May 08 / 16.45 Chester

16.45

Good

CNG Switch Handicap

  • Prize money: £12740
  • 0m 7f 1y
  • Class 3
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
CNG Switch Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 1323-9 C BF

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Did better last season when dropped to 6f, first with a soft-ground win here; gelded and off 216 days before last month's run at Newbury (favourite) where a never-dangerous ninth of 16 but beaten only 2l and not getting the luck from off the pace; back up to 7f but wide draw requires some luck.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(6)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Newmarket (July)

Divine Libra

9st 2lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Charles Hills

Beaten on his last 15 starts going back to May 2024 and only eighth on both starts this season; however, the latest result doesn't tell the whole story as he suffered a frustrating passage in the home straight at Chester; well handicapped on last season's best and he's one to consider.

11/1

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

14/1

  • Place: £6.70

Form: 212-20 D

Last run: 46 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
No show in this race last year on his only run at Chester; consistent last July-December and went close at Wolverhampton this February; he's 0-15 on turf following his heavy defeat in the Spring Mile at Doncaster in March latest but there have been seven turf seconds.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(10)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

14:45 Chester

Hes A Gentleman

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Hugo Palmer

Five-time AW winner who was knocking on the door at Wolverhampton (8.6f/7f) in his final two starts in the spring; only 1lb higher than for his last run but this is tougher back up in grade and he's 1-25 on turf; has some work to do from high draw after a break.

16/1

2nd

2

(3)

31st Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 5

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Hes A Gentleman

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Hugo Palmer

One win (C&D) and three second-place finishes in six AW starts since October; front-running second, beaten a nose, over 8.6f here four weeks ago; in the mix again.

7/1

2nd

3

(1)

2nd Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 5

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Hes A Gentleman

9st 8lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Hugo Palmer

Won over C&D in 2023 but better known as a 7f performer now; safely held over that trip here on last two appearances and needs to up his game.

7/1

16/1

  • Place: £4.70

Form: -38567 CD

Last run: 45 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
His last two wins were over C&D, latest last September off the same mark as today when drawn wide and coming from the back; not disgraced on AW this winter and although his return to turf at Doncaster in March was a lesser effort, soft ground may have been against him; case can be made.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(3)

30th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 5

16:12 Catterick

Evocative Spark

9st 6lb

J: Luke Morris

T: John David Riches

Arrives in great form, having won three of his four turf starts this season, two of those here over 7f and the latest over C&D; up another 4lb but looked like he had a bit more up his sleeve last time; big player.

9/4

11/1

Form: 20636- D

Last run: 243 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Ran creditably sole start here (2022); began 2023 very well and also ran creditably on penultimate start, so he's one for each-way calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(2)

8th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 0f 75y

Class 4

15:58 Nottingham

Metabolt

9st 10lb

J: Laura Pearson

T: David Loughnane

A dual 7f/1m winner in 2024; lightly raced this term and got back on track when fifth of 11 in 7f Haydock handicap 12 days ago; one to consider off an easing mark with blinkers added.

8/1

7

(9)

26th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 212y

Class 3

16:35 Haydock

Metabolt

9st 8lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: David Loughnane

Won twice last June (7f, soft/1m, good to firm) and he is now 1lb lower than for the second success; only midfield in two starts last month (after a year off) but he has the ability to feature.

8/1

7th

6

(15)

30th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

13:50 Sandown

Metabolt

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Loughnane

Held by Kodi Lion on Haydock running but may fare better with that reappearance effort under his belt; however, perhaps ideally needs a drop back in grade, having never won above Class 4.

14/1

Form: 724221 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Consistent sort under varied tactics on AW, with a 7f win at Chelmsford 13 days ago, but his only turf run in the last 20 months saw him well beaten at Newbury (1m, good) last May; none of his turf form is anywhere near this mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(5)

14th Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:15 Kempton (AW)

Sandy Paradise

9st 10lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Richard Hughes

pressed leader, led after 1f, headed then sustained duel with winner inside final furlong, just held

15/2

7th

7

(8)

25th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Sandy Paradise

9st 11lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Three of his five wins have come at this track; not at his best on turf the last twice but he's edging back down the weights and a better showing can't be ruled out.

