14:35 Chester

Thursday 9 May 2024

All13:3014:0514:3515:0515:4016:1016:45

Halliwell Jones Handicap

Off time: 14:37 | Winning time: 1m 32.92s

(8)

Witness Stand³³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: D Tudhope| T: Tom Clover| OR: 97| C

22/1

Course debut winner who went on to show useful form later at 2, culminating with a second in Newmarket Group 3 in November. Last of 5 in a 1m Kempton conditions race won by 2000 Guineas winner Notable Speech on reappearance but he might come on for the run.

Form: 16322-5

(3)

Never So Brave¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 94

1/1

Runner-up to subsequent Group 1 winners Ancient Wisdom and Vandeek on both starts at 2 and duly made no mistake on his Thirsk reappearance (7f, heavy) 19 days ago. Very interesting recruit to the handicap ranks.

Form: 22-1

(1)

Grey Cuban²⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: W Buick| T: H Palmer| OR: 90

7/2

Fairly useful performer who came good in style in 8.6f Wolverhampton novice on reappearance last month, pulling 6 lengths clear. Drops back in trip for handicap debut. Contender from a low draw under Buick.

Form: 22083-1

(5)

Dashing Darcey²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: James Doyle| T: R Varian| OR: 87| D

6/1

Won a pair of 1m Lingfield novices on AW in December. Made a good start to his turf and handicap career when close second over 7f at Newbury 3 weeks ago. Should give another good account.

Form: P211-2

(9)

Gunfighter⁹²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: R Kingscote| T: H Palmer| OR: 85| BF

40/1

Two AW wins last year. Creditable third in 7f handicaps at Lingfield and Kempton at the start of 2024. Presumably been targeted at this by his local stable but he does need to prove he's as good on the turf. Draw not ideal either.

Form: 1851-33

(2)

Celtic Warrior³⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 8-9| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 83

11/2

Improved effort when going close in 7f Southwell handicap on reappearance in March and went one better in maiden company at Kempton 2 weeks later, proving determined. Well held both turf starts but much too soon to suggest he isn't effective on the grass. Stable has a strong Chester record.

Form: 630-21

(6)

Havanarama^t¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-2| J: Hayley Turner| T: H Palmer| OR: 74

80/1

In good form in handicaps this year on AW this year, gaining a second win when seeing off 6 rivals over 8.6f at Wolverhampton 12 days ago. Another from the yard who needs to show he can translate AW improvement over to the grass. 2 lb out of handicap.

Form: 45-1221

Non-Runners

(7)

Nellie Leylax¹²

Weight: 9-4| Age: 3

T: Tom Dascombe J: Non Runner

(4)

Brunel Nation²³

Weight: 8-9| Age: 3

T: R Hughes J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Never So Brave (1/1), Grey Cuban (7/2), Celtic Warrior (11/2), Dashing Darcey (6/1), Brunel Nation (13/2), Nellie Leylax (15/2), Witness Stand (22/1), Gunfighter (40/1), Havanarama (80/1)

CELTIC WARRIOR is handily berthed in stall 2 and might prove the answer to this useful 3-y-o handicap. Never So Brave bumped into subsequent Group 1 winners on both starts last year and won easily on his Thirsk return so he appeals as likely to make his mark in some good handicaps for the Sir Michael Stoute yard and is second choice ahead of Grey Cuban.