May 08 / 16.10 Chester

16.10

Good

Halliwell Jones Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £15462
  • 1m 2f 70y
  • Class 3
  • 14 runners
SKY
View Course
Halliwell Jones Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 23074- D

Last run: 199 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Returned from an absence with two good placed efforts on soft (including C&D off 6lb higher) at the end of last summer; not in the same form in the autumn (6.5l fourth to Austrian Theory final start) but capable fresh so no surprise were he to bounce back to form from a reduced mark; has been gelded.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(11)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Paddy The Squire

9st 10lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Iain Jardine

Short-headed on 2024 reappearance and won it last year; thrived last season when winning three races and not far away in the other three, including at this track; highly respected for that campaign, and first-time-out record, but the handicapper reacted and he now needs to resume improvement.

10/1

5th

3

(9)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

15:00 Haydock

Paddy The Squire

9st 8lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

5yo who has thrived this season and made it two 1m4f wins in a row when powering ahead at Hamilton (good to firm) a fortnight ago; also effective here (and on soft ground) and has hinted he could be even better now tackling 1m6f for the first time; trainer won this in 2015 and 2017; player.

15/2

2

(2)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:35 Hamilton

Paddy The Squire

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Won on reappearance at Chester (1m2f, good) in May before being placed in two competitive handicaps, then back to winning ways at Thirsk (1m4f, good to firm) a fortnight ago; hit with 9lb rise for last time but this thriving 5yo had 5l to spare and could play a leading role once more.

3/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 2410-2 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Got his head back in front at Pontefract (1m2f, soft) last autumn and made a solid return to action when second of 12 at Redcar (1m, good) to a George Boughey improver who was runner-up in a warm race at Newmarket over the weekend; the return to 1m2f will suit and he should go well assuming stall 12 isn't too troublesome.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(1)

28th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 3

15:40 Ripon

Austrian Theory

8st 10lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

On a losing run and went backwards from C&D reappearance fifth to Spioradalta when well held at Hamilton a fortnight ago; on a career-low mark but need to see more.

14/1

9th

3

(7)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 35y

Class 4

19:50 Hamilton

Austrian Theory

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Tim Easterby

On a losing run but he wasn't disgraced on his reappearance when fifth of ten in 1m2f Ripon handicap 29 days ago; this course winner can't be ruled out.

13/2

OUR TIP

3/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 1488-0 CD

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Won over the extended 1m4f at this meeting (good) last year before scoring over this trip back here (good to soft) at the end of May; progress has stalled since his fine fourth of 19 in the King George Handicap at Royal Ascot last summer but it's probable his reappearance in a warm handicap at the Doncaster Lincoln meeting was needed; on a good mark if a return to Chester sees him recapture his best form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

16:10 Perth

Fouroneohfever

12st 0lb

J: Elliott England

T: Ben Pauling

Useful handicapper on the Flat for George Boughey; off the mark on fourth hurdle start when taking Ludlow handicap in good style last time; drying ground suits; should go well despite 9lb rise.

9/4

1st

1

19th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

15:20 Ludlow

Fouroneohfever

12st 0lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

Four wins for George Boughey at 1m2f/1m4f and useful in that scene; wouldn't have won but displayed some ability until falling at Sandown on hurdles debut in January; also offered something to work on in two starts the following month; Flat form makes this opening hurdle mark look dangerous.

6/5

4th

2

17th Feb 2026

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

14:45 Newbury

Fouroneohfever

11st 8lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

Four wins for George Boughey at 1m2f/1m4f and useful in that scene (effective on soft); wouldn't have won when falling at Sandown and then no match for a dark horse at Southwell; highly likely that he'll need more here.

10/1

Form: /77/46

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
1m1f turf winner for Joesph O'Brien as a 3yo; has shown he retains ability in two AW outings since returning from an absence without doing enough to think he can win a competitive handicap such as this back on the grass.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 41121- D

Last run: 184 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Improved when cheekpieces went on last year, winning three of his last four starts (all 1m2f on going ranging from good to firm to soft); has the potential for better again in 2025 and he's a player if ready to roll after six months off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 4

14:58 Sedgefield

Liberty Coach

11st 5lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: John & Sean Quinn

Useful Flat racer who kept on for third over hurdles at Wetherby (2m, soft) in December; well beaten twice since but had excuses last time (heavy ground; finished lame) and will be dangerous here if back on song; cheekpieces left off this time.

7/2

6

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

14:30 Kelso

Liberty Coach

11st 7lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: John & Sean Quinn

Two heavy defeats among his three hurdle starts but in between he caught the eye keeping on for third at Wetherby (2m, soft); has potential off opening jumps mark in view of his useful Flat form, and his four wins in that code came in cheekpieces which he wears over hurdles for the first time.

