Sky Bet Mile Handicap Stakes (Heritage Handicap)

13:50 York Fri 21 Aug 2026 0m7f192y Class 2 Good to Soft 20 runners

Mr Fox’s call

Zennor Storm

SPECULATIVE Advised 10/3 Est. 22%

8TH

Mr Fox says

Zennor Storm (SR 100, 10/3) is the clear class leader in this field — the highest SR by 4 points over Blue Courvoisier (SR 96) — and carries a light 9-2 for a horse of his ability. The market has shortened 16% since opening, indicating genuine confidence, and trainer William Haggas operates at a 21% career strike rate, the strongest yard represented. The form string 1-9042 shows inconsistency, but the recent '2' last time out and the application of a hood (HG:p) for the first time suggests connections are addressing his temperament or focus issues ahead of this big-field handicap. As the Haggas yard's #1 runner (Eklleem has drifted 42% and carries a weaker SR of 79 with a doubt over distance), the stable resources are clearly directed at Zennor Storm, and the weight of 9-2 is workable given his SR advantage. Each-way alternative: Bearish. Main danger: Blue Courvoisier — Blue Courvoisier (SR 96, 8/1) has steamed in 16% in the market, carries a featherweight 9-2 for his SR, and Clive Cox with Rossa Ryan aboard represents a capable combination — the '3' last time out at a higher class suggests he is primed to improve here on a mark he can exploit.

Verify· #13448

Full result

Winner: Blue Courvoisier (GB) at SP 13/2. Mr Fox’s picks highlighted in gold.