July 12 / 16.45 York

16.45

Good

John Smith’s Stayers’ Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £12885
  • 2m 0f 56y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
RTV
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John Smith’s Stayers’ Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Sunny

Form: -28130 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Late-maturing 6yo who posted career-best performance to win Chester Plate (2m2f, good) in May; didn't fire in Northumberland Vase at Newcastle (AW) a fortnight ago but has good record at York and enters calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(7)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 4

15:38 York

Gibside

9st 6lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Handles most surfaces and his eight wins include two here, latterly over 2m in 2024; last scored at Catterick (1m4f) off 3lb higher in October and after some lesser efforts this season he was much more competitive when third back there (1m6f) a fortnight ago; contender to step forward again and he's considered.

10/1

3rd

6

(3)

11th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 192y

Class 4

20:23 Catterick

Gibside

9st 0lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Two course wins, including this race off 8lb lower in 2024 (good to firm); highly tried and not been at his best this season but quite interesting down in grade.

10/1

10th

12

(4)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Gibside

8st 12lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Strong finish from rear secured the Chester Plate (2m2f, good) last May off 3lb higher and he also won over 1m4f on soft at Catterick in October; needs to leave his four efforts this season a long way behind him, however.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 21-351

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Took her form to a new level at Nottingham (1m6f, good to firm) last month, drawing clear to beat four rivals by about 8l; evidently in excellent nick but recent 7lb rise asks quite a lot of her here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(9)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:20 York

Rock N Roll Pinkie

9st 11lb

J: David Nolan

T: Ivan Furtado

Three wins last summer included two over C&D; started this season in good form but well beaten on last two outings when back to York for a Group 3 and, more worryingly, a 1m6f handicap; off 2lb higher than her last winning mark, she'll have a shout if returning to her best.

12/1

5th

1

(1)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 4

15:38 York

Rock N Roll Pinkie

10st 2lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Ivan Furtado

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

10/1

5th

6

(7)

23rd May 2026

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:15 York

Rock N Roll Pinkie

9st 2lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Ivan Furtado

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

25/1

Form: 13-850 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Yet to strike form after three runs for new stable this year but now 1lb lower than when winning over C&D (good to firm) for David O'Meara just under a year ago; usually ridden patiently; revival possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(1)

16th Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 10y

Class 5

16:24 Ripon

Churchella

10st 2lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Philip Kirby

Won four times for David O'Meara last year (1m6f-2m) but has been out of form for new stable this season and is not sure to be ideally suited by today's drop back in trip; considered only if lively in the betting.

10/1

3

(6)

12th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:45 York

Churchella

9st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Philip Kirby

Yet to strike form after three runs for new stable this year but now 1lb lower than when winning over C&D (good to firm) for David O'Meara just under a year ago; usually ridden patiently; revival possible.

20/1

13

(2)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:40 Newcastle (AW)

Churchella

9st 0lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Philip Kirby

Four wins for David O'Meara last year (2m/1m6f), two on Tapeta, and she's on a competitive mark on her best form; the step back up in trip may help but she's not easy to fancy judged on this year's two runs.

40/1

Form: 939113

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Returned to form with two 1m6f wins last month (good/good to firm), and his subsequent Chester third (2m, good) was perfectly respectable; not yet fully exposed as a stayer and ought to give another good account here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(2)

11th Jul 2026

Good

1m 6f 87y

Class 4

17:32 Chester

Curran

9st 7lb

J: Oliver Searle

T: Rod Millman

Has a patchy profile but he hasn't been with current yard for long and he won at Bath (1m6f, good) last month; only sixth of seven here (2m) last time but he ran well for a long way and was beaten less than 4l; still looks on a workable mark and he could make a bold bid back in trip.

11/2

6th

5

(5)

27th Jun 2026

Good

1m 7f 196y

Class 4

17:20 Chester

Curran

9st 0lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Rod Millman

Ex-Charlie Johnston for whom he finished third in this last year (2lb higher); joined Rod Millman for 6,000gns; tailed off on yard debut but always in the van when battling on best at Bath (1m6f, good); only 2lb higher but he's up into a Class 4 now.

9/2

Form: -11520 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Came good for Mike Sowersby with two 2m AW wins at Newcastle in February/March but was safely held in last month's Northumberland Vase over that C&D and his Flat turf strike-rate is 0-18; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(1)

19th Feb 2026

2m 0f 57y

Class 3

17:00 Newcastle (AW)

Weddell Sea

8st 12lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Mike Sowersby

Three Class 5 C&D wins, the latest by a nose on penultimate start; ran respectably in a Class 2 C&D contest (fourth, 16-1) latest; likely to give his best, although others make more appeal.

12/1

4th

11

(7)

16th Jan 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:15 Newcastle (AW)

Weddell Sea

8st 2lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Mike Sowersby

Behind New York Minute at Southwell before edging home in a Class 5 over C&D; will do well to follow up in this higher grade.

