May 30 / 15.30 Chester

15.30

Good To Soft

Virgin Bet Handicap

  • Prize money: £25770
  • 0m 7f 1y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
ITV
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Virgin Bet Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £22.40
  • Place: £5.80

Form: -11710

Last run: 53 days

W: 8st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Transformed by blinkers this year, making all in three 1m handicaps at Chelmsford; well drawn to attack but he will need a big personal best to score at this level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(5)

25th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 4

16:58 Chester

Lexington Jet

9st 13lb

J: Laura Pearson

T: David Loughnane

Front-runner who went off too fast for his own good over the extended 7f here two weeks ago and folded, which was also the case in his two previous runs; on a handy mark if he did get any freedom up front, though stamina doubts remain over quite this far.

33/1

9th

2

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

15:18 Chester

Lexington Jet

10st 1lb

J: Harry Davies

T: David Loughnane

Front-runner who has won four times since blinkers have been added and latest was over 7f here (good) in May; well held in his last two runs (1m2f/1m) but he's now only 2lb higher than for his last win and is well drawn back at this trip; not ruled out.

12/1

11/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 19-701 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Course winner (7.6f, soft) for Andrew Balding last summer; not beaten far in the 7.6f handicap won by Supido 24 days ago (poor draw) and confirmed that promise with a Class 3 win at Thirsk a fortnight ago (7f, good); a 3lb rise shouldn't prove beyond him and Warren Fentiman's claim is a bonus.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

(7)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

17:00 Chester

Brighton Boy

9st 2lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

7f win at Thirsk in May and also went close over 7f here a fortnight later; not so good since, including when dropped to 6f at Ripon last week.

12/1

11th

14

(4)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Brighton Boy

8st 2lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Tim Easterby

7f win at Thirsk in May and ran well over that trip at Chester two weeks later; not quite so good since and the drop to 6f isn't enough to tempt.

20/1

5/2

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 0858-1 C

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Finished close up in fifth in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot last year (1m, good to firm); his 3yo campaign rather fizzled out but he dropped in the weights as a result and took full advantage with his 7.6f success here 24 days ago; well drawn again and a 4lb rise isn't beyond him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

(13)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Newmarket (July)

Supido

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Ian Williams

Performed well (first and third) at Chester in last two turf attempts and may be capable of further progress returned to this sphere; helps to give his connections, who also run Aalto, a robust hand.

9/1

7th

3

(7)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:40 Newcastle (AW)

Supido

9st 5lb

J: William Buick

T: Ian Williams

Good effort to win a 7.6f handicap at Chester on his reappearance and he ran to a similar level when third back there (7f) four weeks ago; today's stiffer test at the trip will suit and he has shown promise on AW.

4/1

3rd

5

(3)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:30 Chester

Supido

9st 4lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Finished close up in fifth in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot last year (1m, good to firm); his 3yo campaign rather fizzled out but he dropped in the weights as a result and took full advantage with his 7.6f success here 24 days ago; well drawn again and a 4lb rise isn't beyond him.

5/2

16/1

Form: 82550- C

Last run: 224 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Course winner; only eighth in the corresponding race 12 months ago; 4lb lower today but he is drawn wide and this may not be his day.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

(5)

29th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:40 Goodwood

Bobby Bennu

9st 10lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Unraced at two but he scored twice around this trip on turf as a 3yo; built on his Chester comeback in May with neck second of 14 in fairly valuable Newcastle handicap (7f, AW) one month ago; that wasn't far off his best and he may still be capable of better; respected.

4/1

2nd

7

(6)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:40 Newcastle (AW)

Bobby Bennu

9st 3lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Winless last season but ran some promising races and did likewise when fourth on his reappearance at Chester (7f, good; Supido third), having been dropped in from a wide draw; continues to drop down the weights; chance.

6/1

Form: 4-1117 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Front-runner; 4-4 on AW but unplaced in both turf runs; he will need a career best to come out on top but he is well drawn to attack and still has low mileage.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(1)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:30 Chester

Elements Of Fire

9st 4lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Archie Watson

Front-runner; 4-4 on AW but unplaced in both turf runs; he will need a career best to come out on top but he is well drawn to attack and still has low mileage.

11/2

7th

1

(4)

8th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:25 Ascot

Elements Of Fire

9st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Has done really well front-running over 7f on the AW for new yard, winning all three starts; has more to prove up another 5lb and dropped to 6f on the return to turf but he's perfectly capable of giving it a good shot on grass, having run well under a penalty in a good novice at Doncaster last spring.

6/1

1st

2

(6)

6th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 3

15:40 Wolverhampton (AW)

Elements Of Fire

9st 8lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Bought for 32,000gns from the Gosdens; 2-2 since gelded, just doing enough to fend off Epictetus at Chelmsford (7f, Class 4) over a month ago; now 2lb higher as he bids to remain unbeaten for current connections (2-2) and on AW (3-3); solid credentials.

15/8

6th
7 (11)
Korker

28/1

Form: 20-080

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Slow-starter; on a dangerous mark but he is without a win since October 2023 and one 7f run didn't see him improve for the trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(9)

2nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:52 Chester

Korker

9st 5lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

On a long losing run but he has dropped to a dangerous mark and his latest Newcastle run confirmed he retains a good chunk of ability, surging to the front 1f out but failing to see out the stiff 7f; this easier test should suit and he can't be discounted.

10/1

4th

8

(12)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:40 Newcastle (AW)

Korker

9st 1lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Slow starter; on a long losing run; creditable effort at Chester four weeks ago but this stiff 7f isn't sure to suit.

