July 12 / 15.10 York

15.10

Good

John Smith’s Cup Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £103080
  • 1m 2f 56y
  • Class 2
  • 18 runners
ITV
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John Smith’s Cup Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Sunny

Form: 314-01 CD

Last run: 57 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
4yo who made it 4-8, and 2-2 at York, when scoring over C&D (good to firm) in May on his first run beyond about 1m; a 4lb rise isn't harsh and this progressive sort could still be ahead of the handicapper.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(8)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:45 York

Thunder Run

9st 10lb

J: Shane Gray

T: K R Burke

Dual winner here (both on good to firm) who was sixth in this last year and was runner-up to Warrant Holder over C&D (good) this May; soundly beaten at Royal Ascot since but he's an each-way possible back at York.

18/1

15th

10

(28)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Thunder Run

9st 5lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Back to form with second at the York Dante festival (good) in the 1m2f event he'd won 12 months earlier; before racing over longer trips he was a three-time 1m winner and ran creditably in major handicap over C&D once; may remain competitive.

20/1

2nd

1

(10)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:55 York

Thunder Run

9st 12lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Disappointing in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket on final outing last season and same story in Listed race at Kempton on last month's reappearance; however, he's back down to the same mark as when winning this last year (good to firm) and can have a big say if he's back on song.

5/1

OUR TIP

8/1

Form: 00-653

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Two wins for William Haggas (1m4f/1m6f; both 2023) and he's improved with each of his three starts for this yard, finishing third of 18 in the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) last month; this strong-travelling 5yo could appreciate today's drop back in trip; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(4)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:27 Ascot

Naqeeb

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Won a 1m2f Listed race at Goodwood (good to soft) last September; built on reappearance fifth to Jonquil and Holloway Boy in a Listed race over the straight 1m here when narrowly denied a second 1m2f Goodwood Listed success seven weeks ago; more needed at this level and his peak RPRs have been achieved over longer trips.

33/1

2nd

2

(2)

22nd May 2026

Soft

1m 1f 197y

Class 1

16:17 Goodwood

Naqeeb

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Performed well twice over C&D last term but had the run of the race when belying his 33-1 odds for neck success at Listed level in September (good to soft) and looks no certainty to defy a 3lb penalty back here, unless things again fall his way.

12/1

5th

3

(1)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

Naqeeb

9st 8lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Has raced as far as 2m1f in 2024 and never shorter than 1m2f; third at last year's Royal Ascot came over 1m4f but he broke a losing sequence when diverted from top handicaps to a 1m2f Listed race at Goodwood last September; the prospect of 1m now doesn't seem so ridiculous but a career best is needed.

16/1

Form: -70903 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Denied clear run when tenth in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) before close third of eight at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm) last Saturday; capable of better, having gone close in the Group 2 Summer Mile last July, but has to build on his latest run now back up 2lb in a warmer race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(3)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket (July)

Ancient Rome

10st 0lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Charles Hills

He's fully 7lb lower than when a close third at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm) last July but was soundly beaten on his final three outings last season and it's been the same story on his two starts this term.

33/1

7th

3

(8)

25th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:47 Newcastle (AW)

Ancient Rome

9st 1lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Charles Hills

Often held up in rear, so he saw very little daylight when 50-1 off career-low mark in the Spring Cup at Newbury in April; dropped another 2lb since but he last won in September 2023 and failed to make an impact in all but one of his races in 2025, so does not look the percentage call.

12/1

Form: /11-96 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Missed the rest of 2024 after winning the Golden Gates Handicap at Royal Ascot (1m2f, good to firm) last June; returned to form on second start back when sixth in the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap at last month's Royal meeting, shaping as though he would benefit from the drop back in trip; chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:45 York

Hand Of God

9st 8lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Harry Charlton

5yo who has raced only ten times; looked very promising in the first part of the 2024 season and things clicked again with a 2l win at Newbury (1m2f, good) two months ago; possible player after a 5lb rise.

9/1

1st

1

(3)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Newbury

Hand Of God

9st 10lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Harry Charlton

Talented 5yo, but has endured some lengthy absences in his career and was returning from another 280 days off when seventh of 24 in the Spring Cup here (1m, good) last month; return to this trip is not a problem and he's interesting down in grade.

