May 07 / 13.30 Chester

13.30

Good

CAA Stellar Handicap

  • Prize money: £23193
  • 0m 5f 15y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
ITV4
View Course
CAA Stellar Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.60

Form: -05870 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Chester specialist whose seven course wins include this race last year (off current mark under Oisin Murphy) and Listed event later in 2025; inconsistent elsewhere since but commands respect returned to the Roodee; favourably drawn.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(9)

11th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

15:17 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 11lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

C&D win at the May meeting off a 1lb higher mark; not so good since, including when well backed over 6f here three weeks ago; conditions should be fine but a lower draw would have been preferred.

6/1

7th

1

(5)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

17:00 Chester

Roman Dragon

10st 0lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Hugo Palmer

Back to the mark off which he won a 5f handicap at the May meeting; not had optimal conditions since but returning to 6f and dropping in class could see a revival from this eight-time course winner.

5/1

6th

3

(6)

2nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:52 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 13lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

Eight course wins to his name, the latest in May (5f, good) off a 2lb lower mark; had form over 7f in his youth but this year's two C&D runs haven't been convincing.

16/1

OUR TIP

10/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 3-3071

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Campaigned mostly over 6f, most recently winning big-field handicap (good to firm) for a bright end to his spell in Bahrain; this local runner is well drawn returned to British soil and has possibilities provided he's as effective back at 5f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

21th

1

(1)

12th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 143y

Class 2

14:20 Doncaster

Dubai Bling

9st 12lb

J: David Probert

T: Hugo Palmer

Ran on strongly to lead close home in a 5f handicap at Ascot in July; dangerous if returning to that level but his three runs since, while respectable, haven't been quite so good; unraced on slower than good.

25/1

3rd

2

(2)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:19 Newmarket (July)

Dubai Bling

9st 3lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Hugo Palmer

Led close home to win valuable 5f Ascot handicap in July and wasn't beaten far when back over 6f for Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood (also good to firm) at start of this month; didn't fire at York (5.3f, good) on Wednesday, though, and needs a personal best here.

8/1

12th

1

(17)

19th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 89y

Class 2

13:50 York

Dubai Bling

9st 12lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Wins in Bahrain (6f, good to firm) and at Ascot (5f, good to firm) this summer; stiff task under a penalty in the Stewards' Cup 18 days ago and ran respectably in midfield; the Ascot form makes him of interest and he could prove suited by this intermediate trip; whether his high draw proves beneficial remains to be seen though.

16/1

16/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 3-7110 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

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

15th

8

(10)

12th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 143y

Class 2

14:20 Doncaster

Atomic Force

9st 5lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Edward Bethell

Won two 5f AW handicaps early in the year; two good placed efforts at Chester this summer but he is up the weights as a result and may prove vulnerable back from three months off.

22/1

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

Form: 700-36 D BF

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Disappointing favourite at Ripon last time, taking record for current yard to 0-10, but his reappearance was encouraging and he has become very attractively handicapped; peak mark was 18lb higher and earned by bagging Group 3 honours at Newmarket two years ago; has the plum draw and can't be written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(1)

30th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 42y

Class 3

14:55 Yarmouth

Seven Questions

9st 8lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Robert Cowell

Came from rear to win at Goodwood (5f, good; cheekpieces removed) in May and is now 1lb lower but has barely beaten a rival in three runs since; the cheekpieces are now back on; leap of faith required to support him.

20/1

Form: 100-62 D

Last run: 3 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Did well last term, winning four times; back in top form, beaten only narrowly, at Beverley (5f, good to soft) on Monday with reappearance under his belt; may remain competitive off same mark, provided he takes well to first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

(12)

16th Oct 2026

Heavy

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:37 Haydock

Canons House

9st 1lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

Returned to form in first-time blinkers (retained) with close third at Southwell (5f, AW) three weeks ago; worth a second look after that but he's inconsistent and unproven on soft/heavy ground.

10/1

3rd

7

(4)

26th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

17:55 Southwell (AW)

Canons House

9st 7lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

C&D win late last summer came off 6lb higher; he's proven patchy this season but the handicapper's given him a chance should the first-time blinkers (has worn cheekpieces once before) have the desired effect.

8/1

15th

9

(8)

13th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

13:25 Doncaster

Canons House

9st 5lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Michael & David Easterby

Can lead; won four times last season and went close at Beverley this May; not far away three times in a row this summer (not so good on latest start) and creeping down the weights but others are now a bit more persuasive.

16/1

Form: 054-04 D

Last run: 3 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Has gained all wins in spring, the most recent off current mark at Goodwood (5f, good) last May; finished nicely for close fourth at Bath (wore hood) on Monday with reappearance under her belt; fighting chance from a handy draw.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(7)

15th Oct 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Rubys Profit

9st 7lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Tom Ward

Often a front-runner; 2-4 on the AW and 6lb lower than when last successful, but her losing run is now up to 13 despite a sliding mark; in the frame in all four goes at this trip, but looks best over 5f.

12/1

5th

1

(8)

28th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

18:20 Goodwood

Rubys Profit

10st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Tom Ward

Did well as a 3yo, including over C&D, but she hasn't added to her tally in six runs this year; recent third at Epsom (6f, good to firm) on her stable debut was a good run and she's a key player back down in trip.

9/2

3rd

1

(2)

14th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

16:00 Epsom

Rubys Profit

10st 2lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Tom Ward

Developed into useful 5f performer for Newland-Insole stable last year but is yet to hit top gear after five runs this season; makes stable debut debut from a tempting mark and should be okay back at 6f but needs to have been reinvigorated by her new regime; cheekpieces removed after one use.

