September 14 / 16.05 Chester

16.05

Heavy

Virgin Bet Handicap

  • Prize money: £20384
  • 1m 2f 70y
  • Class 3
  • 9 runners
SKY
View Course
Virgin Bet Handicap

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 400233 D BF

Last run: 47 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Wins have come on soft/heavy ground; recorded three creditable placed efforts in July and returns from a short break with ground conditions likely to be in his favour; much respected with a leading apprentice taking 3lb off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

16

(5)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Stressfree

9st 1lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Probably no ground worries; not a prolific winner, with his waiting tactics, but he was fourth in the Ebor last year off a 2lb higher mark; ran creditably on reappearance, before none of his three starts since panned out favourably; can be given a place chance.

33/1

8th

5

(3)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Stressfree

9st 6lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: David O’Meara

Not a prolific winner, with his waiting tactics, but he was fourth in the Ebor at York (1m6f, good to firm) last August off a 2lb higher mark; ran creditably on reappearance, before neither start since panned out favourably; only ninth in this last year on his only run at Goodwood.

25/1

11th

2

(13)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Stressfree

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Not a prolific winner, with his waiting tactics, and never involved when 7-1 for last year's 1m4f Duke of Edinburgh at this meeting; however, it would be unwise not to recall his fourth in the Ebor at York last August (1m6f, good to firm) off a 1lb higher mark and he was unsuited by the steady pace at York last time out (1m4f); could get competitive should this pan out favourably; stable won this in 2022.

16/1

7/2

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 5-2336 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Soft-ground winner; creditable efforts in competitive 1m2f handicaps on all four outings this year; the first-time cheekpieces he wore at the York Ebor meeting are retained; close second on his previous Chester visit; prominent showing likely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20th

10

(12)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

17:20 York

Have Secret

9st 2lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Won at Pontefract (1m2f, good) in April; respectable fifth of 15 over C&D (good) at the Dante meeting in May but well held twice since, latterly at 100-1 in the John Smith's Cup.

28/1

14th

13

(19)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:45 York

Have Secret

9st 1lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Won at Pontefract (1m2f, good) in April and respectable fifth of 15 to Warrant Holder over this C&D (good) in May; the return to Epsom maybe didn't suit latest (well beaten) but he needs to bounce back with a career best.

50/1

12th

12

(7)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Have Secret

8st 11lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

6yo who has a career-high mark on the strength of his win at Pontefract (1m2f, good; acts on soft/heavy) in April; creditable fifth at York next time but the chief disincentive is probably that he ran poorly in this race last year on his only visit to Epsom.

25/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 2212-2 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Progressive profile, including landing a soft-ground handicap over this trip at Ayr last July; reappeared with a fine second short-head second to Theoryofeverything (won again at Ascot last week) at Hamilton (1m1f, soft) 32 days ago; fresh for this stage of the season; should go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

11

(14)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Paddy The Squire

9st 6lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Markedly improved last year and even better this term, all on good or good to firm, although he had lots of soft-ground form in previous seasons; wore cheekpieces when staying-on third of 16 to Daiquiri Bay at Royal Ascot (1m6f) and close second at Newmarket (1m4f) 18 days later; raised another 3lb but each-way player if the ground is okay for him.

20/1

2nd

3

(6)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Newmarket (July)

Paddy The Squire

9st 10lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Much improved last year, including after his second to Plage De Havre in this race at Haydock; York sixth to Klassleader on reappearance but back to his best when staying-on third of 16 at Royal Ascot (1m6f, good to firm) 18 days ago; needs respect.

7/1

3rd

3

(4)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Paddy The Squire

9st 12lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Had a ball last year after being gelded, winning three of his six starts and as good as ever when a close fifth stepped up to 1m6f at Haydock in September; however, he is a 6yo and perhaps high in the weights now, a suspicion seemingly confirmed by his York run one month ago; there's no obvious significance in the return of cheekpieces.

22/1

Form: 848474

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Useful mare who won three times on soft ground last year; often highly tried this year but creditable fourth back in a handicap at Haydock (1m2f, good to soft) last week; reasons to think she'll run well but Stressfree is still the more appealing of the yard's pair.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(8)

30th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 1f 35y

Class 3

15:35 Hamilton

Zarabanda

9st 11lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Course winner who comes here in good form, fourth of nine in 1m2f Chester handicap 16 days ago; she ought to be thereabouts eased 1lb.

9/2

4th

4

(3)

14th Sep 2024

Heavy

1m 2f 70y

Class 3

16:05 Chester

Zarabanda

9st 7lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: David O’Meara

Useful mare who won three times on soft ground last year; often highly tried this year but creditable fourth back in a handicap at Haydock (1m2f, good to soft) last week; reasons to think she'll run well but Stressfree is still the more appealing of the yard's pair.

9/1

4th

1

(1)

5th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 42y

Class 3

16:50 Haydock

Zarabanda

10st 1lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Mixed form in Listed races on last three starts but she was a creditable fourth at York two runs ago (1m2f, good to firm) and she's won three of her eight handicaps (all on soft); interesting now back in a handicap.

12/1

Form: 145727 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Reappeared with 1m2f Windsor win on good to soft (acts on heavy) in April; creditable second at Haydock (1m2f, good) last month and met trouble in a Racing League handicap back at Windsor since (still in form).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(1)

20th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

15:45 Newmarket (July)

First Officer

8st 12lb

J: Sorin Moldoveanu

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

C&D winner last July and he's finished close up back at this track (1m4f, good to firm) in his last two starts; didn't get much luck when fourth in a Class 3 event last time and he's a player off unchanged mark.

