A typically competitive edition of the CAA Stellar Handicap opens ITV’s coverage from Chester. A sharp five furlongs around the Roodee places a premium on early speed and a good draw, though with a very strong pace forecast and strong draw bias against high numbers, there may be a set-up for a closer if the early leaders overdo it.

Key Contenders

JER BATT (Timeform Rating: 112, Draw: 9)
Shaped very well in this race last year and returned with a solid third at Musselburgh. Has top Timeform figure in the field, handles all ground, and looks ready to peak, though stall 9 isn’t ideal given the draw bias. Trained by David & Nicola Barron, who are typically adept with sprinters.

ROMAN DRAGON (TFR: 105, Draw: 5)
Course specialist who has won here in the past and will appreciate the return to a sharp 5f. Well drawn to attack and handles a variety of ground. Hugo Palmer has a solid record with sprinters at Chester and also saddles Balon D’Or.

DREAM COMPOSER (TFR: 109, Draw: 8)
Returned with a strong run at Pontefract and retains the ability that saw him win the Epsom Dash last year. Consistent sort who might be slightly better over a stiff 5f or 6f, but should be finishing well off the likely strong pace.

BALMORAL LADY (TFR: 108, Draw: 11)
Ended 2024 with a big step forward when second in a Listed race at Doncaster. That form gives her claims here despite a high draw. She’s returning off 180 days and market support would be a positive. Trainer Ed Walker is in excellent recent form.


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Main Dangers

FAIR TAXES (TFR: 111, Draw: 1)
Irish raider who is well drawn and has a run under his belt. Often races prominently but may be better off tracking the pace today. Timeform highlight the pace set-up as potentially against him, though he has the draw to exploit.

ANGEL SHARED (TFR: 110, Draw: 4)
A consistent filly who travels strongly and won twice over 5f last season. Her reappearance at Beverley was encouraging and she looks nicely drawn to track the pace. Worth noting she is having her second run after a break and tends to hold form.

FAIR WIND (TFR: 109§, Draw: 10)
Smart performer on his day but refused to race last time. Hasn’t run in 282 days, and although his form before the break was solid, he needs to be watched in the market. Trainer Owen Burrows has a notable 23% strike rate with sprinters and tends to go well with fresh horses.


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Interesting Outsiders

BALON D’OR (TFR: 110, Draw: 12)
A previous course winner with a late kick that could be suited to this likely pace meltdown. He’s drawn widest of all, which is usually a major disadvantage, but if the field collapses late, he may stay on past fading rivals. Market support would be significant.

COPPER KNIGHT (TFR: 106, Draw: 3)
Veteran sprinter with six Chester wins to his name. Ran well on reappearance and is drawn ideally to get on the front end. Tim Easterby’s horses are running well and this horse has always been dangerous here.

ROSENPUR (TFR: 105, Draw: 2)
In-form AW winner switching back to turf. Drawn low, has early speed, and wears a hood. Trainer Jennie Candlish doesn’t often run many at Chester but this one arrives with confidence from Wolverhampton wins.


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Noteworthy Trainer Trends

Hugo Palmer has enjoyed success at Chester with speed horses and runs both Roman Dragon and Balon D’Or.

Tim Easterby, another Chester regular, has Copper Knight—a multiple course winner—and Manila Scouse in the race.

Ross O’Sullivan, trainer of Fair Taxes, has shown a notable level-stake profit when sending a single runner to UK flat cards, according to Timeform Smart Stats.



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Trends & Pointers

4 of the last 5 winners were aged 4–6.

Winning SPs have ranged from 11/4 to 22/1, so upsets are not uncommon.

Low draws (stalls 1–5) have dominated over 5f at Chester, especially on good ground.

Horses with proven course form are often a strong angle here – Roman Dragon, Copper Knight, and Balon D’Or all fit that profile.



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Summary

This looks set up for a stalking ride with the early burn-up expected. Jer Batt and Roman Dragon come out well on figures, while Dream Composer and Angel Shared appeal from mid-range stalls. Fair Taxes has the draw and some smart Irish form, while Balmoral Lady could run a big race if the Listed run wasn’t a fluke—watch the market for clues. Outsiders Balon D’Or and Copper Knight both have course-winning credentials and could sneak into the places if the race collapses late.