July 12 / 16.35 Newmarket (July)

16.35

Good To Firm

Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai July Cup Stakes (Group 1)

  • Prize money: £372584.7
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 15 runners
ITV
View Course
Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai July Cup Stakes (Group 1)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

40/1 (Won)

  • Win: £67.00
  • Place: £9.70

Form: 615-92 C

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Very useful filly whose 5f record features a Group 3 win last September; faces a difficult task on ratings but is interesting returned to 6f, having posted form figures of 2111 over this distance, most recently bagging Listed honours on French soil last August.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

18

(6)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

No Half Measures

9st 1lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Richard Hughes

4yo who was suited by the return to 6f when winning the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket (66-1) by a neck from Big Mojo; hampered and unable to recover behind same rival in Sprint Cup at Haydock (25-1) next time; closely matched with several of these at her best and may well bounce back.

22/1

13

(14)

6th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Haydock

No Half Measures

9st 2lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Richard Hughes

4yo who was suited by the return to 6f when winning the Group 1 July Cup at 66-1 at Newmarket (good to firm) last time; won a Group 3 on heavy ground last September; needs to prove that latest performance was no one-off but her 6f form-figures now read 21111 and she's entitled to respect.

8/1

1st

10

(15)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

No Half Measures

9st 5lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Richard Hughes

Very useful filly whose 5f record features a Group 3 win last September; faces a difficult task on ratings but is interesting returned to 6f, having posted form figures of 2111 over this distance, most recently bagging Listed honours on French soil last August.

40/1

12/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 24-147 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Very useful form, mostly over 5f, last season; solid results over 6f this term, winning at Ascot (Group 3) then not disgraced at Haydock (Group 2) or Royal Ascot (Commonwealth Cup); ties in with fellow 3yos Symbol Of Honour and Whistlejacket; may still rate higher and can't be dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(6)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:30 York

Big Mojo

10st 1lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Michael Appleby

Campaigned mostly on good ground or firmer; drops back in grade for this seasonal debut and even under a 5lb penalty holds a major chance on best Group 1 form last term, namely close second in the July Cup and success in the Sprint Cup (beat Kind Of Blue by just over 1l; both well drawn).

6/1

14

(20)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Big Mojo

9st 3lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Michael Appleby

3yo who was beaten a neck by No Half Measures in the July Cup at Newmarket and gained a deserved first success at the top level when holding Kind Of Blue in the Sprint Cup at Haydock six weeks ago; 6f on a sound surface is ideal and he showed his liking for Ascot when winning the Commonwealth Cup Trial in the spring; has plenty in his favour.

7/1

11

(15)

6th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Haydock

Big Mojo

9st 3lb

J: William Buick

T: Michael Appleby

Two-time Group 3 winner who was a neck second to No Half Measures in the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket (6f, good to firm); kept on for 2l fifth in Group 2 King George at Goodwood since when the drop back to 5f looked against this 3yo (good to soft; unraced on softer); each-way claims back up to 6f.

14/1

50/1

  • Place: £12.40

Form: 5/0-48 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Yet to score above Listed level; good second of eight, belying his 28-1 odds, in this race two years ago but has failed to repeat the form since and faces a deeper field back here; behind some of today's rivals at Royal Ascot most recently.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

(3)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Run To Freedom

9st 9lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Henry Candy

Capable of smart form, such as placed efforts in two July Cups, but is getting long in the tooth and seems unlikely to break his Abernant duck at the fourth attempt (record in this race reads 404); losing spell goes back almost three years.

25/1

11

(9)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Run To Freedom

9st 4lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Henry Candy

Has run well at long odds in several Group 1s, including when second in this race in 2022 (150-1) and when third to No Half Measures in this year's July Cup (40-1), but he was never a threat in the Sprint Cup six weeks ago and his overall record is none too consistent.

50/1

9

(11)

6th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Haydock

Run To Freedom

9st 5lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Henry Candy

Runner-up in the July Cup at Newmarket (6f, good to soft) in 2023 and, having been lightly raced since, he was a 2l third of 14 to No Half Measures in that same Group 1 two months ago (good to firm); each-way claims if reproducing that form but his profile indicates it's far from guaranteed.

