 |
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AINTREE : Good, Good to Soft in places CHESTER : Good to Firm, Good in places HAMILTON : Good to Firm LINGFIELD : Turf: Good to Firm; AWT: Standard. NOTTINGHAM : Good to Firm, Good in places RIPON : Good to Firm DOWNPATRICK : Good to Firm WEXFORD : Good to Firm |
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 USA
Woodbine FRI, 08 MAY
18:00 Claiming (3yo+, 1m 110y, 7 runners) 18:28 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 1m 110y, 9 runners) 18:57 Claiming (3yo+, 1m 110y, 8 runners) 19:27 Claiming (3yo+, 1m 110y, 9 runners) 19:58 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 1m 110y, 13 runners) 20:30 Maiden Special Weight (3yo+, 7f, 11 runners) 21:02 Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 9 runners) 21:34 Allowance (3yo+, 6f, 11 runners) 22:06 Maiden Special Weight (3yo+, 7f, 16 runners) Woodbine FRI, 08 MAY Woodbine declarations will appear here |
Results/Non Runners
Woodbine FRI, 08 MAY Woodbine results will appear here after 18:00 today Woodbine FRI, 08 MAY |
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USA
Belmont FRI, 08 MAY
18:00 Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 7 runners) 18:32 Starter Allowance (3yo+, 7f 110y, 6 runners) 19:04 Allowance (3yo+, 6f 110y, 5 runners) 19:36 Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 10 runners) 20:08 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 7f, 10 runners) 20:40 Claiming (3yo+, 1m 110y, 15 runners) 21:12 Allowance Optional Claiming (4yo+, 1m, 7 runners) 21:45 Stakes (3yo+, 1m 2f, 9 runners) 22:17 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 1m, 12 runners) Belmont FRI, 08 MAY Belmont declarations will appear here |
Results/Non Runners
Belmont FRI, 08 MAY Belmont results will appear here after 18:00 today Belmont FRI, 08 MAY |
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USA
Charles Town FRI, 08 MAY
00:15 Maiden Special Weight (3-5yo, 6f 110y, 8 runners) 00:39 Claiming (3yo+, 6f 110y, 8 runners) 01:03 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 7f, 12 runners) 01:27 Claiming (3yo+, 7f, 8 runners) 01:51 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 6f 110y, 13 runners) 02:15 Claiming (3yo+, 4f 110y, 14 runners) 02:39 Allowance (3yo+, 7f, 7 runners) 03:03 Claiming (3yo+, 1m 1f, 11 runners) 03:27 Claiming (3yo+, 7f, 14 runners) Charles Town FRI, 08 MAY Charles Town declarations will appear here |
Results/Non Runners
Charles Town FRI, 08 MAY Charles Town results will appear here after 00:15 today Charles Town FRI, 08 MAY |
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USA
Delta Downs FRI, 08 MAY
00:30 Maiden (2yo+, 1f 130y, 8 runners) 00:56 Claiming (3yo+, 1f 130y, 10 runners) 01:21 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 1f 80y, 10 runners) 01:47 Claiming (3yo+, 2f 110y, 9 runners) 02:13 Claiming (3yo+, 1f 30y, 10 runners) 02:39 Claiming (3yo+, 1f 180y, 10 runners) 03:06 Claiming (3yo+, 1f 80y, 10 runners) 03:33 Maiden Claiming (2yo, 1f 30y, 10 runners) 04:00 Allowance (2yo, 1f 80y, 10 runners) 04:25 Maiden Claiming (2yo, 1f 180y, 10 runners) Delta Downs FRI, 08 MAY Delta Downs declarations will appear here |
Results/Non Runners
Delta Downs FRI, 08 MAY Delta Downs results will appear here after 00:30 today Delta Downs FRI, 08 MAY |
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USA
Emerald Downs FRI, 08 MAY
02:15 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 7 runners) 02:46 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 5f 110y, 12 runners) 03:17 Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 8 runners) 03:47 Claiming (3yo, 5f 110y, 11 runners) 04:15 Claiming (3yo+, 6f 110y, 10 runners) 04:43 Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 7 runners) 05:10 Allowance (3yo+, 6f, 8 runners) 05:36 Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 12 runners) Emerald Downs FRI, 08 MAY Emerald Downs declarations will appear here |
Results/Non Runners
Emerald Downs FRI, 08 MAY Emerald Downs results will appear here after 02:15 today Emerald Downs FRI, 08 MAY |
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USA
Evangeline Downs FRI, 08 MAY
00:20 Claiming (3yo+, 5f 110y, 10 runners) 00:45 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 1m 110y, 12 runners) 01:10 Maiden Special Weight (2yo+, 4f 110y, 8 runners) 01:35 Starter Allowance (3yo+, 5f, 12 runners) 02:00 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 7f, 14 runners) 02:25 Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 11 runners) 02:50 Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 10 runners) 03:15 Allowance (3yo+, 5f, 8 runners) 03:40 Claiming (3yo+, 6f 110y, 14 runners) 04:05 Claiming (3yo+, 1m, 12 runners) 04:30 Claiming (3yo+, 1m, 8 runners) Evangeline Downs FRI, 08 MAY Evangeline Downs declarations will appear here |
