Friday 8 May 2026 Chester

Ended his 2025 campaign with a half-length success in Class 2 event over C&D (good to firm) and is only 2lb higher back here; possibilities with Chester reappearance under his belt.

Highly tried after making a winning reappearance at Nottingham (1m2f, good) a year ago; proven fresh, but hard to know how well treated he is for this return to handicap company.

Has a fine strike-rate on turf (4-8) including a win at this three-day meeting (7.6f, good) a year ago; would have gone closer with a clearer run when fifth of 13 in the Rosebery at Kempton (1m3f, AW) on his reappearance (Respond third); still open to improvement and rain wouldn't be a problem; major player.

In good form on the AW since returning in February, easily justifying short odds at Chelmsford (1m2f) in March; no problem with the return to turf having won over this trip at Haydock (good) last August; can take a hold, but may settle better in this big field and he remains unexposed; a player.

Without a win since his second start as a 2yo, but several good efforts since as when beaten a length into third of 24 in the Newbury Spring Cup (1m, good ) last month; Ryan Moore keeps the ride and rain shouldn't be an issue, but the draw could have been kinder.

Twice highly tried after winning a handicap at Newbury (1m2f, good to soft) from 7lb lower in September; still unexposed, but she may need this after six months off and is drawn wide.

Both wins have come on the AW at Newcastle (1m/1m2f) and was far from disgraced on his return in the Easter Classic there (1m2f) five weeks ago; makes his turf debut in a competitive race, albeit stall 1 has taken three of the last eight runnings.

Winner in France and Ireland, but has beaten a total of one rival in four starts on the AW since joining this yard; down another 3lb, but hard to warm to unless the market suggests otherwise; stable also runs Echalar; non-runner 4.10 Chester Thursday.

All four wins have come over 7f/1m on the AW, the latest in February; back off the same mark as for that success, but she is 0-10 on turf and has never attempted this far before.

Twice held off 1lb higher since making a successful return from eight months off at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) in February, including when behind two of these in the Rosebery; needs a resurgence and could probably do without the ground easing.

Lightly raced on turf; out of the frame in five starts since winning at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) in January; has plenty to prove over this trip back on grass and is 3lb out of the weights.

Camelot colt (from speedy family) who looked backward and green for a strong-looking maiden race at Newbury (1m3f, good; 16-1) three weeks ago and ended up sixth of eight, with Glory Of The Seas 4l ahead; could emerge into something much better and he needs a second look, for same connections who won this with a twice-raced colt last year.

Closely related to 1m1f-1m2f winner Integrant (including Listed; RPR 108); 7-1 for novice at Newmarket (1m2f, good) three weeks ago but looked green on his way to 7l fourth of five; that's still good enough to enter serious calculations.

Sea The Stars colt who cost 550,000gns as a yearling; Dante and Derby entries have gone but he's still in the Irish Derby; that's after his fourth of eight in a strong-looking maiden at Newbury (1m3f, good; 4-1) three weeks ago on second start, in which he saw it out 4l better than Eben Al Khawaneej; major contender, type to improve with his racing.

Derby and Irish Derby entry; 800,000gns Sea The Stars yearling, brother to multiple Group 3 winner Al Aasy (1m2f-1m5f); turned over at odds-on in his two starts last autumn, but gave it a good shot when always-prominent third of ten in blanket finish to a strong novice at Newbury (1m2f, good) on reappearance; the hood worn last time is now removed; top on ratings here and likely to have come on from that run.

Camelot filly who was a well-backed second of nine in maiden at Kempton (1m3f, AW) in January but a remote last of six when 18-1 for a novice at Southwell (1m3f, AW) in February; others seem more likely.

150-1 and on toes when 11l sixth of 14 to a 6l winner in maiden at Newbury (1m2f, good) three weeks ago, which was a lot better than debut; further progress is likely but this race may prove too tough.

Finished fifth on debut at Newmarket and still looked in need of the experience when filling the same position, and recording the same RPR, at Chester 19 days ago (upped from 1m to 12.2f); headgear (cheekpieces) could help to focus him but he's another who will likely come into his own once handicapping.

