Chester Racecard - Wednesday 10th May

Yasmin and Amber Le Bon wear ASHOKA

ON-COURSE BETTING & HOW TO READ YOUR RACECARD

page 6-7

We have a range of way to bet at Chester Race

CHESHIRE OAKS HISTORY

page 34-35

CHESTER VASE HISTORY

page 52-53

TODAY’S TIPS

page 11

LAST YEAR’S WINNERS

page 16-17

LAST YEAR’S CHESTER VASE

page 49

TITLE SPONSORBOODLES

page 20-21

FACTS & STATISTICS

page 8-9

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

page 80

TODAY’S SPONSORS

Chester Race Company would like to thank the following for their generous sponsorship of today’s racing.

RACE TIMES

1.30pm p26

The CAA Stellar Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes (GBB Race)

3.45pm p62

The Camden Pale Handicap Stakes

TODAY’S RACING

CITY DAY

WEDNESDAY 10 MAY 2023

2.05pm p30

The tote £100K

Guaranteed Placepot

Every Day Handicap Stakes

4.20pm p68

The Deepbridge Syndicate Maiden Stakes (GBB Race)

2.40pm p42

The Weatherbys Digital Solutions Cheshire Oaks (for the Robert Sangster Memorial Cup) (Listed Race)

4.45pm p74

The Everyone’s Turf Handicap Stakes

TODAY’S JOCKEYS AND TRAINERS

3.15pm p56

The Boodles

Chester Vase Stakes (Group 3)

Listed below are the Jockeys and Trainers in action at today’s meeting

Jockeys

Hart

Kelly

Trainers

Michael Appleby

2.05

Andrew Balding

2.40, 3.15, 3.45, 4.20

David & Nicola Barron

2.05 4.55

Ralph Beckett

2.40

Michael Bell

3.15

George Boughey

2.05, 3.45

Jim Boyle

4.55

Julie Camacho

3.45

Declan Carroll

2.05

Jack Channon

2.05

Clive Cox

2.05

Tony Coyle

4.55

Tom Dascombe

1.30, 4.20

Tim Easterby

1.30, 3.45

Harry Eustace

2.40

David Evans

1.30, 2.05, 2.40, 3.45

Richard Fahey

3.45

Roger Fell

4.55

Charlie Fellowes

4.20, 4.55

James Ferguson

4.55

John & Thady Gosden

3.15, 4.20

William Haggas

4.20

Richard Hannon

1.30, 3.45

Alice Haynes

1.30, 3.45, 4.55

Richard Hughes

2.05

Iain Jardine

4.20

Charlie Johnston

2.40 3.15 4.20

Philip Kirby

4.20

Craig Lidster

1.30

David Loughnane

1.30, 2.05, 3.45

Mark Loughnane

2.05

Donald McCain

4.55

Freddie & Martyn Meade

2.40

Patrick Morris

3.45

Hughie Morrison

4.20

Amy Murphy

1.30

Adrian Nicholls

3.45

Aidan O’Brien

2.40, 3.15

John S. O’Donoghue

1.30

Hugo Palmer

1.30, 3.45, 4.55

Kevin Philippart de Foy

2.40, 3.45

George Scott

4.55

Pam Sly

2.40

Nigel Tinkler

2.05, 3.45, 4.55

Roger Varian

4.20

Ian Williams

4.20, 4.55

Stuart Williams

2.05

CHAIR’S WELCOME

WELCOME TO DAY ONE OF THE 2023 BOODLES MAY FESTIVAL - CITY DAY

Good afternoon,

I’m delighted to be able to welcome you back to Chester Racecourse for the first fixture of the 2023 season, and for the first day of the prestigious Boodles May Festival.

Today’s racing is set to impress, with 7 races on the card. Runners and riders will take to the track for the first race of the season at 1.30pm, the CAA Stellar Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes. At 3.15pm, the iconic Boodles Chester Vase Stakes will take place with a phenomenal prize fund of £120,000. Finally, the day will close with The Everyone’s Turf Handicap Stakes at 4.55pm.

I’d like to extend my thanks to today’s sponsors. First, our title sponsor of the entire festival, Boodles, who have been proudly sponsoring here at the world’s oldest racecourse for 10 years. Additionally, our style partner Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet who are home to designer brands just a stone’s throw away from the city. The TOTE who are present at the racecourse today offering their gaming services. CAA Stellar who have been great supporters of the racecourse for many years. Weatherbys, who play an instrumental role in British racing. The Budweiser Brewing Group who supply many delicious beverages here at the racecourse. Deepbridge, a successful investment firm who also call our historic city home. Finally, Great British Racing, who do amazing work for our sport. All of us here at Chester Racecourse are grateful for the support of all our sponsors.

Our next meeting is tomorrow, as the Boodles May Festival heads into the second and most glamorous day, Ladies Day I hope you’ll join us again to enjoy another day of thrilling racing here on the Roodee.

Ian O’Doherty Chair

PLACE A BET ON-COURSE WITH AND RACECOURSE BOOKMANERS

HOW TO PLACE A BET WITH A RACECOURSE BOOKMAKER WAYS TO BET

WIN ONLY The most common form of bet You win if your horse is first past the post.

Example: £5 win at 8/1 would return £45 (8 x £5 = £40 + £5 stake)

EACH WAY Backing a horse to win or be placed. This doubles your bet – for example: £5 each way = £5 to win and £5 for a place = £10 total stake.

STANDARD EACH WAY TERMS

In conjunction with The RCA, the bookmakers have introduced standard each-way terms. Bookmakers will provide these terms, or better, when offering each-way betting.

• Fewer than 3 runners - all on to win

• 3 or 4 runners – 1/5 odds a place 1,2

• 5 – 7 runners (inclusive) – 1/4 odds a place 1,2

• 8 or more runners – 1/5 odds a place 1,2,3

• Handicaps with 12 to 15 runners (inclusive) – 1/4 odds a place 1,2,3

• Handicaps with 16 to 21 runners (inclusive) – 1/5 odds a place 1,2,3,4

• Handicaps with 22 or more runners – 1/4 odds a place 1,2,3,4

Some bookmakers also offer ‘betting without the favourite’, where you can back your selection at reduced odds to either win or finish second to the horse nominated by the bookmaker as favourite. You may bet with confidence with any bookmaker on course as they operate with Administration Of Gambling On Tracks Ltd. (AGT) approval.

In the unlikely event of a dispute with a bookmaker, please call upon the assistance of the AGT Betting Ring Manager, who can be found on the ground floor of the Grandstand Enclosure.

The AGT also offers a ‘late pay’ service in case the bookmaker leaves the course before you have collected your winnings.

Late pay claims should be sent to: AGT, 3A Kings Hall, Parsons Green, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 4WY.

PLACING A BET

Experiencing the buzz of the betting ring may be a little daunting at first, but you will soon find it is very easy to place a bet. Here are some guidelines for racegoers to follow:

1. Each bookmaker will be offering slightly different prices, so shop around for the best odds against your selection.

2. Call your bet clearly to the bookmaker by stating the name and / or number of your chosen horse and the stake.

3. Listen to the bookmaker repeat your bet to his / her clerk and correct him immediately if any details are called wrongly

4. Make sure you obtain a ticket from the bookmaker and keep it safe.

5. If your selection wins, hand the ticket back to the bookmaker for settlement. Never destroy or dispose of your ticket until after the “Weighed in” announcement has been made. Betting with the bookmaker is tax-free. Deductions are made only if a horse is withdrawn after the betting market has been formed.

Please check the minimum stake accepted by each bookmaker on his display board. Some bookmakers do not take sums under £5, especially in the main betting ring, but there will be others who are happy to accept £2 bets. Please tender the correct change when possible.

4ENABLE (19) 1-3 9-0 (3)

BfNathaniel (IRE) -Concentric

Mr K. Abdullah

Juddmonte Farms Ltd

Frankie Dettori

John Gosden, Newmarket

Juddmonte Farms Inc

TIMEFORM VIEW Decisive winner of aNewcastle maiden on sole2-y-o start (form working out well).Builtonthat abundant promisewhen third in 11/4m minor event on return at Newburyand she’spotentiallysmart TFR★★★★✩ BHA102

1. Colours Graphic - a visual of the Owners Silks that the Jockey will be wearing

2. Horse’s number on saddlecloth

3. Colour and sex of horse:

B - Bay, Br - Brown, h - horse, Ch - Chesnut, c - colt, g - gelding, Gr - Grey, f - filly, m - mare, Ro - Roan (followed by Sire, Dam and Damsire)

4. Horse’s name

5. Birthplace of horse if not born in Great Britain

6. Number of day’s since horse last ran

7. Age of horse (when race not restricted to a single age group)

8. Weight of horse in Stones and Pounds

9. Draw

10 Owner’s Name(s)

11. Breeder

12. Details of horse’s previous performances: Bold type indicates All-Weather Track form / denotes new season - denotes new year

C - The horse has won on this racecourse

D - The horse has won over this distance

CD - The horse has won over both this course and distance

BF - The horse was a beaten favourite on its last run

13. A guide to the horse’s recent form and star rating. Each horse has been given a star rating, these are defined across:

HHHHH Selected to win the race.

HHHHI Good chance of being placed.

HHHII By no means out of the reckoning but at least one or two hold stronger claims

HHIII Unlikely to win but not totally without hope.

HIIII Can be given little or no chance.

14 Trainer’s Name and location of training establishment

15 Jockey’s Name. If there is a number next to the name, this indicates that the jockey can claim that amount in weight (lbs) off the stated riding weight

1. THE AVERAGE FLAT JOCKEY

is below 5’6 (although there are exceptions) and weigh between 8 & 9st

2. JOCKEYS BOOTS

They are mostly synthetic and can weigh as little as 300 grams

3. RACING SADDLE

Weighs between 1 & 2lb

4. JOCKEYS WHIP

A jockey’s whip is made from a core of light-weight carbon fibre surrounded by layers of air cushioned foam and light-weight leather. Usage of the whip is strictly controlled by the British Horseracing Authority Stewards who are present on raceday

5. SILKS

The silks that a jockey wears belong to the racehorse owner rather than the jockey. Each set is unique, such is the demand for certain designs that some colours can sell for thousands, or even tens of thousands of pounds

6. BREATHING

The horse’s lungs breath in and out 140 times per minute delivering 150 litres of air per second. At 10,000 litres per race, that is what a human breaths in a day

7. HEART CAPACITY

Up to 240 beats per minute moving 60 pints of blood during a race. A racehorse’s heart weighs the equivalent of 4 bags of sugar (around 4 kgs)

8. STRIDE LENGTH

An average racehorses’ stride length is 20-21ft

9. STRIDE FREQUENCY

Between 130 and 140 strides per minute

10. AVERAGE SPEED

37.5 mph

11. HORSES WEIGHT

A horses weight is approximately half a tonne

12. FUEL CONSUMPTION

A horse uses 35,000 calories per day, whereas a human adult male is advised to eat 2,500

FAC T S & S TAT I S TI C S

A game winner on his racecourse debut over this trip at Musselburgh last month, Balon D’or can go well despite the rise in class, but JOHN STEED shades the vote. The son of Inns Of Court made a promising start to his racing career when filling the runnerup spot at Bath earlier this month and he can go one place better with improvement forthcoming. Parkside Boy and Ziggy’s Phoenix add further spice to the race.

WIN: JOHN STEED

DANGER: BALON D’OR

JER BATT steps up in class following a facile success over this distance at Musselburgh in an apprentice handicap last month, and he makes plenty of appeal off the same mark. The grade-dropping Squealer remains unexposed and can give the selection plenty to think about, while Democracy Dilemma has improved this year and also warrants a market check with Oisin Murphy doing the steering.

WIN: JER BATT

DANGER: SQUEALER

Disputing favouritism for the Oaks next month, Savethelastdance caught the eye when winning by two and a quarter lengths at Leopardstown over 1m 2f last month and she really could be anything. However, LUCKIN BREW was only narrowly denied in Listed company at Pontefract last October and is marginally preferred on her return to action. She beat subsequent 1000 Guineas fourth Caernarfon on that occasion and there is likely much more to come from the full-sister to Antonia De Vega. Sisyphus Strength is another to consider, while Ashtanga also warrants a market check.

WIN: LUCKIN BREW

DANGER: SAVETHELASTDANCE

Aidan O’Brien has a remarkable record at this prestigious three-day fixture and relies on Adelaide River (third) in his bid to land this Group 3 for the eleventh time. However, the son of Australia has six lengths to make up on ARREST (second) based on their encounter in last year’s Criterium de Saint-Cloud and, with Frankie Dettori booked, the John & Thady Gosden colt looks the one to side with. Hadrianus heads the remainder.

WIN: ARRESTDANGER: ADELAIDE RIVER

COMMANDER STRAKER is taken to handle the idiosyncrasies of the task ahead and appeals most from stall five. The son of Kodi Bear impressed when making all in a decent novice stakes at Bath on his penultimate start and could well have a lot more to offer now he steps into handicap company after a respectable third-placed finish in the Woodcote at Epsom. Royal Dress and Lakota Blue head the list of dangers.

WIN: COMMANDER STRAKER DANGER: ROYAL DRESS

VAGUELY ROYAL made a promising debut at Yarmouth last September, when he finished third over 1m. A step up in trip should suit the son of Galileo and he may be the answer to this maiden. Shadow Dance, who hit the woodwork at Windsor last month, must feature prominently in calculations. El Jasor occupied the same position there 23 days ago and is another to be interested in.

WIN: VAGUELY ROYALDANGER: SHADOW DANCE

BROKEN SPEAR attracted significant market support when filling the runner-up spot at Leicester 11 days ago. Tony Coyle’s gelding would appear to have been primed with this contest in mind, having won it off a 5lb higher mark in 2021, and it would be no surprise were he to get back to winning ways Another Batt is handicapped to go well and he must be considered despite the burden of top-weight. Roundhay Park might not be far away either.

WIN:BROKEN SPEARDANGER: ANOTHER BATT

Pick a placed horse in races 1 to 6

No slip, no problem!

We want to to make putting your Placepot on as easy as possible. Simply fill out this page and show it to any member of the Tote team who will process your bet. Remember to place your bets early and check your receipt carefully.

Meeting:

Unit stake:

Total stake:

Race 2

Race 3 Race 4 Race 5

Race 1 Race 6

How To Play

Fill in the race meeting above The Placepot is available at every UK & Irish meeting. Write the racecard number of the horse(s) you want to select in the boxes above

Enter ‘FAV’ if you would like the ‘SP favourite’. Pick at least one selection in each race.

Permutation bets are available by picking more than one horse in a race. Calculate the total of perm bets by multiplying the number of selections in each race by each other The minimum total stake is £2.

