September 10 / 16.54 Chester

16.54

Good

National Racecourse Week Handicap

  • Prize money: £9681.27
  • 0m 6f 17y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
SKY
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National Racecourse Week Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

OUR TIP

Form: 121453 C

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 13lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Acts around here and she's well drawn for one who likes to be handy, but her handicap mark has suffered for five wins this year; looks vulnerable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(1)

26th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:15 Salisbury

Cuban Breeze

9st 5lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: David Evans

Last two wins at 6f but has been shaping as if this return to 5f will suit; defied higher marks twice under Pat Cosgrave in the summer of 2022 and holds major claims on that form.

9/1

4th

3

(8)

7th Jun 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:28 Haydock

Cuban Breeze

9st 10lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Evans

led

8/1

6th

3

(7)

20th May 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 3

18:40 Windsor

Cuban Breeze

9st 0lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Evans

Won a big race over C&D in 2022 off 6lb higher; only 1lb higher than for her game success at Chelmsford in November but she'll need to be somewhere near her best on this return from five months off.

6/1

Abandoned

Form: -12250

Last run: 45 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Was in good form but hasn't found much for pressure in 6f/7f handicaps the last twice, albeit at top tracks; both wins have come over 7f at Chelmsford and he's unraced here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(7)

13th Oct 2022

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

20:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Asad

9st 13lb

J: Frederick Larson

T: Michael Appleby

took keen hold, led, ridden and hung left over 1f out, headed 1f out, weakened inside final furlong

10/1

9th

9

(8)

15th Sep 2022

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

19:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Asad

9st 0lb

J: Frederick Larson

T: Michael Appleby

dwelt start, soon recovered and pressed leader, ridden over 2f out, lost position and beaten over 1f out, dropped to last and weakened inside final furlong

12/1

Form: 243164 CD BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Prominent racer who goes well at the track and he didn't quite hit the traps when beaten 3l over shorter on his latest visit three weeks ago; won from the same box over C&D three runs back and he's only 3lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(7)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:30 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 10lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Enhanced his excellent course record when narrowly landing a 5f handicap at the May meeting; stays 7f but rarely seen at the trip now; may prove vulnerable to stronger stayers.

11/2

1st

3

(3)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Chester specialist whose seven course wins include this race last year (off current mark under Oisin Murphy) and Listed event later in 2025; inconsistent elsewhere since but commands respect returned to the Roodee; favourably drawn.

3/1

12th

7

(4)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Roman Dragon

9st 5lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

Well handicapped on his best form last season but he's not easy to predict and has been up and down during another spell in Bahrain since December; comes with risks attached back in Britain and most of his wins have been at Chester; tongue-tie worn last time is removed.

25/1

Form: 240473 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Relinquished her unbeaten record on the AW at Newcastle but still ran well to make the frame; still seeking her first turf win but she has run well this year, including here; stall nine is not ideal, however.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(13)

25th Aug 2022

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

20:15 Newcastle (AW)

Loves Me Likearock

9st 8lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Charles Hills

midfield, shaken up and headway to challenge 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on but no extra inside final furlong

11/1

Abandoned

Form: 026604 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Multiple winner who is back on a potentially decent mark and the signs were more encouraging last time at Sandown (never nearer after missing the kick); needs to get away on terms around here but could be a player; his first course visit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(1)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Beyond Equal

9st 8lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Stuart Kittow

took keen hold, prominent, going okay over 1f out, lost third final strides

8/1

4th

3

(1)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Beyond Equal

9st 8lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Stuart Kittow

took keen hold, prominent, going okay over 1f out, lost third final strides

8/1

4th

7

(3)

31st Oct 2024

Soft

0m 5f 160y

Class 5

13:58 Bath

Beyond Equal

9st 7lb

J: Liam Keniry

T: Stuart Kittow

dwelt start

6/1

Abandoned

Form: 455406 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Three of his four wins have come on the AW; not great of late on Polytrack or turf but there have been flashes of decent form this year, he's dropped to a decent mark and now tries blinkers; not without hope from a good draw.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(7)

23rd Oct 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

16:27 Southwell (AW)

Nelson Gay

9st 9lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Multiple winner on the AW and consistent in the main; in front 2f out but didn't quite get home when third here last month; respected off same mark.

7/1

3rd

5

(7)

27th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Nelson Gay

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Michael Dods

Won twice over C&D early this year and he's now 2lb lower than for the second of them; showed signs of a return to form when fourth of nine at Lingfield three weeks ago; solid candidate.

