July 12 / 17.25 York

17.25

Good

John Smith’s Sprint Handicap

  • Prize money: £12885
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 18 runners
RTV
View Course
John Smith’s Sprint Handicap

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Sunny

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 495903 CD BF

Last run: 5 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Splendid campaigner down the years, with a Stewards' Cup to his name; not the force of old but still managed third at Ayr on Monday; possibilities off the same mark but probably ideally suited by good ground or softer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(8)

5th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Pontefract

Aberama Gold

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Prolific winner, mainly over 6f, the latest when 2lb higher at Catterick (6f, good) in April; went close when on this mark in successive starts last month, before a below-par effort in a big-field York sprint latest; player if he can bounce back.

7/1

20th

6

(18)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 York

Aberama Gold

9st 7lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

C&D winner; runner-up on his last two starts but this is more competitive and more minor money may be his best hope.

10/1

2nd

1

(6)

15th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

15:40 Catterick

Aberama Gold

10st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Not the force of old but won over C&D (good) off 2lb higher in April and last week's second at Epsom (6f, good to firm) confirms he's back in form; bold show likely.

11/4

14/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 271103 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who made all in a big field over C&D (good) in May and ran creditably when third at Doncaster in June; in the mix once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(9)

22nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 5

19:00 Redcar

Ingleby Archie

9st 10lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Adrian Nicholls

Gained a first victory of 2026 at Nottingham (6f) in June and in good form since, leading for long way when fifth of 21 in 6f York handicap 29 days ago; this course winner can go very well eased 1lb here.

9/2

5th

16

(5)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 York

Ingleby Archie

9st 2lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Adrian Nicholls

Had strong handicap form over C&D last summer and he is well handicapped on last July's second here (behind Aberama Gold); running well in small-field events this year; should give it another good go.

10/1

9/2

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 808065 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Decidedly useful at his peak, third in the 2023 Wokingham; slow to get going this year but he's very well handicapped as a result and he was arguably unlucky not to win when fifth at Haydock (repeatedly short of room) last week; can blow the start, so not one for maximum confidence, but he's too well treated to be ignored.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

(13)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:09 Newmarket (July)

Juan Les Pins

9st 6lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Michael Appleby

Had been running well but has performed miserably in his last two races when awkward at the start both times.

20/1

16th

4

(3)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Juan Les Pins

9st 8lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Michael Appleby

Good run of form ground to a halt at Thirsk ten days ago when he wasn't on his best behaviour in the stalls; has the ability to feature off this mark but is not without risk.

14/1

9th

10

(8)

1st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:10 Thirsk

Juan Les Pins

9st 5lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

He had dropped a long way in the weights before ending a losing run at Newcastle (5f) in March; added a C&D win in April and he has run well in defeat in both runs since; creeping back up the weights and had a 53-day break but he has the ability to go well.

6/1

14/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 6-1202 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Has an impressive strike-rate (8-30) for a sprint handicapper and he ran up to his best when second at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) last month; unlikely to be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

(9)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

18:45 Pontefract

Fiscal Policy

8st 11lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Below best on his last three starts but his recent Newmarket sixth was a step back in the right direction; made it 2-2 here when winning over C&D (good) in June and well worth a second look now back here.

11/1

6th

5

(5)

7th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:12 Newmarket (July)

Fiscal Policy

9st 8lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ruth Carr

Returns to rather calmer waters after coming up well short in bigger fields at York last month; in particularly good form in June, winning at Pontefract then placed twice over C&D; could go well.

6/1

11th

10

(4)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 York

Fiscal Policy

9st 5lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Good run of form came to a halt when 17th of 19 behind Magic Boy here 13 days ago; while he wasn't ideally drawn on that occasion, he will need a full revival to emerge victorious.

16/1

16/1

Form: 571221 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
As good as ever at the age of seven and his Doncaster success (6f, good to firm) eight days ago was his third of the season; should remain competitive despite a 5lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(1)

22nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 5

19:00 Redcar

Sugar Baby

9st 9lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Peter Niven

Back to winning ways at Doncaster (6f) in June; well held in 6f handicaps at York and Pontefract since, however, so this C&D scorer needs to get back on track.

20/1

7th

8

(6)

5th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Pontefract

Sugar Baby

9st 0lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Peter Niven

5f and 6f winner, most recently in a 0-70 at Doncaster (good to firm) on his penultimate start; found out from this mark and in this grade in a big field at York latest; more needed.