9/2

Form: 424140 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Won in Bahrain (1m2f, good to firm) in March; returned from break with mid-division finish in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) last month and this step back up in trip could help, but others are more compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(10)

24th Aug 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

13:50 Goodwood

Soldiers Empire

10st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Marco Botti

Gained his wins in Ireland and during a spell in Bahrain; has struggled in Britain this summer and needs to derive significant benefit from this drop back in class.

33/1

2

(8)

7th Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Soldiers Empire

9st 7lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Marco Botti

Won in Bahrain (1m2f, good to firm) in March; returned from break with mid-division finish in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) and he was always in rear at York (1m2f) last month; dropped 3lb and this return to Polytrack is no problem but others are more compelling.

10/1

5

(4)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Soldiers Empire

9st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Marco Botti

Won in Bahrain (1m2f, good to firm) in March; returned from break with mid-division finish in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) last month and this step back up in trip could help, but others are more compelling.

50/1

40/1

Form: 77000-

Last run: 347 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in Group 2 at Meydan in December 2023; failed to replicate that form in UAE subsequently and well beaten at Galway last July on sole run for Paddy Twomey; absent since and this 7yo is probably best watched now starting out for another new yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

18

(24)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Erzindjan

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: T J Kent

Campaigned over 1m1f/1m2f for current yard; beat Fifth Column by half a length at Newmarket (good to firm) in sole run this season, ending a five-year losing spell and showing he retains plenty of ability aged eight; has form claims but doesn't seem to be crying out for this return to 1m.

12/1

1st

6

(8)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Newmarket

Erzindjan

9st 6lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: T J Kent

Easily first home in his near-side group when strong-finishing fourth of 23 in the Cambridgeshire over C&D (good to firm) in September; just 1lb higher today and that wasn't his only solid performance in a good handicap last term, so he could be a major each-way player.

10/1

3

(3)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Newmarket

Erzindjan

9st 6lb

J: Luke Morris

T: T J Kent

Runner-up in Group races earlier in career and has shaped well in some strong handicaps for new yard this year, including first home in his group when fourth of 23 in the Cambridgeshire here (1m1f, good to firm) in September; better than result again at York three weeks ago but does have a bit to find on these terms.

16/1

Form: 143-20 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
May well have won on reappearance at Chester (10.3f, good) in May granted a clear run; however, this is a hotter contest and he was merely mid-division in the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot last month (1m4f, good to firm; he's fine at that trip); others have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

(17)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:45 York

Auld Toon Loon

9st 4lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Tom Dascombe

Back to form with close third of six at Windsor (1m2f, good to firm) in May; however, only seventh of 16 at Epsom (1m2f, good to soft) last time on ground he should have handled; can be slowly away; others preferred.

33/1

7th

11

(5)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Auld Toon Loon

8st 13lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Tom Dascombe

Failed to figure from the widest draw behind Respond at Chester (went well there previously) on reappearance but a close third of six when favourite at Windsor (1m2f, good to firm) 11 days ago; with a good soft-ground record too, he could be a major player.

12/1

3rd

1

(1)

25th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Windsor

Auld Toon Loon

9st 11lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Tom Dascombe

Ended his 2025 campaign with a half-length success in Class 2 event over C&D (good to firm) and is only 2lb higher back here; possibilities with Chester reappearance under his belt.

5/1

Form: 174-16 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Won over 1m2f for Sir Michael Stoute and scored in style on his stable and seasonal debut at Newmarket (1m1f, good) in May; first home in the centre group when sixth of 30 in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) last month and he could have more to offer now back up in trip; interesting contender for connections who won this in 2019 and 2021.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(2)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

16:05 Ascot

Fox Legacy

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Record of 3-4 this season for new stable includes two wins in major handicaps; took his form to an even higher level with impressive performance in a conditions race at Glorious Goodwood (1m1f, good to soft) on last appearance; one of two Andrew Balding-trained runners who are going into deeper waters but may be capable of further improvement.

