Ascot Gold Cup entry St Michel among big names on supporting cards

The Chester Cup card will occupy most headlines on Wednesday, but Chelmsford and Newton Abbot will not be playing mere supporting roles, with unusually good prize-money having attracted plenty of big names at both tracks.

Chelmsford's evening meeting offers more than £133,000, and the seven-race Tote-backed card includes a £30,000 1m6f conditions race that has attracted the Queen's five-year-old Fabricate, multiple Italian Group 1 winner Dylan Mouth and Gold Cup entry St Michel, who was one of last year's most improved stayers.

Racecourse manager Fraser Garrity said: "This is the third of this year's 12 'racecourse' fixtures – those that we didn't get from the BHA – and it's the most valuable so far.

"They are nearly all evening cards, they all have prize-money of over £100,000, and they build up to the biggest on September 2, when we are staging a six furlong handicap worth £75,000 and total prize-money will be nearly £200,000.

Ryan Moore: one of the jockeys making the journey from ChesterCredit: Edward Whitaker

"We have bigger fields than we had for the equivalent races last year, so that's progress, and it's great to see the likes of Ryan Moore and Silvestre de Sousa flying on down from Chester."

He added: "We're only two and a half years into the project and it's very exciting to see the progress we're making. "

Just over £90,000 is up for grabs at Newton Abbot in the afternoon, where good weather is promised for a card featuring a class 2 chase and four class 3 races.

Managing director Pat Masterson said: "We first ran this fixture a couple of years ago and I'm delighted with the card. We've only 80 stables so it's great to have 74 horses declared.

Henryville: quirky Silver Trophy winner set to headline the cardCredit: Harry Trump

"The groundstaff have done a great job and after 28mm of rain a few days ago we've watered to maintain good ground. The class 2 chase has only six runners, but three won last time and all six represent stables that support us all the year round.

"We do our best to cater for all - big and small - and are looking forward to an excellent day."

CHELMSFORD CHOICES

That Is The Spirit (7.25)

Former Group-class performer who looked back to near his best again when scoring off 95 over course and distance last month

St Michel (7.55)

Went from strength to strength at three, when four wins led to a 43lb ratings rise, from 69 to 112

Dylan Mouth (7.55)

Three Grade 1 wins in Italy since 2014 Derby Italiano success have taken his earnings well past £800,000

Chelmsford cards

NEWTON ABBOT ACES

Southfield Vic (2.35)

Raised only 2lb for 23-length Fontwell win and has Cheltenham Festival winner Bryony Frost taking off 7lb

Henryville (3.45)

Good winner at Cheltenham last month for Harry Fry and has earned top weight in the feature race

Capitaine (4.45)

Smart novice hurdler and expected by Paul Nicholls to make an even better chaser

Newton Abbot cards