June 14 / 16.35 Chester

16.35

Good To Soft

Close Brothers Handicap (Div II)

  • Prize money: £7644
  • 0m 7f 127y
  • Class 5
  • 9 runners
SKY
View Course
Close Brothers Handicap (Div II)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

OUR TIP

25/1 (Won)

  • Win: £11.00
  • Place: £3.00

Form: 28-508

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
A fair 7f winner at his best but he has yet to hit top form this season, beating only one in 7.5f Beverley handicap 16 days ago; he has a bit to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

10

(8)

13th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

13:40 Chester

Touchwood

10st 5lb

J: Miss Charli Parker

T: Ruth Carr

Ended a losing run in 7f AW Lingfield handicap eight days ago; had a bit up his sleeve there so is very much one to consider under a 4lb penalty.

8/1

5

(9)

5th Jun 2025

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 5

16:25 Lingfield (AW)

Touchwood

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ruth Carr

Acts well over C&D but hasn't been back here since impressive win in 2023; on a handy mark and of interest after a good Leicester run in May, with Oisin Murphy a rare booking for the yard (0-1 in last five years).

7/2

5

(9)

5th Jun 2025

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 5

16:25 Lingfield (AW)

Touchwood

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ruth Carr

Acts well over C&D but hasn't been back here since impressive win in 2023; on a handy mark and of interest after a good Leicester run in May, with Oisin Murphy a rare booking for the yard (0-1 in last five years).

7/2

14/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 490-68

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Completed a hat-trick at around 1m last summer but she's yet to fire in two starts this term, fading into eighth of 11 in 1m Pontefract handicap three weeks ago; she could take a step forward now so possibilities off an easing mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(4)

16th Aug 2025

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 6

16:59 Ripon

My Honey B

9st 4lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

Winless in two years and has regressed sharply this season, proving inconsistent in the visor in 0-55 company of late; doesn't make obvious appeal.

20/1

8

(4)

10th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

14:30 Leicester

My Honey B

9st 3lb

J: Sam James

T: Michael & David Easterby

Hasn't won since landing a three-timer in the summer of 2023; has struggled in handicaps this year but stayed on well up in trip when third of 12 in a classified at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) nine days ago; needs to step up back in a handicap.

12/1

5

(12)

1st Aug 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

14:05 Newcastle (AW)

My Honey B

9st 9lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

Only one piece of worthwhile form since completing a turf hat-trick in the summer of 2023 and has never attempted this far before, but she drops into this company for the first time; market support would be interesting.

9/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 101803

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Already a 7f/1m AW winner in 2024 and he posted another good effort back on turf when third of ten in 7f Yarmouth handicap 18 days ago, despite suffering a poor run; he can go well again eased 1lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(1)

11th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

20:20 Wolverhampton (AW)

Once Adaay

9st 2lb

J: Charlie Bennett

T: Mrs Ilka Gansera-Leveque

Should be well treated but he hasn't offered a great deal since January; this trip perhaps more suitable than the 5.7f he tackled at Bath on his return from a break four weeks ago; still looks opposable.

14/1

3

(1)

13th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

16:40 Bath

Once Adaay

9st 8lb

J: Charlie Bennett

T: Mrs Ilka Gansera-Leveque

All wins on AW and his best turf form has come on good ground; lowly mark but others have more compelling claims.

25/1

10th

8

(3)

3rd Jun 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

21:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Once Adaay

9st 6lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Mrs Ilka Gansera-Leveque

Four wins on the AW and 8lb lower than for the latest; promising return when beaten under a length into third of six at Chelmsford (7f, Polytrack) in January, but hasn't built on it; switch to blinkers needs to have a positive effect.

14/1

25/1

Form: 749147

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
Bagged his third win this term at Wolverhampton (6f) in April and he suffered a poor run when a solid seventh of 12 there (6f) ten days ago; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

14

(8)

10th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

15:45 Ayr

Red Walls

8st 12lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Lisa Williamson

It's now 24 starts since his last victory though he shaped as if the run was needed after five months off when eighth of ten in 6f Wolverhampton handicap last month; needs to build on it.

66/1

8th

9

(2)

7th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

20:10 Wolverhampton (AW)

Red Walls

9st 0lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Lisa Williamson

18 months since his last win but he is fully effective over C&D and he ran well for third here when last seen in January; this might not be the time to catch him.

16/1

Form: 763131

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Quickly resumed winning ways in 7f Wolverhampton handicap ten days ago; had plenty in hand there so he's a player turned out under a 5lb penalty despite having a wide draw.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(5)

9th Sep 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Mr Squires

8st 12lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Made all to win a 7f handicap here in June; not beaten a rival in three subsequent runs; has the pace to be effective at this trip and he's favoured by these weights; not ruled out.

5/1

12th

1

(9)

18th Aug 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

14:20 Southwell (AW)

Mr Squires

10st 4lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Dual winner from the front this season, including over C&D in April off 12lb lower, who hasn't been able to dominate the past twice and has been eased off each time; needs to bounce back and also show this mark within range.