Results/Non Runners
Evangeline Downs FRI, 08 MAY Evangeline Downs results will appear here after 00:20 today Evangeline Downs FRI, 08 MAY |
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USA
Fairmount Park FRI, 08 MAY
01:30 Allowance Optional Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 6 runners) 01:58 Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 8 runners) 02:26 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 8 runners) 02:52 Allowance (3yo+, 6f, 7 runners) 03:20 Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 10 runners) 03:46 Claiming (4yo+, 1m, 9 runners) 04:14 Claiming (3yo+, 1m, 10 runners) 04:42 Claiming (4yo+, 6f, 10 runners) Fairmount Park FRI, 08 MAY Fairmount Park declarations will appear here |
Results/Non Runners
Fairmount Park FRI, 08 MAY Fairmount Park results will appear here after 01:30 today Fairmount Park FRI, 08 MAY |
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USA
Finger Lakes FRI, 08 MAY
17:35 Allowance (5f 110y, 6 runners) 18:02 Claiming (3yo+, 5f, 7 runners) 18:29 Allowance (3yo+, 5f, 6 runners) 18:56 Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 9 runners) 19:23 Claiming (3yo+, 5f 110y, 11 runners) 19:50 Allowance (3yo+, 5f 110y, 8 runners) 20:17 Maiden Special Weight (3yo+, 1m, 7 runners) 20:44 Allowance (3yo+, 1m, 7 runners) 21:11 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 5f 110y, 9 runners) Finger Lakes FRI, 08 MAY Finger Lakes declarations will appear here |
Results/Non Runners
Finger Lakes FRI, 08 MAY Finger Lakes results will appear here after 17:35 today Finger Lakes FRI, 08 MAY |
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USA
Los Alamitos FRI, 08 MAY
03:15 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 4f 110y, 9 runners) 03:43 Claiming (3yo+, 1f 80y, 8 runners) 04:11 Claiming (3yo+, 4f 110y, 10 runners) 04:39 Claiming (3yo, 1f 80y, 9 runners) 05:07 Maiden (2yo+, 1f 80y, 8 runners) 05:35 Claiming (3yo+, 3f 210y, 8 runners) 06:03 Maiden (2yo+, 1f 80y, 8 runners) 06:31 Allowance (2yo+, 1f 80y, 7 runners) 06:55 Maiden (3yo+, 1f 80y, 8 runners) Los Alamitos FRI, 08 MAY Los Alamitos declarations will appear here |
Results/Non Runners
Los Alamitos FRI, 08 MAY Los Alamitos results will appear here after 03:15 today Los Alamitos FRI, 08 MAY |
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USA
Mountaineer Park FRI, 08 MAY
00:00 Claiming (3yo+, 1m, 10 runners) 00:25 Claiming (3yo+, 1m, 8 runners) 00:50 Claiming (3yo+, 1m, 7 runners) 01:15 Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 7 runners) 01:40 Claiming (3yo+, 1m, 10 runners) 02:05 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 1m, 7 runners) 02:30 Starter Allowance (3yo+, 1m, 7 runners) 02:55 Allowance (3yo+, 6f, 6 runners) 03:20 Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 8 runners) 03:45 Claiming (3yo+, 5f 110y, 10 runners) Mountaineer Park FRI, 08 MAY Mountaineer Park declarations will appear here |
Results/Non Runners
Mountaineer Park FRI, 08 MAY Mountaineer Park results will appear here after 00:00 today Mountaineer Park FRI, 08 MAY |
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USA
Penn National FRI, 08 MAY
23:45 Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 8 runners) 00:09 Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 11 runners) 00:34 Claiming (3yo+, 4f 110y, 12 runners) 00:58 Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 12 runners) 01:23 Starter Allowance (3yo+, 5f, 9 runners) 01:49 Claiming (3yo+, 1m, 12 runners) 02:14 Maiden Claiming (3yo, 6f, 12 runners) 02:38 Maiden Special Weight (3yo+, 6f, 9 runners) 03:02 Claiming (3yo+, 5f 110y, 7 runners) 03:26 Claiming (3yo+, 5f 110y, 11 runners) Penn National FRI, 08 MAY Penn National declarations will appear here |
Results/Non Runners
Penn National FRI, 08 MAY Penn National results will appear here after 23:45 today Penn National FRI, 08 MAY |
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USA
Prairie Meadows FRI, 08 MAY
00:30 Allowance (1m, 5 runners) 00:56 Claiming (3yo+, 1m 110y, 6 runners) 01:23 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 1m, 7 runners) 01:50 Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 8 runners) 02:17 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 1m, 7 runners) 02:44 Maiden Special Weight (3-5yo, 5f 110y, 8 runners) 03:11 Claiming (3yo+, 5f 110y, 9 runners) 03:37 Allowance (3yo+, 1m, 7 runners) 04:03 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 6f, 9 runners) Prairie Meadows FRI, 08 MAY Prairie Meadows declarations will appear here |
Results/Non Runners
