Chester Cup meeting: second day

The Chester meeting continues today with two group races on the card. The Chester Vase for 3yo´s over 1 1/2 miles at 15.45 CET is the main feature and is regarded as an important Derby trial, although it is a long time since subsequent Derby winners like Shergar ran here. Aidan O´Brien has an excellent record in this event, but rarely sends his main Epsom candidate, and this is probably also the case with Rocket Man (Johnny Murtagh), who comes her fresh from winning a Curragh maiden. I can Dream (David Wachman/ Jamie Spencer) is possibly a more likely Irish winner, but Critical Moment (Barry and Michael Hills) or Morana (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Alan Munro), respectively 3rd and 5th in the Craven Stakes and now moving up in distance, can keep this race in England.

Barry Hills always does well at this meeting and also has good prospects of taking the other group race, the Huxley Stakes for older horses over 10 furlongs at 15.15. This 4yo, fancied for last year´s Derby before being injured in the Dante, made an excellent comeback at Sandown and can now get the better of Stotsfold (Walter Swinburn/ Adam Kirby), South Easter (William Haggas/ Murtagh) and the filly Les Fazzani (Kevin Ryan/ Paul Hanagan). Barry Hills and his son Michael can round off a good day by also taking the 2yo maiden at 16.55 with Diamond Geezah.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Almiqdaad - Last Three Minutes - Leceile
2. Race: Redwood - South Easter - Les Fazzani
3. Race: Critical Moment - Morana - Rocket Man
4. Race: Bullwhip - Niran - Yaa Wayl
5. Race: Diamond Geezah - Just For Leo - Shafgaan
6. Race: Rule Of Nature - Horseradish - Johannesgray
7. Race: Bugaku - Luc Jordan - Hollow Green