Chester Cup

The popular Chester May meeting starts today, when the main feature, the Chester Cup, a handicap over 2 1/4 miles, will be run at 15.45 CET. This is always one of the best staying handicaps of the year and the owner of the winner not only receives a lot of money but also a delicious local cheese. With 17 runners this looks wide open, but as a general rule one should avoid backing horses drawn wide at this tight track, so we suggest the following short list: Som Tala (Mick Channon/ Darryll Holland, drawn 3), Tilt (Brian Ellison/ Ryan Moore, drawn 5) and Halla San (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan, drawn 7). The other big race at Chester today is the listed Cheshire Oaks for 3yo fillies at 15.15 in which Philippina (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) attempts to make up for her disappointing performance last time at Newbury, where she failed to act on the soft ground.

Today´s going is much more suitable and the main danger comes from the two Irish fillies, with Roses for the Lady (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane) expected to confirm earlier form with Perfect Truth (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh). However Philippina fares, Stoute and Moore should not go home empty-handed as Harbinger can win the 3yo maiden at 17.35 after his excellent debut at Newmarket; Asateer (Barry and Richard Hills) can follow him home.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Archers Road - Star Rover - Mijas Playa
2. Race: Perfect Truth - Hidden Brief - Roses For The Lady
3. Race: Amerigo - Daraahem - Downhiller
4. Race: Sohraab - An Tadh - Good Gorsoon
5. Race: Jedi - Headline Act - Kings Destiny
6. Race: Harbinger - Asateer - Calypso Bay