Sportpesa Chester Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 14:45 | Winning time: 3m 10.73s

(2)

Outbox^p²²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 105| BF

11/8

Failed by just a head in Chantilly Listed event on reappearace in June and has put in three solid efforts in good handicap company since. Yard in fine form at present so no reason why he shouldn't make a bold bid back at this level.

Form: 11-2623

(5)

Stivers²³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-3| J: Chris Hayes| T: D K Weld| OR: 105

5/1

Six-time South American winner makes European bow for top Irish trainer. Hard to assess, but has won up to 1m4f on ground from Good to Heavy. Stamina has to be a concern on first start for nearly eight months but market may guide.

Form: 24525-3

(1)

Mackaar⁴³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-7| J: Harry Bentley| T: R Varian| OR: 94

16/1

Yet to win beyond 1m2f but failed only narrowly in Newbury 1m4f h'cap in June. Well beaten at this level last time at Hamilton but that came on soft ground. First-time blinkers added for top yard so is interesting but needs to improve to score.

Form: 1-14026

(4)

Persian Moon⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-7| J: Jason Hart| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 97

5/1

Three wins all came last year at up to extended mile. Solid fourth over 1m4f in King George V H'cap at Royal Ascot in June and fair second in Hamilton Listed event following starts. Bit disappointing last two runs and stamina may be an issue.

Form: 447267

(6)

Tribal Craft¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 8-2| J: M Dwyer| T: A M Balding| OR: 91

9/2

Won novice events at Salsibury and Pontefract this summer at up to 1m4f. Two fair efforts since handicapping but has something to find at this level on that evidence for last year's winning yard. Longer trip may help but others make more appeal.

Form: 61172

(3)

Vivid Diamond²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-2| J: F Norton| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 92

7/1

One paced closing stages at around 1m4f last three starts in handicaps and looks ready to step up in trip. Jockey worth a few pounds round here so not out of the question she could give a good account of herself at this higher level.

Form: 825427

Forecasts

Outbox (11/8), Tribal Craft (9/2), Persian Moon (5/1), Stivers (5/1), Vivid Diamond (7/1), Mackaar (16/1)

Argentine star Stivers is very hard to assess but it would be unwise to rule him out on his European bow as he represents one of the great international trainers. The choice though is definitely OUTBOX, who has a touch of class, is proven at the trip, and comes out top on official figures. Vivid Diamond is a potential improver going up in distance and is preferred to her stable companion Persian Moon, while blinkers may help Mackaar show a little more after a poor run last time.