June 28 / 16.10 Chester

16.10

Good

John Smith’s Handicap

  • Prize money: £20384
  • 0m 7f 1y
  • Class 3
  • 9 runners
SKY
View Course
John Smith’s Handicap

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

Form: 8-4744

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
0-8 since debut win but was arguably an unlucky loser (repeatedly denied a run) when fourth (Milford third) in a 7f York Dante meeting handicap (good to firm) which has thrown up winners, including Gallant; backed that up with a fine fourth in a 7f Musselburgh Listed race (good).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(3)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

18:45 Doncaster

Perfect Part

9st 11lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Made a winning debut in the Hilary Needler at Beverley two years ago (5f, good to firm) but hasn't won since; fair second in a Thirsk fillies' handicap two runs ago (1m, good) but well beaten at Royal Ascot last time.

8/1

22th

18

(10)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:35 Ascot

Perfect Part

8st 7lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Brian Ellison

No win in 16 starts since debut success last June but has run with credit on all four this year, including fourth in the Spring Mile at Doncaster (good to soft); second of 11 over 1m at Thirsk (1m, good) 17 days ago; each-way shout at likely decent odds.

33/1

2nd

1

(7)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 4

18:45 Thirsk

Perfect Part

10st 2lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

She's been a promising fourth on two of her three starts this season, at Doncaster (1m, good to soft) in March and here (7f, good) a fortnight ago in first-time cheekpieces (retained); might not be far away.

11/1

OUR TIP

Form: 11 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Promising gelding who is two from two, both wins over 7f on AW; his smart half-brother Urban Icon is equally as effective on turf as AW and his strong-travelling style suggests this course could suit; also has a handy inside stall, so there are reasons to be hopeful on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(13)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Cosi Bello

9st 8lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Charlie Fellowes

Not seen to best effect when mid-division in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) last time out but prior to that he kept on well to make a winning reappearance at Haydock (7f, good to firm) and this very lightly raced 4yo retains potential, especially back up to 1m.

4/1

10th

14

(26)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Cosi Bello

9st 4lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Charlie Fellowes

Found a gap on the inside and knuckled down well to justify favouritism at Haydock (good to firm) on sole start this term, taking overall record (AW/turf) to 3-5 and form figures over 7f to 1121; looks the type to improve further and commands respect up just 2lb.

7/1

1st

9

(5)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 2

14:35 Haydock

Cosi Bello

9st 2lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Charlie Fellowes

Began his career with two 7f AW wins and he was a fine second at Chester on his handicap debut last June (7f, good); fourth of 17 in a 1m handicap at Ascot when last seen nine months ago, a run that can be marked up as he raced away from the first three home; still has potential and he returns with his stable back in better form.

7/2

Form: 23-937

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
0-7 since debut win but was bang there in a 7f handicap at York's Dante meeting (good to firm); the reopposing Perfect Part and Gallant were behind him in that but both met trouble; left the impression 7.5f on soft may have just stretched him when behind Mayday Malone here a fortnight ago and should pack more punch at the finish back at a bare 7f on likely quicker ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(16)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:10 York

Milford

9st 1lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Julie Camacho

Beaten 16 times since his winning 2yo debut but there have been several good runs along the way; two midfield finishes in good handicaps this summer; edging down the weights and he should be popping up soon.

25/1

10th

7

(22)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:25 York

Milford

9st 10lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Julie Camacho

0-15 since debut win in May 2024 but often ran well off marks in the 90s in some quality handicaps last season, including over C&D; respectable sixth of 14 on recent reappearance at Thirsk and could build on that run today.

10/1

6th

7

(11)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Milford

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Julie Camacho

0-14 since debut win in May 2024 but he often ran well in some quality handicaps last season; returns on a competitive mark having had wind surgery; could have a part to play if fully tuned up.

12/1

Form: 1257-8

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Two 6f wins last year before a near-miss in 7f Group 3 in France; however, not so good on her final two starts and well held in 7f Musselburgh Listed race (Perfect Part fourth) on reappearance three weeks ago; needs to have come on a good bit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(5)

27th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 1

15:33 Chester

Royalty Bay

9st 2lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Seb Spencer

Back on form to take advantage of a reduced mark in 7f Musselburgh handicap (good) three weeks ago; this is harder but the fact she was second in a Group 3 in France as a juvenile provides some hope.

14/1

1st

2

(2)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

14:50 Musselburgh

Royalty Bay

9st 10lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Seb Spencer

Should be on a good mark but last year was mostly underwhelming and so too her comeback effort over C&D; opposable.

10/1

6th

4

(9)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

17:45 Musselburgh

Royalty Bay

9st 7lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Seb Spencer

She's well handicapped on 2024 2yo form; last year wasn't devoid of spark but it was an underwhelming campaign and she has to raise her game.

14/1

15/2

Form: 102- BF

Last run: 282 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Justified market confidence on 6f debut last June; given a break after midfield finish in the Group 2 Coventry at Royal Ascot later that month and returned to finish second in 7f Ayr novice (good) in the autumn; subsequently gelded; it's hard to argue an opening handicap mark of 91 looks generous back from nine months off but he's unexposed and has drawn the inside stall.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

(5)

9th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 182y

Class 6

15:45 Carlisle

Catalyse

10st 2lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Jim Goldie

Still to add to his debut win in 14 subsequent outings and it has been tough going so far for this stable; now drops into a Class 6 and a revival wouldn't be out of the question.

