Today / 14.39 York

14.39

Good To Firm

John Smith’s Racing Handicap

  • Prize money: £23193
  • 0m 7f 192y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
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John Smith’s Racing Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Form: 64-110 D

Last run: 105 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 03-425 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Two wins at Goodwood last autumn and admirably consistent in defeat this season, going close in a big field over C&D (good) then finishing fifth in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm; second of 20 in group); there is every chance that he will be bang there.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(9)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Cerulean Bay

10st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Two wins at Goodwood last autumn and admirably consistent in defeat this season, going close in a big field over C&D (good) then finishing fifth in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm; second of 20 in group); there is every chance that he will be bang there.

3/1

5th

7

(22)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Cerulean Bay

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Completed a Goodwood double during his 2025 campaign; good second in notable handicap at the York Dante festival (1m, good) most recently, going down by only a neck; he's paying the price for his consistency, however, with the assessor failing to relent.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: 39-060 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 11lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
He's contested quality handicaps at Newbury and Ascot on his three starts this term, performing respectably and beaten around 4l each time; this 7yo probably needs something extra to snap a long losing run but he's edging down the weights and has run some big races here; worth a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(7)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Checkandchallenge

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: William Knight

He's contested quality handicaps at Newbury and Ascot on his three starts this term, performing respectably and beaten around 4l each time; this 7yo probably needs something extra to snap a long losing run but he's edging down the weights and has run some big races here; worth a second look.

10/1

10th

14

(30)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Checkandchallenge

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: William Knight

Very useful on his day and has plenty of Listed/Group form; however, needs to improve on his Newbury handicap efforts this season (beaten 4l both times) and remains badly out of the winning habit, with losing spell stretching back to 2023.

20/1

6th

2

(10)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Checkandchallenge

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: William Knight

7yo who's spent the vast majority of his career in Group or Listed races and this time last year he was fifth on this card in the Group 1 Lockinge; only his second handicap when, like so many others, he met traffic problems in the Spring Cup over C&D (28-1) four weeks ago; Rossa Ryan gets back on board and they are not totally dismissed.

20/1

Form: 124-10

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Not seen to best effect when mid-division in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) last time out but prior to that he kept on well to make a winning reappearance at Haydock (7f, good to firm) and this very lightly raced 4yo retains potential, especially back up to 1m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(13)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Cosi Bello

9st 8lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Charlie Fellowes

Not seen to best effect when mid-division in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) last time out but prior to that he kept on well to make a winning reappearance at Haydock (7f, good to firm) and this very lightly raced 4yo retains potential, especially back up to 1m.

4/1

10th

14

(26)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Cosi Bello

9st 4lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Charlie Fellowes

Found a gap on the inside and knuckled down well to justify favouritism at Haydock (good to firm) on sole start this term, taking overall record (AW/turf) to 3-5 and form figures over 7f to 1121; looks the type to improve further and commands respect up just 2lb.

7/1

1st

9

(5)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Cosi Bello

9st 2lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Charlie Fellowes

Began his career with two 7f AW wins and he was a fine second at Chester on his handicap debut last June (7f, good); fourth of 17 in a 1m handicap at Ascot when last seen nine months ago, a run that can be marked up as he raced away from the first three home; still has potential and he returns with his stable back in better form.

7/2

7/1

Form: 413060 C

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent sort who made it 1-20 on turf (that grass win came here in 2yo campaign) when well beaten at Royal Ascot last month; however, two starts ago he was a close sixth in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) when he was denied a clear run, and he's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(10)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Apiarist

9st 8lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Inconsistent sort who made it 1-20 on turf (that grass win came here in 2yo campaign) when well beaten at Royal Ascot last month; however, two starts ago he was a close sixth in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) when he was denied a clear run, and he's not ruled out.

7/1

18th

12

(18)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Apiarist

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Eye-catcher, amid traffic issues, in the Thirsk Hunt Cup last time; form over C&D comprises a respectable eighth (off current mark) in this contest last year and creditable third (did well having been hampered) later in 2025; still has a much better strike-rate on AW than on turf, however.

22/1

6th

4

(15)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Apiarist

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Three fine efforts on AW to start the year but his run of good form came to a halt when well behind Blue Rc at Newcastle over Easter; acts on turf but has a much better strike-rate on AW; drawn widest.

