Friday
The 3.50 at Thirsk looks a competitive heat but I think it might be worth chancing SYMBOLIZE now he has dropped to a mark of 94. Julie Camacho bids to rejuvenate this once classy sort and a recent bout of wind surgery will certainly help her doing so. He has a good course record albeit in small fields but on his day he should make a mockery of a mark of 94.
Later on, over at Ffos Las I think the 88 rated ODONNELL’S ORCHARD should have too much experience for his rivals and will be able to shed his maiden tag. Tom Dascombe has pitched this lad into some good races so far which says how much he must rate him as he isn’t one to tilt at windmills. His last run at Salisbury was too bad to be true and if he recaptured the form of his first two runs then I think he should take this.
Thirsk 3.50 – Symbolize
Ffos Las 5.50 – Odonnell’s Orchard
Saturday
The 1.35 looks to be all about Lord Bertie and I can respect his obvious claims but at a track like Chester anything can happen and I think it’s worth chancing one at a price in case he doesn’t show his form. REVICH looks the bet at 10/1 given his impressive course form and although he bombed out last time, he has been holding his form well this season.
The Silver Cup at Beverley is as tight as the market suggests it is. Any of them could win but I’ve had DREAM HARDER in my notebook for some time now and I think this race should suit him. He has been running well all season and in better races than this at times. I don’t think Ian Williams has got to the bottom of him yet so he edges the vote.
It is a really good renewal of the Atalanta Stakes and a race I’m quite intrigued to see who comes out on top. I’m against the favourite but her stablemate Queen For You does interest me as I think she is a lot better than what she has shown so far. Heredia looked very smart last time out but on slightly different ground. I’ve just about fallen on MIDNIGHT MILE who should love the ground and the drop back in trip to a mile. Always travelling strongly into her races she just got edged out of it last time, although the two in front were classy individuals, so the drop to a mile could unlock further improvement. The ability to stay further will help her as the stiff finish will test them late on. A wide draw is an inconvenience but Oisin Orr can be bold out of the gates if he wants to.
Sir Mark Prescott rarely sends runners to Chester so it’s probably worth taking note that he sends BRAVE KNIGHT up there tomorrow. A progressive type who was undone by the speedy nature of Wolverhampton last time should appreciate the step up to 2 miles. The weight he receives off his elders will also help and if Darragh Keenan can ride a race on him I think he should be winning this.
Chester 1.35 – Revich
Beverley 2.05 – Dream Harder
Sandown 2.25 – Midnight Mile
Chester 5.05 – Brave Knight
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