7/1

Form: 508-00 CD

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Close third off 6lb higher (from stall 5) in this contest two years ago and 2-4 at Chester overall; however, has a big doubt over current form, reflected in two duck eggs this season; wide draw adds uncertainty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

12

(12)

17th Oct 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Catterick

Vintage Clarets

8st 4lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Has an excellent record in this race, with a second in 2022 and wins in 2023 and 2024 (all on soft/heavy); only fifth to Lexington Blitz on good 12 months ago but his second (Lexington Blitz third) in the Epsom Dash (good to soft) shows he's still useful, and he can be made to look well treated on that form even from 3lb out of the handicap; any easing of the ground in his favour.

9/1

7th

9

(1)

11th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

15:17 Chester

Vintage Clarets

8st 11lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Won this race in 2024 when rated 8lb higher; well handicapped on even this year's best, 3lb lower than when second in the Dash at Epsom (5f, good to soft); stall 1 not ideal for one that comes from off the pace and he will need luck in running; big chance if the gaps appear though.

5/1

6th

10

(2)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Beverley

Vintage Clarets

9st 1lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

All ten wins at 5f; last scored just over a year ago on good to firm but he's got plenty of form on a softer surface and ran well when runner-up in Epsom's "Dash" in June; also performed with credit at Glorious Goodwood and could be the type to bounce back from a lesser effort at Pontefract a fortnight ago; having just his second outing here since winning a C&D novice back in 2021.

5/1

Form: 118-09 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Good spell culminated in an October double; form has dipped sharply since and he is due a 2lb drop in future; close second in sole C&D attempt but this is harder and doesn't look as if he's about to add to his tally.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(11)

16th Oct 2026

Heavy

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:07 Haydock

Smart Vision

9st 7lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Jessica Macey

Down the field at Newcastle four weeks ago but was in a first-time visor and his usual cheekpieces return today; he was in pretty good heart prior to last time and won on heavy ground last October; not discounted.

12/1

8th

2

(3)

19th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Smart Vision

9st 9lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Jessica Macey

Well handicapped on his best form last year and he's finished a creditable fourth in last two runs including over C&D; needs to find a bit extra but he's still lightly raced on AW and new headgear could give him a boost.

8/1

4th

7

(3)

13th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 4

16:50 Doncaster

Smart Vision

9st 7lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

Three wins in the second half of last year (various ground; the final one over C&D); he's struggled to get competitive for most of this year but has dropped down the weights and ran well when fourth of 13 at Newcastle (5f, AW) last time; another 2lb lower today and he's one to consider.

10/1

33/1

Form: 1710-0 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 11lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Posted duck eggs over 6f in last two appearances, not beaten entirely by the trip; has a very good record at 5f but faces a harder task off current mark at this level, especially from an unfavourable draw.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(2)

28th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 5f 7y

Class 5

16:38 Hamilton

Roach Power

9st 12lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Wigham

Scored five times last year, including last two attempts in Class 5; far from solid on 2026 form but this drop back in grade may prompt a resurgence off a reduced mark; market support would heighten interest.

9/2

7th

12

(5)

26th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:10 Haydock

Roach Power

8st 2lb

J: J F Egan

T: Michael Wigham

Had a bumper time of things last year but hasn't come close to the same level in 2026; well handicapped (despite being 2lb out of weights) but leap of faith needed.

33/1

19th

15

(22)

6th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 89y

Class 4

14:05 York

Roach Power

9st 5lb

J: J F Egan

T: Michael Wigham

Had a bumper time of things last year and although he hasn't been at his best in 2026, his handicap mark is tumbling; will be of major interest back on testing ground but the drying forecast isn't optimal today.

33/1

Form: 12-U52

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Similar type to stablemate Dubai Bling, having raced mostly over 6f; beat him readily on similar terms at Wolverhampton in December and ran well at Newcastle in latest AW start; has a record of 2212 on turf and may do better still; interesting, assuming he copes with the drop in distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(11)

3rd Oct 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Stratusnine

9st 4lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Hugo Palmer

Heavy ground was no help to him in the Ayr Gold Cup last time but he's been a stalwart in highly competitive 6f handicaps this year; sole run here was 7f but he wouldn't be an entirely forlorn hope if back to his best.

14/1

6th

5

(6)

19th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Stratusnine

9st 6lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Hugo Palmer

C&D win as a 2yo; took a while for things to fall his way this year but his win at York (6f, good to firm) in July was followed by a second-place finish in the Stewards' Cup; ran two fine races at York's Ebor meeting (not ideally drawn on first occasion) but he clearly needs more to defy this mark; talented apprentice's 5lb claim is helpful.

14/1

6th

1

(13)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Stratusnine

9st 12lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Hugo Palmer

Form figures of 22216 at York; Wednesday's sixth can be upgraded as he was comfortably on top of those drawn high; returning to 6f should suit and he is proven on slow ground, for all that his best efforts have been on good to firm; high on the list.

12/1

Non-runners

Jakajaro, Dapper Valley, Arklow Lad

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £26.40
Straight Forecast £42.77
Tricast £289.64
Trifecta £262.60

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Canon's House

The Times:

Ruby's Profit

SPOTLIGHT:

Seven Questions

Daily Mail:

Roman Dragon

The Guardian:

Stratusnine

POSTDATA:

Dapper Valley

TOPSPEED:

Vintage Clarets

The Star:

Canon's House

Daily Record:

Canon's House

Telegraph:

Ruby's Profit

The Sun:

Ruby's Profit

NEWMARKET:

Seven Questions

D Express:

Seven Questions

Daily Mirror:

Roman Dragon