June 06 / 18.15 Chelmsford (AW)

18.15

Standard

M J Bushell Handicap

  • Prize money: £4004
  • 1m 6f 0y
  • Class 6
  • 13 runners
RTV
View Course
M J Bushell Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Polytrack

Weather: Mostly cloudy

OUR TIP
1st
3 (10)
Philos

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £19.00
  • Place: £4.30

Form: 3-8250

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Largely in good form over the winter on the AW but he has failed to hit top form in a pair of handicaps at Ayr/York of late; it would come as no surprise to see him return to form here though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(3)

21st Oct 2024

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 6

20:15 Southwell (AW)

Philos

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Ed Dunlop

took keen hold, midfield

6/1

3rd

3

(9)

26th Jun 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 6

20:40 Kempton (AW)

Philos

9st 10lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Ed Dunlop

All four wins on AW; back to form after a couple of lesser turf efforts when winning at Chelmsford (1m6f; 18-1) this month; recorded back-to-back wins at Wolverhampton/Lingfield last summer and no surprise were he to go in again now upped to 2m for the first time.

4/1

1st

3

(10)

6th Jun 2024

Standard

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

18:15 Chelmsford (AW)

Philos

9st 9lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Ed Dunlop

Largely in good form over the winter on the AW but he has failed to hit top form in a pair of handicaps at Ayr/York of late; it would come as no surprise to see him return to form here though.

8/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 09740 BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
A fair 2m hurdles winner but he's yet to show that form in this sphere, tried in cheekpieces when beating only one in 11.5f Bath handicap 22 days ago; this longer trip promises to suit but others still appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

20th Jul 2024

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 4

16:25 Market Rasen

Hill Spirit

11st 5lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Paula Smith

Won against own age-group for Archie Watson on hurdle debut in January but his next two runs were underwhelming and his subsequent Flat record is very mixed; recently changed hands for 10,000gns; not the percentage call on this stable debut.

14/1

6th

7

(7)

13th Jun 2024

Soft

1m 6f 17y

Class 6

15:00 Yarmouth

Hill Spirit

9st 1lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Archie Watson

prominent, headed 3f out, weakened inside final furlong

7/2

2nd

10

(5)

6th Jun 2024

Standard

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

18:15 Chelmsford (AW)

Hill Spirit

9st 3lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Archie Watson

A fair 2m hurdles winner but he's yet to show that form in this sphere, tried in cheekpieces when beating only one in 11.5f Bath handicap 22 days ago; this longer trip promises to suit but others still appeal more.

9/1

Form: 542722 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Course winner who is knocking on the door, runner-up over 2m here two weeks ago; the winner has gone in again since, so another bold showing is on the cards nudged up 1lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(1)

19th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 133y

Class 5

14:10 Lingfield

Further Measure

9st 3lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Mike Murphy

Held on to win at Kempton (2m, AW) in February and posted a solid effort when fourth at Southwell (2m, AW) 84 days ago; off since and this drop back in trip probably isn't ideal on his first outing on turf since September 2023.

6/1

4th

5

(5)

24th Feb 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 5

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Further Measure

9st 8lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Mike Murphy

2lb higher than when narrowly returning to winning form at Kempton (2m, Polytrack) 13 days ago; that was in a steadily run race, but he has a good record here (4711134) including two wins over this trip; respected.

9/2

1st

4

(1)

11th Feb 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 6

16:28 Kempton (AW)

Further Measure

9st 13lb

J: Alfie Redman

T: Mike Murphy

Shaped quite nicely from off the pace in a Southwell handicap three weeks ago (1m6f); dangerous if he can build on it and he is a C&D winner on a dangerous mark.

100/30

Form: 41-348 BF

Last run: 57 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
A three-time winner in 2023 at up to 1m4f who arrives in good nick, not enjoying the best of runs when eighth in 1m4f Kempton handicap 57 days ago; she's not without interest off a 2lb lower mark now stepping up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(1)

23rd Jan 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

16:40 Wolverhampton (AW)

Nivelles Magic

10st 0lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Dan Horsford

Has form figures of 513143222 for her current yard and she hit a personal best when going close at Kempton (1m3f, Polytrack) last month; only 1lb higher here and she's a big player again back on Tapeta.

3/1

9

(6)

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

12:50 Newbury

Nivelles Magic

10st 12lb

J: Mr Lewis Kent

T: Dan Horsford

6yo who's never been better, with two ready 1m4f wins for new yard this year and good efforts to be placed on last two outings; has had just one race on soft (none on heavy) but won it, in 2023; needs a second look.

6/1

8

(6)

5th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 5

20:47 Kempton (AW)

Nivelles Magic

9st 6lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Dan Horsford

Ready 1m4f wins at Southwell and Ffos Las for new yard this year and her C&D third on latest outing was another good effort; in the mix.