18+. BeGambleaware.org

RACING PHRASE BOOK

ACCUMULATOR bet involving two or more selections in different races: winnings from one are placed on the next

ALL WEATHER RACING flat racing which takes place on an artificial surface

AMATEUR (rider) on racecards, their names are prefixed by Mr, Mrs, Captain, etc., to indicate their amateur status

ANTE-POST betting (usually on the most important races) days, weeks and even months before the race is due to take place

APPRENTICE young jockey tied by annually renewed contract to a licensed trainer while he or she is learning the business of race-riding

BACKWARD used of a horse which needs time to mature

CLAIMER of a race: a claiming race; of a jockey: an apprentice

COLT male, ungelded horse up to four years old

DAM mother of a horse

DISTANCE the length of a race: 5 furlongs is the minimum and the 4 1⁄2 miles of the Grand National the longest. Also, the margin by which a horse wins or is beaten by the horse in front: this ranges from a short head to ‘by a distance’ (more than 30 lengths); a ‘length’ is measured from the horse’s nose to the start of its tail

DRAW for flat racing only, describes a horse’s position in the starting stalls, drawn randomly the day before shortly after the horses are declared to run

EVENS or EVEN MONEY when your stake exactly equals your winnings - thus £5 at evens wins a further £5

FOAL horse of either sex from the time of its birth until 1 January the following year

FURLONG 220 yards (one eighth of a mile)

FILLY female horse up to four years old

GELDING castrated horse

GOING the description of conditions underfoot on the racecourse. Official BHA going reports progress as follows:

Heavy - soft - good to soft - good - good to firm - firm - hard

GREEN (of a horse)

inexperienced HAND unit of four inches in which a horse’s height is measured, at the shoulder

JOLLY betting parlance for the favourite in a race - the horse with the shortest odds

returned to you): thus a winning £2 bet at 2-1 on wins you £1

PADDOCK area of the racecourse incorporating the pre-parade ring, parade ring and winner’s enclosure

PATTERN the elite races, divided in Flat racing into Groups One, Two, Three and Listed, and in jumping into Grades One, Two and Three

PENALTY weight added to the allotted handicap weight of a horse which has won since the weights were originally published

SIRE father of a horse

SPREAD A PLATE when a racing plate or horseshoe becomes detached from an animal’s hoof, this sometimes causes a delay while the horse is re-shod

SPRINGER/STEAMER a horse which shortens dramatically in the betting SP/STARTING PRICE the official price of horse at which bets are settled in betting shops

STEWARDS the panel of men and women - usually a total of four - who are responsible for seeing that the Rules of Racing are adhered to STEWARDS’ ENQUIRY enquiry by the stewards into the running of a race TIC-TAC the bookmaker’s method of relaying odds information on the racecourse, by means of hand signals

JUDGE official responsible for declaring the finishing order of a race and the distances between the runners

JUVENILE two-year-old horse

MAIDEN horse which has not won a race

MARE female horse five years and over

MONKEY betting parlance for £500

OBJECTION complaint by one jockey against another regarding breach of rules during a race

ODDS ON odds where the winnings are less than the stake (which is of course

PHOTO FINISH electronic photographic device which determines minimal distances in a close finish

PLATE shoe worn by horse for racing

PLATER horse which usually runs in selling races (selling ‘plates’)

PONY betting parlance for £25

RULE 4 betting rule covering deductions made from winning bets if a horse is withdrawn after the betting market has been formed but before the ‘Under Starter’s Orders’ signal; the amount deducted depends on the price of the withdrawn horse

WEIGH IN/WEIGH OUT weighing of jockey before and after a race to ensure that the correct weight has been carried; the announcement ‘weighed in’ signals that the result is official, and all bets can be settled

YANKEE combination bet involving four selections in different races: six doubles, four trebles and one four-horse accumulator - eleven bets

YEARLING horse of either sex from 1 January to 31 December of the year following its birth.

LAST YEAR’S WINNERS

The first day of this years Boodles May Festival 2023, City Day, includes the Weatherbys Digital Solutions Cheshire Oaks and the Chester Vase, sponsored by Boodles. The two feature contests allow contenders for next month’s Oaks and Derby to gain valuable experience before heading to Epsom.

Despite having shown plenty of potential in her juvenile campaign, Thoughts Of June was not as heavily fancied as some of her rivals going into the Weatherbys Digital Solutions Cheshire Oaks last year. This didn’t stop her from going all the way though and picking up the first win of her fledgling career in what was a classy performance for trainer Aidan O’Brien, under a great ride from Ryan Moore. Making her second start of the campaign, the previous being an impressive second in a Leopardstown maiden a month prior (behind rival here Above The Curve), she went off at a decent 7/1. This victory brought Aidan O’Brien his seventh victory in this race, equalling the record set by Barry Hills.

While Thoughts Of June was decently backed in the betting, it was last time out rival Above The Curve who took the lion’s share of the support. Joseph Patrick O’Brien’s filly was the clear pick on form after comfortably dispatching Thoughts Of June the month before, eventually going off at 5/4. Despite a confident ride from Shane Crosse, she was unable to catch her rival and Thoughts Of June held on well under some heavy late pressure to score by just a neck in a real edge of your seat finish.

It proved a great day for Aidan O’Brien, who was able to continue his dominance at this meeting as the O’Brien and Ryan Moore connection came up trumps again in the day’s other feature race, the Group 3 Boodles Chester Vase Stakes. Changingoftheguard had come into this meeting in fine fettle after wiping the floor with his rivals in a Dundalk maiden in April, but most probably wouldn’t have expected him to win as dominantly as he did here over a rival as strong as New London. Charlie Appleby’s colt had come into this contest having won both of his prior starts and this form was reflected in the betting as he was very short at 4/11 but he was just outpaced by the winner over the final two furlongs.

The Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes continues to be the traditional curtainraiser of the Boodles May Festival and last year’s renewal saw the David Loughnane trained Absolutelyflawless start the day off with a bang, the two-year-old proving too much for her rivals despite being hampered at the start, continuing her flawless record as she made it two wins from just two starts.

The tote.co.uk Free Chester Placepot

Every Day Handicap saw Ryan Moore collect the first of his three winners of the day, as he rode favourite Live In The Dream to a comfortable two and a quarter lengths victory for trainer Adam West. Fellow favourite Ever Given took the fifth, the Deepbridge Handicap for Hugo Palmer after a fast start under an aggressive ride from Daniel Tudhope. He went clear just over a furlong out an won readily by four and three quarter lengths.

It was a Godolphin 1-2 in the Edinburgh Gin Maiden Stakes as the ever-impressive Charlie Appleby and William Buick duo scored the win with Secret State. The Gosden trained Honiton coming in second. The days finale then saw Ffion clutch the win for David Loughnane in the Stephen Wade Handicap. William Buick scoring for the second race in a row over Paws For Thought by just a short head.

Changingoftheguard

2022 WINNERS WHO WILL WIN THIS YEAR?

ABSOLUTELYFLAWLESS ICM Stellar Sports Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes

CHANGINGOFTHEGUARD

Boodles Chester Vase Stakes

(Group 3)

EVER GIVEN Deepbridge Handicap Stakes

LIVE

IN THE DREAM

tote.co.uk Free Chester

Placepot Every Day

Handicap Stakes

THOUGHTS OF JUNE

Weatherbys Bloodstock Pro

Cheshire Oaks (Listed Race)

SECRET STATE

Edinburgh Gin Maiden Stakes

FFION

Stephen Wade

Handicap Stakes

PEACE OF MINeD A Story Of Provenance.

For some years now, Boodles have worked to build a special connection with the unique place that is the Cullinan Mine: source of the largest rough diamond ever discovered: the 3,106 carat Cullinan diamond. It yielded Cullinan I and Cullinan II – the ‘Greater and Lesser Stars of Africa’ – both of which are now among the Crown Jewels.

They featured during Her Majesty The Queen’s Coronation on 2 June 1953, in the Sovereign’s Sceptre and the Imperial State Crown. And like those diamonds, the remarkable stones in this collection come straight from the Cullinan Mine and are thoroughly traceable. Coinciding with The King’s Coronation, this collection represents a true privilege.

1977 Was a Significant Year

First and foremost, The Queen’s Silver Jubilee: 25 years since Her Majesty’s Accession. And for Boodles, their first trip to the Cullinan Mine. While the people of Britain sang ‘God Save The Queen’, Boodles late Chairman, Anthony Wainwright, and his wife Jean donned spotless white boilersuits and travelled hundreds of metres below ground. They were travelling at the invitation of the World Diamond Council.

Anthony Wainwright’s youngest son – Boodles Managing Director, Michael Wainwright, his wife Annie – and their daughter Honour, now Boodles Marketing Manager – visited the Cullinan Mine, in South Africa, to literally follow in Anthony’s footsteps. Many of the rough stones they returned with became the jewellery in this collection.

When you wear a piece from this collection, you’ll be adding your story to one which started more than a

century ago – back in January 1905, when what is still the biggest rough diamond ever discovered was found at the Cullinan Mine in South Africa. At an incredible 3,106 carats, this was the diamond later cut to yield the 530.2 carat ‘Great Star of Africa’, and the 317 carat ‘Lesser Star of Africa’ – both now in the British Crown Jewels, visible in the Sovereign’s Sceptre and Imperial State Crown respectively So as one anniversary year is echoed by another, and we welcome a new monarch, we celebrate

as always

with diamonds.

As a diamond lover, you’ve probably heard of the ‘four C’s’ –cut, colour, clarity and carat. Boodles like to add a fifth: Clive. Clive is our master diamond cutter, and responsible for helping Director of Precious Gemstones, Jody Wainwright, create some of our most beautiful diamonds. It’s Clive’s expert eye – and guiding hand – that guarantees a diamond’s perfect finish.

From Mine, To You

It all begins with a ‘eureka’ moment: a sparkle is spotted amid the rock dust; a flash of fire, shimmering in the dark. The team in South Africa know what Boodles are looking for: high colour, high purity ‘roughs’. A deal is done, and the stone is on its way to Boodles.

The term ‘polishing’ does Clive’s work an injustice; few realise it can take months to polish some Boodles diamonds. It’s not unheard of for him to spend a full day polishing an important diamond’s ‘table’ (the top facet of the diamond) alone. After a quick trip to New York and back for GIA certification, the finished diamond is in London once more, to be placed in its setting. Then finally, it’s over to you. Which is of course where the next chapter – and your own story – begins.

LILY AGNES STAKES HISTORY

TO music aficionados, Lily Agnès is a twenty-something singer-songwriter from London with a Spotify profile. To students of the turf, however, Lily Agnes is a filly and broodmare of significant repute. One whose legacy still remains relevant today, more than 150 years on from her birth.

Foaled in 1871 and a daughter of 2000 Guineas and Derby winner Macaroni, Lily Agnes won all six of her races as a two-year-old. Later, she went on to secure notable victories in the Northumberland Plate, Doncaster Cup (both in 1874) and The Ebor (1875) –all of which remain prestigious races today – and ended her racing career, aged five, having won 19 races at distances from five furlongs to three miles.

Lily Agnes arguably left an even greater imprint on the sport in the late-1800s as a mother of future champions. Her daughter Farewell won the 1000 Guineas in 1885, while Ossory won both the St James’ Palace Stakes and the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot in 1888. Her most illustrious offspring, however, was Ormonde.

He won all 16 races he ran in during his career – including completing the Triple Crown 1886, with victories in the 2000 Guineas, Derby and St Leger – and was widely regarded as the ‘horse of the century’. His remarkable achievements are recognised here at Chester with the annual staging of Group 3 Ormonde Stakes, which takes place tomorrow.

Lily Agnes died in 1899, aged 28. Said to have developed into a ‘roarer’ during her racing days, it’s thought she passed on this wind affliction to many of her offspring, including Ormonde, who developed issues with his breathing before his four-year-old season. Only then was the Shergar story beginning. Following a modest first inauguration in 1950.

The Lily Agnes Stakes is a five-furlong sprint for two-year-old colts and fillies. It is typically won by a sharp, nimble and compact horse, often with previous race experience, and one adept at scooting around the tight turns that make Chester unique in British Flat racing.

Its most notable graduate is Risky, the winner in 1993 for trainer Richard Hannon Snr and jockey Pat Eddery. After her success here, Risky stormed to a five-length victory in the Group 3 Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot two runs later under Walter Swinburn. She also won the valuable Super Sprint at Newbury and the Group 2 Molecomb Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, again with Swinburn in the saddle, and ended her two-year-old season with an impressive five wins and four second places from nine starts.

Romantic Myth followed in Risky’s illustrious hoofprints in 2000 by also using her win in this race as a springboard to success in the Queen Mary Stakes, while Lucky Parkes, the heroine in 1992, was retired from racing just over four years later with a remarkable record of 17 individual victories. Like Lily Agnes, she enjoyed a successful second career as a broodmare. Her most talented progeny was Doctor Parkes, who went on to win 15 races in his own right.

FACT FILE

Conditions: 2-y-o only

Race distance: 5f about 15yds

Prize money: £30,000 total prize fund

Previous Winners

2012

ALL FUR COAT

Franny Norton / Jo Hughes

1m 3.52s

2013

QUATUOR

Richard Kingscote / Tom Dascombe

1m 0.44s

2014

MUKHMAL

Paul Hanagan / Mark Johnston

1m 1.53s

2015

RAH RAH

Franny Norton / Mark Johnston

1m 2.31s

2016

COPPER KNIGHT

James Doyle / Hugo Palmer

1m 2.58s

2017

YOGI’S GIRL

John Egan / David Evans

1m 0.41

2018

NO LIPPY

P J McDonald / Mark Johnston

1m 2.60s

2019

GREAT DAME

Daniel Tudhope / David O’Meara

1m 4.70s

2021

NAVELLO

Nicola Currie / George Boughey

1m 5.10s

2022

ABSOLUTELYFLAWLESS

Laura Pearson / David Loughnane

1m 4.50s

Remembering former Chester Race Company Director

21/10/1954 - 29/04/2023

Richard was an accomplished horseman and actively involved with the racing and breeding industry from an early age. In partnership with his wife Sally, he developed the leading UK based dual purpose thoroughbred breeding stud and sales consignment operation and in doing so created an iconic brand name within the industry

We have been fortunate to have benefitted from the dedication, passion and leadership that Richard provided to Bangor-on-Dee and Chester Race Company over the years. Richard contributed greatly to Chester Race Company, serving on the Bangor-on-Dee Committee since 2007 and as its Chair from 2016 Richard oversaw the introduction of the new multi-award winning Owners & Trainers facility and championed the increase in prize money to over £1 million.

