Wednesday’s ITV Racing Tips: Midweek Action from Chester and Newton Abbot

In the wake of the Guineas Festival at Newmarket, ITV Racing cameras head to the ‘Roodeye’, where the Group Three Chester Vase, a recognised Derby trial, is the feature race.

Summer jumping fans also get a look in, with the best race of the day from Newton Abbot, so our selections are a real ‘mixed bag’.

 

Chester

 

1:45 ICM Stellar Sports Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes

The very sharp 5-furlong course at Chester offers no hiding place for young, inexperienced horses, but Fair And Square is bred to be precocious and may be capable of opening his account after a promising debut at Windsor nine days ago. Sent off at 16/1 on that occasion, the son of Kodiac showed sign of greenness when tackled by the more experienced Spring Is Sprung in the closing stages, but finished nicely clear of the third horse. He’s not ideally drawn but, in a small field, stall six doesn’t appear insurmountable and he could go well at rewarding odds.

Selection: Fair And Square (16/1 with Paddy Power)

 

2:15 Weatherbys ePassport Cheshire Oaks

The beautifully bred Dubai Fountain has her stamina to prove over 1 mile 3½ furlongs, but so, too, do all bar one of her rivals and she has 15lb and upwards in hand, according to official ratings. She was a creditable fourth in the bet365 Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket, finishing just a neck behind recent 1,000 Guineas winner Mother Earth, when last seen in October; although more exposed than most, the daughter of Teofilo sets a high standard.

Selection: Dubai Fountain (7/2 with Paddy Power)

 

2:45 tote+ At tote.co.uk Handicap

Interestingly, just three distance winners in the field, with a preference for Ey Up It’s Maggie, who was quite highly tried after winning her maiden, over a similarly sharp 5 furlongs at Catterick, last August. That victory came on soft going, but she had run well on both previous starts on good to firm going and looks realistically treated on her handicap debut, especially with Kieran Schofield taking off 5lb.

Selection: Ey Up It’s Maggie (11/1 with Bet365)

 

3:15 Chester Vase Stakes

Aidan O’Brien has ‘farmed’ this race in recent years, so it’s no surprise to see easy Leopardstown handicap winner Sir Lamorak at the head of the market. However, Wirko took his form to a new level when winning the Listed Blue Riband Trial at Epsom last month and, in so doing, appeared to need every yard of a mile and a quarter. Exactly what that form amounts to is difficult to judge, but with an extra two and a half furlongs likely to play to his strengths, he looks to have bright prospects a breaking the Ballydoyle ‘stranglehold’.

Selection: Wirko (4/1 with Betfred)

 

3:45 tote+ Pays You More At tote.co.uk Handicap

Uncle Jumbo looked an unlucky loser when finishing fourth at Pontefract last month, having repeatedly been denied a clear run in the closing stages and, off the same handicap mark, can make amends. He is well drawn to do so and, despite top weight, doesn’t look overburdened based on the pick of his juvenile form.

Selection: Uncle Jumbo (6/1 with Bet365)

 

Newton Abbot

 

2:30 Racing Partnership TRP Handicap Chase

Eritage has recorded both wins over fences on the prevailing good going and, having won with something in hand over course and distance last month, may be capable of defying a 7lb rise in the weights. Still only a 7-year-old, he remains unexposed as a steeplechaser, especially beyond 2 miles 1 furlong and, with conditions in his favour, looks a decent bet to follow up. Regular partner Harry Cobden remains sidelined but, in his absence, Bryony Frost is an able deputy.

Selection: Eritage (10/3 with William Hill)

 

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