May 09 / 13.30 Chester

13.30

Good

CAA Stellar Earl Grosvenor Handicap

  • Prize money: £23193
  • 0m 7f 127y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
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CAA Stellar Earl Grosvenor Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.25
  • Place: £1.30

Form: 10-504 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Made it five wins for 2024 when scoring over C&D (good) last August on sole previous course visit; returned to form with creditable fourth at Newbury (1m, good) four weeks ago and he has a big shout from stall 1.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(5)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 2

14:42 Wolverhampton (AW)

Two Tempting

9st 8lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

He was making his seasonal debut when only fifth in this race 12 months ago but he's been kept on the go this winter and has been better than ever; suspicion others will prove better handicapped here though.

8/1

3rd

5

(7)

7th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 1

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Two Tempting

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

He has been a fine servant to connections and added wins eight and nine to his tally in 2025, the latest a 1m handicap at Kempton in November; ran as well as he ever has when second to an upwardly mobile 4yo over C&D five weeks ago but even that effort will need bettering in this field.

16/1

16/1

  • Place: £4.20

Form: -33112

Last run: 9 days

W: 8st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Made all at Kempton (1m, AW) and Pontefract (1m, good) before creditable second at Pontefract (1m, good) nine days ago; however, he's 3lb out of the handicap now up in grade and his wide draw could prove tricky.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(20)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Partisan Hero

9st 9lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: David Loughnane

All wins at 7f/1m but he was placed twice over 5f in Bahrain during the winter; met trouble when second favourite at Chester (extended 7f) on his return to Britain 17 days ago; harder to pin down than some of these and certainly not discounted.

12/1

7th

5

(1)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

14:05 Chester

Partisan Hero

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Loughnane

All wins have been over 7f and 1m so it arguably bodes well for his prospects here that he's performed well over sprint trips in Bahrain this year; very good second in this race (good ground) last year from an outside stall and this front-runner has fared a lot better with the draw this time; top of the list.

11/2

1st

6

(2)

25th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 3y

Class 3

14:45 Epsom

Partisan Hero

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Loughnane

Front-runner who has won three times this year and latest was over C&D in June; couldn't hang in there at Galway (sixth of 15) last time but that was a respectable effort from a tough draw and he still looks on a workable mark; dangerous dropped back in grade.

13/2

14/1

Form: 4-2310

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who won at Southwell (1m, AW) in March on first run since wind surgery; has shown some promise on turf (three starts) but his best results have come on AW and he needs to bounce back from a below-par run at Newcastle (1m, AW) three weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(4)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newbury

Cracking Gold

10st 0lb

J: David Probert

T: Clive Cox

Suited by drop back to 7f when winning at Newmarket (good to firm) and nearly followed up in 20-runner race at Glorious Goodwood (good); up another 3lb but plenty to like for trainer who won this race in 2020 and 2021.

9/2

2nd

3

(10)

30th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:55 Goodwood

Cracking Gold

9st 11lb

J: David Probert

T: Clive Cox

Suited by the drop back in distance at Newmarket (good to firm) last time, narrowly beating Great Acclaim and taking 7f record to 3-5 (only 1-8 over further); on a career-high mark but interesting kept to this trip.

11/1

1st

3

(4)

26th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:10 Newmarket (July)

Cracking Gold

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Shaped encouragingly at Chester (7.5f) on the return to turf and proved unsuited by 1m2f (raced too freely) later in May; however, now 0-5 in this sphere and peak form remains on AW where he's a three-time scorer.

16/1

7/2

Form: 0820-6 C

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Two-time course winner, the latest at this meeting 12 months ago, and good second from wide draw over C&D (good) last August; denied clear run when close sixth on recent reappearance at Haydock; today's draw could have been better but Ryan Moore rides and he's respected nevertheless.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(9)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

14:05 Chester

Divine Libra

9st 2lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charles Hills

Has gained both handicap wins at Chester, including over the bare 7f at this meeting (good) in May 2024; respectable fifth in this last year; a reappearance run over 6f at the Newmarket Craven meeting could have put him spot on for this; likely to be in the mix here again.

8/1

8th

2

(6)

15th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Newmarket

Divine Libra

9st 3lb

J: William Buick

T: Charles Hills

Has course form and is capable of being involved; however, has gained both handicap wins at Chester, latest in May 2024, and may be more interesting back there with this reappearance under his belt.

9/1

2nd

5

(5)

1st Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

18:00 Kempton (AW)

Divine Libra

9st 5lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charles Hills

Three wins, all around a left-hand bend, but the latest was back in May 2024; has run some solid races in defeat this year and showed promise at this track on his debut; others are more persuasive.

7/1

Form: 0330-2

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Losing run goes back 14 races to May 2023 but he reappeared with a close second at Haydock (7f, good) a fortnight ago and ran really well over this C&D (good) last August; every chance he'll be bang there.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(6)

23rd Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Goodwood

Gorak

9st 0lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Charlie Fellowes

Best form this season when placed twice at Haydock, including latest start; still on a workable mark but continues on a long losing sequence, which makes him a similar type to Billyjoh.

