Preview of the Chester card on Saturday afternoon.

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13:30 Chester – PURE HOMES HANDICAP (Class 5, 1m 4f 63y)

Pace & Draw Insight: This is expected to be a slowly-run race, favouring those ridden prominently. The draw bias is against high draws.

Runner Comments:

  • KARTHON (76): A lightly-raced 3-y-o who showed notable improvement with first-time cheekpieces last time at Southwell, finishing a clear second. He is unexposed and upwardly mobile. Tactically ideally placed to dictate or sit handy in a race lacking pace. His trainer has a strong 21% strike rate at Chester. Progressive and well-suited.
  • WARRIOR LION (69+): Recently joined Jennie Candlish and shaped better than the result at Doncaster over a trip too short. The return to this distance is ideal and he can improve further. A promising type stepping back up in trip.
  • KOKINELLI (75): Still unexposed over staying trips and showed a strong closing sectional last time. A wide draw is a challenge, but her recent effort was a career-best, and she is feasibly treated. Progressive profile if breaking on terms.
  • PRINCESS NIYLA (73): Has had a productive spring, including a win, and has run credibly against better rivals. Tends to race prominently, which should help her position. Proven, but with limited upside.
  • CLOUDSIDE ROCK (72): Has finished in the money multiple times and run creditably on similar terms. Can go well from the front if breaking alertly. Proven, but not progressing.
  • ANIMATO (71): Showed a better second run back and is well-handicapped if rediscovering old form. Could go forward, which would suit the race tempo. Proven and dangerous if sent forward.
  • JAMIH (72): A veteran stayer with pace-laden pedigree. Has shaped okay twice this year in modest races and is well drawn for a late run. Proven, but not obviously ahead of his mark.
  • HALIPHON (74): Seems to be regressive. Has place claims if bouncing back.
  • TEAM PLAYER (73): Has too much to prove and a tough draw.
  • INNSE GALL (67): Past his best and looks to be in decline.
  • RIDGEMASTER (65): Very raw; stamina may suit later.
  • LUNAR JET (74): Faces a pace and draw combination entirely against his late-closing style. A recent layoff compounds the risk. Proven, but faces severe tactical disadvantages.

Private Tissue Odds:

  • KARTHON – 3/1
  • WARRIOR LION – 13/2
  • KOKINELLI – 15/2
  • PRINCESS NIYLA – 9/1
  • CLOUDSIDE ROCK – 10/1
  • JAMIH – 11/1
  • ANIMATO – 12/1
  • HALIPHON – 14/1
  • TEAM PLAYER – 18/1
  • LUNAR JET – 20/1
  • INNSE GALL – 25/1
  • RIDGEMASTER – 25/1

ChatGPT Smart Plays:

  • Win Bet: KARTHON
  • Each-Way Saver: WARRIOR LION
  • Reasoning: This race is expected to be slowly-run, which favours forward-going horses drawn low. KARTHON is highlighted as a lightly-raced 3-y-o, facing older horses from a good mark and holding a strong tactical position. The improving WARRIOR LION is deemed ready to perform well over this trip, offering the best each-way value.

14:10 Chester – JOHN SMITH’S MAIDEN STAKES (Class 4, 7f 1y, 2yo only)

Pace & Draw Insight: A weakly-run race is forecast. The draw bias is neutral (N/A).

Runner Comments:

  • SUSPENDED SENTENCE (84p): Made a taking debut at Ascot in a much stronger maiden, showing promise despite late traffic. He ran strongly through the line, confirming 7f is suitable. Despite a slight negative wide draw, his class edge should prevail. Promising and unexposed.
  • ORATORICAL (77): A massive eye-catcher at Chepstow on debut, separating himself from the field at 50/1. He settled well, travelled smoothly, and finished clear of the others. This run is solid form, and he is ideally drawn in stall 1 to control his race position. Progressive and tactically advantaged.
  • THE RESDEV SCHOLAR (74): Improved markedly last time at Beverley, finishing third and running well through the line after being outpaced. Should be suited by the longer run-in here and shows genuine attitude. Progressive.
  • BLOOMING LEGEND (78): Was unlucky not to finish closer last time at Chepstow after encountering trouble. Her prior Lingfield effort reads well. May find colts a touch too strong but is proven at the trip and progressing.
  • TARMONBARRY KID (72): A well-bred colt who cost €80,000 and makes his debut for a yard known for bringing horses forward. His profile suggests 7f will suit, but his lack of experience could be a factor against improving rivals. Promising but watch the market.
  • BERKSHIRE BOOM (57): Inconsistent and showed little on debut. His dam stayed well.
  • PORT DARWIN (58): Was slow on debut and his pedigree suggests he may need more time.
  • SUPER SAGITTA (59): Outpaced and green in two starts; looks like a longer-term project.

