14:05 Chester

Saturday 30 September 2023

All13:3014:0514:3515:1015:4516:2016:5317:28

Watergate Cup Handicap

Off time: 14:09 | Winning time: 4m 21.41s

(6)

Tashkhan³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-12| J: Ben Robinson| T: B Ellison| OR: 105

3/1

Winless since 2021 but he's posted some solid efforts this year, including when third in a York Group 3 in July. Unable to land a telling blow when midfield in last month's Ebor but this rates his easiest assignment for some time.

Form: 3-34380

(7)

Earlofthecotswolds^p²⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 9-6| J: L P Keniry| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 99| D

40/1

Useful hurdler who notched a fourth AW conditions' event to his tally back on the level at Wolverhampton (16.5f) in March. Well beaten next 2 starts but his latest sixth of 8 in handicap at Goodwood (2m) was a better display 25 days ago.

Form: 7-34186

(5)

The Grand Visir^b,t¹⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 9-4| J: D C Costello| T: Ian Williams| OR: 97

16/1

Winless since 2019 but confirmed he's still a useful performer this year, good third in 10-runner Ascot handicap (2m) on penultimate start in August. Fourth in steadily run Doncaster Cup since and whilst this more suitable others appeal more for win purposes. Blinkers replace visor.

Form: 829534

(1)

Emiyn⁵⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 8-13| J: Zak Wheatley⁽⁵⁾| T: D Carroll| OR: 92| CD

9/2

Won this 12 months ago and enhanced his good course record under a well-judged ride when seeing off It's Good To Laugh over extended 14.4f in July. Typically took strong hold and weakened out of things over 20f at Goodwood since but he can't be discounted around here.

Form: 597717

(8)

It's Good To Laugh^t,v¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 8-8| J: K T O'Neill| T: J Candlish| OR: 87| C| D

7/1

Dual purpose performer who ran well to finish third behind an unexposed pair in C&D Chester Plate in May. Best excused next start and he's run with credit to finish runner-up all 3 starts with give underfoot since. Should go well again.

Form: 539222

(4)

Zealandia^p³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 8-8| J: David Probert| T: Ian Williams| OR: 87

15/2

Has gradually worked his way back to top form this term, getting off the mark in comfortable fashion at Goodwood (14f) 5 weeks ago. Unexposed granted this sort of test and of interest from 4 lb higher mark with cheekpieces back on.

Form: 1-08421

(3)

Yorkindness¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 8-4| J: J Fanning| T: C Johnston| OR: 83

7/1

Typical of one from this yard she's thriving on her racing, making it four wins from last 5 starts when landing 5-runner Musselburgh handicap (2m) 2 weeks ago. Only 2 lb higher here and she's versatile as regards ground.

Form: 711311

(9)

Pons Aelius¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 8-2| J: F Norton| T: C Johnston| OR: 79

20/1

Posted runner-up efforts at Newmarket/here prior to opening his account for the campaign at Goodwood (2m) in June. Largely run with credit in defeat subsequently but others appeal more for win purposes operating from out of the weights.

Form: 214574

(2)

Baez¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 8-2| J: A Mullen| T: J S Goldie| OR: 75| C

7/2

Has thrived on her racing in recent months, displaying a likeable attitude to bring up the 4-timer over 2m here 15 days ago, pulling a long way clear with runner-up in the process. This demands more from out of the weights but she's certainly not underestimated.

Form: 321111

Forecasts

Tashkhan (3/1), Baez (7/2), Emiyn (9/2), Yorkindness (7/1), It's Good To Laugh (7/1), Zealandia (15/2), The Grand Visir (16/1), Pons Aelius (20/1), Earlofthecotswolds (40/1)

Plenty of these arrive with claims and it could just pay to take a chance on ZEALANDIA. Unexposed at this sort of trip, he's gradually worked his way back to form, getting off the mark for the campaign at Goodwood and a 4 lb higher mark shouldn't prevent him going well again. Tashkhan faces his easiest assignment for a while and he shouldn't be underestimated, with Baez and last year's winner Emiyn others in the mix.