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
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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

1st

2

(1)

9th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

15:25 Curragh

Big Mojo

9st 7lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Michael Appleby

Won the Sprint Cup at Haydock last season when his form also featured a fine second in the July Cup; towards the rear in this year's edition of the Newmarket showpiece last month; previously found 5f a bit sharp in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot; best treated at the weights but questions to answer.

5/4

10th

2

(2)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Big Mojo

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: Michael Appleby

Respectable eighth in the 5f Group 1 at Royal Ascot with reappearance under his belt; better over 6f nowadays and posted one of his peak efforts in this race (good to firm) last year, finishing a neck second; later landed the Sprint Cup at Haydock in sole start under William Buick; interesting with that rider back on board.

9/1

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

15th

1

(1)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Jasour

9st 12lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Clive Cox

Group 1-class sprinter at his best but it's been a struggle this season since an encouraging start at Listed level and he now has his sights lowered for a first crack at a handicap; has a lot of weight and perhaps better at 6f than 5f.

16/1

5th

2

(7)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:02 Newbury

Jasour

9st 9lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Clive Cox

Has an underwhelming strike-rate for a horse of his ability and losing spell goes back over two years; that said, has spent over half of his career in Group 1 races, best effort when third in the 2024 Commonwealth Cup; drops back in class after a heavy defeat at this year's Royal Ascot.

8/1

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

3rd

4

(1)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Newbury

Symbol Of Honour

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Resurgent when winning 6f Group 3 here (good to firm) last month, leading 2f out and keeping on well; all his successes have come at that distance but under these quick conditions he should be fine back at 7f; unbeaten at Newbury and has to be considered now that he's back in top form.

5/1

1st

6

(1)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:02 Newbury

Symbol Of Honour

9st 9lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Still below best when third at Newcastle (AW debut) last time but that was something of resurgence; progressive spell culminated in wins over C&D (Listed) and at Haydock (Group 2) in May 2025; possibilities provided he returns to that sort of form.

4/1

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

6th

5

(2)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Night Raider

10st 1lb

J: James Doyle

T: K R Burke

Has taken time to get to grips with turf and was easily seen off when fourth in this last year; however, a gelding operation in the close season has worked wonders and he followed a Group 3 win with one in a Group 2 at Haydock (5f, good to soft), overcoming a slow start to win in some style; his star has dimmed somewhat at Royal Ascot and Goodwood since, but the return to a flat track offers hope that he can be on song again.

14/1

10th

1

(13)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Night Raider

9st 7lb

J: James Doyle

T: K R Burke

Returned this year having been gelded and he's been an improved model, winning the Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket (5f, good to firm) and the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock (5f, good to soft) before leading home those who raced in the centre group when tenth of 26 overall at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm); usually front-runs and this speedy track should suit him better than Ascot (ran well in this last year); strong claims despite 3lb penalty.

3/1

10th

8

(6)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Night Raider

9st 7lb

J: James Doyle

T: K R Burke

Turned his back on a brilliant AW career and, after some fruitless efforts on turf in 2025, as when fading into mid-division in this race, the switch has paid off handsomely since he was gelded, the usual front-running tactics working well at Newmarket (good to firm) before he showed he doesn't have to lead when arriving late for a cosy Group 2 win at Haydock (also 5f, good to soft) in May; this stiff 5f asks a question but he could achieve yet more.

13/2

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

1st

12

(19)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Twilight Calls

8st 12lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Richard Spencer

Classy sprinter back in the day and the new visor has been floating his boat with recent form figures of 121 in 5f handicaps, latterly getting up in the nick of time at Newmarket; only 3lb higher and this hold-up performer should have this run to suit; finished fifth in last year's Stewards' Cup, faring best in his group; firmly in calculations.

8/1

1st

3

(7)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Newmarket (July)

Twilight Calls

9st 9lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Richard Spencer

Formerly high class; ended a long losing run at Sandown (5f, good) last month when visored for the first time; beaten at odds-on at Yarrmouth six days later; another 3lb higher today but not handicapped out of things.

8/1

2nd

2

(5)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 42y

Class 4

14:40 Yarmouth

Twilight Calls

9st 8lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Richard Spencer

Ended a losing run of over four years when the well-backed winner of a 5f handicap at Sandown (good ground; visored first time) last week; still has plenty of handicapping scope given his back class and this should be run to suit him.

13/8

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

10th

10

(10)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Flora Of Bermuda

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

A standing dish in Group races over 6f but had long given the impression that 7f might suit and she duly saw that trip out well to take the Group 3 Oak Tree at Glorious Goodwood (good to firm; could be even better on softer); the close proximity of the third/fourth horses would suggest that a repeat performance won't get the job done here, but she's a likeable mare who should give her running, especially with form figures of 121 on her last three visits to York; respected.

12/1

1st

1

(4)

29th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Goodwood

Flora Of Bermuda

9st 9lb

J: James Doyle

T: Andrew Balding

Classy 6f performer who has been placed in Group 1s at that trip and she won a Group 3 at York (6f, good to firm) this month, for which she carries a 3lb penalty today; untested at 7f but she frequently finishes her races strongly, as was the case when fourth in the 2024 Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville over 6.5f; leading contender if staying the trip.

11/4

1st

3

(1)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:45 York

Flora Of Bermuda

9st 6lb

J: James Doyle

T: Andrew Balding

Won this on good to soft in 2024 and also close second in C&D Group 2 on good to firm last year; reappeared with Listed win at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) in May; eased off as if amiss (got upset in stalls) in Royal Ascot Group 1 since but turns out again three weeks later and will have a big say if back near her best.

7/2

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

4

(1)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Notable Speech

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Not the first time he's failed to fire at Ascot when a disappointing favourite in the Queen Anne, having previously looked better than ever in showing his trademark turn of foot to win the Lockinge at Newbury (good); renowned as a top-class domestic/international miler but he didn't run badly in last year's July Cup and should be fully effective at 7f; while fast ground shows him at his brilliant best, he nearly won a French Group 1 last season on good to soft; commands the utmost respect.

7/2

6th

6

(1)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Ascot

Notable Speech

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

High-class miler domestically and internationally, predominantly on good and quicker ground in accordance with his bright turn of foot; readily justified strong market support in the Lockinge at Newbury most recently, registering a fifth success at the top level and looking better than ever; bit to prove at Royal Ascot, having flopped badly in the 2024 St James's Palace Stakes and finished only fourth in this race last year; otherwise a leading player on the figures.

7/4

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

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

25th

1

(30)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Spy Chief

9st 12lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

Often leads; showed high-class form on good to firm ground last summer, runner-up in the Group 3 Jersey (7f) at this meeting, then involved in a tight finish for third place in the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket (6f) despite racing away from the main action for much of the way; had some excuses later but he was back on track when a close second in a 6f Listed race at Salisbury recently; can go well from rail draw.

11/1

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

+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