May 31 / 14.10 Chester

14.10

Good To Soft

Ladbrokes Handicap

  • Prize money: £25770
  • 0m 7f 1y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
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Ladbrokes Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: -62607 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Respectable seventh of 17 in the Victoria Cup three weeks ago (good to firm); former Group 2 winner so deserves this high a mark and last season ended with a third of 20 off 4lb higher at Ascot (1m, soft); goes on all ground and has form here, so one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

(4)

4th Sep 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:48 Ascot

Witch Hunter

9st 4lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Course winner who struck at Thirsk (1m, good) last month and is just 1lb higher today; however, this 7yo has had a patchy profile this season and has finished unplaced on his last two starts.

25/1

6th

3

(4)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:35 Newbury

Witch Hunter

9st 10lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Richard Hannon

Hard to predict; followed six duck eggs with a last-gasp win at Thirsk (1m, good) two weeks ago, only to run poorly again at Haydock last week; just 2lb higher than for the win but can't be relied on.

14/1

10th

2

(1)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 212y

Class 3

16:40 Haydock

Witch Hunter

10st 2lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Richard Hannon

Followed six duck eggs with a last-gasp win at Thirsk (1m, good) last Saturday under Seamus Cronin, capitalising on some leniency from the handicapper; nudged back up only 2lb; has possibilities if on another going day.

9/1

OUR TIP

Form: 33120- CD BF

Last run: 223 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Won her maiden over C&D and added a 1m soft-ground handicap at Ascot in the autumn; now 17lb higher having since gone close in a small-field Listed race at Newmarket; possibly on a tough mark but may improve again at four.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(4)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

13:15 Ascot

Fair Point

9st 2lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Ralph Beckett

Listed runner-up at Newmarket (1m, heavy) last September and Chelmsford (7f, AW) this July; however, she now needs to shrug off poor runs in Group 3s at Sandown and Goodwood in recent months; blinkered for the first time.

20/1

14th

7

(19)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 1

16:10 Doncaster

Fair Point

9st 4lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Ralph Beckett

Listed runner-up at Newmarket (1m, heavy) last September and Chelmsford (7f, AW) this July; however, well beaten in Group 3 at Sandown (1m, soft) recently and her claims aren't compelling on the back of that.

25/1

3

(7)

30th Aug 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:25 Sandown

Fair Point

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Chelmsford (7f, AW) at the beginning of July on latest outing saw her fill the runner-up spot at Listed level for a second time, but there's more on her plate in this competitive Group 3.

20/1

Form: 16720- C BF

Last run: 239 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Disappointed on final run for Sir Michael Stoute and since gelded; strong form otherwise last season, including a course win over slightly further; returns on a competitive mark and conditions will be fine; much respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(4)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Newbury

Never So Brave

9st 8lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

7f wins include the Group 1 City Of York Stakes last summer; not quite at his best this year, although a sixth in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood last month (80-1) was no disgrace; back down in grade and returns to his optimum distance so should be thereabouts.

3/1

6th

3

(2)

29th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

16:10 Goodwood

Never So Brave

9st 10lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Proved somewhat resurgent with second-place finish behind Qirat over 7f at York last time, the C&D of his Group 1 success last August; however, faces a stiffer assignment back up in trip/class and possibly isn't crying out for this return to 1m, despite being a distance winner.

50/1

2nd

3

(5)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:58 York

Never So Brave

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Smart performer; completed a notable hat-trick (on good to firm ground) last summer, culminating in Group 1 honours over C&D; avoids a penalty for that success and holds a leading chance assuming he's back in similar form; best to forgive Epsom Group 3 effort last time (unsuited by the way the race unfolded).

4/5

Form: 1749-9 CD

Last run: 149 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Has been on his travels since last run in Britain when close up in the Group 2 Celebration Mile in August 2023 for Andrew Balding; one win from seven subsequent starts for another yard, a 1m race on very soft ground in France last summer; drawn wide here debut for Hamad Al Jehani and jockey has no experience of Chester.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(7)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Goodwood

Holguin

9st 6lb

J: James Doyle

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Came up short (fourth of six) in this race three years ago and record suggests he's best suited by Listed level; latest effort, in a Chester contest that he'd won twice previously, confirms as much.

16/1

3rd

1

(8)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 1

15:52 Chester

Holguin

9st 7lb

J: Faleh Bughenaim

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Won this race in 2023 and 2025, posting a personal best when narrowly beating Witness Stand in the latter; didn't shine back from a lengthy absence at Haydock in May, but he shaped as though he needed that run and has leading claims if he can get back near his best here; key player in his bid to make it 3-4 at Chester.

