Chester - Friday 10th July 2026
Although unable to justify favouritism on his Leicester debut, EIGHTH IMMORTAL shaped with real encouragement in second. The third has won since to give the form a boost and with the drop to 6f promising to suit, he is fancied to go one place better. Maximus Meridius also struck the woodwork on his first start and ought to be dangerous if the quicker ground isn't an issue, and don't rule out Sydney Carton because he was out of his depth in the Chesham.
The form figure suggests CROWNRIGHT took a backward step last time, but that couldn't be further from the truth because it was a really solid effort to finish ninth in the Sandringham. She's seemingly bumped into a few throughout her fledgling career so far but this, on paper at least, looks a fine opportunity. Yarmouth runner-up Summerson is probably the main threat, but it wasn't a bad novice event that Brighton Beach contested on her debut so she's no forlorn hope.
All of these know how to win and are likely to have more to offer now pitched into a nursery, but perhaps previous Chester experience can allow DONEGAL ROSE to come out on top. Hugo Palmer's filly left it late to score over the extended 5f here in May so is sure to appreciate a step up in trip, while being drawn in stall one is no bad thing either. King's Prize was out of her depth in the Albany but should be more than capable at this level, as should Doncaster scorer Cash Cove.
INFRAAD is back from a break having easily landed a novice race at Pontefract back in April. He barely broke sweat on that occasion so the Great Voltigeur entrant could prove ahead of the assessor now handicapping. Gonna Fly is another novice winner to keep a close eye on, while Hugo Palmer has won three of the last four renewals and his C&D winner Patagonia Girl is preferred to stable companion Nolton Cross.
RAN AMOK could prove the one to side with in an open sprint. The four-year-old arrives on the back of two creditable efforts in defeat and a repeat of his latest third at Doncaster may prove sufficient. Although Aces Wild is bidding for a hat-trick up in class, he could still have a say in proceedings and makes more appeal than last year's winner Rosenpur, who has had no luck with the draw.
Southwell runner-up Alfa Whiteburd has to be of interest racing off a 6lb lower mark back on turf. Placed in all three starts in maiden company, Imelda could be in the mix on her handicap debut, but a chance is taken on BERKSHIRE BOOM. Andrew Balding's charge finished third on unsuitably soft ground at this venue last time and that points to a big effort here with conditions more in his favour.
EL PINTO started the year racing off a much higher mark. Third at Carlisle last time, the handicapper has taken a chance dropping him a further 2lb and Chris Kellett's charge may edge affairs. A case can be made for Kings Merchant back over this longer trip after going close over 6f at Doncaster, while Pearly Squirrel could prove competitive with Ashley Lewis' 5lb allowance in her favour.
EIGHTH IMMORTAL was only caught late on debut having met trouble but is set to make amends here. The form has been franked and he's entitled to come on for that initial experience. Maximus Meridius also finished runner up first time out and will be the main danger if handling this quicker surface. Towelontheterrace is bred to be precocious and managed to place over C&D on debut. If building on that he will also be a threat.
CROWNRIGHT had a valid excuse for her Royal Ascot disappointment but sets a clear standard on her previous novice form which has been franked at Listed level. She's proven on fast ground and is expected to take advantage of this trip in class at the expense of Summerson. That rival was left with too much to do on debut having missed the break and met trouble and should improve for that experience. Brighton Beach is bred to relish this step up in distance and should make significant improvement from her initial effort so is also respected.
Last time out course winner DONEGAL ROSE can make a successful handicap debut off what looks a lenient mark. The way she powered through the line suggested this longer trip would suit and she is chosen ahead of Persian Land who is well treated on his novice win but must bounce back with the headgear removed. King's Prize was successful first time out before being outclassed at Royal Ascot. She met trouble that day and is open to improvement now handicapping over further so looks a big player as well.
GONNA FLY had valid excuses for his sole disappointment so far and should prove a class apart from this field. His debut victory has worked out well and he showed a willing attitude last time when proving his stamina for 10f. He can take advantage of a lenient opening mark at the chief expense of impressive last time out winner Infraad who should also have much more to offer his top yard in handicaps. Patagonia Girl holds no secrets from the handicapper but has an excellent course record and may fare best of the rest.
TRUE PROMISE snapped a long losing run last time and the form of that victory has been franked emphatically. Despite a 7lb rise he remains on a winning mark and his jockey booking suggests another big run is expected. The consistent Top Juggler will appreciate this step back up in trip and looks a big danger along with hat trick seeker Aces Wild who has a good record at this venue.
IMELDA left her previous AW form behind over C&D on her turf debut and is expected to progress now handicapping. She has placed on all 3 starts to date and her latest run has been boosted significantly so she looks to have been given a lenient opening mark. C&D winner Berkshire Boom is yet to match his 2yo form but he hinted at better back here last time. If building on that he will pose the biggest challenge ahead of Alfa Whiteburd who proved his stamina for 7f last time.
Veteran GIANT is on a long losing run but he has tumbled down the weights and hinted at a revival on his last couple of outings. 7f on a sound surface suits ideally and he is chosen to defeat the unexposed Yoko who has a long absence to overcome. However she's completely unexposed in handicaps and has shaped as if this step up in trip would suit. Kings Merchant also returned to form when runner up last time and could also play a part if building on that.
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