The Chester Cup is the highlight of the opening day of the three-day May meeting at the Roodeye where, once again, the draw is likely to play a significant part around the tight oval circuit which makes for a great spectacle but any number of hard luck stories.
A low draw in the Cup is a massive advantage and the hope is that Mubaraza (2.45) gets a handy position from stall five in the race to the first bend. Having backed the selection for both the Ascot Stakes (fourth) and the Northumberland Plate (runner up) last season one could argue he is fast becoming a nearly horse with only two wins from 14 careers starts to his name but he ran an excellent race at Ripon on his comeback and is 4lb better off than he will be in future handicaps.
Leading owner Dr Marwan Koukash has no less than five of the 17 to post running in his silks and on jockey bookings Angel Gabrial is first choice but at 20/1 I think Montaser is overpriced from stall one and I would hope to see Joe Fanning race more prominently than is often the case on the five-year-old who won first time out last season.
Stan James Chester Cup; prices from BetVictor EW ¼ first 4
Mubaraza 5/1
Angel Gabrial 7/1
Glenard 9/1
Communicator 10/1
12s Bar
Aidan O’Brien has won the Cheshire Oaks three times in the last six years and he saddles 7/4 favourite Terrific but the maiden Brown Diamond (10/1) is the each way alternative for Charlie Hills and Jamie Spencer. There are mixed messages from the filly’s pedigree and she holds Group 1 entries later in the season over a mile as well as the Oaks trip of a mile-and-a-half.
The selection has given every indication that she would improve for the step up in trip in two decent mile maidens finishing 3 lengths behind the short price Oaks favourite Taghrooda on debut when unfancied (33/1) in the betting.
In the following 5f handicap Go Nani Go (.15) would be an apt winner with reports that the United winger is on his way out of Old Trafford, yes he is still there, and the 8-year-old has an excellent draw in stall three for Franny Norton who rides Chester so well. The gelding can be slowly away but he would have every chance if breaking well from stall three despite having to overcome a career high mark. Note significant rain would be a negative for a horse who likes to hear his hooves rattle.
At Worcester Lemon’s Gent (5.30) can go one better than when second at Kempton last month from a 2lb lower mark for Paul Webber whose Australia Day was so impressive on Monday at the Sudbury track. The selection needs good or faster ground to be seen at his best so he is another to avoid if there is significant rain and showers are forecast.
Anton Dolin is a fascinating runner for Grand National winning trainer Dr Richard Newland returning from a break but he might just come on for the run and Whisky Yankee (8.00) is very well handicapped for Jonjo O’Neill on his best form and will appreciate tonight’s better ground.
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