October 14 / 20.00 Chelmsford (AW)

20.00

Standard

Illuminate Christmas Ball Handicap

  • Prize money: £6621
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 11 runners
RTV
View Course
Illuminate Christmas Ball Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Polytrack

Weather: Mostly sunny

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.34
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 254161 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Won two of her last three starts, nothing going right behind Okami at Lingfield two starts ago but quite impressive at Kempton since (7f) when despite pulling hard for most of the way she found plenty to beat in-form rivals; 6lb rise not beyond her if race pans out from the rail draw.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

3

(1)

30th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

13:55 Goodwood

Cloud Cover

9st 6lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: James Tate

Soundly beaten on both turf starts but those were very early in her career in 2023; this 5yo has a progressive profile and made it three wins from her last four starts when comfortably landing a Listed contest at Chelmsford (7f, AW) on July 1; in the mix if the return to turf isn't an issue.

9/1

3

(2)

1st Jul 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

20:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Cloud Cover

9st 2lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: James Tate

1-2 here, finishing a close second in the 2024 running on return from break; in fine form in midwinter, winning a Deauville Listed race then a Newcastle handicap in great style, and can be forgiven a lesser effort there since on first run since wind surgery; regular hood left off; respected.

5/1

10th

1

(8)

18th Apr 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

14:25 Newcastle (AW)

Cloud Cover

9st 12lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: James Tate

Useful mare whose record of 7-15 on AW includes wins in this race 12 months ago and Listed/handicap events at Deauville/Newcastle this winter; had wind surgery since last run; respected.

Evs

20/1

  • Place: £3.70

Form: 307090 CD

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Latest AW win was over C&D in June 2022; was running well here in the spring but treading water on turf and the AW since and no better for refitting cheekpieces last time; others higher up the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(4)

17th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

18:45 Chelmsford (AW)

Sir Oliver

9st 6lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Chris Dwyer

With only one win (last November) in more than two years and not being so good this season, he is some way down the pecking order.

33/1

9th

6

(12)

19th Sep 2024

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Sir Oliver

9st 10lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Chris Dwyer

Should be competitive off this mark and he didn't run badly at Newcastle last week; on the downside, he's another that likes to be on the sharp end and he's drawn wide to boot.

12/1

3rd
7 (11)
Riot

7/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: 144555 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Two 7f wins on the AW, the latest off today's mark here in May; has been running well on turf this autumn and not ruled out from a handicapping point of view.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

7

(6)

23rd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 6

16:57 Windsor

Riot

9st 6lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Charlie Wallis

Now 11lb lower than when successful for David O'Meara last autumn but has lost his way; it's a long time since he won on turf and even longer since he ran in a sprint, so he is hard to fancy back from a break.

33/1

8th

2

(4)

3rd Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Riot

9st 9lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Charlie Wallis

8lb lower than when successful for David O'Meara over C&D in October, but has lost his way including in five starts for this yard; drops into a Class 6 for the first time in his career, but has plenty to prove; cheekpieces return.

25/1

7th

10

(7)

12th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

20:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Riot

9st 1lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Charlie Wallis

Yet to offer much in four runs for his current yard, just eighth of 11 in 7f Kempton handicap 24 days ago; significantly more is required from this three-time C&D winner.

33/1

OUR TIP
4th
1 (7)
GDaay

12/1

Form: 521326 CD

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Below best in two most recent course starts but rarely let his supporters down in C&D handicaps in the 12 months leading up to last November, winning three; back on most recent winning mark here but this is competitive.
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

Form: 211425 CD BF

Last run: 50 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Looked promising when winning C&D novice in May and again back in a handicap at Doncaster in June; progress has rather stalled since but the return to 7f can suit and she may yet do better on Polytrack.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(2)

15th Nov 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Kempton (AW)

American Belle

9st 5lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Fanshawe

Disappointed over 1m on penultimate start but otherwise it's been a solid campaign at 7f, including wins in May/June; acts on Polytrack; concern is that handicapper has caught up with her.

7/1

5th

9

(5)

14th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

20:00 Chelmsford (AW)

American Belle

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Fanshawe

Looked promising when winning C&D novice in May and again back in a handicap at Doncaster in June; progress has rather stalled since but the return to 7f can suit and she may yet do better on Polytrack.

7/1

5th

1

(5)

25th Aug 2023

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:40 Goodwood

American Belle

9st 11lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: James Fanshawe

took keen hold, led narrowly, headed but prominent after 2f

2/1

Form: 858838 C BF

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Winning 1m2f debut here; good start for this yard over 7f on Newcastle AW in February but hasn't gone on and failed to shine back over that C&D latest; risky with first-time tongue-tie replacing a hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(2)

4th Apr 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Lions Dream

9st 1lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Derek Shaw

midfield

6/1

5th

9

(2)

4th Apr 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Lions Dream

9st 1lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Derek Shaw

midfield

6/1

5th

6

(4)

27th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

16:25 Wolverhampton (AW)

Lions Dream

9st 9lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Derek Shaw

taken down early, took keen hold, midfield, headway over 1f out, stayed on

6/1

Form: 324660 D

Last run: 189 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
AW wins have come elsewhere and although tight with G'Daay on C&D form last November she ended her latest campaign with a tailed-off run on turf in April; no surprise if this is too big an ask back from a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(1)

1st Mar 2024

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

14:02 Lingfield (AW)

Jilly Cooper

8st 11lb

J: Aidan Keeley

T: James Owen

Four wins for the Johnstons, including C&D, and she ran well over 1m here on her final start for that yard in November; down the field in two runs for Philip Makin this winter; sold for 12,000gns last month; latest new yard quick to try headgear.

