Chester’s May meeting revives happy memories of my student days and regular visits to the Roodeye. The tight turns ensure that the action is fast and furious with the draw an ever-present consideration to unravelling the form.
The meeting starts with a tricky two-year-old race with the best horses on form typically drawn widest of all. That could hand the advantage to the David Evans pair who are both handily drawn in stalls 1 and 3. Perhaps foolishly, I am going to take all four of them on with the maiden Magical Memory. The grey is trained by Charlie Hills who will be keen to emulate his father, a great supporter of this meeting.
Magical Memory was favourite at Newbury for his debut and ran well for a long way before weakening. Stall 7 is not ideal but he should be able to sit close enough to land a blow in the home straight. Hills also has a chance in the Cheshire Oaks with Brown Diamond who caught the eye at Newbury when running on into third. She was also fourth to Taghrooda in one of the best maidens of last season.
This looks a fascinating contest with Psychometry and Bright Approach both having enormous potential. I like the Stoute filly but almost all of his horses have needed a run to put them straight this season.
Mubaraza is starting to prove expensive for his followers but it’s hard to knock him after solid efforts in the Ascot Stakes and Northumberland Plate. He looked sure to win first time out but was just pegged back by Angel Gabrial. I expect him to come out on top with a 3lbs pull and a good draw. It does not look a good quality field this year so maybe this is Mubaraza’s turn.
Lucky Beggar can continue the good work for Charlie Hills in the conditions race at 4.25 after making all to win at Newbury. He beat better horses there than he meets tomorrow, providing he does not get drawn into a mad early dash by Trinityelitedotcom.
I had a good hard look at Lovelocks in the last as well but have decided to pass her over in favour of Storm Force Ten. Lovelocks got no run at all last time out and can be rated a lot better than her finishing position suggests. The hood is fitted tomorrow but Storm Force Ten has the one stall and may be hard to pass.
Magical Memory 1.45 Chester at 11-2 Bet365
Brown Diamond 2.15 Chester at 15-2 Paddy Power
Mubaraza 2.45 Chester at 5-1 Bet365
Lucky Beggar 4.25 Chester at 5-2 Coral
Storm Force Ten 5.00 Chester at 7-1 Bet365
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
