Punting pointers and trainers' views for the historic contest

3.35 Chester
188Bet Chester Cup Handicap | 2m2½f | 4yo+ | ITV4/RUK

For many the best will be saved for last as the historic Chester Cup assumes a new slot on the last day of the May meeting.

First run in 1824, when called the Tradesmen's Cup, the marathon contest offers a challenge to horse and jockey – not to mention punter – like no other on the calendar.

With 17 runners hurtling more than twice round the tight bends of the mile track, riders will need to display the manoeuvrability of a London cabbie to plot a successful route to the winning post.

Chester Cup card and betting

A low draw is crucial – seven of the last ten winners have come from stall five or lower – and a consolation race has been introduced for the first time, with those missing the cut getting the opportunity to run in the £51,000 Chester Plate as the last race on the card.

Moore to the fore again?

Ryan Moore has few peers on any track and, as he showed on Magic Wand in Wednesday's Cheshire Oaks, the Roodee is no different.

Winner of the race four years ago on Suegioo, Moore has been snapped up for consistent dual-purpose performer Who Dares Wins, a close fourth in this last year.

The six-year-old's trainer Alan King said: "He's been a star for Henry [Ponsonby] and his team under both codes, and this race has been his target for some time now.

"He was beaten only a length and a half into fourth last year, despite being checked in his run inside the final furlong, but although we have Ryan Moore on our side for the first time, he's 8lb higher than 12 months ago and drawn higher in 15, so we’ll also need lady luck with us."

Can Magic pull off another trick for Koukash?

Owner Marwan Koukash usually throws plenty of darts at the race he craves victory in more than any other, but this time he pins his hopes solely on Magic Circle.

Bought out of Ralph Beckett's stable and placed with renowned target trainer Ian Williams – who provided Koukash with the first of his three Chester Cup victories via Bulwark in 2008 – Magic Circle has a good draw in six on his debut for new connections.

Marwan Koukash: targets a fourth win in the race with Magic CircleCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He ran well in the race last year from a poor draw and he's better drawn this time," said Williams. "We would appreciate any overnight rain, but he goes there in good shape with some solid form from last year.

"I wouldn't be confident, as it's the Chester Cup and you need a lot of luck, but we've got a nice ticket."

What they say

Iain Jardine, trainer of Nakeeta
He's on a career-high mark but top weight doesn't bother me. He ran an excellent race in the Melbourne Cup and rarely puts in a bad run. Things have been a bit slow with the weather and he's hanging on to his winter coat, but his work has been really good. He's not got the best draw but he's a hold-up horse and hopefully they'll go fast in front and he'll be passing a few at the end.

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of Prince Of Arran
He's come back from Dubai in great form, where he was beaten only less than six lengths by Vazirabad. He's a bit of a quirky bugger and I think he'll like the track. Conditions should be perfect and hopefully he'll be able to get across to the rail from his middle draw.

Charlie Johnston, assistant to Mark Johnston, trainer of Watersmeet and Time To Study
This has been the long-term plan for Watersmeet since he was touched off in the all-weather final. This is right at the upper end of his trip spectrum. He stays two miles on the all-weather fine, but two miles two on turf is stretching things. He was sixth last year, beaten only a couple of lengths, and has a great draw in two and we'll look to go forward from there. I'm sure he'll be bang there turning in and can last out longer than last year. Time To Study ran very well in the Sagaro last week, a career-best on the figures. He's 3lb well in, in effect. The value of the prize makes it very tempting to come back into handicaps. He has a decent draw and we expect him to go pretty close.

Declan Carroll, trainer of Saigon City
This has been the target for a long time and he's in great form. The ground is a worry, as it's a case of the softer the better for him. He also has the draw to overcome but he stays well and we'll ride him for luck.

Hughie Morrison, trainer of Fun Mac
He might have been better off having a run but he's gone well fresh before. We're happy with him and we don't think he's lost any of his ability. We would have liked a bit more rain.

Tim Easterby, trainer of My Reward
He could have a good squeak with a bit of luck. He loves it around there. If he gets the trip all right, which you can never tell, he would have a good chance. He ran well at Ripon last Saturday.

Phil Kirby, trainer of Stargazer
Everything has gone to plan and he's got a good draw – we just need some luck. He used to be keen but he relaxes so well now and I'm sure the step up in trip won't be a problem. He's got a bit of toe and if he handles the track, he should run well.

Seamus Durack, trainer of Cayirli
He's as fit as a flea and we've been happy with him since he won at Kempton last month. His optimum conditions are with a bit of cut in the ground, so we'd like it to be softer and he's got an atrocious draw. We still think he's got a bit up his sleeve if we can get some luck in running.

Anthony Honeyball, trainer of Jukebox Jive
I couldn't be happier with him and, taking the draw out of the equation, he would have a squeak. It just depends on how much petrol we burn up early on getting a position, but he's normally quite sharp out of the gates. He ran well on his only other visit to the track 12 months ago.

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