Chester Saturday Preview

Barristan the Bold

The first race on the card is the Boodles EBF Novice Auction Stakes, and BARRISTAN THE BOLD, who was a beaten favourite last time out at Sandown, can return to the winner’s enclosure with success on this tight track.

It’s fair to say it was a poor ride from Kingscote last time as he held up this horse for too long and his challenge came too late, but this jockey is prolific in this part of the country and can easily bounce back.

Another 100 yards at Sandown last time might have proved a change in result, but his form at Glorious Goodwood shows his true quality.

Twin Appeal

TWIN APPEAL was a good winner at a good price at Beverley last time out, and despite climbing the weights, can prove successful here again in the MBNA handicap.

Gemma Tutty retains her job of steering for Karen Tutty, and takes off 3lbs, and from a good enough draw, should be in the mix come the finish. 7 furlongs is the trip.

Fognini

FOGNINI has been a frustrating horse to back this season as he is yet to win a race following success the time before, but having said that he has been the first horse past the post on three occasions this campaign.

He takes his place in the Golden Square Shopping Centre Nursery handicap having beat favourite Napanook at Catterick last time out.

Archie Watson is having an outstanding season, and with a good draw, can strike again looking for his first back to back win.

Mukhayyam

The Peter Wilson Handicap can go the way of MUKHAYYAM whose best form has come from the Knavesmire.

He hasn’t won since June, but his now 7lbs lower than that last winning mark. Ben Robinson takes off 3lbs as Tim Easterby looks for his eighth winner in the last 14 days. Stall four is favourable, and will bid to make all.

Alkhawaneej Boy

Next up is the ESL Group Novice Stakes, and it is hard to fancy many of these due to inexperience. However, the one that catches the eye is Kevin Ryan’s ALKHAWANEEJ BOY.

He landed the spoils at Leicester last time in magnificent style, winning readily by 6 lengths. He must contend with top weight, but looks to have many of these in trouble, even before the off. Jockey Kevin Stott returns from a layoff.

Fresh Terms

Ralph Beckett has another good chance of winner in the shape of FRESH TERMS, who sadly could not land the hat-trick last time out at Chelmsford when finishing fourth.

Staying at Class 4 level, he has stall one on his side so will look to break quickly and bag the rail on this tight track. Kevin Stott could be seeking a quick-fire double.

Faithful Mount

The Chester card closes with the longest race on the day - the 1539 Handicap, and this class four handicap looks wide open for anyone’s taking.

We are proving faithful to FAITHFUL MOUNT, as he has not won since scoring at Haydock back in 2016. However, he is back on a reasonable mark, and after some runs over hurdles, he will look to return to the winner’s enclosure on the flat in this marathon.

Trainer Ian Williams is in good form at the moment too, and can take the final race.