July 11 / 16.20 York

16.20

Good To Firm

John Smith’s Stayers’ Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

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

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP
1st
3 (3)
Cruden

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.00
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 2-5252 BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Beaten a nose in a 3m1f hurdle race at Carlisle in April 2025 and the same margin over 1m6f at Goodwood (good; unraced on firmer) this May on his return to Flat turf; second again over Goodwood's 1m6f four weeks ago, this time on soft, and both runs there suggested that a return to 2m should be okay.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(3)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:20 York

Cruden

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Dan Horsford

Beaten a nose in a 3m1f hurdle race at Carlisle in April 2025 and the same margin over 1m6f at Goodwood (good; unraced on firmer) this May on his return to Flat turf; second again over Goodwood's 1m6f four weeks ago, this time on soft, and both runs there suggested that a return to 2m should be okay.

4/1

2nd

4

(1)

12th Jun 2026

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:39 Goodwood

Cruden

9st 7lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Dan Horsford

Only beaten a nose on his return from 114 days off over this C&D (good) last month, but finished around 6l behind Mr Freedom at Salisbury (1m6f, good) 13 days later; the likely softer ground may help.

7/1

5th

6

14th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 44y

Class 3

14:40 Salisbury

Cruden

9st 0lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Dan Horsford

Won maiden Flat and hurdle race for Jessie Harrington in 2024; big run for this yard when keeping on well from the rear to give Gallivanted a fright at Goodwood (1m6f, good; 25-1) a fortnight ago; had to come down the outer that day and it's no guarantee his old adversary will confirm those placings.

4/1

2nd
10 (1)
Furhaan

14/1

  • Place: £5.80

Form: 5-0975

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Won handicap debut for Ed Walker off 4lb higher last September (extended 1m3f, heavy); got closer to that level in on his last two runs for his new connections and seemed to stay 2m at Chester last time, but he was only fifth of seven in that race and others have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(6)

25th Aug 2026

Good

2m 2f 28y

Class 4

15:45 Musselburgh

Furhaan

8st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Runner-up at York (16.2f, good to firm) last month and good third to Vaguely Royal there (16.2f, good to firm) last time; this in-form 4yo has an each-way shout once more.

9/1

3rd

11

(11)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

18:05 York

Furhaan

8st 6lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Jim Goldie

He's gradually worked his way back into form for his new yard this year, finishing second over C&D (good to firm) a fortnight ago; one to consider.

11/1

2nd

10

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:20 York

Furhaan

8st 6lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Won handicap debut for Ed Walker off 4lb higher last September (extended 1m3f, heavy); got closer to that level in on his last two runs for his new connections and seemed to stay 2m at Chester last time, but he was only fifth of seven in that race and others have more pressing claims.

14/1

20/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: -93816 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Probably best known for Musselburgh exploits but last two wins were at Nottingham last October and Carlisle last month; below form on sole start here (last October) but probably best forgiven being well beaten 17 days ago as that was just 1m3f; chief concern is that he needs another career best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(1)

25th Aug 2026

Good

2m 2f 28y

Class 4

15:45 Musselburgh

Trojan Sun

9st 6lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Won this in 2024 and posted his first win of this year at Carlisle (1m6f, good) in June; soundly beaten on his last two starts but this four-time course winner could bounce back returned to Musselburgh.

12/1

7th

18

(9)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 4f 137y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Trojan Sun

8st 2lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Jim Goldie

Running away with a 2m2f race on heavy going under 7lb claimer at Nottingham last October was a clear career best at the time; virtually matched that form in three of his races in a mixed campaign this year and maybe an increased stamina test will help, but being 5lb out of the handicap won't.

50/1

10th

4

(2)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

18:05 York

Trojan Sun

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Won at Carlisle (1m6f, good) last month and bounced back from lesser run there (1m3f, good to firm) when third over this C&D a fortnight ago (stablemate Furhaan second); might not be far away.

10/1

Form: -67241 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 0lb

8 yo Filly

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Five-runner race at Carlisle (1m3f) last Saturday was first win since 2023 and she's a dependable sort who finished a C&D second (twice) and fourth in July 2024 and 2025 on her only three appearances at York; going back up 5lb since Carlisle seems to pose the difficulty but she should be on the premises.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

(9)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

18:05 York

Valley Of Flowers

9st 0lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Behind a couple of these when fourth over C&D (good to firm) a fortnight ago but that was still a respectable run and she won at Carlisle (1m3f, good) prior to that; went close in this race in 2024; not ruled out.

14/1

4th

6

(11)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:20 York

Valley Of Flowers

9st 0lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Five-runner race at Carlisle (1m3f) last Saturday was first win since 2023 and she's a dependable sort who finished a C&D second (twice) and fourth in July 2024 and 2025 on her only three appearances at York; going back up 5lb since Carlisle seems to pose the difficulty but she should be on the premises.

13/2

1st

3

(5)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 3f 39y

Class 5

19:39 Carlisle

Valley Of Flowers

10st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Five-time winner who hasn't won since 2023 but she's run with credit on many subsequent occasions, including on her only visit here when second under Joanna Mason in this race last year; back in form on her last two starts and she's in calculations.

