Pace & Draw Set-up:
Timeform call this a strong pace. Chester’s sharp turns make low/mid draws a major advantage, particularly for prominent runners. Expect an early charge for position: Al Shabab Storm (usually forward), Sir Paul Ramsey (prominent, stall 2), and possibly Two Tempting (likes to sit handy) all pushing on. Hold-ups will need luck in running.

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Strongest Contenders

• Sir Paul Ramsey (8-2, OR 91, Johnston/Fanning) – Proven/Progressive
  Keeps improving, form at Haydock (beat Hawksbill) and York (third in a big field) is rock-solid. Drawn in stall 2, ideal for his style. Still looks ahead of his mark despite being 4lb higher. Major chance.
• El Burhan (8-6, OR 95, Boughey/H.Davies) – Promising
  Lightly raced 3yo who won over C&D in May. Forget Ascot run over 1m2f; drop back in trip and return here are big positives. Untapped upside, especially with pace to chase.
• Al Shabab Storm (9-12, OR 109, Botti/Ghiani) – Proven
  Top weight but Chester record (Listed win here) is a big plus. Recent runs on AW below best, but return to Roodee could spark revival. Needs to settle but has the ability.
• Yanifer (8-9, OR 92, Bethell/Brookes) – Proven
  Reliable 7f handicapper, twice runner-up in strong races recently. Already a Chester winner. Nicely treated, if pace holds up he should be bang there again.
• Hawksbill (8-8, OR 97, Palmer/Hart) – Promising
  Gelded before latest runs and almost beat Sir Paul Ramsey at Haydock. First-time cheekpieces could eke out a bit more. Needs to prove himself around Chester but has strong claims if handling track.

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Main Dangers / Others

• Two Tempting (8-13, OR 96, Portman/Hornby) – Won this last year and loves Chester (2-2 C&D). Form elsewhere modest but back here off same mark makes him dangerous.
• Golden Mind (9-3, OR 100, Fahey/Fentiman) – Newcastle Racing League win recent; consistent sort, though stamina for 7½f at Chester not guaranteed.
• Witch Hunter (9-2, OR 99, Hannon/Voikhansky) – Back on a fair mark and shown a glimmer of revival; past Chester form encourages, though winless in a while.
• The Waco Kid (8-12, OR 101, Palmer/Shepherd) – Group 3 winner at 2 but disappointing this year. First-time visor a roll of the dice. Risky.
• Crown Board (9-0, OR 97, Chapple-Hyam/Wood) – Better at 1m; lightly raced but no recent spark. Hard to fancy unless bouncing back.

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Suitability Scores (out of 10)

• Sir Paul Ramsey – 9/10 (progressive, well drawn, strong form)
• El Burhan – 8.5/10 (unexposed, C&D winner, improvement expected)
• Yanifer – 8/10 (solid, consistent, Chester form)
• Al Shabab Storm – 7.5/10 (track record, class, but burdened by weight)
• Hawksbill – 7.5/10 (close form tie, needs to prove around track)
• Two Tempting – 7/10 (course specialist, but only sparks here)
• Golden Mind – 6.5/10 (consistent but stamina/test a query)
• Witch Hunter – 6/10 (handicap mark tempting, but trust issues)
• The Waco Kid – 5/10 (visored gamble, otherwise regressive)
• Crown Board – 4.5/10 (lacks recent form, needs revival)

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Private Tissue (fair odds)

• Sir Paul Ramsey 3/1
• El Burhan 5/1
• Yanifer 6/1
• Hawksbill 13/2
• Al Shabab Storm 7/1
• Two Tempting 8/1
• Golden Mind 12/1
• Witch Hunter 16/1
• The Waco Kid 20/1
• Crown Board 25/1

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Summary

This has a proper handicap feel with pace on. Sir Paul Ramsey looks the one with all factors in his favour (progressive, strong form, perfect draw, prominent style). El Burhan is the main threat – lightly raced and back to the scene of his C&D win. Yanifer and Hawksbill are consistent types who can be relied upon to run well, while Al Shabab Storm is respected back at his favoured Chester.

Smart Play:

• Win bet: Sir Paul Ramsey – ideal set-up, progressive profile.
• Each-way saver: Yanifer – consistent, course winner, should hit the frame.