August 07 / 16.00 Chelmsford (AW)

16.00

Standard To Slow

bet365 Chelmsford City Cup (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £23193
  • 1m 2f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
RTV
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bet365 Chelmsford City Cup (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Polytrack

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 517-40 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
4-10 in France for Andre Fabre before sold for 100,000gns in October and gelded; just two runs for new yard this season and was quiet in Duke Of Edinburgh (1m4f) at Royal Ascot last time but he was an eyecatching fourth at Chester (10.3f) in May; that form puts him in the picture and he should get a decent tow into this race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(9)

15th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 50y

Class 3

15:14 Nottingham

Flight Leader

10st 1lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Ex-French 5yo who continues to drop down the weights but he's struggled to get competitive since an encouraging fourth on his stable and seasonal debut at Chester (1m2f, good) in May.

33/1

10th

3

(9)

24th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Flight Leader

9st 8lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Four wins, notably Group 3, in France; ran creditably on British debut but has failed to back up that form since and has enough to prove back down in trip (raced mainly beyond 1m).

33/1

8th

4

(3)

30th Aug 2025

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

15:00 Sandown

Flight Leader

9st 11lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

4-10 in France for Andre Fabre before sold for 100,000gns last October and gelded; encouraging fourth at Chester (10.3f) in May on debut for new yard but backward steps since with tongue-tie at Royal Ascot and Chelmsford.

50/1

Form: 241400 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Won in Bahrain (1m2f, good to firm) in March; returned from break with mid-division finish in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) and he was always in rear at York (1m2f) last month; dropped 3lb and this return to Polytrack is no problem but others are more compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(10)

24th Aug 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

13:50 Goodwood

Soldiers Empire

10st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Marco Botti

Gained his wins in Ireland and during a spell in Bahrain; has struggled in Britain this summer and needs to derive significant benefit from this drop back in class.

33/1

2

(8)

7th Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Soldiers Empire

9st 7lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Marco Botti

Won in Bahrain (1m2f, good to firm) in March; returned from break with mid-division finish in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) and he was always in rear at York (1m2f) last month; dropped 3lb and this return to Polytrack is no problem but others are more compelling.

10/1

5

(4)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Soldiers Empire

9st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Marco Botti

Won in Bahrain (1m2f, good to firm) in March; returned from break with mid-division finish in the Royal Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) last month and this step back up in trip could help, but others are more compelling.

50/1

OUR TIP

Form: 351440 C

Last run: 50 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Successful in Meydan handicap (1m1f, good) during his spell in UAE and ran creditably (close fourth) in the Lincoln in March; looks interesting on that form but he's been a bit up and down this year and he struggled in the Royal Hunt Cup last time; mixed messages.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(11)

7th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 3

16:00 York

Magnum Opus

10st 2lb

J: Harry Burns

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Did well in Meydan and returned to Britain for a close fourth in the Lincoln; hasn't kicked on from there, finishing down the field in the Royal Hunt and then midfield at Chelmsford (1m2f); looks vulnerable with his big weight.

10/1

3

(4)

7th Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Magnum Opus

9st 5lb

J: Harry Burns

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Successful in Meydan handicap (1m1f, good) during his spell in UAE and ran creditably (close fourth) in the Lincoln in March; looks interesting on that form but he's been a bit up and down this year and he struggled in the Royal Hunt Cup last time; mixed messages.

5/1

17

(16)

18th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Magnum Opus

9st 3lb

J: Liam Wright

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Successful in Meydan handicap (good) during his spell in UAE and ran creditably (close fourth) in the Lincoln on last appearance; quite exposed, however, and current mark leaves him in a tough spot.

33/1

Form: -22220

Last run: 55 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Started his career with form figures of 12222 and that latest second was a close call in a Newbury handicap (1m2f, good) in May; his progress came to a halt at York (last of 12) in June but he's still unexposed and has claims if he can bounce back after a short break; first four runs were on AW and his win came at Newcastle.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(9)

4th Feb 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:00 Kempton (AW)

Sovereign Sea

9st 9lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

Record of 0-8 since debut win but a quintet of second-place finishes (1m-1m2f, AW/turf) reflect broadly consistent form; seemingly outstayed over 1m4f at Leicester when last seen; useful in terms of ability and may yet double his tally.

9/2

4th

1

(9)

7th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 179y

Class 3

17:02 Leicester

Sovereign Sea

10st 1lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Only 1-8 and slightly concerning that he's been runner-up five times, though it was bordering on career-best form last time at Doncaster (1m2f, soft; fine on good); should be in the thick of it.

11/2

3

(2)

13th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 2

16:50 Doncaster

Sovereign Sea

9st 0lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Bar a blip on fast ground at York in June his profile is essentially progressive, including clear second to a next-time-out winner at Newbury (1m2f, good) in May; shaped much better than result when never-nearer sixth of ten at Chelmsford (1m2f, AW) last time, left with too much to do after meeting trouble early in the home straight; could still be on a good mark.

7/2

Form: 08-700 CD

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Seven-time AW winner but last success was at Wolverhampton 18 months ago and he's struggled since then; now 5lb lower than for that last win but he needs a big turnaround.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(4)

12th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

17:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Storm Catcher

9st 6lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Simon Pearce

Multiple C&D winner, the latest last August when rated 5lb higher; obvious chance if anywhere near that level but he has been struggling more recently; the return to 1m2f will help but not a solid option.

14/1

6th

1

(3)

6th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 3

16:52 Wolverhampton (AW)

Storm Catcher

10st 0lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Simon Pearce

Has done nearly all his winning at about 1m2f, most recently last August; inconsistent since but drops back in grade off a workable mark; stayed on for creditable effort in sole attempt over 1m4f.

