RAZA AT THE ROODEE

Chester's May meeting is the first chance in Britain to get a proper look at horses who are going to be campaigned solely over middle distances this year, with both the Classic generation and the older horses going on trial in order to determine what they are likely to be aimed at in the months that follow. The three days also contain some competitive handicaps, with the highlight of Day 1, the Chester Cup, being one of these.

The draw for the Chester Cup is often pivotal in deciding whether or not a horse will win or not. It would seem the horses drawn low have the best chance, so these are the one's that have been looked at in my analysis. Many of the recent winners have won at 2 miles or further, so a strong stayer is also paramount. A horse who meets both of those requirements and one who looks open to improvement is MUBARAZA. He looks a classy sort judging by his placed efforts behind smart stayers such as Tiger Cliff, Well Sharp and Tomiantor, plus it shows that he can stay all day. He is likely to improve following on from his reappearance, as he'd been absent for quite some time and so many of his trainer's horse do. On this occasion, he finished second behind Angel Gabrial, who re-opposes in this race. He is weighted more favourably than Angel Gabrial then he was on his reappearance, so a reversal in the placings is to be expected. Plus, it could be argued that Mubaraza may have finished closer than the bare result suggests, if it were not for being hampered near the finish. He seems to have a lot in his favour, including a jockey on fire, and should run a mighty race.

Mubaraza

Another horse who has a solid chance is Ian Williams' mare BODY LANGUAGE, who has form over a trip similar to this and has a nice draw. She's also put in some useful performances in her most recent runs, including placed efforts behind the likes of Caucus and Oriental Fox.

In the first race of the day, the Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes (1:45), speed's going to be the aim of the game, over a frenetic five furlongs. A quick start is paramount for this, as it is hard to come from behind at Chester, so it may be worth looking at the horses with more experience. This is proven when looking at previous renewals of the race, where most winners have had at least two races. Fillies also have a good record, with the last 3 winners of this being being female. A low draw is also vital, something which CHARLIE'S STAR has. She fits the bill as a winner of this race and he has some decent form to back his chances up with. Filling up the runners up spot behind current leading juveniles Tiggy Wiggy and Kasb look the best form on offer, with these placed efforts being consolidated by a facile victory at Yarmouth. Franny Norton is a positive booking too, as not many jockeys ride Chester better than him. Big chance.

The Cheshire Oaks (2:15) should go the way of Bright Approach in my opinion, but the value about her has gone. A horse who may outrun her massive odds is ANIPA, who has won both of her starts this season. I saw her win at Wolverhampton on her seasonal debut where she won despite looking as though she would come on for the run. She backed that up with a victory in a lowly handicap at Windsor over 11 furlongs, just shy of distance she will face in this. Although the bare form may not be good enough to contend with some of these, the distance she won at proves the trip is no issue. Her attitude cannot be faulted either, she is a very game individual. Her sire, Sea The Stars' progeny are seemingly doing better at three years of age than two, as did he himself, so maybe she will carry on improving.

Best of luck to everybody

Happy Punting!