September 21 / 17.20 Chester

17.20

Good To Soft

Abacus Securities Farewell To Franny Norton Handicap

  • Prize money: £10192
  • 1m 2f 70y
  • Class 4
  • 11 runners
SKY
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Abacus Securities Farewell To Franny Norton Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.00
  • Place: £1.30

Form: 534647 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Won on handicap/seasonal debut at Doncaster (1m2f, soft) in March; 0-11 since but he's run well on numerous occasions and 1m4f seemed to stretch him at York last time; now drops back in trip/grade and he looks interesting off a dangerous mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(8)

3rd Sep 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

14:17 Newcastle (AW)

Qitaal

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Charlie Johnston

Has posted some good efforts this season but is without a win since September 2024, and finished behind Amidst The Chaos at Doncaster last time; visor returns and he has an each-way chance.

7/1

5th

6

(1)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 43y

Class 5

14:00 Doncaster

Qitaal

9st 5lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Charlie Johnston

Winless since 2024 but in good form this season until last of six (in refitted cheekpieces) in 1m2f Epsom handicap 16 days ago; headgear is quickly dispensed with and this course scorer is the sort to bounce back.

5/1

6th

1

(3)

30th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 17y

Class 5

17:30 Epsom

Qitaal

9st 12lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Charlie Johnston

Without a win since 2024 but earns good marks for his consistency in recent months and lost out only by a head off today's mark at Ripon (1m2f, good) in June; probably won't be far away.

3/1

7/1

  • Place: £4.30

Form: 807210

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Ran right up to his best when justifying favouritism at Ayr (7f, good) in July but he's not easy to predict and was out the back at Southwell (1m) last time; has form on soft ground but he needs to bounce back after that last run and this return to 1m2f is a concern (all wins at 7f/1m).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(4)

18th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 4

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Hes A Gentleman

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Winner here off 2lb lower last October, his third over C&D; last month's Chester comeback from a short break should have brought him on and he holds each-way claims under Oisin Murphy, who boasts a good record for the yard.

8/1

7th

6

(10)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

14:45 Chester

Hes A Gentleman

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Hugo Palmer

Five-time AW winner who was knocking on the door at Wolverhampton (8.6f/7f) in his final two starts in the spring; only 1lb higher than for his last run but this is tougher back up in grade and he's 1-25 on turf; has some work to do from high draw after a break.

16/1

2nd

2

(3)

31st Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 5

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Hes A Gentleman

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Hugo Palmer

One win (C&D) and three second-place finishes in six AW starts since October; front-running second, beaten a nose, over 8.6f here four weeks ago; in the mix again.

7/1

2/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 216013

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Made it 2-6 when landing a Newmarket handicap (1m, good) last month and he stayed on well for a close third at Haydock two weeks ago; that was a brave effort and this 3yo could find more progress back over this longer trip; untried on slower than good but he's still unexposed on turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

(10)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

17:20 York

Mr Swivell

9st 1lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Scored twice in 2024 and three times in 2025; back to best when second in useful 1m handicap here (good to firm; acts on soft) last month but only eighth of 11 at Thirsk since and his peak RPRs (including all wins) have been achieved at about 1m.

16/1

8th

8

(2)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Thirsk

Mr Swivell

9st 7lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Scored twice in 2024 and three times in 2025; gradually back to form this season, creditable second in useful handicap at York (1m) most recently; appears to be on his way to regaining the winning thread and looks a must for the shortlist.

9/2

2nd

10

(12)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Mr Swivell

9st 1lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Won three times last year (including on good to firm ground) and he returned to form with 2l fourth of 11 at Newcastle (1m, AW) recently; could build on that latest performance and he might not be far away.

10/1

4th
11 (8)
Bushfire

6/1

Form: 846732 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
His last win was a year ago but that was off 5lb higher and he's run well to finish placed at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) and Carlisle (1m1f, soft) in last two runs; finished well for a clear second behind an all-the-way winner last time and he's highly respected back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(11)

28th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Bushfire

9st 6lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Gemma Tutty

Win and a close second to his name from four runs over C&D and returns to Tapeta on a career-low mark following a patchy turf campaign; can pull hard and will need some luck from a wide stall in first-time cheekpieces but he's potentially well treated.

