Race of the Day 
/ Timeform / 03 May 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Who will be first home in the Chester Cup?
"Being the only front runner in the field, Overturn couldn't have been better drawn and, fresh from a cracking effort in the Scottish Champion Hurdle, may be able to add this to last year's win in the Northumberland Plate."
It's the first day of the Chester May meeting and the highlight is the Chester Cup, a handicap over two miles and two furlongs. Timeform take you through the field runner by runner....
Tastahil is a smart performer who looked as good as ever when second in Chester Cup a year ago. Runner-up in Doncaster Cup prior to landing Jockey Club Cup at Newmarket and likely been laid out for this again.
Dirar produced best effort when coming late to land Ebor handicap at York in August. Not far behind Tastahil in Doncaster Cup next time and should be ready to go now after couple of recent pipe-openers.
Red Cadeaux won over 1½m at Lingfield last season but showed improved form stepped up in trip afterwards, notably in Cesarewitch Trial. Shaped very well over trip too short on comeback and leading contender.
Sentry Duty is a very smart hurdler who looked as good as ever on Flat last 2 runs last year, sixth in Cesarewitch on final start. Not getting any younger and worrying he's not fired in 2 runs over hurdles since.
Darley Sun was very progressive in 2009 when landing Cesarewitch. Didn't go on for Godolphin last season and disappointing he couldn't land minor event when last seen but faster ground now will suit.
Blue Bajan is better known for exploits over hurdles, though second in Yorkshire Cup in May 2009. Not seen under either code for 15 months but cut some slack by handicapper and has good placed form here.
Mamlook gained a deserved success in big handicap when landing this race last year from Tastahil. 4 lb higher now and can't rule out repeat having been ticking over nicely in novice chases over winter.
Montaff is a temperamental gelding whose latest Ripon handicap win when everything dropped right was his first since landing a maiden in 2008. Up 3 lb for that but usually opposable not least in race like this.
Overturn was a vastly-improved front-running hurdler last spring and made a successful return to Flat in Northumberland Plate. Won Galway Plate after that and recent Scottish Champion Hurdle third bodes well.
La Vecchia Scuola won over 1½m at Pontefract in August and ran race of her life when just failing in the Cesarewitch. Should be spot on after a recent comeback at Cheltenham and fair claim at these weights.
Admiral Barry made big strides in Ireland last year, his demolition job at the Curragh in the autumn victory number 3, but well held in Cesarewitch on final start from poor draw and probably bit to find here.
Mount Athos was very progressive for John Hills last year, winning 3 handicaps including Melrose at York. Winning comeback for new yard at Dundalk was very encouraging but widest drawn here and stamina to prove.
Plymouth Rock improved for visor and step up to 1¾m and beyond, culminating in excellent third in Cesarewitch final 2010 outing. Sure to be better for recent return over inadequate trip on AW and could go well.
Swingkeel is an out-and-out stayer who ran well on 3 of 6 starts last season, including when fifth in this race off 2 lb lower mark. Won over hurdles at Ffos Las in March for new yard but wide draw to overcome.
Halla San has been third in last 2 runnings of this race, last year off this mark, and looked a good as ever when fourth to Montaff at Ripon on Flat comeback under a patient ride. Should go well again.
Mystery Star has racked up 2 of his 3 career wins at Wolverhampton, always travelling best when running as well as ever there in October. Has good course form but near career-high turf mark makes things hard.
Icon Dream finished second in Chester Vase and fourth to Jan Vermeer at the Curragh in Group 3 last year but has become increasingly ungenuine. Fair first effort for new yard last time but unproven beyond 1½m.
Timeform 1-2-3
1. Overturn
2. Red Cadeaux
3. Tastahil
Timeform's View: Being the only front runner in the field, Overturn couldn't have been better drawn and, fresh from a cracking effort in the Scottish Champion Hurdle, may be able to add this to last year's win in the Northumberland Plate. Dangers abound, headed by Red Cadeaux and Tastahil, while Mamlook and Halla San are others with good records in this race worthy of respect.
The best of today's racing action comes over in Ireland, with the opening day of the Punchestown Festival, but this 7f handicap from Newcastle should prove one of the more competitive races of the day on these shores......
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