4/1

Form: 5112-1

Last run: 36 days

W: 8st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Four months off before winning a six-runner race at Doncaster (1m4f, good to firm) early last month; disappointing in a maiden hurdle (fourth at 10-11) 12 days later but remember also that he raised his game markedly when upped to 1m6f on Flat last autumn; this first 2m Flat assignment is interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(1)

5th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 27y

Class 4

17:15 Pontefract

Division Day

9st 3lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Brian Ellison

Won at Doncaster (1m4f, good to firm) in June when back from a break; unplaced at odds-on over hurdles next time and also below par when back on the Flat at York (2m, good to firm) most recently; however, the first-time cheekpieces could give him a lift and there can be optimism that this trip will be within range; trainer won this last year; in calculations.

7/4

5th

9

(4)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:20 York

Division Day

8st 8lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Brian Ellison

Four months off before winning a six-runner race at Doncaster (1m4f, good to firm) early last month; disappointing in a maiden hurdle (fourth at 10-11) 12 days later but remember also that he raised his game markedly when upped to 1m6f on Flat last autumn; this first 2m Flat assignment is interesting.

8/1

4th

4

17th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Worcester

Division Day

10st 13lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Brian Ellison

Runner-up twice over hurdles at start of this year (2m/2m4f) and returned from break with Flat win this month (1m4f; RPR 69); seems versatile regarding ground and ought to be a tough nut to crack.

11/8

Form: 812310 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
4yo who's relatively lightly raced and has found his niche in 2m races this season, winning at Ripon (good; made all) in April and Catterick (good to firm) last month; didn't show it in the Northumberland Vase at Newcastle two weeks ago but that was on AW and after just a five-day break; 3lb lower today and still has more to offer with stamina tests.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(3)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 27y

Class 3

18:15 Pontefract

Treasure Islands

9st 2lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Won at Ripon (2m, good) in April and Catterick (2m, good to firm) in June but he's not been as good at Newcastle or York (twice) since; back to his last winning mark.

9/1

7th

8

(8)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

18:05 York

Treasure Islands

9st 0lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Won at Ripon (2m, good) in April and at Catterick (2m, good to firm) last month; a case can be made on those performances but he hasn't been at the top of his game on his two runs since, including over C&D last time.

14/1

6th

5

(8)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:20 York

Treasure Islands

9st 1lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

4yo who's relatively lightly raced and has found his niche in 2m races this season, winning at Ripon (good; made all) in April and Catterick (good to firm) last month; didn't show it in the Northumberland Vase at Newcastle two weeks ago but that was on AW and after just a five-day break; 3lb lower today and still has more to offer with stamina tests.

6/1

Form: 61-431

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Sole run on good to firm was last July when tailed off in a novice race; staying-on third here (1m4f) this June and he knuckled down well to score over 2m2f at Pontefract (also on good) eight days later; that win was the first time he'd worn this headgear combination and his first go at a staying trip on the Flat; up 4lb but probably has more to offer and he's a big player if he goes on the ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(4)

1st Aug 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

19:00 Hamilton

Secret Force

10st 0lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

2-5 since joining this yard, winning at Pontefract (2m2f, good; first-time visor) in June and over hurdles at Cartmel a fortnight ago; clearly in good heart, but this may not be far enough for him now.

6/1

1st

5

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 3

15:10 Cartmel

Secret Force

11st 7lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Won a juvenile hurdle for Gavin Cromwell at Punchestown (2m, good to yielding) in October and was also on target in 2m2f Flat marathon for new stable in June; still unexposed over jumps; no surprise if he features.

10/1

7th

2

(10)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:20 York

Secret Force

9st 7lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Sole run on good to firm was last July when tailed off in a novice race; staying-on third here (1m4f) this June and he knuckled down well to score over 2m2f at Pontefract (also on good) eight days later; that win was the first time he'd worn this headgear combination and his first go at a staying trip on the Flat; up 4lb but probably has more to offer and he's a big player if he goes on the ground.

9/4

20/1

Form: 60-006 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
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.
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: 6-2455 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 82

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

7th

5

(9)

10th Aug 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

17:00 Kempton (AW)

Rock N Roll Pinkie

9st 11lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Ivan Furtado

Record of 6-25 on turf but 0-10 on the AW; this year started off okay but after predictably struggling in a Group 3 she's disappointed in a couple of handicaps; needs to get back on track.

33/1

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

Non-runners

Cosmic Soul, Queen Roslyn

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £60.60
Straight Forecast £64.67
Tricast £541.00
Trifecta £443.30

Selections

Telegraph:

Cruden

SPOTLIGHT:

Secret Force

TOPSPEED:

Trojan Sun

RP RATINGS:

Rock N Roll Pinkie

The Times:

Terrorise

POSTDATA:

Valley Of Flowers

D Express:

Secret Force

The Star:

Secret Force

Daily Record:

Secret Force

The Guardian:

Cruden

Daily Mail:

Cruden

Daily Mirror:

Cruden

The Sun:

Cruden