September 14 / 14.40 Chester

14.40

Heavy

Livescore Bet Watergate Cup (Heritage Handicap)

  • Prize money: £50960
  • 1m 7f 196y
  • Class 2
  • 11 runners
ITV
View Course
Livescore Bet Watergate Cup (Heritage Handicap)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.50
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 975481 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Missed most of 2023 and seems established at a new, lower level this season but he came well down the weights and made the most of it when well backed over C&D (good) two weeks ago; did it readily but is back up 4lb and lacks form on softer than good, unraced on soft or heavy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(10)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Spirit Mixer

9st 1lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

One of three for the yard; won the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW) last June and has a 4-7 record at Chester, although his two performances in this race were muted (from double-figure draws); reappearance six weeks ago matched his best 2025 form but a bit extra will be needed.

14/1

3rd

3

(4)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Kempton (AW)

Spirit Mixer

9st 13lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Won the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, Tapeta) last June and bagged a second valuable 2m handicap success of the year at Chester in September; however, disappointing in this race in 2024 on his only race at Kempton and this stage of the season may not be the time to catch him.

7/1

5

(1)

25th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

16:10 Newmarket

Spirit Mixer

9st 5lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Held on determinedly in the Northumberland Plate in June and bagged a second valuable 2m handicap success of the year when leading late on at Chester (good to soft) 12 days ago; should give another good account but would struggle to live with an on-song Palladium and/or Live Your Dream.

10/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 95050-

Last run: 336 days

W: 8st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Switched to Willie Mullins for his 2023 handicap campaign and it's hard to forget his luckless, on-the-bridle finish at the big Lingfield Easter meeting on first occasion, when he was impeded by hanging left; has failed to fulfil that promise and although everything might click at some stage, there was no sign of that when he ran out at the first flight three weeks ago on his second hurdle race this summer; 6lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(2)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:10 Chester

Mr Escobar

9st 9lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: W P Mullins

Beaten a nose here (2m, soft) in September 2024 off 1lb lower and gave further encouragement that year, but that promise has not been fulfilled and his jumps career (latest start two months ago) has gone badly the wrong way; first-time blinkers replace his usual hood.

11/1

13th

8

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 3f 10y

15:30 Naas

Mr Escobar

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Useful 85-rated Flat stayer; odds-on winner of a Sedgefield novice hurdle (2m1f, good) last season; placed twice at Plumpton off 126 in final starts last season; reverts to hurdles now after two poor chasing starts this term

14/1

5

6th Aug 2025

Good

2m 3f 130y

18:07 Wexford

Mr Escobar

11st 12lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Useful stayer on the Flat; odds-on winner of a Sedgefield novice hurdle (2m1f, good) last November; placed twice at Plumpton in the final weeks of last season; not as good as several of these over hurdles; makes chase debut with tongue-tie added to hood.

6/1

OUR TIP

6/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 33-059 C

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
The ground was good to firm when fifth in the 2022 Ascot Gold Cup but he's been a far more potent force when the mud is flying, most recently last autumn which included a 2m2f win here (3lb higher today); needs to put this season's three runs (good to soft penultimate start; tailed off latest) way behind him in the first-time visor, but considered if he gets his ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

7th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

13:32 Ayr

Tashkhan

11st 7lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Brian Ellison

A very useful four-time winner on the Flat, he got off to a winning start over hurdles at Hexham (2m4f, heavy) in December; stayed on well to snatch third up in trip in a Grade 2 at Haydock (3m, good to soft) three weeks ago; holds obvious credentials back down in grade.

2/1

8/1

Form: 0-1009 C

Last run: 24 days

W: 8st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Very nearly won the 2023 Chester Cup (soft) and everything fell right for him in that race this year (good to firm) when winning off 2lb lower than today; failed to sustain his form in 2023 and made no impact in his latest three runs, still running creditably at York on latest but it doesn't suggest he's the best handicapped.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(10)

13th Sep 2025

Good

1m 7f 196y

Class 2

14:40 Chester

Zoffee

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Hugo Palmer

Second, first and third in the last three Chester Cups; he didn't quite reproduce that form in the 2023 or 2024 campaigns, however, and tailed off at Royal Ascot on first attempt this season; comfortably held in fourth in this race last year; this does not look the time to catch him.

7/1

19th

11

(8)

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Zoffee

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Second, first and third in the last three Chester Cups and not far away in this race two years ago; back up 3lb since latest Chester Cup, however, and he didn't quite reproduce the Chester form in either the 2023 or 2024 campaigns.