16/1

9th

9

(9)

13th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Sandown

Sandy Paradise

8st 9lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Five-time AW winner but made it 0-12 on turf when finishing last at Brighton, where he ran well to be third the time before; even if back on song, all his wins have come at a lower level than this.

25/1

Form: 522-71 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Can front-run; four 7f places from his five appearances at this track; hat-trick for Ivan Furtado last spring and he's also been in good form since joining Alice Haynes, including a 7f win on Lingfield AW last time; this is a career-high mark but he'll probably figure prominently again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(3)

13th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

17:45 Southwell (AW)

Legal Reform

9st 11lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Michael Herrington

Won a division of this off 9lb lower in 2025 when it was run as a 0-85, and raised his highest mark defied twice more after; holding his own in Polytrack Class 2s of late, but has more back in his favour tonight.

7/2

3rd

4

(6)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 2

16:53 Lingfield (AW)

Legal Reform

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Michael Herrington

Has registered all wins over 7f and in lower grades; however, ran respectably in Lingfield Class 2 most recently, while shaping as if this return to 1m is worth a go; whether he can defy current mark is another matter.

12/1

4th

3

(5)

14th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:10 Lingfield (AW)

Legal Reform

9st 3lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Michael Herrington

Into the veteran stage but in the form of his life this winter, finishing third over C&D before a Wolverhampton win and a Southwell second; likely vulnerable to an improver but should give his running again.

9/2

Form: 166-00 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Often front-runs; folded from low draws in both visits here, both last year and including this race; won twice last term and is now 3lb below his last winning mark, but that's after heavy defeats on both runs this year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(6)

4th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Oso Rapido

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Roger Fell

in touch with leaders, headway and pressed leader 2f out, weakened from over 1f out

8/1

6th

2

(6)

4th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Oso Rapido

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Roger Fell

in touch with leaders, headway and pressed leader 2f out, weakened from over 1f out

8/1

7th

1

(2)

28th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

16:15 Redcar

Oso Rapido

9st 12lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Roger Fell

prominent, outpaced over 1f out, soon weakened

7/2

OUR TIP

Form: 942-05

Last run: 103 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Three wins at 1m1f/1m during his time in Germany; all five starts for new yard have been on AW, best when second at Lingfield (6f) in December; two modest shows since and gelded since latest; off since January; others look more solid but he does have a low draw.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

(12)

1st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Thirsk

Way To Dubai

9st 3lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

Low-key run at Newmarket (6f, good) 12 days ago; return to a longer trip is in his favour but others are more appealing for win purposes.

20/1

11th

12

(10)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:45 Newmarket (July)

Way To Dubai

9st 5lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Michael Appleby

Only 1lb higher than for his Lingfield (1m, AW) in January; up and down since that success and could prove vulnerable back sprinting.

20/1

4th

6

(2)

28th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 3y

Class 5

14:12 Yarmouth

Way To Dubai

9st 4lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Michael Appleby

Has won only once since making his British debut in October 2023; has threatened plenty of times but has been very poor in last two races.

14/1

9th
10 (4)
GDaay

8/1

Form: 2643-4 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Can front-run; below-form third on sole start here (last August) but perhaps 7.6f on soft ground stretched him; took time to find his form last season but made a brighter comeback this time around and looks one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(8)

10th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 3y

Class 5

19:00 Epsom

GDaay

9st 9lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Joseph Parr

His last win was 11 months ago but he's a reliable type who has been placed at Chester (7.6f, good) and Chelmsford (7f, AW) in last two runs; finished behind Finbar's Lad last time but he's 5lb better off with that rival and should go well again back on turf.

