February 21 / 18.30 Chelmsford (AW)

18.30

Standard

Easter Festival Handicap

  • Prize money: £13085
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 9 runners
RTV
View Course
Easter Festival Handicap

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Polytrack

Weather: Cloudy

OUR TIP

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £2.50

Form: 053-71 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Below par at Southwell last month but scored under less aggressive tactics at Lingfield three weeks ago, picking up well in the straight to collar Michaela's Boy; a 2lb rise may well not prevent him from following up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(2)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Atomic Force

10st 2lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Edward Bethell

Won twice on AW in early part of this year and kept on well from the rear for creditable third in quite valuable C&D (good) contest last month; also suited by good to soft ground and has the early speed to race much closer to the pace from his favourable draw if that's the plan.

11/2

3rd

4

(6)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Atomic Force

9st 6lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Edward Bethell

Successful in last two AW attempts but wasn't in anything like the same form returned to turf last time (effective in this sphere in the past); remains on career-high mark and can be opposed kept to grass.

16/1

11th

4

(12)

7th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

15:57 Pontefract

Atomic Force

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Edward Bethell

Had a long spell in Hong Kong; gradually back in business since returning to Britain and gained 5f AW wins the last twice; still attractively treated, considering he was a dual Group scorer on turf as a 2yo.

8/1

8/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 153-21 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Recorded his fifth AW success when making all in a small field at Lingfield 11 days ago; hit with only a 1lb rise but it's unlikely this race will pan out quite so perfectly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

11

(14)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

19:28 Newcastle (AW)

Fidelius

9st 3lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Robert Cowell

Six wins and five seconds from 17 AW runs; unplaced on turf on his last two starts and although this scenario will suit better, a few others look better handicapped.

14/1

6th

2

(6)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

17:27 Goodwood

Fidelius

9st 9lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Robert Cowell

Record of 6-17 on AW includes two wins in a consistent 2026 campaign; not disgraced back on turf last time but finished only fifth of six and took record in this sphere to 0-9; others preferred.

9/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 854-21 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Course record reads 11142 and he arrives on the back of an impressive win at Newcastle (6f) two weeks ago; up 6lb in a stronger race but he looks one to take seriously.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(7)

14th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 4

17:55 Wolverhampton (AW)

Twilight Fun

9st 9lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Chelsea Banham

Five AW wins, the latest from the front off 2lb lower at Newcastle (6f) in February; well below that form on turf lately but still worth keeping an eye on in the betting.

14/1

8th

3

(8)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:11 Newmarket (July)

Twilight Fun

9st 13lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Chelsea Banham

Only turf win came off a much lower mark more than two years ago and he remains weighted to his AW best after a couple of no-shows at Yarmouth last month; some way down the pecking order.

16/1

4th

3

(6)

28th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

16:23 Yarmouth

Twilight Fun

9st 9lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Chelsea Banham

Tends to lead; started the year well on AW but it all went wrong at Newcastle in March and he could only beat one home in seven-runner 5f course handicap a fortnight ago; easy ground probably no help that day and it's not impossible this C&D winner can stage a revival.

16/1

14/1

Form: 51354- D

Last run: 158 days

W: 8st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
No problem with conditions and he isn't handicapped out of things; can go well fresh but he returns in a warm race; others have stronger claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(4)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

15:10 Doncaster

Moulin Booj

9st 9lb

J: Liam Wright

T: George Scott

Close third at Windsor (5f, good to firm) last month and another good run when runner-up at Brighton (5.2f, good to firm) latest; contender.

3/1

2nd

1

(4)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 60y

Class 4

16:56 Brighton

Moulin Booj

9st 11lb

J: Liam Wright

T: George Scott

Six-time winner who is dangerous at this level; just 1lb higher than for his AW win in March and he was back at that level when a close third at Windsor (5f, good to firm) three weeks ago; this is his first visit to Brighton but likely to be in the thick of the action.

11/4

3rd

2

(5)

1st Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 4

17:05 Windsor

Moulin Booj

9st 6lb

J: Liam Wright

T: George Scott

C&D scorer; not seen to best effect on his last three runs since scoring at Wolverhampton (5f) in March, going too freely from an outside draw when last of six at Bath (5f) last time; interesting from an easing mark.

7/1

Form: 676-12 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Back to winning ways when landing a 5f handicap at Lingfield last month; good second to Atomic Force back at Lingfield three weeks ago but a 1lb turnaround in the weights may be insufficient.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(1)

6th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 4

16:15 Lingfield (AW)

Michaelas Boy

10st 4lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Robert Cowell

Two wins and a close second to his name in four runs over C&D; tended to be hot and cold in the past, twice winning back-to-back, which bodes well after bouncing back off 4lb lower at Yarmouth last time; goes well for Luke Morris too.

7/2

1st

3

(2)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 42y

Class 4

14:40 Yarmouth

Michaelas Boy

9st 7lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Robert Cowell

AW win in January and went close 19 days later; unplaced in both turf starts this spring and he needs to raise his game.

