UK Horse Racing Tips: Chester

A competitive event in which preference is for the admirable 11-year-old COPPER KNIGHT, who made an encouraging return to action when third at Beverley a fortnight ago. He is 2lb out of the handicap here, but is on the same mark as when narrowly denied in this 12 months ago. Jer Batt hit the frame in a similar contest at Musselburgh recently and is respected. The returning Balmoral Lady was progressive on testing ground last season but she is versatile and cannot be underestimated.
Prediction : 1st Copper Knight 2nd Jer Batt 3rd Balmoral Lady

It was a promising debut performance from FRIO, who picked up well in the latter stages to grab third at Musselburgh last month. The son of Havana Grey should be more streetwise this time around and although drawn high, could use that experience to adopt a more prominent role. Luminare fetched 100,000gns as a yearling and she's of definite interest with Ryan Moore booked, while Somebody, who struck the woodwork at Southwell recently, could also have a say.
Prediction : 1st Frio 2nd Luminare 3rd Somebody

Aidan O'Brien has an outstanding record in this contest, winning six of the seven previous renewals, and he looks to have yet another big chance with MOUNT KILIMANJARO. The Siyouni colt chased home stablemate Twain in the Criterium International at Saint-Cloud on his final start as a juvenile but was turned over as a short-priced favourite on his return at Dundalk in March. He brings the best form to the table though and will be tough to beat if bouncing back. Mirabeau, Calla Lagoon and High Stock could all be involved.
Prediction : 1st Mount Kilimanjaro 2nd Mirabeau 3rd Calla Lagoon

ILLINOIS took the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot last year and signed off his 2024 campaign with victory in a Group 2 at Longchamp. Aidan O'Brien's colt sets the standard with a rating of 116 and he could prove tough to beat. Al Qareem is a previous Group 2 winner and showed his wellbeing when scoring in Listed company last month, so it would be no surprise to see him have a say. Absurde managed fifth in the Melbourne Cup when last seen on the Flat and is another to take seriously.
Prediction : 1st Illinois 2nd Al Qareem 3rd Absurde

El Burhan took a step forward on each of his four starts last year, with his most recent effort coming when making the frame in a hot nursery at Goodwood. He sports a first-time tongue-tie after being gelded during the winter and ought to have a say, but SEX ON FIRE gets the nod. Richard Spencer's three-year-old won at Haydock a couple of weeks ago and is just 7lb higher. High On Hope is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Sex On Fire 2nd El Burhan 3rd High On Hope

Liberty Coach has landed stall one on his return to action, but he resumes from 4lb higher than when he signed off 2024 with an all-the-way win at Redcar. Furthermore, a wider draw isn't insurmountable and the well-handicapped AUSTRIAN THEORY makes plenty of appeal following his second over a mile at Redcar a month ago. Arcadian Nights and Dream Harder also hold solid chances.
Prediction : 1st Austrian Theory 2nd Liberty Coach 3rd Arcadian Nights

LADY VIVIAN won as expected when she readily justified odds-on favouritism in a Southwell maiden in March and is the most attractive option switching to turf from a workable mark and handy draw for her handicap debut. A three-time winner on the all-weather, Spirit Of Jura could present as the biggest danger to the selection. Way Of Stars and Kuredu King also add some depth as potential improvers to consider.
Prediction : 1st Lady Vivian 2nd Way Of Stars 3rd Kuredu King