16:20 Chester

Saturday 28 July 2018

All14:0014:3515:1015:4516:2016:5517:25

Sebastian Artois Apprentice Handicap

Off time: 16:20 | Winning time: 1m 4.14s

(3)

Dragons Tail^p²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 10-1| J: Elisha Whittington⁽⁷⁾| T: Tom Dascombe| OR: 91| BF| C

4/1

Goes well here but it all went wrong when a warm favourite here last time in a small field. Drops in grade now so despite plenty of weight has to enter calculations and could go close with a clear run.

Form: 6-52034

(6)

Humble Gratitude³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-10| J: Rhona Pindar⁽⁷⁾| T: K R Burke| OR: 86

14/1

Won nicely at Haydock on penultimate start but struggled last time off 7lb higher mark. Eased 2lb but that might not be enough and young jockey only has one previous win to her name.

Form: 10-5715

(4)

Viscount Loftus^v1¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: Andrew Breslin⁽³⁾| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 84

13/2

Been knocking on the door this term without managing to win and first-time visor is applied here in the hope it make that essential difference. Beaten just a head here on latest visit and looks one for the shortlist.

Form: 535D44

(7)

Lord Vetinari²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: Jason Watson| T: A M Balding| OR: 82| CD

2/1

In-form gelding who goes for a hat-trick here after wins at Goodwood and over this course and distance last time out. 4lb higher now and likely to go very well once again.

Form: 5-24011

(1)

Showmethedough⁷⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Harrison Shaw| T: R A Fahey| OR: 80

8/1

Has been given a chance by the handicapper and dropped 2lb since last run when outclassed in hot race at Newmarket. Step up in trip from 6 furlongs and has stamina to prove but is not out of it for last year's winning yard.

Form: 321-460

(2)

Illusional⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Sharna Armstrong⁽⁷⁾| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 78| D

8/1

Second stable representative in this event and has done most his running on AW tracks. Third of four but not disgraced at HQ last time over 1m and this sharper tack and slightly shorter trip will help.

Form: 816203

(5)

Gabrial The Devil¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Connor Murtagh| T: R A Fahey| OR: 77| C

7/2

Represents last year's winning jockey-trainer combination. Runner-up here four weeks ago then returned to win at this track last time over 6f. 4lb higher this time but longer trip may not be in his favour.

Form: 327421

Forecasts

Lord Vetinari (2/1), Gabrial The Devil (7/2), Dragons Tail (4/1), Viscount Loftus (13/2), Showmethedough (8/1), Illusional (8/1), Humble Gratitude (14/1)

A well contested race of its type, this offers a fair opportunity for LORD VETINARI to follow up his impressive course and distance win last time out off a 4lb higher mark at a track that clearly suits him well. The first-time visor may eke the necessary improvement out of Viscount Loftus who has been threatening to win for some time and may be a big danger, while the drop in class should aid both Showmethedough and top weight Dragons Tail. Gabrial The Devil is another worthy of some consideration despite concerns about the trip.