15.05
GoodLadbrokes Chester Cup (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPus Race)
- Prize money: £86632
- 2m 2f 140y
- Class 2
- 15 runners
Runners: 15 runners
Type: Flat Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Partly cloudy
7/2 (Won)
- Win: £3.25
- Place: £1.40
Form: 04314-
Last run: 238 days
W: 8st 8lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 89
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 (6) |
25th Sep 2025 Good 2m 0f 0y Class 1 |
9st 5lb |
One of the top juvenile hurdlers last season and he justified warm favouritism when returned to the Flat for the Chester Cup (2m2f) in May; respectable efforts off 8lb higher when sixth of 20 in the Ascot Stakes and Northumberland Plate in June; freshened up since; needs improvement to win at this level. |
5/1 |
|
6th 4 (14) |
28th Jun 2025 Standard 2m 0f 56y Class 2 |
9st 4lb |
One of the top juvenile hurdlers last season and he justified warm favouritism when returned to the Flat for the Chester Cup (2m2f) in May; sixth off this 8lb higher mark at Royal Ascot (2m4f) was right up with that form and he's a player if this AW surface (sole race on one was as 2yo, finished last) proves suitable. |
6/1 |
|
6th 7 (18) |
17th Jun 2025 Good 2m 3f 210y Class 2 |
9st 8lb |
One of the top juvenile hurdlers last season and he justified warm favouritism when returned to the Flat in 15-runner Chester Cup (2m2f, good) over five weeks ago, never far away before strength of stamina took him to the front inside the final 1f; below-form outsider last April/June on his only two starts on good to firm (one at this meeting); up 8lb since Chester but may well be capable of another advance if the ground is okay. |
9/2 |
6/1
- Place: £2.20
Form: 11-111
Last run: 12 days
W: 8st 7lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 85
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11th 3 (11) |
18th Jun 2026 Good To Firm 2m 3f 210y Class 1 |
9st 4lb |
Huge improver last term, including second in the 1m6f handicap at this meeting and winning two Group events in the autumn, notably the Group 1 Cadran at Longchamp (2m4f, very soft); every bit as good this season, as he gave Sweet William 2lb when short-headed here (2m, good to firm) and followed that with a narrow Group 1 win at Longchamp; today's company demands a bit more but the thorough test of stamina will suit and he's one to take seriously. |
10/1 |
|
2nd 1 (7) |
1st May 2026 Good To Firm 1m 7f 209y Class 1 |
9st 11lb |
Much improved last year, best effort to land the Group 1 Cadran at Longchamp (2m4f, soft) in October; close second in the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan (2m, good) was a fine start to this campaign and his run on good to firm at Royal Ascot last June, although subsequently eclipsed, looked excellent at the time; needs respect but concedes weight all round. |
7/2 |
|
8th 4 (12) |
6th Sep 2025 Good 1m 6f 1y Class 2 |
9st 6lb |
Highly progressive and prolific over the last 12 months or so, winning here (2m, good) in May before fine second of 16 in the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot (1m6f, good to firm); he may be okay on slow ground; could play a leading role if at the top of his game after 81 days off. |
6/1 |
10/1
- Place: £3.50
Form: 00940- CD
Last run: 222 days
W: 8st 11lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 91
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 (10) |
13th Sep 2025 Good 1m 7f 196y Class 2 |
9st 2lb |
Second, first and third in the last three Chester Cups; he didn't quite reproduce that form in the 2023 or 2024 campaigns, however, and tailed off at Royal Ascot on first attempt this season; comfortably held in fourth in this race last year; this does not look the time to catch him. |
7/1 |
|
19th 11 (8) |
17th Jun 2025 Good 2m 3f 210y Class 2 |
9st 6lb |
Second, first and third in the last three Chester Cups and not far away in this race two years ago; back up 3lb since latest Chester Cup, however, and he didn't quite reproduce the Chester form in either the 2023 or 2024 campaigns. |
20/1 |
|
3rd 8 (4) |
9th May 2025 Good 2m 2f 140y Class 2 |
8st 11lb |
led narrowly, headed after 1f, soon prominent on inner, no extra final 110yds |
