1m6f (1m5f188y), Listed, Class 1, 4yo+, Good ground
Runners: 6

Race assessment

With only six runners, tactics could be crucial.

Pace angles

Al Qareem is the obvious pace influence and made all to win this race last year.

Mount Atlas usually races handily and is unlikely to allow Al Qareem a completely uncontested lead.

Tabletalk can sit close to the pace.

Epic Poet and Gregory are generally ridden more patiently.

Roaring Legend lacks the tactical speed of some of these.


A steadily run race would favour those close to the pace, particularly Al Qareem and Mount Atlas.

Draw angles

At this trip on York’s round course, draw bias is generally limited in a field of six. Positioning and pace are likely to be far more important than stall allocation.


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Suitability Analysis

1. Al Qareem (5) – 9.5/10

Profile: Proven

Going: Effective on good.

Distance: Ideal; proven stayer at 1m6f.

Track: Excellent York record.

Class: Multiple Listed/Group performer.

Pace suitability: Likely leader in a small field.

Trainer: Karl Burke continues in excellent form.

Temperament: Usually very reliable.


The Chester run was well below his normal standard but stands out as an anomaly against a highly consistent profile. Won this race last year under the same penalty conditions and had already returned with a Listed success at Musselburgh this season.


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2. Mount Atlas (6) – 9/10 p

Profile: Progressive

Going: Versatile.

Distance: Proven.

Track: Previous York experience.

Class: Has stepped forward this season.

Pace suitability: Should get ideal stalking trip.


Has improved with every run this season. Finished close behind Al Qareem at Musselburgh before reversing the form line by running far better than him in the Ormonde Stakes at Chester. Still looks capable of further progress.


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3. Epic Poet (1) – 8.5/10

Profile: Proven

Going: Fine on good.

Distance: Strong at this trip.

Track: Excellent York form.

Class: Has been competing consistently in Group races.

Pace suitability: Slight concern if race develops into a tactical affair.


Now 0-11 since his Meydan success but the quality of opposition faced has been stronger than today’s. Third in the Yorkshire Cup over course and distance last month reads very well in this company.


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4. Gregory (2) – 8/10

Profile: Proven

Going: Proven.

Distance: Proven Group-class stayer.

Track: Strong York record.

Class: Highest historical level in the race.


If returning at his best, he could easily win. However:

Absent 476 days.

Returns after wind surgery.

Fitness must be taken on trust.


Market strength would be particularly significant.


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5. Tabletalk (3) – 7.5/10

Profile: Proven

Going: Likes good/good-firm.

Distance: Ideal.

Track: Very strong York profile.

Class: Competitive at this level.


Third in this race last year and winner of the Melrose at York. Likely to improve for his Ascot reappearance. Reliable but perhaps lacks the upside of the principals.


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6. Roaring Legend (4) – 4/10

Profile: Proven

Distance suits.

Third wind operation raises concerns.

Needs a substantial career best.


Would be a surprise winner.


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Have we weighed the race correctly?

The key question is whether enough emphasis is being placed on:

Tactical Pace

In a six-runner race, pace often matters more than ratings. Al Qareem is the likely beneficiary.

Gregory’s Absence

Historically the most talented horse in the field, but a 476-day absence plus wind surgery is a major variable. The market is likely to tell the story.

York Form

York specialists often outperform expectations here. Al Qareem, Epic Poet, Gregory and Tabletalk all possess strong course credentials.

No non-runners are listed in the supplied racecard.


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Strongest Contenders

Al Qareem

Last year’s winner. Proven at York, proven at the trip, likely pace angle.

Mount Atlas p

The progressive horse in the field and arguably arrives in the strongest current form.

Epic Poet

Drops from stronger Group races and has repeatedly run well over this course and distance.


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Main Dangers

Gregory

Dangerous if retaining his old ability and fully fit.

Tabletalk

Consistent York performer who should run better than on reappearance.


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Interesting Outsider

Tabletalk

Not a true outsider but may outrun expectations if the race becomes a test of track experience and stamina.


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Private Tissue

Al Qareem – 31%

Mount Atlas – 27%

Epic Poet – 18%

Gregory – 13%

Tabletalk – 9%

Roaring Legend – 2%


Equivalent tissue:

Al Qareem 11/4

Mount Atlas 3/1

Epic Poet 9/2

Gregory 13/2

Tabletalk 10/1

Roaring Legend 50/1



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Runner Ratings

Al Qareem – 9.5/10 (Proven)
Mount Atlas – 9/10 p (Progressive)
Epic Poet – 8.5/10 (Proven)
Gregory – 8/10 (Proven, market watch after long absence)
Tabletalk – 7.5/10 (Proven)
Roaring Legend – 4/10 (Proven but vulnerable)


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Summary

This looks a strong Listed race despite the small field. York form, tactical pace and proven stamina are likely to be decisive. Al Qareem holds a major advantage if allowed an easy lead and his Chester run is easy enough to forgive given the strength of his overall profile. Mount Atlas arrives as the progressive threat after two excellent runs this season and may still have more improvement to come. Epic Poet’s recent Group-race form makes him very competitive, while Gregory remains the unknown quantity after a lengthy absence.

ChatGPT Smart Plays

Win Selection

Al Qareem
Defending champion, likely pace angle, proven York performer and still the most solid all-round profile in the race.

Saver

Mount Atlas p
Progressive stayer whose 2026 form is arguably the strongest on offer and who could be ready to gain revenge for the Musselburgh defeat.

With only six runners, there is no each-way angle under standard terms.