An EBF Maiden Stakes for colts & fillies over 5f 16y on soft ground.Thirteen entrants have been declared but if the first day is anything to go by there could be umpteen non runners, especially from those with high draws. With the rain continuing to fall it could pay to tread careful.
Charlie Hills' *Lucky Beggar would make much appeal if he wasn't given the ''unlucky'' short straw - draw thirteen. This son of Verglas is a good-looking two-year-old with strength and a touch of quality. To be fair, he looks a great purchase at 22,000euros. He ran a fine race on debut when plunged in at Stakes class. This grey was a touch keen in the early stages, but ran with promise, although a long way behind Bailey's Jubilee who fairly stormed clear of the four runners. Reading Hills' website, he seems to hold this youngster in some regard and likely to progress with racing. It will be interesting to see whether he is withdrawn or connections play a waiting game in hope a few of the opposition crack first. The wide draw is a stumbling block and must be viewed as a negative. It isn't impossible he could go well but a few of the opposition need to drop out to bring further hope. I would pay particular attention to non runners because Lucky Beggar could be a live bet if half the field decide to stay at home.
Tom Dascombe has been bulk-buying entries at Chester and has five for this event. Capo Rosso, Tomway & Trinityelitedotcom were also entered to run in the Lily Agnes at the first entry stage.
*Capo Rosso is a fair-looking colt who showed good pace at Musselburgh before tiring in the final furlong. It's possible he could improve for that initial performance, although a wide draw doesn't appeal. If backed, it would be a plus.
The stable's two debutantes make more appeal. With regard to jockey bookings Trinityelitedotcom looks to be first string. This son of Elusive City was a recent breeze-up purchase from Goffs costing £30,000. Drawn in stall one may be a blessing or a curse if starting slowly. The betting is the best guide. If priced 7/1 & less he could go well. However, this is a tough course to win on debut. I would have to take a watching brief.
The other stable debutante Tomway is a son of Sakhee's Secret and breeze-up purchase at £15,000. Once again a wide draw is a negative. In addition, the stable field once-raced Fat Gary and the more experienced Majestic Jess. Both need to improve and if unfancied in the betting, best watched.
From a selection of form horses, Jo Hughes' Annaley My Darling will have her supporters after the stable took the Lily Agnes in style with All Fur Coat. This daughter of Shamardal cost 15,500euros and was substantially backed on debut. Supporters must have been counting their winnings, only to see Madam Mojito catch her on the line. In truth that was a restricted race and beyond the front two it was a moderate affair. In many ways this bay filly needs to improve but it gives encouragement that the winner is held in some regard. She is a nippy juvenile who could make a bold show from a fair draw.
Lexi The Princess is another filly worth noting. Dr Marwan Koukash likes to field a strong team at Chester and this daughter of Holy Roman Emperor could quite easily be a talent. A good-looking filly, who cost 28,000gns as a yearling, she looked well in her coat and fancied to run a big race at Wolverhampton. The winner, Coconut Kisses, is a speedy filly but the second and above-mentioned filly showed inexperience with a terribly slow start. Lexi The Princess was so far behind at one point that it was a near miracle she was able to challenge in the closing stages. If this bay filly had started on level terms, that may well have been a winning debut. A relatively wide draw is not ideal but this youngster could be a decent prospect.
Mandy Lexi looks to be second string for the Koukash team and best watched.
Mark Johnston has a couple of talented juveniles to measure Party Royal. I always find this stable's debutantes difficult to assess as their horses either win with ease or flounder. A watching brief.
Of the others, the Jane Chapple-Hyam owned-trained Tommy's Secret was a cheap purchase. The stable can send out a winning debutante but best watched.
Conclusion: Chester is never the easiest track to judge and soft ground plus a draw bias make this a challenge. I would pay particular attention to any non runners because they could change the complexion of this race. It is best to consider those with previous experience. Lucky Beggar is a good-looking colt and could well be a talented two-year-old. A wide draw could spell disaster but if a flurry of non runners occur Charlie Hills' may follow the family tradition which has proven so lucrative at this course. Lexi The Princess is worthy of note. She is much better than her debut effort where a very slow start put pay to any hope of winning. On the face of it, finishing third was a supreme effort. If available at speculative odds, this bay filly could make a fair each way selection. Annaley My darling showed good speed on debut and from a low draw could well make a bold show but may need to improve on her initial start. Of the debutantes Trinityelitedotcome and Party Royal make most appeal but it is a difficult track to win on your racecourse bow and a watching brief.
*NR