May 14 / 15.13 York

15.13

Good To Firm

1895 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes (Group 2)

  • Prize money: £85065
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 8 runners
ITV
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1895 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes (Group 2)

Runners: 8 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

100/30

Form: /1180- D

Last run: 207 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Won Group 3 at Deauville (soft) as a 2yo but that surface left him cold when last seen at Ascot in October; had looked as though he might be a high flyer in the sprinting division earlier in the year, when coming clear in a Listed Newbury race before landing a Group 3 there (good to firm); had a draw excuse at Haydock in September but looks well berthed today and this could be the time to catch him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(6)

19th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:57 Newbury

Elite Status

9st 9lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Creditable effort at York on his reappearance but turned in a lacklustre effort in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot last time; not a solid option on the back of that but he's 2-2 over C&D, including this race 12 months ago (strong form), and new cheekpieces could help.

7/2

12th

2

(9)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Elite Status

9st 5lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Underwhelming on final two runs last term and only fourth to Inisherin in the Duke Of York on his return; however, he shaped as though he may have needed that latest outing and looked a possible future Group 1 winner when landing a hot running of the Group 3 Hackwood Stakes at Newbury (6f, good to firm) last July; might not be far away if tapping back into that promise.

18/1

1

(4)

14th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:13 York

Elite Status

9st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Won Group 3 at Deauville (soft) as a 2yo but that surface left him cold when last seen at Ascot in October; had looked as though he might be a high flyer in the sprinting division earlier in the year, when coming clear in a Listed Newbury race before landing a Group 3 there (good to firm); had a draw excuse at Haydock in September but looks well berthed today and this could be the time to catch him.

100/30

Form: 61150- D BF

Last run: 249 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Two barnstorming wins against his own age group when dropped to 6f, in a Group 2 at Haydock (soft) and the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Ascot (good to firm) but he didn't cope as well against the older sprinters in the July Cup at Newmarket nor did he redeem himself in the Sprint Cup at Haydock when last seen in September; has had wind surgery since though and the earlier promise can yet be fulfilled.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(12)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Inisherin

9st 4lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

None too consistent since winning the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in 2024, but he was on a going day when making a successful return in the Group 2 Duke Of York (also 6f, good to firm) in May and he fared best of those from single-figure stalls when sixth to Big Mojo in the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock last time; these conditions should suit and he's respected.

12/1

4

(6)

6th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Haydock

Inisherin

9st 5lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Won Group 2 Sandy Lane over C&D (soft) last May and followed up in Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm); below par after in 2024 (including in this); reappeared following wind op and won Group 2 Duke Of York; two lesser runs since; capable, but has to get back on track.

16/1

1

(12)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Inisherin

9st 8lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Inconsistent since winning the 2024 Commonwealth Cup and was below par returned to Royal Ascot last time, failing to back up his reappearance success (beat Flora Of Bermuda) in the Duke of York Stakes; well capable of being involved but isn't guaranteed to give his running; beaten favourite (finished only fifth) in this race 12 months ago; wears first-time headgear.

7/1

OUR TIP

16/1

Form: 15546- D

Last run: 220 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Won twice over 6f as a 2yo but he's raced over 5f for the last two years and, although not far behind the best in the division in 2024, he has something to prove on the trip score; flexible regarding the ground but his best effort, when winning a Group 2 at Haydock last May, came on soft and the chances are that he'll come on for the run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(2)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

17:26 Naas

Kerdos

9st 9lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Stephen Thorne

Classy sprinter for Clive Cox and won a Listed and a Group 2 for that yard; decent run on debut for this yard at Dundalk before disappointing in Cork Listed race next time on soft; much better over C&D last time when a 2.75l sixth behind Mission Central.

14/1

6th

8

(1)

27th Apr 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

19:15 Naas

Kerdos

9st 9lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Stephen Thorne

Classy sprinter for Clive Cox and won a Listed and a Group 2 for that yard; decent run on debut for this stable at Dundalk in February, but behind a few of these when tailed off at Cork last time; needs to leave that well behind.

25/1

9th

4

(2)

4th Apr 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

16:02 Cork

Kerdos

9st 9lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Stephen Thorne

Hasn't won since taking the Group 2 Temple Stakes in 2024 when with Clive Cox; posted a reasonable debut run for this yard at Dundalk and this ground will suit but needs a return to his best to score.

16/1

14/1

Form: -11233 D BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Had some wobbles in 2024 but he's maintained a high standard on AW and turf this year, undoubtedly better than the bare result when third, after hampered and having to be switched, in a 6f Doncaster Listed race in March (good to soft; under penalty); however, the bar is much higher here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(7)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Marshman

9st 11lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Close third in Listed company at Wolverhampton last month on his first attempt at 7f and he wasn't beaten for a lack of stamina; not at his best in a hot sprint handicap at Newcastle on Good Friday; no surprise to see him bounce back with a big run.

10/1

8th

5

(9)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Marshman

9st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Did well in early 2025 on AW, winning a C&D handicap in good style and following up in Listed company at Lingfield; finished third in the corresponding race 12 months ago when rated 5lb higher; running himself back into form this winter, most recently a close third over 7f four weeks ago, and he looks primed to give Clifford Lee a winning return to the saddle.

6/1

3rd

4

(6)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 1

15:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Marshman

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Strong AW form in the first half of 2025; awkward leaving the stalls in his two runs this winter and the form has been well short of his best; steps up to 7f for the first time.

