The Chester Cup (15:05), run over a race distance of 2m2f, is one of the most valuable flat racing handicaps of the season and this year's winner is set to scoop a massive £86,632. As such, it's an ultra competitive race and an early season target for many of the long distance specialists. Based on the race history trends, a low draw is preferable and there will undoubtedly be some hard luck stories. Let's dive into our racecards to take a look at some of the main contenders for tomorrow's race.
Zoffee (12/1) won the race last year as he edged out Emiyn (10/1) in a driving finish. The draw has been kind to both of them again this year, landing stalls four and two respectively. Although a 9 year old now, Zoffee is just 1lb higher in the handicap this time around and his trainer, Hugo Palmer, had two winners at Chester today.
Arguably the most interesting horse in the race is East India Dock (4/1). He was last seen chasing home Poniros and Lulamba when sent off favourite for the Triumph Hurdle, posting a THM Score of 779. If East India Dock can transfer that level of hurdles form back onto the flat, he's surely going to be well handicapped, carrying just 8 stone 8lbs. The best THM Score he's posted so far on the flat is 681, but he could be a better horse now and leave that well behind.
Joseph O'Brien is doubly represented by Leinster (9/2) and Dawn Rising (16/1). Leinster has landed the better draw in stall 5 and is extremely unexposed having only run four times in his career so far. He's posted an improved THM Score in each of his runs to date, so further progression is likely. This will be a tough test for an inexperienced horse though and he steps up significantly in trip. Dawn Rising has plenty of form over this type of race distance, failing to place just once in his seven attempts. If he can get a decent position from stall 15, perhaps he could hit the frame.
Caballo De Mar (7/1), Who's Glen (6/1) and Hot Fuss (10/1) have all been doing their recent winning on the all weather and are the only three horses in the race who've been put up in the handicap since their last run. Who's Glen posted the best Average Speed figure last time out, running 2.07kph faster than the THM Standard Average. You need a bit of speed around a tight track like Chester.