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

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

1st

9

(8)

30th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

15:15 Chester

Yanifer

8st 9lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Harriet Bethell

Won over 7f here (good to soft) last August and runner-up in good 7f handicaps elsewhere on his last two starts (good to firm/good to soft); should be fine at today's distance and every chance he'll be thereabouts.

10/1

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

11th

15

(9)

8th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 4

15:40 Chester

Paws For Thought

9st 5lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Donald McCain

Six times a course winner, including over this trip; can go well fresh and not handicapped out of things but slower ground would have been preferable.

12/1

9th

1

(7)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

13:55 Catterick

Paws For Thought

9st 9lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Gained his sixth win at Chester (5.5f, soft) last month; well beaten at York last month but turning tracks seem to bring out the best in him (has a win and second from only three visits here); not discounted.

9/1

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

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

13th

12

(6)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

14:05 Chester

Percys Lad

8st 13lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Prominent racer with a very good Chester record, including a win in this race on good to firm in 2024 (also third on soft in 2023); off for 20 months prior to finishing well held at the Newmarket Craven meeting three weeks ago but he led for long enough to think plenty of ability remains and this has presumably been the target; could bounce back to form with a bang.

5/1

13th

2

(8)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket

Percys Lad

9st 9lb

J: David Probert

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Runner-up in this race in 2024 when it was staged as a Class 2; made all at Chester (7.5f, good to firm) on his next start and it was a solid fourth back there (7f, good to soft) when last seen 20 months ago; yard going well and handicapper has given him a shot too; watch the market.

20/1

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

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

4

(12)

2nd Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 75y

Class 2

17:10 Nottingham

Spirit Genie

9st 2lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

All five wins have been on good or slower including over C&D; hasn't been at his best this season but there have been some respectable efforts and he didn't get the breaks in a hot seller at Chester (5l third of eighth) 12 days ago; continues to drop down the weights and he could be dangerous back in a handicap.

8/1

7

(2)

20th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

15:05 Chester

Spirit Genie

9st 7lb

J: William Pyle

T: Jennie Candlish

All five wins have been on good or slower ground, but he hasn't been at his best this year and was beaten 7l in a Class 4 handicap here (7f, good) last Friday; down the list.

14/1

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

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

6

(13)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Ascot

Never So Brave

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Won 7f handicap (good to firm) at the Royal meeting here and followed up in the Group 2 Summer Mile on the round course here (good to firm), before landing the hat-trick in the Group 1 City Of York Stakes (7f, good to firm); they finished in a heap at York and a bigger performance is needed in this hotter Group 1, but he's highly progressive and warrants respect.

13/2

4

(7)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Never So Brave

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

4yo for whom things have clicked in a big way this season; impressive in the Buckingham Palace Handicap at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) and followed up in Group 2 Summer Mile there last month; did well in the latter to overhaul one who had built a clear lead; respected now in a Group 1.

5/2

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

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

12th

2

(11)

8th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

15:23 Catterick

Way To Dubai

9st 8lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Michael Appleby

He's won just once since making his British debut in October 2023; however, that came this January (7f, AW) and a slow start proved costly when back at 6f at Southwell last Thursday; effective on turf and might not be far away now back up in trip.

12/1

8th

9

(5)

2nd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

17:48 Southwell (AW)

Way To Dubai

8st 12lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

1m win in January and back to his recent best when a close third at Lingfield last week; runs off the same mark today but he would be more appealing over an extra furlong.

5/1

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

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

7th

7

(1)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 3y

Class 4

16:55 Yarmouth

Documenting

9st 6lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Kevin Frost

13yo who has won on 12 occasions, the latest in December 2024 at Wolverhampton; on a good mark but he ended last season with some below-par efforts and is likely best watched on his first start for 194 days.

20/1

5th

1

(6)

9th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Chelmsford (AW)

Documenting

10st 0lb

J: Alfie Gee

T: Kevin Frost

Multiple winner down the years, including over C&D in 2024; running okay this term until form dipped the last twice; still needs to prove he can win races aged 12.

14/1

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