May 31 / 15.55 Chester

15.55

Good To Soft

Seat Unique Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £7731
  • 1m 4f 63y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
SKY
View Course
Seat Unique Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: -08857 C BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Faded into seventh of 14 over the extended 1m2f here earlier in the month but he did have to use up energy to obtain a prominent position from a wide stall; has a very good overall Chester record (four wins and three seconds from nine visits) and capable of bouncing back in what looks a slightly easier race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(7)

13th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

19:41 Windsor

Box To Box

9st 10lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Hugo Palmer

Four of his six wins have been at Chester where he nearly won again when last seen 11 months ago; trip/ground fine and on a fair mark, but market confidence would be welcomed after so long out.

12/1

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

OUR TIP

Form: 786-65 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Won three of his first four starts over 7f-1m4f on turf/AW for Ollie Sangster but out of the frame in his last five, including both runs for new yard; could still be building up his fitness but a watching brief is the call for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

11

(7)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

1m 1f 207y

Class 3

13:40 Beverley

Per Contra

9st 4lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Ran okay in a Class 2 AW handicap last time as that race didn't go to plan; exposed but he's on a career-low mark and has won on soft ground; couldn't put a line through him.

12/1

8th

13

(4)

6th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 2

20:26 Southwell (AW)

Per Contra

8st 2lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Infrequent winner but is 2-4 on Tapeta, his latest win coming from 3lb lower at Newcastle (1m2f) last September; could go well at a price.

16/1

4th

7

(7)

18th Jul 2026

Good

1m 4f 10y

Class 3

15:15 Ripon

Per Contra

9st 4lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

He's won just one of his last 23 starts and has failed to fire on his last two outings; however, he had a tough assignment in the John Smith's Cup at York last Saturday and he's dropped to a handy mark; runner-up to the 4-7 favourite in this race last year and he's not ruled out.

9/1

Form: -63308 C

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Some creditable efforts on AW this winter; never involved when eighth of 14 over the extended 1m2f here (good) 23 days ago but it was no bad run and he's dropped to 2lb below the mark he defied over C&D (soft) in summer 2023; no surprise were he to bounce back to form with a bang.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(3)

4th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

13:30 Haydock

Dream Harder

10st 2lb

J: Hope Regan

T: Mark Loughnane

A tongue-tie was added to cheekpieces when off the mark for this yard, getting up late at Epsom (1m4f, good to firm) in July; weak in the market under a penalty when beaten 5l in amateur riders' event over C&D (good) the following week; combination of this trip and slow ground will be new to him.

8/1

4th

1

(5)

7th Aug 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:18 Haydock

Dream Harder

11st 3lb

J: Mr Jack Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

Ex-Ian Williams; first win for current yard with first-time tongue-tie at Epsom last week (1m4f, good to firm), quickening up well after not getting best of runs; could go well with a 4lb penalty although below par two previous runs at 1m6f.

13/2

1st

2

(3)

30th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 6y

Class 5

18:40 Epsom

Dream Harder

9st 7lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Mark Loughnane

Signed off for Ian Williams with below-par AW run in the autumn and finished last on both turf starts for new stable this year; on good mark now but needs first-time tongue-tie to aid a return to form.

12/1

Form: 353-01

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who was all the sharper for his reappearance when resuming his progression with a 2l win at Ayr (1m2f, good); the runner-up was 6l clear of the third so the handicapper could have put him up by more than 4lb; could be more to come from him now stepping up to 1m4f for the first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(9)

10th Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Ayr

Spirit Of Acklam

10st 2lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Resumed winning ways in 1m5f handicap at Hamilton last month; this C&D scorer needs considering in refitted cheekpieces (won in them here) nudged up 1lb.

6/1

1st

3

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

19:20 Hamilton

Spirit Of Acklam

9st 10lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael & David Easterby

Scored at Ayr (1m2f) last April in a light campaign in 2025; back from 12 months off with an encouraging Ripon fifth but beat only one at Chester (1m4f) since; needs to bounce back.

8/1

Form: 42-811 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Found it too much in a valuable Lingfield event early in the year but otherwise has progressed nicely since handicapping, winning on AW at Southwell (1m3f) and Kempton (1m4f) on her last two starts; well-held fourth in a 1m novice on previous turf start but much too soon to suggest she won't prove fully effective on the grass.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(4)

2nd Aug 2026

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

14:10 Chester

Charmaine

10st 1lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Fanshawe

All three wins have been on the AW (1m/1m4f) but she's a consistent mare with comparable form on turf and should give her running once more (second on previous visit here); chance.

4/1

4th

4

(1)

29th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 4

20:15 Kempton (AW)

Charmaine

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Fanshawe

Consistent mare whose three wins on the AW include two here (1m/1m4f); still on a fair mark and should again run her race.

6/1

4th

5

(1)

22nd May 2026

Soft

1m 3f 218y

Class 3

15:42 Goodwood

Charmaine

9st 10lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Fanshawe

Three-time AW scorer; turf form features two good efforts but she's 0-4 in this sphere and was below par at Doncaster most recently; not the percentage call in this warmer contest.

12/1

Form: 474-97 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
C&D winner on soft in May 2023 but last season was disappointing and he hasn't fared better in two comeback outings this year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

15th Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

14:50 Perth

Struth

10st 7lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Dual Flat winner for Charlie Johnston (8.5f-12.5f); yet to score over hurdles (0-7) but doesn't have a massive amount to find with Lets Mingle and Summergrounds based on their recent C&D clash; the task isn't an impossible one.

