Chester Cup: Address delivers for Koukash

Address Unknown gave enthusiastic owner Dr Marwan Koukash his second victory in the Chester Cup...

Address Unknown gave enthusiastic owner Dr Marwan Koukash his second victory in the Chester Cup...

Koukash had four in the race and Address Unknown did the business on his first start since joining Richard Fahey. The Malton trainer also saddled runner-up Ingleby Spirit, who was half a length adrift at the line.

Tominator was third and joint-top weight Simenon (16-1) fourth.

Winning jockey Jamie Spencer said: "He was very brave. He did really well with Ian Williams last year and the race went very smoothly. It's good for Dr Koukash, as well."

Koukash said: "I'm absolutely delighted. When we lost Montaser (non-runner), I thought that was my luck gone, but Jamie gave this horse a fantastic ride. Richard has done extremely well with the horse over the past couple of months."

"I'm over the moon. I've been in racing five or six years and the only thing I wanted to do was win the Chester Cup again. Winning the Cup introduced me to racing and to do it again is absolutely wonderful."

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Chester Vase Result: O'Brien Ruler Of The World

Aidan O'Brien's Ruler Of The World ran out a wide-margin winner of the Chester Vase in the hands of Ryan Moore...

The master of Ballydoyle had saddled three of the last six winners of the recognised Derby trial in Soldier Of Fortune (2007), Golden Sword (2009) and Treasure Beach (2011) and his latest candidate was a 10-11 favourite off the back of a Curragh maiden victory a month ago.

Ruler Of The World tracked the early pace set by Mister Impatience, but took over from the home turn and soon stamped his authority on the Group Three contest.

Once Moore picked up his whip, his mount lengthened quite impressively to pass the post with six lengths in hand.

Mister Impatience was clear second best, ahead of Havana Beat and Feel Like Dancing.

Moore said: "He did it nicely. The race worked out well for him as he got a nice lead.

"He's still a bit green running round here, but once I grabbed hold of him he lengthened really well.

"He'll learn a lot. Going round here will have done him good."

Paul Smith, son of part-owner Derrick Smith, said: "Aidan thinks quite a lot of him, he's been working well at home and we're really delighted with that.

"We thought he might be a little bit green and a little bit babyish.

"I think with the tight, turning track and the crowd, it was a good choice (of race) and it paid dividends.

"You'd have to be very happy with him. He stayed the trip."

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Timeform Daily: Sunday, Chester 15:30

Race of the Day / Timeform / 30 July 2011 / Leave a Comment

The listed Queensferry Stakes is due off at 15:30

"Anne of Kiev has been a revelation this year and could well add to her listed win at Haydock..."

The listed Queensferry Stakes around Chester's sharp 6f looks one of the highlights of a busy Sunday afternoon...

Baby Strange is a hold-up performer who won 5f AW handicap in March. Has caught eye finishing well on couple of occasions since but has stiff task here for all he's got best of draw. Engaged 2.05 Goodwood Saturday.

Blue Jack improved in 2010, winning Newbury handicap and listed race here. Struggled to get back to that level this time round, and is best at 5f.

Rock Jock was useful and consistent last year, and posted his best effort of 2011 when fourth in hot 28-runner handicap at the Curragh (6f) last month. Poorly drawn when third in listed race since.

Silaah thrived on AW over winter, winning twice before second at Meydan and Lingfield. Only once repeated that form since though, and others have more convincing claims.

Star Rover finds winning difficult nowadays. Still has plenty of pace and runner-up in C&D handicap earlier in month, but up against it in this company.

Anne of Kiev is a hold-up sprinter much improved on AW over winter and has continued the good work on turf since, winning listed race at Haydock in May. Not at best last time but leading player if getting the breaks.

Lexi's Hero is a strong-travelling front runner who's thriving this season, winning 6f handicaps here and at York. Another fine effort when blinkered at Newmarket last time but wide draw here a worry.

Rose Blossom won a 6f Group 3 at York last summer but not easy to predict this year. Has been set some stiff tasks, but her failure to see her races out has become a worry.

Tropical Treat readily landed listed event at Ayr last summer and improved when neck second to Rose Blossom in Summer Stakes at York next time. Ended 2010 out of form and no sign of revival on return, however.

Button Moon has been much improved this season, placed in listed contest in Germany in May, but sixth at best in similar races here and below form in handicap last time. Cheekpieces now replaced by blinkers.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Anne of Kiev
2. Lexi's Hero
3. Rock Jock

Timeform's View: Anne of Kiev has been a revelation this year and could well add to her listed win at Haydock with a fast pace seemingly guaranteed. Stall 9 isn't a help for Lexi's Hero but he can still put up a good fight, while the more favourably-berthed Rock Jock is another in with a shout.

The Group 1 Nassau Stakes is the highlight on the final day of Glorious Goodwood, can Midday make it three in a row? Read our runner-by-runner guide......

The intriguing Glorious Stakes is the highlight of the penultimate day of the Goodwood meeting. Read our runner-by-runner guide......

