Homeserve Huxley Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 2m 16.26s

(5)

Addeybb¹⁷⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: James Doyle| T: W J Haggas| OR: 117| BF

7/4

Loves soft ground, as seen in last year's Lincoln. Went on to Group 2 success at Sandown next time and while a little disappointing subsequently, there's every chance he could bounce back on seasonal return here under his favoured conditions.

Form: 1/11803-

(2)

Chief Ironside²¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: Jason Watson| T: W Jarvis| OR: 104| CD

16/1

Course winner. Has run okay in Group 3 company towards the back end of last year but likely to be out of his depth at this level and would have preferred quicker ground.

Form: 315337-

(3)

Forest Ranger²²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: T Hamilton| T: R A Fahey| OR: 112| CD

9/2

Impressive winner of this last year, a second consecutive success in Group company after winning the Earl Of Sefton at Newmarket. Runner-up in that race again last time out and expected to go well here, though is unproven on ground this soft.

Form: 7552-72

(6)

Gabrial¹³

Age: 10| Weight: 9-1| J: P Hanagan| T: R A Fahey| OR: 100| C| D

33/1

Habitual hold up performer who managed to get his head back in front for the first time in two years at Epsom in 2018. Usually runs his race but finds a couple too good at this level.

Form: 1560-38

(1)

Matterhorn²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 115| D

15/8

Hasn't run on turf since debut but prolific on AW this winter, most notably winning the big race on AW Finals Day and getting the better of a smart prospect in the process. Not guaranteed to want this ground but leading claims if he handles it.

Form: 1-11171

(4)

Success Days^t²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-1| J: R L Moore| T: K J Condon| OR: 104| D

7/1

A four-time Group race winner, most notably a Group 2 at York last year. The more testing the better as far as the ground is concerned for this candidate and he can be hard to peg back when he gets the lead. Eye-catching jockey booking.

Form: 25953-8

Forecasts

Addeybb (7/4), Matterhorn (15/8), Forest Ranger (9/2), Success Days (7/1), Chief Ironside (16/1), Gabrial (33/1)

Matterhorn looks sure to be popular after his all-weather success last time out but with slight concerns over conditions here, it might be worth taking a chance on SUCCESS DAYS who will love these conditions. He's a game sort who can be hard to pass and he rates as the type of course that could appreciate the unique test of Chester. Last year's winner Forest Ranger is an obvious danger, though he may have wanted conditions a little quicker. Addeybb is another mud lover who can't be ruled out.