Private Tissue Odds:

  • SUSPENDED SENTENCE – 9/4
  • ORATORICAL – 3/1
  • BLOOMING LEGEND – 11/2
  • THE RESDEV SCHOLAR – 13/2
  • TARMONBARRY KID – 7/1
  • BERKSHIRE BOOM – 14/1
  • PORT DARWIN – 20/1
  • SUPER SAGITTA – 50/1

ChatGPT Smart Plays:

  • Win Bet: SUSPENDED SENTENCE
  • Back-Up Win Bet: ORATORICAL (value with strong debut form and draw advantage)
  • Reasoning: Although this 7f Chester maiden lacks confirmed pace, it is unlikely to diminish the class of SUSPENDED SENTENCE, who showed significant promise in a stronger Ascot race. ORATORICAL‘s form is notably solid, especially considering he raced from a low-percentage position on debut and now benefits from stall 1.

14:45 Chester – DENISE MCCALLUM BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION HANDICAP (Class 4, 7f 127y)

Pace & Draw Insight: A very strong gallop is expected with multiple front-runners. The draw bias favours low draws. A very strong pace can benefit hold-up horses, with ELIGIBLE (IRE) likely favoured over VINCE LE PRINCE.

Runner Comments:

  • STYLE OF LIFE (84): A progressive mare thriving this summer. She has won over C&D and followed up at Pontefract, then ran a gallant second at the same venue. She travels well and finishes races off with authority. Well drawn and tactically versatile. Proven and progressive. Her trainer, Harriet Bethell, has a profitable record with single runners at meetings.
  • VIXEY (84): In top form, with 3 wins from her last 6 starts, including a dominant C&D success last time. She races keenly and will be in the firing line early; the concern is how she handles a likely pace burn-up. Proven but vulnerable to the race shape.
  • ELIGIBLE (85): Shows class on old form and shaped well here last time from a poor position. A fast pace will bring him right into contention. Well handicapped and ideally drawn to pounce late. Proven and tactically suited.
  • ANTHROPOLOGIST (82): An improving 3-y-o whose latest second at Haydock was a career-best. He is consistent and drawn to stalk behind the pace, indicating he will be finishing strongly. Progressive and reliable.
  • FOLLOW YOUR HEART (83): A consistent performer, who was not ideally placed at Newbury last time. The trip and track suit him, and he will be staying on. Proven, but may need things to fall right.
  • IMPERIAL TROOPER (82): Ran better than his odds suggested last time, finishing third in a deep Chester handicap. A repeat effort makes him a frame contender at a big price. Well-suited and under the radar.
  • MANDANA (81): A tough filly who has placed several times this season. Unlikely to get an easy lead and may be vulnerable late, but consistently runs to her mark.
  • VINCE LE PRINCE (86): Has placed in competitive races but his style does not suit a hard-run Chester race where closers dominate late. Proven but tactically vulnerable.
  • LUNARIO (84) / JENNI (83) / BE FRANK (84): Fair sorts with place claims only.
  • ALBESEEINGYER (83) / JODHPUR BLUE (67): Needs more.
  • PAWS FOR THOUGHT (76): On the downgrade.

Private Tissue Odds:

  • STYLE OF LIFE – 4/1
  • VIXEY – 11/2
  • ELIGIBLE – 13/2
  • ANTHROPOLOGIST – 7/1
  • FOLLOW YOUR HEART – 8/1
  • IMPERIAL TROOPER – 12/1
  • MANDANA – 12/1
  • VINCE LE PRINCE – 14/1
  • Others – 16/1+

ChatGPT Smart Plays:

  • Win Bet: STYLE OF LIFE
  • Each-Way Saver: ELIGIBLE
  • Reasoning: This is a red-hot handicap where intense early pace is expected, providing a perfect setup for horses that can close strongly. STYLE OF LIFE is ideally suited, capable of travelling smoothly and striking from a handy position. ELIGIBLE is identified as a shrewd each-way option from a favourable draw, primed to finish strongly in a race tailored for late closers.

15:15 Chester – BIRRA MORETTI HANDICAP (Class 3, 6f 17y, 3yo only)

Pace & Draw Insight: A strong early gallop is predicted, with a tendency for prominent racers to be favoured at Chester over this trip. The draw bias favours low draws. However, the very strong predicted pace could open the door for closers drawn low.

