Chester racecourse is reputedly the oldest surviving track in England still in use. They were staging races on the ‘Roodee’ when Elizabeth I was on the throne and William Shakespeare was still a glove-maker in Stratford. Ancient city walls still partly enclose the track and you don’t have to walk far into the city centre to find the remains of a Roman amphitheatre.
Chester Cup History and Trends
Since 1975, only four favourites have won the Chester Cup which doesn’t bode well for current market leader Steve Rogers (a best 4/1).
Roger Varian’s charge shot up the ratings after winning on the all-weather at Kempton last time but needed that win to secure a run in the Chester Cup. He was far from disgraced in the Cesarewitch last October when beaten under four lengths and may still be improving. A low draw could also be an advantage but any value has gone.
Silver Concorde (9/1 with William Hill) has a touch of class but no stayer aged older than seven has won this since the turn of the century, which is also off-putting for supporters of No Heretic (14/1 in places).
Most recent winners had won over at least 2m so that’s a concern for Nakeeta, who looked progressive in the autumn but has never been beyond 1m6f and might also struggle to find cover from a wide draw, though being drawn close to the rails can often be a double-edged sword in longer races at Chester as it comes with the risk of getting trapped behind a wall of horses.
Horses rated between 93 and 99 have fared best over the last 15 years with 11 winners. Trainers better known for the National Hunt exploits do well and Donald McCain saddled hurdlers Overturn and Ile De Re to success in 2011 and 2012.
Though not looking entirely at home over hurdles, he did manage a fortunate win at Catterick in January. He was placed on five occasions on the Flat last year, including over 2m5f at Goodwood, off this sort of mark and stamina won’t be a problem. Jockey Graham Lee steered Trip To Paris to victory in the Chester Cup 12 months ago so should know all the short-cuts.
Heartbreak City (a general 16/1) finished well ahead of stablemate Quick Jack at Cork last time but that was over 1m2f and Ryan Moore’s mount, second in this race 12 months ago, should reverse the form over this much longer distance and can also reward each-way support at the general 8/1.
Chester Cup Current Best Odds
Steve Rogers (4/1), Gang Warfare (7/1), Silver Concorde and Quick Jack (8/1), Gang Warfare and No Heretic (12/1), Gabrial’s King (14/1), Heartbreak City and Le Maitre Chat (16/1), John Reel and Nakeeta (18/1), Gabrial The Hero (20/1), William Of Orange (22/1), Duke Of Clarence and Totalize (25/1), Angel Gabrial (28/1), Venue (40/1), Min Alemarat (66/1)
