August 07 / 18.30 Chepstow

18.30

Good

Racing League 17 Handicap (For horses In The Care Of Trainers Registered To Racing League)

  • Prize money: £38655
  • 0m 7f 16y
  • Class 2
  • 9 runners
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Racing League 17 Handicap (For horses In The Care Of Trainers Registered To Racing League)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.75
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 084271 C

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Easy to pigeonhole him as a miler at the end of a 3yo year that included four wins (good and good to firm); however, he's been spreading his wings over 7f of late, unfortunate to get nudged out of a Newmarket success and then always going well before finding plenty to win at Goodwood (first-time blinkers, retained); 1lb badly in under penalty but remains with some scope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

9

(12)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Great Acclaim

9st 7lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Six-time winner, including in first-time blinkers at Glorious Goodwood; close third at Haydock (7f) with reappearance under his belt, paving the way nicely for a crack at this prize; has made the frame in both C&D attempts; possibilities in new headgear (visor).

12/1

3rd

5

(8)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Great Acclaim

9st 5lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Strong handicap form over 7f last summer, winning at Goodwood and Chepstow as well as finishing second in a 20-runner event at Ascot (all when wearing blinkers); still feasibly weighted on that form and he went without headgear when down the field in the Lincoln; the blinkers return today and he's a leading contender.

7/1

16th

4

(14)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Great Acclaim

9st 8lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Thrived in 7f handicaps last season when blinkers went on; however, he failed to shine when tackling 1m last term and reappears minus any headgear (tried cheekpieces when last seen; down the field); others preferred.

33/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: -35121 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Has won on good and good to firm but last three wins on soft, pulling out plenty when winning a Racing League race from El Bodon at Yarmouth (7f) recently; back up 4lb but this quicker surface shouldn't be a problem and he has another big effort in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

8

(6)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 2

17:50 Epsom

Mister Bluebird

9st 2lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Heather Main

8yo who has been as good as ever this spring, short-headed at Musselburgh (7f, good) then second of 14 to Crimson Spirit at Goodwood (7f, good); last season's two wins came on soft ground; effective here; respected.

12/1

2nd

10

(2)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:52 Goodwood

Mister Bluebird

9st 4lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Heather Main

Went close at Musselburgh (7f, good) last time, showing he retains full ability aged eight; dual winner at Goodwood and may remain competitive; gained last three wins on soft ground.

8/1

2nd

2

(2)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

17:45 Musselburgh

Mister Bluebird

9st 8lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Heather Main

Well beaten on reappearance at Newcastle (6f, AW) 30 days ago and needs to be an entirely different proposition today; however, he's on a competitive mark on last season's best efforts and his C&D form figures read 123, with all three of those runs coming in cheekpieces (which go back on).

10/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 686316 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
A classy sprinter on his day, though that isn't truly reflected in his win record; proved he can do it over 7f when ending a losing run at Haydock (good) in July but the combination of the trip and soft ground counted against him when sixth of 12 to Mister Bluebird at Yarmouth recently; needs to pull out more off the same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(6)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

17:15 Newcastle (AW)

Kings Lynn

9st 9lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Andrew Balding

0-9 on the AW, but has gone very close on Tapeta on three occasions; 2lb lower than when beaten a head in a 0-110 contest over C&D in August and if able to reproduce that sort of form he would have a good chance.

7/1

6

(4)

24th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:35 Newbury

Kings Lynn

9st 7lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Ended his lengthy losing run when winning a 7f handicap at Haydock in July; similar form on a couple of occasions since and he ran creditably in a hot 6f handicap at York two weeks ago; one to consider back down into Class 3 company.

9/1

17

(11)

11th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:15 York

Kings Lynn

8st 12lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Not the force of old (won the Group 2 Temple Stakes in 2022) but he ended a long losing run at Haydock (7f, good) in July and went down only narrowly at Newcastle in August; however, he should have fared better at Ascot last time and he's been unplaced on both his previous outings at York.

25/1

OUR TIP

14/1

Form: 3-9000 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Multiple wins on the continent include a Listed race (extended 6f, soft; has won at 1m) last October; has started at 33-1 and bigger in four British starts, not looking a natural candidate for a return to 7f when keeping on in 11th of 17 at Ascot (1m, good) 12 days ago.
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

Form: 66320- D

Last run: 292 days

W: 9st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
The long-delayed return asks a pointed question but he has often won and gone well after shorter breaks than today and his 7f career includes wins in a top Ascot handicap and two Listed races (all on good); his claims can't be entirely waved away but he needs to be as good as ever to win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(7)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Vafortino

9st 6lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charlie Fellowes

8yo who is without a win since December 2023 but he showed spark in Dubai this winter and ran big races on his two previous visits to York; returns to a handy on a fair mark and could have an each-way shout.

16/1

1

(6)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 111y

Class 2

15:00 Doncaster

Vafortino

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

He's run just once this year but that was a fairly encouraging performance when fifth of nine at Chepstow (7f, good to soft) last month; he could build on that and he's on a competitive mark on last season's best efforts over 6f and 7f; effective in big-field handicaps and not ruled out.

