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2026 Joel Stakes Tips - Is there value against Talk Of New York at Newmarket?

jon-vine
Editor
Last updated: Wed 23 Sep 2026 13:54
The 2026 Joel Stakes, a prestigious Group Two race at Newmarket, features top contenders like Talk Of New York, Persica, and The Lost King. Talk Of New York heads the betting due to strong form and a favourable draw, but has yet to claim a win above Listed level. The article recommends each-way value on Hankelow at 10/1, citing his front-running style, positive course history, and improved performance when returning to familiar ground. The key conclusion: Hankelow offers solid upset potential for punters.
Jon Vine 1 hour ago
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  • Odds and betting predictions for the 2026 Joel Stakes
  • This Group Two headlines the card on day two of the Cambridgeshire Meeting at Newmarket on Friday 25th September
  • Talk Of New York is the even-money favourite
autumn stakes newmarket
Hankelow winning the 2025 Autumn Stakes at Newmarket.

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 York8/11
Persica13/2
The Lost King7/1
Colori Forever9/1
Hankelow10/1
Audience14/1
Wild Desert40/1

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


Visit our Joel Stakes Live Stream page if you want to watch any of Friday's races via a mobile or tablet.

Verdict

Hankelow is our each-way selection in the 2026 Joel Stakes.

Best Bet1: Hankelow 2026 Joel Stakes Tips @10/1 at bet365 - 5 Units
Hankelow
2026 Joel Stakes Tips
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jon-vine
Jon Vine

Horse Racing Editor • 15+ Years of Experience, Horse Racing Analyst & Tipster

Jon has been a sports writer and tipster for over 15 years. Over the last decade, he has become completely immersed in all things horse racing. Every race is a puzzle that he is eager to solve.

Favourite races over jumps would include the Brown Advisory Chase (RSA) at the Cheltenham Festival and the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury. On the flat, the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown is the race that excites most each season.

Favourite horses of all time include Vautour, Laurens, Road To Respect, Topofthegame, Saint Calvados and Elegant Escape.


You can follow Jon at Muckrack or on Linkedin.

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