May 07 / 16.45 Chester

16.45

Good

Chester Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £13915.8
  • 1m 4f 63y
  • Class 3
  • 8 runners
SKY
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Chester Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 8 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £17.20
  • Place: £3.10

Form: 843-12 D BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Improved on handicap debut when scoring at Wolverhampton (1m4f, AW) in March; appeared to run well when second to Galilean Quality in two-runner race at Southwell (1m4f, AW) last month, which puts him into the each-way picture assuming that first-time headgear proves suitable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

14th Oct 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Wetherby

Magnetude

11st 0lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: James Owen

Tailed off in Listed race on the Flat at Newmarket three weeks ago but he's shown very useful form in handicaps in that code this season (1m4f-1m6f) and has the credentials to do very well over hurdles; related to three hurdle winners and he could take plenty of beating if taking to this game.

8/13

10th

9

(2)

24th Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newmarket

Magnetude

8st 10lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: James Owen

Soundly beaten in two Group races this summer, most recently the 1m4f Gordon Stakes at Goodwood in July (gelded since); has something to find with the principals here but this front-runner has done well in handicaps this year and was beaten only a nose on the other Newmarket course (1m6f, good to firm) two starts ago; no surprise if this 3yo makes a bold bid.

12/1

6th

4

(5)

30th Jul 2026

Good

1m 3f 218y

Class 1

15:00 Goodwood

Magnetude

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: James Owen

Can make the running; won two 1m4f handicaps and so nearly got back up over 1m6f at Newmarket on latest start; no show, however, when he tried a 1m6f Group 3 at Royal Ascot (100-1) and he is bottom of this pack on ratings.

20/1

5/2

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 472-1

Last run: 111 days

W: 8st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Didn't live up to market expectations in first two starts but much better when runner-up next time and then won a five-runner novice at Wolverhampton (upped to 9.4f, AW) in January; that win came by just a neck at 2-5 but the second scored next time and this one rallied as if 1m4f would help; gelded soon afterwards; first turf run since debut (soft); one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(3)

5th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:30 Haydock

Mythical Bay

9st 5lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Andrew Balding

Won two in a row this summer (1m4f/1m6f, good to soft/good to firm) before 8l ninth of 17 in the Melrose at York (1m6f, good to soft), where he pulled hard and was caught wide; in the circumstances he did well to remain prominent for as long as he did, and he retains potential provided he settles better; just the type of 3yo his trainer excels with.

3/1

9th

5

(3)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

14:25 York

Mythical Bay

8st 10lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Prominent racer who showed improvement to win by 4l at Newbury (1m4f, good to soft) in June and followed up at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) last month; had just a nose to spare last time and is 5lb higher today but he's clearly progressive and his trainer has won three of the last six runnings.

10/1

1st

4

(5)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Newmarket (July)

Mythical Bay

9st 6lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Andrew Balding

Second to Magnetude at Chester (1m4f, good) in May on handicap debut; 10-11 for seven-runner race at Newbury (1m4f, good to soft) on latest outing but drawing 4l clear represented improved form and gave plenty of hope for 1m6f; up 7lb but considered for yard which also runs Hard To Believe.

7/2

5/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 641-1 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Improved with each of his three runs in 2025, signing off with a 1m2f Pontefract novice win (soft) in October; gelded before another improved effort to win handicap at Southwell (1m4f, AW) last month, in just a two-horse race but against in-form rival Magnetude (who reopposes); up 3lb but more to give.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(6)

2nd Oct 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 1

15:35 Ascot

Galilean Quality

9st 3lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Won C&D handicap (good to firm) in July; took further steps forward when second of 17 in the competitive Melrose at York (1m6f; winner Infraad gave 6lb) and second of eight at Haydock (1m6f, heavy); moves up to Listed grade and two rivals have better form but he's heading the right way.

5/1

2nd

1

(6)

5th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:30 Haydock

Galilean Quality

9st 9lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

He's won on ground ranging from soft through to good to firm; strong finish for 4l sixth of 19 in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot (1m4f) and won over 1m6f there next time; took another step forward when second of 17 in the competitive Melrose at York (1m6f) a fortnight ago and he's a leading candidate despite a 5lb rise for last time.

7/4

2nd

6

(9)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

14:25 York

Galilean Quality

8st 9lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Has won on various ground; strong finish for 4l sixth of 19 in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot (1m4f) and that handicap form has worked out exceptionally well; as expected he was suited by the step up to 1m6f when winning at Ascot last month and could have more to offer at this trip.

14/1

Form: 266-11

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Promise on turf (good to firm/good) as 2yo; gelded and tongue tied when justifying favouritism in five-runner handicaps over 1m3f on Kempton AW this February (fairly smoothly) and April (much harder work, by short head); up another 4lb and back to turf but 1m4f+ will help his hat-trick bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

26th Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 3

15:05 Market Rasen

Moment Of Light

11st 8lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

81-rated on the Flat; made a smooth winning hurdles (and stable) debut at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good; 2-5 favourite, beating a previous winner); carries a penalty but, if returning in the same kind of form, ought to prove tough to beat.