66/1

Form: 223-10 D BF

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
In foal to Frankel; sold to new owners for 3,000,000gns last December and broke her Group 1 duck with Meydan success (6f) on reappearance; didn't live up to market expectations returned to 5f at Royal Ascot, albeit not ideally drawn; normally consistent and made the frame in several top sprints prior to her Dubai performance; likely to rebound.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(11)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Believing

9st 5lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

In foal to Frankel; sold to new owners for 3,000,000gns last December and broke her Group 1 duck with Meydan success (6f) on reappearance; didn't live up to market expectations returned to 5f at Royal Ascot, albeit not ideally drawn; normally consistent and made the frame in several top sprints prior to her Dubai performance; likely to rebound.

9/1

14

(1)

17th Jun 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Believing

9st 4lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: George Boughey

Very reliable mare who stood a tough 2024 season with fortitude, regularly on the premises in the top sprints, including when fourth, having every chance, in this one (the first of two runs at the meeting); she achieved more when going down only narrowly from a poor draw in the Group 1 Nunthorpe at York (5f, good to firm) in August; sold for 3,000,000gns in December; returned to action with a Group 1 win at Meydan (6f) in April and she looks set for another big run at the top level.

9/2

2nd

13

(1)

15th Sep 2024

Good

0m 5f 0y

15:35 Curragh

Believing

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: George Boughey

raced far side, midfield, headway inside final furlong, went second inside final 110yds, ran on well towards finish

7/2

20/1

Form: 00-606 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Won the July Stakes (Group 2) over C&D two years ago and ran well in the 2024 Commonwealth Cup; sometimes spoils chance by failing to settle, including when sixth in this contest 12 months ago, but showed no improvement for the fitting of hood in two events at Royal Ascot last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

(5)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:30 York

Jasour

9st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Clive Cox

Far from disgraced in last three appearances (various grades) but finished behind some of today's rivals in those contests and needs to raise his game somewhat; on a ten-race losing sequence that goes back to Group 3 honours two years ago.

16/1

6th

6

(4)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Jasour

9st 9lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Clive Cox

Very useful 6f performer who registered last success in Group 3 contest at Ascot two years ago; has Group 1 form, including creditable sixth in the 2025 July Cup; made a solid start to his 2026 campaign with 1l second to Aramram at Doncaster; again likely to be thereabouts.

8/1

2nd

7

(8)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 1

13:50 Doncaster

Jasour

9st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Clive Cox

Not the easiest of rides (sometimes slowly away and can pull hard) but he's smart on his day and he wasn't beaten far when sixth in the July Cup at Newmarket last summer; now having first run since and this is a significant drop in grade; stablemate of James's Delight and gives Clive Cox a strong hand.

13/2

Form: -11611 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Stablemate of Notable Speech; suited by good/firmer; has a very impressive record (161111) over 6f, narrowly justifying favouritism in the Sandy Lane Stakes (Group 2) at Haydock most recently; beat Ides Of March at Newbury (Listed) a week earlier; unable to run in the Commonwealth Cup due to being a gelding; major contender, with further improvement plausible kept to this trip and back from a well-earned break (had a busy May).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

14

(8)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Symbol Of Honour

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Charlie Appleby

Stablemate of Notable Speech; suited by good/firmer; has a very impressive record (161111) over 6f, narrowly justifying favouritism in the Sandy Lane Stakes (Group 2) at Haydock most recently; beat Ides Of March at Newbury (Listed) a week earlier; unable to run in the Commonwealth Cup due to being a gelding; major contender, with further improvement plausible kept to this trip and back from a well-earned break (had a busy May).

7/1

1st

8

(3)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Haydock

Symbol Of Honour

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Won two conditions races in a row at Meydan (6f, good/good to firm) early this year and bounced back from lesser run at Newmarket (7f, good) to win Listed race at Newbury (6f, good to firm) last Saturday; back up in grade today but he's in excellent hands to continue to progress; contender.

3/1

Form: 38-128 CD

Last run: 70 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Has shown very useful form on home soil and internationally, including a success in Qatar and close second in US Grade 2 this year; below par last time and faces a stiffer assignment on this return to British racing; gained last domestic win in 2023.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(7)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:33 Carlisle

Rogue Lightning

9st 7lb

J: James Doyle

T: Tom Clover

Globetrotting gelding whose last win came in Qatar (6f, good) in February 2025 when Washington Heights was second; has run respectably on his two outings this season, fourth in French Group 3 (5f, soft) on latest; should be thereabouts under optimum conditions.

