Is Idaho the new Highland Reel? Key questions to help find the Ormonde winner

3.35 ChesterBoodles Diamond Ormonde Stakes (Group 3) | 1m5½f | 4yo+ | ITV4/RUK

There will never be another Highland Reel, there couldn’t be – who could match the exploits of the colt who won seven Group or Grade 1 races on three different continents?

But no horse is better qualified to take up the job of flying the flag internationally for Ballydoyle than his younger brother Idaho, who has already been clocking up the air miles.

Idaho's form figures

In Britain & Ireland: 123321U613
In the rest of the world: 4568458

He has run in five different countries since finishing third in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes – a place ahead of Highland Reel – at Ascot last July, and the prize-money he earned when fifth in the Japan Cup in November took his career earnings past £1 million.

That leaves him the small matter of £6.5m behind his big brother but, after his never-dangerous eighth at Meydan in March, he has his first run outside Group 1 company since landing the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot.

And the horse who was odds-on favourite for the St Leger, only to stumble and unseat his rider, promises to be well suited by this return to a longer trip.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien said: "We've been happy with Idaho since his run in the Sheema Classic. He's in good form and this looked an obvious race to go for."

Has the gelding op helped Muntahaa?

Muntahaa looked a colt of the highest class on his last visit to Chester, when he landed a Listed handicap over this trip off a mark of 108 in 2016.

Watch Muntahaa's win here

However, Muntahaa returns with questions to answer after losing his way last season, trailing in ninth behind Idaho in the Hardwicke, then beaten 20 lengths in the Princess of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket.

Desperate form calls for desperate measures so he was sent to be gelded and this is his first run since.

Muntahaa is one of those whose connections were hoping for rainCredit: Mark Cranham

Trainer John Gosden said: "Muntahaa is drawn on the outside but he's in good form and is a previous course winner.

"It's long been the plan to start him off in this race and he's been working nicely this spring. I don't know if he's a cup horse but this sort of trip suits him for now.”

Can Duretto better last year's effort?

Lightly-raced six-year-old Duretto was beaten just over three-quarters of a length on his reappearance in this contest last year and doesn't have a 3lb penalty to anchor him 12 months on.

Duretto: bids to go two places better than last yearCredit: Mark Cranham

He’s yet to run a bad race at Chester, having been short-headed by Muntahaa in a handicap in 2016 and going one place better in Listed company last autumn.

This has long been his comeback target and trainer Andrew Balding said: "He's got a good course record and he ran very well in this under a penalty last year. The rain helps his cause."

Will Hannon and Levey spring another surprise?

The men behind 66-1 Qipco 1,000 Guineas winner Billesdon Brook bid to do it again four days later with Danehill Kodiac.

Having won in Group 3 company at Ascot last autumn, he is not a longshot, and he had his reappearance second to Defoe at Newbury well advertised when the Roger Varian-trained winner followed up at Newmarket.

However, he has to give 3lb to his rivals and tackles this extended 1m5f trip for the first time.

Trainer Richard Hannon said: "There was no point going to Newmarket and taking Defoe on again, so he comes here instead.

"He's happy in the front or near it so Chester should suit him, and he ran well at Newbury so I hope he'll run well."

Dylan Mouth set to better reappearance record?

Fitness should not be a problem for the reappearing Dylan Mouth, who has four wins and a second to show from his previous first-time-out efforts.

He was a three-time Group 1 winner when trained in Italy and put up a smart effort when defying top weight in the Old Newton Cup at Haydock last summer.

Trainer Marco Botti said: "He's getting a bit older and he just does enough in the mornings, but he's in good form and he's ready to run.

"It's a strong field but I think he'll handle Chester and I'm pleased the ground will not be too quick or too soft. He should run a good race."

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com