Chester Day 1

The draw always plays a crucial part at Chester but not just in the 5f races - it goes right through to the Chester Cup distance of 2m 2f 147 yards.

The racing starts with the 2.10 Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes - Silver Wings is top of the speed ratings and with his number 1 draw its difficult to get away from his chance. Mark Johnston has those drawn 2 and 3 with Rah Rah and Fashionable Spirit but I would imagine he will be looking towards the 6f races and beyond for all his 2yo's and these two may be caught out for speed. The one to challenge could be Astley Hall for local owner David Armstrong and Richard Fahey, the dam having won over 5f.

Aiden O'Brien has a 58% strike rate here and Diamondsandrubles will be difficult to beat in the 2.40, the one to do it may be Victoria Pollard.

The Chester Cup at 3.10 looks wide open and I don't think you can go too wrong in backing last years winner Suegioo, who would have won a lot eaiser last season but for nearly being knocked off the course when coming with his run by the eventual second Angel Gabrial whom he meets on better terms. He isn't as well drawn this time but I don't think Ryan Moore took advantage of his better draw last year and therefore he will probably adopt similar mid division tactics.
Others to note are Buthelezi, Quick Jack and Zafayan.

The Boodles Diamond Handicap goes off at 3.45 and there will be plenty of pace on over the 5f with B Fifty Two, Come On Dave and Blithe Spirit sure to be cutting out the pace. B Fifty Two is 2-2 here and his recent run will have brought him forward enough to win as I think he has a bit of class about him. Tim Easterby horses are running well and his only two runners today contest this.

The 4.55 sees the third race over the 5f course for the day and Normal Equilibrium could have an uncontested lead as those drawn 2 and 3 are rated just 77 and 60 ie 23lb and 40lbs light of his mark.

Good Luck