Prairie Meadows FRI, 08 MAY Prairie Meadows results will appear here after 00:30 today Prairie Meadows FRI, 08 MAY |
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USA
Presque Isle Downs FRI, 08 MAY
22:30 Maiden Claiming (3yo+, 6f 110y, 10 runners) 22:55 Claiming (3yo+, 1m, 9 runners) 23:20 Maiden Special Weight (3yo, 5f 110y, 11 runners) 23:45 Claiming (3yo+, 1m, 10 runners) 00:10 Claiming (3yo+, 1m, 8 runners) 00:35 Claiming (3yo+, 1m, 11 runners) 01:00 Stakes (3yo, 6f, 11 runners) 01:25 Allowance (3yo+, 1m, 12 runners) Presque Isle Downs FRI, 08 MAY Presque Isle Downs declarations will appear here |
Results/Non Runners
Presque Isle Downs FRI, 08 MAY Presque Isle Downs results will appear here after 22:30 today Presque Isle Downs FRI, 08 MAY |
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USA
FRI, 08 MAY
FRI, 08 MAY declarations will appear here |
Results/Non Runners
FRI, 08 MAY results will appear here after today FRI, 08 MAY |
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Lay of the day
Lay of the day (4.00 Chester) There was nothing wrong with the performance of Balaagha when touched off at Newmarket last time, but she has a tough task from a wide draw in this. Likely longshot (1.45 Chester) Leaders are often well rewarded on the Roodee and Noble Citizen, whose wins have usually come from the front, has an ideal draw to bounce out and set the tempo in this contest. Longest traveller (2.45 Chester) Aidan O'Brien's Frozen Fire may have struggled in the St Leger when last seen, but he had previously landed the Irish Derby and gets his favoured quicker conditions in this race. Trainer trends (4.00 Chester) Barry Hills has won this four times since 2000 and the in-form trainer2/7s two runners, with preference for Massilah over La Marseillaise. Deja vu (8.00 Ripon) Danzatrice has made the frame on all three starts here and having won this race last year, she merits plenty of respect stepping back up to 2m. Drop in class (6.45 Hamilton) Dunes Queen was not disgraced when fifth behind Fantasia in the Nell Gwyn Stakes last time and she looks cap3/7e of mounting a bold show in this contest, with the drop in trip to suit. Moving house (1.35 Lingfield) Hidden Door ran with some credit in three maidens for Jessica Harrington and looks reasonably treated on her handicap debut for Jane Chapple-Hyam. Perfect partners (2004-2009) Jamie Spencer has a good record when riding for David Simcock and he is on Sounds Of Jupiter in Nottingham's 4/70. A running-on fourth over 1m4f last time, he can improve now up in trip. Top strikers (2004-2009) Mark Johnston is the leading trainer at Hamilton and he saddles Rock Of Love in the 6.10. Slowly away and looking green on his debut, he stayed on nicely once the penny dropped and though likely to need further in time, he can figure. Ryan Moore has an excellent strike- rate at Nottingham and he rides Barynya in the 4.10. The Pivotal filly fin5/7ed fast to take third on her Newbury debut and should improve on that. It all points to ... (4.10 Nottingham) Barynya created a favourable impression when finishing with some purpose at Newbury and she is expected to improve with that experience under her belt. She should have no problem with the 1m trip, especially if she's anything like her dam, Russian Rhythm. Anagram ace Precook darts (runs at Chester) Thursday's solution: Metal Soldier 
Friday's Selections
Big to bound away
Big Bound got within a head of scooping
a Pattern-race victory in the Sandown
Classic Trial and could go one better
in the Dee Stakes at Chester (2.15).
The Grand Slam colt was beaten in two
starts as a juvenile, but kicked off
his 3yo campaign with a win at
Lingfield prior to his close second.
John Gosden's charge battled hard
before going down to Above Average and
a similar display may reap dividends.
Frozen ready to fire
Frozen Fire produced a strong finish to
land the Irish Derby last season and
should prove a cut above his rivals in
the Ormonde Stakes at Chester (2.45).
Aidan O'Brien's charge started last
season with a narrow defeat in the
Dante Stakes and though well beaten at
Epsom, he made no mistake on home soil.
Disappointing on soft ground in the St
Leger, he gets his conditions here and
is capable of taking this prize.
City can scoop spoils
City Dancer (nap) was just found out in
the closing stages on her return to
action at Musselburgh, but she should
be cherry ripe for Chester's 3.15.
The 3yo won at Dundalk on her sole
start over 5f for Sheena Collins last
year, and travelled beautifully on her
first outing for Alan Berry.
Just run out of it close home, she
should benefit enormously for that
effort and is well drawn in stall two.
Friday's selections
Chester
2.15 Big Bound
2.45 Frozen Fire
3.15 City Dancer (nap)
 
