Chester Cup market principal Almighwar faces acid test in 2m½f handicap

2.15 Newbury
Compton Beauchamp Estates Ltd Silver Bar Handicap | 2m½f | 4yo+ | RTV

The Silver Bar Handicap was formerly run over 2m2f and in that guise its dominant trainer was Alan King. He has run two horses in each of the last three runnings, recording a winner, two seconds and a third.

Both seconds came from Couer De Lion, who is King's sole runner this year. He is not only 6lb higher now, but the drop from 2m2f to 2m½f seems to have attracted a noticeably better standard of opposition.

The most obviously attractive runner in the field is Almighwar, who was last seen finishing a clear second to impressive Rosebery Handicap winner Al Zaraqaan at Kempton on Lincoln day. Third-placed United Front, five lengths behind Almighwar in the Rosebery, has already won since.

Plenty of the field are similarly race-fit. Hochfeld was third, albeit from an advantageous position, in a valuable race at Musselburgh two weeks ago and Cleonte won a small-field but competitive affair (Koeman fourth) at Kempton last month. Australis and Lucky Deal even chanced their arm on Good Friday, the last-named seeming to excel himself.

Another who could be worth watching is Charlie D. His use might be second-hand, as nine days ago he chased home Rare Groove at Newcastle. The winner could go off among the favourites for the Chester Cup and this is the first test of the form.
Keith Melrose, betting editor

What they say

Ben Haslam, trainer of Solo Saxophone
The handicapper hasn’t missed him and it just depends if 98 is a realistic mark to be starting him off from. He goes well fresh but could be vulnerable to less exposed types.

Roger Varian, trainer of Australis
He got badly impeded on the home turn at Lingfield last time, up to which point he was running a nice race. He’s a top of the ground horse on turf so if the going is as described he should run well as I think he’ll enjoy the layout of the track.

Richard Hills, assistant racing manager to Shadwell Estate, owners of Almighwar
He ran well when second on his return in the Rosebery at Kempton to a nice horse of ours called Al Zaraqaan. He’s bred to stay this far and shapes as if he will. He goes there with a decent shout.

Alan King, trainer of Coeur De Lion
He’s ready to start back on the Flat but he’ll come on for it. The plan would be to take him back for the Chester Cup consolation and beyond that Royal Ascot again.

Coeur De Lion: won the Ascot Stakes at the royal meeting last yearCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Roger Charlton, trainer of Imperium and Dancing Harry
Imperium was a progressive horse last year and is ready to start back although I hope the ground is not too quick. Most of ours have needed the race so he may come on for it. Dancing Harry kept hitting the crossbar last season but is in good form and should run a nice race although it looks competitive.

Tom Dascombe, trainer of Charlie D
He’s an absolute legend of a horse as he only cost £1,500 and has won us not far off £75,000. His game is two and a quarter miles around Bath on rock-hard ground so I’ll be telling Richard Kingscote to make plenty of use of him.

Silvestre de Sousa, rider of Cleonte
He won very well on the all-weather last time and goes there fit, whereas some are running for the first time this season. He’ll appreciate going back on turf and the fast ground should be fine for him.

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets