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

8th

2

(7)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:30 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 10lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Enhanced his excellent course record when narrowly landing a 5f handicap at the May meeting; stays 7f but rarely seen at the trip now; may prove vulnerable to stronger stayers.

11/2

1st

3

(3)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Chester specialist whose seven course wins include this race last year (off current mark under Oisin Murphy) and Listed event later in 2025; inconsistent elsewhere since but commands respect returned to the Roodee; favourably drawn.

3/1

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

2

(5)

8th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 4

15:40 Chester

Rosenpur

9st 7lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Jennie Candlish

Well suited by a left-hand turn, winning twice here over 5f last summer; promising seasonal return at Catterick (6f, good) but he wasn't in the same form at Musselburgh (5f, good) nine days ago; handy draw and he can't be discounted.

11/2

6th

1

(4)

29th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

15:15 Musselburgh

Rosenpur

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jennie Candlish

Five wins, all around a left-hand bend (5f-5.5f), in a productive 2025 campaign; his near miss on 6f Catterick reappearance (good) last Wednesday suggests he's unlikely to be long in opening his account for 2026; same mark today.

2/1

2nd

1

(2)

22nd Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

16:25 Catterick

Rosenpur

9st 9lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

Five wins, all around a left-hand bend (5f-5.5f; has form over much further), in a productive 2025 campaign; effective at this track and not impossibly treated returning from 170 days off; one to consider.

6/1

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

6th

6

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Thirsk

Copper Knight

9st 5lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Grand old veteran who can be forgiven his defeat in a Class 2 at York last time, having won at this level the time before at Beverley (2lb lower); had 119 races and yet this is his first visit here.

16/1

18th

18

(4)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:20 York

Copper Knight

8st 6lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

Hugely admirable 12yo whose seven York wins include this race in 2019 and 2021, and he built upon last month's reappearance second at Ripon (5f, good) to win at Beverley (5f, good to soft) ten days ago; however, there's a suspicion he may find a big-field Class 2 such as this too hot nowadays.

20/1

1st

4

(2)

4th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:15 Beverley

Copper Knight

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Legendary 12yo who has won 18 of his 117 races; fine second at Ripon on reappearance (5f, good), rain will help and although yet to win in four runs here, wouldn't rule him out.

13/2

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

3rd

2

(11)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Jer Batt

9st 8lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: David & Nicola Barron

Without a win since August 2024 but well treated on last year's best efforts and he shaped when seventh of 14 over C&D three weeks ago as though he'd be sharper for that comeback run; seems to like it here; on the shortlist.

7/1

7th

12

(9)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 2

15:42 Musselburgh

Jer Batt

8st 6lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: David & Nicola Barron

A losing sequence is mounting but he has a win and a third from just two attempts over C&D, and the latter was first time out last season; 7lb lower here and he's of obvious interest if cherry ripe after 161 days off (has had wind surgery); one of two very plausible candidates for the Barrons.

11/2

11

(5)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

13:30 Doncaster

Jer Batt

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: David & Nicola Barron

Close second in this race 12 months ago (Oisin Murphy on board) when rated 4lb higher; knocking at the door this season and the addition of cheekpieces could give him a lift; shortlisted.

11/2

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

2nd

14

(14)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Manila Scouse

8st 2lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

His last win came over C&D last July (good; off 1lb higher) and he stayed on for a close third at Hamilton (5f, good) a fortnight ago; could build on that latest performance now back up in trip; firmly in calculations.

10/1

3rd

10

(12)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

17:15 Hamilton

Manila Scouse

8st 13lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

May have needed his recent comeback from six months off at his age (cracked late on having raced prominently from a low stall over 6f round Chester); 2lb below his last successful mark and has won here before but David Allan has opted for Vince L'Amour.

12/1

7th

12

(2)

8th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 4

15:40 Chester

Manila Scouse

9st 5lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

On a competitive mark with a handy inside draw but he is returning from a seven month absence and his connections are also represented by Miraculous.

8/1

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

4th

3

(1)

4th Jun 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 6

17:40 Lingfield (AW)

Balon DOr

9st 7lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Simon Dow

Both handicap wins on turf at Chester (5f and 6f); no great shakes on this track for new yard since November but he's dropped 9lb in that time and there was the glimmer of a revival here last time when back from a break; not ruled out.

12/1

6th

1

(4)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 6

16:55 Lingfield (AW)

Balon DOr

9st 9lb

J: James Glennon

T: Simon Dow

Three turf wins at 5f and 6f, the latest off this mark in September; big prices and well held in four sprints here for new yard and, although this is a drop in grade, he may be best left until back on grass.

14/1

7th

7

(2)

24th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 5

13:43 Lingfield (AW)

Balon DOr

9st 4lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Simon Dow

Three turf wins but 0-9 on AW and he's been well held here (5f/6f) in all three runs for current yard; continues to drop down the weights but this is competitive and others are more convincing; reapplied cheekpieces replace blinkers.

25/1

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

4th

8

(7)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

17:27 Goodwood

Dream Composer

9st 3lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Tony Carroll

Regained the winning thread at Ripon (5f, good) on stable/seasonal debut when 5lb lower and rider took off 7lb; this seems a harder task but he remains well treated on peak form and is a dual winner at Goodwood; enters calculations.

9/2

1st

5

(1)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Ripon

Dream Composer

8st 10lb

J: Myla Coppins

T: Tony Carroll

Ten-time winner down the years for James Evans; drew a blank in 2025 but runner-up twice off marks in the 90s, including reappearance, so well treated starting out for Tony Carroll (same owners); interesting to see what the betting makes of him.

14/1

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

13th

1

(9)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:55 Haydock

Angel Shared

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Steph Hollinshead

Completed 6f Newmarket handicap hat-trick last summer (good to firm); kept on well for fifth of 14 in Listed race at Bath (5f, good) last month and close third in handicap there (5f, good) latest; has run well on heavy ground here; improvement needed but the return to 6f can suit; not ruled out.

33/1

3rd

7

(4)

4th May 2026

Firm

0m 5f 10y

Class 3

14:50 Bath

Angel Shared

9st 3lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Steph Hollinshead

Prominent racer; C&D winner who completed a Newmarket hat-trick last summer (6f, good to firm); it wasn't a vintage Listed event in which she kept on well for fifth here four weeks ago but her mark has been left unchanged and another good run should be forthcoming.

6/1

5th

2

(6)

5th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 1

15:10 Bath

Angel Shared

9st 9lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Steph Hollinshead

Tough front-running handicapper but nothing in her form to think she was the answer to today's puzzle.

66/1

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