As a Non-Executive Director of Chester Race Company for 9 years Richard provided valuable knowledge and guidance that aided the significant growth and expansion of the Company

The loss of his presence and personality in our Parade Rings will be felt by us and so many in the racing community but especially by those who had the privilege to work closely with him.

Richard Aston

MEETAFEW MEMBERSOF OURSTABLE

CAA Stellar represents the biggest names in football and, as a member of the CAA family, we are part of the world’s leading entertainment and talent agency.

FIRST RACE 1.30

THE CAA STELLAR LILY AGNES CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) for

two yrs old

Total prize fund £30000

5f 15y

Owners Prize Money. 1st £12048, 2nd £6024, 3rd £3012, 4th £1506, 5th £753, 6th £375, 7th £189, 8th £93. (Penalty Value £15288)

RACE DESCRIPTON

This race is a five furlongs conditions stakes for two-year-olds only The runners in this type of race are subject to specific conditions that often revolve around age or sex, or confine the race to horses that have yet to win above a particular level. In this instance, colts and geldings are allocated an initial weight of 9st 2lb, with fillies carrying 8st 11lb There are then penalties given for wins at Class 3 level or above: 3lb for each Class 3 race won, 5lb for each Class 2 and 7lb for each Class 1. The penalties are cumulative and the maximum penalty is 9lb

colours no horse

1 MYCONIAN (IRE) (10) 13

Br B c Magna Grecia (IRE) - Sirici (IRE)

O Daniel MacAuliffe & Anoj Don

B Lisbrook

9-7 (7)

Amy Murphy, Newmarket T

Class1Personnel, Amy Murphy Racing Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Magna Grecia colt looked sharp when winning 13-runner newcomers race at Saint-Cloud, responding to pressure when tackled. Unable to back that up at Musselburgh 10 days ago.

2 BALON D’OR (GB) (32) 1 D

TFRHHHII BHA- Kevin Stott

9-4 (11)

Br B c Kodiac - Usra (IRE) Hugo Palmer, Malpas T

O Ms Diamond & Owen Promotions Ltd

B Crypto Bloodstock NAF S

TIMEFORM VIEW Dam, 2-y-o 5f winner, sister to useful 2-y-o 6f winner Broken Stones so he’s bred to be sharp and he certainly knew what was required when landing 8-runner novice at Musselburgh last month.

TFRHHHHH BHA- Ben Curtis

3 DAN DEE PRINCE (IRE) (16) 3

Br B c Dandy Man (IRE) - Karamaya (IRE)

O Roudee Racing 9

B Aoife Boland & Aaron Boland

9-4 (8)

Tom Dascombe, Lambourn T

Roudee Racing Limited S

TIMEFORM VIEW Hailsfromquiteatalentedfamilyandofferedsomethingtoworkonwhenthirdof7innoviceeventatPontefract (5f, good to soft) on debut 16 days ago. Open to progress, but he certainly needs to.

4 DANDY FITZ (IRE) (20) 6

TFRHHHII BHARichard Kingscote

9-4 (3)

Br B c Dandy Man (IRE) - New Magic (IRE) Tim Easterby, Malton T

O Mr Ambrose Turnbull

B Kevin Lyons

Easthorpe Hall Stud S

TIMEFORM VIEW Brother to 6f winner Theotherside and half-brother to winner up to 7f Starboy and 7f winner Fat Gladiator. Dam winner up to 8.4f (including at 2 yrs). Little short-term promise starting out at Ripon.

5 JOHN STEED (IRE) (9) 2

TFRHIIII BHA- Cam Hardie

9-4 (10)

Br Gr c Inns of Court (IRE) - Explosive Lady (IRE) David Loughnane, Tern Hill T

O David Lowe

B Tally-Ho Stud Galloways Bakers Ltd, Dave Loughnane Racing S

TIMEFORM VIEW Fared best of the newcomers when second of 8 in maiden at Bath (5f, soft) on debut 9 days ago, not given overly-hard time once chance of winning had gone. Stall 10 isn’t ideal.

TFRHHIII BHALaura Pearson

6 PARKSIDE BOY (IRE) (26) 1 D

9-4 (4)

Br B c Kuroshio (AUS) - Carry On Katie (USA) John S. O’Donoghue, Ireland T

O New Approach Investments Ltd

B Micheal & Martin Butler

TIMEFORM VIEW Dam was a precocious type and he made the perfect start in 4-runner race at Dundalk last month. Encounters different conditions here but he’s open to progress.

7 ALFA MOONSTONE (GB) (-)

Br Gr f Havana Grey - Blithe Spirit

O Alfa Site Services Ltd

B Llety Farms

TFRHHIII BHAAndrea Atzeni

8-13 (2)

Craig Lidster, Easingwold T

TIMEFORM VIEW Foaled March 22. 28,000 gns yearling, Havana Grey filly. Sister to 2-y-o 5f/6f winner Girl Magic and half-sister to 1 1/4m winner Thunor. Dam 5f winner (including at 2 yrs).

8 SHE’S SMART (IRE) (21) 43

Br B f Dandy Man (IRE) - Chasing The Rain

O John Abbey, Jimmy Fairhurst & Emma Evans

TFRHIIII BHAPaul Hanagan

8-13 (9)

David Evans, Abergavenny T

B Castlefarm Stud Emma Evans Racing Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Isn’t the biggest but left debut form well behind when third at Newmarket 3 weeks ago. Repeat of that will see her involved for a yard with a fair record in this.

9 TIERNEY (IRE) (-)

TFRHHIII BHA- Rossa Ryan

8-13 (5)

Br B f Mehmas (IRE) - Madam Macie (IRE) Hugo Palmer, Malpas T

O The Gene Genies

B Michael McGlynn NAF S

TIMEFORM VIEW Foaled May 6. €50,000 foal, 115,000 gns yearling, Mehmas filly. Half-sister to 3 winners, including Spanish 7f winner El Sokhna. Highly respected on debut.

10

ZIGGY’S DREAM (IRE) (11) 1 D

Br B f Inns of Court (IRE) - Shifting (IRE)

O Middleham Park Racing LIV & Mizon/HDR

B Tally-Ho Stud

TFRHHIII BHAOisin Murphy

8-13 (6)

Alice Haynes, Newmarket T

Middleham Park Racing S

TIMEFORM VIEW £24,000 yearling. Half-sister to 2-y-o 5.5f winner No More Regrets and 5f winner Seeingisbelieving. Dam 9f/9.4f winner out of useful 2-y-o 6f winner Shifting Place. Heavily backed and justified that at Doncaster 11 days ago. TFRHHHHIBHAKieran O’Neill

11 ZIGGY’S PHOENIX (IRE) (20) 41 D

Br B f Kodiac - Elmaliya (IRE)

O Middleham Park Racing&Simon&Les Wood

B Tally-Ho Stud

8-13 (1)

Richard Hannon, Marlborough T

Middleham Park Racing S

TIMEFORM VIEW Confirmed promise of her debut when winning 6-runner novice event at Ripon (5f, soft) 20 days ago, pushed out. May well do better and has landed the inside stall. TFRHHHHI BHA- Ryan Moore

DECLARED RUNNERS 11 2022: ABSOLUTELYFLAWLESS 2 8 13 Laura Pearson 6-1 (David Loughnane) 6 ran Stewards Note: SHE’S SMART: Following its run on 19/4/2023 it was reported that the horse ran green.

Probable S.P.’s: 4-1 Ziggy’s Phoenix (IRE), 9-2 Balon d’Or (GB), 6-1 Ziggy’s Dream (IRE), 13-2 Parkside Boy (IRE), 9-1 She’s Smart (IRE), 11-1 Tierney (IRE), 14-1 John Steed (IRE), 20-1 Myconian (IRE), Dan Dee Prince (IRE), 33-1 Alfa Moonstone (GB), 100-1 Dandy Fitz (IRE)

PLAY SMARTER

Backing any horse drawn on the outside here is risky, but BALON D’OR appeals as being the most talented of these with his debut win at Musselburgh proving to be strong form. At the forecast prices, it’s well worth siding with him to overcome stall 11, with the Middleham Park duo Ziggy’s Phoenix and Ziggy’s Dream the main dangers.

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.BALON D’OR 2.ZIGGY’S PHOENIX (IRE) 3.ZIGGY’S DREAM (IRE)

Don’t forget to bet on the 1:40 at KELSO.

GREAT BRITISH BONUS SCHEME

The Great British Bonus (GBB) offers multiple bonuses of up to £20,000 per eligible race for British-bred fillies and mares.

New customers online only. £/€5 min stake. Receive £/€20 Tote Credit when first bet settles. £/€10 redeemable against racing bets and £/€10 redeemable against racing bets excl. Win/Place. 7 day expiry Qualifying bet is the first racing pool bet added to the betslip. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleaware.org.

SECOND RACE 2.05

THE tote £100K GUARANTEED PLACEPOT EVERY DAY HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 3) for

three yrs old

Total prize fund £30000

Owners Prize Money. 1st £12048, 2nd £6024, 3rd £3012, 4th £1506, 5th £753, 6th £375, 7th £189, 8th £93. (Penalty Value £15288) Weights raised 2lb and paragraphs 27 to 31 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable. 1 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10.

RACE DESCRIPTON

This is a five furlongs handicap race for three-year-olds which have been rated from 76 to 95 In a handicap the weight that each of the runners carries is determined by their official handicap rating which is based on their level of form shown so far. The aim is to ensure competitive racing by asking the higher rated horses to carry more weight than a lower rated rival. As a guide, horses rated 40 tend to be at the lower end of the scale whilst the very best performers would be rated as high as 130.

1 MICHAELA’S BOY (IRE) (33) 0411-04 D

9-9 (4)

Br Ch c Ribchester (IRE) - Joyce Compton (IRE) Michael Appleby, Oakham T

O Newtownstewart Construction UK Ltd

B Redpender Stud Ltd

Craig Group Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful 5f winner who wasn’t disgraced when fourth of 9 in conditions event at Newcastle (6f, 50/1) 33 days ago. Shortlisted back in handicap company.

2 SQUEALER (IRE) (215) 36116- D

Br B g Mehmas (IRE) - Sunny Hollow

O Martin Webb & Syps (Uk) Ltd

TFRHHHII BHA93

9-9 (1)

Nigel Tinkler, Malton T

B Tally-Ho Stud WJ Ltd S

Frederick Larson (3)

TIMEFORM VIEW Dual 5f winner at York and Beverley in September. Signed off with a solid sixth in Cornwallis Stakes at Newmarket (5f) so he’s not discounted on his handicap debut/return.

3 KERDOS (IRE) (20) 11-20

Br B c Profitable (IRE) - The Mums

O John Connolly & A D Spence

B KCS Bloodstock Ltd

TFRHHHII BHA93

9-8 (11)

Clive Cox, Hungerford T

Eclipse Partners Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Landed a Haydock maiden and Windsor minor event last autumn and made pleasing return when close second in handicap at Lingfield. Only eighth in 6f Newmarket handicap last time but worth another chance.

Tom Marquand

TFRHHHII BHA92 Rossa Ryan

4 DEMOCRACY DILEMMA (IRE) (18) 631321 CD 9-6 (8)

Br B g Cotai Glory - Majestic Alexander (IRE)

O Mr K. McCabe

B Mountarmstrong Stud

David Evans, Abergavenny T

Emma Evans Racing Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW C&D winner who posted a career best when landing 13-runner handicap at Thirsk (5f, heavy, 9/2) 18 days ago. Not taken lightly despite a 5lb rise.

5 DANGER ALERT (GB) (33) 24-1210 D

Br B g Ardad (IRE) - Sandy Times (IRE)

O Sheikh Abdullah Almalek Alsabah

B Corps Commerce Ltd

TFRHHHHI BHA90

9-4 (5)

George Boughey, Newmarket T

TIMEFORM VIEW Already a dual 5f/6f AW winner this year at Wolverhampton and Kempton. Came in last of 9 in Newcastle conditions event last time but is the sort to bounce back.

TFRHHHII BHA88 William Buick

Oisin Murphy

5f 15y

6

CARMELA (IRE) (235) 510500- D

Br Br f Tasleet - Jayla

O The Many Saints

9-2 (2)

David Loughnane, Tern Hill T

B Austin Curran Envirosips Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Dual 5f winner at Yarmouth and Carlisle early last summer before posting good eighth in Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot. Limitations exposed twice after though and needs to hit the ground running.

7 HUBERTS DREAM (IRE) (33) 111-520

Br Gr g Oasis Dream - Raaqy (IRE)

O Opulence Thoroughbreds

TFRHHHII BHA86 Ben Curtis

8-13 (10)

Stuart Williams, Newmarket T

B Shadwell Estate Company Limited Opulence Thoroughbreds S

TIMEFORM VIEW Completed a hat-trick in straightforward fashion in 6f Lingfield handicap in December. Not added to the tally since, though, and yet to really prove himself on turf. Tongue strap on for 1st time.

8 SEANTRABH (IRE) (18) 301-4 D

Br B g Tasleet - Hot Stone (IRE)

O Mr Brian Chambers

B Ballyhane

TFRHHIII BHA83 Richard Kingscote

8-13 (3)

Declan Carroll, Malton T

Tote S

TIMEFORM VIEW Off the mark at third attempt when making all in 5f minor event at Catterick in October. Gelded and resumed with solid fourth of 13 to Democracy Dilemma in 5f handicap at Thirsk 18 days ago.

9 KNEBWORTH (GB) (20) 1000-40 D

8-12 (6)

Br B g Awtaad (IRE) - Stereophonic (IRE) Richard Hughes, Upper Lambourn T

O Blake, Coombs, Dellar, Giles & Merritt

B Minster Stud & Stratford Place Stud

The Garden Cider Company Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Bagged 3 wins last year and posted respectable fourth at Lingfield (6f, AW) on his reappearance. Only ninth back on turf at Newmarket last time though so needs to get back on track.

TFRHHHII BHA82 Franny Norton

10 BETWEENTHESTICKS (GB) (28) 12116-4 D 8-10 (9)

Br B g Captain Gerrard (IRE) - Jollyhockeysticks Jack Channon, West Ilsley T

O The Wilsley Partnership

B J. P. Coggan

Jack Channon Racing Limited S

TIMEFORM VIEW Three-time 5f winner last season who resumed from 6 months off with an encouraging fourth in 5f Nottingham handicap last month. Cheekpieces go on. Likely contender.

TFRHHHII BHA80 Rose Dawes (5)

11 JER BATT (IRE) (10) 304-121 D 8-10 (12)

Br Ch g Dragon Pulse (IRE) - Nora Batt (IRE) David & Nicola Barron, Thirsk T

O Mr Laurence O’Kane

B J. W. Nicholson

Tote S

TIMEFORM VIEW Much improved for his current yard and he easily made it 2-3 in apprentice handicap at Musselburgh (5f, soft) 10 days ago. Escapes a penalty here so is very much the one to beat.

