More than any other track in the UK and Ireland, Chester relies on jockeyship and the ability for the man on top to react to an in-running situation.
It is fair to say that Ryan Moore didn’t do that on Alluringly in the Cheshire Oaks on Wednesday. On a long striding filly who takes time to warm up, he was caught out by Frankie Dettori at his best on Enable.
Well, ‘whisperer’ Moore has a chance to exact revenge on the Italian when he partners DEAUVILLE in the Group Three Huxley Stakes at 2.25pm
This outstanding globe-trotter of a middle distance horse had to give best to Ulysses in the Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown first time up. That was no disgrace as Sir Michael Stoute’s charge was always going to make a better four-year-old and the son of Galileo can cement that Esher form by seeing off Frankie and Royal Artillery.
If you like a bit of value, have a look at REBEL DE LOPE in the Boodles Diamond Handicap over 7f at 3pm.
The key to this young horse will be the drop in trip and although stall seven isn’t perfect, the selection has enough natural early speed to offset his box position.
However, because of their respective prices I shall also be having a small each-way saver on top weight MASHAM STAR after he patently found the 1m trip too far last time out.
Big plans
Aidan O’Brien owns the Chester Vase (3.35) having landed the last four renewals as well as saddling the winners in ’07, ’09 and 2011.
The Anvil, Venice Beach and Wings of Eagles represent the Ballydoyle maestro, but I fancy his winning run will come to a shuddering halt courtesy of the twice-raced TAMLEEK.
He broke a blood vessel on his debut last year at Yarmouth, but showcased his immense talent with an impressive success at Newmarket last month.
Gallop over to all the latest odds on PaddyPower.com
Despite just the seven runners in the opening 1m 2f handicap at 1.50pm there should be bundles of pace on and that will suit KHAIRAAT.
The lightly raced son of Shamardal was only handed a 6lbs penalty for his Doncaster success, but he is progressing at a rate of knots and I suspect he will be contesting Group events come the height of summer.
If you are wondering where a winner is coming from by the 10f handicap at 5.05pm, then grab the bridle and go for a big finish with bottom weight OUTBACK BLUE.
He’s the outsider of the field but trainer David Evans had a winner yesterday. The more the ground dries out the better for this light-weight. He can make the most of a stall three draw and the 7lbs he receives from the progressive Caponova who heads the market.