7/1

10th

6

(11)

28th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Bushfire

9st 6lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Gemma Tutty

Win and a close second to his name from four runs over C&D and returns to Tapeta on a career-low mark following a patchy turf campaign; can pull hard and will need some luck from a wide stall in first-time cheekpieces but he's potentially well treated.

7/1

4th

6

(6)

18th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 2f 1y

Class 6

17:20 Redcar

Bushfire

10st 12lb

J: Miss Amy Collier

T: Gemma Tutty

towards rear, good headway on inner 4f out, switched right 3f out, disputing second over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 300700

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Both wins were in 1m4f novice events in 2021; started this season with good third in Chester Plate (2m2f, good to firm) but he's struggled since and has finished tailed off in his last two runs (1m4f/1m6f); mark is tumbling and he now drops into a Class 4 but plenty to prove back at this trip; tongue-tie removed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(10)

9th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:45 Chester

Law Of The Sea

9st 8lb

J: David Probert

T: Ian Williams

The vast majority of last year was disappointing; however, perhaps first time up will be the time to catch him as he reappeared with a good third in this 12 months ago; now 12lb lower; could be dangerous.

14/1

5th

5

(10)

9th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:45 Chester

Law Of The Sea

9st 8lb

J: David Probert

T: Ian Williams

The vast majority of last year was disappointing; however, perhaps first time up will be the time to catch him as he reappeared with a good third in this 12 months ago; now 12lb lower; could be dangerous.

14/1

3rd

6

13th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

13:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Law Of The Sea

11st 0lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Ian Williams

took keen hold, brief headway and went remote fourth after 3 out, mistake 2 out, went remote third run-in, no match for first two

11/2

Form: 013089 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Made all for an emphatic win here (1m4f, good to firm) in May but he's lost his way in last three runs, including a tailed-off effort here (2m, good) three weeks ago; the trip shouldn't have been an issue that day and he needs a major revival on this drop back to 1m2f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

(8)

11th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 5

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Chase The Dollar

9st 13lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Lisa Williamson

prominent, outpaced and lost ground from over 4f out

25/1

8th

1

(9)

25th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Chase The Dollar

9st 13lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Lisa Williamson

Well handicapped on best form but is far from solid judged on his two efforts this winter for new stable; best watched unless the market speaks positively.

25/1

10th

2

(4)

8th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

20:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Chase The Dollar

10st 0lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Lisa Williamson

Course winner who also made all at Chester (1m4f) off 5lb higher at the start of last summer, but he made an inauspicious start for Lisa Williamson when last of seven over 1m6f here in December.

33/1

Form: 214509 D

Last run: 51 days

W: 9st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
His last success was off a similar mark at Wolverhampton (9.4f, AW) in February but he was only ninth of 12 there on his return last month; may have needed that run but his last turf win was in 2022 and he has a tough draw here on his first run at this track; down the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(10)

3rd Sep 2026

Soft

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

17:00 Haydock

Arcadian Nights

9st 7lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Mark Loughnane

10-34 on AW but latest well-held fifth on good to firm at Sandown took his turf record to a much less impressive 2-20; going softer than good arguably suits him slightly better but still hard to be confident.

25/1

5th

3

(4)

6th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 209y

Class 4

17:00 Sandown

Arcadian Nights

10st 13lb

J: Mr Jack Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

Has a good 10-34 record on AW but his turf strike-rate is only 2-19; has a lower mark in this sphere but off since finishing last of six at Wolverhampton in March and a watching brief is the percentage call.

25/1

6th

3

(5)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 4

17:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Arcadian Nights

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

Record of 10-33 on AW features six wins at Wolverhampton, including in this race (off just 1lb lower) last year; close fourth at Lingfield for an encouraging start to his 2026 campaign; fighting chance.

7/2

Form: -64280

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Good second off reduced mark at Yarmouth (11.4f, good to firm) in July but he's been disappointing in both runs since; now drops back in grade but he has something to prove again and his best turf form has come on good or quicker ground; reapplied visor replaces cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(11)

3rd Sep 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

16:35 Newcastle (AW)

Bizarre Law

9st 5lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Michael Herrington

Narrow win at Doncaster (7f, good to soft; 0-55 handicap); not so good since, including in a classified race last week, and others are preferred for win purposes.

10/1

8th

1

(9)

26th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

16:52 Catterick

Bizarre Law

9st 9lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Michael Herrington

Came from well off the pace to win a handicap at Doncaster (7f, good to soft) in May, but he hasn't matched that level in three starts since and this track isn't sure to suit his hold-up style; others preferred.