9/2

6th

9

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 3

13:45 Doncaster

Liberty Coach

11st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: John & Sean Quinn

Useful, four-time Flat winner who made eyecatching late headway into third at Wetherby (2m, soft) last month on his second hurdle start, beaten about 6l by Minstrel Knight who now carries a 6lb penalty; open to further improvement in this code and he's one to be interested in.

8/1

Form: 3534-0

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
In decent form for new yard last autumn, including third to Liberty Coach at Redcar, but his Doncaster reappearance in March was disappointing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(1)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 2

16:30 Redcar

Deboras Dream

9st 6lb

J: William Pyle

T: Jennie Candlish

Right back to form under William Pyle on his last two starts, finishing second to Double Parked over C&D before winning over 1m2f here 18 days ago; handles good to firm and soft ground and should be thereabouts.

11/2

1st

4

(6)

16th Sep 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 4

17:05 Redcar

Deboras Dream

9st 9lb

J: William Pyle

T: Jennie Candlish

His last win was 14 months ago but he responded well to cheekpieces when going close off a reduced mark here (1m, good to firm) last month; kept on well in that race and he's respected off only 1lb higher on this step back up in trip.

11/2

1

(4)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 219y

Class 4

19:00 Redcar

Deboras Dream

9st 12lb

J: William Pyle

T: Jennie Candlish

Slipped down the weights and he wasn't beaten far in a Class 4 at Windsor six weeks ago; tongue-tie worn there now left off and new cheekpieces are deployed; one to consider.

8/1

7/1

Form: 4-0885 CD

Last run: 63 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
No more than respectable efforts in Bahrain earlier this year but returns to Britain off 8lb lower than when narrowly denied at this meeting last year; has a very good overall Chester record (four wins and three seconds from eight visits) and likely to go well if Oisin Murphy can manoeuvre this usual prominent racer into a good position from a wide stall.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(4)

13th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Box To Box

9st 9lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Hugo Palmer

Has record of 4-10 at Chester and he won this race in 2023; no joy in Bahrain last winter and has mixed record since returned to Britain but he won at Haydock (1m2f, good) in June and was only just caught at Chelmsford last time; remains feasibly treated on his best form and he's respected back at this track.

4/1

8

(2)

7th Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Box To Box

8st 11lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Hugo Palmer

Ended a long losing run when scoring off a reduced mark at Haydock (1m2f, good) in June but he dropped right out in his follow-up bid there two weeks later; now drops back in trip but he's not easy to predict and has had only three AW runs in his 42-race career; others preferred.

13/2

12th

9

(16)

5th Jul 2025

Good

1m 3f 175y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

Box To Box

8st 10lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Hugo Palmer

Snapped a long losing run and capitalised on a reduced mark over 10.4f here (good) a fortnight ago; enjoyed the run of the race in front and it might be the case this longer trip stretches him nowadays, but he did it nicely last time and remains well treated on old form back up 6lb; not discounted.

20/1

Form: 2-6330 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Some creditable efforts on AW this winter and can probably be forgiven his effort in a hot Newcastle race on Good Friday; this course scorer is contesting this race for the third year running, finishing fourth in 2023 and seventh last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(7)

28th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

15:30 Epsom

Dream Harder

10st 2lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Good second off this mark in better race over C&D on Derby day, having scored at Chester the time before; not in the same form since and suffered a heavy defeat last Sunday.

16/1

4

(11)

21st Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 4f 14y

Class 3

17:40 Southwell (AW)

Dream Harder

9st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Has only won over 1m4f at Chester in his last 26 starts; feasibly handicapped but he hasn't threatened in last four runs and others are more persuasive; 0-2 here.

11/1

Form: 111286

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Six AW wins since December, including a four-timer in February/March after the cheekpieces went on, but defeats the last twice suggest the handicapper may have finally caught up; comfortably held on all four turf starts, albeit for his previous yard at the start of his career.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(2)

31st May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

15:55 Chester

Paradoxical

9st 5lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

Six AW wins since December, including a four-timer in February/March after the cheekpieces went on; four defeats have followed but he was staying on again when hampered in the closing stages over the extended 1m2f here last time, suggesting this return to a longer trip may suit.

20/1

Form: 5-1115 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Better than ever with an AW hat-trick this year; also a creditable fifth of 14 off this career-high mark at Lingfield on Good Friday but there are doubts as to whether he's quite as good on turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

4th

4

(5)

10th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

15:48 Lingfield (AW)

Arcadian Nights

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

Best known as a Wolverhampton specialist (six wins), but is 2-5 over C&D and the middle leg of his hat-trick early last year included this race off 3lb lower; interesting.

7/1

10th

4

(7)

28th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 17y

Class 3

16:05 Epsom

Arcadian Nights

9st 8lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Mark Loughnane

Has a much better stirke-rate on AW than on turf; form dipped back in this sphere when last seen; on a difficult mark and isn't the percentage call.

