Sailor a Cup cracker
With just three runs to his name, the Mark Johnston-trained four-year-old looks to have sneaked into this valuable handicap on a handy mark and has been handed a favourable stalls position to boot.
And given that underfoot conditions looks set to be ideal and big-race jockey Kevin Darley is keen to get down to something like his minimum weight to take the mount, he looks something to bet on. A mile and three-quarters is as far as he has been so far in his fledgling career, but he is bred to stay this extended two and a quarter miles.
Darley felt he was still a bit green at Musselburgh last time out, where he also looked unsuited by a muddling pace, being pushed along in the straight before staying on more than well enough to account for subsequent winner Nounou.
A big field today should ensure there is no hanging about, which will suit, and though there are dangers aplenty not least Aidan O'Brien's Coconut Beach - he can come out on top.
The Cheshire Oaks does not look the hottest of races and given Barry Hills' liking for this track, it looks safest to side with his once-raced Alumni.
The daughter of Selkirk only saw a racecourse for the first time last month when she showed a fair degree of ability to chase home Eswarah on easy ground at Newbury.
The winner was given a 16-1 quote for the Oaks and is obviously held in high regard, so with Alumni nicely clear of the third, it is no wonder Hills has seen fit to raise her sights.
