13:50 York

Saturday 23 August 2025

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:20

Sky Bet Strensall Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 1m 49.73s

(3)

Boiling Point²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 105

28/1

Listed winner for Roger Varian and excellent start for new yard when fifth in a high-end handicap at Newcastle in June. Merely plugged on for fourth in the Pomfret Stakes at Pontefract a month ago and slight step up in trip can only help.

Form: 2194-54

(7)

Bullet Point²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 103| BF| C

9/4

Progressive sort who picked up where he left off in the autumn at Newmarket in April. Twice finished an excellent runner-up in big fields at Ascot, including in the Royal Hunt Cup and confirmed he's smart when a ready winner of a big-field handicap over 7.9f here on Thursday.

Form: 11-1221

(6)

Checkandchallenge^p²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-7| J: Callum Shepherd| T: W J Knight| OR: 108

33/1

Fifteen runs since last win in 2023. Looks to be going through the motions in recent times, still looking rather laboured despite refitted headgear when keeping on for third in the Pomfret Stakes 4 weeks ago.

Form: 835943

(5)

King's Gambit⁶⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: D Tudhope| T: Harry Charlton| OR: 113| BF

6/1

Impressive winner of the London Gold Cup on reappearance last year and even better form when placed at listed/Group level next 3 outings. Back in listed company and back on track when faring best of those held up in the Wolferton at Ascot. Big player on form.

Form: 237-463

(4)

Skukuza²²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: R L Moore| T: E A L Dunlop| OR: 113

10/1

Smart form with wins in handicap and listed race over 1m at the Curragh under Ryan Moore this summer. Looked well-in pitched into the Golden Mile at Goodwood but found dominating that field much harder, ultimately checking out sharply late on. Danger to all if back on his game

Form: 2-56119

(2)

Bowmark⁸³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: W Buick| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 103| C

5/1

Looked a 3-y-o going places when readily landing the odds switched to turf in a course novice (7.9f) in May. Too free pitched into Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly and this a better race to judge him on.

Form: 1-210

(8)

Gladius²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 99| D

5/2

Has made rapid progress in his short career, looking a smart prospect when making a successful handicap debut at Sandown (9f) and did nothing to alter that view when following up at Goodwood 3 weeks ago. Limit not yet reached and well worth his shot at this level.

Form: 1211

(1)

King Of Cities²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon| OR: 109| BF

11/1

Consistent rather than progressive at 2 yrs but upped his game significantly when runner up in listed race on Rowley Course (9f) in April. Wasn't seen to best effect in Prix du Jockey Club and back to his best when third of 4 in a Group 3 at Goodwood 3 weeks ago.

Form: 12-2933

Forecasts

Bullet Point (9/4), Gladius (5/2), Bowmark (5/1), King's Gambit (6/1), Skukuza (10/1), King Of Cities (11/1), Boiling Point (28/1), Checkandchallenge (33/1)

GLADIUS confirmed he's a 3-y-o on a steep upward curve when narrowly landing a big-field handicap at Goodwood 3 weeks ago and while this level of competition demands another jolt of improvement, he may well be up to the task. King's Gambit is an established pattern-race performer and seems sure to be on the premises, while Bullet Point would demand respect if taking up this engagement.