20/1

19th

17

(1)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 York

Sugar Baby

9st 1lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Peter Niven

Landed the ninth win of his career when keeping on well in a Class 5 at Doncaster (6f, good to firm) five weeks ago; 4lb higher mark in a stronger race could find him out.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: -07761 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Capitalised on a drop in the weights when winning at Thirsk (6f, good) ten days ago, making all; clearly in top form but is back up 4lb and this is more competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

13

(10)

28th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Thirsk

Manila Scouse

9st 7lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Back to winning ways at Ayr (6f) in July but well below par both runs since and he failed to beat a rival in Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last time; needs to take a major step forward.

33/1

14th

10

(13)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Manila Scouse

8st 2lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

0-5 at Ripon but he has run well here; back near his best when seeing off 16 rivals at Ayr last month but a subsequent Hamilton run (5f) was underwhelming; still feasibly weighted despite being 1lb wrong but he is another who would make more appeal on a slower surface.

16/1

10th

10

(2)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 2

19:30 Hamilton

Manila Scouse

9st 1lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Running well this year, including close third to Vantheman over C&D in May, and he posted a deserved win in a big field at Ayr (6f, good) 26 days ago; raised 5lb but he was very competitive off similar marks in 2024.

9/1

Form: 724343 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Usually gives his running and he was third to Ingleby Archie over C&D in May; has made the frame both starts since and has each-way hopes again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(7)

3rd Sep 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

20:10 Southwell (AW)

Rock Opera

9st 2lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Won off reduced mark at Pontefract (6f, good) in June and also has a C&D success on his CV but needs to up his game after three down-the-field turf runs this summer (6f-7f).

16/1

11th

1

(5)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

15:37 Doncaster

Rock Opera

9st 9lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Resumed winning ways at Pontefract (6f) in June but below par in big-field 6f handicaps at York on his last two runs; this course scorer needs to bounce back on a rare run over 7f.

9/1

13th

22

(14)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:00 York

Rock Opera

8st 2lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Run of in-frame efforts came to an end here two weeks ago but he still ran with more promise than his finishing position suggests; still likely vulnerable at this level.

25/1

40/1

Form: 038415 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Won at Catterick (6f, good to soft) in May but that was a weaker race than this one and she was only fifth at Pontefract last time; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(19)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Ripon

Glory Hyde

9st 10lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Roger Fell

Won four times in the first half of 2026 but she has come up short in Class 4 events on her last two starts; 2-3 over C&D but perhaps a shade high in the weights for now.

14/1

9th

1

(13)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 York

Glory Hyde

9st 9lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Roger Fell

Four wins this season; not ideally positioned when down the field over C&D 13 days ago but, even so, an improved effort will be needed to defy this mark.

20/1

15th

3

(15)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Glory Hyde

9st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Roger Fell

Arrives on the crest of a wave having won four of her last five starts; a 4lb rise for her small-field Class 5 win at Ripon last month could just find her out here, though.

13/2

6/1

Form: 6-0541 D

Last run: 72 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who tapped into her early promise with an easy, all-the-way win at Southwell (6f, AW) ten weeks ago; 9lb higher today and needs to transfer her improvement back to grass (unplaced only turf start), but she's related to several smart sprinters and probably still unexposed; withdrawn after refusing to enter the stalls at Redcar in May.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(3)

13th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

18:20 Southwell (AW)

Filly One

9st 5lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Front-runner who is 4-8 on the AW including a C&D success in May last year; beaten a head back here on New Year's Day and although off ten weeks since, she is proven fresh; major player.

9/4

9th

6

(14)

25th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:13 York

Filly One

9st 8lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoff Oldroyd

Made the running for two of her three AW wins; not disgraced over C&D recently in only her second turf run and although more is needed it wouldn't surprise to see her do better on grass.

16/1

Form: 61-680 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Ended 2024 with two 5f AW wins but has been below par this term (behind Ingleby Archie here on latest); still above his last winning mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(9)

11th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Thankuappreciate

9st 9lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Stable yet to get rolling for the year but he was a bright spot when springing a surprise over C&D off 3lb lower in February; not entirely convinced over 7f a couple of times since and holds each-way claims.

10/1

4th

7

(6)

11th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:15 Southwell (AW)

Thankuappreciate

9st 5lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

6f winner here on his penultimate start and he didn't fail through a lack of stamina when third at Chelmsford 13 days ago; he was well positioned in a race where nothing challenged from the rear there though and others appeal more for win purposes.

8/1

3rd

6

(3)

26th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Thankuappreciate

9st 5lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Strong at the finish when winning a 6f handicap at Southwell two weeks ago; the subsequent 4lb rise looks less of a concern than the additional furlong.