20/1

1st

3

(9)

1st Aug 2025

Good

1m 1f 11y

Class 2

15:45 Goodwood

Fox Legacy

9st 10lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Won in style at Newmarket (1m1f) in May, first home in the centre group in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m) in June and tidy winner of the valuable John Smith's Cup at York (1m2f) three weeks ago; more to prove on ground softer than good, which he tried four times in previous seasons; going great guns but needs markedly better form to upstage all of today's rivals.

11/2

8

(19)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Fox Legacy

9st 4lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Won over 1m2f for Sir Michael Stoute and scored in style on his stable and seasonal debut at Newmarket (1m1f, good) in May; first home in the centre group when sixth of 30 in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) last month and he could have more to offer now back up in trip; interesting contender for connections who won this in 2019 and 2021.

9/1

22/1

Form: 116535 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Two wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and creditable fifth in the Northumberland Plate a fortnight ago (2m, AW); he's a 9yo who has never won off a mark this high but is versatile in terms of trip and ran well over C&D last month; not ruled out each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(8)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:35 Hamilton

Faylaq

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

9yo who was well beaten in the John Smith's Cup at York last month but won two in a row here (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and continued in good form until his blip last time; not ruled out now back here.

12/1

9

(12)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Faylaq

9st 4lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Two wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and creditable fifth in the Northumberland Plate a fortnight ago (2m, AW); he's a 9yo who has never won off a mark this high but is versatile in terms of trip and ran well over C&D last month; not ruled out each-way.

22/1

5th

7

(2)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Faylaq

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Third and sixth in last two runnings of the C&D Vase on this card; in the groove with successive wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f) this May; however, he's been held off this mark when back up to Class 2 in his three starts since, still in form but suggesting that others will have the edge today.

18/1

10 (18)
Brioni

14/1

Form: 10-881 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
4yo who won twice last year and got back on track to win in first-time cheekpieces at Sandown (1m2f, good) last month; appeared to have more in hand than the 1l winning margin suggests and he might have more to offer in the headgear; could be in the mix under a 5lb penalty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(8)

28th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 17y

Class 3

16:05 Epsom

Brioni

10st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Has become inconsistent but looks interesting back down in grade, having recorded 1m2f wins at Ascot and Sandown in last two attempts in Class 3; admittedly on a tougher mark now.

8/1

7th

6

(14)

30th Aug 2025

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

15:00 Sandown

Brioni

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

4yo who won twice last year and got back on track to score over C&D (good; acts on soft) this June in first-time cheekpieces, which have been kept since; did not get run of the race in a top York handicap seven weeks ago and not discredited; needs a second look.

16/1

10

(18)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Brioni

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

4yo who won twice last year and got back on track to win in first-time cheekpieces at Sandown (1m2f, good) last month; appeared to have more in hand than the 1l winning margin suggests and he might have more to offer in the headgear; could be in the mix under a 5lb penalty.

14/1

Form: 11-122 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Made it 4-4 in handicaps (and for this yard) when winning at Redcar (1m2f, good to firm) in May and he's been a very creditable second on his next two starts, most recently over C&D when behind an exciting prospect from the Gosden yard; has the same mark as last time and could play a leading role.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(10)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

See That Storm

9st 3lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Made it 4-4 in handicaps (and for this yard) when winning at Redcar (1m2f, good to firm) in May and he's been a very creditable second on his next two starts, most recently over C&D when behind an exciting prospect from the Gosden yard; has the same mark as last time and could play a leading role.

5/1

4

(1)

13th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

See That Storm

9st 3lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Improving 4yo who tasted his first defeat in handicaps (had been 4-4) when unable to reel in the front-running Liberty Coach in Redcar's Zetland Gold Cup (1m2f, good to firm); that was no backward step and the 4lb rise is fair enough; considered.

11/2

2nd

6

(3)

26th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 1y

Class 2

16:35 Redcar

See That Storm

9st 11lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Reappeared over C&D this month having been gelded, and in winning he made it 4-4 in handicaps and for this yard (the other wins were also over 1m2f on good to firm; two here); remains to be seen where the ceiling of his ability lies and a modest 3lb rise for last time could underestimate him.

