June 13 / 16.00 Chester

16.00

Good To Soft

John Smith’s Handicap

  • Prize money: £12885
  • 0m 5f 15y
  • Class 3
  • 10 runners
SKY
View Course
John Smith’s Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.00
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 574-31 C

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
The only 3yo in the line-up; began career with two course wins (5.5f/6f, good) last spring and built upon his pleasing seasonal reappearance when scoring at Hamilton (6f, good to firm) last month; well drawn today and could still have more to offer if suited by this trip-and-ground combination.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(4)

25th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

15:48 Chester

Tricky Tel

9st 3lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

Third Chester success when beating older horses over 5f (good to soft; has won on good to firm) last month; never involved behind Calico Blue in the Palace Of Holyroodhouse at Royal Ascot since but his 1131 course record suggests a much better run is likely now.

9/1

11th

24

(15)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Tricky Tel

8st 9lb

J: Toby Moore

T: Hugo Palmer

Won twice at Chester as a 2yo; on the up this season, running well from a poor draw at Chester (6f, good) on his reappearance before winning at Hamilton (6f, good to firm) three weeks later; took his form to a new level when beating older horses at Chester (5f, good to soft) and the manner of that success offered hope of further progress; 1lb wrong under his penalty but horses arriving on the back of a recent win have fared well in this race (Latin Lover won, Dream Composer and Radio Goo Goo both placed) and Toby Moore takes off 7lb; central draw perhaps not ideal but plenty to like otherwise.

25/1

1st

10

(3)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Tricky Tel

9st 0lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

The only 3yo in the line-up; began career with two course wins (5.5f/6f, good) last spring and built upon his pleasing seasonal reappearance when scoring at Hamilton (6f, good to firm) last month; well drawn today and could still have more to offer if suited by this trip-and-ground combination.

4/1

OUR TIP

11/2

  • Place: £2.10

Form: -71103 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Won twice on AW in early part of this year and kept on well from the rear for creditable third in quite valuable C&D (good) contest last month; also suited by good to soft ground and has the early speed to race much closer to the pace from his favourable draw if that's the plan.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(2)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Atomic Force

10st 2lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Edward Bethell

Won twice on AW in early part of this year and kept on well from the rear for creditable third in quite valuable C&D (good) contest last month; also suited by good to soft ground and has the early speed to race much closer to the pace from his favourable draw if that's the plan.

11/2

3rd

4

(6)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Atomic Force

9st 6lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Edward Bethell

Successful in last two AW attempts but wasn't in anything like the same form returned to turf last time (effective in this sphere in the past); remains on career-high mark and can be opposed kept to grass.

16/1

11th

4

(12)

7th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

15:57 Pontefract

Atomic Force

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Edward Bethell

Had a long spell in Hong Kong; gradually back in business since returning to Britain and gained 5f AW wins the last twice; still attractively treated, considering he was a dual Group scorer on turf as a 2yo.

8/1

11/4

  • Place: £2.00

Form: -00702 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Gained two of his ten wins over this C&D and returns here after bouncing back to form with commendable second in last week's Epsom Dash (5f, good to soft); still well handicapped after 3lb rise; likely contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

21

(9)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Vintage Clarets

8st 8lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Two no-shows at Goodwood were at this meeting in 2023, including this race; however, provided the track doesn't pose any problems, he could be interesting after strong finishes in the Dash at Epsom and last time at Chester where a slow start was the last thing he needed; he should be coming home to some effect.

14/1

3rd

2

(5)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Vintage Clarets

9st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Gained two of his ten wins over this C&D and returns here after bouncing back to form with commendable second in last week's Epsom Dash (5f, good to soft); still well handicapped after 3lb rise; likely contender.

11/4

2nd

19

(18)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Vintage Clarets

8st 10lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Prolific winner down the years and he arrives off an 11lb lower mark than when fifth in this 12 months ago; yet to shine this year (poor draw at Chester on penultimate start) but it wouldn't be a huge shock to see him fare better today.

16/1

25/1

Form: 52-800 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Yet to strike form after two starts this season but now 5lb lower than when placed in Epsom's Dash (5f, good) just over a year ago and has won on good to soft ground; can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(1)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 3

16:15 Southwell (AW)

Blinky

8st 8lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Beaten 13 times since his last win in March 2025 but he returned to form with close fourth at Chester three weeks ago and he has a good record over this C&D in the main; each-way claims.

8/1

4th

9

(7)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Blinky

9st 2lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Antony Brittain

Yet to strike form after two starts this season but now 5lb lower than when placed in Epsom's Dash (5f, good) just over a year ago and has won on good to soft ground; can't be ruled out.

25/1

13/2

Form: 20-261 CD

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
6yo who posted career-best performance when dominating from the front over 6f here (good) last month; 5f on ground slower than good also suits but he's not ideally drawn and recent 4lb rise demands even more from him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(12)

25th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 4

16:23 Chester

Rosenpur

9st 12lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

All six wins have been here and at Wolverhampton, including this race 12 months ago when 6lb lower; close fourth here last time when drawn wide but in a smaller field than today and now he's out in stall 12; cheekpieces tried last time are removed.

13/2

4th

2

(10)

10th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 110y

Class 4

19:35 Chester

Rosenpur

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Jennie Candlish

Ideally suited by going around a left-hand bend, with his six wins coming here and at Wolverhampton; 10lb higher than for his win in this race last year and the widest draw isn't a big selling point today; cheekpieces join the hood today.

10/1

6th

7

(7)

27th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

15:03 Chester

Rosenpur

9st 5lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

6yo who posted career-best performance when dominating from the front over C&D (good) last month; used up energy to get across to lead from a wide draw when fifth of ten over 5f here a fortnight ago and can be treated as if still in good form.

