The opening day of the Chester May meeting started with the three worst drawn horses being withdrawn from the first race. The official reasons were a knocked joint, not eaten up and the going. Now, call me cynical but isn’t it time that Chester reviewed the maximum number of runners for their races over sprint distances? If trainers are viewing it as a complete waste of time running a horse with a high draw then it makes sense to reduce the maximum field to 12 and save everyone’s time and money.
The Chester Cup was run at an unusually pedestrian pace but there appeared to be no excuses for Countrywide Flame. He was well placed throughout and looked certain to be in the frame until the last fifty yards. I would imagine that he will now be given a well earned rest and prepared for another tilt at the Champion Hurdle 2014. The best performance of the day came from Banoffee in the Cheshire Oaks, cutting through the pack on the inside rail and winning cosily. Connections now face the prospect of stumping up the cash to enter her for the Epsom Oaks but that looks the most logical step, especially after a bunch finish to the 1000 Guineas last weekend.
Day 2 of Chester gives Richard Fahey a golden opportunity to add to his Cup gains when he saddles Gabrial for the Huxley Stakes. He looked as good as ever when sprinting clear to win the Doncaster Mile, although he clearly retains his inability to run in a straight line. Fallon is claimed to ride Danadana for Luca Cumani and that rival is respected but Jamie Spencer has won on Gabrial in the past and knows what to expect. If you can get any of the 3-1 about Gabrial that seems a fair price in a decent little race.
The Boodles Diamond Handicap features a return clash for Here Comes When and Ribaat, second and fourth in a decent race at Newbury last time. Both horses ran far too freely for their own good but I was impressed by the way Here Comes When quickened up going to the line and he can confirm the placings. The one stall may mean he sees plenty of daylight but I hope his jockey lets him run up front rather than dropping him in behind horses.
The Chester Vase looks unlikely to have a big impact on the ante-post market for the Epsom Derby but it will be interesting to see Ruler of the World lining up for Aidan O’Brien. Feel Like Dancing and Havana Beat should be good enough to give him a decent test but this looks like a race to watch rather than invest in.
Gabrial 3-1 Boylesports
Here Comes When 3-1 Bet Victor
