August 03 / 16.22 Chester

16.22

Good

Oktoberfest Season Finale On 20th September Classified Claiming Stakes

  • Prize money: £10308
  • 0m 7f 127y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
SKY
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Oktoberfest Season Finale On 20th September Classified Claiming Stakes

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

1st
9 (12)
Abduction

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 244174

Last run: 6 days

W: 8st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Regained the winning thread at Hamilton (6f) in June and caught the eye under Shay Farmer at Ayr (7f) last Monday; could go well, with rider again taking off a handy 7lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(5)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

19:15 Hamilton

Abduction

9st 8lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Jim Goldie

A dual 7f winner early in 2026 and he's holding his form well, beaten a nose when second of five in 7f Ayr handicap 25 days ago; this C&D scorer can make his presence felt.

13/2

2nd

2

(6)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 50y

Class 4

15:15 Ayr

Abduction

10st 0lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Jim Goldie

Has won twice over 7f this year, the first at Newcastle in January, the latest at Musselburgh in April (good); creditable third on last three starts, latest over C&D three weeks ago; each-way chance.

7/1

3rd

1

(10)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 5

15:30 Ayr

Abduction

10st 2lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Jim Goldie

Multiple wins include three over C&D earlier in his career; has run well on occasions since a narrow Musselburgh win (7f, good) in April off this mark and a recent never-nearer third of eight there under Jake Dickson puts him in this picture; yard runs three.

5/1

10/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 836415

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Ran creditably in big field at York last weekend when bidding to follow up his Catterick win (7f, good to soft); remains in form but this looks a tough assignment on the figures.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(4)

20th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

17:20 York

Bellarchi

10st 0lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Grant Tuer

Acts on most ground; has won three handicaps at Musselburgh this season and gained her first Listed success when scoring at Chester (7f, good) in June, but she was below that level at Pontefract (1m) last month; has a better draw than she did when down the field in this contest last year but is now 11lb higher than when last seen in handicap company.

22/1

6th

1

(3)

7th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 1

14:48 Pontefract

Bellarchi

9st 5lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Could hardly be coming into this in better form, winning four of her last five starts including another Listed event at Chester (7f, good) ten days ago; still favoured on these terms despite her 3lb penalty and although the stiffer mile is one small question mark, she is a major player nonetheless.

5/2

1st

3

(8)

27th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 1

15:33 Chester

Bellarchi

9st 2lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Grant Tuer

This 5yo is in the form of her life at present, gaining a third Musselburgh handicap win of the season when easily seeing off seven rivals 37 days ago; had a wide stall as a an excuse for a slightly below-par effort over the extended 7f here prior to that and she went close here last season; on the shortlist.

9/2

4/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 269903

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Useful handicapper on his day; acts on soft going; below peak form when placed at Hamilton (1m, good) most recently but even current rating gives him a leading chance at these weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

(8)

25th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

16:00 Newcastle (AW)

Empirestateofmind

9st 1lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: John & Sean Quinn

A fair 1m1f winner in 2025 but arrives out of sorts, beating one in 1m handicap at Pontefract eight days ago; others are preferred.

40/1

5th

5

(2)

17th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

19:42 Pontefract

Empirestateofmind

9st 3lb

J: James Sullivan

T: John & Sean Quinn

A dual winner (around 1m) in 2025 but he's yet to fire this season, only ninth of 11 in 1m Redcar handicap four weeks ago; others appeal more.

20/1

9th

11

(3)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:25 Redcar

Empirestateofmind

9st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Has dropped 8lb lower than when last winning a handicap for good reason; his last two starts didn't suggest a return to winning ways was imminent.

14/1

Form: -05705 C

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Successful three times, including at Chester, last season but has lacked consistency and dipped slightly on ratings this term; chance depends on how well he responds to new headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(4)

5th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

15:45 Pontefract

Spirit Genie

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Jennie Candlish

Multiple winner at up to 8.5f on good or slower; on the slide in three starts this season but this combination of a drop in grade and new headgear may prompt a resurgence; return to shorter is also a plus; shortlisted.

7/2

12th

6

(14)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:50 York

Spirit Genie

10st 13lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Jennie Candlish

Five-time winner on a handy mark but it's been a quiet start to this season and, even if back on song, looks vulnerable to stronger stayers over this far; the return of a visor might be no bad thing.

14/1

8th

2

(10)

12th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

13:30 Chester

Spirit Genie

11st 1lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Jennie Candlish

C&D scorer who made a promising return from a poor draw when seventh of 22 in 7f York handicap four weeks ago; figures on a handy-looking mark now and he's interesting.

10/1

Form: 615543

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful handicapper who registered a couple of comfortable wins (7f/1m) in the spring; soft ground provides an excuse for latest effort; one of the stronger contenders at the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(11)

15th Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Ripon

Capital Guarantee

9st 10lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Back to winning ways at Thirsk (1m, good to firm) last month; only sixth off this mark at Redcar last Saturday but the fact he won this race off 2lb higher last year provides hope; draw could have been kinder.

16/1

6th

3

(10)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 219y

Class 4

15:12 Redcar

Capital Guarantee

10st 1lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Not quite at best this season but exploited some help from the handicapper when winning narrowly at Thirsk (1m, good to firm) last month and ought to remain competitive after going back up 4lb.

7/1

1st

1

(3)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

16:45 Thirsk

Capital Guarantee

9st 9lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

A three-time 7f/1m winner in 2025, including over this C&D; mainly below his best this season but he didn't run too badly when sixth at Beverley (7.5f, good to firm) 12 days ago; on a handy mark and now drops in grade.

