August 04 / 16.35 Chester

16.35

Good

Barbara & Geoff Everall Memorial Handicap

  • Prize money: £15288
  • 0m 7f 1y
  • Class 2
  • 11 runners
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Barbara & Geoff Everall Memorial Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

20/1 (Won)

Form: 0-3752 CD

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Hasn't had much racing since his last win in October 2022 and it among his best form when a front-running second of 18 at York (7f, good to soft); however, stall 12 is a blow for one who likes to be up there.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

3

(11)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:10 York

Yanifer

9st 7lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Harriet Bethell

Prominent racer; just 1lb higher than for last August's win at Chester (7.6f, good to firm); effective over C&D and last month's reappearance should have sharpened him up; suspicion he will prove vulnerable to younger rivals here though.

16/1

12th

1

(11)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:25 York

Yanifer

10st 2lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Harriet Bethell

This is his first run since last October but he is capable of running well after an absence and he's been runner-up in the last two editions of this race (good to soft/good to firm); interesting candidate on return to action.

20/1

10

(3)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Yanifer

8st 12lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Harriet Bethell

Enhanced his fine Chester record when a length winner there in late August (extended 7f; good to firm; acts on soft); the 4lb rise elevates him to a career-high mark which could be troublesome in this deep a handicap.

40/1

Form: 887861 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Winning for a fourth time here but his first win anywhere over 5f when coming clear last week (good); has done most of his winning over this far but he's gone up 6lb and they claimed 7lb last time, so has plenty more on his plate in this higher grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

(7)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

14:45 Chester

Paws For Thought

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Donald McCain

Six-time course winner who is versatile trip-wise but all of his wins have been on good or slower and last two have been in the mud; on a dangerous mark but he didn't fire in his three runs this season; has often worn cheekpieces but is now blinkered first time; non-runner here (7.35) on Friday.

25/1

5th

2

(5)

25th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 18y

Class 5

12:30 Nottingham

Paws For Thought

9st 11lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Donald McCain

His nine wins have been on good ground or slower, with six of them coming at Chester; caught wide there on his reappearance and was well held in seventh there over 7f 13 days ago; drops back in trip with cheekpieces back on.

10/1

13/2

Form: 1-5061 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 10lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Ran in the Fred Darling on her reappearance; finished last in her first two handicaps but the cheekpieces worked wonders when coming from off the pace to lead late on at Haydock (7f, good); only 3lb higher and the second went on to win the Bunbury Cup; interesting as a lightly raced 3yo filly who looks to have turned a corner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(3)

15th Sep 2024

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Topanga

9st 0lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

3yo who has shown considerable improvement since these cheekpieces went on, running big races in two handicaps (7f, good/good to soft) before Listed win in Germany (7f, good to soft) a fortnight ago; today is a much tougher test of her credentials but she was impressive last time; respected.

10/1

3rd

12

(8)

4th Aug 2024

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

16:35 Chester

Topanga

8st 10lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

Ran in the Fred Darling on her reappearance; finished last in her first two handicaps but the cheekpieces worked wonders when coming from off the pace to lead late on at Haydock (7f, good); only 3lb higher and the second went on to win the Bunbury Cup; interesting as a lightly raced 3yo filly who looks to have turned a corner.

13/2

1st

10

(2)

5th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 212y

Class 4

19:53 Haydock

Topanga

9st 5lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

Got off the mark at the second attempt at two, winning a Kempton fillies' maiden (7f, AW); attempted Group 3 company and two handicaps since then, without making a huge impression; cheekpieces are now added and she needs to find more back up in trip.

12/1

Form: 3-2100 C

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Made all over a bit further here in May (good to firm) and when well held at Royal Ascot he finished first of the pair in the far-side group; however, his Bunbury Cup run is not so easily forgiven and, although well drawn to attack in stall 1, he's likely to get pestered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(4)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

14:45 Chester

Percys Lad

10st 4lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

All six wins have been on turf and last two were in Class 2 events over C&D (good/good to firm); struggled in his first three runs after a long absence this spring but he got back on track with a front-running second at Kempton (1m, AW) last Monday; 2lb higher back on turf but he remains well treated on old form and is an interesting contender back at this track.

2/1

2nd

3

(5)

29th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:45 Kempton (AW)

Percys Lad

10st 2lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Thrown in on 2024 best but he missed 2025 and has yet to get going this time around; hopes appear to rest on the drop in class having a positive effect.

14/1

6th

5

(6)

21st May 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 3

16:25 Musselburgh

Percys Lad

9st 6lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Front-runner; well handicapped, being 8lb lower than for his Chester win last May, but he didn't fire at that meeting two weeks ago and he now has a point to prove.

12/1

14/1

Form: -68566 C

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Three-time course winner who hasn't been running badly in races contested by a few of today's rivals and he's undeniably well handicapped; however, the losing run is mounting up and stall 11 asks questions of him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(7)

7th May 2025

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Boardman

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

3-13 at Chester (the wins over 7.6f) but the last time he scored anywhere was in May 2023; has his lowest mark since 2020 and a shout on plenty of 2024 form, but seasonal debut may not be his best moment.

10/1

10

(7)

7th May 2025

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Boardman

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

3-13 at Chester (the wins over 7.6f) but the last time he scored anywhere was in May 2023; has his lowest mark since 2020 and a shout on plenty of 2024 form, but seasonal debut may not be his best moment.

10/1

3rd

5

(5)

27th Sep 2024

Soft

0m 7f 37y

Class 3

17:40 Haydock

Boardman

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Dual course winner who went close over C&D last month but he's been disappointing since including a laboured effort back here last time; losing run is now up to 15 and others are more convincing.

