May 08 / 13.30 Chester

13.30

Good

CAA Stellar Handicap

  • Prize money: £23193
  • 0m 5f 15y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
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CAA Stellar Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.00
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 5-3519 C

Last run: 63 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Below par in Bahrain in March when last seen but won there in February; has won here five times and races off the same mark as for his close fourth in this race 12 months ago (good); could play a leading role.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(5)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

17:00 Chester

Roman Dragon

10st 0lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Hugo Palmer

Back to the mark off which he won a 5f handicap at the May meeting; not had optimal conditions since but returning to 6f and dropping in class could see a revival from this eight-time course winner.

5/1

6th

3

(6)

2nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:52 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 13lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

Eight course wins to his name, the latest in May (5f, good) off a 2lb lower mark; had form over 7f in his youth but this year's two C&D runs haven't been convincing.

16/1

9th

4

(9)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 1

15:52 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Hugo Palmer

Has won in Bahrain but all eight British wins have come at Chester (5f/6f); his last success was in May but he's gone backwards since and was beaten 14l in the Wokingham last time; now returns to Chester but he's drawn out wide and has something to prove back up in trip.

14/1

9/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 204321 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
0-10 on turf on the Flat and 3lb out of the handicap today; however, he's been progressive over sprint trips on AW this year and has an advantageous low draw for this return to grass; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(4)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

15:47 Redcar

Rosenpur

9st 0lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Jennie Candlish

Made all off 1lb lower at Chester (6f, good) in May and wasn't beaten far on any of four subsequent starts there, the latest over 5f from a tough draw; may not be seen to quite the same effect on this straight track, though.

11/2

9th

2

(12)

25th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 4

16:23 Chester

Rosenpur

9st 12lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

All six wins have been here and at Wolverhampton, including this race 12 months ago when 6lb lower; close fourth here last time when drawn wide but in a smaller field than today and now he's out in stall 12; cheekpieces tried last time are removed.

13/2

14/1

  • Place: £4.30

Form: 71112- D

Last run: 180 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Handicap hat-trick last October (5f/5.7f, heavy/soft) and improved again to go close in Listed race at Doncaster (6f, soft) in November; returns with yard in excellent form and her increased mark isn't necessarily beyond her; won on good going last July but peak efforts on soft/heavy ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(5)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 34y

Class 1

13:30 Newbury

Balmoral Lady

9st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Ed Walker

Made giant strides in the second half of 2024 and she carried on the good work when winning in Listed company at Haydock in May (5f, good); struggled at Royal Ascot but of more concern are her two sub-par efforts since; others look more solid.

10/1

9th

7

(11)

5th Jul 2025

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 1

13:50 Sandown

Balmoral Lady

9st 2lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

She has made giant strides since making her handicap debut off a mark of 69 at Haydock last July, winning five times, most recently in Listed race at Haydock in May (5f, good); only ninth at Royal Ascot but she raced furthest from the main action and still looked in peak form; drying ground wouldn't be ideal, though, and she has the widest stall to overcome.

8/1

13

(4)

17th Jun 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Balmoral Lady

9st 4lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Ed Walker

Progressive 4yo who made great strides in the autumn with a hat-trick at about 5f on heavy and soft ground; a recent Listed win at Haydock (5f, good) suggests she's still improving, but this is likely to be hard labour.

33/1

Form: 7866-3 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 2lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
11yo who has won just one of his last 20 starts and is 2lb out of the handicap today; however, this four-time course winner went close in this 12 months ago on his second start of the season, and he arrives on the back of a fair reappearance third at Beverley a fortnight ago; possible player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(2)

20th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

20:24 Newcastle (AW)

Copper Knight

9st 11lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

Grand servant to connections and he was recording the 19th win of his long career when successful at Beverley (5f, good to soft) in May; four subsequent defeats have seen him slip to a mark 2lb lower than for that win; has won over C&D but likely vulnerable to younger rivals.

20/1

10th

8

(5)

25th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 4

16:23 Chester

Copper Knight

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Admirable veteran who had a wicked draw in a C&D handicap last month that he'd won three times before; better boxed this time and there was much to like about his previous effort at Thirsk; considered.