12/1

13th

5

(8)

2nd Aug 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

15:45 Southwell (AW)

Mr Squires

9st 8lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Successful under positive rides over C&D in April and at Wolverhampton (7f, Tapeta) in June; taken on in front when last of nine at Chester (7.6f, good) ten days later; not many confirmed front-runners among this opposition, so he could be dangerous if allowed his own way.

8/1

Form: 769-73

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
A two-time 7f scorer in 2023 who got back on track when third of eight in 7f handicap at Wolverhampton ten days ago; he needs considering off the same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(6)

3rd Sep 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

19:10 Southwell (AW)

Roaring Ralph

9st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael Dods

Four of his five AW wins have been at this track and the other at Wolverhampton; only 1lb higher than for June's Wetherby win but hasn't been at best on his last two starts; better is needed back on the AW but he's capable.

11/1

7th

1

(3)

14th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

19:50 Thirsk

Roaring Ralph

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Five wins this year (7f-1m) have come at a cost mark-wise and has to bounce back from below-par run at York three weeks ago (jockey said he ran flat).

12/1

Form: 354362

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Scored three times at 1m in 2023 and he arrives in very good nick, runner-up in 1m Redcar handicap nine days ago; he must enter calculations off the same mark from his inside berth.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(6)

26th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

16:05 Carlisle

Star Shield

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

in rear

8/1

4

(2)

14th Jun 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 5

16:35 Chester

Star Shield

9st 8lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Scored three times at 1m in 2023 and he arrives in very good nick, runner-up in 1m Redcar handicap nine days ago; he must enter calculations off the same mark from his inside berth.

7/2

2nd

2

(10)

5th Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:25 Ripon

Star Shield

9st 8lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

9yo who is 0-7 this year; however, he's run some good races and won three times in 2023; each-way contender off a reduced mark.

7/1

Form: 100-04

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Scored over 8.5f at Wolverhampton for Mark Loughnane early in 2023 but she's yet to hit top form in two runs for her current yard after a ten-month absence; she's falling in the weights but still needs to take a step forward.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(4)

22nd Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 5

15:30 Lingfield (AW)

Serenity Rose

9st 11lb

J: Morgan Cole

T: Jack Morland

Has had a few absences since winning a Wolverhampton maiden (8.6f, Tapeta) for Mark Loughnane early last year, and although 5l behind the winner she ran well to finish second of 12 on her second start for this yard here (7f) this month; return to this trip should suit and she's a player.

8/1

4th

2

(4)

22nd Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 5

15:30 Lingfield (AW)

Serenity Rose

9st 11lb

J: Morgan Cole

T: Jack Morland

Has had a few absences since winning a Wolverhampton maiden (8.6f, Tapeta) for Mark Loughnane early last year, and although 5l behind the winner she ran well to finish second of 12 on her second start for this yard here (7f) this month; return to this trip should suit and she's a player.

8/1

2nd

3

(1)

4th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 5

11:20 Lingfield (AW)

Serenity Rose

9st 9lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Jack Morland

Dropped away in the final furlong on last month's stable debut (C&D) but that was her first run for five months and racing up against the far rail may not have been beneficial; 2lb lower today and could take a big step forward.

10/1

Form: 0-4222

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Likeable front-runner who is knocking on the door, runner-up for the third consecutive start in 1m Brighton handicap 17 days ago; big shout off an unchanged mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(1)

3rd Sep 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 5

18:00 Lingfield (AW)

Daisy Roots

9st 9lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Jim Boyle

Winner here this time last year (1m) and also won in early September 2024; well drawn for one happiest on the sharp end, so there are positives under experienced 7lb claimer Donagh Murphy.

8/1

5th

6

(3)

4th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 5

17:18 Lingfield (AW)

Daisy Roots

9st 8lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Jim Boyle

Two wins and several solid efforts in defeat round here, all over 1m (won over 7f on the turf course last summer); back on her last successful mark and is one to consider under Donagh Murphy, who has plenty of experience for 5lb in this company.

5/1

4th

3

(1)

29th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

18:45 Kempton (AW)

Daisy Roots

10st 0lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: Jim Boyle

Six-time winner, including twice on Polytrack at Lingfield, and her first two runs of the campaign were encouraging; below that level on turf last time but she is the type to bounce back.

12/1

Non-runners

Lockdown Lass

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £84.50
Straight Forecast £78.62
Tricast £536.61
Trifecta £639.00

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Star Shield

SPOTLIGHT:

Daisy Roots

TOPSPEED:

Lockdown Lass

NEWMARKET:

Once Adaay

The Times:

Daisy Roots

The Star:

Lockdown Lass

POSTDATA:

Star Shield

Telegraph:

Star Shield

The Guardian:

Star Shield

Daily Mail:

Star Shield

D Express:

Star Shield

Daily Mirror:

Star Shield

The Sun:

Star Shield

Daily Record:

Star Shield