20/1

Form: 706-00 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Respectable seventh in the Dante here in May 2025 and he's one to watch in the betting back down in trip starting out for another new yard (remains in same ownership); however, he's very much struggled since the Dante and arrives with plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(5)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Tuscan Hills

9st 7lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Nigel Tinkler

Respectable seventh in the Dante here in May 2025 and he's one to watch in the betting back down in trip starting out for another new yard (remains in same ownership); however, he's very much struggled since the Dante and arrives with plenty to prove.

25/1

12th

13

(9)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Tuscan Hills

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Robson De Aguiar

Lightly raced for three trainers and little seems to have gone right since he went 2-2 as a 2yo; the positives seem to be that he was considered worth a shot at the Dante and Derby last season, moves back up from 1m and away from heavy ground.

33/1

Form: 121340

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Well beaten at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) last month but he was in good heart previously, finishing fourth at Newmarket (1m1f, good to firm) two starts ago where the trip appeared to stretch him; possible player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(4)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

The Lost King

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Well beaten at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) last month but he was in good heart previously, finishing fourth at Newmarket (1m1f, good to firm) two starts ago where the trip appeared to stretch him; possible player.

7/1

27th

13

(4)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

The Lost King

9st 4lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Gelded prior to showing improvement and performing solidly (12134) over 7f-1m1f this year, mostly on AW, including a good effort on finals day at Newcastle; respectable fourth at Newmarket returned to turf and again looks likely to give his running.

25/1

33

(12)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

The Lost King

8st 13lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Third reserve; gelded prior to showing improvement and performing solidly (12134) this year, mostly on AW, including a good effort over 1m on finals day; respectable fourth to Erzindjan at Newmarket (1m1f) returned to turf; again likely to give his running.

25/1

20/1

Form: 93-500

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Following an encouraging reappearance fifth at Haydock in April he was beaten a long way on his final two starts for Ed Bethell; however, he's well treated on last season's form and perhaps he'll have been revived by a change of scenery; market check advised on stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(6)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Khafiz

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Roger Fell

Following an encouraging reappearance fifth at Haydock in April he was beaten a long way on his final two starts for Ed Bethell; however, he's well treated on last season's form and perhaps he'll have been revived by a change of scenery; market check advised on stable debut.

20/1

11th

1

(11)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

16:25 Doncaster

Khafiz

9st 10lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Edward Bethell

Won novice events at Kempton (7f, AW) and over C&D (good) for Roger Varian last summer but has mixed record in handicaps since; made a promising stable debut when fifth at Haydock in April but he was a long way below that form in another Class 2 event at Ascot last month; now drops back in grade but regular hood is removed and he comes with risks attached.

8/1

25th

12

(18)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Khafiz

9st 6lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Lightly raced 4yo who ties in with Great Acclaim on a stable/seasonal debut effort at Haydock that took his form figures over 7f to 1135; may resume progress with that outing under his belt; one to consider, especially if the market signals speak positively.

12/1

Form: -21006 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Best form has come on AW and he hung left when 3l last of six at Windsor (1m2f, good to firm) in May last time; however, the trip appeared to stretch him and he's off the same mark as for his win at Wolverhampton (8.4f, AW) in March; not written off back at 1m in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(11)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

First Principle

9st 4lb

J: Jason Hart

T: William Haggas

Best form has come on AW and he hung left when 3l last of six at Windsor (1m2f, good to firm) in May last time; however, the trip appeared to stretch him and he's off the same mark as for his win at Wolverhampton (8.4f, AW) in March; not written off back at 1m in first-time cheekpieces.

10/1

6th

4

(5)

25th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Windsor

First Principle

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Broadly progressive, mostly at about 1m and on AW, until posting duck eggs in last two outings; may prove resurgent back down in grade, and pedigree suggests the return to 1m2f is worth a go.

4/1

17th

8

(17)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

First Principle

8st 13lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: William Haggas

Having been gelded last autumn he enjoyed a good stint on AW, winning twice (1m/8.6f); soundly beaten at Newcastle (1m, AW) last time and he needs to transfer his improvement back to turf, but he remains lightly raced for his top yard and is not discounted under Ryan Moore.

14/1

Form: 20-704 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Won three times last year (including on good to firm ground) and he returned to form with 2l fourth of 11 at Newcastle (1m, AW) recently; could build on that latest performance and he might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(12)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Mr Swivell

9st 1lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Won three times last year (including on good to firm ground) and he returned to form with 2l fourth of 11 at Newcastle (1m, AW) recently; could build on that latest performance and he might not be far away.

10/1

4th

6

(7)

25th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:47 Newcastle (AW)

Mr Swivell

8st 11lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Big improver for this yard last year, winning three times (good to firm/AW) including when making all at Wolverhampton (8.6f, Tapeta) in July; remains feasibly treated on that form but he's been out of sorts in both runs this season and needs to get back on track.