6/1

Form: 00511- D

Last run: 179 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Once again he had too much power for his rivals from the front when making it 4-4 on AW in a 6f Listed race at Newcastle in November; has yet to prove himself on turf but this will be the first time he's had the right set-up on grass, as efforts to restrain him proved futile over 1m (2,000 Guineas) and 7f (Group 3) 12 months ago and he didn't cope with testing ground when dropped to 6f in August; a healthy early lead looks likely and even these quick sprinters may find it hard to keep him in their sights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(6)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

Night Raider

9st 6lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Not beaten far in two 5f Group 1s last August/September (good to firm/yielding) and he finally got off the mark on turf when making all in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes at Newmarket (5f, good to firm) three weeks ago; that was his first run since being gelded and he could be tough to reel in.

4/1

1st

5

(4)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:55 Newmarket

Night Raider

9st 9lb

J: James Doyle

T: K R Burke

Often leads; he's pure quality on the AW (4-4) but has had trouble sustaining his effort on turf, even allowing for being first home on his side in a Group 2 at Goodwood in August; gelded since last seen but whether he'll appreciate this stiff finish is questionable.

8/1

5th

4

(8)

14th Sep 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Night Raider

9st 6lb

J: James Doyle

T: K R Burke

Made it 4-4 on AW with a Listed win last November; only one win from nine races on turf; however, comes into the reckoning now following an excellent fourth behind Asfoora in the Nunthorpe. was previously on the wrong side at Goodwood, in a race in which She's Quality was second; might not want it too soft.

8/1

Form: 1-1216 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Three 7f wins on Tapeta for this yard, including a Listed in March; took an early bump back on turf in a Group 3 at Newmarket in April and he never settled before running on at one pace in the closing stages; the likely strong pace today should be more to his liking and perhaps the more conventional track, too, and this is an interesting choice of assignment.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(10)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Royal Zabeel

9st 11lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Michael Appleby

Ties in with Golden Mind on Musselburgh running but the pair of them are facing a stiffer assignment in this major prize; remains useful on turf but a lower mark in this sphere reflects that his peak form, namely dual Listed honours, has been shown on AW.

33/1

4th

1

(6)

4th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 2

13:55 Musselburgh

Royal Zabeel

9st 9lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Michael Appleby

Made his name on AW but he can do it on turf when the ground is quick, as when a cosy winner at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) in August; has since added a second Listed AW event, at Southwell in November, but the Saudi Arabia venture came to nothing in February and he has ground worries today.

12/1

Form: 21453- CD

Last run: 207 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Probably versatile regarding the ground, having run very well despite the interrupted passage, in the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock (good) before running the race of her life to be a close third in the Champions Sprint at Ascot (soft) in October; she may well improve further and have a good year as a 4yo; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(5)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

13:10 Newmarket

Flora Of Bermuda

9st 8lb

J: James Doyle

T: Andrew Balding

Group 3 winner in July 2024; campaigned mostly at Group 1 level since, making the frame on several occasions, most recently in the 2025 Sprint Cup at Haydock (6f, good) where she did well having met trouble; leading player back down in class.

7/4

17

(1)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Flora Of Bermuda

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Has shown high-class 6f form in the last 12 months when placed in this event (behind Kind Of Blue), the Duke Of York Stakes (behind Inisherin), the Jubilee at Royal Ascot (behind Lazzat) and the Sprint Cup at Haydock (behind Big Mojo; hampered when making her effort); handles all types of ground; each-way possibilities once more.

10/1

12

(16)

6th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Haydock

Flora Of Bermuda

9st 2lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Finished last in the July Cup last time but had an excuse as she reared when the stalls opened; close third in Group 1 British Champions Sprint at Ascot (6f, soft) last October and reappeared with neck second in Group 2 Duke Of York (6f, good to firm) before third to Lazzat in Group 1 Jubilee at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm; beaten just over 3l); could be involved.

12/1

Form: 01421- CD

Last run: 214 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Impressive in a warm C&D handicap (good to firm) last July and ended 2024 by winning a Listed fillies' race at Newmarket (6f, soft) but her bare form isn't up to this level and her reappearance record is not strong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

6

(11)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 34y

Class 1

13:30 Newbury

Rage Of Bamby

9st 3lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Won 6f Group 3 here (good to firm) in July; ran just as well when a close fourth in the Sprint Cup at Haydock two weeks ago; was well drawn there, however, and her penalty could leave her vulnerable on a rare 5f run.

6/1

4th

14

(13)

6th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Haydock

Rage Of Bamby

9st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

5yo mare who made Group-race breakthrough when 33-1 for the Group 3 Hackwood Stakes at Newbury in July, when she had nearly 2l to spare; unsuited by the return to 7f since and has been supplemented for this race at a cost of £20,000, but nevertheless looks opposable today.

25/1

4th

7

(4)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newbury

Rage Of Bamby

9st 5lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Began the campaign with two heavy defeats but she was reinvigorated by cheekpieces at York last month and hit a major new high in them in a Group 3 at this track (6f) eight days later, winning at 33-1 by nearly 2l from King's Gamble; fine chance if that form is repeated but, although she ran three times over 7f in 2022, she's not crying out for a return to this trip on the recent evidence.

11/1

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Elite Status

D Express:

Inisherin

SPOTLIGHT:

Night Raider

LAMBOURN:

Flora Of Bermuda

POSTDATA:

Marshman

The Sun:

Inisherin

Daily Record:

Inisherin

The Times:

Night Raider

Daily Mirror:

Night Raider

The Guardian:

Flora Of Bermuda

TOPSPEED:

Elite Status

Telegraph:

Elite Status

Daily Mail:

Elite Status

The Star:

Elite Status