I understand that a few people I know are attending Chester races tomorrow. Although my main interest is National Hunt racing I’ve taken a look at the card and here are my views.
2.10 5f – Annunciation found it all a bit much at Royal Ascot but this is a far easier task with proper jock Ryan Moore on board from stall one so, at slight odds on, this is an easy start for the placepot.
2.40 1m 4f 66yds – Gabrial The Hero was my selection last time out at Haydock and just missed out. The current 3/1 on offer is excellent value and draw 8 shouldn’t matter too much at this distance.
3.10 1m 2f 7d yds – Time to oppose the likely favourite (Devine Guest) with Mark Johnston’s Monicker (drawn 2). 11th of 13 in his last outing at Haydock but excellent breeding and showed every sign of considerable improvement next time out. If you’re doing the placepot you should also save with Energize.
3.45 7f 2yds – This is the toughest race of the day and my preference is for a local winner in the shape of Decision By One (drawn 4 and currently 6/1). Well Painted is a good saver for the placepot.
4.15 5f 16yds – Dr Koukash (nearly always gets a winner at Chester) should get one here with the Irish bred Jedward (currently 11/2). Expect this one to be a shorter price than it should be, just because of its name, and wise placepotters will also have a saver with Electric Qatar.
4.50 1m 2f 75yds – This is a nightmare last placepot race because it’s a claimer, i.e. people can buy the winner if they bid enough, so there may be horses being unloaded by owners and trainers. If you’re still in the placepot you need to cover the options so we’ll go with Just Lille, a winner just four days ago, with savers on Offbeat Safaris (could be good) and Elizabeth Coffee. Although the form’s not good Respect commands respect if you’re really concerned to cover the options.
Good luck! It probably won’t be the biggest placepot but it would be a nice way to round off the day.
If you’re still going after that Noble Alan should win the lucky last (5.25) but I’m sure that Woop Woop (7/1) will attract attention just because of the name and should be placed.