20/1

6th

7

(11)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:30 Chester

Korker

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: K R Burke

Slow-starter; on a dangerous mark but he is without a win since October 2023 and one 7f run didn't see him improve for the trip.

28/1

Form: -08166 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Narrow winner of a competitive 1m handicap at Lingfield on Good Friday; two midfield finishes this month and he will need a career best to come out on top in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(5)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket (July)

Angel Hunter

9st 4lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Gained most recent success in AW Vase race on Good Friday; has steadily got back into the swing of turf racing and went very close at Thirsk (7f) last Saturday, running at least as well as he's ever done; the signs are positive.

4/1

2nd

5

(13)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:47 Thirsk

Angel Hunter

9st 7lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Richard Hannon

Won at Lingfield (1m, AW) in April and achieved his best result of this turf season when close fourth of 17 at York (7f, good to firm) three weeks ago; he might not be far away.

11/2

4th

6

(2)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:10 York

Angel Hunter

9st 3lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Won a 1m handicap at Lingfield on Good Friday off this mark; another solid effort when a close sixth at Newmarket (1m, good) three weeks ago; more needed to come out on top here.

20/1

OUR TIP

11/2

Form: 058701 C

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Enhanced his excellent course record when narrowly landing a 5f handicap at the May meeting; stays 7f but rarely seen at the trip now; may prove vulnerable to stronger stayers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

9th

4

(9)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 1

15:52 Chester

Roman Dragon

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Hugo Palmer

Has won in Bahrain but all eight British wins have come at Chester (5f/6f); his last success was in May but he's gone backwards since and was beaten 14l in the Wokingham last time; now returns to Chester but he's drawn out wide and has something to prove back up in trip.

14/1

Form: 1002-4 C

Last run: 24 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Two course wins (7.6f) for Hugo Palmer last summer; respectable fourth on this month's stable debut; should give his running but perhaps vulnerable for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(1)

2nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:52 Chester

Miami Matrix

8st 13lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Patrick Morris

Promiment racer who is well drawn to attack; three creditable runs here for his new stable in 2026 but others appeal as being better treated.

8/1

4th

2

(3)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

14:45 Chester

Miami Matrix

10st 1lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Patrick Morris

Overall record of 3-11 but he's not been easy to predict; finished down the field here when last seen in May but he's now only 1lb higher than when completing a double in this race last year; cheekpieces are reapplied after a short break and he needs a close look on this drop back in grade.

9/2

9th

11

(6)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:30 Chester

Miami Matrix

8st 9lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Patrick Morris

Two course wins (7.6f) for Hugo Palmer last summer; respectable fourth on this month's stable debut; should give his running but perhaps vulnerable for win purposes.

9/1

6/1

Form: 964-44 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Ready winner of a C&D handicap last summer off a 12lb lower mark; better than ever when a close fourth in a Wolverhampton Listed race in March and he faced a stiff task at Haydock three weeks ago; should give his running but could find one or two stronger back in handicap company.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(5)

2nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:52 Chester

Palmar Bay

10st 2lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Ralph Beckett

Won the corresponding race 12 months ago off a 10lb lower mark; as good as ever when fourth of eight at Wolverhampton (7f, Listed) in March but has found it tougher going since; apprentice's claim is useful but he still has little margin for error off this mark.

9/1

8th

3

(4)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 1

15:52 Chester

Palmar Bay

9st 7lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Ralph Beckett

Comfortable winner of a C&D handicap (good to firm) last August; better than ever when a close fourth in a Listed event at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) in March but he's been well held in both subsequent runs and latest was in a C&D; has bit to prove again and this looks a tough task on the figures.

14/1

Form: 3340-0

Last run: 24 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Useful 2yo for Joseph O'Brien; poorly drawn and finished well beaten in a C&D handicap on stable debut this month (100-1); he has fared better with the draw today but others still look more appealing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(1)

2nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

16:22 Chester

Midnight Strike

8st 13lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Jennie Candlish

Won on debut for Joseph O'Brien; his only effort of note in six starts for current yard (two here) was last month's selling win at Beverley (extended 1m) when odds-on in beating two rivals (in this first-time headgear); back in a handicap last time and was found wanting, albeit over 1m2f; others preferred.

10/1

5th

1

(2)

18th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 4

15:53 Ripon

Midnight Strike

10st 2lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Jennie Candlish

Capitalised on a golden opportunity for easy win at 8-13 in a seller at Beverley (8.4f, good to firm) a fortnight ago; that may have given his confidence a boost and he's unexposed in the retained tongue-tie/cheekpieces, but he's opposable on what he's achieved in handicaps this season.

6/1

1st

3

(2)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

19:35 Beverley

Midnight Strike

9st 12lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Jennie Candlish

Useful performer for Joseph O'Brien but struggling for new yard in 2026, albeit last week's York eighth was better; accessories now go on; favoured by the weights.

6/4

50/1

Form: 2156-0

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 95

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

Form: 01-706 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 91

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

Non-runners

Nizam, The Angel King

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £247.00
Straight Forecast £230.44
Tricast £767.64
Trifecta £1161.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Supido

Telegraph:

Palmar Bay

LAMBOURN:

Elements Of Fire

The Star:

Roman Dragon

The Guardian:

Elements Of Fire

RP RATINGS:

Supido

TOPSPEED:

Supido

POSTDATA:

Supido

The Times:

Supido

Daily Mail:

Supido

D Express:

Supido

Daily Mirror:

Supido

The Sun:

Palmar Bay

Daily Record:

Palmar Bay