13:30 Chester

Leg 1 Selections: King’s Lynn, Nymphadora

KING’S LYNN has lots of class, who’s record in May reads 2121 and claimed a Group 2 last year in the Temple Stakes. He will find this much easier than last month’s reappearance and goes well on soft ground, so he is a big player despite his big weight. 

His stablemate NYMPHADORA is a Listed winner, who was second over course-and-distance last May and was second at Royal Ascot. She also makes the shortlist under Oisin Murphy. I really like the claims of both Andrew Balding’s runners in the opener. 

14:05 Chester

Leg 2 Selections: Theoryofeverything, Lord Uhtred

THEORYOFEVERYTHING brings the strongest form into the race, courtesy of his third in the Group 3 Greenham Stakes. He clearly loves this sort of ground and was most impressive when winning on debut at Doncaster. 

With more to come, now that he has his sights set on a handicap, he is the one to beat. LORD UHTRED wasn’t seen to the best of effect on handicap debut last time but kept on well to finish fifth and is worth another interest too. 

14:40 Chester

Leg 3 Selections: Local Dynasty, Alder

LOCAL DYNASTY has won three of his four starts with the only defeat coming in a Group 3 behind Chaldean and Indestructible. The form of his Listed success at Pontefract reads well, as the third has subsequently ran well to finish fourth in the 1000 Guineas. 

He could be even better over this longer trip, so while he lacks a decent run, he has the best form-lines and could be really tough to beat. ALDER won with plenty to spare on his first go over this trip at Cork and should also go well with more to come. 

15:15 Chester

Leg 4 Selections: Changingoftheguard 

Hamish is a worthy rival but the Aidan O’Brien-trained CHANGINGOFTHEGUARD ran very well when fifth in last season’s Epsom Derby and defeated St Leger second New London very easily in the Chester Vase at this meeting twelve months ago. 

He concluded his season with success in the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes Royal Ascot, beating subsequent Group 3 winner Grand Alliance. He has clearly been targeted at this race despite his absence and should make a bold bid under an attacking ride from Ryan Moore, who bagged two winners here yesterday. 

15:45 Chester

Leg 5 Selections: Dark Pine, Glory Nights, City Streak

DARK PINE hasn’t made much impact in two starts on the all-weather this year but no doubt this race has been the target and he won over course-and-distance last year from a three pounds higher mark. He beat the 104-rated Fox Tal and this is comparatively easier, so from a good draw in stall 1 with Rossa Ryan in the saddle, he could go well at large odds. 

GLORY NIGHTS is the outsider of the field but gets plenty of weight from the market leaders and Hayley Turner takes the ride. He makes his turf/handicap debut from a lenient mark and could reach the frame if acting on the surface, while CITY STREAK is really consistent and could play another leading role. 

16:20 Chester

Leg 6 Selections: Big Time Rascal, Hackman 

BIG TIME RASCAL has a stunning pedigree and George Boughey has his team in excellent form, so there is a possibility of him making a winning debut from a good draw in 3 with William Buick on his back. 

HACKMAN travelled well for a long way on debut at Newmarket before taking third and will know more here, so he should be thereabouts under James Doyle.