7/2

Form: 173235

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Got off the mark at Lingfield (2m) in February and has continued in good order, challenging wide when fifth there (2m) three weeks ago; he ought to be in the shake-up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(2)

24th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:55 Chelmsford (AW)

Merry Minister

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Brett Johnson

in touch with leaders

3/1

2nd

2

(2)

24th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:55 Chelmsford (AW)

Merry Minister

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Brett Johnson

in touch with leaders

3/1

5th

7

(1)

6th Jun 2024

Standard

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

18:15 Chelmsford (AW)

Merry Minister

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Brett Johnson

Got off the mark at Lingfield (2m) in February and has continued in good order, challenging wide when fifth there (2m) three weeks ago; he ought to be in the shake-up.

4/1

Form: 32-435 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
C&D winner who came in only fifth of eight over 2m here two weeks ago; she's the sort to bounce back though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(4)

24th Feb 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 5

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Grand Duchess Olga

9st 5lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Julia & Shelley Birkett

Capable on her day as she showed when beaten a neck (clear of the third) at Wolverhampton (1m6f, Tapeta) on her penultimate start; not the most consistent, though, and has run poorly in both starts over C&D; apprentice-ridden for last 11 starts but Dylan Hogan on board today.

20/1

6th

3

(3)

23rd Jan 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Grand Duchess Olga

9st 12lb

J: Chloe Lyons

T: Julia & Shelley Birkett

Reasonably consistent mare who is a four-time AW scorer; clear second at Wolverhampton (1m6f) most recently; stays 2m; may remain competitive back up just 2lb.

9/2

33/1

Form: 74-306

Last run: 112 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Failed to beat a rival on her last two runs in 2m handicaps at Kempton and here in the winter; she needs a big step forward after her layoff.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(4)

10th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 6

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Longuerue

9st 6lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Robert Eddery

midfield but in touch with leaders

20/1

9th

7

(11)

14th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

2m 1f 24y

Class 6

15:55 Bath

Longuerue

9st 10lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Robert Eddery

Never showed on AW 18 days ago but she'd been delivered with a well-timed run to win an amateur jockeys' race at Yarmouth (1m6f, good to firm) the time before; not the easiest of rides but is capable of going well.

14/1

8th

10

(9)

27th Aug 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 5

17:05 Lingfield (AW)

Longuerue

10st 0lb

J: Mr Jack Callan

T: Robert Eddery

Proved unsteerable in the race won by Scylla on turf here last month, but with the cheekpieces removed she proved much more amenable when winning under Jack Callan at Yarmouth (1m6f, good to firm) 20 days ago; 3lb higher and shortlisted if in the same mood.

8/1

25/1

Form: -45560

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Is now 0-18 and she came in last of 12 in 1m6f Yarmouth handicap 15 days ago; she's very hard to warm to.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

(4)

9th Sep 2024

Soft

1m 3f 198y

Class 6

16:40 Brighton

Duveen

9st 0lb

J: William Carson

T: Anthony Carson

Hasn't always convinced with her stamina over longer trips since last December; may benefit from this return to 1m4f but comes with a degree of risk, being 0-19.

33/1

8th

13

(7)

6th Jun 2024

Standard

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

18:15 Chelmsford (AW)

Duveen

8st 11lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Anthony Carson

Is now 0-18 and she came in last of 12 in 1m6f Yarmouth handicap 15 days ago; she's very hard to warm to.

25/1

12th

13

(4)

22nd May 2024

Good

1m 6f 17y

Class 6

14:30 Yarmouth

Duveen

8st 9lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Anthony Carson

Not solid on 2024 AW form; creditable second here on last turf appearance but this is a deeper field and she's an exposed-looking maiden (0-17); others preferred.

20/1

20/1

Form: 37-904

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Arrives on a long losing run but she wasn't disgraced when fourth of ten over C&D 35 days ago; possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

(8)

14th Aug 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 6

21:00 Kempton (AW)

Miss Tiki

8st 11lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Marie Martin

1-23, her win coming on turf for Richard Hughes as a 3yo; not beaten far when fourth of ten at Chelmsford (1m6f, Polytrack) in May, but not built on it since and was 3l behind Queen Of Steel at Lingfield (2m, good to firm) last time; look elsewhere.

16/1

6th

10

(7)

27th Jul 2024

Good

2m 0f 68y

Class 6

17:45 Lingfield

Miss Tiki

9st 0lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Marie Martin

Her sole win came in September 2021; ran well when fourth at Chelmsford (1m6f) in May and was denied a clear run back there last month; stood little chance on unfavourable terms at this track last time; steps up in trip and not out of this.