Runner Comments:

  • SHOWERING (97+): Lightly raced and was unlucky last time at Southwell when denied a clear run. Now back to 6f, from a fair draw, and in a race with a guaranteed strong gallop. Holds big upside and is promising and ready to peak.
  • DILIGENTLY (108): Disappointed last time at York but his prior Chester second was solid. Drawn in stall 1, he will get the run of the rail, making a rebound likely. Proven and well-housed.
  • ARABIAN COBRA (105): In strong form with back-to-back wins in June. Was not disgraced in a deeper race last time. He is a Chester winner and draws well. Proven and solid.
  • MILFORD (104): Ran very well last time here, just behind better horses. Still well-handicapped and likes the track. Will sit off the pace and attack late. Proven, but drawn a bit wide, though handles the setup.
  • LOOM (105): Achieved a career-best two starts back and had excuses last time. He is versatile trip-wise, but his form at Chester is questionable. Needs the pace to collapse. Capable but with some tactical risk.
  • RIGHTHERE RIGHTNOW (91): Talented on his 2yo form, now gelded and running in first-time headgear. Drawn ideally, and his yard is profitable with such gear switches. Interesting and risky.
  • FAR ABOVE THE LAW (103+): Ran a strong second at York last time and is likely to go forward again. That run marks him as unexposed, though a wide draw and likely contested lead make things tough. Progressive but needs to defy the draw.
  • ANDESITE (94): Settled better last time and hinted at a return to form. Stays 6f and has back form at York, but needs everything to fall right from a mid-pack position, including late gaps.
  • BRIGHTON BOY (104): Needs to bounce back from his Royal Ascot flop.
  • RARE CHANGE (107) / MIRACULOUS (104): Not declared (NR).

Private Tissue Odds:

  • SHOWERING – 7/2
  • DILIGENTLY – 11/2
  • ARABIAN COBRA – 6/1
  • MILFORD – 7/1
  • LOOM – 8/1
  • FAR ABOVE THE LAW – 9/1
  • ANDESITE – 10/1
  • RIGHTHERE RIGHTNOW – 12/1
  • Others – 16/1+

ChatGPT Smart Plays:

  • Win Bet: SHOWERING
  • Each-Way Saver: DILIGENTLY
  • Reasoning: This race features significant pace pressure, and the crucial inside draw bias at Chester will play a key role. SHOWERING is a lightly-raced improver who should benefit from the strong gallop and be in a prime position throughout. DILIGENTLY offers value as an each-way option from the plum draw, likely to bounce back from a forgivable effort at York.

15:45 Chester – HALLIWELL JONES HANDICAP (Div I, Class 5, 5f 15y)

Pace & Draw Insight: This is expected to be a strongly-run 5f contest. The draw bias is strongly against high draws, with low draws and early tactical position being paramount.

Runner Comments:

  • SECRET MISTRAL (81): In red-hot form, winning with authority at Haydock and dominating from the front. Stall 2 is ideal for her go-forward style, and she is capable of dominating again. Proven and thriving in current conditions.
  • BANG ON THE BELL (79): Loves Chester, having been narrowly beaten here last time in a stronger race. He continues in blinkers and is well drawn. Proven and handles pressure.
  • KNICKS (80): Returns to the C&D of his last win off a 3 lb lower mark. He needed his last run after a layoff and can build on that. His draw in stall 7 is not ideal, but he goes forward and could overcome it if he gets position. Proven, if getting position.
  • ACES WILD (79): Running consistently well in this grade. He finished a strong-finishing second last time and now gets stall 1, where early speed and rail access could be crucial. Solid.
  • RADIO STAR (79): Was an eye-catcher last time despite in-running troubles. This setup is tougher from her draw in stall 9, but she has upside if she breaks better. A promising filly, not without hope.
  • NIGHT ON EARTH (77): With a visor back on and being well-handicapped, he is vulnerable if he misses the break.
  • ROCK N ROLL ROCKET (80): Needs a major bounce back and has a poor draw.
  • STREET LIFE (79): A strong pace helps him, but he is set to be posted wide and late.
  • JAGETME (76): Needs more at this level.
  • MISTER MCGREGOR (73): Has poor form, and his draw makes things harder.

