Chester 4.55

NORTHERN - Chester 4.55 - Handicap - Class 4 - 7 furlongs - Soft - 14 run

 

The traditional Low Draw bias here certainly frames the betting markets but when conditions turn softer are generally less of a factor. The presence of some Course and Distance winners in the field who also tend to be "hold up" horses is interesting to note. It is a unique track and whilst some horses love it, others hate it, and there are then a majority who can run inconsistently here and it is probably a track where "luck in running" is more relevant than just about anywhere else with the possible exception of Goodwood.

 

Another Batt and Paws For Thought head the market and both have favourites chances both don't inspire any significant confidence in me. Roundhay Park has good Course form and form at the trip but my gut feel is that the trip (even here) just stretches it especially on probably slower ground, a danger nonetheless. He's A Gentleman has bits of soft ground form and IF you want an outsider then MAYSONG @ 20/1 really did interest me and only just missed a formal tip. The horse is in form and will love conditions, stall 13 doesn't phase me as it can break quickly and if you can get 20/1 plus a small side bet would be my suggestion.

 

Three though stood out for me.

 

DEVASBOY comes from a Yard I always pay attention to here (along with Balding and Fahey), it has excellent Course form off this sort of mid 70's mark yet often comes late and through traffic. The conditions suit perfectly and on the balance of all previous form here is very hard to discount. GORAK is drawn in stall 3 and apart from a disappointing Course run when with Fahey when highly tried as a juvenile, really does look tailor made for this sort of race with any rain a positive. It's hard to ignore the claims of BROKEN SPEAR a winner of this race in 2021 off a mark of 80 and staying on after encountering traffic last year. It can dwell at the start so Stall 1 is not ideal but it would be one to have the tactical ability round here to sit in on the fence and then storm up the inside where the false rail finishes and exposes some ground up the inside in the final 100 yards.