TFR

12 WAKAI UMI (IRE) (127) 51211-6 D

8-5 (7)

Br B f Kuroshio (AUS) - Oceanella (IRE) Mark Loughnane, Kidderminster T

O S & A Mares & S Turner

B Paul Kennedy

TIMEFORM VIEW Three wins from 7 last year and first run since leaving Ciaran Murphy when landing 5f Wolverhampton nursery in November. Raced too freely in front when only sixth there last time.

DECLARED RUNNERS 12

2022: NO CORRESPONDING RACE LAST YEAR

Tongue Strap worn first time by No. 7. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No. 10. Blinkers worn by No. 5. Visor worn by No. 4.

Stewards Note:

KERDOS: Following its run on 20/4/2023 it was reported that the horse ran too freely.

DANGER ALERT: Following its run on 7/4/2023 it was reported that the trainer could not explain the poor run.

TFRHHHII BHA83 Zak Wheatley (5)

HHHHH BHA80 (+11) Billy Loughnane (3)

TFRHHHII BHA75 Kieran O’Neill

Probable S.P.’s: 3-1 Jer Batt (IRE), 11-2 Democracy Dilemma (IRE), 9-1 Danger Alert (GB), 10-1 Seantrabh (IRE), 14-1 Squealer (IRE), Kerdos (IRE), Huberts Dream (IRE), 16-1 Michaela’s Boy (IRE), Betweenthesticks (GB), 25-1 Carmela (IRE), Knebworth (GB), 28-1 Wakai Umi (IRE)

PLAY SMARTER

JER BATT hasn’t looked back since joining David and Nicola Barron and escapes a penalty for his impressive Musselburgh success so is hard to oppose C&D winner Democracy Dilemma appeals as the one to chase home the selection ahead of Betweenthesticks and Kerdos.

Don’t forget to bet on the 2:15 at KELSO.

If you have concerns about the integrity of British racing or the wellbeing of the sport’s participants, human or equine, please contact RaceWISE. Anonymous reporting.

Call 08000 852 580 (free 24 hours a day) Visit britishhorseracing.com/RaceWISE

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.JER BATT (IRE) 2.DEMOCRACY DILEMMA (IRE) 3.BETWEENTHESTICKS

Yasmin and Amber Le Bon wear ASHOKA

WEDNESDAY May 17, 2017 was the day Apple became the first company to see its value exceed $800billion. At the same time, another global phenomenon was setting foot on the road to fame and fortune, more than 5,000 miles away from Apple’s California HQ, here at Chester.

Not that anyone in attendance knew quite what a behemoth of the turf they were seeing when Enable stormed to victory under Frankie Dettori in the familiar green, pink and white silks of her pioneering owner-breeder Prince Khalid Abdullah.

Heck, after being beaten into third place on her seasonal return at Newbury three weeks earlier, Enable wasn’t even sent off favourite to win the 2017 Cheshire Oaks! That honour went to the Ballydoyle raider Alluringly, who emerged as Enable’s shadow from the final bend. Although she got to within one-and-three-quarter lengths of an eased-down Enable at

CHESHIRE OAKS HISTORY

the finish line, it would be as close as Alluringly ever got to Enable in three further jousts. Not that there was any shame in coming off second-best to the most talented filly of her generation. That victory here – in what was the only occasion Enable graced the Roodee – was the springboard to a stunning winning spree, which saw her rack up big-race victory after big-race victory during an unbeaten run of a dozen races over 27 months.

They included a five-length rout of Rhododendron in the Epsom Oaks on her next start, three King Georges, two Arcs, two Yorkshire Oaks, the Irish Oaks, the Coral-Eclipse and a Breeders’ Cup Turf at Churchill Downs in Kentucky.

When she was eventually retired in the autumn of 2020, following her second unsuccessful attempt to win what would have been a record-setting third Arc, she did so having won 15 of her 19 races, 11 of them Group 1s, and amassing almost £11million in prize money.

If Enable remains the star pupil to graduate from the Cheshire Oaks, a raft of others have endorsed this Listed race’s status as a leading trial for Classic-class fillies since its inauguration in 1950.

Shoot A Line used her victory in 1980, for Willie Carson and Major Dick Hern, as a stepping stone to a sensational summer of success, which also included wins in the 1980 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Irish Oaks, Yorkshire Oaks and Park Hill Stakes.

The Ribblesdale and Irish Oaks were also races which another Prince Khalid filly, Bolas,went on to win in 1994 following her victory here. The 2007 victor Light Shift also added Classic success to her CV by landing the Epsom Oaks on her very next start.

Light Shift was one of three Cheshire Oaks winners for the late, great Sir Henry Cecil, who was widely regarded among his peers for being the finest trainer of fillies. Yet even Cecil couldn’t get close to the seven victories achieved by Barry Hills, who, despite handing over the reins to his son Charlie in 2011, was the winning-most trainer in the history of the Cheshire Oaks. His record has now been matched however. As Thoughts Of June’s victory last year allowed Aidan O’Brien to record his seventh victory of this prestigious contest.

FACT FILE

Conditions: 3-y-o fillies only

Race distance: 1m 3f about 75 yards

Prize money: £100,000 total prize fund

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Cheshire Oaks has formed part of the May Festival for many years and alongside the two Derby trials, has played a role in providing a similar Oaks-trial opportunity for 3-y-o fillies. Originally run at the same distance as the Chester Vase (the full 1m 4f 63yds), the race distance was reduced by half a furlong in 1987.

Previous Winners

2012

GOOD MORNING STAR

Franny Norton / Mark Johnston

2:31.87

2013

BANOFFEE

Kieren Fallon / Hughie Morrison

2:23.77

2014

ANIPA

Andrea Atzeni / Roger Varian

2:25.48

2015

DIAMONDSANDRUBIES

Ryan Moore / Aidan O’Brien

2:30.30

2016

SOMEHOW

Ryan Moore / Aidan O’Brien

2:29.05

2017

ENABLE

Frankie Dettori / John Gosden

2:23.80

2018

MAGIC WAND

Ryan Moore / Aidan O’Brien

2:28.61

2019

MEHDAAYIH

Robert Havlin / John Gosden

2:31.51

2021

DUBAI FOUNTAIN

Franny Norton / Mark Johnston

2:32.72

2022

THOUGHTS OF JUNE

Ryan Moore / Aidan O’Brien

2:31.64

Lupe, Dibidale, Shoot A Line, Light Shift, Bolas; some of the very best fillies of the modern era have won the Listed Weatherbys Bloodstock Pro Cheshire Oaks since the race was inaugurated in 1950.

Twice since 2007 has the winner of the Cheshire Oaks gone on to win the Epsom Classic the following month, with Light Shift and more recently, the brilliant Enable (2017) completing the double.

The latter, of course, went on to win three King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes’ at Ascot and a brace of Prix de l’Arc de Triomphes, developing into one of the modern greats of the sport.

Whether we have a filly of that quality in this year’s field remains to be seen and of late, the Listed contest is one that has been dominated by leading Irish trainer, Aidan O’Brien. The Master of Ballydoyle has won no fewer than seven of the past 14 renewals, since 2008.

O’Brien had four fillies entered at five-day stage and relies solely on Leopardstown

maiden winner Savethelastdance. The daughter of Galileo made virtually all to win on heavy ground and the form has subsequently been franked by the second and third, who both won their respective next starts. Despite causing a 20-1 shock, she shot straight to the head of the market for the Oaks and if there is a potential star in the field, it is likely to be her. She looks open to any amount of improvement.

Interestingly, one of the leading cogs in the Coolmore wheel, Michael Tabor, is also represented by Luckin Brew, as he is the part-owner of Ralph Beckett’s Lope de Vega filly. She had Sisyphus Strength back in fourth when winning a novice stakes at Kempton last September and put up a career-best when runner-up to Local Dynasty in the Listed Tankard Stakes at Pontefract the following month. Third home Caernarfon won the Montrose

WEATHERBYS

DIGITAL SOLUTIONS CHESHIRE OAKS PREVIEW

Stakes next time (Sisyphus Strength again finished fourth) and made a pleasing return when fourth in the 1000 Guineas on Sunday. Although she was beaten 10½ lengths, it was a very good run and that collateral form line is probably the strongest on offer. Frankie Detorri rides Luckin Brew for the first time and she is bred to relish the trip.

Sirona is the highest-rated filly in the field, but she finished only eighth in the Tankard Stakes and has over 20 lengths to find with Luckin Brew. Clearly not at her best on the day, she had earlier won a Listed race in Germany, so again carries a 3lbs penalty for the Charlie Johnston team.

Cite d’Or is vastly experienced and reverts to racing against her own sex, having finished third in the Blue Riband at Epsom last time, whilst There’s The Door is another who arrives in form, having won a Doncaster handicap on soft ground in early-April. That win came off just 83, however, so David Evans’ filly needs to take another big step forward.

The aforementioned Sisyphus Strength represents the 2000 Guineas-winning stable of Andrew Balding, but looks to have a bit to find with Luckin Brew on a couple of bits of form, whilst both Ashtanga and Wintercrack arrive here on the back of winning a maiden, respectively at Nottingham and Leicester. The former won nicely back in October and is the more interesting of the pair. Being by Nathaniel, she should appreciate both the trip and the rain-softened ground.

The 80-rated Ermesinde completes the line-up and she was trapped wide when beaten at odds-on last time. That is far from ideal around the sharp bends of Lingfield, although she would still need to put forward a much-improved effort, as that form has been let down since.

Paul Ferguson

Weatherbys

The 2022 reneweal of the Weatherbys Bloodstock Pro

Cheshire Oaks saw Thoughts Of June make it a seventh success in the race for Aidan O’Brien.

Thoughts Of June had raced just twice as a two-year-old and showed a fair bit of potential in her debut, an impressive second in a pretty strong Cork Maiden behind Treavaunance (who has since gone onto win a Group 2 and Group 3 in Deauville). She appeared to struggle next time out at Leopardstown, however. She looked much improved on reappearance in April 2022 as her three-year-old campaign began, running in second behind the classy Above The Curve. It was a strong performance but ultimately, she found herself outmatched and so came into the Cheshire Oaks, not quite as an outsider, but certainly not as fancied as some of her rivals. This would prove to be the first victory of her fledgling career as

Aidan O’Brien set his sights on the Oaks at Epsom in June.

Aidan O’Brien has always done well in this race with this win marking his fifth success in the last eleven renewals of this race so it was no surprise to see him score another winner here.

Ryan Moore was in the saddle of Thoughts Of June, continuing the partnership that had led to that impressive second at Leopardstown a month prior. We had a rematch of sorts as Shane Crosse continued aboard last time out rival Above The Curve for trainer Joseph Patrick O’Brien. These two had gone head-to-heard just 28 days previously,

with Above The Curve comfortably coming out on top. There was no shortage of top jockeys on show as Frankie Dettori took the ride aboard the Gosden trained Morning Poem and Tom Marquand rode William Haggas’ Hello Jumeirah. The dark horse Moon De Vega was ridden by Rob Hornby and David Probert was aboard the impressive Typewriter.

From her draw in stall eight, Thoughts Of June sped to the front, taking the lead within the first furlong. Ryan Moore kept the filly at the front of the pack with the outsiders Morning Poem and Improvise for company. Shane Crosse kept Above The Curve in midfield, waiting for a chance to strike, these two mirroring their starts from Leopardstown.

Moore pushed his ride along around the four-furlong mark before pushing the pace further in the home turn. It was here that Above The Curve made her move. She had

LAST YEAR’S CHESHIRE OAKS

to make up a lot of ground but managed to make her challenge inside the final furlong, looking to sweep past as she had done last time out. Thoughts Of June was ready for her this time however, holding off the late pressure gamely to secure her first career victory. Rounding out the podium spots was the Andrew Balding trained Typewriter who was hampered around two furlongs out and despite a late charge, was unable to catch the leading pair.

The daughter of Galileo has been unable to build on this success however, only managing ninth in the Oaks last year and hasn’t been seen since. Above The Curve however, has since found great success in the Group 1 St Mark’s Basilica Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary at Longchamp and the Group 2 Moyglare “Jewels” Blandford Stakes at the Curragh in 2022, both with former rival Ryan Moore onboard.

Yasmin and Amber Le Bon wear ASHOKA

DIGITAL SOLUTIONS

THIRD RACE 2.40

THE WEATHERBYS DIGITAL SOLUTIONS

CHESHIRE OAKS (CLASS 1)

(for the Robert Sangster Memorial Cup) (Listed Race) for three

yrs old fillies

Total prize fund £100000

1m 3f 75y

Owners Prize Money. 1st £44000, 2nd £18140, 3rd £9070, 4th £4540, 5th £2270, 6th £1130, 7th £570, 8th £280. (Penalty Value £56020)

RACE DESCRIPTON

This one mile, three furlongs about 75 yards contest for three-year-old fillies is a Listed race; a race that can only be bettered by a Group 1, 2 or 3 race. Many of the runners in this race will have already shown themselves to be talented and this race provides a perfect medium for them to be tested against a better class of rival before making the jump into a Group race. Initially, the weights are set at 9st each before penalties are awarded to fillies that have previously won above a certain level – 3lb for a Listed race victory or 5lb for a Pattern race success.

colours no horse st-lb Draw Jockey

1 SIRONA (GER) (205) 1210-

Br B f Soldier Hollow - Si Luna (GER)

O Dash Grange Stud

9-5 (7)

Charlie Johnston, Middleham T

B Gestut Hof Iserneichen Johnston Racing Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Won two of three last year and, although below par on her final outing, she’s bred to be suited by middle distances and could be seen to good effect under a positive ride at a track that often favours such tactics.

2 ASHTANGA (GB) (210) 31-

Br B f Nathaniel (IRE) - Yoga (IRE)

O Mantonbury Stud

TFRHHHII BHA100

9-2 (4)

Freddie & Martyn Meade, Manton T

B Niarchos Family Hadleigh Business Jets S

TIMEFORM VIEW Off the mark at the second attempt in maiden at Nottingham 7 months ago, only needing to be pushed out. Pedigree suggests she will be suited by this far, so not a forlorn hope on seasonal debut.

3 CITE D’OR (FR) (15) 26-6003

Br B f Galiway - Tin Rebel (FR)

O Nick Bradley Racing 18

TFRHHHII BHA-

9-2 (8)

Harry Eustace, Newmarket T

B C. Porin, G. Vitse & P. Decouz Tote S

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful filly who was far from discredited when third at this level at Epsom recently. Now tried in cheekpieces but others have more scope for progress.

