The Chester may meeting was the first race meeting I ever watched live and it has always remained a favourite.
Sir Michael Stoute has an impressive recent record at the track and he saddles the once raced Laughter in the 2.15. This filly won a 7 furlong maiden at Leicester on soft ground last season. Bred to appreciate middle distances she looks an interesting contender.
Greenwich Meantime looks to follow up last season’s success in the Chester Cup at 2.45. He won off a mark of 83 last season and was 3rd off 93 in 2006. He is rated 94 now and could well be competitive again. He wouldn’t want soft ground though. From the same stable Halla San looks to be on a high mark but he has been winning over hurdles and has a talented 3 lbs claimer on board. He also has a nice low draw. Fair Along was runner up last year but is now 10 lbs higher, while another that ran well last season is Som Tala from Mick Channon’s yard. He has the benefit of a recent run but is another that look high enough in the weights. Michael Jarvis has a good record in the race and is represented by Black Rock who was progressive last season. He looks worth a try at this trip but is not guaranteed to stay. He really needs give in the ground.
The top weight, the giant Shipmaster, comes here on the back of a Group 3 win at Ascot. His best form has come on soft ground and given his size I wonder if he will act on the track. My 2 against the field would be Double Banded and Highland Legacy. Double Banded should be suited by both trip and left handed track. Highland Legacy has won his last 3 races and has Jamie Spencer in the saddle. He might not want the ground too firm.
In the sprint at 3.15 we need to keep the draw in mind as a low one will be an advantage. Green Park is drawn 2 but is best on soft ground. Ebraam will appreciate the drying ground and is one for the short list as is the fast starting King Orchisios. I wouldn’t rule out last season’s winner Caribbean Coral with the useful claimer Luke Morris taking 3 lbs off.
Recent Newbury winner Tighnabruaich is lightly raced and open to improvement. He tackles 12 furlongs in the 4.35 and given his pedigree the trip could really suit him. On top of that he has William Buick in the plate.
At Beverley a high draw is favoured in the sprints. The consistent course and distance winner Pawan is drawn 10 of 11 in the 2.30 and is my each way selection.
In the 3.40 Moheebb has been placed in 5 of his last 6 starts. His record at Beverley is 21 so he cannot be ruled out. Zero Tolerance would be interesting should the ground ride soft while I have a sneaking fancy for Bajan Pride who was heavily backed on his last outing but may not have been suited by the ground. The other one I thought about was Hurlingham who looks on a handy mark on the best of his form.
President Elect ran well enough at Thirsk recently to suggest that he can take a hand in the 4.15.
In the 4.50 I am interested in Piverina and Princess Maria.
ahorse 