Chester May meeting: second day

Aidan O´Brien and Ryan Moore teamed up to win the Cheshire Oaks here yesterday and can score again today with Await the Dawn in the Huxley Stakes (Group 3 at 15.20 CET). The 4yo is very lightly-raced but looks as he is could be up to Group One standard, and although he gives weight away here, he is a confident choice..Dream Eater (Andrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune), who rarely wins but has been placed numerous times in top company, is moving up in distance but looks the one for the forecast.

There are only 5 runners in the Group 3 Chester Vase for 3yo´s at 15.55, but the race looks very open. O´Brien and Moore have another chance here with Treasure Beach, while Nathaniel (John Gosden/ William Buick) looks dangerous, but we prefer Slumber (Barry and Michael Hills), an easy winner last time at Epsom. Barry Hills has an excellent record at this track and can also take the 3yo handicap at14.45 with Captain Bertie and the 2o maiden at 16.30 with Sea Odyssey, both partnered by son Michael.

The other 5 meetings in the U.K. today (3 over jumps, 2 on the flat) are of low quality, but we are interested to see how Peppertree Lane (Peter Bowen/ Tom O´Brien) runs in the handicap hurdle at 16.05 at Newton Abbot. This 8yo, from a good German family, was a group class stayer on the flat for Mark Johnston; over hurdles he has been much less convincing, but now runs off a very low rating.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Captain Bertie - First Class Favour - Crown Counsel
2. Race: Await The Dawn - Distant Memories - Dream Eater
3. Race: Nathaniel - Treasure Beach - Slumber
4. Race: Sea Odyssey - Gabrial - Lord Ali Mcjones
5. Race: Beachfire - Changing The Guard - Thin Red Line
6. Race: Lexi`S Hero - Steps - Robert The Painter
7. Race: Nibani - Strong Vigilance - Pekan Star