Spots the horses to follow
Chester, Wednesday: Changingoftheguard
ran a nice race for second in the 10f
maiden. He pulled over 3l clear of the
third on his first start for 191 days,
and it will be no surprise to see him
in Pattern company in the future.
Chepstow, Tuesday: Dalradian took
second in the 1m handicap, and it
should not be long before he is back in
the winning groove. He stuck to his
task well, going down by just 1¾l, and
his turn may not be far away.
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John Dunlop's Downhiller is the horse
for money in the Chester Cup (2.45),
with Coral, Sky Bet, William Hill and
totesport all offering 6/1 from 7s.
Sir Mark Prescott's Braveheart Move has
been backed in the 4.00 at Chester.
Coral offer 4/1 from 5s, while
totesport are down to 7/2 from 6s.
Cute N You Know It is popular in the
4.45 at Kelso and is 13/2 from 12s with
Sky Bet, while the same firm have cut
Richard Hannon's Kings Of Leo into 4/1
from 9/2 for the 1.45 at Chester.
Asateer is a positive on the exchanges
for the 4.35 at Chester and is trading
at 3.95 from 6.6 on Betfair.
 
Oaks hopes are High
Barry Hills has already tasted Classic
success this season through Ghanaati in
the Guineas and High Heeled could
provide him with victory in the Oaks.
Like Ghanaati, High Heeled's sole
triumph at two came in a Kempton
maiden, but there was plenty to like
about her reappearance win at Newbury.
She saw off some smart colts there,
despite the race not being run to suit,
and 14/1 with Hills for Epsom is fair.
 
