13:53 Chester

Saturday 25 July 2026

All13:5314:2815:1015:4816:2316:5817:33

Midsummer Meeting Handicap

Off time: 13:53 | Winning time: 2m 38.89s

(10)

Imperial Trooper⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-2| J: George Wood| T: J Candlish| OR: 67

25/1

On a long losing run but he comes here on the back of an excellent third over hurdles at Worcester 9 days ago. Not out of things.

Form: 263306

(2)

Return With Gold²⁰³

Age: 4| Weight: 10-2| J: Harry Russell| T: Ollie Pears| OR: 67

33/1

A dual all-weather winner early in 2025. Had a breathing operation before posting a solid fourth of 10 in handicap at Southwell (11f) in January. Needs to hit the ground running.

Form: 68/131-4

(8)

Sisterandbrother^p,h²²

Age: 8| Weight: 10-0| J: Taryn Langley⁽⁵⁾| T: Joey Ramsden| OR: 65| D

9/1

Got back on the up when gaining a third win for Joey Ramsden at Beverley (1½m) 22 days ago, drawing clear under this rider. Has to be on the shortlist.

Form: 121571

(4)

Yokkell^p¹⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 9-13| J: Edward Greatrex| T: A Wintle| OR: 64| D

4/1

Well backed and gained a first win for current yard in 8-runner handicap at Bath (11.6f) 10 days ago. Back up 4 lb but needs considering with cheekpieces refitted.

Form: 7-63541

(3)

Ottoman^b¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: David Probert| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 60| D

9/1

Comfortably doubled his tally in 6-runner handicap at Leicester (1½m) 11 days ago. Hiked up 7 lb here though so needs to take a step forward.

Form: 0-83251

(6)

Grey Fable^t¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-8| J: Ray Dawson| T: K Thornton| OR: 59| CD

11/2

Irish raider took this in 2024 and arrives in good nick, scoring at Dundalk in May and fifth of 12 in handicap at Limerick 14 days ago. Must enter calculations.

Form: 640195

(5)

Al Maslool^p²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Jason Watson| T: W J Haggas| OR: 66| BF

5/2

Is 0-7 but arrives in good form, third of 6 in handicap at Nottingham (1¼m) 23 days ago when not ideally placed. That form has been franked so he's weighted to go very well back up in trip eased 1 lb.

Form: 375023

(7)

Mr Moonshine¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: O J Orr| T: R A Fahey| OR: 66

9/2

Stepped up on reappearance with good second of 6 in handicap at Hamilton (11f) 14 days ago, clear of rest. Very much one to consider in his bid for a first victory.

Form: 4524-52

(9)

Kindly Queen^p²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Jason Hart| T: C N Kellett| OR: 65

66/1

Still a maiden but she got back on track in a change of headgear with third of 5 in handicap at Windsor four weeks ago on her final run for Ralph Beckett. Not out of things for new yard.

Form: 334253

(1)

Risk Averse Rebel³⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-2| J: Grace McEntee| T: G Hanmer| OR: 49

12/1

Remains winless but comes here on the back of a good third of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (1½m) 39 days ago. This is tougher.

Form: 334533

Forecasts

Al Maslool (5/2), Yokkell (4/1), Mr Moonshine (9/2), Grey Fable (11/2), Ottoman (9/1), Sisterandbrother (9/1), Risk Averse Rebel (12/1), Imperial Trooper (25/1), Return With Gold (33/1), Kindly Queen (66/1)

AL MASLOOL is still to get his head in front but wasn't seen to ideal effect when third at Nottingham recently so edges the vote from Irish challenger Grey Fable, who captured this prize in 2024. Mr Moonshine is another to note in a very open contest.