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

Friday: 2.05 Chester
Deepbridge Handicap | 1m2½f | 4yo+ | ITV4/Sky

Sent off 3-1 favourite for the Lincoln at Doncaster, Mujtaba bids to get back on track in calmer waters for William Haggas and a step up in trip could prove the key.

Unbeaten in three starts as a three-year-old, including a victory at this course, the Shadwell-owned son of Dubawi dominated a handicap field at Redcar to cap 2021 but could finish only 12th at Doncaster.

Although he faded in disappointing fashion, you can easily make a case for forgiving that effort as it was the first time he had encountered a big field.

His pedigree suggests he will have no problem seeing out the extra two furlongs, and after just four starts he retains heaps of potential for a yard operating at a 32 per cent strike-rate in recent weeks.

However, it will not be plain sailing and the wide-open market tells you just how competitive this race is.

Brentford Hope was campaigned at Group level at the end of his 2021 campaign having risen through the handicap ranks, and his placed effort in an Italian Group 2 behind Skalleti is worthwhile form.

He drops back into handicaps and runs off a manageable rating based on those exploits. He is tactically versatile, which gives Jamie Spencer the luxury of picking his plan depending on the break.

This sharper test is unlikely to suit Skycutter while Baryshnikov, a dual winner at Chester, will need to up his game after a 5lb rise from the handicapper for his reappearance win. The same comments apply to Cap Francais, who has never been a model of consistency.
Race analysis by Owen Goulding

What they say

Richard Hughes, trainer of Brentford Hope
This looks a decent starting point for him and he should be fine around the bends. I just hope it doesn't dry out too much. If they get the rain they say is coming it will suit him better.

Richard Hills, assistant racing manager to Shadwell Estates, owner of Mujtaba
The ground was a bit firm for him in the Lincoln and the mile may be a bit sharp. He should enjoy this step up to a mile and a quarter and some cut in the ground. He's won around there before, which will be a help. He's drawn seven and it's Chester so he'll need a bit of luck but he's training well.

Ian Williams, trainer of Cap Francais
He won well at Newmarket last week and came out of the race well. He'll appreciate the extra furlong and a half.

Phil Kirby, trainer of Skycutter
He's a lovely horse and he's settled down a lot lately which could be down to sending him jumping. He'll need every yard of this trip but if they get the rain they say is coming on Friday we might be in business.

David Barron, joint-trainer of Baryshnikov
He's a good old boy who loves it around Chester but he doesn't go forward very often so needs a lot of luck in running. He's been in good form since winning at Pontefract and any ease in the ground won't be a problem to him.

Phil McEntee, trainer of Bakersboy
If the race was run a week ago he would have been 2lb out of the handicap rather than 9lb, but because of the new rule changes we are where we are. Nevertheless, I still expect him to run a big race.
Reporting by David Milnes

Friday's Chester previews:

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

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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