Private Tissue Odds:

  • SECRET MISTRAL – 5/2
  • BANG ON THE BELL – 4/1
  • KNICKS – 11/2
  • ACES WILD – 13/2
  • RADIO STAR – 7/1
  • NIGHT ON EARTH – 8/1
  • Others – 12/1+

ChatGPT Smart Plays:

  • Win Bet: SECRET MISTRAL
  • Each-Way Saver: ACES WILD
  • Reasoning: This is a classic Chester 5f sprint where the draw and early speed will likely determine the outcome. SECRET MISTRAL is in peak form and holds an ideal low draw to attack and control the race. ACES WILD offers outstanding each-way appeal, especially given his tactical versatility and consistency from an inside draw.

16:20 Chester – HALLIWELL JONES HANDICAP (Div II, Class 5, 5f 15y)

Pace & Draw Insight: An extreme pace is predicted with multiple habitual leaders. The draw bias is strongly against high draws, meaning hold-up types will be favoured if they can secure position from a mid-to-low draw.

Runner Comments:

  • ACRISIUS (77): Continues to shape better than the bare result, finishing third behind Maharajas Express last time after moving too soon. Drawn in stall 6, he can track the pace and pick through tiring rivals late. He has a progressive profile and ideal conditions.
  • MAHARAJAS EXPRESS (79): Has thrived at Chester and comes here off a recent C&D win. However, he faces a wider draw and may not get the same trip this time, though he still rates highly. Proven, but vulnerable from stall 9.
  • DICKIEBURD (78+): Was lit up by blinkers last time and did too much too soon; that run was better than the result. With blinkers retained, if he settles better, he is well-handicapped. Capable, but a pacing risk.
  • LEVEL UP (80): Running well at this level, though he is best with an easy lead, which looks unlikely here. A low draw helps, but he faces pace pressure. Proven, but needs the race to fall right.
  • OVER SPICED (80): Recorded two wins earlier in the summer and a good second at Chepstow. Drawn in stall 1, she may get to the rail, but faces others vying for the lead. A front-runner with a draw advantage, but carries a burn-up risk.
  • SON OF WIND (75): Ran creditably at Kempton after a long layoff. He will be sharper today, and the return to 5f suits him. Drawn in stall 4, he could go well at a price. A lurker.
  • STASH THE CASH (78): Reliable but dependent on a clear lead, which will not come easily today.
  • MICK’S SPIRIT (80): Needs a strong pace collapse; a wide draw leaves him with a huge task.
  • THE DEFIANT (82): May attempt to force early, but has no form in deeper fields from this sort of position.

Private Tissue Odds:

  • ACRISIUS – 4/1
  • MAHARAJAS EXPRESS – 9/2
  • DICKIEBURD – 5/1
  • LEVEL UP – 13/2
  • OVER SPICED – 7/1
  • SON OF WIND – 8/1
  • Others – 12/1+

ChatGPT Smart Plays:

  • Win Bet: ACRISIUS
  • Each-Way Saver: SON OF WIND
  • Reasoning: A fierce early pace with multiple trailblazers creates the perfect scenario for a horse to pounce late. ACRISIUS is peaking at the ideal time, is ideally drawn, and should be delivered late with purpose. SON OF WIND has the potential to run into the frame at an appealing price.

16:55 Chester – LAYRD DESIGN HANDICAP (Class 4, 5f 15y)

Pace & Draw Insight: This race is predicted to be a strongly-run 5f contest. The draw bias is strongly against high draws, and early tactical position, especially from a low draw, is paramount.

Runner Comments:

  • KODIAC THRILLER (96): Has been consistent since dropping to 5f and is well-suited to Chester’s tight turns. His third at Pontefract was credible in a stronger race, and he benefits from a strong pace and an ideal middle draw. He scored an adjusted figure of 92+ at Thirsk and appears fairly treated. Timeform identifies him as the most reliable operator.
  • DURAN (94): Holds the plum inside draw (1) and typically races prominently, a significant advantage at this venue. His below-par effort at the Curragh last time was in a hotter race. His Haydock win reads well, and his form figures of 1-2-2-1 when racing prominently around 5f suggest he may trade shorter in-running than his starting price.
  • ROSENPUR (93): A Chester specialist, having won here recently and generally performing well at the track. His last run, 14 days prior, might have been too soon. With his hood retained and a drop to a more winnable mark, he can bounce back, especially from stall 2.
  • MASTER OF MY FATE (91): Has winning form in sharp 5f races and should be well positioned early. He is slightly less effective in stronger turf contests but cannot be ruled out, holding a solid TFR baseline in the 80s. Drawn in stall 6, he might struggle to get cover.
  • BRAVE NATION (94): Possesses solid form in deeper handicaps, including a creditable fourth at Doncaster. However, his wide draw (7), hold-up style, and lack of tactical early speed make him dependent on luck in running to challenge.
  • GRANDLAD (95): Out of form, and a high draw makes things difficult.
  • BALON D’OR (85): Hard to predict, lacks early pace, and his form is declining.
  • ECCLESIASTICAL (89): Out of sorts and appears regressive.
  • MONTPELLIER GREEN (93): The trip is too sharp for him, and his profile has flatlined.
  • CURIOUS ROVER (93): Not a runner (NR).

