17:25 Chester

Saturday 28 July 2018

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

Stella Artois Cidre Handicap

Off time: 17:26 | Winning time: 2m 55.70s

(10)

Theglasgowwarrior⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-1| J: Jamie Gormley⁽³⁾| T: J S Goldie| OR: 85

3/1

Hold up performer who is going to need the gaps to come at the right time having been drawn widest of all and most probably will be forced to cut across and ride for some luck. Capable in this grade though.

Form: 412812

(9)

Kajaki^p¹²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: Shane Gray| T: K A Ryan| OR: 77| C

8/1

Ran a series of good races at this track last season but all when there was some give in the ground. Won on heavy ground here last September over a furlong further so unless we get a hefty shower may find things happening too quick for him.

Form: 15-5974

(1)

Good Time Ahead²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: J Mitchell| T: P A Kirby| OR: 77

8/1

Four wins on the AW, but 0-14 on turf pretty much tells its own story. Probably would prefer easier underfoot conditions and others are preferred on current form.

Form: 12-3520

(7)

Gabrial's King¹¹

Age: 9| Weight: 9-6| J: Connor Murtagh⁽⁵⁾| T: R A Fahey| OR: 76| CD

11/4

Regular at this venue but has modest win record of just 1-20, although has been placed 9 times. Races off a tempting mark though and with his good young rider claiming a further 5lb has every chance of at least making the frame again.

Form: 7-24852

(3)

Outcrop^t1,v1⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Callum Shepherd| T: J Candlish| OR: 72

20/1

Hasn't run well in four starts this year on Flat and over hurdles and now wears first-time visor and tongue-tie. Hard to enthuse over given current lull in form.

Form: 30721-5

(8)

Mustaaqeem^p²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: Joshua Bryan⁽³⁾| T: B J Llewellyn| OR: 70

16/1

Won a maiden for Sir Michael Stoute three years ago but was frustrating for Richard Fahey last year. Makes debut for new handler off fair mark if he can recapture a little form and may surprise.

Form: 579545

(5)

Omotesando^p²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 8-10| J: Harrison Shaw⁽⁵⁾| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 66

10/1

Won twice last term and not disgraced on three most recent starts without ever looking likely to win. More needed if he is going to get his head back in front.

Form: 19-0434

(4)

Monaco Rose¹⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 8-7| J: Andrew Breslin⁽⁷⁾| T: R A Fahey| OR: 63

5/1

Won two 1m4f handicaps in spring 2017 but no luck since. Ran fair race here four weeks ago before disappointing at Catterick last time. Not without hope but looks a risky proposition.

Form: 8-39554

(6)

Earthly^p¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 8-7| J: J Quinn| T: B J Llewellyn| OR: 63

14/1

Both wins so far have come on AW and and has been less effective on turf. Has run a few fair races though and it is possible this longer tirp may help improve him a few pounds.

Form: 6-50334

Non-Runners

(2)

Acker Bilk¹²³

Weight: 9-7| Age: 4

T: D Pipe J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Gabrial's King (11/4), Theglasgowwarrior (3/1), Monaco Rose (5/1), Good Time Ahead (8/1), Kajaki (8/1), Omotesando (10/1), Acker Bilk (12/1), Earthly (14/1), Mustaaqeem (16/1), Outcrop (20/1)

No outstanding candidate in this finale, so at a fair price MUSTAAQEEM is suggested as one who may go well on his debut for a new yard. If by any chance the predicted showers hit the track then Kajaki could be a big danger, and rain would also help Good Time Ahead. Theglasgowwarrior is a contender but will have to find the gaps coming at the right time for him, while course regular Gabrial's King may not be far away and has strong each-way claims at least.