19:35 Chester

Friday 10 July 2026

All17:1517:5018:2519:0019:3520:1220:50

John Smith's Handicap

4YO plus | Class 4 | 5f 110y | 10 Runners | Turf

(8)

Betsen^p³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: Jack Doughty| T: A W Carroll| OR: 86| D

15/2

Won over 5f at Chepstow in May and far from disgraced from low draw when eighth of 20 in a handicap at Epsom 34 days ago. Cheekpieces back on today and dropped in grade but not very well drawn.

Form: 470918

(10)

Rosenpur^p1,h¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 9-7| J: Jason Hart| T: J Candlish| OR: 83| CD

16/1

Won this race 12 months ago and has 3 wins at Chester, including as recently as May when again showing his front-running style to be ideal for this track. However, stall 10 will make things considerably more difficult here. Also now fitted with cheekpieces.

Form: 0-26156

(1)

True Promise⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: Rossa Ryan| T: Fionn McSharry| OR: 81| D

5/1

Had found only one too good on several occasions this season before finally coming out on top in good style at Wolverhampton over 5f on all-weather in May, suited by the strong tempo. 7 lb higher mark to contend with here and returns to turf in a deeper race.

Form: 552201

(6)

Changeofmind²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-4| J: Zak Wheatley| T: D Carroll| OR: 80| CD

15/2

Has won over C&D previously and ended long losing run in lesser event at Pontefract in May. Didn't get much room when down field here last time but may prove vulnerable even with a clearer passage here.

Form: 95-0187

(2)

Top Juggler²³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: D Swift| T: S Spencer| OR: 78| D

7/2

Largely reliable sort who has been at the top of his game both starts since returning from 6 months off, including when second of 8 at Hamilton in a handicap 23 days ago. Definitely enters calculations from a helpful draw that will suit this prominent racer.

Form: 1035-32

(4)

Supreme King⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: J F Egan| T: P D Evans| OR: 78| BF| D

13/2

Won over 6f on heavy going at Salisbury in June and followed that up with 2 creditable seconds, though most recently looked caught out for a turn of foot over 7f at Chepstow. Evidently in form, but this will be the sharpest test yet of his career dropping back to 5.5f.

Form: 355122

(5)

Ran Amok^t²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: David Probert| T: H Palmer| OR: 76| BF| D

11/4

Better than ever since returning from 7 months off, running particularly well when second over here in June, then producing a creditable third of 9 at Doncaster 20 days ago. Well enough drawn for stable that enjoys plenty of success at this track and he's sure to be in the mix.

Form: 470-523

(3)

Aces Wild³⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-0| J: Harry Davies| T: A Wintle| OR: 76| CD

9/2

Course winner who is on the up this year, having won back-to-back handicaps at Bath in May and Newbury in June. Upped in grade for hat-trick attempt but well berthed and merits respect in current heart.

Form: 27-3611

Non-Runners

(9)

Brummell²⁷

Weight: 9-5| Age: 5

T: Miss J A Camacho J: Non Runner

(7)

Paws For Thought¹⁵

Weight: 8-10| Age: 8

T: D McCain Jnr J: Non Runner

Forecasts

True Promise (3/1), Supreme King (5/1), Aces Wild (5/1), Ran Amok (6/1), Top Juggler (6/1), Brummell (7/1), Changeofmind (8/1), Betsen (8/1), Rosenpur (12/1), Paws For Thought (20/1)

RAN AMOK looks an improved performer this year and went very close here last month, so he's of considerable interest for a yard that does particularly well at this track. Top Juggler is well drawn and in the form to figure, while Aces Wild is respected despite this being a tougher race than the pair he's won recently.