9/2

1

(3)

8th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 6

14:52 Lingfield (AW)

Nelson Gay

9st 9lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Michael Dods

Three wins this year include two on the Southwell AW; hasn't been flying of late but he's the type to bounce back and this mark is fine.

11/2

Form: 638095 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Has won the last three renewals of this race but will do well to make that four in his current form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(10)

10th Nov 2022

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Gabrial The Devil

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

made virtually all, ridden over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong

9/1

1st

3

(10)

10th Nov 2022

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Gabrial The Devil

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

made virtually all, ridden over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong

9/1

10th

13

(13)

24th Sep 2022

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

14:15 Chester

Gabrial The Devil

9st 4lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard Fahey

always towards rear, pushed along over 2f out, soon outpaced and no impression

12/1

Form: -63338

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Just a 7f maiden at Carlisle to show for his ten runs with Kevin Ryan and he signed off for him with a poor run at Pontefract (6f); since bought for 18,000gns; best form at least offers hope off this sort of mark; unraced here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(6)

11th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Hello Zabeel

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Michael Blake

Has form in better races than this but he's on a losing run now and failed to benefit from a drop to this level at Southwell (6f) last month; needs revival back over 7f on course debut.

6/1

6th

2

(4)

7th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Hello Zabeel

9st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Michael Blake

Losing run up to 16, but he has winning form over C&D and drops to this level for the first time; not beaten far the last twice and a major player on these terms; cheekpieces removed.

9/2

6th

2

(4)

7th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Hello Zabeel

9st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Michael Blake

Losing run up to 16, but he has winning form over C&D and drops to this level for the first time; not beaten far the last twice and a major player on these terms; cheekpieces removed.

9/2

Abandoned

Form: 026214 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Placed once from three visits here; only 1-13 on turf (five AW wins) but he was only 2l away at Haydock last week, albeit over 5f which suits him better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

(4)

27th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Street Life

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Patrick Morris

Won twice on AW this winter, including C&D, and he is now 2lb lower than for the second win; has gone quiet more recently though and could prove vulnerable for win purposes once again.

12/1

6th

7

(7)

2nd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

18:48 Southwell (AW)

Street Life

9st 5lb

J: Myla Coppins

T: Patrick Morris

Veteran who was recording the 14th win of his career when scoring off this mark over C&D in January; short of his best on his last four starts but the ability is there if his new rider can coax it out of him.

16/1

11th

10

(2)

28th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Street Life

9st 0lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Patrick Morris

Five-time course winner but finished behind Irish Dancer and Woodhay Whisper here last time, with no obvious excuses.

14/1

Abandoned

Form: 648368 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Losing run continued when nowhere at Doncaster on Thursday; hard to envisage him snapping it here, from out of the weights and drawn wide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(8)

24th Sep 2022

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

13:25 Ripon

Bossipop

9st 13lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

led against near rail, shaken up and faced challenge 2f out, ridden and headed by winner over 1f out, lost position gradually from 1f out

7/1

8th

12

(9)

22nd Sep 2022

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Pontefract

Bossipop

8st 7lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong

20/1

Form: 4008-7 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Has dropped a long way in the weights and was only seventh last week at Haydock on his return from a year out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(5)

25th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

17:30 Southwell (AW)

Brian The Snail

9st 8lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Patrick Morris

Veteran with 14 wins on his CV; kept on for third when dropped back to 5f at Newcastle 12 days ago but is inconsistent nowadays and younger rivals appeal more.

8/1

3rd

8

(7)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Brian The Snail

8st 13lb

J: William Pyle

T: Patrick Morris

Veteran who never featured in a 6f handicap at Wolverhampton nine days ago; drops back to 5f with a point to prove.

20/1

8th

6

(1)

4th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

18:55 Wolverhampton (AW)

Brian The Snail

9st 0lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Patrick Morris

Slow-starting veteran who is having his 100th outing this evening; he has won 14 times already and his latest Newcastle fourth was a solid effort; should go well again.

10/1

Verdict

A chance is taken on BEYOND EQUAL, who will need to learn quickly on his first visit here but after dropping to a good mark the signs were encouraging at Sandown. Roman Dragon won here from the same box three runs back and didn’t run a bad race the last time, so he’s second choice. Cuban Breeze also knows her way around here but her current mark looks a stumbling block. [Alistair Jones]