25/1

20/1

Form: 7-2226

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Runner-up three times over 6f/7f on AW this year but not so good when sixth at Southwell (7f) 11 days ago; steps up significantly in trip back on turf; Fouroneohfever looks the more obvious of the yard's pair.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(4)

1st Jun 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

21:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Giorgio M

9st 8lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Mark Loughnane

Three wins, and most racing, come over 7f, including when making all on his second start for this yard on Polytrack off 6lb higher in the winter; not at his best lately and, while well drawn, may not get his own way as he likes back down in trip.

16/1

7th

6

(7)

20th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 5

20:10 Yarmouth

Giorgio M

9st 6lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

Made all to win a 7f AW handicap at Lingfield in December, his second start for Mark Loughnane; in and out since that success but no doubt he is handicapped to go well and he has run well over C&D in the past (including finishing second in this race year off 4lb higher); one to consider with Billy Loughnane back in the saddle.

8/1

7th

2

(2)

29th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 5

15:50 Musselburgh

Giorgio M

9st 7lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Mark Loughnane

Made all in 7f handicap at Lingfield off 2lb higher in December; some fair efforts in defeat since, including fourth of 11 at Wolverhampton (7f) four weeks ago; this former C&D scorer is handily drawn for a prominent racer; reasons to be positive with Jack Nicholls taking 5lb off.

7/1

18/1

Form: 790/9- D

Last run: 356 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Three wins (one AW, two turf) for Mikel Delzangles in France but weakened to finish ninth of 14 on 1m2f Newbury yard debut last May and off since; drawn widest; best watched unless the betting strongly hints otherwise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(3)

19th Jun 2025

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Chelmsford (AW)

Valiabad

9st 3lb

J: Owen Lewis

T: Owen Burrows

Three wins in France in 2022 but he's only had two runs for this yard in the best part of two years and has finished in rear in both of them; would be a surprise winner.

16/1

Form: 1517-9 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Six wins from 13 starts but stopped quickly when last of nine on 1m2f Pontefract reappearance 24 days ago; can only really watch after that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(9)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

14:55 Ascot

Siempre Arturo

9st 9lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

The winner of eight of his 22 starts, the latest success coming at Kempton (1m4f) off a 2lb lower mark; ended 2025 with a couple of lesser runs and might be best watched on return.

33/1

6th

1

(3)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 3

16:30 Newcastle (AW)

Siempre Arturo

10st 4lb

J: Nicola Currie

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Has gone 2-2 in the cheekpieces, nicely on top late on at Windsor and Kempton (1m4f); two 5lb rises asks a question of him but something seems to have clicked.

5/1

3

(8)

6th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

16:50 Kempton (AW)

Siempre Arturo

9st 6lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Overall record is 7-18; took well to first-time cheekpieces at Windsor (11.5f) most recently and may have more to offer in the retained headgear; effective on AW.

11/2

Form: 0-8093 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Won four times on AW between February and July last year; largely struggled since but took a step back in the right direction with cheekpieces added (retained) when third of ten at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 38 days ago; 0-4 on turf but has a lower mark in this sphere and was a respectable fifth over C&D at this meeting last year; Ryan Moore booked.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(4)

23rd Sep 2025

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 4

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Wadacre Gomez

9st 7lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Charlie Johnston

Fine on Tapeta but has done most winning round Chelmsford, always over 1m2f; generally consistent in recent times, without looking quite as good, and has to prove his stamina going beyond 1m4f for the first time; the usual headgear comes off.

10/1

1

(4)

21st Aug 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Lingfield (AW)

Wadacre Gomez

10st 2lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Charlie Johnston

Much more exposed than some of these and usually runs over 1m2f but gave pretty good account when fourth in valuable Chelmsford handicap (1m2f) a fortnight and is 1lb lower here; could have a say.

4/1

9

(5)

7th Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Wadacre Gomez

8st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Charlie Johnston

Formerly a front-runner but more often held up these days; finished a 4l seventh at Wolverhampton in last two starts but he's 5-9 at Chelmsford and was runner-up over C&D in June; has possibilities back at this track and he needs a close look with Hollie Doyle booked.

9/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £38.00
Straight Forecast £36.32
Tricast £129.66
Trifecta £177.50

Selections

The Guardian:

Liberty Coach

RP RATINGS:

Box To Box

SPOTLIGHT:

Fouroneohfever

POSTDATA:

Austrian Theory

TOPSPEED:

Paddy The Squire

D Express:

Liberty Coach

Daily Mirror:

Liberty Coach

Daily Record:

Liberty Coach

NEWMARKET:

Fouroneohfever

Daily Mail:

Fouroneohfever

The Times:

Box To Box

Telegraph:

Box To Box

The Star:

Box To Box

The Sun:

Austrian Theory