16/1

3

(2)

9th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 3

16:10 Haydock

Gorak

9st 13lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Charlie Fellowes

Record over C&D includes a success in May 2023 and solid second on reappearance this term; disappointing favourite here on penultimate start and losing run is mounting up; best form certainly gives him a good chance off current mark back down in grade.

7/1

11

(1)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:50 Newmarket (July)

Gorak

9st 4lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Charlie Fellowes

Disappointing favourite at Haydock last Saturday, extending his long losing sequence; beaten twice in this contest (seventh in 2023, well held in 2024) and can be opposed.

33/1

Form: 52158- C

Last run: 224 days

W: 9st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Slow ground may be preferable and this is his first run since last September, but he ran really well first time up last season and his course form figures read 182315 (including a good-ground win in 2022); possible player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(3)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Yanifer

8st 12lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Harriet Bethell

Enhanced his fine Chester record when a length winner there in late August (extended 7f; good to firm; acts on soft); the 4lb rise elevates him to a career-high mark which could be troublesome in this deep a handicap.

40/1

1st

9

(8)

30th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

15:15 Chester

Yanifer

8st 9lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Harriet Bethell

Won over 7f here (good to soft) last August and runner-up in good 7f handicaps elsewhere on his last two starts (good to firm/good to soft); should be fine at today's distance and every chance he'll be thereabouts.

10/1

Form: 100-71

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Having dropped back down to his last winning mark he scored at Musselburgh (7f, good to soft) three weeks ago on his second start of the season; has been effective on good/good to firm in the past; it's a long time since this 8yo won off a mark this high (up 4lb) but he's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(6)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:25 Thirsk

Persuasion

9st 5lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: David & Nicola Barron

9yo who capitalised on some leniency from the handicapper to win at Musselburgh (7f, good) three weeks ago; goes well there but he's a C&D winner too and he should be in the thick of things again from just 2lb higher.

6/1

1st

3

(1)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

17:45 Musselburgh

Persuasion

9st 8lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: David & Nicola Barron

9yo who hasn't been at the top of his game on either start this season but wasn't beaten far when sixth of ten over C&D three weeks ago and he's down to a tempting mark; won over C&D last April; possible contender.

7/1

33/1

Form: 31113-

Last run: 180 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Previously trained in Germany, where he won a Listed race last October (6.5f, soft), and he was a close third in an Italian Group 2 next time (1m, heavy); those were career-best efforts from this 6yo but he has a very lofty mark to defy on this British and stable debut; may be best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

8

(12)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Tarkhan

9st 4lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Listed win in Germany in October 2024 and went close at Sandown and Newbury last term; however, after a disappointing October he made it 0-10 for the season and this is a tough race in which to try to break his British duck.

50/1

1

(10)

24th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:35 Newbury

Tarkhan

10st 2lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Smart on the continent, including on testing ground; 0-9 for Jamie Osborne but he has run some good races, including a near miss over C&D last month; not so good at Ascot since but returning to Class 3 will be in his favour.

12/1

9

(10)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Tarkhan

8st 12lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Smart on the continent; some notable form in eight defeats for this yard, last time going down narrowly in a Class 3 at Newbury (7f, good to soft; second-time cheekpieces); however, he was behind four of these here the time before.

16/1

14/1

Form: 14726- D BF

Last run: 232 days

W: 8st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who won at Newcastle (1m, AW) last June and was second at Sandown (1m2f, good) in August; further improvement is possible this term but the drop back in trip could be a negative at this tight track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(5)

23rd May 2026

Soft

1m 2f 100y

Class 1

13:45 Haydock

Cheshire Dancer

9st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Hugo Palmer

22-1 winner of the Group 3 Valiant Stakes at Ascot (1m, good) last July and good fourth in US Grade 3 (1m, firm) next time; of interest on that form but tailed off in first-time cheekpieces (retained) on reappearance at Newmarket (1m1f, good to firm) three weeks ago; unraced on slow ground.

25/1

10th

5

(13)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Newmarket

Cheshire Dancer

9st 2lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

Developed into a very useful sort last term, notably Group/Grade 3 performances at Ascot (won) and Kentucky Downs (ran well); chance of landing this prize depends on the effects of first-time headgear.

16/1

1

(7)

4th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Newmarket

Cheshire Dancer

9st 5lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Hugo Palmer

Made her name as a handicapper but popped up at 22-1 in a Group 3 at Ascot (1m, good) in July and was unlucky not to finish closer in America last time (1m Grade 3m, firm); however, whether she's up to this class is debatable, and rain could scupper things anyway (unraced on anything easier than good).