4 ERMESINDE (IRE) (44) 12 BF

TFRHHHII BHA98

9-2 (3)

Br B f Golden Horn - Eye Witness (GER) Kevin Philippart de Foy, Newmarket T

O Venice Consulting, D’Ascanio, Gambini

B Kildaragh Stud

Venice Consulting S.A., KPF Racing Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Winning debut at Lingfield in February and not disgraced despite being beaten at odds on under a penalty there 44 days ago. Faces a stiff task here, however.

5 LUCKIN BREW (IRE) (205) 2512-

TFRHHIII BHA80

9-2 (1)

Br B f Lope de Vega (IRE) - Witches Brew (IRE) Ralph Beckett, Kimpton Down T

O Mr M.Chan & Mr M.Tabor

B Fermoir Ltd

Ashford Stud, Ashford Stud S

TIMEFORM VIEW Confirmed previous promise and proved determined when off the mark in Kempton novice (1m) in September. Excellent second in listed race at Ponteferact 6 months ago.

TFRHHHHI BHA94

William Buick

Oisin Murphy

Pierre-Louis Jamin

Andrea Atzeni

Frankie Dettori

6 SAVETHELASTDANCE (IRE) (35) 5-1

9-2 (5)

Br Ch f Galileo (IRE) - Daddys Lil Darling (USA) Aidan O’Brien, Ireland T

O Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith/Westerberg

B Daddys Lil Darling Syndicate

TIMEFORM VIEW Had a considerated introduction and improved appreciably to land a well-contested Leopardstown maiden 35 days ago. Stable has a terrific record in this race and she should take the beating.

TFRHHHHH BHA- Ryan Moore

7 SISYPHUS STRENGTH (GB) (193) 414- 9-2 (6)

Br B f Sea The Stars (IRE) - Childa (IRE) Andrew Balding, Kingsclere T

O Victorious Racing

B Ed’s Stud Ltd Oliver St Lawrence Bloodstock Limited S

TIMEFORM VIEW Showed promise on debut and left that form behind when winning a 1m Nottingham maiden in the autumn. Only fourth in a listed event at Newmarket when last seen 6 months ago.

8 THERE’S THE DOOR (IRE) (38) 13442-1

TFRHHHII BHA89 David Egan

9-2 (2)

Br B f Starspangledbanner (AUS) - Callisto Star (IRE) David Evans, Abergavenny T

O Paul & Clare Rooney

B Kevin J. Molloy Emma Evans Racing Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful filly who stepped up on her juvenile form when readily landing a Doncaster handicap last month. Worth a try at this level but others probably have a bit more potential.

9 WINTERCRACK (GB) (11) 0-01

TFRHHHII BHA91 Rossa Ryan

9-2 (9)

Br B f Cracksman - Speciosa (IRE) Pam Sly, Peterborough T

O Michael H. Sly Dr T. Davies Mrs Pam Sly

B M. H. Sly, Dr T. Davies & Mrs P. Sly Pam Sly Racing S

TIMEFORM VIEW Confirmed previous encouragement to open her account at the third attempt in an 11-runner maiden at Leicester 11 days ago. Open to further improvement but this is probably too much.

TFRHHIII BHA76 Shane Kelly

DECLARED RUNNERS 9 2022: THOUGHTS OF JUNE (IRE) 3 9 2 Ryan Moore 7-1 (Aidan O’Brien) 9 ran Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No. 3.

Stewards Note:

SIRONA: Following its run on 17/10/2022 it was reported that the trainer could not explain the poor run.

Probable S.P.’s: 5-4 Savethelastdance (IRE), 9-2 Luckin Brew (IRE), 11-1 Sirona (GER), Ashtanga (GB), 12-1 There’s The Door (IRE), 20-1 Ermesinde (IRE), Sisyphus Strength (GB), 22-1 Cite d’Or (FR), 25-1 Wintercrack (GB)

PLAY SMARTER

SAVETHELASTDANCE relished the longer trip when landing a maiden at Leopardstown on just her second career outing and, with this extra distance set to bring further progress, she makes plenty of appeal. Luckin Brew is the main danger provided she sees out the longer trip, and Sirona is one of several others who can’t be completely dismissed.

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.SAVETHELASTDANCE (IRE) 2.LUCKIN BREW (IRE) 3.SIRONA (GER)

Don’t forget to bet on the 2:50 at KELSO.

NOW OPEN ON SEALAND ROAD

Yasmin and Amber Le Bon wear ASHOKA

LAST YEAR’S CHESTER VASE

Like many of the major races, Aidan O’Brien has an amazing record in this contest, and here he was able to make it eight wins out of the last ten. Ryan Moore who was aboard seven of those, took the reins again here.

After missing out last year to Andrew Balding’s Youth Spirit, O’Brien was quick to respond, entering the classy Changingoftheguard. Balding was back again too, this time with the relatively unfancied Berkshire Rebel, who despite debut success at Goodwood, had largely flattered to deceive in the build up to this contest. While last year’s winning jockey Tom Marquand took the reins of Savvy Victory. The ever-dangerous Charlie Appleby and William Buick pairing proved the main danger however, with the unbeaten New London arriving off the back of two back-to-back success at Newmarket.

This contest always appeared to be a two-horse race, and the betting certainly reflected that with New London a clear favourite at 4/11 while rival Changingoftheguard was 100/30. Despite their early push, Savvy Victory and Berkshire Rebel were never a factor in this one, finding themselves outpaced by the leading duo. The race looked set for an edge of your seat conclusion, but Changingoftheguard had other ideas. Around the two-furlong mark, the colt seemed to find even more and increased the tempo further and despite his best efforts, New London just could not match him. O’Brien’s son of Galileo flying to a six and a half-length victory.

With the winner booking his place in the Derby, he ended up finishing a decent fifth behind winner Desert Crown but has since bounced back when taking the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Ascot in June.

CHESTER VASE FAMOUS WINNERS

As we celebrate another year of the Boodles May Festival, we look back at some of the most memorable winners of the Chester Vase who were successful on the Roodee before going on to Derby glory at Epsom.

In the early years of the Vase, the great Hyperion was successful on the Roodee in 1933.

Bred by Lord Derby, he was small in size but enjoyed a strong juvenile campaign as he broke the course record at Ascot in the New Stakes before landing the Dewhurst. The colt had not grown much before his three-year-old season, which he began here at Chester with a two lengths victory in the Vase. That performance saw him start as favourite for the Derby and he landed the Classic in fine style, lowering the track record in the process.

Hyperion would then go on to win the Prince of Wales’s at Royal Ascot and he became a dual Classic winner with success in the St Leger.

1980 and 1981 saw back-to-back winners of the Vase follow up in the Derby, with the American-bred Henbit gaining Classic glory at Epsom at the start of the decade. Trained by Dick Hern, he won the Classic Trial at Sandown before arriving at Chester in May. It was a strong renewal of the Vase and he comfortably made all under Willie Carson, with the subsequent Leger winner Light Cavalry back in third. In his subsequent run at Epsom,

Ruler Of The World

Henbit provided the trainer and jockey combination with consecutive wins in the Derby after Troy had won a year earlier.

The following year we saw a spectacular performance in the Vase by one of the most famous horses in modern history. The legendary Shergar had won the same Sandown race as Henbit by ten lengths to start off his three-year-old campaign and then was brought to Chester by trainer Michael Stoute. The colt delivered another emphatic victory as he won on the Roodee by twelve lengths, which saw him sent off as the odds-on favourite for the Derby.

Ridden by nineteen-year-old Walter Swinburn who was having his first experience of the Classic, he made his move around Tattenham Corner before pulling effortlessly clear of his rivals to record a ten lengths success eased down. The winning margin remains a record for the race and Shergar would go on to further Derby success in the Irish

equivalent before getting the better of his elders in the King George at Ascot.

In more recent times, leading Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien has built up an excellent record in the Chester Vase as he targets his lightly-raced Derby candidates at the race to prepare them for Epsom. In 2013, Ruler Of The World had not run as a two-year-old and only made his debut a month prior to the May Festival. He won the Vase by an impressive six lengths and the experience of the Roodee track helped the son of Galileo progress to become a Derby winner on just his third career start. His latest success in this prestigious Group 3 came last year when Changingoftheguard comfortably sweeped aside the opposition, winning by six and a half lengths before going on to win the King Edward VII Stakes at Ascot that June.

CHESTER VASE HISTORY

ONE legendary horse and one legendary trainer will forever be synonymous with the Boodles Chester Vase. Yet they share no connection, other than one was just about old enough to watch and appreciate the other’s extraordinary talents, and the dramatic twist in the tale which followed.

Aidan O’Brien hadn’t even enrolled for secondary school in his native Co Wexford when Shergar and romped away with the Chester Vase in 1981. He had already won one Derby trial, the Guardian Newspaper Classic Trial at Sandown less than a fortnight earlier, by 10 lengths when he arrived on the Roodee just a week-and-a-half later as a red-hot 4-11 favourite for the Vase.

After another wide-margin win, this time by 12 lengths, Shergar was being proclaimed as the reincarnation of Pegasus, and was duly sent off as the odds-on favourite for the 1981 Derby at Epsom. Ridden by 19-year-old Walter Swinburn, who had replaced

Lester Piggott as the horse’s regular jockey earlier that season, Shergar breezed his way into the record books with a 10-length triumph that remains the largest-winning margin by a Derby winner to this day. To put some context on Shergar’s performance, the horse he beat into a distant second, Glint Of Gold, went on to win a string of top races in four different countries, including six Group 1s!

Shergar subsequently won both the Irish Derby, with Piggott deputising for a suspended Swinburn, and the King George. But after a hugely disappointing display in the St Leger at Doncaster, where finished only fourth, he was ruled out of taking on Europe’s finest in the Prix de l’Arc De Triomphe at Longchamp in Paris, and instead retired to stand as a stallion at his owner-breeder HH Aga Khan’s private stud near the Curragh in Co Kildare.

Only then was the Shergar story beginning. Following a modest first season as a sire, Shergar was stolen from Ballymany Stud by an armed

Youth Spirit

gang on the night of February 8, 1983, in what transpired into one of the most high-profile unsolved mysteries of the 20th Century.

The thieves demanded a ransom of £2million, which was not paid. It was believed Shergar, who was valued at £10m, was taken by a reportedly cash-strapped IRA desperately seeking new funds. But no arrests were ever made and Shergar’s remains have never been found. O’Brien would have been only 13 at the time of Shergar’s disappearance. Yet almost a quarter of a century later, the master of Ballydoyle began laying the foundations for a remarkable era of domination of this prestigious Group 3 prize.

His first strike with Soldier Of Fortune in 2007 coincided with the Vase’s 100th anniversary. A record nine further victories have followed, most notably in 2011 with Treasure Beach, who emulated Soldier Of Fortune by winning the Irish Derby, and in 2013 with Ruler Of The World, who conquered Epsom’s Derby the following month. His most recent success being with Changingoftheguard last year.

FACT FILE

Conditions: 3-y-o colts and geldings only

Race distance: 1m 4f about 63yds

Prize money: £120,000 total prize fund

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Chester Vase, which dates back to 1907, is one of the trial races for both the Epsom Derby and St Leger at Doncaster. Hyperion achieved the treble following victory here by going onto success in both Classics, while numerous horses have won one of the two Classic contests on the back of winning this race.

Previous Winners

2012

MICKDAAM

Tony Hamilton / Richard Fahey

2:50.01

2013

RULER OF THE WORLD

Ryan Moore / Aidan O’Brien

2:40.29

2014

ORCHESTRA

Ryan Moore / Aidan O’Brien

2:42.05

2015

HANS HOLBEIN

Ryan Moore / Aidan O’Brien

2:45.50

2016

US ARMY RANGER

Ryan Moore / Aidan O’Brien

2:41.07

2017

VENICE BEACH

Ryan Moore / Aidan O’Brien

2:35.84

2018

YOUNG RASCAL

Ryan Moore / Aidan O’Brien

2:35.84

2019

SIR DRAGONET

Donnacha O’Brien / Aidan O’Brien

2:42.91

2021

YOUTH SPIRIT

Tom Marquand / Andrew Balding

2:45.83

2022

CHANGINGOFTHEGUARD

Ryan Moore / Aidan O’Brien

2:43.36

Yasmin and Amber Le Bon wear Raindance

FOURTH RACE 3.15

THE BOODLES CHESTER VASE STAKES

(CLASS 1) (Group 3)

for three yrs old colts and geldings

Total prize fund £120000

Owners Prize Money. 1st £52800, 2nd £21768, 3rd £10884, 4th £5448, 5th £2724. (Penalty Value £67224)

RACE DESCRIPTON

1m 4f 63y

This one mile, four furlongs about 63 yards race for three-year-old colts and gelldings is a Group 3 contest

a race which can only bettered by a Group 1 or 2. Many of the runners will have already posted form well above average and some may use this as a stepping-stone to even greater things. Initially the weights are set at 9st each before penalties are awarded to horses which have won above a certain level prior to lining up here – 4lb to winners of a Group 1 or Group 2 race.

colours no horse

1 ADELAIDE RIVER (IRE) (200) 1223- 9-2 (2)

Br B c Australia - Could It Be Love (USA)

O Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith/Westerberg

B Coolmore

Aidan O’Brien, Ireland T

TIMEFORM VIEW Winning debut on AW last summer and placed 3 times at Group level in the autumn, although he was 6 lengths adrift of the reopposing Arrest in Criterium de Saint-Cloud on final start.

2 ARREST (IRE) (200) 3112- 9-2 (3)

Br B c Frankel - Nisriyna (IRE) John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket T

O Juddmonte

B Swordlestown Little Juddmonte Farms Inc S

TIMEFORM VIEW Progressivejuvenilewhoscoredtwiceover1mbeforeheadsecondtoDubaiMileinCriteriumdeSaint-Cloud on final start. This son of Frankel should stay 1 1/2m and looks the one to beat.

3 DUKE OF OXFORD (GB) (29) 11 D

Br B g Kingman - Miss Marjurie (IRE)

O Mr A Cope, Mr B Roberts and Mr J Biggane

B Ed’s Stud Ltd/A Swinburn

TFRHHHHH BHA113

9-2 (4)

Michael Bell, Newmarket T

Michael Bell Racing S

Frankie Dettori

4 GALACTIC JACK (IRE) (21) 316-6

Br B c Galileo (IRE) - Jack Naylor

O Mr J. C. Smith

B Denford Stud Ltd

TFRHHHII BHA90

TIMEFORM VIEW Winnerof2AWnovicesthisspring,lookingveryusefulwhenscoringbyawidemarginoverthistripatWolverhampton last month. Takes a jump in class now switching to the turf but he’s an exciting prospect.

