August 23 / 15.00 York

15.00

Good To Firm

Sky Bet City Of York Stakes (Group 1)

  • Prize money: £377121.5
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 10 runners
ITV
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Sky Bet City Of York Stakes (Group 1)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

20/1

Form: 22-201 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Supplemented to act as pacemaker in Group 1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood (1m, good) last month, when he slipped the field and won at 150-1; that took Goodwood record to 3-3; subsequently supplemented for this race at cost of £40,000; there have to be major doubts about whether he can reproduce that latest form, and on his previous exploits he has something to find; first run here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(2)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:58 York

Qirat

9st 8lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Ralph Beckett

Not totally solid on his form since 150-1 success when pacemaker in last year's Sussex Stakes (1m, good); however, looks interesting back down in trip, with his 7f record reading 1211225 (ran creditably behind Never So Brave in C&D Group 1 the final time); fitting of tongue-tie may also contribute to a resurgence.

12/1

7th

5

(2)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 1

14:40 Epsom

Qirat

9st 8lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Ralph Beckett

Not totally solid on his form since 150-1 success when pacemaker in last year's Sussex Stakes (1m, good); below par in Listed grade in sole run this season; however, record of 3-3 at Goodwood bodes well for this first visit to Epsom, which is a fairly similar track; return to best is plausible.

8/1

4th

3

(4)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:57 Doncaster

Qirat

9st 2lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Ralph Beckett

150-1 winner of the Group 1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood (1m, good) in July when acting as a pacemaker; that form can't be taken at face value but he was fifth in the Group 1 City Of York Stakes (7f, good to firm) next time and that performance reads well in the context of most of today's opposition; versatile ground-wise; goes well fresh and could be involved on his reappearance.

7/2

25/1

Form: 0-0621 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
3yo who has done well since being gelded, finishing second in a Listed race at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) then beating his three rivals to win the Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood (1m, soft); supplemented for this race at a cost of £40,000 but could be vulnerable in this grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(6)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:27 Ascot

Seagulls Eleven

9st 3lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

This prominent racer was pipped by No Lunch (who has to give him 3lb now) in Saint-Cloud Group 2 on reappearance but has built on that with wins in Listed race at Longchamp and Group 3 at Epsom (both 1m, good to soft) in recent months; while his best RPRS have been achieved on good or softer his second on good to firm at last year's Newmarket July meeting was as good as anything he'd achieved at that stage; should go well.

8/1

1st

7

(8)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 1

14:40 Epsom

Seagulls Eleven

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Appears versatile as regards ground; Group 3 winner at last year's Glorious Goodwood and better than ever in two French races this term, making all at Longchamp (1m Listed) latest; reasonably solid in current form returned to home soil, and further progress is possible.

4/1

8th

10

(1)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Seagulls Eleven

9st 3lb

J: James Doyle

T: Hugo Palmer

3yo who has done well since being gelded, finishing second in a Listed race at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) then beating his three rivals to win the Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood (1m, soft); supplemented for this race at a cost of £40,000 but could be vulnerable in this grade.

25/1

OUR TIP

66/1

Form: 330270 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Won 7f Group 2 in Saudi Arabia in February 2024 and went close in the Group 3 Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle (6f, AW) this June; however, two lesser runs have followed and he's up against it today even if back to his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(8)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:55 Ascot

Annaf

9st 9lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Michael Appleby

Six runs at Ascot have yielded two Group 3 wins (6f) as well as a third in a Group 1 over C&D; back to form with a good third in a competitive AW handicap (6f) two weeks ago; 1lb rise not insurmountable; respected.

9/1

3rd

5

(13)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

Annaf

9st 11lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Michael Appleby

Smart performer on his day; finished second in the Group 3 on this card 12 months ago and ended 2025 with an Ascot win at that level; it has been a mixed back so far in 2026 but he is edging down the weights and has too much ability to discount; accessories tried last month are now dispensed with.

12/1

13th

1

(1)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Annaf

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Michael Appleby

Group 3 winner at Ascot (6f, soft) last October and he's versatile ground-wise; down to a dangerous mark but he hasn't been at the top of his game on his four runs this year, in handicaps on the last two occasions, and he needs to turn things around in a first-time tongue-tie and reapplied cheekpieces.

