Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
PUNTERS CAN EXPECT GREAT TIME IN CUP
NATE THE GREAT is expected to prove suited by the unique demands of the tote+ Chester Cup Handicap (2.45).
To give Andrew Balding, successful with Montaly in 2017, his second victory in the race, Nate The Great must turn round lasttime-out Musselburgh running with Themaxwecan, Cardano and Hochfeld.
That trio filled the first three placings in a handicap over a mile and six furlongs at the start of last month, but the additional half mile here will benefit David
Probert’s mount, who had returned to winning form when beating Who Dares Wins at Wolverhampton on his previous outing.
The Group 2 Melodi Media Huxley Stakes (2.15) represents a good opportunity for ARMORY to begin his 2021 campaign in style.
Successful in Group 3 company in the Royal
Whip Stakes at the Curragh last August, the son of Galileo made the frame at the top level in his remaining four starts last season.
He enjoys a class edge, as does EL ASTRONAUTE in the Boodles Conditions Stakes (3.15). John Quinn’s popular speedster has two wins, three seconds and a third to show from six visits to Chester.
The fact he has shown his best form over 10 furlongs with give in the ground points to the chance of LUNAR JET in the Retraining Of Racehorses Handicap (3.45), while DULAS has more to offer in the opening tote+ Placepots Pay More Earl Grosvenor Handicap (1.45).
After showing green shoots when third at Southwell 24 days ago, AS YOU LIKE can take advantage of a drop in the weights in the Unibet Handicap Chase (2.00) at Market Rasen.