20/1

3rd

8

(4)

9th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Zoffee

8st 11lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Hugo Palmer

led narrowly, headed after 1f, soon prominent on inner, no extra final 110yds

10/1

Form: -89432

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 7lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Three 1m5f/1m4f handicap wins when making most last year; easily her most competitive show this term when never-nearer second at Killarney (extended 1m6f, yielding to soft) last time; that's the furthest she's been on the Flat and gives hope for this longer trip; acts on heavy; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

(11)

13th Oct 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 23y

16:00 Naas

Vera Verto

9st 0lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Gavin Cromwell

started quickly, led narrowly, prominent after 2f, lost position but in touch with leaders after 3f

12/1

5th

8

(6)

14th Sep 2024

Heavy

1m 7f 196y

Class 2

14:40 Chester

Vera Verto

8st 7lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: Gavin Cromwell

Three 1m5f/1m4f handicap wins when making most last year; easily her most competitive show this term when never-nearer second at Killarney (extended 1m6f, yielding to soft) last time; that's the furthest she's been on the Flat and gives hope for this longer trip; acts on heavy; one to consider.

11/2

2nd

4

(13)

23rd Aug 2024

Good

1m 6f 80y

19:12 Killarney

Vera Verto

9st 2lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Gavin Cromwell

midfield early, towards rear when pushed along briefly before halfway

10/1

6/1

Form: 20-023 C

Last run: 112 days

W: 8st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Best known for his Chester exploits, often front-running, and the last two of his wins (one in 2022, one in 2023) were under Zak Wheatley; visored first time and career-best form when second in the Chester Cup (good to firm) this May, despite a slow start, two weeks before a creditable run at Haydock; off since but all wins have been on softer than good and, although the visor is removed, he needs major respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

21st Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

15:12 Cartmel

Emiyn

11st 4lb

J: Conor Orr

T: Declan Carroll

Useful Flat stayer who has made the frame on all three hurdling starts; left behind by wide-margin winner when second here (2m6f, soft) last month but that was still a good effort and he's a contender over this shorter trip.

5/1

5

27th Jun 2025

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

14:38 Cartmel

Emiyn

11st 4lb

J: Conor Orr

T: Declan Carroll

Useful Flat performer and was running okay (beaten 5l in the Chester Cup) until below par last time with a visor back on (now discarded); two respectable efforts over hurdles last year, notably when second in an Aintree maiden; every chance; has no clear ground preferences.

7/4

4

(7)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 0f 46y

Class 2

16:40 Haydock

Emiyn

8st 13lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Often ridden by Zak Wheatley; slow starts have been interfering with what used to be a front-running role; best known for exploits at Chester, admittedly last winning any race in July 2023; ran creditably off this mark in good handicaps both starts this term, sixth in the Chester Cup last time, but he was third in this race last year and may come up a bit short once again.

4/1

14/1

Form: -19005 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft; kept on well for a 2m win on New Year's Day at Newcastle (AW); same mark today, having been below form on all four starts since; hardly went a yard in the Northumberland Plate back at Newcastle on penultimate start, so his fair fifth at Ascot five weeks ago was vastly better; has Chester form but his record here highlights his inconsistency.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(2)

21st Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 102y

Class 4

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Zealandia

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

16lb below his last winning mark, but losing run now up to 15; might get more of a pace to run at than when fifth of nine over C&D last time, but others have more to recommend them; stable also runs Simiyann.

11/4

5th

9

(9)

28th Aug 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Zealandia

8st 3lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Ian Williams

Handicapper has been relenting and he showed a lot more with third of 14 in a Racing League handicap at Newcastle (about 2m, Tapeta; 25-1) one week ago; a repeat of that puts him bang there; 2lb well in.

11/2

7

(3)

21st Aug 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Zealandia

9st 6lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Ian Williams

Has got himself well handicapped for good reason and his recent thirds were none too threatening; doubts remain; another tweak on the headgear front.

20/1

Form: -40065 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Dual Group 3 winner for other yards last term; well beaten in Saudi Arabia and Dubai this February/March and tailed off this summer in Listed/Group 3 races for another new stable; cheekpieces (used once, tailed off) return; back up in trip but plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(6)

18th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:15 Newmarket

Roberto Escobarr

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Ian Williams

Dual Group 3 winner (2m/1m7f) for other yards in 2023; he didn't beat many last February-October and 1m4f for last month's reappearance (40-1) was too short; the latter was probably his most encouraging of five runs for current yard, however, and he's been dropped another 4lb since, which makes it 17lb below his peak mark; not ruled out.

16/1

6th

1

(6)

18th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:15 Newmarket

Roberto Escobarr

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Ian Williams

Dual Group 3 winner (2m/1m7f) for other yards in 2023; he didn't beat many last February-October and 1m4f for last month's reappearance (40-1) was too short; the latter was probably his most encouraging of five runs for current yard, however, and he's been dropped another 4lb since, which makes it 17lb below his peak mark; not ruled out.

