Hamish successful again?

Chester, Thursday, 11 May: The Festival in Chester goes into the second round today. At the centre of the seven races is the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes (4th race/16.15pm/120,000 pounds/2692m).

Last year`s winner Hamish (Tom Marquand) could catch up with the best with another success. Only three horses (Sovrango, Shambo and St Expedit) have managed to win the test twice so far. The William Haggas-trained seven-year-old, who recently finished second in the St Simon Stakes (Group 3), will be challenged by Changingoftheguard (Ryan Moore), who is also making his seasonal debut. He ended his last season with victory in the King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2), before which he finished fifth in the English Derby. Other promising contenders include the four-year-old Israr (Jim Crowley), trained by John and Thady Gosden. The stallion, who has competed mainly in handicaps, is making his debut at today`s level. Old Harrovian (Oisin Murphy) is currently a two-time winner over sand at the all-weather tracks at Lingfield and Wolverhampton. However, the Balding protégé`s manner was so good that he is being given a good chance. Enemy (Richard Kingscote) earned good money in Qatar over the winter. In the Dubai Gold Cup (Group 2), the six-year-old finished two lengths behind Sisfahan. Max Vega (Rob Hornby) deserves a hint as Group 3 winner ahead of Hamish.