NATE THE GREAT is expected to prove suited by the unique demands of the tote+ Chester Cup Handicap (2.45) on the Roodee this afternoon.
To give Andrew Balding, successful with Montaly in 2017, his second victory in the race, Nate The Great must turn round last-time-out Musselburgh running with Themaxwecan, Cardano and Hochfield.
That trio filled the first three placings in a handicap over a mile and six furlongs at the start of last month, but the additional half mile here will benefit David Probert’s mount, who had returned to winning form when beating Who Dares Wins at Wolverhampton on his previous outing.
The Group 2 Melodi Media Huxley Stakes (2.15) represents a good opportunity for ARMORY to begin his 2021 campaign in style.
Successful in Group 3 company in the Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh last August, the Aidan O’Brien-trained son of Galileo made the frame at the top level in his remaining four starts last season.
He enjoys a class edge, as does EL ASTRONAUTE in the Boodles Conditions Stakes (3.15).
John Quinn’s popular speedster has two wins, three seconds and a third to show from six visits to Chester, and is deservedly a short-priced market leader.
The fact he has shown his best form over 10 furlongs with give in the ground points to the chance of LUNAR JET in the Retraining Of Racehorses Handicap (3.45), while DULAS looks the type with more to offer in the opening tote+ Placepots Pay More Earl Grosvenor Handicap (1.45).
After showing green shoots when third at Southwell 24 days ago, AS YOU LIKE looks ready to take advantage of a drop in the weights against 10 opponents for the Unibet “You’re On” Handicap Chase (2.00).
Friday tips
MARKET RASEN
12.30 RESTANDBETHANKFUL
1.00 CHESS PLAYER
1.30 OUT BY SIX
2.00 AS YOU LIKE
2.35 ASHFIELD PADDY
3.05 DIAMOND ROSE
3.35 SANDS COVE
4.10 MEXICAN BOY
ASCOT
1.20 CADEAU D’OR
1.55 WILD BEAUTY
2.30 STOWELL
3.00 ALDAARY
3.30 EQUITATION
4.05 TEMPLE BRUER
4.40 MY SWALLOW
CHESTER
1.45 DULAS
2.15 ARMORY
2.45 NATE THE GREAT (NAP)
3.15 EL ASTRONAUTE
3.45 LUNAR JET
4.20 POSTILEO
4.50 HEART OF SOUL (NB)
NOTTINGHAM
5.00 AMAZONIAN DREAM
4.30 GARTH ROCKETT
6.00 NAGANO
6.30 MORJHANA
7.00 MARIE ANTOINETTE
7.30 BONNEVAL
8.00 CIRRUS
RIPON
5.20 WEE LOCH LASS
5.50 TWILIGHT SPINNER
6.20 MAGICAL EFFECT
6.50 INTRINSIC BOND
7.20 LET ME BE
7.50 DELGREY BOY
8.20 CELESTIAL QUEEN
