Chester’s May Festival – Day 2

Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece you read my thoughts on the ITV races on day two of Chester’s May Festival.

Chester's May Festival – Day Two Preview

Day two of Chester’s May Festival features two standout races: the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes (3:05) and the Listed Dee Stakes (2:35).

The quick ground has ruled out Hamish, who was aiming for a third Ormonde win. That’s left a field of just six, headed by early favourite Illinois, as Aidan O’Brien bids for a seventh win in the race. His main threat is Absurde, a course winner for Willie Mullins, who arrives fit from recent hurdles win at Plumpton.

O’Brien has dominated the Dee Stakes, landing seven of the last ten renewals. He saddles Mount Kilimanjaro and Isambard Brunel this time. While the Dee is often dubbed a Derby Trial, the last colt to complete the double was Kris Kin back in 2003. That said, Cliffs Of Moher did run second in the Derby after winning this in 2017. The Dee rarely draws a big field, and this year is no exception with just seven lining up. It’s a race with unexposed 3-year-olds, and plenty could take a big step forward.

ITV Racing are once again covering the first five races live from Chester's May Festival plus one from Huntingdon on Thursday afternoon.

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

A competitive sprint to kick off the card. Fair Wind is classy and progressive over 5f last season. Refused to race at Goodwood last time and that has to be a concern. The big question is whether he’ll handle this sharp turning 5f from stall 10. If he does, expect a bold show. I also like Jer Batt, but he too faces a tricky draw in stall 9. Both are in good order, but the wide draws have tempered confidence.

2:05 – British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes (Class 2) – 5½f

A tricky puzzle with five of the 13 making their debut. On paper, the standout newcomer is Luminare, a well-bred Dark Angel filly for Ollie Sangster, with Ryan Moore booked. But she’s drawn widest of all in stall 13, which is far from ideal.

Among those with experience, both Frio and Bring It On shaped with promise on debut. Frio shaped particularly well after a slow start at Musselburgh and should improve – though he too has a tough draw in stall 12. He may be the safest option for Placepot players in a wide-open heat.

2:35 – Boodles Raindance Dee Stakes (Listed) – 1m 2½f

Mount Kilimanjaro should come on plenty for his reappearance and represents hails from the Aidan O’Brien yard, who’ve won this seven times in the last ten years. Ryan Moore opts for him over stablemate Isambard Brunel who has scope to do better as 3-year-old and isn’t out of it either. High Stock, an impressive debut winner at Newmarket, steps up in trip from a good draw in stall 2. He’s a big player and looks in good order ahead of this tougher test.

3:05 – Ladbrokes Ormonde Stakes (Group 3) – 1m 5½f

Illinois is a genuine Group-class colt and might do even better as a 4-year-old. He sets the standard. Few jockey's ride Chester better than Ryan Moore so Illinois will get maximum assistance in the saddle on seasonal return. Absurde is race-fit, gets 5lb, and has a sharp turn of foot. That fitness edge could be vital, and he won’t make it easy for the favourite.

3:40 – Louise Keegan Handicap (Class 2) – 7½f

El Burhan is a worthy favourite from stall 1 and looks set for a big run. That said, 2/1 is short enough. High On Hope is in form, drawn well, and gets in off a light weight and makes more appeal at the prices.

That's my look at the ITV races at Chester's May Festival completed. Now for something a little different.

Can AI Beat the Bookies?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere these days – and more punters are starting to lean on it. Even I’ve started dabbling, though I’m still firmly in the trial-and-error phase, with the emphasis very much on the latter.

Yesterday AI entered the Chester parade ring with two winner’s courtesy of Minnie Hauk and Lambourn. However, the machine went for Bob Mali in the 3yo 5f sprint whereas I went with the winner Hammer The Hammer. We both went with Boardman in the concluding handicap who was withdrawn at the start.

For a bit of fun, I asked AI to generate some best bets and a Placepot for Day Two of Chester’s May Festival. A few of the selections lined up with my own thoughts It’ll be interesting to see how the machine’s picks fare against mine.

Here’s what it came up with for a 32-line Placepot:

1:30 – Jer Batt / Dream Composer

2:05 – Frio / Luminare

2:35 – High Stock / Mount Kilimanjaro

3:05 – Illinois (Banker)

3:40 – High On Hope / El Burhan

4:15 – Box To Box / Austrian Theory

Perm: 2 x 2 x 2 x 1 x 2 x 2 = 32 lines

£0.10 stake = £3.20

£0.20 stake = £6.40

t’s just a bit of fun of course—but if the AI lands it, I might have to start listening to it more often…

Thursday Selection:

If we don’t get many non-runners, we have a competitive card of racing at Chester to look forward to with plenty of betting opportunities. Most of my initial fancies haven't fared well draw wise.

In tomorrow's column I will be looking at the best of the action on Chester Cup Day.

Good luck with your Thursday bets.

John