9/2

6th

5

(9)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 1

15:40 Haydock

Holguin

9st 10lb

J: Faleh Bughenaim

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Won the same Listed event at Chester in 2023 (soft) and 2025 (good), posting a personal best in latter; not seen since but he has plenty of form when fresh and cannot be ruled out.

4/1

Form: 0818-7 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Last season he won 7f handicaps on good to soft and soft, the latest by a narrow margin off 4lb higher; returned from quite an absence at Newcastle 20 days ago where he found some bother in running over an inadequate 6f; can do better this time, for all that he finished well behind on his previous visit here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(8)

24th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:35 Newbury

Telemark

9st 12lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Well suited by slow ground; attractively handicapped and his last two runs have both been promising, meeting trouble before finishing off strongly at Newcastle last month; high on the list.

4/1

4th

9

(10)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Telemark

9st 6lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

1lb lower than for his Doncaster win 12 months ago (7f, soft); several creditable runs in handicaps this season but he will need to pull out a bit more if he's to come out on top.

12/1

8

(5)

6th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Ascot

Telemark

9st 7lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Not troubled the judge this season but hasn't been running badly, last time behind Native Warrior on the AW in late June; a triple winner on ground softer than good so connections have no doubt been waiting for some rain; worth considering.

14/1

Form: 2-3408 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Stats of 4-12 on the AW and 0-9 on turf are a fair reflection of his preferences and he's finished well behind on grass the last twice, albeit in strong 1m handicaps; opposable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(2)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 2

14:42 Wolverhampton (AW)

Kingdom Come

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Smart performer on AW, winning this race in 2024 and third 12 months ago; cheekpieces have given him a lift of late, winning a 7f handicap at Kempton ten days ago; still on a handy mark and he is sure to be popular.

7/1

1st

3

(4)

25th Feb 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

18:10 Kempton (AW)

Kingdom Come

9st 10lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Goes well fresh and should cope if it gets tactical given all three of his C&D wins were achieved in single-figure fields; pushing two years since he last got his head in front but the handicapper is giving him a chance and he responded well to first-time cheekpieces (retained here) when fifth over track and trip last time; of significant interest.

7/2

1

(10)

6th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Kempton (AW)

Kingdom Come

9st 12lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Record of 4-13 on AW and 3-4 at Kempton; below par returned to this sphere ten weeks ago and losing run is mounting up but a revival would put him in the picture; 1lb below last winning mark.

14/1

Form: 117-70 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Probably found good to firm against him at York as last summer's hat-trick was on soft or good ground; may have needed his comeback race behind Myal and from stall 1 has each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

(9)

20th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

15:00 York

Cerulean Bay

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Uncharacteristically below par at Ascot recently but was under a new rider in the Shergar Cup; he's run really well in defeat under Danny Tudhope in some hot handicaps this year and was second in this last season (good to firm); versatile ground-wise; could bounce back with a big performance.

16/1

9th

1

(9)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Cerulean Bay

10st 1lb

J: Jamie Melham

T: David O’Meara

Finished second behind Ebt's Guard in this race 12 months ago when rated 14lb lower; he has earned his lofty rating since then, winning twice at Goodwood last autumn and recording a career-best RPR when second of 18 in the Golden Mile at Goodwood eight days ago; another big run anticipated.

11/2

2nd

1

(13)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Cerulean Bay

9st 12lb

J: Colin Keane

T: David O’Meara

Blew his chance at the start in most recent handicap attempt but generally consistent otherwise in the last year and ties in with several of today's rivals on Royal Hunt Cup form; 2-2 at Goodwood and looks interesting back here despite remaining on a career-high mark.

16/1

Form: 925-68 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Multiple winner but now thoroughly exposed and hasn't shown a lot in either run this season, both over 7f on good ground; two defeats here include a sixth in this 12 months ago off the same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(12)

5th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 212y

Class 3

16:50 Haydock

Rhoscolyn

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Given his fine record on slow ground at Goodwood he was thoroughly underwhelming there last weekend, but two days later he bounced straight back to finish second at Epsom (7f, good to soft); might run well again but he's hard to catch right these days.

7/2

2nd

5

(1)

31st Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 3

15:00 Epsom

Rhoscolyn

9st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

On a reduced mark and this two-time C&D scorer can't have the ground soft enough; not at his best at Goodwood on Saturday.

6/1

Form: 5521-3 C

Last run: 145 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Made all for his first two wins (including a C&D novice) and raced prominently when successful in the first-time hood (off since) at Lingfield in November; missing the break did for him at Wolverhampton (raced freely in rear) but he still ran well in the circumstances; has won on good to soft; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

(5)

29th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:40 Goodwood

Bobby Bennu

9st 10lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Unraced at two but he scored twice around this trip on turf as a 3yo; built on his Chester comeback in May with neck second of 14 in fairly valuable Newcastle handicap (7f, AW) one month ago; that wasn't far off his best and he may still be capable of better; respected.