Won the Celebration Mile at Goodwood in 2024; creditable third, faring best of the runners who came off steady pace, in Group 2 at Chester (good) upped to 1m2f last time; unexposed at this distance and enters calculations despite carrying a 3lb penalty for Listed success (1m, soft) last autumn.

Four-time Listed winner who made Group 3 breakthrough at Saint-Cloud (1m, very soft) last October; ran well when 2l fourth in Group 2 Huxley Stakes at Chester (10.3f, good) recently; may be vulnerable to stronger stayers at this trip and she carries a 5lb penalty, but might not be far away.

Showed some high-class form last year, including when beaten less than a length by Daryz in the Prix Egene Adam; hit the big time when making all to win the Group 1 Grosser Allianz Preis von Bayern by 7l at Munich (1m4f, soft) in November; huge run at Chester when conceding weight all around, just going down by a neck to last year's dual Derby winner Lambourn; ideally suited by softer ground and a bit to find on ratings but he's clearly in top form.

No wins since landing two of his first four starts having been highly tried in the meantime, but he has a consistent record in Group/Listed company shy of the top level (22363522); again ran well when chasing home the smart Damysus on his return in the Earl Of Sefton at Newmarket (1m1f, good) last month; shortlisted with the run under his belt.

Did well early in his career, including when beating three rivals in the 2024 Brigadier Gerard at Sandown (1m2f, soft); 0-9 since, albeit twice placed at the highest level; pulled too hard when beaten 6.25l into sixth of 12 on return in a Group 3 here last month; never featured at Chester in a Group 2 last time when the ground was likely too quick; similarly good ground likely here and would need a huge performance.

Very much at the top his generation last year, winning the Chester Vase at this meeting before going on to classic glory at Epsom and the Curragh (all three wins over 1m4f on good ground); he was undeniably disappointing in the Great Voltigeur (1m4f, good to firm) and St Leger (14.5f, soft), but this looks a good starting point for his 4yo career given the race conditions and he should take the beating if anything like back to his best; cheekpieces are given a go.

Progressive in handicaps last season but took his form to a new level when getting the better of a stablemate in a Group 3 at the Curragh (1m2f, soft) last month; may yet be capable of even better, but he could do with some rain.

Record of 0-5 since debut win (Wood Ditton) but he's useful and ran creditably in sole C&D attempt, namely fourth to Naqeeb in Listed event; could go well with Chester (Group 2) reappearance under his belt.

Smart on the AW (1111121), her latest success coming in the Group 3 Winter Derby at Lingfield (1m2f) in February; her winning racecourse debut came on turf (7f, soft), but this looks a tough task on her return to grass.

Won sole start here, a 2022 maiden; smart at 1m3f-1m6f for Roger Varian and Karl Burke but reappearance was easily the best of three runs last year and, after a 21,000gns sale in November, well beaten at 11-10 for hurdles/yard debut two weeks ago; that's not the most promising stepping stone to this.

Useful handicapper on the Flat; made a winning hurdles debut at Sedgefield last month (2m1f, good), beating an odds-on shot who won next time, the pair well clear; penalised; the one to beat.

One of three runners for the yard; lightly raced 8yo who was second in the 2m1f Irish Cesarewitch in 2024 and also in non-handicaps over 10.5f and 1m6f on his latest two starts this year; will probably be in good form but needs a career best.

2-2 here on the Flat, albeit in 2021; very smart on Flat at his best but he's not scored in this sphere since 2023 and had a disappointing 2025; had a mixed hurdles campaign last season, last seen 11 weeks ago; all wins have been on soft or heavy ground.

Reliable sort with a good first-time-out record, and he looks well worth this first foray beyond 14.5f, but there is something to prove if the ground if firmer than good; promising 7lb claimer has his first ride at Chester.

Third turf win was a narrow one at Newbury (2m, good; rallying) in April on his final start last year; may have needed his 2026 reappearance and the unusual test of the Chester Cup might excuse his disappointing show next time, but a revival is needed.

One of three for the yard; won the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW) last June and has a 4-7 record at Chester, although his two performances in this race were muted (from double-figure draws); reappearance six weeks ago matched his best 2025 form but a bit extra will be needed.

Missed most of last season but won on good/AW in four of his six starts since, the latest in clearcut fashion with first-time cheekpieces at Newcastle on AW Championships day; raised another 7lb, drawn wide and lacks any race experience at this track, but he's going from strength to strength.