8/1

Form: 343251 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Yet to run a bad race after six starts this season, and kept on for last-gasp success in 17-runner Thirsk handicap (5f, good) a fortnight ago; also suited by this C&D and slow ground; stall 9 makes things awkward, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(2)

25th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 4

16:23 Chester

Al Hussar

9st 11lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Beat a big field at Thirsk in May and ran pretty well here next time from stall 9 in a Class 3; backed that up with another competitive show and he got himself too far back at York last time; considered.

11/2

7th

6

(13)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:05 York

Al Hussar

9st 11lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

He has turned in a string of good runs this year, winning a 17-runner event at Thirsk in May; while he should give his running it would be a surprise if one or two weren't better handicapped.

10/1

4th

5

(7)

25th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

19:30 Hamilton

Al Hussar

9st 11lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Running well in defeat this season prior to narrow win in a big field at Thirsk (5f, good) last month; caught wide at Chester (5f, good to soft) 12 days ago when a respectable sixth of 12; could have a big say.

15/2

Form: 95-018 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Left disappointing seasonal debut behind when scoring at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) last month; not discredited in big field at Thirsk soon afterwards and has the inside draw here but others look better handicapped.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(6)

10th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 110y

Class 4

19:35 Chester

Changeofmind

9st 4lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Back to winning ways with his Class 5 win at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) in May; respectable efforts twice since but he would be more appealing on slower ground.

14/1

7th

6

(1)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Changeofmind

9st 4lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Left disappointing seasonal debut behind when scoring at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) last month; not discredited in big field at Thirsk soon afterwards and has the inside draw here but others look better handicapped.

10/1

8th

5

(9)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Thirsk

Changeofmind

9st 5lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Up in grade after winning a Class 5 at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) but had dropped to a tempting mark; wouldn't count the 6lb rise against him.

9/1

Form: 4-0464 D BF

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Just a respectable sixth when well drawn over C&D last month and again a beaten favourite when fourth of seven at Nottingham (5f, good) a fortnight ago; well suited by ground slower than good but probably needs some help from the new cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(4)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Rubys Profit

9st 8lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Just a respectable sixth when well drawn over C&D last month and again a beaten favourite when fourth of seven at Nottingham (5f, good) a fortnight ago; well suited by ground slower than good but probably needs some help from the new cheekpieces.

8/1

4th

1

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 4

15:55 Nottingham

Rubys Profit

10st 4lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

In good form for most of 2025, winning two 5f handicaps last spring; not quite hit those heights this time around, including from a good draw at Chester 24 days ago (met some trouble in the home straight); today's drop into a Class 4 will help and she is back against her own sex; should go well.

11/4

6th

11

(2)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Rubys Profit

8st 13lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Has gained all wins in spring, the most recent off current mark at Goodwood (5f, good) last May; finished nicely for close fourth at Bath (wore hood) on Monday with reappearance under her belt; fighting chance from a handy draw.

5/1

Form: 0-2106 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Veteran with 19 wins on his CV, including three editions of this race and a narrow success at Beverley (5f, good to soft) last month; drawn on the outside today and doesn't have much margin for error off this mark but it won't be a surprise if he gives this a good shot.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

8

(5)

25th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 4

16:23 Chester

Copper Knight

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Admirable veteran who had a wicked draw in a C&D handicap last month that he'd won three times before; better boxed this time and there was much to like about his previous effort at Thirsk; considered.

8/1

9th

8

(10)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Copper Knight

9st 3lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Veteran with 19 wins on his CV, including three editions of this race and a narrow success at Beverley (5f, good to soft) last month; drawn on the outside today and doesn't have much margin for error off this mark but it won't be a surprise if he gives this a good shot.

14/1

6th

6

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Thirsk

Copper Knight

9st 5lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Grand old veteran who can be forgiven his defeat in a Class 2 at York last time, having won at this level the time before at Beverley (2lb lower); had 119 races and yet this is his first visit here.

16/1

Form: 00-540 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Kept on to snatch fourth at Windsor (5f, good) last month but ran poorly over 6f a fortnight ago and has basically become disappointing; needs a good boost from the new cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(6)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Marty Hopkirk

9st 3lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: David Loughnane

Kept on to snatch fourth at Windsor (5f, good) last month but ran poorly over 6f a fortnight ago and has basically become disappointing; needs a good boost from the new cheekpieces.

25/1

13th

9

(9)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Marty Hopkirk

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Loughnane

Unplaced in last four handicaps but there was more encouragement in his fourth to Redorange (runs in the Listed race at 2.33) at Windsor 12 days ago; has raced mainly at 5f but should stay further; not without hope.

18/1

4th

11

(6)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 21y

Class 2

17:40 Windsor

Marty Hopkirk

8st 6lb

J: Laura Pearson

T: David Loughnane

Has good chance on last summer's Doncaster second but he was well held in his next three runs; still lightly raced but he's been up and down so far and others are more solid.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £18.80
Straight Forecast £19.70
Tricast £67.90
Trifecta £58.80

Selections

Telegraph:

Tricky Tel

SPOTLIGHT:

Vintage Clarets

RP RATINGS:

Ruby's Profit

TOPSPEED:

Al Hussar

POSTDATA:

Rosenpur

D Express:

Tricky Tel

The Sun:

Tricky Tel

Daily Record:

Tricky Tel

The Guardian:

Ruby's Profit

Daily Mail:

Ruby's Profit

The Times:

Vintage Clarets

Daily Mirror:

Vintage Clarets

The Star:

Vintage Clarets