8/11

1st

4

7th Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 4

14:00 Newton Abbot

Moment Of Light

11st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won twice at 1m3f on Kempton AW in the spring for James Owen; makes hurdles debut for champion trainer without cheekpieces worn on last Flat start; looks sure to have been well schooled and no surprise were he good enough to make a winning hurdles debut.

11/10

9th

3

(8)

23rd May 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:25 York

Moment Of Light

9st 8lb

J: William Carson

T: James Owen

Gelded and tongue tied when justifying favouritism in five-runner handicaps over 1m3f on Kempton AW this February and April; raced a bit freely and never got into it when back to turf at Chester (1m4f, good; second favourite) 16 days ago but not at all discredited and it's possible he may resume his progress; cheekpieces go on.

5/1

Form: 3214- BF

Last run: 215 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Couldn't justify favouritism on debut and bumped into the subsequent 2,000 Guineas winner next time, but made no mistake at Thirsk (1m, good) in August; flopped when favourite for five-runner nursery at Newcastle (1m, AW) in October but gelded since; sire gets plenty who stay; not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

9

(10)

25th Sep 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Newmarket

Be The Standard

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

1m novice winner last season on good ground before flopping when favourite for a five-runner nursery at Newcastle (1m, AW); also failed to shine on return at Chester in May (1m4f; having been gelded), so those two efforts in handicaps leave him with plenty to prove after 141-day absence.

8/1

Form: 2316-8

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Substantial improvement to win novice at Nottingham in October, followed by creditable sixth of seven in French Listed race (both 1m on heavy); however, eased right down from 4f out on handicap/seasonal debut at Newmarket (1m2f, good; 22-1) three weeks ago, after which it's hard to approach him with confidence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

8

(4)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

1m 1f 207y

Class 3

13:40 Beverley

Oratorical

9st 6lb

J: Laura Pearson

T: David Loughnane

Won a heavy-ground novice at Nottingham last October but comfortably beaten in this year's handicaps (effective on good ground); bit to prove now.

20/1

6th

1

(7)

7th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Oratorical

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: David Loughnane

Substantial improvement to win novice at Nottingham in October, followed by creditable sixth of seven in French Listed race (both 1m on heavy); however, eased right down from 4f out on handicap/seasonal debut at Newmarket (1m2f, good; 22-1) three weeks ago, after which it's hard to approach him with confidence.

20/1

Form: 171-23

Last run: 36 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Often front-runner; 3-4 in handicaps last term, with first win on good to soft going but also a flop on good; back with two creditable supporting roles behind Moment Of Light in five-runner handicaps at Kempton (1m3f, AW) and it looks like he will be suited by 1m4f+; this race is more competitive, though, and he needs to find a bit extra, with cheekpieces enlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(5)

17th Oct 2026

Good

1m 4f 13y

Class 4

14:10 Catterick

Parisian Scholar

9st 5lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Charlie Johnston

Won five-runner races over 1m4f on good to firm at Thirsk (Temple third) and Newmarket in July; creditable placed efforts at up to 1m6f (including on good to soft) on his last three outings but it seems the handicapper has him about right.

4/1

3rd

4

(3)

3rd Oct 2026

Good

1m 5f 218y

Class 4

17:10 Redcar

Parisian Scholar

9st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Charlie Johnston

Won two five-runner races over 1m4f on good to firm in July, since which it's looked as if the handicapper has had his measure; still managed second on last two outings and although he needs to find a bit extra, it's possible that he's now ready for this first venture much beyond 1m4f.

13/2

2nd

8

(6)

14th Sep 2026

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 4

16:12 Windsor

Parisian Scholar

9st 6lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Charlie Johnston

Tries hard enough but handicapped about right and came up short off this mark in a small field at Newmarket (1m4f); this looks more demanding.

5/1

33/1

Form: 3969-

Last run: 201 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Showed ability in two of his three maiden races in Ireland but well beaten at 20-1 for handicap debut (1m, yielding to soft); has changed hands and left Ger Lyons; mixed pedigree for stamina (by Derby winner out of 5f winner); makes his seasonal debut for new connections.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

10

(13)

25th Sep 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

17:10 Newcastle (AW)

Carwyn

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Patrick Morris

Some promise for Ger Lyons in Ireland last year but sent off at big prices and achieved little in five runs for his new stable; tumbling down the weights but not a solid option.

50/1

7th

8

(8)

31st Aug 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 5

14:42 Southwell (AW)

Carwyn

8st 7lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Patrick Morris

Ex-Irish maiden who's turned in four poor efforts at huge prices this year; Golspie looks his yard's best chance.

66/1

Non-runners

High Storm

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £59.70
Straight Forecast £41.02
Tricast £160.36
Trifecta £209.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Moment Of Light

TOPSPEED:

High Storm

LAMBOURN:

Mythical Bay

RP RATINGS:

Galilean Quality

The Times:

Parisian Scholar

POSTDATA:

Magnetude

The Star:

Be The Standard

The Sun:

Mythical Bay

The Guardian:

High Storm

Daily Mail:

High Storm

D Express:

Galilean Quality

NEWMARKET:

Moment Of Light

Daily Mirror:

Moment Of Light

Daily Record:

Moment Of Light

Telegraph:

Parisian Scholar