Thursday, May 08, 2008

Express single Chester to Aintree please!

There are some trappy-looking races at Chester tomorrow. Achill Island would appear the percentage call in the Dee Stakes at 2.15, especially with the O'Brien team having been in such good form during the week. Trying to work through the remainder of the card, my attention was suddenly distracted by the first two of the evening just up the road at Aintree. By my reckoning, it would be a bit of a push to watch the 4.35 finale at Chester and then get to Aintree in time for the opener at 5.45, particularly if you're intent on using the Merseyrail option; I wonder how many will try...

Khacaturian is the form horse in the first but he's not certain to stay two and a half miles; Alan King's entry Your Amount was just touched off over that distance last time and is preferred.

Zilcash is likely to start a warm order for the Foinavon Novices' Chase at 6.15 but, for the time of year, this looks a competitive heat. On Racing Post ratings there's not much between Zilcash, Cape Greko and Chaninbar. Aintree's fast track is likely to suit Cape Greko who is the top-rated speed horse in the race; McCoy rides and at 3/1 he looks a potential play against the favourite. Many will look to dismiss Chaninbar - in his last run he came second at Sedgefield - but it would be a mistake to do so as that happened to be a Class 2 handicap chase. The return to two miles here shouldn't be an issue and the better ground is a bonus; he's 6/1 this evening. If the prices quoted are on offer tomorrow, backing both Cape Greko and Chaninbar will offer a better return than backing Zilcash, while a more expansive approach would be to take a chance on Chaninbar.

1 comment:

GeeDee said...

Achill Island wasn't up to the task, finishing five lengths third behind Tajaaweed (5/1) and Unnefer.
Your Amount (2/1) obliged but I certainly called the 6.15 wrong with Zilcash obliging at 10/11 while both Cape Greko and Chaninbar fell, CG when 10 lenghts down at the last.