Good Ground Glory at the Roodee
Right then, Friday the 13th at Chester – and there's nothing unlucky about this seven-race card on good ground. The soil moisture reading of 41 tells us we're dealing with proper jumping conditions, none of that bog-trotting nonsense that's been plaguing us lately. The Roodee might be famous for its flat racing, but when the jumps boys roll into town, it's always worth paying attention.
Today's Chester racecard is headlined by the 3m 84y staying hurdle at 15:02, where the big boys will be sorting out the men from the boys over an extended trip. But there's plenty of value to be found elsewhere if you know where to look, and by God, I think I do.
The Feature: Staying Power Required
The Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap Hurdle over three miles is where the real business gets done today. Prize money of £10,700 attracts a decent field of seven, and this is a proper test of stamina on good ground that'll suit the strong travellers.
Billy Boi Blue heads the weights off 125, and that [D] next to his name tells you he's handled Chester before. At nine years old, David Killahena's charge knows his job, and Nick Slatter in the saddle is no mug. But the weight burden is hefty, and I'm not convinced he's the answer at likely short odds.
The one that catches my eye is Stone's Throw for Billy Aprahamian. Course and distance winner – always music to my ears – and Brian Hughes would have been on him if not committed elsewhere. Ciaran Gethings gets the leg-up instead, and at 121, he's well-handicapped for this company.
El Galactico brings Neil Mulholland's shrewd training to the party, and Richie McLernon knows how to get a tune out of a stayer. Same rating as Stone's Throw, but without the course form to lean on.
Early Doors: Mares and Novices
The opening mares' maiden hurdle at 13:02 looks a proper puzzle with six runners all carrying null ratings. Annie Hathaway represents Alan King and Philip Armson – that's a combination that demands respect in any novice event. King doesn't send them anywhere unless they're ready to do a job.
I C U In My Dreams brings the Donald McCain factor, and you'd be foolish to ignore anything with Brian Hughes attached. McCain's yard is flying at the moment, and Hughes is riding everything with supreme confidence.
The following novice hurdle sees Count of Vendome as the class act on ratings of 118. Course and distance winner for McCain and Hughes again – starting to see a pattern here, aren't we? Lewisham Grove is rated 2lb higher at 120, but lacks the course experience that could prove crucial around Chester's tight turns.
Chasing Opportunities
The novice chase over 2m 3f presents a small but select field of four. Lightning Flash for the Twiston-Davies team brings solid credentials, but I'm drawn to Cuban Court at bigger odds. Course and distance winner again – I told you these flags matter – and Neil King's eight-year-old could be overpriced in a weak contest.
Later in the card, the staying chase over 3m 2f looks a match between I See The Sea and Jongleur d'Etoiles. Both rated 100, but the latter brings distance form that could prove decisive. Neil Mulholland's charge has Richie McLernon aboard and that [D] suggests he handles the unique demands of Chester.
Handicap Hurdle and Bumper Finale
The 2m 4f handicap hurdle at 16:20 offers seven runners and plenty of each-way value. Saracen Beau tops the weights but brings Nicky Richards' training and Danny McMenamin's local knowledge. Meatloaf – what a name! – represents the Paul Nicholls juggernaut and Freddie Keighley is a jockey going places.
But it's Joltin N Jiving that appeals most. McCain and Hughes again, rated 117, and this six-year-old is entering his prime years. The good ground will suit, and the trip looks ideal.
The bumper finale brings together seven four-year-olds, and it's anyone's guess. Don't Tell Dougie carries the Hughes magic, while Jetzet represents the Kim Bailey stable that's been among the winners lately.
Best Bets and Final Thoughts
On this good ground at Chester, I'm backing the course specialists and the in-form connections. Stone's Throw in the feature staying hurdle looks overpriced for a course and distance winner, while Count of Vendome should take care of business in the novice hurdle.
Joltin N Jiving appeals in the handicap hurdle – McCain's team is flying and Hughes rarely gets it wrong around here. For the braver punters, Cuban Court in the novice chase could be the value play of the day.
The good ground changes everything compared to the heavy conditions we've endured lately. Speed will tell more than stamina in the shorter contests, while the staying races will reward the genuine grinders. Back the course winners, follow the in-form jockeys, and remember – at Chester, local knowledge beats fancy ratings every time. Sláinte!