Sole win (ten starts) for Dermot Weld was a maiden in 2024; has tried Group/Listed races but his most competitive show last year came when fourth of 14 in 1m6f handicap at Glorious Goodwood, off 3lb higher than today; tried a hood on AW debut at Lingfield in February and has since changed stables (same owners); has a bit to prove and such a wide draw is unlikely to help.

Yard runs three; well beaten in Listed races last autumn but, fit from hurdling, made a good Flat return when second at Navan (1m6f, heavy) at the end of March; that was both her Flat handicap debut and the furthest she's been in this sphere, which opens up possibilities for her as a Flat stayer.

Off the mark at Redcar (1m6f, good to soft) in October and won well again when reappearing at Southwell (slowly run 2m, AW; gelded) this April; raised substantially in class for the Chester Cup (2m2f, good; 7-1) 15 days ago, which saw him chase leaders to 4f out before dropping right out, but he was going places before that and could rebound.

One of three for Joseph O'Brien; won 4yo handicap hurdle at 2025 Cheltenham Festival and also took a huge prize for last September's Irish Cesarewitch on Flat at the Curragh (2m1f, yielding); underwhelming in his three handicap hurdles in November-April, which is a concern, as is today's widest stall, but his Curragh win (bursting clear 1f out) was delivered with considerably more authority than the winning margin suggests; respected.

An unlucky, strong-finishing third in this race in 2024 (good to firm; his only run here) and has a 1lb lower mark today; flickers of that ability on occasions since, though had to have his sights lowered for two hurdle wins last autumn; tailed off at 40-1 in a Grade 1 novice hurdle four weeks ago, after a winter break, and could be more interesting this time.

Led on the post here for the first of two 1m4f wins last summer for Gemma Tutty and, with tongue-tie enlisted, hit major new heights for new yard this year with his wins from off the pace at Newcastle (2m, AW) and Musselburgh (1m6f, soft); raised another 9lb, which demands more, but those last two wins were delivered in some style and he has to be considered seriously.

Held up; an excellent 2024 included wins in the Chester Plate on this card (his only run here) and the Cesarewitch at Newmarket; 2025 campaign was initially promising then frustrating, including with trouble in running, but ended up being disappointing; has a recent 1m2f run under his belt and would be competitive off this slightly reduced mark if back on song.

Versatile tactically; his only two wins were in 2023 but this highly reliable handicapper has been runner-up in six of his seven races since, including in useful company and also over 2m when he wore cheekpieces on last three occasions (hung right and lost out to a rallying rival last time); now tries blinkers and has each-way claims from low draw.

His last three wins have come on the AW at Newcastle but he is effective on turf and this mark shouldn't be beyond him; stall 15 is a severe hindrance though.

Well suited by a left-hand turn, winning twice here over 5f last summer; promising seasonal return at Catterick (6f, good) but he wasn't in the same form at Musselburgh (5f, good) nine days ago; handy draw and he can't be discounted.

Behind Buddy Batt and Lethimfly here in March but later posted a career-best RPR when winning over 6f back here in April and can be forgiven his subsequent defeat at Chester; hard to leave out of calculations.

Won twice for Harry Charlton, both over 6f on Lingfield's AW track; didn't get the chance to show what he could do (repeatedly denied a clear run) when eighth of 12 on recent Chester return for new yard; left the impression he'd have been involved in the finish with more luck and enters calculations.

Only won one of his last 28 starts but has slid to a competitive mark as a result and was unlucky not to finish closer behind The Good Biscuit and Jonny Concrete at Chester (hampered late); holds each-way claims.

Closed out last season with a pair of soft-ground wins and has resumed in good form off his revised mark, latterly when having two of these behind at Chester last weekend; adaptable as regards ground and tactics, and can't be discounted.

Wouldn't judge him too harshly on his Chester reappearance (not well drawn) and he is slipping to an attractive mark; drying ground won't suit though.

Second to Kats Bob over C&D (good to firm) last year off 3lb higher; has resumed in good form this spring, following Chester near miss with a close second of 13 to reopposing Mae Amor at Hamilton (6f, good) last Sunday; obvious chance off the same mark; second-time blinkers replace regular cheekpieces.