25/1

5th

1

(3)

7th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 16y

Class 2

18:30 Chepstow

Vafortino

9st 13lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

The long-delayed return asks a pointed question but he has often won and gone well after shorter breaks than today and his 7f career includes wins in a top Ascot handicap and two Listed races (all on good); his claims can't be entirely waved away but he needs to be as good as ever to win.

7/1

9/1

Form: 152634

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Handles most surfaces but all bar one of his runs have been over 6f and his fifth of 22 at York in May, on sole attempt at 7f, didn't suggest improvement for this stiffer test at the trip; others more likely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(1)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Ripon

Musical Touch

9st 9lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Acts on good to firm and soft ground; won at Thirsk (6f, good) last spring and recorded his second AW win on his Southwell reappearance last month; up 4lb but he still looks feasibly treated and should get a good tow into this race; key player.

3/1

1st

3

(2)

2nd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

17:48 Southwell (AW)

Musical Touch

9st 9lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Ended 2025 with a whimper but he has slipped back down the weights as a consequence; won on last year's reappearance and also ran a fine race after a 175-day layoff in 2024 so unlikely to be lacking in fitness; one to consider.

8/1

32

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Musical Touch

9st 7lb

T: Richard Fahey

Got no run when favourite at Thirsk a fortnight ago and a line can be put through that race; effective in a big field and has an each-way shout on this year's best form (on various ground); wears first-time cheekpieces.

16/1

Form: -82112

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Progressive sprinter at 6f since visored, racing clear at Ascot (good to firm) then overcame adversity to win with plenty in hand at Epsom (soft) before finishing well clear on his side back at Ascot in July; soundly beaten in sole 7f run at Musselburgh in April but that reappearance run can't be taken literally; still counts as an improver but needs to be as good at this trip as 6f if he's to beat the specialists.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

12

(19)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Sondad

9st 2lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael & David Easterby

Won two in a row last May/June (6f, soft/good to firm) when this visor first went on and he ran well to be placed on his final two outings last autumn; each-way claims if fully tuned up for this reappearance outing.

11/1

6

(9)

3rd Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Sondad

9st 6lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Not yet truly exposed over 6f since visored, winning on two occasions (on good to firm and soft) and first home on his side for the two defeats, over C&D and in the Ayr Silver Cup; the handicapper may not have weighed him up yet and he can be a big threat.

7/1

Form: 700-22

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Excelled himself when runner-up in a Group 3 at Newbury (7f, good to soft) on reappearance as a 3yo but his season took an unpredictable turn after; has resumed in good heart with seconds over 6f and in a 7f Racing League race at Yarmouth (soft) two weeks ago, where the winner Mister Bluebird was the stronger finisher; needs to pull out more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(6)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:45 Newmarket

El Bodon

9st 11lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

0-11 on turf with his best efforts coming on slower than good; back up in the weights after a productive AW campaign and he has enough to prove back on turf, all the more so after his tame effort at Newcastle on Good Friday.

33/1

14th

6

(10)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

El Bodon

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Two 6f wins at Kempton this winter and he ran as well as he ever has when a close fourth at Lingfield five weeks ago (behind Ferrous and Lakers); this stiff 6f should suit and he can make another bold bid.

14/1

4th

2

(5)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 2

15:12 Lingfield (AW)

El Bodon

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

3-3 on AW, showing improved form to win a useful race at Kempton 16 days ago (6f); 3lb rise not beyond him and he should give it a good go in his hat-trick bid.

11/4

7/1

Form: 135-40

Last run: 47 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Has done his winning over 6f, in a novice and an auction race (good to soft and soft), and although he's been highly tried in three 7f attempts it's still to be proved that this is his trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(1)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:45 Newmarket

Brian

9st 4lb

J: David Egan

T: J S Moore

Patchy overall record; didn't enjoy the smoothest of passages at Newbury two weeks ago but he was beaten over 5l at the finish; others are stronger.

25/1

8th

3

(7)

17th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:25 Newbury

Brian

9st 7lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: J S Moore

Heavy defeats on his last three starts, including his Kempton reappearance three weeks ago; he's on a fair mark on the pick of his efforts though and this track does seem to suit him well; Tom Marquand is a notable booking for the stable (his nine rides for Stan Moore have yielded two wins, a second, three thirds and two fourths); lively outsider.

25/1

10th

2

(10)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:03 Kempton (AW)

Brian

9st 9lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: J S Moore

Useful on his day and he was a good second at Newbury last October (7f, soft) off this mark; effective over C&D but an extra furlong probably wouldn't go amiss.

25/1

Non-runners

Streets Of Gold

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £30.80
Straight Forecast £38.08
Tricast £240.94
Trifecta £200.70

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Sondad

SPOTLIGHT:

Great Acclaim

LAMBOURN:

Brian

NEWMARKET:

El Bodon

The Times:

Vafortino

TOPSPEED:

Sondad

THE NORTH:

Sondad

The Guardian:

Sondad

Daily Mail:

Sondad

D Express:

Sondad

Daily Mirror:

Sondad

POSTDATA:

Great Acclaim

Telegraph:

Great Acclaim

The Sun:

Great Acclaim

The Star:

Great Acclaim

Daily Record:

Great Acclaim