10/1 |
4/1
Form: 8/13-1
Last run: 41 days
W: 8st 10lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 91
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 3 (4) |
19th Jun 2026 Good To Yielding 1m 4f 70y |
9st 12lb |
Fourth in Chester Cup and Ascot Stakes last season; won four-runner St Leger Trial at the Curragh in August; failed to do himself justice when tailed off in Irish St Leger; made late progress into fourth behind Scandinavia at Navan on return; ran to a similar level when fourth of six in Group 3 Saval Beg at Leopardstown; should be sharper now. |
12/1 |
|
4th 2 (4) |
15th May 2026 Good 1m 6f 0y |
9st 8lb |
Fourth in Chester Cup and Ascot Stakes last season, won a four-runner St Leger Trial at the Curragh in August, readily brushing aside front-running Dallas Star; failed to do himself justice when tailed off in the Irish St Leger, made late progress into fourth behind Scandinavia at Navan on return; should be sharper now and may reverse form with runner-up Dallas Star. |
8/1 |
|
4th 3 (3) |
25th Apr 2026 Yielding 1m 6f 0y |
9st 8lb |
Stepped outside of handicap company (fourth in Chester Cup and in Ascot Stakes) to win a four-runner St Leger Trial at the Curragh last August, readily brushing aside front-running Dallas Star in the final furlong; faced a very stiff task but ran no sort of race when tailed off in the Irish St Leger. |
14/1 |
11/2
Form: 4215-2 C
Last run: 41 days
W: 8st 12lb
4 yo Gelding
OR: 93
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 6 |
9th Jun 2026 Good 2m 4f 88y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
Useful Flat racer who made the frame on four of his five hurdling starts for Donald McCain last season, most notably when third in valuable series final at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft) in March; well beaten in good-quality Flat handicap last month but ought to play a significant role in this. |
5/2 |
|
15th 4 (17) |
8th May 2026 Good 2m 2f 140y Class 2 |
9st 10lb |
9-1 when fifth in the Chester Cup last year for Andrew Balding, which is as good as he's ever been on Flat; 7lb lower today, having been right off the boil for that yard later in 2025; recent hurdle efforts for new stable aren't enough to persuade, especially given such a wide draw. |
33/1 |
|
2nd 5 |
1st Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 188y Class 4 |
11st 5lb |
A useful winning stayer on the Flat for Andrew Balding; yet to match that form in this sphere but he posted his best effort when third of ten in 2m4f handicap at Musselburgh 12 days ago; not out of things on this stiffer track. |
5/2 |
12/1
Form: 2360-6 CD
Last run: 20 days
W: 8st 10lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 90
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 2 |
21st Jul 2025 Good 2m 1f 46y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
Useful Flat stayer who has made the frame on all three hurdling starts; left behind by wide-margin winner when second here (2m6f, soft) last month but that was still a good effort and he's a contender over this shorter trip. |
5/1 |
|
5 |
27th Jun 2025 Good 2m 6f 31y Class 4 |
11st 4lb |
Useful Flat performer and was running okay (beaten 5l in the Chester Cup) until below par last time with a visor back on (now discarded); two respectable efforts over hurdles last year, notably when second in an Aintree maiden; every chance; has no clear ground preferences. |
7/4 |
|
4 (7) |
24th May 2025 Good To Firm 2m 0f 46y Class 2 |
8st 13lb |
Often ridden by Zak Wheatley; slow starts have been interfering with what used to be a front-running role; best known for exploits at Chester, admittedly last winning any race in July 2023; ran creditably off this mark in good handicaps both starts this term, sixth in the Chester Cup last time, but he was third in this race last year and may come up a bit short once again. |
4/1 |
16/1
Form: 8110-5 C
Last run: 28 days
W: 8st 10lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 90
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
19th 5 (1) |
27th Jun 2026 Standard To Slow 2m 0f 56y Class 2 |
9st 4lb |