7/2

Form: -01320 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Won at Ripon (1m2f, good) in April then placed the next twice, on the first occasion third to Thunder Run over this C&D (good to firm); slowly away and perhaps unsuited by Epsom when well beaten last time; each-way contender if back on song this afternoon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

13

(19)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:45 York

Have Secret

9st 1lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Won at Pontefract (1m2f, good) in April and respectable fifth of 15 to Warrant Holder over this C&D (good) in May; the return to Epsom maybe didn't suit latest (well beaten) but he needs to bounce back with a career best.

50/1

12th

12

(7)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Have Secret

8st 11lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

6yo who has a career-high mark on the strength of his win at Pontefract (1m2f, good; acts on soft/heavy) in April; creditable fifth at York next time but the chief disincentive is probably that he ran poorly in this race last year on his only visit to Epsom.

25/1

5th

5

(6)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:55 York

Have Secret

9st 7lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

6yo who is on a career-high mark but he looked better than ever when winning by just over 2l at Pontefract (1m2f, good) last month; close third in this last year (good to firm) and could again be thereabouts.

10/1

Form: 2-1502

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Ex-French 4yo who has raced only six times; ran well on first two stable starts (including over 1m here on fast ground) and bounced back from Redcar flop with close second at Newcastle (1m2f, AW), where he may well have won with a clear run; unexposed at the trip and could have a part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(2)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 5y

Class 2

15:27 Pontefract

Romieu

8st 13lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Very lightly raced, ex-French 5yo; up and down among his five British starts last season but ran some big races, including first time up, and he should be capable of winning off his current mark.

9/1

13

(11)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Romieu

8st 12lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Ex-French 4yo who has raced only six times; ran well on first two stable starts (including over 1m here on fast ground) and bounced back from Redcar flop with close second at Newcastle (1m2f, AW), where he may well have won with a clear run; unexposed at the trip and could have a part to play.

12/1

Form: 2-3870 C

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Has often run well here and he won twice last year (1m5f/1m4f); however, he's failed to threaten on his three starts this season, here the last twice, and a major turnaround is required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(9)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:30 York

Dark Moon Rising

9st 12lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

His 19 course starts have yielded five places and a win over 1m4f back in 2023 but he hasn't been at his best on turf here the last twice; back on a good mark but need to see more.

20/1

12th

14

(2)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Dark Moon Rising

8st 8lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Kevin Ryan

18 starts here have yielded five places and a win over 1m4f back in 2023, although he wasn't at his best when beating one home in this race last year; in fair form over this trip on AW in the spring but his return to turf, when beaten 8l over 1m4f here one month ago, will need improving on.

20/1

5th

11

(2)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Dark Moon Rising

8st 9lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Kevin Ryan

C&D winner in 2023; no joy anywhere last season (mostly at this track) but the closest he came was a neck defeat here (1m2f; 4lb higher today) on final start; not far away on AW last three starts this year and the same may be possible on today's return to turf.

16/1

Form: 115-35 C

Last run: 65 days

W: 8st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Won 2yo final here (7f, soft) last October and reappeared with creditable Listed third at Epsom (1m2f, good) in April; failed to build on that when fifth of seven in Listed race at Chester (1m2f, good) in May; improvement is needed if he's to be a force on this handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19th

2

(3)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:25 York

Mirabeau

10st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Dominic Ffrench Davis

Snapped a losing sequence in big field at Newbury (6f, good) in April and good second there (6f, good) since; won over C&D in 2024 2yo campaign and he should be fine back up to 7f; bang in form and he's one to consider.

8/1

2nd

7

(4)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Mirabeau

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Dominic Ffrench Davis

Narrowly regained the winning thread in big field over C&D (good) last time when dropped back to 6f for first time since debut; unexposed at this trip and still looks favourably treated back up just 3lb; respected.

5/1

1st

6

(4)

17th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:25 Newbury

Mirabeau

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Dominic Ffrench Davis

Campaigned over as far as 10.3f and this will be his first 6f run since his 2yo debut; well beaten in the Lincoln on his reappearance (1m, good to soft); dangerous mark judged on best 2025 effort (7f, good to soft); trip is a query but Oisin Murphy a notable booking.