The Group 2 Goodwood Cup is one of the most popular spectacles of the flat season. Read our runner-by-runner guide......

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Timeform Daily: Huxley Stakes, Chester, Thursday 14:20

Race of the Day / Timeform / 05 May 2011 / Leave a Comment

Can Aidan O'Biren win the Huxley with Await The Dawn?

"It was hard not to be impressed with Await The Dawn's runaway success at Leopardstown last autumn and he looks the type to develop into a Group 1 performer in the coming months."

There are two Group 3s at Chester on Thursday, but this one gets the nod over the Vase as the Timeform Race of the Day....

Await The Dawn has been successful on 3 of his 4 starts, not extended when improving a chunk to land 1¼m Group 3 at Leopardstown in September. Likely to develop into a top-class performer this year and the one to beat.

Critical Moment improved when winning twice last July, making most in 1m Goodwood listed event for second win. Looked ready for a step back up to this trip when third in Ascot listed event on last week's return.

Distant Memories is a smart and consistent gelding, only once out of first 3 since debut. Gained biggest win in Group 3 Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor in August but yet to be risked on ground faster than good.

Dream Eater ran well several times in good company last season, just denied in 1m Group 2 in Turkey in September. Respectable effort on seasonal reappearance (Group 2) but stamina for this trip a concern.

Forte Dei Marmi was a typical improver for the yard in handicaps last year, winning 4 of 6 starts, best effort when winning valuable event at Newbury in September. Disappointing on reappearance but should do better.

Light From Mars hasn't taken long to get on the up for new yard, smart effort when landing 1m Spring Cup at Newbury last time. Capable of mixing it at this level, but stamina to prove up in trip.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Await The Dawn
2. Forte Dei Marmi
3. Distant Memories

Timeform's View: It was hard not to be impressed with Await The Dawn's runaway success at Leopardstown last autumn and he looks the type to develop into a Group 1 performer in the coming months. He can overcome his penalty here at the main expense of Forte Dei Marmi, who is better than he showed on his Newmarket reappearance.

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.......

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......

Timeform go through the runners for the Jubilee Handicap......

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Chester Placepot: Thursday May 5

Daily Placepots / Adam Brookes / 05 May 2011 / Leave a Comment

Getting behind at Chester in never a good idea.

"Although that success means he has to carry a 3 lb penalty here, it will be disappointing if Await The Dawn isn’t too good for the likes of Distant Memories and Forte Dei Marmi."

It's no secret that grabbing the rail is an avantage at Chester and, with none of his selections for today's Placepot drawn higher than stall 5, Timeform's Adam Brookes believes he's found his way through all six legs for just a minimal outlay.

13:45 Captain Bertie looks the ideal horse to get our afternoon off to a flyer in the opening three-year-old handicap. Despite showing promise in all three starts as a juvenile, it was his second to Tazahum on his seasonal debut that really marked him out as a horse going places and with a perfect draw in one, he's certain to go well for a trainer who loves having winners at this meeting.

14:20 Another whose most recent performance marked him out as well above average is Await The Dawn, who looked like a colt destined for the top when taking a Leopardstown Group 3 by nine lengths on his final start of 2010. Although that success means he has to carry a 3 lb penalty here, it will be disappointing if he isn't too good for the likes of Distant Memories and Forte Dei Marmi, with the former preferring softer ground and the latter not at his best on his seasonal reappearance.

14:55 This looks a tricky affair with four of the five runners holding entries in higher profile races in the near future. One of which is Derby entry Treasure Beach, who was very consistent last year and looks sure to appreciate this step up in trip and he's included along with Sadler's Risk, who will also benefit from moving up in distance and could well get an easy time of it in front.

15:30 Although he may be the best horse in the juvenile maiden, Sea Odyssey has an unfavourable draw in stall 10 and it could pay to take him on with Lord Ali McJones, whose performance was not without promise when third on his debut at Wolverhampton recently. He travelled smoothly that day and should be quick enough to bag a rails pitch before kicking off the home bend and looks a solid Placepot inclusion.

16:05 John Gosden's Beachfire certainly has plenty of ability, highlighted by him winning four of his five starts last year, and he looks destined for even better this time round, where such an idiosyncratic track as Chester could well help keep his mind on the job (has looked hard ride in past, blinkered last time). Despite being on a long losing run, Changing The Guard has shaped well on both of his starts this year and is also included at the expense of Jutland, who is well drawn for a front-runner and is most feared.

16:35 There's no doubt that Oneladyowner has to step up on his recent win in a classified stakes to figure in the competitive six-furlong handicap today. However, that race is working out well (fifth place Soweto Star won next time) and he certainly has enough early pace to take advantage of his good draw. Another to show speed last year was Robert The Painter, and he too can most use of his advantageous pitch in stall 4.

Selections: 8 lines

13:45 8
14:20 1
14:55 3, 5
15:30 6
16:05 1, 6
16:35 3, 11

A really tough card at Chester, but at least there's the prospect of a big payout for getting the 'pot' up....