Classic trials on Roodee
The three days of racing around the
Roodee that makes up Chester's May
meeting usually throws up its fair
share of thrills and spills.
The meeting can also provide valuable
pointers to the upcoming Classics, with
two big trials for Epsom and beyond
providing some of the highlights.
A number of recent big winners cut
their teeth at Chester, including the
1980 Vase winner, Henbit.
 
Superstar Shergar wins
The Chester Vase has long been
established as a Classic trial and
Henbit took the 1m4f contest on the
Roodee before Derby glory in 1980.
His achievement was matched in 1981,
but in more emphatic fashion. Shergar
took the Vase by 12l before going on to
an equally impressive 10l Derby win.
Quest For Fame failed to beat Belmez at
Chester in 1990, but made no mistake at
Epsom, winning the blue riband by 3l.
 
Dee winners go on
More recently the Dee Stakes has
overtaken the Chester Vase as the
Roodee's premier Derby trial.
Henry Cecil started the trend in 1999
when Oath stormed to a 5l win in the
1m2f test, before proving his Classic
credential with Derby success.
In 2003 Kris Kin was sent off an
unfancied 20/1 chance in the four-
runner Dee, but won with aplomb and
produced a gutsy display at Epsom.
 
Stayers show potential
Though a full 2f shorter than the St
Leger, the Chester Vase has thrown up a
couple of winners of the Doncaster
Classic in recent years.
French raider Toulon overcame trouble
in running to win at Chester and though
only ninth in the Derby, he beat
Saddler's Hall to take the St Leger.
Millenary finished fast to land the
Vase in 2000, before producing his
trademark finish on Town Moor.
 
Irish Classic successes
The Chester Vase and Dee Stakes haven't
just provided Epsom Derby winners, but
a couple who went on to land the Irish
equivalent at the Curragh.
The 1987 Dee Stakes winner Sir Harry
Lewis landed the Irish Derby before
going even further afield to take third
in the Canadian International.
Two years ago Soldier Of Fortune took
the Dee Stakes and though fifth at
Epsom, he made no mistake on home soil.
 
Well worth noting
As well as Classic winners, the big
Chester trials have provided a number
of subsequent Group 1 successes.
Old Vic took the 1989 Chester Vase en
route to French and Irish Derby glory,
while Belmez won the same race a year
later and won the King George.
1995 Dee Stakes winner Pentire landed
the Irish Champion Stakes and 1996 King
George, so whoever takes one of the
trials this year is worth noting.
 
Arazan set for Curragh
John Oxx has high hopes of pulling off
a Guineas double with Arazan after Sea
The Stars' victory last weekend.
Firm ground ruled Arazan out of HQ but
the Boylesports Irish Guineas at the
Curragh is the colt's new aim.
Oxx told At The Races: "Arazan may go
on fast ground in due course but we
didn't want to chance him and with the
Irish 2000 Guineas only three weeks
later it didn't make sense to risk it."
Big run expected
Following the Newmarket victory of Sea
The Stars, John Oxx is looking forward
to saddling Arazan in the Boylesports
Irish Guineas at the Curragh.
Oxx told At The Races: "He's a good
horse, he was a very good two-year-old.
Hopefully he'll be in the shake up.
"Sea The Stars' run gives us hope
because they work nicely together and
over a mile we didn't think there would
be much between them."
 
