The classy racing at Chester continues Thursday with Derby hopes taking centre stage in the Chester Vase, including ante-post favourite US Army Ranger. I’ve taken a look at the TV races in the hope we can hit Paddy hard in his deep pockets. You hear me Paddy?
Let’s start with the 2.10 a handicap over an extended 1m 2f. DARSHINI won’t be a massive price, but has only gone up 4lb for a recent Chelmsford success. Sir Michael Stoute’s hope stays strong, and will be well suited by drying ground.
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It’s the Group 3 Huxley Stakes at 2.40pm also over an extended 1m 2f, and despite a disappointing effort at Sandown last time and being a bit of a dodgy character, I have to go with John Gosden’s WESTERN HYMN, who gets 7lb from Cannock Chase. Off a rating of 117 Western Hymn really should take all the beating.
In usual circumstances I would try and oppose US ARMY RANGER in the Group 3 Chester Vase at 3.10pm. But Aidan O’Brien’s Derby favourite really should take all the beating if he’s anywhere near as good as the hype machine suggests. The form of his Curragh maiden win has worked out well and he’s bred to be a champion.
Finally at Chester there is an extended 7f handicap at 3.45pm. I will have a few quid on ABOVE ‘N’ BEYOND, who has the best draw in stall 1 for Tom Dascombe and Richard Kingscote. Alhtough sixth on his debut, the selection wasn’t beaten far and has been dropped 1lb. Should at least have every chance.
So best of luck once again. Will we see the Derby winner? We just might Paddy. We just might. Yeeehaaa!