The main event on Friday's ITV Racing coverage at Newmarket is the Joel Stakes. This Group Two has been won by many classy milers during its 35-year history, including Creachadoir, Time Test and the only two-time winner, Benbatl.
Here's our free guide to the 2026 Joel Stakes, including our best betting tips.
2026 Joel Stakes Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Talk Of New York | 8/11 |
| Persica | 13/2 |
| The Lost King | 7/1 |
| Colori Forever | 9/1 |
| Hankelow | 10/1 |
| Audience | 14/1 |
| Wild Desert | 40/1 |
2026 Joel Stakes Runners
The firm favourite to win Friday's feature at Newmarket is Talk Of New York. Charlie Appleby's three-year-old bolted up on his first two starts of this season and ran well when third to Bow Echo in the St James's Palace Stakes, but was beaten at 2/5 by Shayem in the Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood.
James Doyle has been confirmed in the saddle of Superior Mile Stakes winner Persica. The Lost King was beaten a neck that day, and he too looks set to represent Andrew Balding. Colori Forever, only fourth behind his rivals in that Group Three at Haydock, also features in the entries.
Karl Burke has handed a further entry to former Autumn Stakes winner Hankelow. David O'Meara runs former Lockinge winner Audience. Charlie Appleby's second-string, Wild Desert is the 40/1 outsider.
2026 Joel Stakes Tips
Talk Of New York clearly has plenty going in his favour. Charlie Appleby's colt is the highest-rated in the field, he boasts genuine Group One form from earlier in the season, and he won nicely on the Rowley Mile on his return to Britain back in April. Appleby's record at HQ is exceptional, and his draw in stall six looks ideal.
While the favourite is very hard to oppose, Talk Of New York is still yet to actually win anything above Listed level, and I feel inclined to take him on. At the price, I'll take an each-way punt on HANKELOW (10/1) who, like the favourite, boasts winning form on the Rowley Mile, having landed the Autumn Stakes on his final juvenile start.
Karl Burke's three-year-old was thrown straight into the French 2000 Guineas on his reappearance this term. Hankelow ran well in that Classic, losing out narrowly to Rayif after attempting to make all from stall five. A step up in trip then followed, but Burke's colt simply never travelled when well beaten in the Prix du Jockey Club and faded quickly after setting a fast pace in the Strensall Stakes at York.
Back on slower ground in the Superior Mile at Haydock, Hankelow looked much happier. Clifford Lee's mount made the running as usual and was still in with a chance entering the final furlong, only to drop back to fourth as The Lost King and Fondo Blanco came through to challenge Persica.
That was still an encouraging performance, given how badly Hankelow had performed on his two previous starts. Returning to the Rowley Mile, a course which often suits front-runners, is a plus for the three-year-old, who'll wear cheekpieces for the first time as he attempts to upset Talk Of New York.
Live Stream
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