Tast team reveal concern
Tastahil's participation in the Group 3
Ormonde Stakes at Chester on Friday
hinges on the state of the going.
Connections of the 5yo want to see
enough cut in the ground to warrant him
taking his chance on the Roodee.
Trainer Barry Hills' son and assistant,
Charlie, said: "We will see what the
ground is like. Obviously we have
declared him, but he's a horse that
does want some cut in the ground."
 
Busy time for Buc?
Andrew Balding's Ormonde Stakes hopeful
Buccellati could be in for a busy time
if he puts up a good performance
following his fine comeback effort.
The trainer said: "He was third in the
Gordon Richards the other week but that
was really just a prep run.
"He's in good form and is in the
Coronation Cup. If he wins this we'd
have to consider it, but he has lots of
other options."
 
Doctor returns
Derby fourth Doctor Fremantle begins
his 4yo career in tomorrow's Huxley
Stakes at Chester.
Sir Michael Stoute's inmate won the
Chester Vase last term and holds a host
of Group 1 entries later this season.
Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to
owner Prince Khalid Abdullah, said: "He
started the ball rolling at Chester
last season and this looked as good a
spot as any to start off."
 
Doc looks well
Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to
Doctor Fremantle's owner Prince Khalid
Abdullah, is expecting a good run in
the Huxley Stakes at Chester tomorrow.
He said: "He still has to step up and
prove himself at the highest level, but
he has done well over the winter and he
is looking in great form.
"Everybody says Sir Michael Stoute's
horses improve with age, but they can't
all be champions!"
 
Royal blue bow
Yahrab makes his Godolphin debut in the
Huxley Stakes at Chester tomorrow.
The 4yo was second to subsequent Group
1 winner Presvis in a handicap at Nad
Al Sheba in February and will still be
ridden by Ahmed Ajtebi, who made a big
impression in Dubai on World Cup night.
Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: "The
horse is in good form and ready to go.
This is the right race for him, and we
are hoping for a good run."
 
Showers needed
David Simcock would have preferred more
juice in the ground for Bushman ahead
of Chester's Huxley Stakes.
The trainer said: "I was pleased with
his first run and he has come on for
the race. I would have loved to have
seen a couple more showers of rain, but
we are going to take our chances.
"He's a good-sized horse but, at the
same time, he's lightly raced. I expect
a very good run."
 
Master ready for return
Johnny Murtagh expects Masterofthehorse
to show improved form when he embarks
upon his 3yo career in the Chester Vase
on the Roodee tomorrow.
The colt, trained by Aidan O'Brien, was
a close third to subsequent 2000
Guineas winner Sea The Stars in the
Beresford Stakes at the Curragh.
Murtagh said: "He has been working well
and was always the sort who would
improve as a three-year-old."
 
Sap team hopeful
Connections of Saptapadi are looking
for improvement from the colt when he
lines up in the Chester Vase tomorrow.
Peter Reynolds, racing manager of
owners Ballymacoll Stud, said: "We will
have to see if Chester suits him. It
didn't suit his brother, Patkai, but
we'll be hoping for the best.
"He was second on his first run on the
all-weather last season and should have
no trouble with the trip."
 
Improving Average
Above Average is reported in good shape
ahead of the Chester Vase, in which he
will be looking to follow up his
surprise victory at Sandown last month.
Trainer Barry Hills' son and assistant,
Charlie, said: "We've been pleased with
the way he's come out of the race. We
were delighted with the way he won.
"We just hope there's some improvement
in him. The track should suit him, he's
an improving horse and he's a battler."
 