Beat Dancing In Paris by a neck to win this race last year off 6lb lower; also won at Chester in September and two of his three starts this term have been creditable, so he's in the each-way picture. |
14/1 |
|
10th 5 (10) |
8th May 2026 Good 2m 2f 140y Class 2 |
9st 1lb |
One of three for the yard; won the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW) last June and has a 4-7 record at Chester, although his two performances in this race were muted (from double-figure draws); reappearance six weeks ago matched his best 2025 form but a bit extra will be needed. |
14/1 |
|
3rd 3 (4) |
28th Mar 2026 Standard To Slow 1m 7f 218y Class 2 |
9st 13lb |
Won the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, Tapeta) last June and bagged a second valuable 2m handicap success of the year at Chester in September; however, disappointing in this race in 2024 on his only race at Kempton and this stage of the season may not be the time to catch him. |
7/1 |
50/1
Form: 54/59-
Last run: 209 days
W: 8st 2lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 82
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 5 |
10th Jul 2026 Good 2m 4f 0y Class 5 |
11st 8lb |
Without a win since 2023 and was out of form when last seen over hurdles in the autumn; this year's Flat form has been fairly respectable but he's on the downgrade and makes only limited appeal back in this sphere. |
14/1 |
|
4th 4 (6) |
17th Apr 2026 Good To Firm 2m 1f 24y Class 5 |
9st 2lb |
Veteran who hasn't won since 2023 but he's been in fair form on AW this spring including when fourth on Polytrack (2m) in his last two starts; should be in the mix again but he needs to find more to make a big impact; cheekpieces are removed and blinkers return. |
9/2 |
|
4th 4 (1) |
6th Apr 2026 Standard To Slow 1m 7f 218y Class 5 |
9st 12lb |
Veteran who hasn't won since 2023; expensive to follow in recent times but he arrives in form and this is a touch easier again off a career-low mark; can't be left out of calculations. |
4/1 |
12/1
Form: 580-23
Last run: 9 days
W: 9st 7lb
7 yo Filly
OR: 101
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 4 (5) |
20th Oct 2025 Good 2m 2f 2y Class 2 |
9st 1lb |
0-6 this year but has often run really well, finishing second at Goodwood (2m, heavy) last month and fourth of 22 in the Cesarewitch (2m2f, good to firm) nine days ago; she's a leading candidate today. |
2/5 |
|
2 (4) |
11th Oct 2025 Good 2m 2f 0y Class 2 |
9st 5lb |
No win this year but she's run with credit every time except for in the Chester Cup; serious traffic problems when fifth of 20 off today's mark at Royal Ascot (2m4f, good to firm) on penultimate start; each-way player. |
12/1 |
|
1 (2) |
2nd Sep 2025 Soft 2m 0f 0y Class 2 |
10st 2lb |
Perhaps handicapped about right but was bang there in the 2m4f Ascot Stakes (good to firm) when last seen in June and today's softer surface will be welcomed; good chance. |
9/4 |
9/1
Form: 7233-1
Last run: 76 days
W: 8st 12lb
4 yo Colt
OR: 93
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
14th 12 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 1 |
11st 6lb |
Has performed well in several notable handicaps, including a strong success at Windsor (2m; beat the subsequent County winner) in January and good second at the Cheltenham Festival (upped to 2m4f, soft) last time; solid contender who looks set for another big run. |
13/2 |
|
2nd 23 |
13th Mar 2026 Good 2m 4f 56y Class 2 |
11st 1lb |
Fairly useful hurdler at about 2m and ran creditably (lost two places close home; finished fourth) in the Fred Winter at this meeting 12 months ago; bagged a valuable pot at Windsor (soft) in January but form dipped last time; goes into unknown territory over this longer distance. |
33/1 |
|
6 |
28th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 2m 0f 51y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
5yo who races prominently and has been progressive this season in some competitive handicaps, finishing second at Ascot (1m7f, good to soft) in December and winning at Windsor (2m, soft) last month; up 5lb for last time but he did it nicely and could continue to improve; respected. |
8/1 |
66/1
Form: 5250-3
Last run: 66 days
W: 8st 10lb
5 yo Colt
OR: 90
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 6 (4) |
