Flat racing fans are in for a treat this week with three days of Chester’s May meeting, culminating in Friday’s Chester Cup (3.05pm). The race looks a difficult puzzle to solve without declarations or the draw, but several horses stand out as potential winners.
Berkshire Sundance: A Smart Stayer on the Rise
BERKSHIRE SUNDANCE catches the eye at 12/1, having progressed into a smart stayer. The Andrew Balding-trained gelding has risen over a stone in the weights since October thanks to three taking wins. His most recent victory came in the All-Weather Easter Plate Marathon, where he powered clear of subsequent winner Prydwen in great style. He will greatly suit this test, with Oisin Murphy booked to ride.
King’s Gambit: Speed Could Be Key in Huxley Stakes
In the Huxley Stakes (2.35pm), last year’s dual Derby winner Lambourn is the star attraction. While he’s clearly top-class, he could be found wanting for pace around this speed-favouring track. Bay City Roller might not get his desired softer ground. KING’S GAMBIT is worth a go despite having a bit to find on ratings with the above pair, but his speed could be a big factor. His comeback behind Damysus was promising, and with bits and pieces of strong form to his name, he rates as a bet at 11/2.
I’m The One: Epsom Credentials in the Cheshire Oaks
It was disappointing to see Water To Wine ruled out of the Chester Vase, but his stablemate I’M THE ONE looks set to rubberstamp her Epsom credentials in the Cheshire Oaks (2.35pm) today. She’s a prohibitively short 4/6 shot for this after her sparkling debut at Newbury last month. I’d rather back her for the Oaks at 7/2 instead of this afternoon. She’s my idea of the Epsom fillies’ Classic winner at this stage, and if she is victorious as expected for the Gosdens, you could be lucky to get odds-against come the first Friday in June.
Pointers
- Friday: King’s Gambit e/w – 2.35pm, Chester
- Berkshire Sundance e/w – 3.05pm, Chester
- Ante-post: I’m The One – 7/2 for The Oaks