8/1

16/1

Form: 984114 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Best known for her Hamilton exploits (two 6f wins in June, eight in all) but she does have form here, and 7f in the mud at Carlisle last time possibly stretched her stamina; tough, game and impossible to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(7)

2nd Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 6

17:20 Hamilton

Iris Dancer

9st 8lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Tristan Davidson

Fantastic servant who has added another three C&D wins to her haul this year; unplaced here on her last three starts but drops back into a Class 6 today and a 13th course success isn't out of the question.

11/2

5th

10

(2)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

19:45 Hamilton

Iris Dancer

9st 0lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Tristan Davidson

12-time C&D winner including three this summer; no impact in her last three starts, but her last success was off only 1lb lower and she battled well when landing this race last year; not ruled out.

16/1

9th

14

(6)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

20:00 Hamilton

Iris Dancer

8st 4lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Tristan Davidson

Course specialist having won over this C&D 12 times, most recently last month off a 1lb lower mark than today's; below her best when dropped back to 5f here ten days ago but she's the type to bounce back on her return to this trip.

14/1

11/1

Form: 111807 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Started the year with a bang, winning 6f handicaps at Catterick, Pontefract and Ripon, and has shaped as if still in form since, not getting the rub of the green when seventh to Manila Scouse at Thirsk ten days ago; one of the likelier candidates.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(2)

1st Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:13 Ripon

Mister Sox

9st 6lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

A four-time scorer (including twice over C&D) in 2025; back on track with fifth of 20 over C&D 17 days ago when first home in his group; must enter calculations off the same mark in a change of headgear.

5/1

5th

14

(1)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Ripon

Mister Sox

9st 4lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Two C&D wins last year and he is now 5lb lower than for the second of them; needs to bounce back from some modest efforts but that's quite possible under these conditions.

16/1

5th

7

(4)

5th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Pontefract

Mister Sox

9st 3lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

C&D winner; all wins on good or slower but acts on fast ground; 1l second from this mark at Thirsk last month but needs to shrug off two lesser efforts.

9/1

40/1

Form: 0/09-5

Last run: 168 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Looked a good prospect when winning at Carlisle on 2yo debut but lightly raced and unplaced all outings since; wasn't disgraced when fifth at Newcastle in January but he'll need to improve on that to win here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(11)

17th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:15 Catterick

Emperors Son

10st 0lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Three wins for his former stable, the latest at Hamilton (6f, good) in June; sold for 11,000gns last month; widest stall to overcome on his stable debut; a hood now returns.

14/1

10th

9

(3)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:50 Newmarket (July)

Emperors Son

8st 13lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Won at Hamilton (6f, good) last month on second start back from a break and the neck runner-up went one better there next time; he's used to plying to his trade in a lower grade but is not discounted up just 2lb.

15/2

1st

4

(4)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 5

16:02 Hamilton

Emperors Son

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Carlisle winner on debut in June 2023 (5f, good to firm); gained another win at Wolverhampton in January (5f) and fair run back on turf when fourth at Pontefract last time (6f); a possible, but perhaps better at shorter.

15/2

Form: -83753 CD BF

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Last five successes have come over 5f with an uphill finish, but he did win this race in 2022; pretty reliable and arrives in reasonable form so should be involved, although he may be vulnerable to younger legs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(7)

28th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 10y

Class 5

15:00 Sandown

Good Earth

9st 12lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

Recorded his 13th turf win when scoring in good style at Haydock (6f, good to firm) in April; only 2lb higher here, but has mixed record since that last success and he was down the field at Beverley last time; others are more persuasive.

11/2

6th

5

(9)

13th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:45 Beverley

Good Earth

9st 6lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Herrington

Recorded his 13th turf win when scoring in good style at Haydock (6f, good to firm) in April; respectable fifth of ten at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) 13 days ago but he remains 4lb above the mark he defied at Haydock.

11/1

5th

1

(1)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Newmarket (July)

Good Earth

10st 0lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

Recorded his 13th turf win when scoring in good style at Haydock (6f, good to firm) in April; struggled at York last time but that was a highly competitive Class 4 event and he was runner-up here (5f, good to firm) on his penultimate run; has claims if he can recapture that form and he's not ruled out on this drop back in grade.

8/1

20/1

Form: 15-765 D

Last run: 54 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Gained three 6f wins in 2024 (all on good to firm) but slim pickings this season and blinkers failed to help last time; needs to be revived by a change of stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(5)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Thirsk

Kings Merchant

9st 12lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Philip Kirby

2-6 over C&D; ended a 17-race losing run at Chester (7f, good) last month and only beaten just over 2l into fourth of eight at Catterick (7f, good to firm) ten days ago; shouldn't have an issue with the return to this trip and shortlisted.