9-2 (1)

Andrew Balding, Kingsclere T

Hector Crouch

5 HADRIANUS (IRE) (15) 21-2

Br B c Galileo (IRE) - Laugh Out Loud

O Susan and John Waterworth

B C. O. P. Hanbury

TFRHHIII BHA89 (-1)

TIMEFORM VIEW Goodwood maiden winner last autumn but his limitations have seemingly been exposed at Group 3/listed level at Newmarket since. The step up to 1 1/2m needs to spark big improvement.

9-2 (5)

Charlie Johnston, Middleham T

Johnston Racing Ltd S

Oisin Murphy

TIMEFORM VIEW AWmaidenwinnerinDecmberwhowasmuchimprovedwhen3/4-lengthsecondof5toEpictetusin11/4mEpsom listed race on his reappearance 15 days ago. This longer trip should play to his strengths.

TFRHHHHI BHA104

Franny Norton

TFRHHHHI BHA105

Ryan Moore

DECLARED RUNNERS 5 2022: CHANGINGOFTHEGUARD (IRE) 3 9 2 Ryan Moore 10-3 (Aidan O’Brien) 4 ran

Stewards Note:

GALACTIC JACK: Following its run on 19/4/2023 it was reported that the horse hung left handed throughout.

Probable S.P.’s: 11-10 Arrest (IRE), 3-1 Hadrianus (IRE), 7-2 Adelaide River (IRE), 16-1 Duke of Oxford (GB), 28-1 Galactic Jack (IRE)

PLAY SMARTER

ARREST went close at Group 1 level on his final 2-y-o start and sets a good standard for the rest to aim at. Hadrianus shaped well behind another good prospect from the Gosden stable on his recent reappearance and may provide a bigger threat to the selection than Aidan O’Brien’s Adelaide River.

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.ARREST (IRE) 2.HADRIANUS (IRE) 3.ADELAIDE RIVER (IRE)

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Yasmin and Amber Le Bon wear ASHOKA

FIFTH RACE 3.45

THE CAMDEN PALE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 3) for three yrs old

Total prize fund £25000

6f 17y

Owners Prize Money. 1st £10040, 2nd £5020, 3rd £2510, 4th £1255, 5th £628, 6th £313, 7th £158, 8th £78. (Penalty Value £12740) Weights raised 1lb and paragraphs 27 to 31 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable.

RACE DESCRIPTON

This is a six furlongs handicap race for three-year-olds which have been rated from 71 to 90 To qualify for a handicap rating horses must have run at least three times in a Flat race in Britain, or have run in no more than two Flat races run in Britain and won at least one of them. This rating then dictates the weight to be carried in a handicap In simple terms a horse rated 85 in this particular race would be required to carry 5lb more than a rival rated 90

colours no horse

1 FRANKNESS (GB) (21) 3110-0 C

Br Ch f Frankel - Cosmopolitan Queen

O Mr J. C. Smith

B Littleton Stud

st-lb

Draw Jockey

9-9 (12)

Andrew Balding, Kingsclere T

TIMEFORM VIEW Landed a pair of novice events over 7f here last summer. Not up to pattern level in her 2 subsequent outings but retains potential with her sights lowered.

2 CALIFORNIA GEM (GB) (29) 62140-3

Br B f Cable Bay (IRE) - Angels Wings (IRE)

O Amo Racing Limited

B Highclere Stud & Jake Warren Ltd

TFRHHHII BHA89 Oisin Murphy

9-9 (2)

George Boughey, Newmarket T

Sports Invest Uk Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Three wins from 9 runs last year and returned with solid third of 7 in handicap at Pontefract (6f, heavy) 29 days ago. Cheekpieces now applied and likely to be in the mix again from a handy draw.

3 LAKOTA BLUE (GB) (11) 0110-61 D

Br Br c Sioux Nation (USA) - Thiel

O Ian & Pam Bendelow

B B & B Equine Limited

TFRHHHHI BHA89 Kevin Stott

9-7 (6)

Nigel Tinkler, Malton T

The Light Lab, Alexanders York S

TIMEFORM VIEW Dual scorer at 2 and all the sharper for his reappearance when adding to his tally at Ripon (6f, heavy) 11 days ago. Should remain competitive up 4lb

TFRHHHII BHA87 Faye McManoman

4 COMMANDER STRAKER (IRE) (341) 2213- 9-5 (5)

Br B c Kodi Bear (IRE) - Slovak (IRE)

O David Lowe

David Loughnane, Tern Hill T

B Rathbarry Stud Galloways Bakers Ltd, Dave Loughnane Racing S

TIMEFORM VIEW Off the mark at the third attempt in 5f Bath novice last May and fair third in the Woodcote at the Epsom Derby meeting on next start. Not seen since then but now handicapping for the first time on return.

TFRHHHII BHA85 Rossa Ryan

5 KING’S CROWN (IRE) (20) 06000-5 D 9-2 (8)

Br B g Starspangledbanner (AUS) - Textured (IRE)

O Mr Dave Stone

B Mountarmstrong Stud

Adrian Nicholls, Sessay T

STS Group Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Won Thirsk maiden last May. Hasn’t troubled the judge since but reappearance fifth of 14 at Newcastle does show he’s trained on.

TFRHHIII BHA82 Barry McHugh

6 SHE’S CENTIMENTAL (USA) (29) 211-1 D 9-2 (13)

Br B f Goldencents (USA) - Shesabitdistorted (USA) Alice Haynes, Newmarket T

O Roudee Racing 7

B Pine Ridge Stables Ltd

TIMEFORM VIEW Progressive, taking record to 3-4 when striking on 6f Wolverhampton handicap debut 29 days ago. The front 2 were nicely clear and she’s likely still well treated after a 5lb rise.

7 MINNESOTA LAD (IRE) (186) 331655-

TFRHHHII BHA82 Kieran O’Neill

9-1 (7)

Br Ch g Sioux Nation (USA) - Lady Sandy (IRE) Richard Fahey, Malton T

O The Oysters Catchers Partnership

B Aidan Fogarty Richard Fahey Racing S

TIMEFORM VIEW Scored in maiden company at Beverley last summer but didn’t make a significant impact in 2 handicaps later in the year. First run for 6 months. Others are more obvious.

8 ROYAL DRESS (IRE) (12) 642-1 D

TFRHHIII BHA81 Oisin Orr

9-0 (3)

Br B f Night of Thunder (IRE) - Wadaa (USA) Richard Hannon, Marlborough T

O Mr Saeed Manana

B Rabbah Bloodstock Limited

TIMEFORM VIEW Improved again to make it fourth time lucky in 6f Doncaster novice on reappearance 12 days ago. Has the services of Ryan Moore now handicapping for the first time.

9 KESSAAR POWER (IRE) (15) 2604-11 D

9-0 (10)

Br B g Kessaar (IRE) - Lady Willpower Kevin Philippart de Foy, Newmarket T

O Paul Kwok & Ms Angel Li

B Tally-Ho Stud Kpf Racing Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Drew a blank in 6 outings at 2 but different proposition for new yard, winning 6f handicaps at Chelmsford and Yarmouth this spring. Respected now bidding for the hat-trick.

10 MACHO MANIA (IRE) (143) 226-

8-8 (11)

Br B g Camacho - Dame Judi (IRE) Hugo Palmer, Malpas T

O Deva Racing (CO)

B Caroline & Stephanie Hanly Deva Racing (Ca) S

TIMEFORM VIEW Promise when runner-up in 6f novices on first 2 starts. Below par at Wolverhampton on third start but could get back on track now handicapping for local yard which won this race last year.

11

RADIO GOO GOO (GB) (33) 2422-15 D

Br B or Gr f Havana Grey - Radio Gaga

O Brian Mould, Richard Kent & Partner

B Allseasons Bloodstock

8-7 (1)

David Evans, Abergavenny T

Emma Evans Racing Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Finally opened her account when making all in 6f Wolverhampton novice in March. Respectable fifth of 12 in 6f Lingfield handicap since. This front-runner is well drawn to attack from stall 1.

12 WINTER CROWN (GB) (10) 00-12

Br B g Invincible Spirit (IRE) - Berengaria (IRE)

O Mr Martin Hughes

B Godolphin

8-7 (14)

Julie Camacho, Malton T

Old Oak Holdings Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Positive start for this yard, winning AW novice then second in Musselburgh handicap (both 5f). Likely capable of better again but he’s been handed the outside stall here.

13 CORINTHIAN KID (IRE) (95) 5332-00 D

Br B f Kodi Bear (IRE) - Columbia Kid (IRE)

O Patrick Morris

B Miss S. Von Schilcher

8-5 (9)

Patrick Morris, Prescot T

TIMEFORM VIEW Fair performer at 2, winning 6f Windsor maiden and placed in handicaps on AW. Well beaten in 2 comeback runs on AW at the start of the year, though, and now with a new yard.

TFRHHHHH BHA80 Ryan Moore

TFRHHHHI BHA80 John Egan

TFRHHHII BHA74 (-2) David Egan

TFRHHHII BHA73 Ben Curtis

TFRHHHII BHA73 Graham Lee

TFRHIIII BHA71 Adam Farragher (3)

Br B g Tasleet - Forever Excel (IRE)

O Ambrose Turnbull & John Cruces

B Wayne Clifford

Tim Easterby, Malton T

Easthorpe Hall Stud S

TIMEFORM VIEW Fair maiden. Good 4 lengths second second of 8 in handicap at Beverley (5f, soft) on reappearance 9 days ago. Return to 6f in his favour. Could figure from the 4 box.

TFRHHHHI BHA70 Cam Hardie

DECLARED RUNNERS 14 2022: EVER GIVEN (IRE) 3 9 11 Daniel Tudhope 11-8 (Hugo Palmer) 9 ran Visor worn first time by No. 10. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 5. Running for the first time since Gelding No. 7.

Stewards Note:

COMMANDER STRAKER: Following its run on 3/6/2022 it was reported that the horse ran too freely early-on.

Probable S.P.’s: 7-2 Royal Dress (IRE), 15-2 She’s Centimental (USA), 9-1 Kessaar Power (IRE), 11-1 Tasever (GB), 12-1 Frankness (GB), 14-1 California Gem (GB), Lakota Blue (GB), 16-1 Commander Straker (IRE), Radio Goo Goo (GB), Winter Crown (GB), 18-1 Macho Mania (IRE), 28-1 King’s Crown (IRE), Minnesota Lad (IRE), 50-1 Corinthian Kid (IRE)

PLAY SMARTER

ROYAL DRESS should have more to offer on the back of her comfortable Doncaster reappearance success and, from a handy inside stall, can strike on handicap debut under Ryan Moore. Kessaar Power is likely to go well as he bids to make it 3-3 for new trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy. Well-drawn pair California Gem and Radio Goo Goo are others to consider.

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SIXTH RACE 4.20

THE DEEPBRIDGE SYNDICATE MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 3) (GBB RACE)

for maiden three yrs old

Total prize fund £20000

1m 2f 70y

Owners Prize Money. 1st £8032, 2nd £4016, 3rd £2008, 4th £1004, 5th £502, 6th £250, 7th £126, 8th £62. (Penalty Value £10192)

RACE DESCRIPTON

This one mile, two furlongs about 70 yards contest for three-years-olds is a maiden stakes - a race for horses that have yet to record a racecourse victory. There are a variety of reasons why the older horses in this race could still be maidens. Stoutly bred horses are unlikely to be seen at their best over the shorter distances of their juvenile season whilst a setback or injury can curtail even the most precociously bred horse’s two-year-old career

colours no horse st-lb Draw Jockey

1 AMLETO (IRE) (175) 04-

9-7 (8)

Br Br g Sea The Stars (IRE) - Holy Moon (IRE) William Haggas, Newmarket T

O Sunderland Holding Inc.

B Razza Del Velino SRL Somerville Lodge Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Left debut effort behind when fourth of 14 in minor event (18/1) at Kempton (8f) in November. Bred to appreciate this longer trip and merits consideration on return.

2 EL JASOR (IRE) (23) 0-2

Br Br c Le Havre (IRE) - Manaha (FR)

O Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum

B Shadwell Estate Company Limited

TFRHHHII BHATom Marquand

9-7 (9)

Charlie Fellowes, Newmarket T

TIMEFORM VIEW Much improved on second start last month, keeping on well when second of 7 in minor event at Windsor (10f, heavy) 23 days ago. Likely more to come yet.

3 GIFTED ANGEL (IRE) (15) 2000-43

Br Gr g Dark Angel (IRE) - Sommorell (IRE)

O Mr D. R. Passant

TFRHHHII BHACallum Shepherd

9-7 (4)

Tom Dascombe, Lambourn T

B Mr R. Patterson Greenhous Group Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Respectable efforts both starts this term, latest when third of 8 in handicap at Epsom (8.5f, heavy) 15 days ago. Lacks potential of some of his rivals here, though.

4 LUNATICK (GB) (2) 64-2

Br B c Sea The Moon (GER) - Alvarita

O Martin Hughes & Michael Kerr-Dineen

B Miss K. Rausing

TFRHHIII BHA72 Richard Kingscote

9-7 (6)

Hughie Morrison, East Ilsley T

Old Oak Holdings Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Showed ability in a couple of outings over 8f at Kempton towards the end of 2022 and improved when second of 8 in maiden (2/1) at Windsor (10f, heavy) 2 days ago. Respected.

5 MUIR WOOD (GB) (139) 642-

Br B c Teofilo (IRE) - St Francis Wood (USA)

O Dr J. Walker

B Aynsford Holdings, LLC

TFRHHHII BHA- Jason Hart

9-7 (7)

Charlie Johnston, Middleham T

Johnston Racing Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Improved in each of his 3 starts as a juvenile, ending campaign with fairly-useful second of 10 in minor event at Lingfield (10f, AW) in December. Warrants plenty of respect on return.

TFRHHHII BHA75

Franny Norton

6 PADDY THE SQUIRE (GB) (39) 40

Br B c Golden Horn - Provenance

O Mr Ian Jones

B Cheveley Park Stud Limited

9-7 (11)

Iain Jardine, Carrutherstown T

Bloomfields Raceline Horseboxes S

TIMEFORM VIEW Posted promising fourth at Southwell on racecourse bow in January. May have been unsuited by testing conditions when well beaten at Doncaster since but has plenty to find on form nonetheless.

7 SCINTILLANTE (GB) (161) 03-

TFRHIIII BHAAndrew Mullen

9-7 (5)

Br Gr c Roaring Lion (USA) - Freesia (IRE) Andrew Balding, Kingsclere T

O Mr Philip Fox & Partner

B Grundy Bloodstock SRL Tote S

TIMEFORM VIEW Scopey sort who acquitted himself well in both starts last year, latest when third of 14 in minor event at Kempton (8f) in November. Type to do better in 2023.