11th Jul 2026 Good 1m 6f 87y Class 4 |
9st 1lb |
Dual-purpose performer but his last Flat win was in December 2023; some creditable efforts off a falling mark on AW (2m) and turf (1m6f) this season but he was tailed off at Newbury last time and needs to bounce back after that; cheekpieces are removed and visor returns. |
10/1 |
|
6th 7 (2) |
1st Jun 2026 Good To Firm 2m 0f 0y Class 4 |
8st 12lb |
Third in his last three starts, but may not have achieved that much and remains without a win on the Flat since the end of 2023; others more compelling. |
9/1 |
|
3rd 5 (4) |
22nd May 2026 Good To Soft 2m 1f 27y Class 4 |
8st 10lb |
Comes here on the back of two third-place finishes but the latest was behind Trojan Soldier and there is no obvious reason why the placings would be reversed. |
10/1 |
20/1
Form: 311-43
Last run: 12 days
W: 9st 2lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 96
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 2 (1) |
11th Jul 2026 Good To Firm 1m 5f 188y Class 1 |
9st 0lb |
Eight AW wins, two last winter in 2m handicaps; however, he failed to beat a rival in Group 3 at Sandown (2m, good) on turf return, has tons to prove on turf record (0-5) and even best AW form does not look good enough. |
25/1 |
|
7th 4 (8) |
28th May 2026 Good 2m 0f 50y Class 1 |
9st 4lb |
Progressive on AW in the winter with 2m handicap wins at Kempton and Newcastle; however, only fifth of 12 at Newcastle (2m) last month and the suitability of turf is questionable. |
40/1 |
25/1
Form: 31-125
Last run: 12 days
W: 8st 12lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
19th Jul 2026 Good To Firm 2m 6f 7y Class 4 |
11st 5lb |
Not at best on the Flat this year (albeit still capable of useful form) and managed only fourth of six when warm favourite for latest hurdle race, at Worcester (2m, good) in May; that said, he's a stout stayer on the Flat and could have untapped potential over this new trip over jumps. |
9/4 |
|
11th 1 (12) |
27th Jun 2026 Standard To Slow 2m 0f 56y Class 2 |
9st 12lb |
Not in peak form (hurdles or Flat) from last August onwards but it's not forgotten that he was third in the Plate itself last year off 3lb higher. |
22/1 |
|
4th 4 |
28th May 2026 Good 2m 0f 0y Class 4 |
11st 13lb |
Dual hurdle winner who is 0-4 in handicaps; however, he should be on a fair mark given the level of his Flat ability and he ran quite well in a valuable Newmarket handicap at the Guineas meeting; player. |
9/4 |
20/1
Form: 3561-6
Last run: 47 days
W: 9st 9lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 103
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 1 (9) |
28th Jun 2026 Good To Firm 1m 4f 0y |
10st 0lb |
Smart dual-purpose performer but on losing run since November 2024; excellent second in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket last October but well below best in three runs this term and this trip looks far too sharp; others appeal more. |
18/1 |
|
7th 2 (4) |
3rd Jun 2026 Good 1m 6f 0y |
9st 9lb |
No wins last season but strong form in defeat in big staying handicaps; fourth in the amateur handicap at Galway, fifth in the Irish Cesarewitch and signed off with a fine second in the Cesarewitch; recent run here was over an inadequate trip, more expected of here and seemingly McMonagle's pick. |
10/1 |
|
12th 1 (7) |
23rd May 2026 Good To Yielding 1m 2f 0y |
10st 1lb |
No wins last season but strong form in defeat in big staying handicaps; fourth in the amateur handicap at Galway, fifth in the Irish Cesarewitch and signed off with a fine second in the Cesarewitch; runs over an inadequate trip here on second start of the season. |
16/1 |
33/1
Form: 1/442- BF
Last run: 356 days
W: 8st 3lb
4 yo Filly
OR: 84
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11th 5 (5) |
19th Sep 2024 Good 1m 0f 0y |
9st 2lb |
Was slowly away and never got involved in a barrier trial at Leopardstown last month; half-sister to Group 1 winner and likely to do better at some stage but possibly best watched at present. |
20/1 |
Non-runners
Chemistry, Liam Swagger
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £21.50 |
| Straight Forecast | £14.55 |
| Tricast | £151.74 |
| Trifecta | £241.30 |