7/2

4th

3

(7)

22nd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

15:10 Catterick

Kings Merchant

9st 13lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Philip Kirby

Won his first race since September 2024 when scoring at Chester last time (7f, good; third run in cheekpieces, runner-up third there the next day); up 3lb; goes well on fast ground; a possible.

11/4

1st

5

(7)

10th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 5

20:50 Chester

Kings Merchant

9st 9lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Philip Kirby

Gained all four wins over sprint trips, the latest in September 2024; ran quite well over 7f at Catterick (good) in May, though, and nearly exploited this career-low mark at Doncaster (6f, good to firm; second run in cheekpieces) a week ago; due to go back up 3lb; must be considered.

11/4

Form: 242741

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Gained his fourth career win last week at Nottingham, sweeping through from the rear to beat four rivals comfortably; may have more in the tank but this is a warmer race and all his best efforts have come over 5f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(10)

24th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:40 Beverley

Frank The Spark

9st 10lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Paul Midgley

Handicapper had his say after an easy Nottingham win (2-2 there) early last month and this 5yo has been held since; often dropped in (may well be again from a wide stall) and would then be reliant on the race setting up for him, as well as some luck.

12/1

4th

9

(4)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

15:47 Redcar

Frank The Spark

8st 10lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Paul Midgley

Won at Nottingham (5f, good to firm) in July but that wasn't much of a race and he has not repeated the form; now wears cheekpieces; others preferred.

14/1

4

(2)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:25 Thirsk

Frank The Spark

9st 10lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Paul Midgley

Gained his fourth career success at Nottingham (5f, good to firm) in July and 6f will have been too far for him at York next time; however, he's still 7lb higher than for the win and others make more obvious appeal.

8/1

Form: 239033 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
No obvious excuses when third to Frank The Spark over 5f at Nottingham last Saturday; just as effective at 6f, but his record at York is nothing to write home about and he was well held in this race in 2024.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

(2)

1st Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Ripon

Spirit Of Applause

9st 3lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

C&D winner (September 2022); reliable in 2026, inching ever closer; beaten a nose by the in-form Mr Cool at Redcar (6f, good; 12-1) ten days ago; small 2lb rise, coupled with less favourable low draw, enough to further frustrate?

3/1

2nd

7

(2)

22nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 5

19:00 Redcar

Spirit Of Applause

9st 6lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Reliable sort who comes here on the back of a good second of nine in 5f Pontefract handicap 17 days ago; can make his presence felt off the same mark.

5/1

2nd

3

(4)

5th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

16:15 Pontefract

Spirit Of Applause

9st 11lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Posted two good thirds at the start of last month (5f/5.6f, good to firm) before midfield finish in big-field Class 4 at York (6f, good to firm); the drop back in trip/grade can help and he could be in the mix.

11/2

18th
16 (17)
Strike

14/1

Form: -42245 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Reliable but seemingly exposed; another creditable effort when fifth of 11 at Newbury (7f, good to firm) last month; this return to 6f should suit and he should again give his running, but others appeal as likelier winners.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(6)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:10 Newmarket (July)

Strike

9st 2lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Jonathan Portman

He has contested this race for the last four years, with form figures reading 1626; mostly running with credit this term and he narrowly prevailed at Newbury (6f, good to firm) five weeks ago; 3lb nudge shouldn't stop him being competitive under Billy Loughnane; player.

9/2

1st

3

(1)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:52 Newbury

Strike

9st 13lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jonathan Portman

8yo whose losing run goes back 18 races to July 2024 but he's often run well in the meantime, including on his last two starts; each-way player.

7/1

4th

7

(5)

5th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 160y

Class 5

18:40 Bath

Strike

9st 4lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Last of four wins came in July 2024, but has been runner-up twice over C&D this year, latest on firm ten days ago; likes to hear his feet rattle and if the ground is in his favour then he would come into this.

9/2

Non-runners

Raatea, Alfa Whiteburd

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £38.80
Straight Forecast £32.05
Tricast £126.47
Trifecta £224.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Juan Les Pins

Telegraph:

Fiscal Policy

POSTDATA:

Strike

The Guardian:

Sugar Baby

RP RATINGS:

Alfa Whiteburd

TOPSPEED:

Spirit Of Applause

Daily Mail:

Good Earth

Daily Mirror:

Fiscal Policy

The Star:

Fiscal Policy

LAMBOURN:

Strike

Daily Record:

Sugar Baby

The Times:

Juan Les Pins

D Express:

Juan Les Pins

The Sun:

Juan Les Pins