8 SHADOW DANCE (GB) (16) 2

TFRHHHII BHAOisin Murphy

9-7 (3)

Br Gr c Almanzor (FR) - Skyline Dancer Roger Varian, Newmarket T

O Newsells Park Stud

B Newsells Park Stud Newsells Park Stud Limited S

TIMEFORM VIEW Made plenty of appeal on paper and duly posted promising second of 5 in minor event (11/2) at Windsor (10f, heavy) on debut 16 days ago, running on. Should have more to offer.

9 TRICKYTRICKYTRICKY (IRE) (-)

TFRHHHHH BHA- David Egan

9-7 (10)

Br Ch g Fast Company (IRE) - Village Fete Philip Kirby, Richmond T

O FDC Holdings & Roofing Consultants Group

B Nafferty Stud Philip Kirby Racing, Topspec Equine Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW €40,000 yearling, Fast Company gelding. Half-brother to several winners, including smart 1 1/4m-13.3f winner Kings Fete and useful 6f-9f winner Gymkhana. Dam 1 1/4m-1 1/2m winner.

10 TWOFORTHEGUTTER (IRE) (210) 0-

Br B g Expert Eye - Dorella (GER)

O Tracey Bell & Caroline Lyons

TFRHIIII BHA- Ben Curtis

9-7 (1)

Ian Williams, Alvechurch T

B Kildaragh Stud Helicentreuk S

TIMEFORM VIEW No impact on Nottingham maiden debut 7 months ago and faces a stiff task on reappearance here. Gelded since last seen.

11

VAGUELY ROYAL (IRE) (237) 3-

TFRHIIII BHAP. J. McDonald

9-7 (2)

Br Br c Galileo (IRE) - Danilovna (IRE) John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket T

O Mr B. E. Nielsen

B Bjorn Nielsen

TIMEFORM VIEW Bred in the purple and offered plenty to work on when third of 7 in maiden at Yarmouth (8f, good to firm) on debut in September. In good hands and looks a likely improver this season.

TFRHHHHI BHA- Ryan Moore

DECLARED RUNNERS 11 2022: SECRET STATE (IRE) 3 9 7 William Buick 13-8 (Charlie Appleby) 8 ran Visor worn by No. 3. Tongue Strap worn by No. 6. Running for the first time since Gelding No. 1, 9, 10. Running for the first time since Wind Surgery No. 6.

Probable S.P.’s: 4-1 Shadow Dance (GB), Vaguely Royal (IRE), 6-1 Lunatick (GB), 8-1 Amleto (IRE), 9-1 El Jasor (IRE), Muir Wood (GB), Scintillante (GB), 16-1 Gifted Angel (IRE), 66-1 Paddy The Squire (GB), 100-1 Trickytrickytricky (IRE), 150-1 Twoforthegutter (IRE) PLAY SMARTER

Plenty of potential improvers here, including SHADOW DANCE, who should have learnt plenty from last month’s encouraging Windsor debut. He gets the nod. Vaguely Royal and Amleto are feared most in a race which should throw up plenty of future winners.

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.SHADOW DANCE 2.VAGUELY ROYAL (IRE) 3.AMLETO (IRE)

SEVENTH RACE 4.55

THE EVERYONE’S TURF HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) for four yrs old and

upwards

Total prize fund £20000

Owners Prize Money. 1st £8032, 2nd £4016, 3rd £2008, 4th £1004, 5th £502, 6th £250, 7th £126, 8th £62.(Penalty Value £10192) Weights raised 1lb and paragraphs 27 to 31 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable. 11 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10.

RACE DESCRIPTON

This is a seven furlongs handicap race for four-year-olds and upwards which have been rated from 66 to 85 Once a horse has qualified for a handicap rating this is regularly reassessed. A below-par effort could result in a reduced rating whilst a strong performance could see the rating increased. Occasionally, horses are entered to race before their handicap rating has been reviewed and so to avoid recent winners being un-penalised they are allotted a mandatory penalty, which is based on the age of the horse in this race.

1 ANOTHER BATT (IRE) (11) 330-004 C D 8 9-9 (11)

Br Ch g Windsor Knot (IRE) - Mrs Batt (IRE) David & Nicola Barron, Thirsk T

O Mr Laurence O’Kane

B J. W. Nicholson Tote S

TIMEFORM VIEW Drew a blank last season but generally acquitted himself well and shaped as though his turn could be near when keeping on into fourth in a Ripon handicap (1m, heavy) recently.

2 HODLER (GER) (22) 3122-00 D

Br B g Sea The Moon (GER) - Herzprinzessin (GER)

O Taylor & O’Dwyer

4 9-9 (12)

Jim Boyle, Epsom T

B Gestut Gorlsdorf Jim Boyle Racing S

TIMEFORM VIEW Progressiveform as a 3-y-o,winning3 times over7f and runner-up on final 2 starts of that campaign at Epsom and Newmarket. Shouldn’t be judged too harshly on what he’s shown so far this season.

3 ROMAN DRAGON (GB) (221) 316400- C

Br B g Heeraat (IRE) - Trixie Malone

O Nick Hughes & Owen Promotions Ltd

TFRHHIII BHA84 Ryan Sexton (3)

4 9-9 (14)

Hugo Palmer, Malpas T

B Owen Promotions Ltd NAF S

TIMEFORM VIEW All 3 career wins have been registered over 6f at this course, the latest off this mark last July. Pretty versatile ground-wise, stays this trip and goes well fresh but, on the downside, he’s drawn widest of all.

4 GORAK (FR) (26) 225102 D BF

4 9-7 (3)

Br B g Goken (FR) - Ponte Bawi (IRE) Charlie Fellowes, Newmarket T

O First Tuesday Syndicate

B Guy Pariente Holding Spral Fitzdares S

TIMEFORM VIEW Second twice on the AW earlier this year prior to resuming winning ways at Doncaster (7f, heavy) last month. Excuses next time but latest odds-on reverse at Leicester isn’t so easy to forgive.

5 ROUNDHAY PARK (GB) (14) 0130-01 CD 8 9-7 (10)

Br Ch g Mayson - Brave Mave

O Exors of the Late Mr J. D. Gordon

Nigel Tinkler, Malton T

B Mr James Munroe Alexanders York S

TIMEFORM VIEW ReturnedtoformatPontefractinOctoberandleftlow-keyreappearancewellbehindwhenaddingtohistallyat Catterick (6f, soft) a fortnight ago. 7lb rise for latest success may be enough to anchor him.

TFRHHHII BHA84

Oisin Murphy

TFRHHIII BHA82

Callum Shepherd

TFRHHHII BHA82

Faye McManoman

6 OSO RAPIDO (IRE) (10) 04200-5 D 6 9-6 (5)

Br B g Kodiac - Burke’s Rock Roger Fell, Nawton T

O Woodhurst Construction & G Chrysanthou

B George Kent Or8Wellness, Woodhurst Construction Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Up-and-down last season, his sole success gained off this mark at Catterick (6f, good to firm) in July. Ought to strip fitter following recent reappearance spin over 5.5f at Wetherby.

TFRHHIII BHA81 (-2) Jason Hart

7 MAYSONG (GB) (11) 5-34313 D 6 9-6 (13)

Br Ch g Mayson - Aldeburgh Music (IRE)

O The Gary Allsopp Partnership

B Tareq Al Mazeedi

Alice Haynes, Newmarket T

TIMEFORM VIEW Better than ever when resuming winning ways at Redcar (1m, heavy) last month. Not disgraced when third off this mark in a higher-grade Leicester handicap last time.

TFRHHIII BHA81 Shariq Mohd (7)

8 PAWSFORTHOUGHT(IRE) (197) 434052- CD 5 9-6 (6)

Br B g Requinto (IRE) - Kitty Softpaws (IRE) Donald McCain, Cholmondeley T

O Mrs Carol Shaw

B Ballyphilip Stud Proactive Personnel Limited S

TIMEFORM VIEW Made a winning reappearance here in 2021 and nearly repeated the dose on return last season when nailed on the line in this corresponding race. Resumes on a 3lb lower mark.

TFRHHHHH BHA81

9 BROKEN SPEAR (GB) (11) 20-0002 CD 7 9-5 (1)

Br B g Pastoral Pursuits - My Pretty Girl Tony Coyle, Norton T

O Morecool Racing

B Heather Raw

TIMEFORM VIEW Winless last year but made a timely return to form when narrowly outpointed by an in-form rival at Leicester (6f, heavy) recently. Landed this off 5lb higher in 2021 and should go well if breaking on terms.

TFRHHHHI BHA80 Tom Eaves

10

ROUDEMENTAL (IRE) (39) 330-230

4 9-5 (7)

Br B g Footstepsinthesand - Nonetheless (IRE) Hugo Palmer, Malpas T

O Roudee Racing Roudemental

B Mr James Ross Ancell

TIMEFORM VIEW Largely creditable efforts on the AW during the winter and solid third at Newcastle (1m) in March. Good run of form came to a halt returned to turf at Doncaster last time and could do with the ground drying ou.

11

MELLYS FLYER (GB) (6) 553515 D BF

Br B g Dandy Man (IRE) - Azhar

O Investasurge Consulting Ltd

TFRHHIII BHA80 Richard Kingscote

5 9-4 (2)

George Scott, Newmarket T

B Mr S. Chappell Investasurge Consulting Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Got his head back in front at Wolverhampton (6f) on penultimate start but too free when only fifth of 7 off this 4lb higher mark at Lingfield (AW) last week.

12 SAN ISIDRO (IRE) (62) 0/000-00

Br Ch g Power - Olanthia (IRE)

O Owners Group 102

5 9-4 (9)

James Ferguson, Newmarket T

B Sarl Darpat France Owners Group, James Ferguson Racing S

TIMEFORM VIEW Multiple winner in France but he has barely beaten a rival home in 5 starts on this side of the Channel.

13 DEVASBOY (GB) (7) 05-0020 C D

Br Gr g Ectot - Belliflore (FR)

O Deva Racing (DB)

B New England, Myriad & Watership Down

4 9-1 (4)

Ian Williams, Alvechurch T

Deva Racing Group S

TIMEFORM VIEW Won twice last year and not far off that level when runner-up at Windsor (1m, heavy) on penultimate start. However, nearer last than first at Ascot subsequently.

Paul Mulrennan

TFRHHIII BHA79 (-1) Andrea Atzeni

TFRHIIII BHA79

Hector Crouch

TFRHIIII BHA76 (-1) Ben Curtis

Br Gr g Dark Angel (IRE) - Cut No Ice (IRE) Hugo Palmer, Malpas T

O Owen Rothwell Studholme

B Yeomanstown Stud NAF S

TIMEFORM VIEW Belatedly opened his account off this mark at Lingfield (1m, AW) in September. However, below par on recent reappearance at Chelmsford, plus his record on turf stands at 0-10.

TFRHHIII BHA76 Rossa Ryan

DECLARED RUNNERS 14 2022: FFION 5 9 7 William Buick 5-2 (David Loughnane) 11 ran Hood worn by No. 11, 12. Visor worn by No. 14. Tongue Strap worn by No. 10.

Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 4, 7, 8, 9.

Stewards Note:

OSO RAPIDO: Following its run on 30/4/2023 it was reported that the horse suffered interference in running. SAN ISIDRO: Following its run on 9/3/2023 it was reported that the horse ran too freely.

HE’S A GENTLEMAN: Following its run on 27/4/2023 it was reported that the horse was denied a clear run late-on.

Probable S.P.’s: 11-2 Paws For Thought (IRE), 6-1 Broken Spear (GB), 15-2 Another Batt (IRE), 9-1 Roundhay Park (GB), 11-1 Roman Dragon (GB), 12-1 Gorak (FR), 14-1 Maysong (GB), Mellys Flyer (GB), 16-1 Roudemental (IRE), 18-1 Hodler (GER), 20-1 He’s A Gentleman (IRE), 22-1 Oso Rapido (IRE), 40-1 Devasboy (GB), 66-1 San Isidro (IRE)

PAWS FOR THOUGHT makes plenty of appeal off a mark 3lb lower than when caught in the shadow of the post in this race 12 months ago. The 5-y-o signed off last season with a creditable effort in first-time cheekpieces (retained) at Catterick, he goes well fresh/at this course (has won twice here) and, all in all, has plenty going for him. Broken Spear won this in 2021 and looks primed for another bold show having returned to form at Leicester recently, while Another Batt is also shortlisted.

WIN €10,000 BUY IRISH

The IRE Incentive Scheme awards €10,000 bonuses to owners of Irish-breds. To spend on Irishbreds at Irish sales.

Over €2.5m already awarded

Over 200 races in 2023

Over €10m in sales generated

www.itm.ie/IRE_Incentive

Flat & National Hunt supported

RACECOURSE REGULATION & NOTICES

ALL BADGES, CAR PARK LABELS AND HOSPITALITY PACKAGES ARE SOLD SUBJECT TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS:FORCE MAJEURE

1. The Company shall not be liable to the Racegoer for any failure or omission or breach caused by an event or events beyond the control of the Company such as but not limited to war, civil disturbance, order of a Government Ministry or Department or Public Authority, fire, flood, natural catastrophe, royal demise, labour dispute, lock-out, withdrawal of labour or breakdown or interruption of services or transport (public or otherwise) or death or illness of a key person.

1.1 Upon the happening of such an event the obligations of the Company and any period of time then running shall be suspended for the period of the event plus such time as may be required to resume normality

1.2 Such an event shall not entitle the Racegoer to take any steps against the Company for breach or to terminate the agreement or otherwise.

PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF RACE MEETING

2. Where badges, car park labels or hospitality packages are sold for a specified area of the Racecourse, the Company will use its best endeavours to ensure the specified area is available for use at the specified time.

If however the specified area cannot be used for reasons not within the control of the Company then the Company shall be entitled to offer a reasonable alternative. If no alternative is offered by the Company the customer will be entitled to a full refund of monies received by the Company

3. Refunds, other than those covered by clause 2 immediately above, will not be considered. Cancellation of badges/tickets or hospitality bookings cannot be considered once a booking has been processed.

3.1 The Chester Race Company Ltd Database is owned and used solely by the Chester Race Company Group, which comprises Chester Racecourse, Bangor on Dee Racecourse and Express by Holiday Inn at Chester Racecourse, with reference to the Data Protection Act 1998 (amended 2000).

3.2 The Company cannot guarantee the validity of badges/tickets purchased anywhere other than Chester Racecourse.

ONCE THE RACE MEETING HAS COMMENCED

4. Entry into, and the right to remain within the Racecourse property is subject to the requirement to submit to a search or a number of searches of Racegoers, their baggage or vehicles in which they travel.

5. The climbing of fences, stands and any other buildings is forbidden. Trespassing on the racetrack, except at designated crossing points, is disallowed at all times.

