15:00 Chester

Friday 13 September 2019

All13:5014:2515:0015:3016:0516:4017:15

Deepbridge Capital Handicap

Off time: 15:01 | Winning time: 2m 12.82s

(3)

Noble Prospector¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Megan Nicholls⁽³⁾| T: R A Fahey| OR: 81

2/1

Hard to fault his consistency as a 3yo (didn't run as 2yo) deservedly winning his first race on AW debut last time out under today's rider. Appeared to find the extended 1m trip barely adequate; further progress anticipated back at 1m2f on turf.

Form: 334231

(7)

Top Power⁴²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 80

8/1

Lightly-raced sort who has yet to really blossom having only recently returned from a five month break for his turf debut at Goodwood (1m3f, good/firm). Earlier promise not in evidence (may have needed the run); this should tell us more about him.

Form: 5-240

(1)

Torochica⁵⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Kieren Fox| T: J R Best| OR: 79

9/4

A break/more positive ride proved the catalysts behind an improved winning performance at Newmarket (7f, good/firm) last time. Got better with each run (also has a decent pedigree) should prove suited by this trip, more to come from a good draw.

Form: 731

(5)

Trinity Lake⁴¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: D Nolan| T: D Carroll| OR: 79

8/1

Not quite built on his winning debut made over 7f at Wetherby in April (under a penalty both times upped to 1m). Brother to smart winner at up to 1m4f Titus (stable also trained him); interesting to see what he can do up in trip and into handicaps.

Form: 164

(6)

Madeeh^t¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Nick Barratt-Atkin⁽⁷⁾| T: P A Kirby| OR: 77

25/1

Failed to progress in four starts for Sir Michael Stoute (had a wind op) at up to 1m2f. Easy to back on his first fact-finding mission for his new yard at Ripon (1m2f, good/firm) in a better grade than this (wasn't knocked around); mark looks harsh.

Form: 4-5264

(2)

Conundrum¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: J Garritty| T: Jedd O'Keeffe| OR: 76| D

7/2

Dual winner this year at up to 1m2f, hard to knock his consistency although on the evidence of his most recent run (last of four, not disgraced) the handicapper has his measure. Often likes to lead; well berthed to take advantage of that aspect.

Form: 131234

(4)

Viking Prince¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-2| J: P Mathers| T: Ian Williams| OR: 59

33/1

Appears to be a slow learning sort who isn't really progressing despite being in good hands, all three starts in August looking modest at best. May do better now handicapping but would have been of more interest if he had shown some spark first.

Form: 409

(8)

Hilbre Lake¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-2| J: Gavin Ashton⁽⁷⁾| T: L Williamson| OR: 45

125/1

From 27lb out of the weights his task is hard enough before you start to have a look at his form or rather lack of it. Vey little to show for seven outing so far and the fact that he's started at 100-1 on his last three starts sums up his chance.

Form: 870809

Forecasts

Noble Prospector (2/1), Torochica (9/4), Conundrum (7/2), Trinity Lake (8/1), Top Power (8/1), Madeeh (25/1), Viking Prince (33/1), Hilbre Lake (125/1)

This could turn out to be an informative contest with one or two looking set for decent futures amongst them NOBLE PROSPECTOR who showed at Wolverhampton last time he would be better from stepping up in trip next time and duly does so here off just a 3lb higher mark. His main rival is likely to be the one filly in the field Torochica a more positive ride last time appeared to suit here and she’s well placed to attack again here although she may face pace pressure from the consistent Conundrum. Trinity Lake is a fascinating contender (his stable did well with his brother; Titus) and he could benefit from this increased trip on his handicap debut.