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

10th

9

(7)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

14:05 Chester

Yanifer

8st 13lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Harriet Bethell

Yet to fire this season but landed his third win here when successful in this race last year (good to firm) off 4lb higher; he has also been placed twice at this track and can never be written off around here.

7/1

4th

3

(7)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 3

15:34 Haydock

Yanifer

9st 12lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Harriet Bethell

Prominent racer; now 1lb lower than for last August's win at Chester (7.6f, good to firm) but his two York efforts this summer have been underwhelming.

12/1

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

5th

1

(5)

18th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 4

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Percys Lad

10st 5lb

J: Ebrahim Nader

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Missed more than 18 months prior to a few lesser efforts in the spring, but has found his level again; enjoyed the run of the race when winning narrowly on Polytrack last Wednesday but set to go well again under a penalty for a yard in good nick.

7/2

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

1st

1

(4)

5th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

15:45 Pontefract

Spirit Genie

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Jennie Candlish

Multiple winner at up to 8.5f on good or slower; on the slide in three starts this season but this combination of a drop in grade and new headgear may prompt a resurgence; return to shorter is also a plus; shortlisted.

7/2

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

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

2

(4)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Newbury

Never So Brave

9st 8lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

7f wins include the Group 1 City Of York Stakes last summer; not quite at his best this year, although a sixth in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood last month (80-1) was no disgrace; back down in grade and returns to his optimum distance so should be thereabouts.

3/1

6th

3

(2)

29th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

16:10 Goodwood

Never So Brave

9st 10lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Proved somewhat resurgent with second-place finish behind Qirat over 7f at York last time, the C&D of his Group 1 success last August; however, faces a stiffer assignment back up in trip/class and possibly isn't crying out for this return to 1m, despite being a distance winner.

50/1

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

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

3rd

4

(6)

28th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 3y

Class 6

17:25 Yarmouth

Way To Dubai

10st 0lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Michael Appleby

Better effort when fourth of ten at Thirsk (7f, good to firm) this month and now 2lb below his last winning mark, but he is just 1-42 in Britain.

6/1

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

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

1st

3

(7)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

15:37 Doncaster

Documenting

9st 8lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Kevin & Lauren Frost

Winless since 2024 but this veteran arrives in decent nick, runner-up at Newbury (7f) in June before a creditable tenth of 17 in 7f Ascot handicap last month; not totally dismissed.

10/1

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

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