Viren's Army wont be a surprise if he causes one in the group three Dee Stakes over an extended ten furlongs of Chester this afternoon, when an eight-strong field offers an outstanding each-way opportunity; my sincere and abiding hope is that all eight run and Richard Hannon's charge is given the chance to make one of three placings and confirm the time-handicap which has been rewarding readers these last few weeks.
Twice in the last couple of days withdrawals in 'dead eight' races have scuppered our best laid plans.
Obviously if there is a withdrawal our bet will be to 'win only' but Viren's Army has the edge over several fancied, high-profile, rivals judged on a 'career-best' TH mark achieved in handicap company last month; fitness wont be at issue and that means a lot this season with so many floundering due to months of bad weather, which has made life difficult getting thoroughbreds tuned up to satisfaction.
Pointless trolling through others, this is all about whether Hannon has unearthed a potential Epsom Derby prospect and two Aidan O'Brien challengers will surely provide a test and barometer.
It's a difficult final day of the May meeting and so attention elsewhere focuses on three meetings, Ascot, Nottingham and Lingfield where Michael Bell-trained School Fete is another gilt-edged place prospect in the opening Maiden Stakes over twelve furlongs of polytrack.
Originally the two-day(s) 'Derby' trial fixture was set for turf but this particular day has been switched to all-weather even though tomorrow part of the course will be raceable on grass. I'll be previewing it.
School Fete comes out clear 'best-in' and though our record selecting 'Ding Dong' Bell's runners over the years leaves quite a lot to be desired this one looks too good to miss!
General Alexander is a long time winning but he's given one last chance to recoup losses (ours!) in the Maiden Stakes over six furlongs of 'good to soft' Ripon under inexperienced stable apprentice Barry Robinson.
Brian Ellison wouldn't be taking risks on a sub-standard prospect. Napped, each-way.Our angle continues to be each-way whenever possible for the daily patent bet.
SELECTIONS
9.30 School Fete
10.40 Viren's Army
4.30 General Alexander