2

14:53 Ayr

Letsbefrank

8st 8lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

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

3rd

6

(1)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 8y

Class 4

17:15 Thirsk

Letsbefrank

9st 2lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

He's reappeared in rude health this year with wins under Lauren Young at Musselburgh (1m4f, good) and Hamilton (1m3f, good); beat bang-in-form stablemate last time and a 5lb higher mark might not stop this course winner.

5/2

1st

4

(1)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 15y

Class 4

18:45 Hamilton

Letsbefrank

9st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Three wins (C&D, 1m6f and 2m1f) in summer 2024 and, from a reduced mark, back on the scoresheet at Musselburgh (1m4f) three weeks ago when arriving very late on the scene at 20-1 under Lauren Young to deny Fast Fred; back up 4lb but could take another step back up the ladder.

7/2

9/1

Form: /700-9

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful hurdler who won 1m4f maiden in 2022 on Flat debut but has not made a significant impact in his four Flat races since, latest when ninth of 17 in handicap at the Curragh (2m, good) 15 days ago; bit to prove.
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

16:10 Lingfield (AW)

Ted Hastings

8st 10lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Gordon Elliott

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

17:25 Dundalk (AW)

Ted Hastings

9st 4lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Gordon Elliott

prominent on inner, weakened on far side of group over 1f out

10/1

5th

5

(5)

7th Feb 2025

Standard

2m 0f 0y

17:25 Dundalk (AW)

Ted Hastings

9st 4lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Gordon Elliott

prominent on inner, weakened on far side of group over 1f out

10/1

5th
13 (13)
Merrijig

20/1

Form: -15734 BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Ended last season with a 1m6f win (Redcar) and started this term with another (Chelmsford); creditable minor honours on last two outings and perhaps soft ground was against him in April on his sole Flat attempt at 2m; either way, he needs much more like that Chelmsford AW form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(4)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 208y

Class 5

15:27 Nottingham

Merrijig

9st 7lb

J: Jason Watson

T: John Berry

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

20:39 Ffos Las

Merrijig

9st 8lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: John Berry

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

3rd

1

(1)

8th Jun 2026

Good

2m 1f 27y

Class 6

20:00 Pontefract

Merrijig

9st 9lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: John Berry

Was 2-3 on the AW until disappointing at Kempton two months ago but he had been running well in the blinkers (reapplied) and he's a three-time turf winner on a competitive mark.

8/1

Form: 8-7205

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Now 5lb lower than for his Doncaster win (1m4f, good to firm) last June but he has had a mixed record since; latest start suggested he stays 2m (second attempt) but he needs to better that form substantially.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(1)

14th Jul 2026

Good

1m 3f 209y

Class 5

17:14 Ffos Las

Bulldog Spirit

9st 12lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Bernard Llewellyn

On a good mark and knows how to win; however, three of his four runs since a break have been underwhelming.

13/2

5th

1

(6)

30th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 6

20:39 Ffos Las

Bulldog Spirit

9st 9lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Bernard Llewellyn

Dual winner last year, latterly off 4lb higher, who's running in a 0-65 for the first time; finished last on his latest start but wasn't beaten far and Cieren Fallon (0-5 for the yard) is a positive booking; ought to fare better.

14/1

Form: 131464 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
First turf win came at Doncaster (14.5f, good to firm) in May and she had comparable form on good to soft on penultimate outing; not disgraced over 2m on turf last time out, a trip over which she's scored twice on AW, but she needs to better that effort.
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

16:24 Ripon

Churchella

10st 2lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Philip Kirby

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

16:45 York

Churchella

9st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Philip Kirby

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

14:40 Newcastle (AW)

Churchella

9st 0lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Philip Kirby

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

Form: 634251

Last run: 24 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Two wins in 14 races and both were 1m6f on good to soft, including in clearcut style from off the pace at Nottingham on latest outing; both attempts at 2m were on Southwell AW in April, running well on first occasion; up 5lb to career-high mark and her profile is not the most consistent.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(9)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:20 York

Rock N Roll Pinkie

9st 11lb

J: David Nolan

T: Ivan Furtado

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

5th

1

(1)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 4

15:38 York

Rock N Roll Pinkie

10st 2lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Ivan Furtado

Progressive six-time winner whose last two successes came over 2m here (good to soft/good) in July and September; outclassed in a course Group 3 last month but had previously been running respectably and this return to handicaps will see her in much better light; considered.

