Quality performer to stamp his class in Ormonde

Idaho

Ormonde Stakes (3.35), Thursday

It’s nearly been a year since this five-year-old won the Hardwicke Stakes at Ascot, but the drop down to Group 3 company should give Idaho the boost he needs to return to winning ways.

View Idaho's Hardwicke Stakes victory here

Aidan O’Brien hasn’t been quite so dominant in this race, last winning it in 2012, but stands a chance of reclaiming it after Idaho proved the quality is still there when running in the Sheema Classic at Meydan in March.

This will be his first run at Chester, so you have to take it on trust he'll handle the track, but the ground appears to be to his liking and he is the standout horse in the field.

Eminent
Huxley Stakes (2.25), Friday

Martyn Meade has previously spoke of his high hopes for Eminent this year and will be hoping he gets off to the best start possible on Friday.

Eminent: can go well at Chester on FridayCredit: Alan Crowhurst

The four-year-old has recorded three wins from seven runs to date and finished a close fourth in last year’s Derby, less than two lengths behind Wings Of Eagles, Cliffs Of Moher and Cracksman.

The ground and distance look to be ideal and, with one eye on the Prince Of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot, Meade and jockey Oisin Murphy will be optimistic for a strong showing here.

Prince Of Arran
Chester Cup (3.35), Friday

It’ll be his first run since returning from Dubai, but Prince Of Arran looks an interesting outsider in the Chester Cup on Friday as he makes his debut at the course.

He won over two miles on similar ground at Meydan and didn’t disgrace himself in the Dubai Gold Cup, so could be a threat if things go his way.

His mark of 107 and the stamina-sapping 2m2½f trip may be causes for concern, but he should relish the track and Charlie Fellowes’ five-year-old is certainly worth keeping an eye on.

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