16/1

11th

6

(9)

16th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

14:50 Newcastle (AW)

Storm Catcher

9st 1lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Simon Pearce

Eight-time AW winner and first and second in two of his four races here; didn't run at all badly last time at Lingfield (1m2f) but looks vulnerable at the minute in a race of this nature.

40/1

Form: 1-5187 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Four-time turf winner, who hit a personal best when scoring at Redcar (1m2f) in May but his form has nosedived in two subsequent runs; has quite a lot to prove again and he's untried on AW.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 4

14:58 Sedgefield

Liberty Coach

11st 5lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: John & Sean Quinn

Useful Flat racer who kept on for third over hurdles at Wetherby (2m, soft) in December; well beaten twice since but had excuses last time (heavy ground; finished lame) and will be dangerous here if back on song; cheekpieces left off this time.

7/2

6

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

14:30 Kelso

Liberty Coach

11st 7lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: John & Sean Quinn

Two heavy defeats among his three hurdle starts but in between he caught the eye keeping on for third at Wetherby (2m, soft); has potential off opening jumps mark in view of his useful Flat form, and his four wins in that code came in cheekpieces which he wears over hurdles for the first time.

9/2

6th

9

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 3

13:45 Doncaster

Liberty Coach

11st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: John & Sean Quinn

Useful, four-time Flat winner who made eyecatching late headway into third at Wetherby (2m, soft) last month on his second hurdle start, beaten about 6l by Minstrel Knight who now carries a 6lb penalty; open to further improvement in this code and he's one to be interested in.

8/1

Form: 588-77

Last run: 42 days

W: 8st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
7yo who is without a win since September 2023 and doesn't appear to be the force of old, but he returned from a break at Newcastle (1m, AW) in June and that seventh gives him something to build on; on reduced mark and he's not ruled out back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(7)

16th Sep 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 4

17:05 Redcar

Silent Film

9st 13lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Ian Williams

On reduced mark but his last win was two years ago and he has form figures of 887788 since last August; down the list.

16/1

4

(9)

21st Aug 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 3

20:15 Newcastle (AW)

Silent Film

9st 9lb

J: William Carver

T: Ian Williams

Hasn't won a race since September 2023 and not as good as he was; the cheekpieces need to trigger something.

33/1

7

(7)

7th Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Silent Film

8st 13lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Ian Williams

7yo who is without a win since September 2023 and doesn't appear to be the force of old, but he returned from a break at Newcastle (1m, AW) in June and that seventh gives him something to build on; on reduced mark and he's not ruled out back up in trip.

7/1

13/2

Form: 857510 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
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.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

12th

9

(16)

5th Jul 2025

Good

1m 3f 175y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

Box To Box

8st 10lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Hugo Palmer

Snapped a long losing run and capitalised on a reduced mark over 10.4f here (good) a fortnight ago; enjoyed the run of the race in front and it might be the case this longer trip stretches him nowadays, but he did it nicely last time and remains well treated on old form back up 6lb; not discounted.

20/1

Form: 032877 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Formerly a front-runner but more often held up these days; finished a 4l seventh at Wolverhampton in last two starts but he's 5-9 at Chelmsford and was runner-up over C&D in June; has possibilities back at this track and he needs a close look with Hollie Doyle booked.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(4)

23rd Sep 2025

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 4

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Wadacre Gomez

9st 7lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Charlie Johnston

Fine on Tapeta but has done most winning round Chelmsford, always over 1m2f; generally consistent in recent times, without looking quite as good, and has to prove his stamina going beyond 1m4f for the first time; the usual headgear comes off.

10/1

1

(4)

21st Aug 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Lingfield (AW)

Wadacre Gomez

10st 2lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Charlie Johnston

Much more exposed than some of these and usually runs over 1m2f but gave pretty good account when fourth in valuable Chelmsford handicap (1m2f) a fortnight and is 1lb lower here; could have a say.

4/1

9

(5)

7th Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Wadacre Gomez

8st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Charlie Johnston

Formerly a front-runner but more often held up these days; finished a 4l seventh at Wolverhampton in last two starts but he's 5-9 at Chelmsford and was runner-up over C&D in June; has possibilities back at this track and he needs a close look with Hollie Doyle booked.

9/1

Form: 010658

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Record of 3-12 on turf but he's had only one AW run; last win was off 2lb lower at Musselburgh (1m1f, good) in June but he's not gone on since that narrow success; had some traffic issues at Glorious Goodwood last week but he needs to find more progress to defy this mark; stablemate of Wadacre Gomez.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

13

(4)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Newmarket

Thunder Wonder

8st 6lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Charlie Johnston

Won at Musselburgh last April and June; failed to make a serious impact since, albeit fourth of 12 back at Musselburgh three weeks ago; non-runner at Redcar on Thursday.

25/1

4th

8

(8)

12th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 3

17:15 Musselburgh

Thunder Wonder

8st 13lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Charlie Johnston

Efforts since last summer leave plenty to be desired, including last month's Wolverhampton reappearance (8.6f, AW; first start since being gelded); however, he is 2-2 here (1m/1m1f) and 7lb lower than when last successful; worth a second look; stable also runs Sir Paul Ramsey.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £523.60
Straight Forecast £384.58
Tricast £3475.86
Trifecta £3411.30

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Sovereign Sea

The Guardian:

Thunder Wonder

SPOTLIGHT:

Wadacre Gomez

TOPSPEED:

Storm Catcher

The Sun:

Liberty Coach

Daily Record:

Magnum Opus

NEWMARKET:

Soldier's Empire

The Times:

Sovereign Sea

Telegraph:

Sovereign Sea

D Express:

Sovereign Sea

Daily Mirror:

Sovereign Sea

The Star:

Thunder Wonder

POSTDATA:

Wadacre Gomez

Daily Mail:

Storm Catcher