Hi all,

After months of seemingly endless clouds and rain the sun came out at Chester and it looked like summer had arrived.

Sadly, the gloom returned to the racecourse after the Chester Vase as Hidden Law broke down just after the finishing line after an impressive victory. Having just produced a fine turn of foot to win the race what happened then was pure heartbreak.

It looked bad on ITV, but it must have been horrific watch for racegoers who are so close to the action at Chester.

Trainer Charlie Appleby confirmed that accident happened when his horse took a false step at the road crossing.

A freak accident but I have seen other horses' break down on such crossings at other tracks. Maybe it’s something the BHA needs to investigate.

I was going to write some words on the race, but it’s pointless now.

Chester

As was the case on Wednesday, ITV will be covering five races live from Chester and one from Huntingdon.

In today’s preview, I've delved into the five races at Chester.

1:30 – CAA Stellar Handicap (Class 2) – 5f

A dozen contenders are vying for victory in the first live ITV race. With the Timeform Pace Forecast predicting extreme pace, Democracy Dilemma's chance might be compromised if involved in a pace duel up front. Michaela's Boy, despite being on a ten long losing run, cannot be discounted. Clearpoint has shown good form on all-weather over the winter and has a handy low draw. Course and distance winner Vintage Clarets might need softer ground but could bounce back to form after a couple of below par runs this season.

2:05 – British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes (Class 2) – 6f

This juvenile contest doesn't seem like an ideal betting race at this stage in the season. However, Passing Phase, trained by Jessica Harrington, showed promise on his Curragh debut and should improve stepped up in distance.

2:40 – Halliwell Jones Handicap (Class 2) – 7 ½ f

Never So Brave, Celtic Warrior, and Witness Stand are the ones to watch in this handicap. Never So Brave, after an impressive Thirsk comeback win looks the one to beat on handicap debut. Recent Kempton Celtic Warrior must be respected from a yard who won this corresponding race in 2013 & 2016. Top weight Witness Stand sole career win came here and he can’t be totally dismissed albeit he’s vulnerable to better treated rivals.

3:05 – Boodles Raindance Dee Stakes (Listed Race) – 1m 2 ½ f

Jayarebe has a 3lb penalty to carry for his win in the Listed Fielden Stakes (1m 1f) at Newmarket last month. The third landed a Listed race on his next start so the form looks like it’s working out well. Today’s extra furlong should suit the colt and he’s got leading claims.

God’s Window made it 2 from 3 when running out an easy winner of a Nottingham novice 19 days ago. He’s open to further improvement with racing. Both career successes have come on soft/heavy ground so must prove himself on quicker ground but if he’s as effective on it must be a big player.

Bracken’s Laugh produced a useful change of gear to win at Chelmsford (1m) last month. This race has been the target since, and he looks to have a good chance if handling today’s likely quicker ground.

Capulet was a 3 ¼ length 3rd of 8 to Bracken's Laugh on his seasonal return. He wasn’t able to get to the front and looked in need of further that day. Aidan O’Brien has won six of the last seven running of the race, so you have to respect his claims.

3:40 – tote.co.uk Supporting Racing Ormonde Stakes (Group 3) – 1m 5 ½ f

With only seven contenders, Arrest, Point Lonsdale, and Deauville Legend stand out. Arrest won the Chester Vase here 12 months ago and finished runner-up in the St Leger. He needed his Newbury seasonal return but might prefer softer ground. Point Lonsdale won the Huxley Stakes here last year and could benefit from an uncontested lead.

Deauville Legend, won the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes at York and finished 4th of 22 in the Melbourne Cup as a 3-year-old. Didn’t build on his seasonal return on two subsequent starts last season. However, the blinkers go on for the first time and if they have the desired effect, he’s a big player on seasonal return.

That's the rundown for today's ITV races at Chester. I'll be having a few bets at Chester and one of them is Deauvile Legend in the feature race.

Thursday Selection:

Chester

3:40 – Deauville Legend.

Good luck with your Thursday bets.

John