John Smith's Racing Handicap

Useful colt who landed a double in Group 2 Jebel Ali Mile in February. Clearly didn't give his running (found to have bled) in Group 2 Godolphin Mile the following month. Has been given time to get over that (also been gelded), but he faces no easy task at the weights on handicap/turf debut.

Winner of back-to-back Goodwood handicaps last autumn. Even better this year with narrow second in valuable C&D handicap before shaping well to finish fifth (second home in group) in Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot. Similar performance should see him go close.

On a long losing run since his success in listed race at Newmarket in November 2023. Has proven he can be competitive in top-end handicaps, though, beaten just over 4 lengths following a very slow start in the Royal Hunt Cup last time.

Lightly-raced sort who started his career 2-2 in all-weather events. Capped fine 3-y-o season with fourth in strong 1m Ascot handicap prior to notching third 7f success at Haydock on return. Failed to get competitive in the Buckingham Palace (7f) latest. Unexposed stepping back up in trip, though.

Prolific all-weather scorer whose sole turf success came here (7f). Typically travelled strongly when eye-catching sixth in Thirsk Hunt Cup in May. Underlined he's a hostage to fortune when hampered in Buckingham Palace last time, but has a valuable turf handicap in him if getting the breaks.

Useful juvenile (2-2). Highly tried/no impact in a variety of events for Robson De Aguiar, latterly finishing down the field in the Duke Of Edinburgh (1½m) at Royal Ascot. This doesn't look much easier on first start for new stable.

Caught the eye in the Britannia last season. Back on the up with pair of all-weather wins before translating that form to turf with solid fourth in this grade at Newmarket. Caught in an unfavourable position in Buckingham Palace latest, but he's expected to make much more of an impact here.

Twice a winner in novice company over 7f for Roger Varian. Went wrong way for Ed Bethell following promising fifth behind Cosi Bello at Haydock. Mid-season trainer change hardly looks a positive, either.

Forward-going type whose progress has halted since winning at Wolverhampton in the spring. Attitude again looked questionable at Windsor (1¼m) on latest start, and he's certainly worth a go in first-time cheekpieces.

Won 3 times and finished runner-up in an ultra-competitive Ascot handicap during a fine 2025. Did well to run to a similar level (pulled hard) when fourth in a solid-looking Newcastle handicap last time. That could well be a springboard for another bold show.

Winner twice on the all-weather at Newcastle last year. Ran creditably without hitting those heights on turf debut at Chester (1¼m). Didn't handle the undulations of Epsom last time, but he still has something to find at the weights.

Clearly hasn't been the easiest to train since a progressive 2024. Record this season has been patchy, and it's hard to be confident that he'll capitalise on a falling mark. Stable jockey rides Cerulean Bay.

Looked a useful prospect for Michael Appleby when winning sprint events at Sandown/Haydock last September. Well held both starts for current yard. Will at least benefit from return to further having struggled in Palace Of Holyroodhouse at Royal Ascot (5f) latest.