Can ace claimer Harry Davies prove the difference on Revich's Roodee return?

Friday: 1.30 Chester
Icm Stellar Sports Earl Grosvenor Handicap (Class 2) | 7½f | 4yo+ (0-105) | ITV4/Sky

The significance of the draw in Flat racing is amplified at tight-turning Chester and stall one has proved the winning box in three of the last seven runnings of this Class 2 handicap.

Berthed in the inside stall this year is course-and-distance winner Revich. Trainers from far and wide have been tussling to secure the services of crack 7lb claimer Harry Davies and the apprentice gets his first ride at Chester on this six-year-old.

Davies certainly hasn't disappointed when getting the nod either. Before riding at Chelmsford last night he was 5-16 in the last fortnight, the five winners coming for five different trainers, and he is 1-1 when teaming up with Richard Spencer.

Revich loves it on the Roodee, with form figures of 153114237, the last five runs all coming off lower ratings when factoring in Davies's claim.

Red Mirage is undoubtedly interesting in the neighbouring stall. He scored in a strongly run race a shade cosily on his stable debut for Andrew Balding last time and has been hit with a potentially meagre 1lb rise.

More compelling still is the profitable strategy of backing Balding's runners blindly at Chester. The trainer is +£75.61 to a £1 stake at the track and won this last year with Grove Ferry.

There are four other last-time-out winners in the field including the David Simcock-trained Repertoire. He ran out a convincing winner at Ascot off a reduced mark in an apprentice handicap on her return and a 5lb rise is softened somewhat by Saffie Osborne's ability to claim her full 3lb this time.

Rated 95 in his peak, Repertoire retains handicapping potential, as does favourite Boardman, whose winning RPR of 100 last time was close to a career best and who has obliged over this course and distance in the past.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

Wide draw no hindrance to Boardman

The calendar is almost as useful a guide as the form book to Boardman's chances and it points to another big run from him here.

Spring seems to be his time of year and this month in particular appears to bring out the very best in him – he has won all his four runs in May, rattling up a hat-trick in the space of three weeks at this time last year.

He looks poised to make a bold bid to defend his unbeaten record in May, appearing to have something in hand when coming from behind to lead close at Haydock last month and racing off a mark just 2lb higher than when scoring over this course and distance last term.

Boardman is drawn eight of 11 but trainer Tim Easterby said: "That's not a problem, he comes from behind.

"He goes well at this time of year, he's in good form and he likes the soft."

What they say

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Fools Rush In
He has a nice draw, he should like the ground, he's won over course and distance and I'm happy with him.

Tim Palin, racing manager to Revich's owners Middleham Park Racing
This is him playing at home, he's dropped a wee bit in the weights, the ground will suit him, he has a superb draw and he's ridden by the jockey find of the season so it's just up to the horse now.

Dave Loughnane, trainer of Amber Island
She doesn't have a great draw but that didn't stop us winning here on Wednesday. She's been consistent all year – her best form for us has been on the all-weather and the ground is probably a bit softer than I'd like but we'll see how she gets on.

Bruce Raymond, racing manager to Red Mirage's owner Saeed Suhail
I'm a bit concerned because he's only ever won on the all-weather. I'd be concerned if it remained on the softer side, although he's got a good draw in stall two.

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of Seasett
He'll love the ground and I don't think he'll have a problem with the track but I'd have liked a nicer draw. He's handicapped to win in quite a competitive race.

Ian Williams, trainer of Animal Instinct
He's drawn well and the ground should suit. He'll be partnered by Franny Norton, who has a great record here.

David Simcock, trainer of Repertoire
It's the obvious thing to run him back after Ascot and he seems to have come out of that well. He's 5lb out of the handicap but he's still 5lb well in compared to Saturday. I don't know how he'll handle the track but you've got to stay there and he does.
Reporting by David Carr

Friday's Chester previews:

2.05 Chester: 'He'll enjoy the step up in trip' - Lincoln flop Mujtaba on a retrieval mission

2.40 Chester: Huxley Stakes: Stoute runner likely to be key player from the front

3.15 Chester: Chester Cup: 'He's in off a nice mark' - trainers on their big-race contenders

What role will the draw play in this year's Chester Cup? Graeme Rodway's verdict

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