8/1

Form: 2402-3 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Enjoyed a good campaign last season, winning at Haydock (5f, good) in August, and reappeared with close third of seven at Musselburgh (5f, good to soft) last month; unproven on fast ground; his draw isn't ideal but he ran really well over C&D on his previous course visit and could be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(1)

4th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:47 Haydock

Jer Batt

9st 12lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: David & Nicola Barron

C&D winner who hasn't been out of the frame in five visits here; all four starts have been at Musselburgh this term, running creditably on two occasions; was a handful when he last raced off this mark back in 2023 and he ought to make his presence felt on ground that will be no issue.

4/1

4th

1

(4)

7th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

15:50 Musselburgh

Jer Batt

10st 0lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Not that easy to win with (2-27 on turf) but is a C&D winner (good to soft) and has run creditably when third over C&D on last two starts (closely matched with Montezuma on last week's run); a possible

3/1

Form: 0332-4

Last run: 34 days

W: 8st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Prominent-racer who was a good third from a wide draw over C&D (good) last August and this lightly raced 4yo reappeared with a fair fourth at Dundalk (6f, AW); could built on that latest run and has the inside stall.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(6)

6th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:20 Navan

Fair Taxes

8st 7lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Battled well to beat Little Queenie (gave 13lb) over C&D in June and back to that level of form when just denied at Bellewstown last week after racing up with the pace; big player.

9/2

2nd

2

(9)

26th Aug 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 3y

18:55 Bellewstown

Fair Taxes

9st 11lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Battled well to win at Navan in June off 2lb higher, safely held twice since in bigger fields at the Curragh; down in grade so don't rule out though best efforts have been over stiffer tracks.

5/1

2

(18)

20th Jul 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

16:15 Curragh

Fair Taxes

10st 0lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Towards the rear in the Rockingham since winning a small-field contest at Navan, good 7lb claimer aboard.

12/1

20/1

Form: 000-07 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Two wins last term and he's back off his last winning mark; took a step back in the right direction at Ripon 12 days ago on second start of the season but he didn't show enough to suggest he's the one to be on today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

13

(10)

28th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Thirsk

Manila Scouse

9st 7lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Back to winning ways at Ayr (6f) in July but well below par both runs since and he failed to beat a rival in Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last time; needs to take a major step forward.

33/1

14th

10

(13)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Manila Scouse

8st 2lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

0-5 at Ripon but he has run well here; back near his best when seeing off 16 rivals at Ayr last month but a subsequent Hamilton run (5f) was underwhelming; still feasibly weighted despite being 1lb wrong but he is another who would make more appeal on a slower surface.

16/1

10th

10

(2)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 2

19:30 Hamilton

Manila Scouse

9st 1lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Running well this year, including close third to Vantheman over C&D in May, and he posted a deserved win in a big field at Ayr (6f, good) 26 days ago; raised 5lb but he was very competitive off similar marks in 2024.

9/1

20/1

Form: 3147-7 CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 8st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
The widest draw could make things tough but he's run some good races here and is just 2lb higher than when winning over C&D (good) last August; ran okay on recent comeback and could show the benefit of that outing here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(3)

1st Sep 2026

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 6

17:25 Lingfield (AW)

Balon DOr

9st 8lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Simon Dow

Made all and prevailed narrowly over C&D last time, opening his AW account at the 14th attempt; back up 3lb but has defied higher marks on turf; likely to remain competitive.

7/2

1st

6

(1)

18th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 6

17:52 Lingfield (AW)

Balon DOr

9st 7lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Simon Dow

3-37 with two of his wins coming at Chester; one of his better efforts since joining this yard when beaten just over 2l into fourth of ten over C&D a fortnight ago; worth considering from 7lb below his last winning mark.

11/2

4th

9

(9)

4th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 6

18:48 Lingfield (AW)

Balon DOr

9st 4lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Simon Dow

Step back in right direction when close fourth over 5f here but then trailed home last at Epsom; 3-36 overall and probably not the percentage call.

14/1

14/1

Form: 4259-6 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
0-12 last term and well beaten on his seasonal and stable debut at Beverley three weeks ago, but he shaped as though he may have needed the run and is on a competitive mark judged on a couple of second placings here last season; interesting contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

140

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Dickieburd

8st 3lb

T: Ivan Furtado

1

(3)

9th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 6

16:10 Catterick

Dickieburd

9st 13lb

J: Stevie Donohoe

T: Ivan Furtado

On a lengthy losing sequence and he came in last of six in 5f handicap at Thirsk 25 days ago; others appeal more.