11/2

3rd

1

(9)

1st Jul 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Chelmsford (AW)

GDaay

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Joseph Parr

Ran respectably at Chester returned to turf last time; he's 0-8 this year but remains favourably treated, being 6lb below last winning mark; three-time C&D scorer.

15/2

1

(5)

13th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 5

16:00 Chester

GDaay

9st 9lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Joseph Parr

On a losing run but he arrives in decent nick, sixth of nine in 7f Chelmsford handicap 50 days ago; one to consider after a break.

10/1

12/1

Form: 6740-5

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Has run five times here and came second in the first four of them, with stiff task on fifth occasion; AW reappearance last month was no disgrace but she looked stretched by 7f (first attempt beyond 6f) and her losing run may therefore continue.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(7)

19th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 5

14:15 Lingfield (AW)

Princess Shabnam

9st 9lb

J: Ben Sanderson

T: S Woods

Seen more regularly on turf and it's over two years since her one AW win (6f) but she's been running well off much-reduced mark of late; shouldn't be too far away if no ill effects from leaving off the headgear.

9/2

6th

1

(7)

19th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 5

14:15 Lingfield (AW)

Princess Shabnam

9st 9lb

J: Ben Sanderson

T: S Woods

took keen hold, prominent, pressed winner over 4f out, lost second over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong

9/2

3rd

1

(7)

7th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

20:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Princess Shabnam

9st 9lb

J: Ben Sanderson

T: S Woods

took keen hold, led, headed over 1f out, weakened and lost second towards finish

3/1

Form: 730-03 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Second in one of his three 7.6f races here; an infrequent winner (April 2023 was his last win) but he showed enough when third at Musselburgh on latest outing to be given an each-way chance from stall 1 today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(9)

27th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 0f 73y

13:05 Galway

On A Session

10st 1lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Kieran P Cotter

Career win number seven when beating Lady Arwen here over 7f last month (soft) off 74 for today's rider; just okay runs twice since off revised mark; more needed.

9/1

1

(9)

27th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 0f 73y

13:05 Galway

On A Session

10st 1lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Kieran P Cotter

Career win number seven when beating Lady Arwen here over 7f last month (soft) off 74 for today's rider; just okay runs twice since off revised mark; more needed.

9/1

7th

11

(11)

11th Oct 2025

Yielding To Soft

0m 7f 0y

17:30 Naas

On A Session

9st 1lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Kieran P Cotter

Career win number seven when beating 14 rivals at Galway (7f, soft) and not a bad last run at Listowel when upside Midnight Strike, given that he came from well off the speed.

14/1

Form: 2-7455

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
His two wins were his first two career starts; 0-15 since but twice went close for Brian Toomey this winter and heavy ground might be an excuse for his first run for this yard; some headgear returns and he has a competitive mark if back on song.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

14th Dec 2024

Good

2m 0f 190y

Class 4

12:47 Newcastle

Remarkable Force

11st 4lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

midfield

16/1

9

14th Dec 2024

Good

2m 0f 190y

Class 4

12:47 Newcastle

Remarkable Force

11st 4lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

midfield

16/1

9th

6

(9)

1st Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Remarkable Force

9st 7lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

Has plenty of ability but his losing run stands at 17 and there have been a few false dawns along the way; out of sorts when last seen in May; dangerous mark but risky starting out for another new yard.

12/1

Non-runners

Hieronymus, Dirtyoldtown

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £98.50
Straight Forecast £104.52
Tricast £834.58
Trifecta £2132.50

Selections

POSTDATA:

Divine Libra

NEWMARKET:

Way To Dubai

Telegraph:

On A Session

SPOTLIGHT:

Legal Reform

The Times:

Remarkable Force

RP RATINGS:

Evocative Spark

TOPSPEED:

Princess Shabnam

Daily Mirror:

G'Daay

LAMBOURN:

Divine Libra

The Sun:

Divine Libra

Daily Mail:

Way To Dubai

D Express:

Way To Dubai

Daily Record:

Legal Reform

The Guardian:

On A Session

The Star:

On A Session