4/1

Form: 94703-

Last run: 204 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Three wins from 24 starts on the continent, the latest a 6f Deauville handicap (good to soft) last July; sold for 65,000euros and gelded since last seen in November; returns in a pretty hot handicap and can only be watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

14

(4)

10th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

19:15 Windsor

Purest Time

8st 11lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Smart on his day, as when runner-up to a top 6f handicapper at York (good) last October, and he saw off Desert Cop, Badri and Diligently in some style over C&D in May, despite being switched twice; not so good in two runs since but he's too talented to overlook back on this track.

25/1

9th

10

(2)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:55 Ascot

Purest Time

9st 6lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Ian Williams

First win for nearly two years when he picked up a Windsor handicap (6f, good to firm) off 3lb lower in May and his subsequent effort at Chester, when never competitive, was a puzzling one a fortnight ago; same mark but it would not be a big surprise if he bounced back.

20/1

9/1

Form: 11-318 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Lacks course experience but was progressing well until finishing just behind Witch Hunter in the Victoria Cup at Ascot (good to firm; may prefer it softer); could quite easily resume his progress but stall 11 is tricky.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(7)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 1

15:52 Chester

Myal

9st 7lb

J: David Allan

T: Steph Hollinshead

Likeable 5yo who has a strike-rate of 7-19 and was runner-up behind an impressive winner in a Listed race at Haydock (7f, good) in May; should be in the mix again and his only previous visit to Chester resulted in a C&D win.

13/2

2nd

7

(2)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 1

15:40 Haydock

Myal

9st 10lb

J: David Allan

T: Steph Hollinshead

Likeable 5yo with a good (7-18) strike-rate; shaped well in Listed event at Doncaster on reappearance and dug deep to win conditions race at Thirsk (7f, good) next time; may not have reached his ceiling and is high on the list.

6/1

1st

4

(7)

10th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Thirsk

Myal

9st 8lb

J: David Allan

T: Steph Hollinshead

Most progressive in the last couple of years, winning six 7f handicaps, with the first gained off of a rating of 67; another career-best effort when second in 7f Redcar Listed race (good to soft) on his final 4yo start; should be spot on for this after finishing fifth of 12 in a 6f Doncaster Listed event on his reappearance 13 days ago.

8/1

Form: 3-5170 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Can probably go on turf (one of two runs was respectable) but all his best form and six wins have been on the AW; trainer experimenting with a further tweak in headgear after two disappointing runs at Newcastle; risky.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(9)

19th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

19:12 Cork

Brewing

9st 1lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

All six wins have been gained on AW; in good form at Dundalk last winter, soft ground probably wasn't ideal on turf comeback (slowly away) over C&D early this month and fair bit to find with Gleneagle Bay on that run.

12/1

9th

14

(14)

3rd May 2026

Yielding

0m 7f 0y

14:30 Cork

Brewing

8st 10lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

All six wins have been gained on AW; in good form at Dundalk this winter before a below-par Newcastle run on latest; others have much stronger claims on turf form.

10/1

Form: 2158-7 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Third in this 12 months ago and won over C&D in August when 3lb lower; endured wide trip when only seventh at the May meeting and has an even wider draw this time; first-time hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(4)

5th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 7f 212y

Class 4

17:25 Haydock

Yanifer

10st 0lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Harriet Bethell

Hasn't got going this year but he's dropped to a good mark on last year's high points and a tongue-tie is turned to; a revival is not out of the question; effective on soft but hasn't shone on heavy.

20/1

10th

9

(7)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

14:05 Chester

Yanifer

8st 13lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Harriet Bethell

Yet to fire this season but landed his third win here when successful in this race last year (good to firm) off 4lb higher; he has also been placed twice at this track and can never be written off around here.

7/1

4th

3

(7)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 3

15:34 Haydock

Yanifer

9st 12lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Harriet Bethell

Prominent racer; now 1lb lower than for last August's win at Chester (7.6f, good to firm) but his two York efforts this summer have been underwhelming.

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £37.40
Straight Forecast £24.10
Tricast £330.53
Trifecta £583.60

Selections

LAMBOURN:

Never So Brave

SPOTLIGHT:

Witch Hunter

NEWMARKET:

Bobby Bennu

POSTDATA:

Telemark

TOPSPEED:

Yanifer

The Star:

Fair Point

Daily Record:

Bobby Bennu

Daily Mirror:

Telemark

The Times:

Never So Brave

Telegraph:

Never So Brave

Daily Mail:

Never So Brave

D Express:

Never So Brave

RP RATINGS:

Witch Hunter

The Sun:

Witch Hunter

The Guardian:

Yanifer