Has done well on AW for current yard, completing a remarkable eight-timer along the way; failed to transfer the form back to turf last time, taking record in this sphere to 0-10; bit to prove off same mark.

Met trouble when fifth at Chester (6f, good) a fortnight ago but there were no apparent excuses when filling the same position at Newmarket last Saturday; the type to click for this yard before long but others are stronger today.

Yet to win a handicap but he went close at Nottingham last October and again finishing second on last month's reappearance at Lingfield (6f, AW); this is more competitive but he isn't fully exposed.

Well handicapped without obviously shaping as if ready to take advantage

Met with heavy defeats in his two Flat races last term and hasn't lived up to expectations as a hurdler; 2024 was much more promising, including with his second in this race off 1lb lower than today, and it may be good a pointer to see how his two stablemates get on in the Chester Cup.

Seen mostly on AW, including fourth of 20 in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m) last June; running well on AW this year and although he's 0-6 on turf, that includes a close third here (2m, good to soft) in September; each-way player.

Very busy and he's had his share of wins, including four over 2m in 2025, but that's been mostly on AW which has dominated his career; best turf ratings were on last two outings but his turf form still needs improvement.

Quirky and sometimes blows the start; on a reduced mark and retains some ability but he is not the obvious solution to this puzzle.

9-1 when fifth in the Chester Cup last year for Andrew Balding, which is as good as he's ever been on Flat; 7lb lower today, having been right off the boil for that yard later in 2025; recent hurdle efforts for new stable aren't enough to persuade, especially given such a wide draw.

Well-backed to make it a successful stable debut at Chester (2m3f, good) when the line came too soon; previously won a Tramore maiden (1m4f, good to yielding) for Jessica Harrington; up 3lb for his Chester exertions but the choice of McMonagle and could improve over that seasonal return.

Dual Wolverhampton AW winner (8.5f/1m4f) for Michael Bell, a hurdles winner in October and back on the Flat with three good runs this year, when facing a very stiff task in Listed race on latest; unraced beyond that 1m6f on Flat but she's half-sister to a staying celebrity in Big Orange, which heightens interest.

Ran respectably both starts this term, back on good ground latest, but others preferred

Beaten a nose here (2m, soft) in September 2024 off 1lb lower and gave further encouragement that year, but that promise has not been fulfilled and his jumps career (latest start two months ago) has gone badly the wrong way; first-time blinkers replace his usual hood.

Bang there every time in his four races at Chester, including the Cup in 2023 but absent 758 days afterwards; back to life at Newbury (2m, good) three weeks ago, making all in a six-runner race; has a 3lb penalty and drawn higher than ideal but he was another 6lb higher at his peak and has returned to serious calculations.

Sole defeat for new yard this year when hampered at the start two runs ago; wide draw here

Highly fruitful in his two and a half years with this yard, including two wins (Flat/hurdles) this February/March; needs to bounce back from a rare flop but the chief concern is his 0-15 record on Flat turf.

Well beaten at Newmarket (good) last September on handicap debut but pretty consistent in his five AW races since, on last two occasions winning over 1m6f and second of 14 over 2m; peak AW form needs to be transferred.

Strong finish from the rear secured the Chester Plate (2m2f, good) last May off 1lb higher than today and he also won over 1m4f on soft at Catterick in October; needs to leave his three efforts this season a long way behind him, latest when not faring nearly so well with the draw back in Chester Plate, and others have more pressing claims.

Won his only Chester race (last August) and won in 2024 after a break; needs a close look

Beaten about 30l in all three handicap hurdles this year; the 2025 Chester Cup was more encouraging, as she was beaten just over 9l into ninth of 16, having been in touch for a long way at 66-1, and she is 6lb lower today; others have more pressing claims but her trainer won this in 2021 and 2022.

Runner-up twice on good ground; ninth start when off the mark in 14-runner handicap at Dundalk (2m, AW; favourite) in December when last seen; needs to improve on that form but he's relatively lightly raced.

Gained sole success on AW but has posted two sound placed efforts since returned to turf and dropped to 5f, latest at Chester; again has each-way possibilities.