Exeter makes marginally more appeal than Catterick for this evening's placepot attempt on account of it being a jumps meeting....

The praise for the brilliant Frankel has rightfully been flowing from all quarters the last couple of days and there's nothing I can add, but I enjoyed it. Anyway, it's quickly back to reality with Monday's placepot from Chepstow......

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Timeform Daily: Chester Cup, Wednesday 14:55

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......

Timeform go through the runners for the Jubilee Handicap......

The 2000 Guineas was all about one horse, but the fillies' classic on Sunday has a much more open feel to it. Timeform take you through the field runner by runner......

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Chester Cup Betting: An Irish winner on the Roodee?

Tipping / Mark Powell-Bevan / 02 May 2011 / Leave a Comment

Who will handle the Chester bends the best?

"Mount Athos was bought from John Hills for 190,000 guineas last October and immediately started to pay some of that back when successful on his first start for David Wachman, taking a Dundalk handicap in April in good style."

Those looking at the Chester Cup on Wednesday could be forgiven for mistaking it for another famous handicap, with the names of no less than three Grand National winning trainers appearing alongside horses towards the top of the betting, but Timeform's Mark Powell-Bevan reckons it's better to concentrate on the Irish-trained contingent...

Amongst those horses trained by National winners is Overturn, handled by the most recent one, Donald McCain, who saddled Ballabriggs to success at Aintree in early-April. Overturn himself has a mixed background, having won the Northumberland Plate on the Flat in 2010, in between three wins over hurdles at Ayr (including the Scottish Champion) and the Galway Hurdle. McCain knows what it takes to have a big winner under both codes and Overturn was right back to his best when third in the latest renewal of the Scottish Champion. Overturn is clearly well handicapped off a BHA mark of 99 judged on his high-class hurdles form and the draw (stall 1) has been kind for a front runner as he is.

Dirar is another towards the head of the market representing a Grand National winner, in his case Gordon Elliott (Silver Birch in 2007). Elliott is one of the emerging stars of the jumps game, as highlighted by a couple of wins at this year's Cheltenham Festival, and is no stranger Flat success, either, Dirar having provided him with a landmark success on the level when taking the Ebor at York under Jamie Spencer last year. Dirar finished third to Overturn in last summer's Galway Hurdle and showed his current well-being with a creditable eighth in the County at Cheltenham, but he's got a bit on his plate back in a handicap from a mark of 107.

The final one of the trio of National winners is David Pipe, who landed the Aintree showpiece with Comply Or Die in 2008. Pipe is another to have already tasted big-race Flat success, having won this very race last year with Mamlook, who is back for a repeat bid. However, the 2010 race was a muddling renewal where position counted for as much as form and, with a 4 lb higher mark to contend with this time around, Mamlook looks to have plenty to do, for all he too is another to have shown his well-being over jumps this spring.

Ahead of all three of those in the betting is Mount Athos, the winner of last year's Melrose handicap at York. Mount Athos was bought from John Hills for 190,000 guineas last October and immediately started to pay some of that back when successful on his first start for David Wachman, taking a Dundalk handicap in April in good style. Unlike those already mentioned, Mount Athos has his stamina to prove, as he will be stepping up four furlongs in trip, but the Chester Cup is rarely the test that some of these staying handicaps can be and there's every chance he will stay as he attempts to give his owner Dr Marwan Koukash another Chester Cup winner after Bulwark in 2008, especially as he will likely be given a waiting ride after coming off worst of all with the draw.

Red Cadeaux was among the market leaders for the 2010 renewal of the Chester Cup and is so again, having shaped well when second to Cosmic Sun (reopposes) at Kempton on his reappearance, leaving the impression he'll come on for the run after disputing a strong pace. Red Cadeaux was unlucky not to finish closer last year, hampered at either end of the race, and even though he has an 8 lb higher mark this time, he has to come into the reckoning. Cosmic Sun is closely matched with Red Cadeaux and, although he's now 10 lb higher than for the first of his two polytrack wins this year, it wouldn't be a massive surprise were he to step up again given the form of the yard.

There are a number of others to consider, among them Admiral Barry, who progressed rapidly through the handicap ranks last season (won valuable handicaps at Galway and the Curragh) and was the long-time ante-post favourite for last year's Cesarewitch at Newmaket (poorly drawn and never a threat). The draw has been much kinder to Admiral Barry on Wednesday and he's the type to continue his progress this year, so he's one to have on side along with Mount Athos, who's unexposed for his new yard and could overcome the outside box, hopefully under one of those textbook Spencer rides.

Recommendations

Back Mount Athos @ [11.0] and Admiral Barry @ [12.0] in the Chester Cup

Two backs and a lay for Monday from Timeform's US team......

A really big week of racing in Ireland kicks off with three Bank Holiday meetings and we have got one bet at each........

Timeform go through the runners for the Jubilee Handicap......

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