13/2

6th

9

12th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

15:16 Perth

Struth

10st 2lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Former smart Flat horse who is 0-6 over hurdles and was beaten a little under 10l on handicap debut here a month ago; he was boxing on over 2m and this longer trip could bring him on (stayed well on the Flat).

8/1

6th

1

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 5

14:42 Perth

Struth

11st 12lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Useful on the Flat in his prime but well held when fifth on handicap hurdle debut at Kelso (2m2f, good; first-time tongue-tie) in April and showed no significant improvement in a subsequent C&D maiden; needs to up his game.

20/1

Form: 632-40

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Third wind operation before his creditable fourth of ten at Leicester (1m4f, good to firm) on reappearance in April; went backwards from that when down the field at Ascot three weeks ago; others are more obvious.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 176y

Class 1

12:45 Aintree

Mighty Bandit

11st 7lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Flat and hurdles winner but already a far superior chaser; jumped well in front (although sometimes to the right) when completing a handicap hat-trick at Doncaster (2m, soft) six weeks ago by 17l; firmly on the up and deserves his chance in this higher grade.

9/2

1st

3

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 78y

Class 2

13:55 Doncaster

Mighty Bandit

11st 6lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Flat/hurdle winner but he's looking a far superior chaser; bumped into a very smart novice on his chase debut and has since won two handicaps, the latest over C&D by some 8l (soft); an 8lb rise could have been worse for one firmly on the upgrade.

7/4

1st

3

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 78y

Class 2

15:13 Doncaster

Mighty Bandit

11st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Warren Greatrex

Flat/hurdles winner; very solid form at Newbury (2m, good to soft) since switched to fences, finishing a good second (behind subsequent Grade 2 scorer) prior to going one better in a race that is working out nicely; may well have more to offer in this sphere and warrants major respect.

10/11

Form: 112869 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
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.
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: 8154-8

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Came good over an extended 1m3f at Haydock (good) last July but hasn't progressed since and remains 6lb above that winning mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(5)

28th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Miss Alpilles

9st 9lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Suited by step up to 2m when Listed winner on final start last term and she's played creditable supporting roles in Group events this term; best form when 11l fifth at 80-1 behind Scandinavia and Trawlerman in the 2m4f Gold Cup at Royal Ascot last time; needs to find extra and headgear is given a go.

66/1

5th

11

(7)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 1

16:15 Ascot

Miss Alpilles

9st 1lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Suited by step up to 2m when winning a Listed event at Newmarket (good) on final start last term; 40-1 and perhaps in need of the race when she ran out of steam behind Sweet William and Caballo De Mar here (2m; beaten 8l) on reappearance, and staying-on second at York (1m6f) next time was better, but there is nothing in her form which suggests she is up to today's task.

100/1

2nd

4

(1)

23rd May 2026

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:15 York

Miss Alpilles

9st 2lb

J: George Downing

T: Ed Walker

Upwardly mobile 5yo who seemed suited by the step up to 2m when winning Listed race at Newmarket (good) last autumn; ran creditably against male rivals when 8l third of eight in Group 3 Sagaro at Ascot on return; today's drop back in distance isn't an obvious positive but she may have more in the tank and should give a good account of herself.

4/1

Form: 4-9170 D

Last run: 104 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Two turf wins over this trip on good last summer and added to his tally on AW at Chelmsford (1m2f) in January; might be best to forgive him two heavy defeats on the snow at St Moritz in February but he'll need a career best to defy this mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(7)

31st Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

15:35 Epsom

Gordon Grey

11st 9lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: George Baker

Won twice over C&D for Ben Brookhouse last summer, including this race by a wide margin (cheekpieces first time) when rated just 1lb lower; only run to form once in four starts for George Baker this year and he was tailed off on soft ground here when last seen in June; Patrick Mullins has been booked this afternoon and not unreasonable to think this race has been on the agenda for a while; respected.

7/1

13th

14

(16)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 2

17:20 Epsom

Gordon Grey

8st 7lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: George Baker

The second runner for local trainer George Baker and this one has an enviable 3-4 record here, having picked up two Ladies' Derbys (2024 and 2025) in addition to the Amateurs' Derby last year when trained by Ben Brookhouse; not discounted on that score but this is a good bit hotter than those events; refitted tongue-tie could be a plus.

16/1

9th

7

(1)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

14:55 Ascot

Gordon Grey

9st 4lb

J: Neil Callan

T: George Baker

In the form of his life when winning four in a row for Ben Brookhouse last summer, namely a maiden hurdle followed by three Flat handicaps over 1m2f and 1m4f (twice) on good/good to firm; better effort in Bahrain for George Baker this year when third of seven over 1m2f (good to firm) five weeks ago; returns to Britain on a career-high mark and may prove vulnerable to less-exposed sorts.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £27.60
Straight Forecast £21.47
Tricast £372.98
Trifecta £365.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Spirit Of Acklam

NEWMARKET:

Charmaine

RP RATINGS:

Box To Box

POSTDATA:

Mighty Bandit

Telegraph:

Per Contra

The Guardian:

Spirit Of Acklam

D Express:

Spirit Of Acklam

Daily Mirror:

Spirit Of Acklam

The Sun:

Spirit Of Acklam

The Times:

Charmaine

The Star:

Charmaine

Daily Record:

Charmaine

TOPSPEED:

Box To Box

Daily Mail:

Box To Box