Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece I’m looking at the action on the final day of Chester’s Boodles May Festival.

The concluding day of Chester’s Boodles May Festival sees the highlight of the season at the course, the famous Chester Cup (3:40), accompanied by its consolation race, the Chester Plate (4:15). Additionally, the card features the Group 2 Huxley Stakes (3:05), adding further prestige to a good lineup of races.

The Chester Cup with £86,632 on offer to the winner is the most valuable race run at the course and one of the major handicaps of the British flat racing season.

ITV Racing are showing five races live from Chester plus an additional race from Ascot.

A Baffling Decision

Why has ITV Racing opted to show a 3-year-old maiden race over the Chester Cup consolation race. It seems like an odd choice for ITV Racing to prioritize a 3-year-old maiden race over the competitive Chester Plate, especially considering the potential impact on betting turnover.

The Plate, with its 17-runner field, offers a more compelling and competitive spectacle for viewers and bettors alike. Surely, it’s important for broadcasters to prioritize showcasing races that generate excitement and engagement within the betting community, ultimately enhancing the overall viewing experience for fans of the sport. A baffling decision for sure.

Chester

Here’s my take on five of the Chester races.

1:30 – Earl Grosvenor Handicap (Class 2) – 7 ½ f

Revich, a four-time course winner including last year’s race, is back on his last winning mark after two low key runs this season. Dancing Magic, despite being a 12-race maiden, boasts a solid form and caught the eye with a strong performance on his seasonal return at Newbury. Percy’s Lad, third in last year’s race from a wide draw, same stall this year, shaped with promise on his seasonal return at Newmarket and should be competitive. Boardman, down the field in last year’s race, is a specialist over C&D, is expected to benefit from his recent seasonal debut and is worth considering.   While Fools Rush In may not be in top form, but’s he’s a former C&D winner and handy low draw could put him in contention for a place at long odds.

Key Stat: Boardman is 6 wins from 8 runs +22.01 in May.

2:35 – Free Bet Friday Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 2 ½ f

Botanical despite a 10lb rise in the weights remains with potential and could improve further. However, quick ground would be an unknown. Bolster, a recent winner at Pontefract, merits consideration on his second start since joining Karl Burke and is open to further progress. City Streak, a past C&D winner, enters the mix with consistent form and should be competitive. Killybegs Warrior, known for his front-running style, could pose a threat if getting an uncontested lead. Box To Box, another course specialist, cannot be overlooked with William Buick booked.

Key Stat: Box To Box is 4 wins from 6 runs +11, 5 places at Chester.

3:05 – IRE-Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Huxley Stakes (Group 2) – 1m 2 ½ f

Passenger won the Wood Ditton on racecourse Derby before finishing third in the Dante. Bounced back from a poor run in the Epsom Derby when winning a Group 3 at Windsor on his final start last season. Could improve as a 4-year-old and would be the one to beat if handling the track. Israr, a proven performer at this level, is a strong contender following his recent third-place finish at Sandown. Royal Rhyme, a listed winner last season, could improve as a 4-year-old, but may prefer softer ground. Mashhoor, a front-runner, will need ideal conditions and the first-time cheekpieces have the desired effect to win.

Key Stat: Royal Rhyme is 3 wins from 5 runs +12.20 over 1m 2f.

3:40 – Duke Of Westminster Supporting The Chester Cup (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) – 2m 2 ½ f

Aztec Empire, despite being yet to win on turf, has shown promise in staying handicaps and returns from a gelding operation. Grand Providence, a Cesarewitch Trial winner last season, looks primed for a strong performance on drying ground. The Shunter, a versatile dual-purpose performer, aims to build on last season’s Cesarewitch triumph, albeit has a challenging draw here. Forza Orta, proven over two miles, could relish the extended distance and merits consideration after last month’s seasonal return. Stablemate’s Zoffee and Solent Gateway, can make their presence felt, with the former 3lb lower than when beaten a neck in last year’s race.The Grand Visir has been a grand servant for connections. It's hard to see the 10-year-old winning but he could get into the places at big odds.

Key Stat: Grand Providence is 2 wins from 4 runs +2.62, 4 places on good or good to firm.

4:15 – Duke Of Westminster Supporting The Chester Plate Handicap (Class 2) – 2m 2 ½ f

Prince Alex, fresh off a convincing win at Newbury, looks capable of going close off just 3lb higher and has a handy low draw. Law of The Sea, a consistent performer, seeks redemption after a disappointing end to last season and has claims if reproducing his 1 ¾ length 4th of 16 in last season’s Chester Cup. With a clearer run inside the final furlong might well have won that day. Baez, a four-time winner last season including here (2m), had a prep run over an inadequate 1m 4f at Musselburgh 19 days ago and should be spot on here. Worth considering despite stall 14. Hamsiyann, twice a winner on the flat when trained in France. He’s run well on last two starts over hurdles for Tony Martin and looks interesting stepped up significantly trip with Osin Murphy booked.

Key Stat: Baez is 3 wins from 10 runs +3.25, 7 placed on good or good to firm going.

It was firming up at Chester on Thursday so followers of Grand Providence and Baez will be hoping the Chester Clerk of the Course doesn’t overfill the watering can on Thursday night.

Friday Selection:

If Passenger handles the Chester twists and turns, can win the Huxley Stakes and he’s today’s selection. However, my main bets will be in the handicaps, and you can get them here.

Chester

3:05 – Passenger – 5/2.

Good luck with your Friday bets.

John