10/1

6th

3

(2)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 5

18:40 Ayr

Catalyse

9st 9lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Jim Goldie

Well down the field on all four starts for Jim Goldie this season (6f-7f), most recently in refitted cheekpieces at Hamilton on Wednesday; stable has more obvious chance with Ashen.

20/1

7th

2

(7)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 5

16:02 Hamilton

Catalyse

9st 8lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Jim Goldie

Won over C&D on his debut when with Richard Fahey (good); hasn't won since and well beaten in three starts for Jim Goldie this time round; plenty to prove at present.

33/1

Form: 1-4491

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Got no luck when behind a couple of these at the York Dante meeting and resumed his progression when stepped up to 1m on Lingfield's AW since, quickening into a clear lead before just clinging on; won't be inconvenienced by the return to 7f and likely capable of even better for a yard no stranger to success in this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(11)

2nd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

20:00 Newbury

Gallant

10st 3lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Oli Rix

Won two AW races for Andrew Balding whom he left for 60,000gns; he's not always looked entirely straightforward but he was less than 2l away last time at Newmarket (7f, good) after being in rear at one point; Tom Marquand takes over now; respected.

10/1

5th

1

(5)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:55 Newmarket (July)

Gallant

9st 11lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Oli Rix

Picked up from Andrew Balding for 60,000gns not long after an AW win (1m) this time last year; not the easiest (can lug left) and will need to settle better after a spell sprinting, over tonight's stiff 7f, but he's capable off this mark if things fall right.

6/1

7th

3

(2)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

18:38 Doncaster

Gallant

9st 8lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Oli Rix

Wins for Andrew Balding came on Polytrack, latterly off this mark over 1m last summer; a slow start did for him down to 5f last time and, while he doesn't always look the easiest and can lug left, he's capable if things fall his way.

8/1

Form: 1-19

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Raced at 6f, winning AW maiden on debut last autumn and defying penalty in novice at Windsor (good to firm) on return in May; ran no sort of race in a handicap back at Windsor at the beginning of this month but his stable's very good form in the last fortnight suggests he may get his career back on track now; his dam won over 7f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(5)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:50 Newmarket (July)

Rajaking

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: T J Kent

This C&D brought out the best in him last season with two close seconds in August (both on good to firm); returned to form with close fourth of 12 at Windsor (6f, good to firm) last month on his second start of the season and he could play a leading role back here.

9/2

4th

13

(6)

15th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 12y

Class 3

19:00 Windsor

Rajaking

8st 10lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: T J Kent

C&D winner; blew hot and cold for former stable but well handicapped on 2025 best; raced freely and dropped away in the final furlong on his stable debut at Newmarket last month; up in class and likely vulnerable.

16/1

6th

2

(2)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:27 Newmarket

Rajaking

9st 8lb

J: Laura Pearson

T: T J Kent

Below par on AW last autumn on final two runs for Stuart Williams; however, he twice went close on the other Newmarket course (6f, good to firm) last August and he'll be bang there if rediscovering that form on his stable and seasonal debut, for which he wears a tongue-tie; remains in same ownership.

14/1

Form: -13432 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Consistent in handicaps, including run out of things only late on when third over the extended 7f here (good) in May; best run when narrowly denied in big-field York handicap (good) four weeks ago; that form is solid so a 3lb nudge from the handicapper may not prevent another prominent showing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(8)

28th Jun 2025

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:10 Chester

Sweet Fantastic

8st 10lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Hugo Palmer

Consistent in handicaps, including run out of things only late on when third over the extended 7f here (good) in May; best run when narrowly denied in big-field York handicap (good) four weeks ago; that form is solid so a 3lb nudge from the handicapper may not prevent another prominent showing.

4/1

2nd

8

(6)

31st May 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:50 York

Sweet Fantastic

9st 8lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Hugo Palmer

Just one win from eight goes but he's assembling a solid CV, run out of things only late on when third over the extended 7f at Chester last time; dropping back to a bare 7f should suit; clear each-way prospects.

8/1

Form: 44-022

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Excellent second over 7.5f here on soft ground a fortnight ago and showed he's effective on a much quicker surface when runner-up again at Newmarket (7f) eight days ago, although that goes down as a bit of a missed opportunity as he was 5lb lower than today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(1)

12th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

14:45 Chester

Mayday Malone

9st 10lb

J: Jay Mackay

T: Michael Bell

Progressive 3yo who landed a good prize for Jay Mackay over C&D (good) in June and was also on target at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) last month; makes obvious appeal from the inside stall.

7/4

4

(2)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

16:10 Doncaster

Mayday Malone

9st 6lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Michael Bell

Progressive gelding who has form figures of 2212 this summer and that latest second was a close call from a tough draw at Chester (7.6f, good); usually races prominently and he's a big player off only 1lb higher on this drop back in trip.

9/4

Non-runners

The Dragon King

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £36.75
Tricast £177.64

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Cosi Bello

SPOTLIGHT:

Gallant

Telegraph:

Catalyse

TOPSPEED:

Sweet Fantastic

The Times:

Cosi Bello

The Guardian:

Cosi Bello

D Express:

Cosi Bello

Daily Mirror:

Cosi Bello

The Sun:

Cosi Bello

POSTDATA:

Sweet Fantastic

RP RATINGS:

Gallant

The Star:

Gallant

Daily Mail:

Catalyse

Daily Record:

Catalyse