16/1

Form: -60110 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Way To Dubai should have beaten him but this 4yo still did well to win over C&D (good to soft) in May from where he was turning in; only 4lb higher for this and the Bunbury Cup didn't go entirely to plan.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

6

(14)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:50 York

Spirit Genie

10st 13lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Jennie Candlish

Five-time winner on a handy mark but it's been a quiet start to this season and, even if back on song, looks vulnerable to stronger stayers over this far; the return of a visor might be no bad thing.

14/1

8th

2

(10)

12th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

13:30 Chester

Spirit Genie

11st 1lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Jennie Candlish

C&D scorer who made a promising return from a poor draw when seventh of 22 in 7f York handicap four weeks ago; figures on a handy-looking mark now and he's interesting.

10/1

7th

5

(21)

15th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 York

Spirit Genie

9st 9lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

Ended winless 2025 campaign with a placed effort in an above-average seller; starts his 2026 season off 8lb below his last winning mark but chance partly depends on the weather as he's best on ground softer than good.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 22-116 C

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Looked well ahead of his mark when winning comfortably over the extended 7f here at the May meeting when 7lb lower (good); highly tried in the Group 3 Jersey at Royal Ascot and was by no means disgraced; he's the class angle.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(5)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:58 York

Never So Brave

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Smart performer; completed a notable hat-trick (on good to firm ground) last summer, culminating in Group 1 honours over C&D; avoids a penalty for that success and holds a leading chance assuming he's back in similar form; best to forgive Epsom Group 3 effort last time (unsuited by the way the race unfolded).

4/5

5th

5

(8)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 1

13:30 Epsom

Never So Brave

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Merely mid-division in the Group 1 QEII at Ascot (1m, good) last October and again below his best on reappearance at Sandown (1m, good) in April; however, he pulled hard last time and holds leading claims if rediscovering the form of his Group 1 City Of York win (7f, good to firm) last August; mixed messages in his form regarding the suitability of slow ground.

5/4

5th

6

(4)

24th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Sandown

Never So Brave

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Did very well (3-5) last season for new stable, completing a notable summer hat-trick (7f/1m, good to firm) that culminated in Group 1 success at York; not disgraced from unfavourable draw in the QEII on final outing; may rate higher still and looks likely to go well.

13/2

Form: -05826

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner in Germany at 1m/1m1f on good ground; 0-8 for Charlie Fellows but he would have won over C&D (good to soft; first run in cheekpieces) two runs back with greater luck and it was back over 6f when not so clever last time; respected.
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

10/1

Form: 266-04 C

Last run: 50 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Back from a break with a front-running fourth of 17 at York (good to soft) and he's well drawn to employ similar tactics this afternoon; entitled to be winning races off this mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

(4)

23rd Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 2

18:55 Wolverhampton (AW)

Stone Soldier

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Richard Fahey

Formerly useful in this sphere but is 0-9 and showing inconsistent form for current stable; came up well short returned to AW last time and doesn't look the percentage call.

20/1

7th

11

(4)

23rd Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 2

18:55 Wolverhampton (AW)

Stone Soldier

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Richard Fahey

Formerly useful in this sphere but is 0-9 and showing inconsistent form for current stable; came up well short returned to AW last time and doesn't look the percentage call.

20/1

11

(3)

17th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Stone Soldier

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

midfield but in touch with leaders

14/1

Form: 15-810 D BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Useful 2yo and looked one to follow when winning at Thirsk in June (7f, good to soft; first-time tongue-tie retained since); interesting that he was so strong in the market at York (1m, good to soft; 14 ran) and he lost his position early after interference; can be given another chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(8)

24th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:35 Newbury

Telemark

9st 12lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Well suited by slow ground; attractively handicapped and his last two runs have both been promising, meeting trouble before finishing off strongly at Newcastle last month; high on the list.

4/1

4th

9

(10)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Telemark

9st 6lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

1lb lower than for his Doncaster win 12 months ago (7f, soft); several creditable runs in handicaps this season but he will need to pull out a bit more if he's to come out on top.

12/1

8

(5)

6th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Ascot

Telemark

9st 7lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Not troubled the judge this season but hasn't been running badly, last time behind Native Warrior on the AW in late June; a triple winner on ground softer than good so connections have no doubt been waiting for some rain; worth considering.

14/1

20/1

Form: 32-613 D

Last run: 86 days

W: 9st 10lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Into the veteran stage but arrives in good form, having won at Chelmsford (7f) before finishing third here behind Percy's Lad; entitled to be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(9)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Ascot

Documenting

9st 11lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Kevin & Lauren Frost

Admirable teenager with 12 wins to his name, including one over C&D; best recent effort when second of 12 at Newbury (7f, good to firm) last month; should be on the premises again.

9/1

2nd

4

(5)

23rd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Newbury

Documenting

9st 13lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Kevin & Lauren Frost

Admirable teenager who has a better strike-rate on the AW, but he has won over this C&D; finished a long way behind Signcastle City at York (7f, good) last month and probably best watched.

33/1

20th

12

(14)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

Documenting

9st 4lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Kevin Frost

13yo who has won on 12 occasions, the latest in December 2024 and his C&D win came before most of today's rivals were born; not disgraced on reappearance and he's now 13lb lower than this time last year, but his last turf win was in 2022; not the percentage call.

40/1

Non-runners

Street Kid

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £152.16
Tricast £1884.76

Selections

The Times:

Never So Brave

The Star:

Topanga

SPOTLIGHT:

Telemark

TOPSPEED:

Yanifer

Telegraph:

Percy's Lad

POSTDATA:

Stone Soldier

RP RATINGS:

Boardman

Daily Record:

Topanga

Daily Mirror:

Telemark

D Express:

Never So Brave

The Sun:

Never So Brave