10/1

5th

6

(7)

23rd May 2026

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:15 York

Rock N Roll Pinkie

9st 2lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Ivan Furtado

Six wins (all handicaps) from 32 runs; not disgraced after losing ground at the start when fourth of six at Nottingham four weeks ago; faces a significantly stiffer assignment on her first attempt at a Group race.

25/1

9th
15 (14)
Daaris

14/1

Form: 222233

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Won in first-time blinkers (often worn since) at Nottingham last July; that is his only win from 25 starts now but he has a stack of placed returns and another cannot be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(7)

11th May 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Daaris

9st 6lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Kevin Frost

Three wins, two seconds and two thirds to his name from nine runs over C&D; will need a career-best off this mark, though, and there's nothing to suggest he's best caught fresh (off since January).

14/1

Form: 4-3171 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Ex-Swedish; first turf run since 2022 when winning by a head in an apprentice event at Nottingham (1m6f, good to firm; up 3lb today) 16 days ago, having scored over 2m at Lingfield in January during AW campaign; this race is more demanding.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

(8)

22nd Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Le Rouge Chinois

9st 9lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Michael Appleby

towards rear

14/1

5th

7

(8)

22nd Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Le Rouge Chinois

9st 9lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Michael Appleby

towards rear, headway from 2f out, no impression inside final furlong

14/1

5th

1

(5)

7th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 5

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Le Rouge Chinois

10st 0lb

J: Kyle McHugh

T: Michael Appleby

Won twice last year and is 2lb lower than when successful at Nottingham (1m6f, good to firm) in June; met late interference when beating one home over C&D 11 days ago (Green Team second); capable of playing a part at this level granted a clearer run.

14/1

OUR TIP

25/1

Form: /7/2/4 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Long absence before this season and left Dan Skelton; first run on Flat since 2018 came when fourth of seven at Pontefract (2m2f) on latest start, which was respectable but he needs to build on that.
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

16:50 York

Percys Word

9st 10lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Jessica Bedi

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

15:30 Pontefract

Percys Word

9st 7lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Jessica Bedi

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

13:40 Kelso

Percys Word

12st 1lb

J: Aaron Anderson

T: Jessica Bedi

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

Form: 316633

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Back up in trip on Flat when good, running-on third of 14 in the Northumberland Vase at Newcastle (2m, AW) on latest outing; also effective on turf but one or two others may prove better handicapped.
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

13:30 Ayr

Bringbackmemories

10st 12lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Iain Jardine

in rear

20/1

12th

7

11th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

13:30 Ayr

Bringbackmemories

10st 12lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Iain Jardine

in rear

20/1

Form: 3/53-6

Last run: 26 days

W: 8st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Won bumper in 2021; 0-8 under Flat rules and absent 352 days before soundly beaten at Carlisle (upped to 1m6f, soft) last month; raised in trip again and has some 2022 form which reads well.
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

16:05 Pontefract

King Of Unicorns

9st 4lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Micky Hammond

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

16:55 Redcar

King Of Unicorns

9st 13lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

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

17:37 Redcar

King Of Unicorns

9st 2lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

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

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish; pretty consistent when on the Flat for this yard, winning a four-runner race at Ayr (1m7f, good) in May and front-running second when 25-1 in the Northumberland Vase at Newcastle (2m, AW) latest; not dismissed.
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

15:22 Musselburgh

Show No Fear

10st 2lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Rebecca Menzies

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

17:25 Perth

Show No Fear

11st 12lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Rebecca Menzies

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

14:40 Newcastle (AW)

Show No Fear

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

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

RP RATINGS:

Duke Of Verona

SPOTLIGHT:

Tailorman

Daily Mirror:

Letsbefrank

Daily Mail:

Red Force One

TOPSPEED:

Merrijig

POSTDATA:

Zimmerman

The Times:

Tailorman

D Express:

Tailorman

The Sun:

Letsbefrank

The Star:

Letsbefrank

NEWMARKET:

Duke Of Verona

Telegraph:

Duke Of Verona

The Guardian:

Duke Of Verona

Daily Record:

Red Force One