14/1

Form: 40-973 D BF

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Second in this in 2023 (good to firm); won the Group 1 Lockinge (1m) and Group 2 Lennox (7f) last year and a reproduction of that form would give him leading claims; however, below his best since finishing fourth of six in this 12 months ago; blinkers replace the cheekpieces adopted last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(4)

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Audience

9st 10lb

J: Colin Keane

T: David O’Meara

Group 1 Lockinge winner in 2024 and Group 2 winner at Goodwood the same year; on a losing run since but his runner-up finish in a Leopardstown Group 3 showed definite signs of encouragement (7f, soft) when ridden by Keane for the first time; his wins came on good so if he repeats that latest run he is firmly in the mix.

6/1

2nd

1

(5)

11th Jun 2026

Soft

0m 7f 35y

19:00 Leopardstown

Audience

9st 9lb

J: Colin Keane

T: David O’Meara

Group 1 Lockinge winner in 2024 and Group 2 winner at Goodwood the same year; on a losing run since and ran poorly in Dubai in three starts this year; didn't fare any better at Haydock 33 days ago, fading tamely; hard to be positive about him currently.

20/1

9th

1

(7)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 1

15:40 Haydock

Audience

9st 10lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Group 1 Lockinge winner in 2024 but on a 12-race losing sequence and he ran badly on his last three starts in Dubai early this year; this is a drop in grade but he's proving increasingly hard to predict.

25/1

Form: 1-4562 C

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Won the Group 2 Gimcrack here in 2yo season in 2023; not beaten far when fifth in Group 1 Queen Anne at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm) and his run here next time may have come too soon; beaten nearly 3l when second in Group 2 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood (7f, good) latest; may find a few too good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(1)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Lake Forest

9st 5lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Runner-up in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup over C&D (good to firm) at this meeting in 2024; campaigned over 7f-1m since that November; reappeared at Haydock (7f, good) last month having been gelded and powered clear for impressive Listed win; the drop back to 6f poses a question but the stiff track and strong pace will be in his favour, and he could have a part to play.

10/1

1st

6

(4)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 1

15:40 Haydock

Lake Forest

9st 10lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Won the Group 2 Gimcrack as a 2yo and finished second in the Group 1 City Of York (7f, good to firm) last August; made no show in two Group 1s in Australia in the autumn and he's since been gelded; returns in a much lower grade than usual and very dangerous if ready to roll after six months off.

9/4

3

(8)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Lake Forest

9st 8lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Won the Group 2 Gimcrack here in 2yo season in 2023; not beaten far when fifth in Group 1 Queen Anne at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm) and his run here next time may have come too soon; beaten nearly 3l when second in Group 2 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood (7f, good) latest; may find a few too good.

10/1

Form: 20-211 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
4yo for whom things have clicked in a big way this season; impressive in the Buckingham Palace Handicap at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) and followed up in Group 2 Summer Mile there last month; did well in the latter to overhaul one who had built a clear lead; respected now in a Group 1.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(5)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:58 York

Never So Brave

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Smart performer; completed a notable hat-trick (on good to firm ground) last summer, culminating in Group 1 honours over C&D; avoids a penalty for that success and holds a leading chance assuming he's back in similar form; best to forgive Epsom Group 3 effort last time (unsuited by the way the race unfolded).

4/5

5th

5

(8)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 1

13:30 Epsom

Never So Brave

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Merely mid-division in the Group 1 QEII at Ascot (1m, good) last October and again below his best on reappearance at Sandown (1m, good) in April; however, he pulled hard last time and holds leading claims if rediscovering the form of his Group 1 City Of York win (7f, good to firm) last August; mixed messages in his form regarding the suitability of slow ground.

5/4

5th

6

(4)

24th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Sandown

Never So Brave

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Did very well (3-5) last season for new stable, completing a notable summer hat-trick (7f/1m, good to firm) that culminated in Group 1 success at York; not disgraced from unfavourable draw in the QEII on final outing; may rate higher still and looks likely to go well.

13/2

Form: -37014 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Something to find against the principals today; however, this front-runner made it 3-3 at York when landing the Group 3 Criterion Stakes (7f, good) two starts ago and there can be optimism that he'll make another bold bid at his favourite track; each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

6

(3)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Quinault

9st 8lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Stuart Williams

Multiple winner, most recently when sent over to Qatar in February, but his form has regressed since and this is a difficult task even if a revival materialises; gained his C&D wins at handicap/Listed level; yet to score above Group 3.

33/1

11th

11

(13)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:30 York

Quinault

9st 10lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Stuart Williams

Front-runner who has a strike-rate of 12-34 overall and 3-4 at York, the most recent course success in 7f Group 3 last June (equally effective at 6f); ties in with some of today's opponents on penultimate effort; removal of usual hood backfired last time; likely to go well.