25/1

16/1

Form: 5-4195

Last run: 2 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Can be slowly away, which was costly here on Wednesday when he ran on well for fifth of 13 (7f, good); seems to like it here and today's extra yardage should be a plus; went close over C&D (soft) last September; contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(5)

20th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 20y

Class 4

14:42 Ayr

Pearl Eye

8st 13lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Won six for Darryll Holland, most notably when awarded the Spring Mile in March 2025; lost his way thereafter, and Gay Kelleway (0-4) couldn't rejuvenate; joined Jim Goldie for 13,000gns and there were positive signs when third over 1m here (stable debut) recently; is dangerously handicapped.

9/4

3rd

1

(3)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:00 Ayr

Pearl Eye

9st 9lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Fairly useful for Darryll Holland, then form went markedly awry during a brief spell with Gay Kelleway; sold for 13,000gns since last run; market may prove instructive on debut for another new yard.

8/1

14/1

Form: 17-057 C

Last run: 2 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Three wins last year (1m/7f), including here, and he runs off his last winning mark; ran okay when seventh of 13 here (7f, good) on Wednesday but needs to raise his game if he's to return to winning ways today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(21)

15th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 York

Spirit Genie

9st 9lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

Ended winless 2025 campaign with a placed effort in an above-average seller; starts his 2026 season off 8lb below his last winning mark but chance partly depends on the weather as he's best on ground softer than good.

20/1

4

(12)

2nd Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 75y

Class 2

17:10 Nottingham

Spirit Genie

9st 2lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

All five wins have been on good or slower including over C&D; hasn't been at his best this season but there have been some respectable efforts and he didn't get the breaks in a hot seller at Chester (5l third of eighth) 12 days ago; continues to drop down the weights and he could be dangerous back in a handicap.

8/1

7

(2)

20th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

15:05 Chester

Spirit Genie

9st 7lb

J: William Pyle

T: Jennie Candlish

All five wins have been on good or slower ground, but he hasn't been at his best this year and was beaten 7l in a Class 4 handicap here (7f, good) last Friday; down the list.

14/1

Form: 26195-

Last run: 222 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who has a tough draw in stall 14 and he wasn't at his best on his final two runs last year; however, he won a good handicap at Leopardstown (7f, good) last July and this lightly raced 4yo could still have more to offer for his in-form Irish trainer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(9)

5th Jun 2025

Good

0m 7f 60y

16:50 Leopardstown

Transcending Glory

9st 10lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: J P Murtagh

Front-runner won over C&D last summer off 89; two runs this term way below best however so bit to prove now although handicapper giving him a chance and a return to forcing tactics could see improvement.

14/1

3rd

4

(9)

5th Jun 2025

Good

0m 7f 60y

16:50 Leopardstown

Transcending Glory

9st 10lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: J P Murtagh

Front-runner won over C&D last summer off 89; two runs this term way below best however so bit to prove now although handicapper giving him a chance and a return to forcing tactics could see improvement.

14/1

18th

1

(12)

24th May 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

16:50 Curragh

Transcending Glory

10st 0lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: J P Murtagh

Front-runner was second over C&D on this card last year off 87; won good Leopardstown handicap (7f, good) last July off this mark; had excuses for below-par effort at Chester on return when caught wide from high draw; contender; hooded.

11/1

40/1

Form: 1600-6 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Could improve for reappearance sixth at Ripon (slipped badly early on) and he's just 1lb higher than for Carlisle win (7f, good) last August; however, that was a rare high point last term and his claims aren't compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

8

(7)

27th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 96y

Class 5

15:15 Beverley

Yermanthere

9st 2lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

3-39 overall, last winning in August 2024; close C&D third last May on sole start here; previous campaigns suggest he's best watched first time out.

25/1

5th

6

(3)

2nd Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 75y

Class 2

17:10 Nottingham

Yermanthere

8st 8lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Losing run is mounting up but he's well treated on old form and was only beaten 2l at Ayr (1m, soft) on Tuesday; hard to rule out another good run but this is a quick turnaround and that latest form was in a Class 5.

16/1

5

(5)

30th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:00 Ayr

Yermanthere

9st 11lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Losing run is mounting up but he ran respectably in most recent 1m attempt and this is a drop in grade; 8lb below last winning mark and Jake Dickson removes a bonus 7lb.

12/1

Form: 31146- C

Last run: 201 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Drawn well today and she made it 2-2 in this visor when winning here (7f, heavy) last September; respectable Listed efforts the next twice (7f, soft/heavy) but her mark shot up as a result and the forecast good ground may not be ideal on her return to action.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Non-runners

Never So Brave

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £40.40
Straight Forecast £30.89
Tricast £764.12
Trifecta £979.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Two Tempting

NEWMARKET:

Gorak

TOPSPEED:

Cheshire Dancer

RP RATINGS:

Two Tempting

POSTDATA:

Two Tempting

LAMBOURN:

Two Tempting

The Times:

Two Tempting

Telegraph:

Two Tempting

The Guardian:

Two Tempting

Daily Mail:

Two Tempting

D Express:

Two Tempting

Daily Mirror:

Two Tempting

The Sun:

Two Tempting

The Star:

Two Tempting

Daily Record:

Gorak