20/1

Form: 37-928

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Needs to rebound from a disappointing performance in early June but ran big race when close second to Simiyann at Haydock (2m, good to firm; front pair clear) two starts ago and is only 1lb higher here; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(10)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:30 York

The Crafty Mole

9st 5lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Won at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) in August and at Ripon (2m, good) last month, appearing to idle in front on the second occasion having travelled extremely well; stayed on for fourth at Redcar (1m6f, good to soft) subsequently and the return to 2m could be a strong positive; major player.

9/1

4th

1

(2)

4th Oct 2025

Good

1m 5f 218y

Class 4

17:05 Redcar

The Crafty Mole

9st 12lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Won in Class 6 on soft and good to soft last year but withdrawn from good to soft on Thursday; first six wins were 1m6f, including at Newmarket this August, and he travelled much the best at Ripon (2m) one week ago before scraping home in front; up 3lb but return to 1m6f is clearly no disincentive and two of his wins last year were separated by only five days; player.

5/2

Form: 074070

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Progressive last year, winning three times (1m3f-2m1f); back down to a good mark now but yet to be placed after six outings this season and his slow starts have become a serious issue; others look less risky.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

(12)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 2

14:53 Ayr

Letsbefrank

8st 8lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

He's reappeared in rude health this year with wins under Lauren Young at Musselburgh (1m4f, good) and Hamilton (1m3f, good) before good third at Thirsk (1m4f, good) last time; he'll be fine at this longer trip, and also if slow ground prevails; could be bang there.

8/1

3rd

6

(1)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 8y

Class 4

17:15 Thirsk

Letsbefrank

9st 2lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

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

5/2

1st

4

(1)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 15y

Class 4

18:45 Hamilton

Letsbefrank

9st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

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

7/2

Form: 5-5251 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 0lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Displayed willing attitude to win tactical, three-runner race from the front at Lingfield (2m, good to firm) last month but contests a much deeper race here and younger rivals look better handicapped.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(1)

23rd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

20:05 Newbury

Russian Rumour

9st 11lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

Usually consistent, but her modest effort at Goodwood (2m, soft) last time was disappointing given she does handle any ground; needs to bounce back from that.

5/1

4th

6

(1)

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:10 Goodwood

Russian Rumour

9st 1lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

10-58 overall for this 9yo, with none of those races at this track; can make the running; won at Ffos Las (2m, heavy) last September (by 12l) and Nottingham (1m6f, good) this May; not far away when third of four at Lingfield 12 days ago in hat-trick bid and has an each-way chance.

9/1

3rd

4

(1)

26th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:54 Lingfield

Russian Rumour

9st 4lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Jonathan Portman

Course winner (2m) who bids a for hat-trick after wins at Ffos Las (2m, heavy) last September (by 12l) and on her Nottingham return under Donagh Murphy (1m6f, good) 17 days ago; only 2lb higher and much respected.

11/8

Form: 4049-5

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Led close home to win a novice hurdle in May and returned to the Flat with respectable fifth of 14 at Hamilton (1m3f, good to soft) last month; unexposed over this sort of trip on the Flat; no surprise if he features.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(7)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:20 York

Terrorise

8st 13lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Won this race last year (good to firm) in good style and has a 1lb lower mark today; 2026 build-up has been far less auspicious than last season's, however, and the first-time visor of latest start is now replaced with a first-time tongue-tie.

20/1

6th

6

(8)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 4

15:38 York

Terrorise

9st 4lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Won here (2m, good to firm) in July but an 8lb rise signalled a reversal in his fortunes and he's beaten one horse in both starts this term; nothing wrong with this mark if the visor prompts a turnaround, though.

25/1

Form: 7-2122 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
In-form 6yo who has finished second on both 2m starts since his 1m7f win at Ayr (good to firm) in May; latest 2lb nudge puts him on a new career-high mark but he ought to make his presence felt again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

(11)

15th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 32y

Class 5

15:20 Carlisle

Marbuzet

9st 5lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Won twice in blinkers last season (1m7f/2m); back on a workable mark but made a low-key reappearance in cheekpieces (retained) last month and needs that run to have brought him on.

16/1

5th

2

(1)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:15 Thirsk

Marbuzet

9st 6lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Had a good 2025, winning over 1m7f at Ayr (good to firm) and 2m at Chester (good); also runner-up on five other occasions, including his reappearance.

4/1

Non-runners

Simiyann

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £62.70
Straight Forecast £87.43
Tricast £604.96
Trifecta £812.10

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Russian Rumour

SPOTLIGHT:

Curran

RP RATINGS:

Rock N Roll Pinkie

The Times:

Terrorise

The Star:

Letsbefrank

D Express:

Simiyann

Daily Record:

Marbuzet

The Sun:

Curran

Daily Mirror:

Rock N Roll Pinkie

The Guardian:

Terrorise

POSTDATA:

Russian Rumour

LAMBOURN:

Russian Rumour

Telegraph:

Russian Rumour

Daily Mail:

Russian Rumour