6/1

6

(5)

15th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

18:35 Thirsk

Dickieburd

8st 12lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Ivan Furtado

Regressive 5yo who has been unplaced all six starts for new stable this year; seemed to respond well to first-time blinkers when fourth at Chester (5f, good) last month, having set a brisk pace, but was well below that form (albeit from a wider draw) there three weeks ago.

11/2

OUR TIP

8/1

Form: 3100-2 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Two wins last season and reappeared with neck second at Pontefract (5f, good) last month; has a fine record there whereas he's unproven at this track, and he could have been drawn better, but is not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(6)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:55 Goodwood

Dream Composer

9st 1lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Tony Carroll

Dual course winner who isn't too fussy about the ground; had a quiet spell for last trainer but has taken advantage of a handy mark for new yard this year, winning twice over 5f, and he looked to be still in form at Windsor (6f) 19 days ago; shouldn't be far away.

8/1

4th

13

(7)

10th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

19:15 Windsor

Dream Composer

8st 11lb

J: Myla Coppins

T: Tony Carroll

Multiple wins include two over 5f for new yard this year, the first under Myla Coppins and the second on this track; did win once over 6f back in 2022 but it's a long time since he played a part over this trip.

16/1

5th

2

(7)

1st Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

18:22 Epsom

Dream Composer

10st 4lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Tony Carroll

Hit the ground running for this yard, his Ripon win in April backed up by arguably unlucky fourth at Goodwood the following month; not beaten far in the Dash here next time and led on the line at Windsor (again 5f, good to firm) last Monday; 4lb penalty to overcome and his best has come at 5f, but he's still considered.

7/2

Form: 8302-3 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who was progressive on slow ground last season and reappeared with a creditable third at Beverley (5f, good) three weeks ago; unproven on fast ground; has a handy draw and could make a bold bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

(4)

3rd Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:49 Salisbury

Angel Shared

8st 13lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Steph Hollinshead

Justified favouritism at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) recently and remains well treated back up just 2lb; however, her last four wins have come at the same venue and she has something to prove on her first run here.

8/1

1st

5

(8)

21st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:10 Newmarket (July)

Angel Shared

9st 6lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Steph Hollinshead

Often leads and her last three wins have been over C&D, including in this race last year; finished down the field in last four runs but this is a drop back in grade and she's now 7lb lower than for her last success; one to keep an eye on.

8/1

9th

11

(14)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:55 Goodwood

Angel Shared

8st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Steph Hollinshead

Often leads; ran in a Listed race in May but underwhelming handicap efforts since on Newmarket's July course and she usually runs that track well; needs a revival and she's unraced here.

50/1

12th
4 (10)
Fair Wind

10/1

Form: 2141R- D BF

Last run: 282 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Comes with risk attached having refused to race at Goodwood last July when last seen; however, he was progressive previously last season with wins at Goodwood (5f, good) and Ascot (5f, good; hot race) and this unexposed 5yo could have plenty more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(8)

18th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 3

16:29 Wolverhampton (AW)

Fair Wind

9st 10lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Owen Burrows

Last summer's Ascot win (5f) not quite a distant memory but there has been little to cheer since, with poor starts (and a refusal to race) becoming a feature; can't be supported with confidence.

10/1

5th

6

(1)

1st Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

18:00 Kempton (AW)

Fair Wind

9st 5lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Owen Burrows

Looked a sprinter with a big future when winning a well-contested 5f handicap at Ascot last summer but he refused to race at Goodwood 17 days later and he's been well beaten in three runs this year, starting slowly at both Epsom and Ascot on his last two outings; this is his first start at 6f and given he has been headstrong, it isn't sure to suit; not short of ability but the risks are obvious.

20/1

16th

7

(2)

6th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:55 Ascot

Fair Wind

9st 6lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Owen Burrows

Up-and-coming sprinter in 2024, best form when beating a high-class rival over C&D (good; handles good to soft) last July; however, he refused to race later that month and hasn't been sighted in two runs this year; too talented to ignore but he's back from another break today.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £139.80
Straight Forecast £100.15
Tricast £1529.72
Trifecta £1613.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Fair Taxes

RP RATINGS:

Jer Batt

THE NORTH:

Roman Dragon

TOPSPEED:

Copper Knight

POSTDATA:

Rosenpur

Daily Record:

Dream Composer

The Times:

Fair Taxes

The Guardian:

Fair Taxes

Daily Mirror:

Fair Taxes

The Star:

Fair Taxes

Telegraph:

Jer Batt

The Sun:

Jer Batt

D Express:

Roman Dragon

Daily Mail:

Copper Knight