14/1

12th

7

(7)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Mr Swivell

9st 5lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Proved progressive last year having joined this yard, winning three times (good to firm/AW) including when making all at Wolverhampton (8.5f) in July; also ran really well when second of 17 at Ascot (1m, soft; off current mark) in September but he was beaten a long way on his final start of that term and again at Lingfield on his reappearance four weeks ago; needs to put those efforts behind him but that's not out of the question.

20/1

Form: 24-770 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Went close on stable debut at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) last November and he's 3lb lower here; however, his form has gone the wrong way since, particularly of late on his first two turf starts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(8)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Bragbor

8st 11lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Went close on stable debut at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) last November and he's 3lb lower here; however, his form has gone the wrong way since, particularly of late on his first two turf starts.

25/1

18th

13

(3)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Bragbor

9st 1lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

He made his debut only as a 4yo but it was a winning one at Newcastle (1m); subsequently useful form on AW included another narrow win at that venue (1m2f) in August for George Scott and he went mighty close over latter C&D on stable debut in November; niggled along at various stages when seventh on his turf debut (10.5f) last month and some guesswork is involved as to whether this test will bring out the best in him.

22/1

7th

9

(1)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Bragbor

8st 13lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Both wins have come on the AW at Newcastle (1m/1m2f) and was far from disgraced on his return in the Easter Classic there (1m2f) five weeks ago; makes his turf debut in a competitive race, albeit stall 1 has taken three of the last eight runnings.

11/1

Form: 6-3057 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won four times in 2024; lightly raced last year and reappeared with close third off 4lb higher at Redcar (1m, good to firm) this April; however, three lesser runs have followed and he needs to turn things around.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(3)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

New Image

8st 11lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: David O’Meara

Won four times in 2024; lightly raced last year and reappeared with close third off 4lb higher at Redcar (1m, good to firm) this April; however, three lesser runs have followed and he needs to turn things around.

12/1

7th

5

(1)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:25 Redcar

New Image

9st 13lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: David O’Meara

Lightly raced and mainly disappointing since his last success in August 2024, the exception being when beaten under a length into third of nine on his reappearance over C&D (good to firm) in April; now 3lb lower but he has become hard to predict.

12/1

5th

9

(2)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

16:25 Doncaster

New Image

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Versatile sort who has won four times at up to 1m but his last success was in August 2024; reappeared with a close third off 2lb higher at Redcar (1m, good to firm) in April but he's not easy to predict and was tailed off at Thirsk three weeks ago; yard also runs Akkadian Thunder.

8/1

Form: 116-00

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
3yo who has been soundly beaten in handicaps this year on his first two runs for his new yard (7.5f then 5f; Royal Ascot latest); however, he was 2-4 in his 2yo campaign and a couple of rallying performances over 6f hinted that he may be suited by this sort of trip; may not be a forlorn hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

(2)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Gentle George

8st 8lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: R Mike Smith

3yo who has been soundly beaten in handicaps this year on his first two runs for his new yard (7.5f then 5f; Royal Ascot latest); however, he was 2-4 in his 2yo campaign and a couple of rallying performances over 6f hinted that he may be suited by this sort of trip; may not be a forlorn hope.

33/1

18th

15

(26)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Gentle George

9st 0lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: R Mike Smith

Won a maiden at Sandown (5f, soft) and a novice at Haydock (6f, good to soft) for Mick Appleby as a 2yo; well-beaten 50-1 shot on stable debut at Chester (7.6f, good) last month; plenty to prove.

100/1

10th

2

(2)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

15:40 Chester

Gentle George

9st 8lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: R Mike Smith

Showed progressive RPRs over 5f/6f for Mick Appleby, winning twice prior to an apparently good effort on Champions Day (mark raised 6lb for that); sold for 90,000gns since; something to prove upped in trip.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £36.40
Straight Forecast £31.94
Tricast £212.26
Trifecta £223.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Cerulean Bay

TOPSPEED:

Cosi Bello

RP RATINGS:

Mr Swivell

NEWMARKET:

David Of Athens

The Star:

Bragbor

The Guardian:

The Lost King

Daily Mirror:

Checkandchallenge

Daily Mail:

Cosi Bello

POSTDATA:

Cerulean Bay

The Times:

Cerulean Bay

Telegraph:

Cerulean Bay

D Express:

Cerulean Bay

Daily Record:

Cerulean Bay

The Sun:

Mr Swivell