6/1

4th

8

(6)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

15:58 Newmarket (July)

First Officer

8st 12lb

J: Alexandra Egan

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Often ridden by claimer Alexandra Egan, including when he won a four-runner C&D race (good to firm) last July off the same mark as today; creditable second on last two outings (C&D latest) suggest he will be bang there.

4/1

2nd

3

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:45 Newmarket (July)

First Officer

9st 7lb

J: Sorin Moldoveanu

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Won under 7lb claimer in four-runner C&D race (good to firm) last July off 1lb higher; Yarmouth second one month ago and should be seriously involved.

9/2

Form: 070763 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won over C&D (soft) in June; has failed to reach that level in six outings since but has run a bit better the last twice and he's 2lb below the mark he defied in June.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(1)

15th Jul 2026

Good

1m 6f 80y

20:30 Killarney

Loyal Touch

9st 13lb

J: Daniel King

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Five-time winner in Britain at up to 1m2f (rating peaked at 93); not at the same level for this yard, including over hurdles; handicapper giving him every chance but others preferred.

16/1

7th

2

4th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 40y

17:48 Bellewstown

Loyal Touch

11st 12lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Five-time Flat winner in Britain at up to 1m2f; not at the same level for this yard, including two races over hurdles.

50/1

6th

3

(1)

10th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 0y

20:20 Limerick

Loyal Touch

10st 0lb

J: Jared Huggan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Five-time Flat winner in Britain at up to 1m2f; not at same level for this yard, well beaten over hurdles last twice.

20/1

Form: 9-2107 CD

Last run: 77 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
C&D winner on soft and good to firm at the last two May meetings; below par at Epsom and Newcastle this summer but returns from an 11-week break only 1lb above the mark he defied in May.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(1)

12th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:05 York

City Streak

8st 13lb

J: William Carver

T: Andrew Balding

Landed another Chester win in May but behind Stressfree, Have Secret and Paddy The Squire there last month, albeit perhaps just needing the outing after 11 weeks off; acts on heavy.

18/1

7th

1

(8)

14th Sep 2024

Heavy

1m 2f 70y

Class 3

16:05 Chester

City Streak

9st 11lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Andrew Balding

C&D winner on soft and good to firm at the last two May meetings; below par at Epsom and Newcastle this summer but returns from an 11-week break only 1lb above the mark he defied in May.

11/2

7th

2

(8)

29th Jun 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 3

16:50 Newcastle (AW)

City Streak

9st 8lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

Enhanced his good Chester record there in May (1m2f, good to firm); comfortably held off this mark at Epsom since but good chance he'll bounce back and Wolverhampton exploits bode well for his first visit here.

8/1

14/1

Form: 0-3647 D

Last run: 80 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Completed a four-timer for Tony Carroll last summer and ran with credit in defeat for this yard over the summer; first start for 12 weeks; has won on good to soft (unraced on softer).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

(2)

16th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 4

13:30 Southwell (AW)

Gallant Lion

9st 5lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Ian Williams

Back to some form over 1m4f on turf on last two starts; 0-11 on AW, however, with two places but they were on Polytrack.

11/1

4th

7

(5)

19th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 218y

Class 4

18:55 Goodwood

Gallant Lion

8st 12lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Struggled over 1m at Southwell last month but relished the step back up in trip when winning at Brighton (1m4f, good to firm) three weeks ago; still fairly treated on his old form off this 3lb higher mark and has claims.

100/30

1st

7

(8)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 198y

Class 5

15:20 Brighton

Gallant Lion

9st 0lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Ian Williams

1m2f win here (good to firm) kicked off a four-timer in 2023 for Tony Carroll but he took a while to rediscover his level before scoring at Chepstow (1m4f, good; first-time blinkers) for this yard one year ago; raced mainly over further without success since and latest start over 1m can be written off; handy mark and he's not discounted on just his second visit to Brighton.

9/1

OUR TIP

6/1

Form: 2-1753 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 5yo; won on soft-ground reappearance at Goodwood (1m2f) in May; added to his solid Goodwood record when third over 1m4f (soft again) three weeks ago; the blinkers he's worn on his last two starts are left off; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

24th Jul 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

16:25 Uttoxeter

Maghlaak

11st 11lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Made a winning start for current yard over fences at Southwell (2m4f) in November but only eighth back hurdling in 2m7f handicap here 17 days ago; visor and tongue-tie are retried now.

50/1

8th

8

7th Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 3

15:00 Uttoxeter

Maghlaak

11st 2lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Made a winning start for this yard in a novice handicap chase last November but pulled up in his final chase and has finished last in two subsequent Flat starts; capable hurdler but hardly returns to this discipline at the top of his game.

25/1

7th

2

(3)

22nd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 27y

Class 4

19:52 Pontefract

Maghlaak

9st 8lb

J: Kyle McHugh

T: Mark Walford

Made a winning start for this yard in a novice handicap chase at Southwell (2m4f, soft) last November; finished a long way behind Sea Of Kings at Doncaster on his return to the Flat four weeks ago; others appeal more.

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £24.60
Straight Forecast £28.78
Tricast £115.99
Trifecta £103.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Stressfree

Telegraph:

Paddy The Squire

Daily Mail:

Maghlaak

TOPSPEED:

Zarabanda

D Express:

Gallant Lion

RP RATINGS:

Loyal Touch

The Times:

Have Secret

POSTDATA:

Stressfree

The Guardian:

Stressfree

Daily Mirror:

Stressfree

The Star:

Stressfree

Daily Record:

Paddy The Squire

The Sun:

Maghlaak