Sights raised
Connections of the Henry Cecil-trained
Sight Unseen are aware of the task
facing their colt when he steps up from
maiden company into the Chester Vase.
Owner Khalid Abdullah's racing manager,
Teddy Grimthorpe, said: "He had never
really shown much at home, but
sometimes that is the best way.
"Obviously this is a massive step up,
but that is what trials are for. This
will tell us how good he is."
The Aidan O'Brien-trained Perfect Truth
just held on in a desperate finish to
the Cheshire Oaks on the Roodee.
Sent straight to the front by Johnny
Murtagh, the 9/1 chance bowled along
merrily and had opened up a commanding
lead entering the final two furlongs.
Philippina hit top gear for Ryan Moore
in the final furlong and though they
ate up the ground on the winner,
Perfect Truth held on by a nose.
 
Truth passes true test
Johnny Murtagh was seen to great effect
with a fabulous piece of riding from
the front on Perfect Truth in the
Cheshire Oaks at Chester.
He said: "Aidan (O'Brien, trainer) says
she's a big strong galloper and round
here I put them to the test.
"It's a short straight here and I
thought I was caught in the last few
strides, but she was very brave. She's
very genuine and very tough."
 
Phil unlikely for Epsom
Sir Michael Stoute admits his filly
Philippina is now unlikely to go to
Epsom following her narrow defeat to
Perfect Truth in the Cheshire Oaks.
The trainer said: "She stays well and
is in the Oaks, but I'd say she's
unlikely to go there."
Stoute added: "We'll let the trials be
run but I don't think she'll be going
down that route and I'd advise people
not to back her."
 
Harbinger impresses
The Sir Michael Stoute-trained
Harbinger created a huge impression in
winning the 1m2f maiden at Chester.
Second in the Wood Ditton on his debut,
the Dansili colt was sent off at 6/4
and Ryan Moore settled his mount behind
the front three, with chief market
rival Changingoftheguard tracking him.
Harbinger was in front without being
asked a question and sprinted clear of
the Ballydoyle inmate to win by 3l.
 
Harb plans on hold
Sir Michael Stoute's Harbinger was cut
for the Derby after his taking maiden
victory on the Roodee, but the trainer
remains cool on the matter.
He said: "I'm very pleased with him. He
travelled well and picked up nicely.
"I'm not going to make a plan now and I
truly don't know about the Derby as
he's short on experience, which is the
problem. We'll have to stop and think
and see where we go."
 
Cup joy for Hills
Barry Hills maintained his tremendous
recent run of form when Daraahem (7/1)
took the Chester Cup on the Roodee.
Never too far off the early pace under
the trainer's son Richard, the 4yo
travelled well throughout the race and
hit the front as they turned in.
Ajaan came between horses to lay down a
strong challenge in the closing stages,
but Daraahem stayed on to record a neck
win, with a further neck to Halla San.
 
Hills milestone
Following his surprise 1000 Guineas
triumph with Ghanaati, Barry Hills
enjoyed another memorable day as
Daraahem landed the Chester Cup.
The trainer, recording his 150th
success on the Roodee, said:
"Wonderful. He travelled well
throughout, he's a good horse.
"The ground is perfect today, it might
quicken up by tomorrow and Friday. It's
been a memorable few days."
Fine future ahead
Barry Hills is looking forward to a
very bright future ahead of Daraahem
following his Chester Cup success.
The trainer said: "He was gelded during
the winter and that has improved him a
lot. The Northumberland Plate and those
sort of races will suit him.
"When they do improve at that age there
is no telling what they can do and Sea
Pigeon won this race before going on to
win the Ebor."
 
Hills on fire
Jockey Richard Hills was celebrating
another victory after his mount
Daraahem beat Ajaan in the Chester Cup.
He said: "He was travelling so well
that three times I had to take him off
horses and I thought it might cost me.
But Dad was confident and who's going
to argue with him at the moment?
"It's been a wonderful. Dad having 3000
career winners, 300 at Newmarket,
winning a Guineas and the Chester Cup."
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