Aah ..CHESTER

I love racing at Chester. This meeting is the most informative, despite the uniqueness of the course, and ratings may not carry across to future races, performances do. So you look for horses who do well without necessarily winning. And the opening day's card should provide plenty of those?

1.45 Chester: LILY'S ANGEL

I do not recommend this as a bet. In fact it could be a jackpot/placepot buster. It is clear top-rated but ...

It has only just done enough to win around two stiff courses. It is drawn okay, so no problem there. I just get the feeling that something with speed may do it on the outside if they go steady early on?

What? I have no idea, as they all look much of a muchness on runs to date.

Mind, if they go quick then Lily's Angel should pick them off and continue her winning ways.

This is what I mean about Chester?

2.15 Chester: MUSHARAKAAT

Again, not a recommended bet, just my top-rated. I have no rating for Wonder of Wonders, I worry about the ground for that one. I think FORKHANDLES could go well (how long will it be before Tommo brings up the Ronnie Barker sketch ...?). Ground no problem. Won first time out. It could be the fly in the ointment?

2.45 Chester: RED CADEAUX

Clear top-rated. Goes well at the track .... but 5/1 where you need so much luck in running does just make you hesitate. Or at least it should?

Case for several who have run well here includes Mamlook(obviously) and Halla San. Overturn, Dirar, and Tastahil are other good reasons to think carefully about 5/1 the field. And, at a big price, Icon Dream could go well?

3.30 Chester: BREATHLESS KISS

Another nightmare of draw and luck in running? Clear top-rated from his last run, where I thought he did really well in a Group 3 race. Has a nice draw, but has a tendency to start slowly. If he does that today he is likely to finish nearer last than first?

On the outside Captain Dunne will no doubt try and get over to the rail as he has blitering early speed. And then there is Moorhouse Lad. He too has good early pace in the 1 draw. Which leaves a whole host of others who may pick up the pieces, of which, FALASTEEN looks the least complicated and shoul be able to hold his place for the dash to the line?

4.15 Chester: TANFEETH

This will be one of the more fascinating races as regards the future. The above and COLUMBIAN come from the last two races at Newbury, and preceded by World Domination's win. You could make a list of a dozen or more to follow from the horses who finished in the top eight of each race and have quite a profitable year?

Anyway, I rated Tanfeeth slightly higher than Columbian, but the latter looks more forward at this moment, so the dual will be interesting? The others look to have to step up quite a bit to their level, but it is possible around here?

4.40 Chester: GOTTANY O'S

Not a selection as all rated horses are below their OR. Time To Work has the most experience, whereas Gawaarib has only raced on the AW. Very tricky.

That sums up Chester. More viewing than betting, but fascinating nevertheless?

Have a good day ...