Private Tissue Odds:

  • Kodiac Thriller – 3/1
  • Duran – 4/1
  • Rosenpur – 6/1
  • Brave Nation – 13/2
  • Master of My Fate – 7/1
  • Grandlad – 12/1
  • Balon D’Or – 16/1
  • Ecclesiastical – 20/1
  • Montpellier Green – 25/1

ChatGPT Smart Plays:

  • Win Bet: KODIAC THRILLER
  • Each-Way Saver: ROSENPUR
  • Reasoning: This is a solid sprint handicap featuring early pace. Kodiac Thriller possesses the form, tactical versatility, and profile of a horse still ahead of the handicapper. Both Duran and Rosenpur are well-drawn and tactically suited to Chester’s demands, with Rosenpur in particular being a strong each-way proposition given his course form and draw.

17:30 Chester – CRUZCAMPO HANDICAP (Class 4, 1m 2f 70y)

Pace & Draw Insight: This race is predicted to be a strongly-run 10.5f handicap. While prominent racers are likely to push forward, the contested lead might set up the race for efficient travellers off the pace, particularly those who handle Chester’s tight circuits well. Historically, hold-up horses can still be disadvantaged unless the pace completely collapses.

Runner Comments:

  • MEBLESH (IRE) (93): A progressive 3yo with sectional upgrades. His 1.75-length third at Ascot in a deeper race, coming from further back than ideal, was a smart effort. Timefigures (108+) confirm the merit of that run, and he is tactically versatile. Still on a mark of 84, and better suited by today’s setup. His track, equipment, and stamina are all proven.
  • LET’S DREAM (89): A C&D winner who has found consistency since adopting positive tactics. He was runner-up to a subsequent winner last time in a race with pace stress. He is holding his form and is well-drawn for his style. Well-weighted and benefits from class relief.
  • EY UP ITS THE BOSS (90): A four-time C&D winner coming off a strong Ripon win where he dictated the pace. However, with multiple front-runners in this race, he is unlikely to get an easy lead, making him vulnerable late under a penalty.
  • NARMAR (IRE) (92): Was off a career-low mark before winning at Ffos Las and then followed up with a strong second at Windsor. The shape of this race suits him, but he can be slowly away and needs things to fall right. He is going well and drawn well to sit off a hot pace.
  • ASTEVERDI (92): Made a pleasing return behind two solid types at Ayr. An increase in trip looks beneficial, and she is a potential improver second off a break. Unexposed and may step forward from her return.
  • GISELLES DEFENCE (90): Won at Epsom last week in a slowly-run race where he dictated. However, today’s deeper pace and class rise may test his limits. He is fit and thriving but faces more pace pressure.
  • DUE TO HENRY (91?): Faces a strong pace, and his profile suggests he needs easier fractions.
  • FLICKERING HALO (91): Has a slight trip query, and his form has not solidified.
  • FINN RUSSELL (89§): Needs another step forward and is unpredictable.

Private Tissue Odds:

  • MEBLESH (IRE) – 7/2
  • LET’S DREAM – 9/2
  • EY UP ITS THE BOSS – 11/2
  • NARMAR – 11/2
  • ASTEVERDI – 13/2
  • GISELLES DEFENCE – 8/1
  • DUE TO HENRY – 12/1
  • FLICKERING HALO – 14/1
  • FINN RUSSELL – 18/1

ChatGPT Smart Plays:

  • Win Selection: MEBLESH (IRE)
  • Each-Way Saver: LET’S DREAM
  • Reasoning: The CRUZCAMPO HANDICAP is anticipated to be run at a strong tempo with multiple pace-forcers clashing early. This scenario is ideal for a mid-pack or tracking horse with late energy. MEBLESH (IRE) is considered well-treated based on his strong closing effort at Ascot, possesses form in deeper company, and the race shape is ideal. LET’S DREAM, a C&D scorer, is maintaining his form and will benefit from the strong pace under a light weight.

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