UK Horse Racing Tips: Chester

The hat-trick seeking Liamarty Dreams (fifth) commands respect from a handy draw but looks a shade vulnerable off his highest mark yet, so may be worth taking on. Both Master Zoffany (winner) and PERCY'S LAD (second) had wide berths when they finished ahead of Liamarty Dreams over this C&D last September and the latter looks worth chancing after an encouraging second at this level on his seasonal debut at Newmarket.
Prediction : 1st Percys Lad 2nd Liamarty Dreams 3rd Master Zoffany

Unraced as a juvenile, Ballydoyle representative EPHESUS wasn't far behind a better fancied stablemate on his debut over an extended 1m2f at Dundalk last month and, given he was doing his best work at the finish, there is good reason to expect the son of Galileo to improve for this sterner test of stamina. Mr Hampstead rates the chief threat, with Mina Rashid considered the pick of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Ephesus 2nd Mr Hampstead 3rd Mina Rashid

BOLSTER impressed when he made a winning return at Pontefract last month and a 5lb higher mark might not be enough to prevent him following up on just his second start for Karl Burke. This is a deeper race, though, and several others have chances. Killybegs Warrior had the selection back in 10th when he won at Newmarket last July and is expected to go well, while City Streak and Box To Box can also make this tough for the selection.
Prediction : 1st Bolster 2nd Killybegs Warrior 3rd City Streak

Hans Andersen was on target over 1m4f at Dundalk last month and he must be respected for a trainer who has won two of the previous three renewals, but it is ISRAR who shades preference. The son of Muhaarar travelled smoothly into contention in the Gordon Richards at Sandown a fortnight ago before fading into third late on, but perhaps he will be able to sustain that finishing effort now back on a sounder surface. Passenger must also feature prominently in calculations.
Prediction : 1st Israr 2nd Hans Andersen 3rd Passenger

A typically wide-open renewal and just a tentative vote can go to TOO FRIENDLY. James Owen's gelding, a five-time winner over hurdles, won over 2m at Kempton in March and has few miles on the clock in this sphere, so a 4lb raised mark could underestimate the son of Camelot. Magellan Strait (winner) and Falcon Eight (second), who landed this in 2021, are closely matched on their meeting in last year's Irish Cesarewitch and both must enter calculations, along with The Shunter, who claimed the English equivalent in October.
Prediction : 1st Too Friendly 2nd Magellan Strait 3rd The Shunter

PRINCE ALEX, who was fancied for the highlight itself, can gain some compensation for missing the Chester Cup cut. Dominic Ffrench Davis' seven-year-old proved his stamina for two miles once and for all when winning with plenty up his sleeve at Newbury and a 3lb penalty shouldn't be a hindrance. Ian Williams is mob-handed in his attempt to follow up last year's victory, with 2023 Cup fourth Law Of The Sea possibly the pick. It's Good To Laugh, third in this 12 months ago, and Tony Martin's pair Hamsiyann and Alphonse Le Grande are just two more to consider.
Prediction : 1st Prince Alex 2nd Law Of The Sea 3rd Hamsiyann

Tribal Wisdom has been in fine form on the all-weather, but hasn't managed to get his head in front on turf yet so is passed over in favour of ORDER OF MALTA. The son of Lope De Vega acquitted himself quite well after breaking through at Nottingham last summer but the handicapper continues to loosen his grip and, given his connections, it's likely he will be ready to roll for this. Golspie warrants attention on his first start for a new stable, while Chillhi has gone well here before.
Prediction : 1st Order Of Malta 2nd Tribal Wisdom 3rd Golspie

GISELLES DEFENCE made amends for a near-miss on his UK debut when justifying favouritism with the minimum of fuss at Pontefract last week. As long as those two runs in relatively quick succession haven't taken a toll, he can follow up under a penalty that leaves him 3lb well-in. Turner Girl, Polar Princess and Destinado also arrive in winning form, while Alan King has taken this prize for the past two years so Whispering Royal has to be given consideration.
Prediction : 1st Giselles Defence 2nd Turner Girl 3rd Whispering Royal