Dancer can call the tune for Irish
The seven-year-old, trained in Tipperary by Charlie Swan and the mount of Kieren Fallon, has been cut to 8-1 with the sponsors, having been backed from 14-1 to 12-1 on Monday and down to 9s earlier yesterday.
Formerly trained at Middleham by Mark Johnston, he won the 2004 Cesarewitch and was third behind Anak Pekan in this race 12 months ago. He has since joined Swan and is fit from a spell over timber.
“He’s very well and is in good order,” said the Tipperary handler of the seven-year-old, whose owner Michael Watt is also keen to take this valuable heritage handicap over an extended two and a quarter miles.
Six years ago Watt saw his colours carried by the Dermot Weld-trained Ansar fail by just a short head to peg back Bangalore.
“Good ground would be fine, he wouldn’t want it too firm,” said Swan.
“He was third in the race last year, he has a nice draw (four) and a nice pilot on him. I’m hopeful of a good run.”
Johnston also sent out Swift Sailor to finish second last May and that horse is now with Brighton trainer Gary Moore, who has Cold Turkey in the race as well.
Johnstn himself is double-handed with Winged d’Argent and Hiddensee.
Winged d’Argent is a half-brother to Mana d’Argent, who twice finished fifth in this race in three attempts. Johnston is hoping Winged d’Argent can make up for a poor run at Longchamp last time despite being lumbered with top weight.
“Obviously he didn’t run very well last time out so we have got to put that run behind him but he appears absolutely fine as far as we can see at home,” said Johnston.
“We’ve put Greg (Fairley) on him to take 5lb off because of the big weight. He has the perfect draw (five).
Of Hiddensee, Johnston added: “He’s had a couple of disappointing runs but they’ve both been on the all-weather so we are not going to hold that against him.
“Hopefully we’ll see a better horse tomorrow.”
The Nawab was reported to be in fine form by Harry Dunlop, son and assistant to his father, John.
“He’s in good order and we’re hoping the ground will suit. It’s a tough race but we hope he runs well,” he said.
“I think the draw (seven) should hopefully be okay for this sort of race.”
Connections of Dancing Bay are hopeful of a bigshow from Nicky Henderson’s gelding, who at nine is the oldest horse in the 18-strong line-up.
“He’s absolutely fine, no problems at all. We are looking forward to it,” said Matthew Budden, racing manager to owners Elite Racing.
“He ran a good race to finish second in a Listed race at Nottingham. He was a tiny bit unfortunate not to finish a bit closer to the winner (Frank Sonata) that day. He’s still in great form. He’s got a high draw (13) but two and a quarter miles to get over it.
“He’s a horse that loves to get his toe in as much as possible. Any more rain they get will help him. Good ground won’t be a problem but it would be nice if they got some more rain.”
Seb Sanders believes Chester will suit his mount Elusive Dream.
“His form is pretty good and he deserves to take his chance,” the jockey told At The Races.
“He finished fourth at Haydock first time out last season and pretty much stayed at that level for the rest of the year.
“He never really progressed but our horses didn’t start running until July and he probably did not fulfil his promise. He travels well through his races so Chester should suit him.”
Tim Pitt believes his runner Admiral has “an each-way squeak” despite the gelding being a 50-1 outsider with the sponsors.
The five-year-old has only had one run – over hurdles at Aintree last month - since joining the Bawtry trainer from Richard Guest’s yard.
“It’s his first competitive run back on the Flat for a long time,” said Pitt.
“He’s got some very decent hurdle form but then his form tailed off towards the later part of the winter.
“He goes there fresh and well and as long as it’s not lightning quick ground I think he’ll run a solid, each-way race.
“He’s got a nice draw in stall one. It’s always important even though it’s almost two miles and three furlongs to have a decent draw round Chester. He goes there with an each-way squeak.
“He’s physically done well since he came to me but it’s a very competitive handicap.”
totesport Chester Cup, sponsors bet: 4-1 Greenwich Meantime, 5-1 The Nawab, 13-2 Elusive Dream, 8-1 Contact Dancer, 9-1 Vinando, 11-1 Bulwark 14-1 Mikao, 16-1 Cold Turkey, 18-1 Dancing Bay, 20-1 Hiddensee, Swift Sailor, Trance, 28-1 bar.
