I've had a mixed week at Chester but I'm hoping to go out with a bang before focusing on Ascot at the weekend. Loyal followers will remember me tipping up REVICH a good few times last year including when he romped home on the Roodee. Since then he has threatened to go in again on numerous occasions but he has definitely returned with a vengeance this season. He has run in two of the hottest handicaps run so far this season and has ran admirably on both occasions. He was a touch unlucky the last day I felt and I'm not the only one who thinks that as he has been well punted. However, it does look an ideal race for him and with a plum draw in addition to maximum assistance from the saddle, he must surely go close.
I could punt quite a few in the Chester Cup but my pin has eventually been placed on COEUR DE LION who won the consolation race a couple of years ago. He had before come second in that race so clearly he likes this unique staying test. ANy give underfoot would be welcomed as he likes to get his toe in and a low draw is certainly handy as well. I can't be confident of a victory given the course but I am certain this lad will run well.
Chester 1.45 – Revich
Chester 2.45 – Couer De Lion
Saturday
I was mightily impressed with WITHOUT A FIGHT last time out at Newbury and I fancy him to go one place better at Ascot tomorrow. He looks another typical Simon Crisford horse who will get better with age given how lightly raced he is currently. He achieved a lot in a short space of time last season having only made his debut in mid June and I'm sure there will be more to come this year as he gains more experience. He comes up against some experienced horses today but I'm hoping his lack of big fight experience doesn't hinder him and that he improves past these exposed types.
If you want a horse to get you out of your seat on Saturday then CHIEFOFCHIEFS is the one for you. Charlie Fellowes has enlisted the skills of Jamie Spencer on Saturday and that tells you all you need to know. He is going to be held up off what is likely to be a blistering pace and you just know this course specialist is going to be cantering on the bridle 1f out. If he can get the breaks late on then I think he can be competitive here. Having said that, there are plenty of course specialists here and it looks a really good race.
Ascot 2.30 – Without A Fight
Ascot 3.40 – Chiefofchiefs
