August 30 / 15.15 Chester

15.15

Good

Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap

  • Prize money: £51540
  • 0m 7f 127y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
ITV
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Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £12.00
  • Place: £3.10

Form: 8-7722 C

Last run: 42 days

W: 8st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Won over 7f here (good to soft) last August and runner-up in good 7f handicaps elsewhere on his last two starts (good to firm/good to soft); should be fine at today's distance and every chance he'll be thereabouts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(3)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Yanifer

8st 12lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Harriet Bethell

Enhanced his fine Chester record when a length winner there in late August (extended 7f; good to firm; acts on soft); the 4lb rise elevates him to a career-high mark which could be troublesome in this deep a handicap.

40/1

1st

9

(8)

30th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

15:15 Chester

Yanifer

8st 9lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Harriet Bethell

Won over 7f here (good to soft) last August and runner-up in good 7f handicaps elsewhere on his last two starts (good to firm/good to soft); should be fine at today's distance and every chance he'll be thereabouts.

10/1

2nd
10 (7)
Hawksbill

6/1

  • Place: £1.50

Form: -22092 BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
3yo who returned to form with very close second to Sir Paul Ramsey at Haydock (1m, good) three weeks ago on his second run since being gelded; back up 4lb today but still of interest after that latest performance, provided conditions suit (unproven on slow ground); wears first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

4

(9)

13th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:15 Doncaster

Hawksbill

9st 4lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Hugo Palmer

Campaigned mostly on good/firmer; record is only 1-11 but good seconds at Haydock (1m) and Chester (7.5f; cheekpieces applied) last month suggest his turn is near; one for the shortlist.

7/1

2nd

10

(7)

30th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

15:15 Chester

Hawksbill

8st 8lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Hugo Palmer

3yo who returned to form with very close second to Sir Paul Ramsey at Haydock (1m, good) three weeks ago on his second run since being gelded; back up 4lb today but still of interest after that latest performance, provided conditions suit (unproven on slow ground); wears first-time cheekpieces.

6/1

11/2

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 418089 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Won this last year and made it 2-2 at Chester when scoring over C&D in May; his subsequent form elsewhere leaves something to be desired but the return to Chester could spark a revival and he's on his last winning mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(5)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 2

14:42 Wolverhampton (AW)

Two Tempting

9st 8lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

He was making his seasonal debut when only fifth in this race 12 months ago but he's been kept on the go this winter and has been better than ever; suspicion others will prove better handicapped here though.

8/1

3rd

5

(7)

7th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 1

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Two Tempting

9st 2lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

He has been a fine servant to connections and added wins eight and nine to his tally in 2025, the latest a 1m handicap at Kempton in November; ran as well as he ever has when second to an upwardly mobile 4yo over C&D five weeks ago but even that effort will need bettering in this field.

16/1

Form: 761013

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Gained win number two when scoring narrowly from Hawksbill at Haydock (1m, good) this month and has since been a close third of 17 at York (1m, good to firm); from out of the handicap he's 4lb higher than at York but this progressive 3yo is drawn well in view of his prominent style and can make another bold bid; has shown promise on good to soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(8)

29th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

15:23 Pontefract

Sir Paul Ramsey

9st 5lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Charlie Johnston

Two turf wins at around 1m on good ground last summer, the second of them coming off a 1lb higher mark; not far off his best form when fourth at Lingfield early this month but he has since finished a remote 11th at Musselburgh; not a solid option.

8/1

11th

9

(12)

12th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 3

17:15 Musselburgh

Sir Paul Ramsey

8st 11lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Charlie Johnston

Just 1lb higher than for the latest of two wins on turf last year and suggested a stiffer test might suit when beaten just over a length into fourth of 12 at Lingfield (1m, AW) nine days ago; shortlisted.

11/1

Form: 0-7060

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Won 7f 2yo Group 3 Tattersalls Stakes at Newmarket last September; well handicapped on that form but he's found it difficult to get competitive this season, most recently well beaten at 40-1 in 7f handicap at Glorious Goodwood; a first-time visor replaces cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

1

(13)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 2

14:30 Doncaster

The Waco Kid

9st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Hugo Palmer

Group 3 win last season didn't help his handicap mark and this season is turning into a struggle, with this headgear combination tried last time at Chester.

33/1

5th

7

(6)

30th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

15:15 Chester

The Waco Kid

8st 12lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Hugo Palmer

Won 7f 2yo Group 3 Tattersalls Stakes at Newmarket last September; well handicapped on that form but he's found it difficult to get competitive this season, most recently well beaten at 40-1 in 7f handicap at Glorious Goodwood; a first-time visor replaces cheekpieces.

14/1

15th

1

(7)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Goodwood

The Waco Kid

9st 9lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Hugo Palmer

Useful last term, the highlight a Group 3 win at Newmarket (7f, soft); has much weaker claims on 2025 form and still needs to prove he's trained on; admittedly may derive some benefit from the switch to a handicap.

20/1

Form: 64-709

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Very lightly raced 5yo who hasn't been at the top of his game across his three starts this year; however, he didn't run badly over 6f at Hamilton last month and his best previous form has been at about 1m; no surprise if today's step back up in distance bears fruit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(1)

12th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Sandown

Crown Board

9st 9lb

J: George Wood

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

His easy win on his racecourse debut at Wolverhampton in December 2023 was foretold by the betting market; ran well in a Listed race (1m, good) here 12 months ago but he's enjoyed little success in handicaps this season; slowly edging down the weights but there are risks attached.