16/1

Form: 0-2277 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 8lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in double-figure fields on first two starts this season (1m/1m2f, good) but merely mid-division over this C&D on his last two starts and it seems likely he'll be vulnerable once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(9)

24th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 4

17:05 Carlisle

Austrian Theory

9st 6lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Not the force of old but, after a couple of modest efforts, his latest fifth of 18 at York (10.5f, good; first-time cheekpieces) was a step back in the right direction; shaped as though this stiffer test might suit on that occasion so interesting to see if the headgear works a second time for in-form yard.

16/1

5th

12

(15)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

17:18 York

Austrian Theory

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Not the best of strike-rates and not been in top form this year; cheekpieces now tried but has a tricky draw to overcome; well handicapped now.

20/1

7th

8

(1)

28th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 3

15:40 Ripon

Austrian Theory

8st 10lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

On a losing run and went backwards from C&D reappearance fifth to Spioradalta when well held at Hamilton a fortnight ago; on a career-low mark but need to see more.

14/1

Form: 22-211 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Got off the mark at the sixth attempt in Leicester maiden (1m, good to firm) last month and followed up on handicap debut here (1m, good) a fortnight ago; there are mixed messages from his pedigree regarding the step up in trip and he could do with settling better than last time, but this progressive 3yo was strong at the finish and could take a 5lb penalty in his stride for a top trainer who has won this three times since 2011.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20th

6

(18)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Archivist

9st 7lb

J: James McDonald

T: Hamad Al Jehani

In good form at Meydan this year for new yard, most recently scoring readily in first-time hood to take his 1m record to 22111 (all wins on good/firmer); may have even more to offer over this trip in the retained headgear; sound claims.

10/1

18

(6)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Archivist

8st 7lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: William Haggas

Got off the mark at the sixth attempt in Leicester maiden (1m, good to firm) last month and followed up on handicap debut here (1m, good) a fortnight ago; there are mixed messages from his pedigree regarding the step up in trip and he could do with settling better than last time, but this progressive 3yo was strong at the finish and could take a 5lb penalty in his stride for a top trainer who has won this three times since 2011.

9/4

1st

9

(2)

28th Jun 2025

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 3

13:55 York

Archivist

9st 7lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Promising 2yo for the now-retired Sir Michael Stoute last season; didn't enjoy a clear run when second in Nottingham novice (1m, good) on his stable and seasonal debut, and easily won Leicester maiden (1m, good to firm) next time; with a top Newmarket trainer and has potential off his opening mark.

5/6

Form: 475744 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 8st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Having edged down the weights he's been a fair fourth on his last two starts, but the first-time visor needs to prompt something extra if he's to return to winning ways now back up in grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(6)

18th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 4

15:53 Ripon

Qitaal

9st 12lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Charlie Johnston

7yo whose losing sequence goes back 21 races to September 2024 but he went close behind Yermanthere over C&D (good) last month and was a good third at Ayr (1m2f, good) last time; might not be far away.

7/2

3rd

3

(5)

5th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Ayr

Qitaal

9st 12lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Charlie Johnston

It's now 20 outings since his last victory; his run of good form came to an end when just third of five in 1m2f Beverley handicap 12 days ago; the sort to bounce back though.

5/1

3rd

4

(5)

23rd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 4

16:17 Beverley

Qitaal

9st 7lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Charlie Johnston

All three of his wins have been on ground slower than good but he does act on quick ground; went close at Ripon (1m2f, good) five days ago and steps back up in grade slightly with good claims.

6/4

Non-runners

Paddy The Squire

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £54.30
Straight Forecast £65.43
Tricast £157.71
Trifecta £379.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Archivist

TOPSPEED:

Brioni

Daily Mail:

Thunder Run

Daily Mirror:

Hand Of God

RP RATINGS:

Fox Legacy

POSTDATA:

Ancient Rome

NEWMARKET:

Archivist

The Times:

Archivist

Telegraph:

Archivist

The Guardian:

Archivist

D Express:

Archivist

The Sun:

Archivist

Daily Record:

Archivist

The Star:

Brioni