Chester Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Substantial improvement to win novice at Nottingham in October, followed by creditable sixth of seven in French Listed race (both 1m on heavy); however, eased right down from 4f out on handicap/seasonal debut at Newmarket (1m2f, good; 22-1) three weeks ago, after which it's hard to approach him with confidence.

Best efforts on first two starts this season, notably when winning from the front in a maiden at Doncaster (1m2f, good to soft) in March; fading into fifth of eight when 6-4 favourite for handicap debut at Newmarket (1m2f, good) three weeks ago was disappointing, but good chance he will stay 1m4f.

Couldn't justify favouritism on debut and bumped into the subsequent 2,000 Guineas winner next time, but made no mistake at Thirsk (1m, good) in August; flopped when favourite for five-runner nursery at Newcastle (1m, AW) in October but gelded since; sire gets plenty who stay; not dismissed.

Promise on turf (good to firm/good) as 2yo; gelded and tongue tied when justifying favouritism in five-runner handicaps over 1m3f on Kempton AW this February (fairly smoothly) and April (much harder work, by short head); up another 4lb and back to turf but 1m4f+ will help his hat-trick bid.

Improved with each of his three runs in 2025, signing off with a 1m2f Pontefract novice win (soft) in October; gelded before another improved effort to win handicap at Southwell (1m4f, AW) last month, in just a two-horse race but against in-form rival Magnetude (who reopposes); up 3lb but more to give.