5/1

7/1

Form: 66-893 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft ground; resurgent effort at Ripon (third start for new yard) last time; the 9yo is past his peak but warrants respect on favourable terms back at Chester, being a four-time course winner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(7)

27th Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:07 Ffos Las

Revich

9st 9lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Adrian Wintle

10yo who is without a win since September 2023; has posted some solid efforts this year, including when third of five at Nottingham (1m2f, good to firm) last month, and makes each-way appeal.

10/1

3rd

3

(4)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 50y

Class 6

17:10 Nottingham

Revich

9st 13lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Adrian Wintle

10yo who's the sole winner (seven times) in this, if not since autumn 2023, but last two outings at Bath have advertised the need to give him a longer run over 1m2f now; no ground or track issues, and he's among the likeliest.

5/2

4th

2

(10)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

17:37 Bath

Revich

9st 9lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Adrian Wintle

No win since September 2023 but he is operating off a much-reduced mark now and he emerged from the pack to take a never-nearer third here eight days ago (1m2f, good); might need them to go too fast up front to win but he holds each-way claims all the same.

9/2

OUR TIP

10/1

Form: -33234

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Five-time AW scorer; consistent this year and went close at Newbury (7f, good) in June, showing that he has a turf race in him; however, it's unlikely to be this one on difficult terms.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(5)

27th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Chalk Mountain

9st 9lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Zoe Hawkins

Last three wins have come at Kempton (7f, Polytrack), but has also won four times on Tapeta including here; latest effort back at Kempton can be excused and he is respected from just 1lb above his last winning mark.

10/1

7th

4

(4)

12th Aug 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Chalk Mountain

9st 6lb

J: Alfie Redman

T: Zoe Hawkins

Seven-time AW winner and the latest three have been over C&D; has mixed record for new trainer this season but he was runner-up at Southwell last time and remains feasibly treated off only 1lb higher than for his win here in May; key player.

7/2

2nd

3

(2)

27th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Chalk Mountain

9st 12lb

J: Alfie Redman

T: Zoe Hawkins

Seven-time AW winner who has four wins and a second to his name in five starts in 7f Tapeta handicaps; the drop back from 1m and switch from turf both look in his favour off his last winning mark.

7/1

16/1

Form: /1/369

Last run: 31 days

W: 8st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Two from two for previous yard; not entirely solid on his AW form since returning from very long absence but bare form of penultimate start (February) gives him a good chance on these terms returned to turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(6)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Al Waqidi

10st 0lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Won his first two starts when trained by Charlie Appleby; absent for 1,374 days prior to his stable debut in January; little to celebrate this year and opposable despite dropping into Class 6 company.

16/1

6th

1

(6)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Al Waqidi

10st 0lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Won his first two starts when trained by Charlie Appleby; absent for 1,374 days prior to his stable debut in January; little to celebrate this year and opposable despite dropping into Class 6 company.

16/1

6

(12)

10th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

20:15 Kempton (AW)

Al Waqidi

9st 11lb

J: Nicola Currie

T: Jamie Osborne

Won his first two starts when trained by Charlie Appleby; absent for 1,374 days prior to his stable debut in January; little to celebrate this summer and opposable despite tumbling down the weights.

25/1

Form: -21063

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Ten AW wins, the most recent in February; has an unconvincing record on turf and can be opposed; modest fifth on hurdles debut last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

6

(10)

30th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

17:10 Wolverhampton (AW)

Cephalus

9st 8lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Chelsea Banham

11-time AW winner, the latest a Newcastle seller for the Moores (1m, Tapeta) last October; regressive for this yard in the meantime despite plummeting in the weights; best watched unless the market suggests otherwise.

11/1

10th

7

(12)

7th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 5

18:10 Wolverhampton (AW)

Cephalus

9st 4lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Chelsea Banham

11-time AW winner; quiet for Chelsea Banham this year but dropping down the weights and he is one of four runners on the card for connections that all require close market surveillance.

9/1

9th

13

(1)

20th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Cephalus

9st 2lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Chelsea Banham

11-time AW winner but he's been out of sorts for new yard since December and was last of eight over C&D last time; mark is tumbling but he has lots to prove and needs a major revival.

66/1

Form: 378-37

Last run: 49 days

W: 8st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Multiple winner down the years but this veteran has something to find on 2025 form; comfortably held last time, failing to back up his reappearance effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

(1)

3rd Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

16:22 Chester

Little Boy Blue

8st 12lb

J: Laura Coughlan

T: Bill Turner

Multiple winner down the years but this veteran has something to find on 2025 form; comfortably held last time, failing to back up his reappearance effort.

25/1

7th

5

(9)

15th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 213y

Class 4

17:00 Salisbury

Little Boy Blue

9st 7lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Bill Turner

Multiple winner who goes particularly well at Brighton where he was only 2l away last month (7f, good to soft) on his return from a lengthy break; might be vulnerable to younger limbs but should give his running.

10/1

2

(1)

27th May 2025

Good

0m 6f 210y

Class 4

16:10 Brighton

Little Boy Blue

9st 6lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Bill Turner

Off since September but he's proven when fresh having won at Epsom (7f, good) off 1lb higher on his reappearance last July; has won here four times from nine starts, including this race in 2022 off 3lb higher and he holds sound claims on his return.

11/2

Non-runners

On The River, Look Back Smiling

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £43.60
Straight Forecast £41.75
Trifecta £166.30

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Empirestateofmind

Telegraph:

Spirit Genie

SPOTLIGHT:

Revich

Daily Record:

Look Back Smiling

The Times:

Cephalus

TOPSPEED:

Abduction

D Express:

Spirit Genie

POSTDATA:

Empirestateofmind

Daily Mirror:

Empirestateofmind

The Star:

Revich