6. Any person failing to comply with instructions from a steward or police officer may be ejected from the Racecourse.

7. Customers in the County Stand are required to observe a strict dress code. Gentlemen are required to wear a suit jacket, collar and tie. Ladies are required to wear smart dress. No jeans or tracksuits are allowed. These standards of dress also apply to patrons in all hospitality and restaurant facilities.

8. Please observe the designated no drinking areas. Food and alcoholic beverages cannot be brought into any Racecourse enclosure except the Open Course.

9. Gambling and the consumption of alcoholic beverages by Racegoers under the age of 18 are strictly prohibited.

10. All unauthorised photography and any flash photography is strictly prohibited. Racedays at Chester are attended by the media and given coverage on TV, radio, online and in print. From time-to-time, we also capture images and moving video of racegoers attending a day at Chester Racecourse. Footage and videos can often be used on social media or in promotional materials the racecourse produces. By entering the racecourse, attendees are accepting they may appear in such coverage. Each Attendee will give any additional consents or waivers required for the unrestricted lawful use of any coverage (if any) without request for payment or imposing any other conditions.

11. Flags, banners and other articles and any behaviour such as drunkenness, abusive conduct, singing or shouting which may constitute an annoyance to spectators or distract or frighten the horses are prohibited.

12. No dogs are allowed anywhere on the Racecourse (with the exception of aid dogs) and must not be left in vehicles.

13 Transfers between enclosures may be possible on the day, subject to availability

14 Parking or setting down on the side is prohibited other than at official car parks.

15. Lost or stolen badges will not be replaced.

16 Hospitality badges are sold on the understanding that no money in respect of the unused badges will be reimbursed.

17 In the event of abandonment at any time on the day of racing, there will be no refund in respect of Box, Room or Chalet hire charges.

18 In the event of abandonment before Racing, or up to the ‘Weighed-In’ of the first race there will be a refund of badge/ticket and parking costs. In the event of an abandonment after the ‘Weighed-In’ of the first race up to the ‘Weighed-In’ of the third race or nominated feature race whichever is later there will be a

50% refund of badge/ticket and car parking costs. In the event of abandonment thereafter there will be no refunds. No cash returns to be paid on the day All refunds to be administered after the meeting by post. Where the customer is entitled (pursuant to this clause 19) to any refund, in order to qualify for such refund the customer must follow the procedure listed below (i) Make a note of the reference numbers of all badge/ticket and car park labels. (ii) Send the badges/tickets and/or labels along with a covering letter stating the full name and address of the sender and if different from that of the sender, the full name and address of the purchaser of the badges/tickets or labels to: Chester Race Company Limited, The Racecourse, Chester CH1 2LY. To be valid, requests for refunds must be received in writing within one month of the abandoned Raceday The Company shall have no responsibility or liability of any nature in respect of any refund request received after that time.

19 All persons visiting the Racecourse are admitted to these Regulations and to the Rules of Racing. The Company reserves the right to refuse xadmission to/or to remove from the Racecourse, in its absolute discretion and without giving any reasons, any person failing to comply with such Rules and Regulations or whose presence is, in its absolute discretion, a source of danger or annoyance and shall have no obligation to give any reason therefore.

20 The Company shall in no circumstances be liable for any loss, damage, cost or expense or any consequential or indirect loss or damage of any kind.

21. Lost children and lost luggage enquiries should be made to the police.

22. It is a condition of entry that only individuals possessing a valid betting badge and occupying an authorised pitch are entitled to lay bets. Anyone contravening this condition will be evicted.

IMPORTANT INFOMATION

HORSE WELFARE

At all of our race meetings there are three equine veterinary surgeons on duty. They are equipped and positioned to give immediate care should it be required. This may involve screens being erected around a horse which provides privacy for a vet to make an assessment.

BETTING RING MANAGER

The Betting Ring Manager is located in the Tattersalls Enclosure. He will be available in each enclosure to assist in any betting dispute.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Weights, Pedigrees, Trainers’ Names, Descriptions, Performances and Values of races included within this racecard have been added for the convenience of the Public, but are not guaranteed as correct.

DRESS CODE

The Racecourse requires that gentleman wear suit jackets and trousers (not jeans or tracksuits) with a collared shirt (not a t-shirt) and tie in the County Stand on all raceday Trainers are not permitted. Ladies should not wear jeans or tracksuits. These standard of dress also apply for patron in all hospitality and restaurant areas.

LOST CHILDREN

Lost children enquiries should be made at the Box Office in reception.

ENHANCED DISABLED VIEWING AREAS

Enhanced Disabled viewing areas are provided in the following areas:

Parade ring, Dee Enclosure, Paddock, County Stand, Tattersalls. A disabled reception kiosk is positioned in the Holiday Inn Express car park and is there to give help, advice and assistance to disabled racegoers and their carers. All enclosures have disabled toilets.

NO SMOKING AREAS

Chester Racecourse is a No Smoking area. You will still be permitted to smoke in all outside areas, including balconies. Smoking is now prohibited in any enclosed area, bar or restaurant, seats within the County Stand, the terraced steps within the Tattersalls Enclosure and the Subway Ashtrays have been provided all over the course and we ask that you make use of them to keep Chester Racecourse a clean and tidy area.

DOGS

No dogs are allowed anywhere on the racecourse (except aid dogs).

OFFICIAL RACING PHOTOGRAPHER

Our thanks to on-course photographer, Alan Wright, for providing racing photography featured in the racecard. If you would like to ‘capture’ your horse in action or arrange a visit to your trainer’s stable for a portrait photograph, please contact Alan at:

www.officialphotographersuk.com or call 01695 724 504

BAR CLOSING TIMES

Dee & Open Course enclosures

All on the last race County, Tattersalls and Paddock

Half an hour after the last race.

TODAY’S OFFICIALS & RACE CONDITIONS

WEDNESDAY 10TH MAY 2023

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

IAN O’DOHERTY (Chair)

LOUISE STEWART (Chief Executive Officer)

JONATHON TURNER

JOËLLE WARREN MBE

CHARLES BARNETT CVO

MARCO GARAVELLO (Finance Director)

LISA HANCOCK

STEWARDS

GREG PEARSON (Chief Steward)

PETER HEATON (Stewards’ Panel Chair)

DANIEL ANDREWS

SOPHIE CANDY

NATHAN GREEN

LOUISE MOORE

STARTERS

STUART TURNER

SEAMUS O’NEILL

JUDGE

NICK BOSTOCK

CLERKS OF THE SCALES

MICHAEL ROBERTS

VETERINARY OFFICERS

BETHAN COOK

JOHN BURGESS

NURSES

GILL WHITTAKER

CLAIRE DICKINSON

VETERINARY SURGEONS

KATE SUMNER

GRAHAM POTTS

JOHN SPENCER

STUART PEARSON

MEDICAL OFFICERS

Dr JOHN EDWARDS (SENIOR)

Dr JOHN MURRAY

Dr IAN ROBERTS

Dr MICHAEL UNWIN

EQUINE WELFARE & INTEGRITY OFFICERS

MELANIE SWARBRICK, JEREMY WILLIS, JANE SOUTHAM, LISA COOK, MEL BAKER

BETTING RING MANAGERS

NEIL PATEMAN, DARREN IRVING, MIKE OXLEY

COMMENTATOR

STEWART MACHIN

HANDICAPPER

STEWART COPELAND

CLERK OF THE COURSE

ANDREW TULLOCH

FARRIERS

JIM BLURTON

HORSE AMBULANCE

NICK JONES

SAFEGUARDING OFFICER

MARK WILCOCKSON

irst Race 1.30 - THE CAA STELLAR LILY AGNES CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £15288 to the winning horse The second to receive £7167, the third £3588, the fourth £1791, the fifth £897, the sixth £444, the seventh £225 and the eighth £111. for two yrs old only. Enter by noon, May 4th and pay £150 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. May 8th. Weights: Colts and geldings 9st 4lb; fillies 8st 13lb Penalties, for each Class 3 race won 3lb For each Class 2 race won 5lb For each Class 1 race won 7lb (Penalties cumulative and maximum penalty 9lb). CAA Stellar have kindly sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition, they will award a cash prize of £100 to the stable employee in charge of the horse judged to be the best turned out in the race. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of CAA Stellar. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. 25 entries at £150. - Closed May 4th, 2023. Owners Prize Money. Winner £12048; Second £6024; Third £3012; Fourth £1506; Fifth £753; Sixth £375; Seventh £189; Eighth £93. (Penalty Value £15288) A SS

SEE PAGE 26 FOR THIS RACE.

Second Race 2.05 - THE tote £100K GUARANTEED PLACEPOT EVERY DAY HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 3) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £15288 to the winning horse The second to receive £7167, the third £3588, the fourth £1791, the fifth £897, the sixth £444, the seventh £225 and the eighth £111. for three yrs old only, Rated 76-95 (also open to such horses rated 96 and 97; such horses rated 75 and below are also eligible - see Standard Conditions). £150 stake if the horse is rated 76 or higher, or £30 stake if the horse is rated 75 or lower with £120 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. May 8th. Lowest weight 8st 4lb; Highest weight 9st 9lb Penalties, after April 29th, 2023, for each race won 6lb. TOTE have kindly sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition, they will award a cash prize of £100 to the stable employee in charge of the horse judged to be the best turned out in the race. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of Tote. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. 19 entries, 1 at £30 and 18 at £150. - Closed May 4th, 2023. Owners Prize Money. Winner £12048; Second £6024; Third £3012; Fourth £1506; Fifth £753; Sixth £375; Seventh £189; Eighth £93. (Penalty Value £15288) Weights raised 2lb and paragraphs 27 to 31 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable. 1 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10. SS

SEE PAGE 30 FOR THIS RACE.

Third Race 2.40 - THE WEATHERBYS DIGITAL SOLUTIONS CHESHIRE OAKS (CLASS 1) (for the Robert Sangster Memorial Cup) (Listed Race) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £56020 to the winning horse The second to receive £21330, the third £10680, the fourth £5330, the fifth £2670, the sixth £1340, the seventh £670 and the eighth £330. for three yrs old fillies only. Enter by noon, May 4th and pay £500 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. May 8th. Weights: 9st 2lb each Penalties, after August 31st, 2022, a winner of a Listed race 3lb Of a Pattern race 5lb. Weatherbys have kindly sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition, they will award a cash prize of £100 to the stable employee in charge of the horse judged to be the best turned out in the race. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of Weatherbys. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. 16 entries at £500. - Closed May 4th, 2023. Owners Prize Money. Winner £44000; Second £18140; Third £9070; Fourth £4540; Fifth £2270; Sixth £1130; Seventh £570; Eighth £280. (Penalty Value £56020) A SS

SEE PAGE 42 FOR THIS RACE.

Fourth Race 3.15 - THE BOODLES CHESTER VASE STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 3) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code £67224 to the winning horse The second to receive £25596, the third £12816, the fourth £6396 and the fifth £3204 for three yrs old colts and geldings only. Enter by noon, May 4th and pay £1200 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. May 8th. Weights: 9st 2lb each Penalties, after August 31st, 2022, a winner of a Group 1 or Group 2 race 4lb. BOODLES have kindly sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey, as well as a cash prize of £200 to stable employee in charge of the winning horse. In addition, they will award a cash prize of £200 to the stable employee in charge of the horse judged to be the best turned out in the race. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of Boodles. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. 12 entries at £1200. - Closed May 4th, 2023. Owners Prize Money. Winner £52800; Second £21768; Third £10884; Fourth £5448; Fifth £2724. (Penalty Value £67224) A SS SEE PAGE 56 FOR THIS RACE.

Fifth Race 3.45 - THE CAMDEN PALE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 3) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £12740 to the winning horse The second to receive £5972, the third £2990, the fourth £1492, the fifth £747, the sixth £370, the seventh £187 and the eighth £92. for three yrs old only, Rated 71-90 (also open to such horses rated 91 and 92; such horses rated 70 and below are also eligible - see Standard Conditions). £125 stake if the horse is rated 71 or higher, or £25 stake if the horse is rated 70 or lower with £100 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. May 8th. Lowest weight 8st 4lb; Highest weight 9st 9lb Penalties, after April 29th, 2023, for each race won 6lb. Budweiser Brewing Group will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition, they will award a cash prize of £100 to the stable employee in charge of the horse judged to be the best turned out in the race. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of Chester. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. 23 entries at £125. - Closed May 4th, 2023. Owners Prize Money. Winner £10040; Second £5020; Third £2510; Fourth £1255; Fifth £628; Sixth £313; Seventh £158; Eighth £78. (Penalty Value £12740) Weights raised 1lb and paragraphs 27 to 31 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable. SS SEE PAGE 62 FOR THIS RACE.

Sixth Race 4.20 - THE DEEPBRIDGE SYNDICATE MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 3) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £10192 to the winning horse The second to receive £4778, the third £2392, the fourth £1194, the fifth £598, the sixth £296, the seventh £150 and the eighth £74. for maiden three yrs old. Enter by noon, May 4th and pay £100 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. May 8th. Weights: Colts and geldings 9st 7lb; fillies 9st 2lb. Deepbridge Capital will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition, they will award a cash prize of £100 to the stable employee in charge of the horse judged to be the best turned out in the race. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of Deepbridge. The sponsorship payment of £250 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. 16 entries at £100. - Closed May 4th, 2023. Owners Prize Money. Winner £8032; Second £4016; Third £2008; Fourth £1004; Fifth £502; Sixth £250; Seventh £126; Eighth £62. (Penalty Value £10192) SS

SEE PAGE 68 FOR THIS RACE.

Seventh Race 4.55 - THE EVERYONE’S TURF HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £10192 to the winning horse The second to receive £4778, the third £2392, the fourth £1194, the fifth £598, the sixth £296, the seventh £150 and the eighth £74. for four yrs old and upwards, Rated 66-85 (also open to such horses rated 86 and 87; such horses rated 65 and below are also eligible - see Standard Conditions). £100 stake if the horse is rated 66 or higher, or £20 stake if the horse is rated 65 or lower with £80 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. May 8th. Lowest weight 8st 4lb; Highest weight 9st 9lb Penalties, after April 29th, 2023, for each race won 4yo to 6yo 5lb; 7yo and up 4lb. Chester Racecourse will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition, they will award a cash prize of £100 to the stable employee in charge of the horse judged to be the best turned out in the race. 20 entries at £100. - Closed May 4th, 2023 Owners Prize Money Winner £8032; Second £4016; Third £2008; Fourth £1004; Fifth £502; Sixth £250; Seventh £126; Eighth £62. (Penalty Value £10192) Weights raised 1lb and paragraphs 27 to 31 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable. 11 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10. SS

SEE PAGE 74 FOR THIS RACE.

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