6/1

4th

4

(3)

8th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 3y

Class 6

16:15 Yarmouth

Bizarre Law

9st 6lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Michael Herrington

Came from an unpromising position to win a 7f handicap at Doncaster (good to soft) in May; has not matched it in two runs since and this isn't sure to set up for him.

11/2

Form: 435470 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Scored off 6lb higher here (7.6f, soft) last July but has a mixed record since and he was laboured at Haydock (1m, good) two weeks ago; could return to his favoured slow ground but he's untried at this trip and others are more convincing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(11)

21st Aug 2026

Good

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:15 Hamilton

Spioradalta

9st 3lb

J: Sam James

T: Mark Walford

Two wins over 1m2f at Ripon this year (good/good to soft) and a good second to Salamanca City (with whom he is 4lb better off) when stepped up to 1m4f there last time (good); won over 1m2f last September on only previous start here; interesting.

10/1

2nd

1

(4)

18th Jul 2026

Good

1m 4f 10y

Class 3

15:15 Ripon

Spioradalta

9st 12lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Mark Walford

Down the field at York and Windsor on his last two starts but he's won on his last four visits to Ripon (1m2f, good/good to soft), including twice this year; it's surprising he's only ever had one crack at 1m4f, given how well he kept on over that trip in 2024; firmly in calculations back here.

11/2

6th

3

(2)

27th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 3

19:45 Windsor

Spioradalta

9st 6lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

Most likeable front runner who bagged a second win of 2026 in 1m2f Ripon handicap in May; unable to lead from a poor draw when 11th at York (1m2f) 15 days ago and remains very much one to consider.

7/1

Form: 732646

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Dual AW winner who had a couple of near-misses on turf in June but he's been held on turf and Tapeta in his last three runs; has a bit to prove again back up in grade and this is a new trip; stablemate of He's A Gentleman.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(14)

11th Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:45 Kempton (AW)

Havanarama

9st 11lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: Hugo Palmer

in rear

10/1

9

(1)

21st Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 70y

Class 4

17:20 Chester

Havanarama

9st 0lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Hugo Palmer

prominent early, in touch with leaders after 1f, weakened over 2f out

11/2

6th

8

(2)

10th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Havanarama

9st 6lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Hugo Palmer

Steady progression in handicaps this year but he's had plenty of racing now and the handicapper knows where he is; no obvious reason he won't go well again for his in-form yard but is vulnerable to improvers.

6/1

Form: 114494 D

Last run: 2 days

W: 8st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Seven of his ten wins have been on the AW but he went back-to-back on turf on successive days in June; held in four runs since but he was an eyecatching fourth at Pontefract (1m2f) on Thursday and has possibilities if he can build on that; acts on good to firm and heavy ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

(10)

17th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Love Your Work

9st 9lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Darryll Holland

Recorded his 12th AW win when scoring at Wolverhampton (8.6f) last month but he flopped under a penalty there eight days later; has bit to prove again after that heavy defeat but he has won three of his last seven starts and is capable of bouncing back.

10/1

10

(2)

22nd Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:40 Kempton (AW)

Love Your Work

9st 8lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Darryll Holland

Beat a serial loser of late over C&D three weeks ago, taking Hector Crouch's record on him to 2-2; 4lb rise is of no great concern considering he's been rated much higher in the past; handy draw.

5/1

1st

1

(6)

1st Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Love Your Work

9st 9lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Darryll Holland

Nine of his 12 wins have been on AW, the latest from 5lb higher at Chelmsford (1m, Polytrack) in March; not beaten far into fourth of 13 at Brighton (1m, soft) last month and he has to be of interest in this field.

4/1

Non-runners

Georgie Wooster

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £35.20
Straight Forecast £49.62
Tricast £99.26
Trifecta £127.80

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Mr Swivell

RP RATINGS:

Qitaal

Daily Mail:

Havanarama

SPOTLIGHT:

Bushfire

Telegraph:

Bizarre Law

D Express:

Havanarama

NEWMARKET:

Mr Swivell

The Times:

Mr Swivell

The Guardian:

Mr Swivell

Daily Record:

Mr Swivell

POSTDATA:

Qitaal

Daily Mirror:

Qitaal

The Sun:

Qitaal

The Star:

Bushfire