Liam Headd's Friday nap was a 9-4 winner - and he thinks you need to note this course winner with a low draw in the Chester Cup
What's the big story?
The Ladbrokes Chester Cup (3.05) is the main event across all three days of Chester's May meeting and this year's event is expected to be another closely fought race.
The Roodee showpiece has a field of 16 with the James Owen-trained East India Dock favourite as he returns from a successful hurdling campaign that saw him land two Grade 2s and finish third in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Andrew Balding, who last won this race in 2017, is double handed with second-favourite Who's Glen and course specialist Spirit Mixer.
Last year's winner Zoffee also returns for another crack at the £170,000 prize for Hugo Palmer, while Irish raider Leinster, who landed a Curragh handicap on his seasonal return, is the mount of Ryan Moore, who won this in 2022.
The George Scott-trained Caballo De Mar is also a worthy contender after posting a career-best effort at Southwell last month to bring up a five-timer.
Who wins the Chester Cup?
Hot Fuss has been a steady performer on the Flat and over jumps for Tom Dascombe, and he can land the big one.
Fourth in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham, the four-year-old has a good draw in stall three and won over two miles at Southwell in February. He has the stamina for this marathon trip and should have no issues with the quick ground.
What's the other highlight?
The Group 2 Huxley Stakes (2.35) has been won by some classy animals in recent seasons and there doesn't seem much to split all seven runners this year.
The Foxes is a warm favourite for Andrew Balding and King Power, having twice won in Group 2 company, and he began his year finishing second behind the top-class Rebel's Romance in the Amir Trophy.
Space Legend and Bolster can go close. The former was runner-up to Calandagan at Royal Ascot, while the latter ended last season with Listed success and now chases a hat-trick.
Certain Lad is the veteran of the pack. The nine-year-old won a Group 3 in France last year and finished third in the Prix d'Harcourt last month.
What's the best bet of the day?
Two Tempting came close to a career-best effort when fourth in the Spring Cup at Newbury last month and can come forward to land the 7½f handicap (1.30).
Trained by Jonathan Portman, who has had a positive start to the year with eight winners from 52 runners, the six-year-old is back down to a mark 1lb higher than when he won over course and distance at the end of August. That win over Divine Libra was on good ground, so fast conditions won't be an issue.
Nine of the last ten winners of this race have been drawn in stalls eight or lower, with three prevailing from stall one. Two Tempting has been handed that draw and can take advantage.
Friday's ITV4 Racing schedule
1.30 Chester CAA Stellar Earl Grosvenor Handicap 7½f
1.50 Ascot Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Handicap 7f
2.05 Chester Boodles Darley EBF Maiden Stakes 1m4½f
2.35 Chester Ire-Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Huxley Stakes (Group 2) 1m2½f
3.05 Chester Ladbrokes Chester Cup (Heritage Handicap) 2m2½f
3.40 Chester Precision Facades Handicap 1m2½f
Published on inChamping At The Bit
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