8/1

7th

4

(7)

13th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 42y

Class 3

14:40 Yarmouth

Michaelas Boy

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Robert Cowell

Prominent racer; won at Lingfield (5f, AW) in January on second start since returning to this stable and he went close over that same C&D next time; ran creditably back on turf at Nottingham (5f, good) 17 days ago but he has a better strike-rate on the AW (1-24 on turf).

10/1

Form: 252-14 CD BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 9lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Returned from wind surgery to win by a short head from Accrual in a Lingfield handicap last month; caught wide when fourth back at Lingfield three weeks ago (behind two of today's rivals); a career best will be required to win but he has run well in all three C&D runs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(2)

30th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:37 Salisbury

The Thames Boatman

9st 12lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Recent form includes a turf success but he's only 1-19 in this sphere and still has a much better strike-rate on AW; below par at Brighton last time.

3/1

5th

3

(2)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 60y

Class 4

16:56 Brighton

The Thames Boatman

9st 5lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Prolific AW winner; off the mark on turf with a last-gasp success at Goodwood (5f, good) last month; would have finished hot on the heels of Moulin Booj at Windsor last time but for meeting late interference; in the mix again.

6/1

4th

6

(8)

1st Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 4

17:05 Windsor

The Thames Boatman

9st 1lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Richard Hughes

Multiple AW winner; quirky sort who often starts slowly but he finally got off the mark (in a change of headgear) on turf in 5f Goodwood handicap last month; up 3lb but he can make his presence felt again.

4/1

Form: 0006-0 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Useful as 2yo, winning twice before finishing third in the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood; went the wrong way in 2025 and made a low-key return at Newcastle two weeks ago; gelded one day later and now tries a visor; has a good mark but arrives with a point to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(6)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:44 Leicester

Mr Lightside

9st 3lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Michael Appleby

Can lead; smart 2yo who began 3yo season on a mark of 102; has shown just humdrum form in three turf handicaps, despite a sliding mark, and was way back behind Justcallmepete at Bath last week; has it to prove now.

10/1

11th

5

(5)

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 160y

Class 4

17:20 Bath

Mr Lightside

9st 8lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Michael Appleby

Both wins were on turf in 2024 but he's well treated on old form and has run respectably on Tapeta (5f/6f) in last two starts; can make the running and it wouldn't be a surprise if he made a bold bid back in this sphere.

6/1

4th

5

(8)

2nd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

17:48 Southwell (AW)

Mr Lightside

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Michael Appleby

Having tumbled down the weights there were signs of a possible revival when keeping on for third in a 5f handicap at Wolverhampton last week (attracted support); Rossa Ryan retains the ride and today's return to 6f won't be an issue; can't discount.

7/2

Form: 12-126 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Latest effort in a Listed race is easy to forgive and he had been firmly on the up beforehand; well drawn and likely to go well, even with other pace influences on show.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(2)

6th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 4

16:50 Lingfield (AW)

Accrual

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Loughnane

Lost his way and is now 10lb lower than when narrowly beaten over C&D early in the year; needs a revival but hasn't had conditions to suit on turf lately and ought to fare much better.

10/1

10th

5

(9)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

13:35 Chester

Accrual

8st 11lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: David Loughnane

Speedy sort but his last two wins have been at 6f (AW); acts on good to soft and encouraging his best turf effort came on his sole start here (5f) back in 2024; last two efforts haven't been his best, however, and the draw hasn't been kind either.

10/1

11/2

Form: 754/3- D

Last run: 416 days

W: 9st 12lb

8 yo Horse

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Smart sprint handicapper; last seen finishing third at Newcastle on New Year's Day 2025 and he has been dropped 4lb during his 416-day absence; tackling weaker opposition than normal today and the betting will be revealing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(10)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Albasheer

9st 3lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Has moved in the right direction on AW since returning from lengthy layoff but the form suggests he doesn't retain peak ability; the 8yo is the oldest contender back on turf.

14/1

2nd

2

(7)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Albasheer

9st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Second run back from a long break (C&D) was better than the first; on a good mark if able to take another step forward.

7/1

4th

2

(3)

19th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Albasheer

9st 6lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Smart sprint handicapper but off for 13 months after finishing third over C&D on New Year's Day 2025 and always behind on his Chelmsford comeback 26 days ago; needs to have come on a lot.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £45.90
Straight Forecast £39.79
Tricast £112.63
Trifecta £185.50

Selections

The Times:

Fidelius

POSTDATA:

Michaela's Boy

SPOTLIGHT:

Atomic Force

Telegraph:

Albasheer

D Express:

Fidelius

Daily Mirror:

Fidelius

The Sun:

Fidelius

Daily Record:

Fidelius

The Guardian:

Michaela's Boy

Daily Mail:

Michaela's Boy

RP RATINGS:

Atomic Force

TOPSPEED:

Atomic Force

The Star:

Albasheer