Jumps brigade is out in force in bid to make it a Chester Cup of joy yet again

A marathon test over a unique and iconic course in the north-west, 13-2 the field in a punter-friendly contest in which every runner lining up has been targeted at one of the defining races of the spring, an event that captures the hearts and minds of the locals. Yes, it's the tote+ Chester Cup.

The Cup is to Chester what the Grand National is to Liverpool, and although there is no birch to be seen and they have to pass the stands three times on the Roodee to do the equivalent of one lap of Aintree's famous fences, the two races are something of kindred spirits.

Both are stern tests of early speed while requiring near-bottomless stamina. Getting a good early position is the only way to have any control over your own destiny. Given the whole of Chester is negotiated at a not dissimilar angle to the Canal Turn it is all but impossible to race wide and thus the gap from first to last after a quarter of a mile might just be greater in the 17-runner Flat race. From that far back you simply need things to fall right.