Chester Cup on first day of Chester

The Chester May meeting is one of the most popular of the entire season, and the Chester Cup, which dates back to the 16th century, its main feature. This 2 1/4 mile handicap, which will be run today at 15.55 CET, is always a hotly contested event, with 17 runners this time, including the first 3 from last year - Mamlook (David Pipe/ Richard Hughes), Tastahil (Barry and Richard Hills) and Halla Sun (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan).

Course experience is always an advantage at this very tight track and so is an inside draw. We would be very surprised of any horse drawn higher than 10 wins today, which rules out several fancied candidates, including Halla Sun, drawn 14 even though he is better off at the weights and knows this track inside out. Many of the runners have been in action over jumps, including Mamlook, one of the most versatile horses in training, and Overturn (Donald McCain/ Eddie Ahern), who finished 7th in the Champion Hurdle; this front-runner has been drawn one, and is likely to start favourite. He had a purple patch this time last year. winning the Scottish Champion Hurdle, the Galway Hurdle and the Northumberland Plate and has an obvious chance, while consistent Red Cadeaux (Ed Dunlop/ Ryan Moore) and Ebor winner Dirar (Gordon Elliott/ Wayne Lordan) are others with a good draw to consider. However our main hope is Mamlook, who battled on well a year ago.

The main supporting feature is the listed Cheshire Oaks at 15.20, and 7 of the 9 fillies running here are also entered in the Oaks at Epsom. Aidan O´Brien has booked Ryan Moore to partner the beautifully-bred Wonder of Wonders, a very easy winner at Tipperary only 5 days ago. It is unlike O´Brien to run his classic prospects twice in under a week, but she is our selection. Midnight Caller (John Gosden/ William Buick), disappointing on her final 2010 outing, but looking very promising on her first 2 runs, looks the best of the Brits.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Lily`S Angel - Redair - He`S So Cool
2. Race: Wonder Of Wonders - Midnight Caller - Jaaryah
3. Race: Overturn - Red Cadeaux - Dirar
4. Race: Breathless Kiss - Falasteen - Blue Jack
5. Race: Colombian - Tanfeeth - Change The Subject
6. Race: Fadhaa - Gawaarib - Argocat