16/1

8th

3

(8)

22nd Apr 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 3

15:20 Epsom

Roberto Escobarr

9st 10lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Ian Williams

Dual Group 3 winner (2m/1m7f) for other yards in 2023; he didn't beat many last February-October, including in four races for current yard, and although he's not been sent to the Middle East to start this campaign and is now 13lb below his peak mark, this short a trip asks a big question.

25/1

12/1

Form: 11-070

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Five races in France last year, winning with varied tactics on last three (1m3f/1m7f, soft); fetched 250,000euros last November and penultimate outing (Glorious Goodwood) suggested his turn might be coming round again, but he finished last on starts either side; latest was just a week after Goodwood and return to testing ground offers hope, so he may be worth another chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(6)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Kempton (AW)

Sheradann

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Ian Williams

Not the most consistent but won off this mark over C&D in October and ran well at Lingfield on penultimate outing; a bit below form when hooded first time 15 days ago in a small field; player if it's one of his good days.

25/1

4th

3

(4)

13th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 3

16:25 Wolverhampton (AW)

Sheradann

9st 7lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Not the most consistent but won off 1lb lower mark at Kempton (2m) in October; returned to form when third of eight at Lingfield (2m) two weeks ago; first-time hood now goes on and another to consider.

9/4

3rd

6

(9)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 2

15:45 Lingfield (AW)

Sheradann

8st 13lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ian Williams

Saw off reopposing stablemate Enemy when successful over 2m at Kempton in October but down the field in a series final there at the beginning of December and eased off after hanging left under pressure at Newcastle last month; hard to know what to expect.

18/1

12/1

Form: U116-5 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Arguably career peak when making all to beat his four rivals in 1m6f Listed race here (good to soft) last year; he was on song going into that race but was unraced for 300 days before his fair fifth in the same event two weeks ago; not proven over quite this far on Flat or on heavy ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

1st Nov 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 190y

13:35 Down Royal

Shanroe

10st 13lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Karl Thornton

Dual-purpose veteran has won 11 of his 39 starts under Rules but he's shown virtually nothing since a Listed Chester win on the Flat in September 2023; needs a revival.

40/1

8th

7

1st Nov 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 190y

13:35 Down Royal

Shanroe

10st 13lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Karl Thornton

Dual-purpose veteran has won 11 of his 39 starts under Rules but he's shown virtually nothing since a Listed Chester win on the Flat in September 2023; needs a revival.

40/1

12/1

Form: 5/1-45 D

Last run: 112 days

W: 8st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
As good as ever to win at Catterick (1m4f, heavy) last October on first start for 528 days and not disgraced in his only three starts since (one over hurdles); just 1lb higher than at Catterick and he stays well, with today's first run at this track looking quite interesting too.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(2)

28th Sep 2024

Soft

1m 6f 1y

Class 4

17:00 Haydock

Goobinator

10st 0lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Donald McCain

Has mostly run well when at Haydock; as good as ever to win at Catterick (1m4f, heavy) last October on first start for 528 days; not disgraced in his next three starts (one over hurdles) but ran badly at Chester on latest; wore cheekpieces once (2022) and they now return in place of his usual hood.

14/1

11th

12

(12)

14th Sep 2024

Heavy

1m 7f 196y

Class 2

14:40 Chester

Goobinator

8st 2lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Donald McCain

As good as ever to win at Catterick (1m4f, heavy) last October on first start for 528 days and not disgraced in his only three starts since (one over hurdles); just 1lb higher than at Catterick and he stays well, with today's first run at this track looking quite interesting too.

12/1

5th

11

(4)

25th May 2024

Soft

2m 0f 46y

Class 2

15:30 Haydock

Goobinator

8st 12lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Donald McCain

C&D winner in 2021 and good fifth in this race in 2022; as good as ever to win last October (1m4f, heavy) on first start for 528 days and he wasn't disgraced at Pontefract (2m2f, heavy) early last month, but he may find that one or two others are better handicapped.

20/1

Non-runners

Aqwaam, Solent Gateway

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £39.80
Straight Forecast £32.79
Tricast £136.23
Trifecta £206.40

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Spirit Mixer

The Guardian:

Vera Verto

Telegraph:

Sheradann

The Star:

Mr Escobar

The Times:

Tashkhan

RP RATINGS:

Roberto Escobarr

POSTDATA:

Solent Gateway

SPOTLIGHT:

Emiyn

D Express:

Shanroe

The Sun:

Zoffee

Daily Record:

Vera Verto

LAMBOURN:

Spirit Mixer

Daily Mail:

Spirit Mixer

Daily Mirror:

Spirit Mixer