11/2

9th

5

(10)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Rogue Lightning

9st 8lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Tom Clover

Has shown very useful form on home soil and internationally, including a success in Qatar and close second in US Grade 2 this year; below par last time and faces a stiffer assignment on this return to British racing; gained last domestic win in 2023.

40/1

7th

8

(6)

2nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Rogue Lightning

9st 4lb

J: James Doyle

T: Tom Clover

Acts on good to firm and good to soft; generally progressive 2023 campaign culminated in close fifth in the Group 1 Abbaye at Longchamp; best effort this term when second to Starlust at York last time; may resume his improvement with hood now reapplied (3-5 in this headgear); interesting.

20/1

40/1

Form: 17-220 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Group 3 winner as a 2yo; creditable second in Listed races won by stablemate Whistlejacket and Symbol Of Honour this spring but came up well short in the Commonwealth Cup and still needs to prove he's a Group 1 colt; deserted by Ryan Moore for the third time this year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(5)

28th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:12 Curragh

Ides Of March

9st 5lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

3yo won a Group 3 over C&D last year; started this season promisingly with runner up efforts in listed company at Navan (6f, soft) and Newbury (6f, gd-fm); struggled in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup and July Stakes and again in the Group 3 Phoenix Sprint Stakes here on latest (slowly away); needs to bounce back.

13/2

11th

13

(14)

9th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

15:25 Curragh

Ides Of March

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Group 3 winner as a 2yo; creditable second in Listed races this spring but came up well short in the Commonwealth Cup; limitations again exposed in the July Cup.

10/1

10th

12

(7)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Ides Of March

9st 2lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Group 3 winner as a 2yo; creditable second in Listed races won by stablemate Whistlejacket and Symbol Of Honour this spring but came up well short in the Commonwealth Cup and still needs to prove he's a Group 1 colt; deserted by Ryan Moore for the third time this year.

40/1

11th
3 (1)
Night Raider

20/1

Form: 511-30 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Impressive in Listed grade at Newcastle (6f) last autumn, taking AW record to 4-4; he is 0-5 on turf, best effort when third behind two of today's rivals in York Group 2 on reappearance; faded into midfield when dropped to 5f at Royal Ascot since; not the percentage call.
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

5/1

Form: 25-126 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Busy 2yo campaign featured wins in the July Stakes (at this meeting) and Prix Morny; collared stablemate Ides Of March in Listed grade on reappearance and met traffic issues on his way to sixth-place finish in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot most recently; the forecast ground perhaps isn't ideal (0-5 on good/firmer) but otherwise he has possibilities for top trainer who has landed this prize five times, mostly with 3yos.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

8

(7)

14th Sep 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Whistlejacket

9st 5lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: A P O’Brien

Won the July Stakes and Prix Morny last season; 6f Listed winner on reappearance; no luck in running on his way to sixth-place finish in the Commonwealth Cup; slowly away and never looked like making an impression in the July Cup; blinkered for the first time.

10/1

12th

15

(2)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Whistlejacket

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Busy 2yo campaign featured wins in the July Stakes (at this meeting) and Prix Morny; collared stablemate Ides Of March in Listed grade on reappearance and met traffic issues on his way to sixth-place finish in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot most recently; the forecast ground perhaps isn't ideal (0-5 on good/firmer) but otherwise he has possibilities for top trainer who has landed this prize five times, mostly with 3yos.

5/1

12

(11)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Whistlejacket

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

3-8 in 2yo campaign, highlight his Group 1 Prix Morny win at Deauville (6f, good to soft) in August; ran well on fast ground at this meeting; returned with Listed win at Navan (6f, soft) and, while he was no match for Babouche when second in Group 3 Lacken Stakes at Naas (6f, good) latest, Ryan Moore reported that the colt banged his head on the gates; could give good account.

16/1

Form: 4-5900 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Bits of Group 1 form over 5f for previous yard; hasn't looked the same horse this season for new stable, beaten about 6l and never landing a blow in major handicap returned to 6f most recently; has the worst chance on 2025 results.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

(8)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Twilight Calls

9st 1lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Richard Spencer

Losing run goes back nearly four years; no impact in sprint handicaps on turf at Meydan this year and makes a very belated AW debut on his return to Britain.

25/1

13

(4)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ayr

Twilight Calls

9st 3lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Spencer

Something of an enigma but his ability has never been in question; hasn't managed a win since April 2022 but he ran a cracker in the Stewards' Cup, coming home in fifth but doing best of the far-side group; failed to back it up behind Northern Ticker at York four weeks ago and risky, even with Warren Fentiman taking off a useful 5lb.