8/1

6th

10

(10)

22nd Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 133y

Class 6

19:00 Lingfield

Miss Tiki

9st 9lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Marie Martin

Fair fourth in 1m6f handicap at Chelmsford (AW) last month and he didn't get the breaks over same C&D last time; should get a decent pace back in trip but her sole win was in 2021 and this looks a tough assignment on these terms.

20/1

12/1

Form: 31257- D

Last run: 241 days

W: 9st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Scored at Newmarket (2m) last summer but he ended 2023 below par; he needs to hit the ground running after eight months off the track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(3)

20th May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 17y

Class 5

19:10 Yarmouth

Dereham

8st 9lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: John Berry

Shed his maiden tag in the corresponding race in 2021 (good to soft) and he has added a further four wins, the last three in consecutive renewals of a 2m handicap at Newmarket; chased home a stablemate in this race last year after a six-month absence; back from eight months off today and perhaps vulnerable to younger legs.

10/1

6

(4)

18th Sep 2025

Good

2m 1f 27y

Class 5

16:55 Pontefract

Dereham

9st 3lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: John Berry

Course winner (extended 2m5f) who was third in this last year; form figures this term read 2123, the win coming at Newmarket (2m, good to firm) in June; solid.

3/1

2

(4)

26th Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:35 Ripon

Dereham

10st 0lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: John Berry

In good form this season, winning comprehensively at Newmarket (2m, good to firm) in June before 9l second to unexposed winner at Yarmouth (1m6f, good to firm); the return to 2m is in his favour and he's a key player.

9/4

Form: /6198- CD

Last run: 201 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
C&D scorer last June but he's been below par over hurdles of late, including when eighth at Fontwell three weeks ago; he needs to get back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

29th Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

18:48 Fontwell

Rays The One

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Mark Pattinson

Dual C&D winner (soft/good) but not since December 2022, and is very inconsistent nowadays; tailed off at Stratford on latest outing in early July; 1lb wrong today; others have more pressing claims.

25/1

7th

9

1st Jul 2025

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

19:18 Stratford

Rays The One

10st 2lb

J: Connor Brace

T: Mark Pattinson

Placed over hurdles in February and there was nothing wrong with his sixth at Warwick (2m3f, good) in April; has undergone wind surgery since finishing a distant last of ten back on the Flat in May but others have more pressing claims.

14/1

10th

5

4th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 6f 44y

Class 6

17:00 Salisbury

Rays The One

9st 3lb

J: Molly Gunn

T: Mark Pattinson

Placed over hurdles in February but three lesser performances since then; both Flat wins have come on the AW and a good while back now.

16/1

20/1

Form: 80478-

Last run: 301 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Poor middle-distance maiden in 2023 for Philip McBride; returns after ten months off for her new yard with lots to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

(5)

8th Jul 2024

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

17:20 Wolverhampton (AW)

Onemore Twomore

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Ivan Furtado

dwelt start, prominent

50/1

8th

10

(2)

27th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 179y

Class 6

19:00 Leicester

Onemore Twomore

9st 0lb

J: Elle-May Croot

T: Ivan Furtado

Lowly rated maiden; her recent seasonal/stable debut at Chelmsford (1m6f, AW) was not completely without promise, but she weakened and was well beaten in the end; needs to have taken significant benefit from that run.

25/1

12th

12

(3)

6th Jun 2024

Standard

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

18:15 Chelmsford (AW)

Onemore Twomore

8st 11lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Ivan Furtado

Poor middle-distance maiden in 2023 for Philip McBride; returns after ten months off for her new yard with lots to prove.

20/1

13th
8 (13)
Simply Ed

50/1

Form: 9039

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who came in last of nine on his handicap debut at Lingfield (2m) three weeks ago; he's hard to warm to.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

7th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:20 Kempton

Simply Ed

11st 7lb

J: James Best

T: Joanne Thomason-Murphy

midfield

200/1

13

7th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:20 Kempton

Simply Ed

11st 7lb

J: James Best

T: Joanne Thomason-Murphy

took keen hold, midfield

200/1

5

27th Jan 2025

Soft

1m 7f 195y

Class 4

14:50 Plumpton

Simply Ed

11st 5lb

J: James Best

T: Joanne Thomason-Murphy

took keen hold, in touch with leaders

100/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £177.20
Straight Forecast £119.40
Tricast £399.29
Trifecta £787.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Further Measure

The Guardian:

Merry Minister

The Star:

Grand Duchess Olga

NEWMARKET:

Dereham

Daily Mirror:

Merry Minister

RP RATINGS:

Further Measure

POSTDATA:

Further Measure

The Times:

Further Measure

Telegraph:

Further Measure

Daily Mail:

Further Measure

D Express:

Further Measure

The Sun:

Further Measure

Daily Record:

Further Measure