10/1

6th

5

(4)

30th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

15:15 Chester

Crown Board

9st 0lb

J: George Wood

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Very lightly raced 5yo who hasn't been at the top of his game across his three starts this year; however, he didn't run badly over 6f at Hamilton last month and his best previous form has been at about 1m; no surprise if today's step back up in distance bears fruit.

20/1

1

(10)

18th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 2

18:35 Hamilton

Crown Board

10st 0lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Very lightly raced 5yo; well held in 1m2f Kempton listed event and 1m Newbury handicap (weakened quickly) this year; remains to be seen if this significant drop in trip is what's required.

33/1

Form: 607006

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
6yo who is without a win since August 2023 and his form has gone the wrong way this season; however, his recent sixth of 14 at Newcastle (7f, AW) was a step back in the right direction and he continues to drop down the weights; effective here in the past and is not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

4

(14)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Witch Hunter

9st 9lb

J: Tyrese Cameron

T: Richard Hannon

His only turf wins came in a Royal Ascot handicap and Newbury Group 3, but they were in 2023 and he needs the cards to drop right for his late bids; scored on AW in January but subsequent form, including when 40-1 in the Victoria Cup last Saturday, isn't good enough.

40/1

20th

1

(9)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Witch Hunter

9st 12lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Very useful but rather needs the cards to drop right and gained his only turf wins, namely in Royal Ascot handicap and Newbury Group 3, in 2023; peak AW form this year when scoring in January; finished seventh (off 4lb higher) in this contest 12 months ago.

25/1

Form: 9-3930 C

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Unraced over quite this far and well beaten at Newcastle (7f, AW) recently having failed to settle; however, he was a close third in a handicap at Wolverhampton (6f, AW) last month and has a very strong record here, including a 7f Listed win last July; could have a part to play now back here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

2

(4)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Al Shabab Storm

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Michael Appleby

Finished down the field on stable/seasonal debut at Chester (7.5f) this month but that doesn't tell the full story as he ran well for a long way from his wide draw and was hampered late on; he's dropped to an attractive mark and is just the type his new trainer does very well with.

14/1

12th

1

(10)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

14:05 Chester

Al Shabab Storm

9st 12lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Michael Appleby

Won a 7f Listed race here (good to soft) for Andrew Balding in 2024; still capable of smart performances for Marco Botti last year but wasn't at his best on final two starts, including in a course seller; sold for 45,000gns in October; a Group 1 entry at Royal Ascot suggests new connections are hopeful he retains all his ability.

12/1

3rd

4

(3)

1st Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

18:00 Kempton (AW)

Al Shabab Storm

9st 5lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Marco Botti

Two pieces of form at Wolverhampton in 2025 that give him outstanding claims at these weights, namely close thirds in a 7f Listed race and a strong 6f handicap; not so good on his last three starts and alarm bells were ringing when he was dropped into selling company at Chester 11 days ago, a race where he was a disappointing fourth; too much ability to discount but there are risks involved.

10/1

5/1

Form: 113-10 CD

Last run: 70 days

W: 8st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
2-4 in last year's 2yo campaign (including a win on good to soft) and he reappeared with a C&D win (good) in May; down the field in Royal Ascot handicap (1m2f, good to firm) since but this unexposed 3yo retains potential now back down in trip and is one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(7)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

El Burhan

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Has a fine strike-rate on turf (4-8) including a win at this three-day meeting (7.6f, good) a year ago; would have gone closer with a clearer run when fifth of 13 in the Rosebery at Kempton (1m3f, AW) on his reappearance (Respond third); still open to improvement and rain wouldn't be a problem; major player.

4/1

5th

4

(11)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 2

14:42 Kempton (AW)

El Burhan

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Won on reappearance at Chester (7.5f, good) last May and tapped back into that promise for a clearcut win at Ayr (1m2f, good to soft) in September; up 6lb for this first run since and it's also his AW debut, but he probably retains potential.

5/1

12/1

Form: 920461

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Some big runs in defeat on turf this season and he won a competitive Racing League handicap at Newcastle (7f, AW) nine days ago; just 2lb higher today and could be in the mix if the extra yardage isn't an issue.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(23)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Golden Mind

9st 12lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Good second at Musselburgh (7f) with reappearance under his belt but is by no means certain to go one better off 103 in this deep field; has gained all handicap wins off marks in in the high-90s and still needs to prove he can break the triple-digit barrier.

25/1

2nd

2

(4)

4th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 2

13:55 Musselburgh

Golden Mind

9st 8lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Can lead; had some smart form in defeat during 2025 alongside three wins at 6f and 7f (AW and heavy); never showed with a chance on AW comeback but this easy test could see him to advantage; has possibilities.

12/1

7th

3

(4)

18th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Golden Mind

9st 7lb

J: J F Egan

T: Richard Fahey

First of three 2025 successes came here and was last seen beating 21 rivals to win at Doncaster; a useful 7lb was taken off on that occasion and others may be better treated here.

12/1

Non-runners

Array, Thunder Roar, Flying Finn, Perfect Part

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £65.10
Straight Forecast £59.70
Tricast £424.67
Trifecta £578.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Sir Paul Ramsey

LAMBOURN:

Two Tempting

The Guardian:

Hawksbill

RP RATINGS:

Witch Hunter

NEWMARKET:

El Burhan

D Express:

Flying Finn

Telegraph:

Al Shabab Storm

TOPSPEED:

Yanifer

Daily Mail:

Hawksbill

THE NORTH:

Sir Paul Ramsey

The Sun:

Sir Paul Ramsey

The Star:

Sir Paul Ramsey

Daily Record:

Sir Paul Ramsey

The Times:

Two Tempting

Daily Mirror:

Two Tempting

POSTDATA:

Witch Hunter