12/1

6th

5

(3)

1st Jan 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

16:15 Newcastle (AW)

Jilly Cooper

8st 6lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: Phillip Makin

Triple 7f AW winner for previous yard; outstayed over 8.5f at Wolverhampton on Boxing Day when making debut for new stable; on a handy mark and has possibilities returned to her optimum distance.

14/1

5th

7

(6)

26th Dec 2023

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 3

16:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Jilly Cooper

8st 12lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: Phillip Makin

The winner of four races when trained by the Johnstons, two here over 7f; close second at Lingfield last month (1m) after which she changed hands for 16,000gns; stamina for this trip has to be taken on trust but it's a move that looks well worth exploring.

10/1

8th
10 (12)
Okami

11/4

Form: 931511 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 10lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Has won three of his last four starts, over 6f here and 7f at Kempton and Lingfield; has scraped home each time but would have won by further at the latter track if he hadn't needed to be switched late on; up 4lb and drawn widest but every chance he can continue on the upgrade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

(1)

2nd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

18:48 Southwell (AW)

Okami

9st 2lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Paul Midgley

Two 5f wins at Newcastle this winter and he finished third off a 2lb higher mark back there in February; disappointed behind Little Mi Mi last month; could rebound with a promising 7lb claimer booked.

9/1

7th

7

(4)

11th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Okami

9st 3lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Paul Midgley

Notched his second C&D success when winning by a neck in January and he posted a solid effort when third of ten here 15 days ago; place claims again.

8/1

3rd

7

(6)

24th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

14:42 Newcastle (AW)

Okami

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Paul Midgley

Held off the late finishers to notch his second C&D win (11-2; from 3lb lower) on penultimate start; respectable effort (sixth) over 6f at Wolverhampton latest; Jack Callan's 5lb claim may aid the cause from a handicapping perspective.

10/1

6/1

Form: 135 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Ready winner of 7f debut at Leicester (soft); no extra under a penalty on good ground next time and stepping up to 1m seemed to find him out on handicap debut at Newbury (heavy); interesting he switches to Polytrack rather than look for a soft-ground turf race at 7f; has some potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(6)

14th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

20:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Welleef

9st 13lb

J: Ross Coakley

T: Owen Burrows

Ready winner of 7f debut at Leicester (soft); no extra under a penalty on good ground next time and stepping up to 1m seemed to find him out on handicap debut at Newbury (heavy); interesting he switches to Polytrack rather than look for a soft-ground turf race at 7f; has some potential.

6/1

5th

4

(4)

23rd Sep 2023

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:00 Newbury

Welleef

9st 6lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Owen Burrows

in touch with leaders, pressed leaders over 2f out

7/2

3rd

1

(4)

17th Aug 2023

Good

0m 6f 213y

Class 5

15:10 Salisbury

Welleef

9st 11lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Owen Burrows

11-8 favourite for 15-runner novice at Leicester (7f, soft) on debut 15 days ago and the confidence was not misplaced, as he led 2f out and won comfortably from Crown Dreams; penalised but could be set for a good deal better.

11/10

Form: 134513 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Has C&D form but four most recent AW runs have been on Tapeta, best of them a good third in a Racing League 7f race at Southwell latest; new 4lb higher mark to cope with but may come on again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

5

(12)

4th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

17:20 Curragh

Imperial Dream

10st 0lb

J: Alan Persse

T: Patrick J Flynn

C&D winner on quick ground in August 2024; only flashes of his best form last year; best run was over 7f at Dundalk; poor run there on final outing before a break.

14/1

16

(7)

24th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

17:45 Dundalk (AW)

Imperial Dream

10st 1lb

T: Patrick J Flynn

Second reserve; nearly took advantage of a drop in grade when second over C&D last month; big chance if he gets in.

Form: 177449 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Multiple wins include one over C&D (from two attempts; close second in the other); fair efforts on latest two turf starts and although she never showed up at Kempton recently she can't be ruled out back here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(5)

28th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 3y

Class 5

16:40 Yarmouth

Priscillas Wish

10st 4lb

J: Jack Gilligan

T: Philip McBride

in touch with leaders

8/1

7th

1

(4)

16th Jun 2024

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

14:10 Doncaster

Priscillas Wish

9st 11lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: Philip McBride

Improved on reappearance run to finish second at Yarmouth last time (7f, good to soft); 4lb lower than last winning mark; a possible.

5/1

2nd

2

(2)

22nd May 2024

Good

0m 7f 3y

Class 5

16:30 Yarmouth

Priscillas Wish

9st 8lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: Philip McBride

prominent, went second then switched left over 1f out, kept on

5/1

Non-runners

Matty Too

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £55.50
Straight Forecast £53.21
Tricast £596.59
Trifecta £667.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Cloud Cover

The Guardian:

Riot

The Times:

American Belle

NEWMARKET:

G'Daay

Telegraph:

Okami

LAMBOURN:

Welleef

POSTDATA:

Lion's Dream

RP RATINGS:

Cloud Cover

The Star:

Cloud Cover

Daily Record:

Cloud Cover

Daily Mirror:

American Belle

Daily Mail:

G'Daay

D Express:

Riot

The Sun:

Riot