ILLUSTRATING SHOWS PROMISE
SEE the real picture in the feature Queensferry Stakes at Chester this afternoon and have an each-way play on the unexposed youngster ILLUSTRATING (2.55) in the six-furlong Listed event.
In what looks a really good renewal of this £51,000-added speed test, last year’s winner Judicial heads the older brigade along with former Ayr Gold Cup hero Bielsa, but I fancy the three-year-olds to dominate.
Ebro River would have solid claims from a good draw if returning to his useful juvenile form, while Wings of War has been knocking on the door.
But it is the selection who makes the most each-way appeal here following an eye-catching fifth in the Scurry Stakes, where she was given a fairly easy time by Kieran
Shoemark once her chance had disappeared.
I think a fast six furlongs will be right up her alley and she can land her third career win and her first as a three-year-old.
The class three, seven-and-ahalf furlong handicap looks a cracking betting event and I think that outsider ONEFORTHEGUTTER (3.30) can make his presence felt.
A mile plus has plainly been too far on each of his three runs this year and the handicapper has reacted, dropping him from a mark of 102 to just 94 here.
Any further rain would be no problem and he is beautifully positioned in stall two to attack down the short stretch.
Many of you will fancy the strong travelling Cold Case to land the two-year-old conditions race but he is unproven on softish ground and back up to six furlongs, WEN
MOON (4.00) is preferred.
I think we have yet to see the very best of the lightly raced SPEAK (4.30) and with the Andrew Balding yard on fire, the youngster can see off Enthused and Mythica.
Over in Ireland, it is the final day of the Galway Festival.
I think big outsider Baradar will go well at a huge price in the Ahonoora Handicap but his draw in box No.18 just put me off and instead I will be rowing in with last year’s fourth
SIRJACK THOMAS (4.10). That day the seven-year-old came from miles off the pace but is better drawn today in stall five and caught the eye last time out at the start of the week over a mile here.
JOE MESSERIA (5.10) has been given a really good chance at the weights while I shall also risk a few quid on ESPION DU CHENET (3.40) in the two-mile handicap chase. Finally, the best bet over the sticks at Market Rasen could be course and distance winner
RAILWAY MUICE (2.45) in the staying handicap chase.