St Leger second Illinois bids to land race record for Aidan O'Brien with a Willie Mullins-trained raider lurking in the field

It’s impossible to escape the notion that Illinois was a bit of a nearly horse in his Classic campaign last season. He was second in the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp, the Great Voltigeur at York and the St Leger at Doncaster, and lost by a neck in the last two of them.

However, he has still won twice in the last year and both victories came at Group 2 level, so he is definitely capable of winning this Group 3, but can he defy a penalty for his higher-grade wins? He has to give weight all round and 5lb to his market rival Absurde.

It won’t be easy, but the difference in class between the two is clear. Illinois has competed in two Group 1s and three Group 2s on his last five runs, whereas Absurde has mixed handicap hurdles with Flat racing and his latest win came in the Sussex Champion Hurdle at Plumpton.

Who would bet against Willie Mullins, though? He became British and Irish champion jumps trainer for the second season in a row this year and is effective on the Flat, although his six runners at Chester since 2010 have finished only 424312, for a loss of £2.50 to a £1 stake.

The winner was none other than Absurde himself as he landed the Listed Chester Stakes last season, so he acts around the tight turns of the Roodee. That question still hangs over Illinois.

Al Qareem was also a course winner in Listed company last season and, being 2-2 here, is another who will love the track. But class could out on this occasion and Illinois's ability may get him through.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

O'Brien bids for outright Ormonde history

Aidan O'Brien bids to become the outright most successful trainer in the history of the Ormonde Stakes when saddling Illinois.

O'Brien has trained six winners of the Group 3 along with the now-retired Sir Michael Stoute.

The Ballydoyle trainer was successful last year with Point Lonsdale, who arrived with race-fitness on his side, unlike Illinois.

Illinois landed the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot at three and was beaten only a neck by his prolific stablemate Jan Brueghel in a thrilling finish to the St Leger at Doncaster last September. He ended last season with a Group 2 success at Longchamp.

Point Lonsdale: won the Ormonde for Aidan O'Brien last yearCredit: Edward Whitaker

O’Brien, whose other Ormonde winners include the subsequent three-time Coronation Cup winner St Nicholas Abbey, said: “We're happy with everything Illinois is doing and we think he’s come forward from last year, when he never ran a bad race and was second to some very good horses before winning on his last start at Longchamp.

“He’s progressing all the time and we're looking forward to him this year. He’s hopefully one for the Gold Cup, or possibly the Coronation Cup.”

What they say 

Karl Burke, trainer of Al Qareem
He's in great form. He prefers softer ground, but he's a winner round Chester and likes the track. It's a tough race but it's probably the perfect trip for him. If there's any juice in the ground that will be to his advantage. He's got Illinois to beat but he should run a big race.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Absurde
He's been in good form at home recently. He won a Listed race here last August so we know he likes the track and he has every chance of landing this nice prize.

Gary Moore, joint-trainer of Mondo Man
He'd have a good chance on his old Flat form but whether he’s improved for going hurdling I don’t know. It’s a tough race but he’s a handy horse who I expect to be suited by the track.

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Roaring Legend
It’s competitive as you’d expect but we hope we can finish in the first three and therefore qualify for the Melbourne Cup. He’s in good order. He was disappointing at Newcastle but hopefully he can run a good race.
Reporting by David Milnes

Read more of Thursday's previews:

1.30 Chester: 'He loves Chester and has a very obvious chance' - who really likes their prospects in the sprint? 

2.35 Chester: Aidan O'Brien has won six of the last seven Dee Stakes - will his dominance continue with favourite Mount Kilimanjaro? 

3.40 Chester: 'We've gone a bit Willie Mullins but all three have a chance' - Hugo Palmer admits following the Irish maestro's playbook 

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