'He's good to go and we're taking a punt' - Shamlaan bidding for quick follow-up

Wednesday: 2.05 Chester
tote.co.uk Free Chester Placepot Every Day Handicap | 5f | 3yo | ITV4/Sky

Kevin Philippart de Foy will break new ground on Wednesday when the highly progressive sprinter Shamlaan becomes the trainer's first runner at Chester.

The Belgian native, based in Newmarket, started training in late 2020 and is already up to 16 winners for the year following a career-best 30 last year.

Shamlaan will be bidding to make it four wins from five since joining the stable from David O'Meara on a mark of just 71 following two wins from seven starts as a juvenile.

He has progressed through the ranks quickly, winning at Lingfield, Wolverhampton and Goodwood. That last win came on Saturday, when he overcame trouble in running to get up by a neck under Jack Mitchell, and he faces a quick turnaround, a rise in class and a 6lb penalty, but Philippart de Foy is willing to take a chance his progressive youngster can handle this latest challenge.

He said: "He was very game at Goodwood last Saturday to come through a gap. He’s up in class and has a penalty but he’s good to go again and we’re taking a punt. He’s decently drawn in stall five of seven so hopefully he can back that up."

Despite his rapid progress, Shamlaan is not likely to head the market, with impressive Sandown winner Live In The Dream, trained by Adam West, set to go off favourite in a race won by the likes of Kachy (2016) and Copper Knight (2017).

What they say

George Boughey, trainer of Hellomydarlin and Navello
Hellomydarlin doesn’t have a great draw and would need it to rain if she’s to run. Navello is a previous course-and-distance winner and we’ve had this race in mind for him for some time. He’s in super shape at home and has a decent draw in four.

Adam West, trainer of Live In The Dream
He’s in high spirits after his win at Sandown last time and has a decent draw but I just hope they haven’t put too much water on as he doesn’t want it slow and they could get a shower or two.

Tony Carroll, trainer of Resilience
It’s a tough race and he’s a big price but I expect him to run well. He could have done with a slightly kinder draw but I expect him to be in the mix.

Wednesday's race previews:

1.30 Chester: Can David O'Meara land another Lily Agnes with filly taking a well-trodden path?

2.40: 'You give it a whirl' - trainer quotes and analysis for the Cheshire Oaks

3.10 Chester: Can New London give Godolphin another Derby hope and break O'Brien monopoly?

Chester Vase analysis: 'This is when the fight between Charlie Appleby and Aidan O'Brien really begins' (£)

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday