16:08 Chester

Sunday 6 August 2023

All14:0014:3015:0515:3816:0816:38

Halliwell Jones Handicap

Off time: 16:10 | Winning time: 1m 37.97s

(1)

Great Max^p⁴⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: K Stott| T: Alice Haynes| OR: 95

10/1

Useful performer for Michael O'Callaghan last year. Positive start for new stable when fourth to Jimi Hendrix in Spring Cup at Newbury (1m) and bounced back from a lesser effort despite being ridden too aggressively when mid-field in Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

Form: 059-400

(7)

Safe Voyage⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 9-9| J: Jason Hart| T: J & S Quinn| OR: 95| C| D

10/3

Drew a blank in 2022 but still capable of useful form, finishing third in the Thirsk Hunt Cup and fifth of 22 in the Victoria Cup in May. Disappointed after a break at Ascot 8 days ago but likely to be closer to form now.

Form: 04-0350

(2)

Koy Koy⁴⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: W Buick| T: G Boughey| OR: 93| D

13/2

Useful and consistent last year. Easy to ignore his reappearance run in the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot (raced on unfavoured part of the track) and he merits respect back in calmer waters now.

Form: 17375-0

(3)

Ffion^p1²²

Age: 6| Weight: 9-4| J: K Shoemark| T: D Loughnane| OR: 90| C

12/1

Useful mare who goes well here and is best forgiven her latest effort in a listed contest. Cheekpieces on for the first time and nicely drawn, so strong claims.

Form: 918-029

(6)

Master Zoffany¹⁸⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 8-13| J: Billy Garritty| T: R A Fahey| OR: 85| BF| CD

11/2

C&D who held his form well on the AW through the winter but might need the run back from 6 months off.

Form: 7515-55

(8)

G'daay^v¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 8-9| J: F Norton| T: J Parr| OR: 81

10/1

Four-time winner last year and, with a visor applied, has returned to form lately, getting his head back in front having had the run of things at Epsom last time. Should give another good account.

Form: 666521

(4)

On The River¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 8-8| J: Harry Davies⁽³⁾| T: H Bethell| OR: 80| D

15/8

Likeable sort who got back on the up when beating a subsequent winner to make it four for the season at Beverley 13 days ago. Rider negates the 3-lb rise and he boasts leading claims.

Form: 111271

Non-Runners

(5)

Liamarty Dreams¹

Weight: 9-3| Age: 4

T: K R Burke J: B A Curtis

Forecasts

On The River (15/8), Safe Voyage (10/3), Master Zoffany (11/2), Liamarty Dreams (6/1), Koy Koy (13/2), G'daay (10/1), Great Max (10/1), Ffion (12/1)

ON THE RIVER was comfortably on top of Rhoscolyn (who won a competitive event at Goodwood earlier in the week) at Beverley last time and the 3-lb rise is cancelled out by his jockey's claim, so he's well capable of following up. Fellow last-time-out winner G'Daay is a threat and course specialist Ffion can make her presence felt if the pace is strong.