Wednesday 7th May 2025
1.30 Chester: Caa Stellar Lily Agnes EBF Conditions Stakes: Kicking things off for the May Festival at Chester will be the 1.30, which is the Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes over five furlongs. I’m strong on the chances of Ali Shuffle here for Karl Burke and Sam James. She’s been impressive in his short career to date, winning at Redcar and then following up under a penalty at Beverley a week later under a penalty. We all know that the draw is key around here, and she has the added bonus of being in the plum stall in number one. The yard has started the season well, and she can post a bold bid here. Ali Shuffle – 13/8 (Win) (NAP)
2.05 Chester: Ladbrokes Best Odds Guaranteed On Racing Handicap: Next up is the 2.05, which is a Class 3 handicap that’s also contested over five furlongs. I’m also fairly strong on one here, and that’s Redorange for the team of Clive Cox and Rossa Ryan. I put him up for his most recent outing, which was his seasonal reappearance at Sandown last month, where he finished third of nine and a length and a quarter behind the winner. He looked like he needed the outing on that occasion, and still ran well, so significant progression is likely here, and I think he can run a big race. Redorange – 5/2 (Win) (NB)
2.35 Chester: Weatherbys ePassport Cheshire Oaks: We move up in grade at 2.35 with the Listed Cheshire Oaks that’s ridden over a distance of a mile and three and a half furlongs. I like Secret Of Love here for Andrew Balding and David Probert. She was the winner of a match race on her penultimate start of last term, before progressing to finish a length second of eight in Listed company at Newmarket behind Smoken. She kept on that day, and her breeding also suggests that further improvement should be on the cards now she’s stepped up in trip. The yard have started the campaign in very strong form and she looks a potentially nice type. Secret Of Love – 13/2 (Each-Way) (3 places – bet365, Sky Bet, William Hill, Betfred)
3.05 Chester: Boodles Chester Vase Stakes: The feature race of the afternoon is the 3.05, which is the Group 3 Chester Vase Stakes that’s ridden over a mile and four and a half furlongs. I’m with Pinhole here, who represents the team of Ralph Beckett and Rossa Ryan. He was an impressive winner when he was last seen in December at Southwell, getting the better of a subsequent winner in comfortable style, easing down in the closing stages. He’s by Frankel, which suggests this step up in trip should suit and he could prove to be a very exciting prospect for connections. Pinhole – 13/2 (Each-Way)
3.40 Chester: Love Federal Capital Handicap: My final selection of the opening day of Chester’s May Festival comes within the 3.40, and this is a Class 3 handicap over six furlongs. I’m taking a chance on one at a decent price here, and that’s Cyclonite for James Ferguson and Hollie Doyle. He’s been running well on the all-weather throughout the winter and spring, and has a string of third-placed efforts to his name with all three coming within competitive Class 2 handicaps. He’ll have race-fitness on his side, and if he converts his all-weather form, he can run well at a big price here within Class 3 company. Cyclonite – 11/1 (Each-Way) (4 places – Several firms)
