Hans up for challenge at Chester

TIPS: Hans Holbein is on the way back to form after a disappointing defeat while odds-on in Ireland

Aidan O’Brien likes to bring his Classic hopefuls to Chester, so it may be telling he fields only HANS HOLBEIN from a clutch of entries in the MBNA Chester Vase.

He was a touch disappointing when sent off an odds-on favourite on his return at Cork last month, being comprehensively beaten by Summaya.

Hans Holbein has something to find with some of his rivals but appears to be improving and is worth a chance.

CANNOCK CHASE can build on a promising return with victory in the Betfair Huxley Stakes.

Connections have high hopes for the four-year-old this term, with Group One entries in the likes of the Prince of Wales’s Stakes and the Eclipse demonstrating the kind of level Sir Michael Stoute’s charge is expected to reach.

Cannock Chase appeared in need of the outing on his return at Sandown last month, finding himself in a less than ideal position before trying to pick up which proved too big an ask against Western Hymn and Postponed.

He was hardly disgraced in being beaten three lengths and should strip much fitter here, although the ground may not be totally ideal.

COLLABORATION can bring up a hat-trick in the IG Handicap following excellent wins at Windsor and Epsom.

He appeared to feel the benefit of a winter wind operation when winning on his reappearance at Windsor, but a 6lb penalty looked sure to apply the brakes a little when lining up in the City And Suburban Stakes at Epsom.

However, Andrew Balding’s charge made a mockery of that mark, winning by four and a half lengths and shooting up 10lb in the ratings.

He looks a thoroughly progressive type, though, and his revised perch may not be enough to hold him back.

HEADING TO FIRST hit the bar at Taunton last time but can go one place better in the Racing UK Your Racing Home From Home Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at Wincanton.

SELECTIONS:

CHESTER: 2.10 Collaboration, 2.40 CANNOCK CHASE (NAP), 3.10 Hans Holbein, 3.45 Goring, 4.20 Young John, 4.55 Northgate Lad, 5.25 Aldeburgh.

WINCANTON: 5.50 Daring Indian, 6.20 Until Forever, 6.50 Steel Summit, 7.20 All But Grey, 7.50 Proofreader, 8.20 Heading To First.

DOUBLE: Cannock Chase and Hans Holbein.ds