16/1

8

(11)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Twilight Calls

9st 5lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Richard Spencer

Competitive in Group 1s in his prime; not the force of old but his mark has dropped and he was first in the far-side group when fifth to stablemate Two Tribes in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood last time; a long losing sequence is a concern but he'll be very dangerous if building on Goodwood.

12/1

Form: 453-23 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Group 3 winner a year ago and subsequently consistent, mainly at Group 1 level; sold to Wathnan Racing before respectable third at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm) most recently, coming from further back than ideal; might have beaten Inisherin at York (Group 2) in May if the race had gone more smoothly for her; dam's sire Cadeaux Genereux landed the July Cup in 1989; threatening to win a race of this magnitude and commands respect.
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

OUR TIP

7/1

Form: 150-17 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
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.
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

Form: 153-44

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
High-class miler who landed the 2,000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes last year; on several occasions he has shown a smart turn of foot, suggesting he is blessed with speed, and travelled like a colt who may well prove as effective over shorter; only fourth in two top races this term but reportedly worked well in a gallop last weekend, prompting connections to supplement him for this contest at a cost of £36,000; leading player on best form and the drop in distance is well worth exploring.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(3)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:35 Newbury

Notable Speech

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

High-class miler domestically and internationally, predominantly on good and quicker ground; lacked recent match practice when only fourth in this race 12 months ago; bagged the 2,000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes in 2024 and completed a North American Grade 1 double, including Breeders' Cup Mile success, last autumn; had no luck in running at Keeneland on reappearance; leading player on best figures.

9/2

4

(4)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Notable Speech

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

High-class miler who landed the 2,000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes last year; on several occasions he has shown a smart turn of foot, suggesting he is blessed with speed, and travelled like a colt who may well prove as effective over shorter; only fourth in two top races this term but reportedly worked well in a gallop last weekend, prompting connections to supplement him for this contest at a cost of £36,000; leading player on best form and the drop in distance is well worth exploring.

5/2

4th

8

(6)

17th Jun 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Ascot

Notable Speech

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Unproven on ground softer than good; won the 2024 Sussex Stakes (good to firm); disappointing behind Rosallion in the St James's Palace here last year but had beaten that rival in the 2,000 Guineas the time before and was virtually alongside him in this year's Lockinge when the pair lacked recent match practice; on balance they are closely matched, as the ratings reflect, and look set for another engrossing clash; big player.

9/2

Form: 6212 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Supplemented for this race at a cost of £36,000 and he's the least exposed contender, having raced only four times (all this year); soon clear and wasn't for catching over 6f at Yarmouth on penultimate start, then good second over 7f in the Jersey at Royal Ascot; takes another step up in class but is open to further progress and could make a bold bid from the front.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(7)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

19:15 Salisbury

Spy Chief

9st 7lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: John & Thady Gosden

Highly tried after trouncing Almeraq in a Yarmouth novice (6f, good to firm; receiving 7lb) last June, finishing second in the Jersey Stakes nine days later and not beaten far in the July Cup the following month; finished his 3yo campaign quietly but possible he'll kick on again this year.

5/1

16

(4)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Spy Chief

9st 3lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

Posted a personal best when a close seventh to No Half Measures in the July Cup at Newmarket, but hasn't repeated the form in two runs since (both at 7f); faces a stern assignment, even if returning to his peak, but at least this drop back to sprint distances looks a positive move.

40/1

6

(7)

19th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

16:05 Newbury

Spy Chief

9st 1lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

All turf starts on good to firm; took his first step backwards in the Hungerford Stakes over C&D most recently; ran well in the Jersey Stakes and July Cup, and holds a leading chance provided he rebounds.

9/4

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £539.70
Straight Forecast £708.04
Tricast £27674.69
Trifecta £5356.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Flora Of Bermuda

TOPSPEED:

Believing

D Express:

Big Mojo

The Star:

Whistlejacket

POSTDATA:

Symbol Of Honour

The Times:

Notable Speech

The Sun:

Big Mojo

Daily Record:

Whistlejacket

Daily Mail:

Symbol Of Honour

RP RATINGS:

Flora Of Bermuda

LAMBOURN:

Flora Of Bermuda

The Guardian:

Flora Of Bermuda

Daily Mirror:

Flora Of Bermuda

NEWMARKET:

Believing

Telegraph:

Believing