10/1

6th

6

(3)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:55 Newmarket

Quinault

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Stuart Williams

Front-runner whose 12 wins include a Group 3 at York (7f, good) last June; he was an excellent third of 19 in the Group 1 Champions Sprint at Ascot (6f) in October; has since run up to his best in a 5f AW race at Newcastle in January and it will be interesting to see how he gets on back at this trip on turf with his regular hood discarded; ran creditably in 6f Group 3 at Newmarket last time.

8/1

Form: 11-322 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Went very close in the Group 1 Queen Anne at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm) then narrowly failed to overhaul Qirat in the Group 1 Sussex at Goodwood (1m, good), with the shock winner having been gifted a clear lead; today's drop back to 7f isn't an obvious positive but this three-time Group 1 winner is a class act who will be tough to beat if the distance isn't an issue.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(15)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Ascot

Rosallion

9st 6lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Won the Irish Guineas (1m, good) and St James's Palace (1m here, good to firm) last season; 0-5 this term but has run some mighty races, going extremely close in the Queen Anne over C&D (good to firm) and doing likewise in the Moulin (1m, good to soft) last time; could be thereabouts once more.

5/1

7

(11)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Rosallion

9st 8lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Went very close in the Group 1 Queen Anne at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm) then narrowly failed to overhaul Qirat in the Group 1 Sussex at Goodwood (1m, good), with the shock winner having been gifted a clear lead; today's drop back to 7f isn't an obvious positive but this three-time Group 1 winner is a class act who will be tough to beat if the distance isn't an issue.

6/4

4

(5)

30th Jul 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Goodwood

Rosallion

9st 10lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Normally travels and quickens and is suited by good ground or firmer; sparkled in a truncated 2024 campaign that featured wins, looking better than the bare form, in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes (subsequently met with a setback); couple of encouraging efforts since returning to action, beaten only a whisker by Docklands when favourite for slowly run Queen Anne back at Royal Ascot latest; one of the main players.

9/2

Form: 4-1412 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
French-trained 3yo who has made all in two 7f Group 3s this season (good to soft/soft); won on good going last year (unraced on faster); again led when going very close in the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat at Deauville (7f, soft) last month; the first four finished in a heap in that latest contest but this improving colt is firmly in calculations nevertheless.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(4)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Maranoa Charlie

9st 3lb

J: Aurelien Lemaitre

T: Christopher Head

French-trained 3yo who has made all in two 7f Group 3s this season (good to soft/soft); won on good going last year (unraced on faster); again led when going very close in the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat at Deauville (7f, soft) last month; the first four finished in a heap in that latest contest but this improving colt is firmly in calculations nevertheless.

7/1

14/1

Form: 1-2465 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Won 7f 2yo Group 3 last October and has hinted in two 1m Group 1s in France this season that 7f may be her best trip; Aidan O'Brien's sole representative and worth a second look but others have more substance to their claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

(3)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Ascot

Exactly

9st 0lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Some good runs in defeat in Group races this season, the best of them when close second to Fallen Angel in the Matron at Leopardstown (1m, good to yielding) in September; very soft ground may not have suited at Longchamp a fortnight ago but others have a lot more substance to their claims.

50/1

10

(1)

13th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

16:25 Leopardstown

Exactly

9st 2lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: A P O’Brien

Won 7f 2yo Group 3 here last October and started the new season with a 7f Group 3 second here; has come up short in four Group 1 outings since then, including sixth behind Cercene in the Coronation and fifth behind Fallen Angel in the Prix Rothschild.

14/1

11

(10)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Exactly

9st 0lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Won 7f 2yo Group 3 last October and has hinted in two 1m Group 1s in France this season that 7f may be her best trip; Aidan O'Brien's sole representative and worth a second look but others have more substance to their claims.

14/1

Non-runners

Ten Bob Tony

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £38.50
Straight Forecast £40.37
Tricast £351.79
Trifecta £186.10

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Never So Brave

RP RATINGS:

Rosallion

Daily Mail:

Maranoa Charlie

SPOTLIGHT:

Quinault

POSTDATA:

Audience

D Express:

Lake Forest

Daily Record:

Maranoa Charlie

LAMBOURN:

Never So Brave

The Times:

Never So Brave

The Guardian:

Never So Brave

Telegraph:

Rosallion

Daily Mirror:

Rosallion

The Sun:

Rosallion

The Star:

Quinault

NEWMARKET:

Audience