THE RACECOURSE

DESCRIPTION

A left-handed circular flat course, turning for most of the way, and finishing in a short straight which is less than two furlongs in length. The course suits the handy type of horse and a fast start is quite important in sprints. At just over a mile around this is the smallest course in Great Britain.

TOP COURSE TRAINERS

LEADING TRAINER AT CHESTER (2017-2022) WITH RUNNERS:

A BALDING (42 wins from 200 runners, 21%) runs ALSAKIB (2.20), FRANKNESS (4.40), ORANGE MARTINI (5.15).

R FAHEY (37 wins from 362 runners, 10%) runs KINTARO (2.20), KNIGHT OF HONOUR (5.45).

T DASCOMBE (35 wins from 230 runners, 15%) runs OVERLOOKED (2.55).

TOP COURSE JOCKEYS

LEADING JOCKEY AT CHESTER (2017-2022) WITH RIDES:

FRANNY NORTON (24 wins from 186 rides, 13%) rides TRICKYTRICKYTRICKY (2.20), POLITICO (2.55), PONS AELIUS (3.35), AUSTRIAN THEORY (4.05), WASDALE (4.40), PERFECT PLAY (5.15), DEMILION (5.45).

JOHN EGAN (10 wins from 83 rides, 12%) rides PAWS FOR THOUGHT (4.05), PALM LILY (4.40).

BEN CURTIS (9 wins from 53 rides, 17%) rides WATCHA MATEY (2.55), ROCK CHANT (3.35), PERCY’S LAD (4.05), RADIO GOO GOO (4.40), DRAGONBALL PRINCE (5.15), ZEALANDIA (5.45).

Weightwatcher

The horses which have dropped most in the weights from previous winning handicap marks in the last two years: 3.35 Heart Of Soul (won off 80 down 5lb to 75); Oman (won off 87 down 12lb to 75); 4.05 Austrian Theory (won off 94 down 3lb to 91).

Classy Tips

The following horses are running today in a race at least two grades lower than their previous race:

2.20 KINTARO (down 2 grades); 3.35 OMAN (down 3 grades); 3.35 PONS AELIUS (down 2);

4.40 PALM LILY (down 2 grades); 5.45 ZEALANDIA (down 2 grades).

Fancy That

A BALDING won the 2.20 race in 2019, 2021 and 2022. The stable is represented by Alsakib in the race today.

T EASTERBY won the 4.05 race in 2021 and 2022. The stable is represented by Boardman in the race today.

Stable Moves

None.

Longest Traveller

SCOTTISH DANCER (3.35) trained by K Dalgleish, Carluke, distance of 235 miles. PALM LILY (4.40) trained by R Beckett, Kimpton Down, distance of 226 miles.