Thrice-raced filly who has failed to back up the form of her debut success (AW); never landed a blow at Chester switched to turf most recently; something to prove.

Won twice as a 2yo, notably a 5f nursery (good to soft) at Haydock in September; gelded afterwards; made a promising seasonal return at Wolverhampton in March, narrowly failing to reel in one who has since boosted the form; appeals as being ahead of his mark, despite a 2lb rise for Wolverhampton, but stall 12 isn't ideal.

Drawn widest at Chester last time and was returning from 200 days off there the time before, but few positives can be gleaned; watching brief advised stepping up to 7f for AW debut.

Improved for a gelding operation, winning a Southwell handicap in January and running well in defeat twice last month (closely matched with Proof on Southwell form); has the inside stall and should make a bold bid.

Kickstarted 2026 with gutsy 5f Southwell success in April but suffered early interference when ninth in 5f Chester handicap nine days ago; it would come as no surprise to see him bounce back.

Promising second of 14 on seasonal/stable debut at Thirsk (5f, good) last month and filled the same position at Chester (5f, good) last Friday, when inconvenienced by early interference before finishing off strongly; firmly in calculations.

Three 5f wins around a left-hand turn on AW; clobbered by the handicapper for his two wins for Stuart Williams over the winter and he has come up short in better company since; sold for 8,000gns last month; vulnerable back on turf on his stable debut.

Latest Ripon run is not the one to judge him on as he didn't handle the track; earlier Southwell third didn't suggest he was ahead of the handicapper; well drawn back at 5f but this is a step up in class.

3yo who arrives on the up; easy winner at Bath (5f, firm) last month and ran well considering he was drawn wide and slowly away when fourth at Chester next time; still unexposed and commands major respect.

All three wins at 5f; below par since beating eight rivals at Wolverhampton in March, although she faced a stiff task and met some trouble in Listed race here last week; this is a more realistic assignment but others still have more obvious claims.

Placed on three of five starts this year; wide draw no help at Chester two weeks ago when he had his first crack at 1m4f (tailed off); reverts to 1m2f and probably okay on the ground, so he's considered each-way.

Won twice over this trip for Ben Brookhouse last year but his stable/hurdle debut in December was underwhelming and he made a low-key return to the Flat last month; others have much less to prove.

Usually races prominently but came from the rear, having fluffed the start, for one of his two 1m4f wins last summer; he'll need better than he's produced this season but is back to his last winning mark.

Largely progressive sort in 2025 (when a two-time 1m2f winner) and she's continued on the up stepped up to 1m4f this season, not enjoying the smoothest of passages when fourth of 15 at Chester 13 days ago; a player off an unchanged mark.

Bumper winner; won a 1m4f Wolverhampton maiden in December on his second Flat start; no improvement for handicapping on his last two starts (cheekpieces added latest); still has low mileage but improvement is required.

Won twice (once here) over about 1m2f last June and returned from layoff in prime form at Yarmouth (1m2f, good) last month, losing out only by a short head; still unexposed over 1m4f but has awkward draw.

Held off his revised mark since an AW win late last year; not a bad effort back from a break returned to turf at Chester (1m4f; good record first time out in his younger years) last time and this is less competitive.

Lost his way over hurdles last year and made only a mildly encouraging return to the Flat when keeping-on fourth of seven at Wolverhampton (1m4f, AW; first-time hood) last month; not the most obvious answer.

Won a low-grade handicap hurdle last summer but this is his first Flat run since 2024, and he needs to prove he's worth his current mark.

Well handicapped on exploits last term but down the field in his three runs this year

Dual Flat winner (1m2f/2m); highly tried on hurdles debut last April but showed an aptitude for the game when third at Market Rasen (extended 2m, good) in May and went on to land a hard-fought Cartmel success later that month; now handicapping with potential and could have more to offer up in trip, though recent Flat form tempers enthusiasm; wears a first-time visor.

Led close home at Chelmsford (1m, AW) in March and has held her form well since (7f-9.4f); should be fine back on turf but current mark demands a career-best performance on this first attempt at 1m4f.

Led close home to open account at Newcastle (1m, AW) in November, his tenth start; not seen again since but has a favourable draw and could plausibly have untapped potential over middle distances on turf.

Second on heavy ground here in September but has done all her winning on AW