Balding and Probert to be smiling after day two at Chester

Ruler Of The World will be a popular winner on day two of the Chester Cup meeting if obeying odds-on favouritism to land the Chester Vase, but it could be the pairing of Andrew Balding and David Probert that have the most to cheer.

The duo oppose the favourite with Havana Beat in the big race and have at least two other promising entrants on the card, most notably Highland Knight in the Group Three Huxley Stakes.

13:45 Chester – Voodoo Prince @ 6/1

The support for Beaumont’s Party is understandable as he is the only course winner in the field and the demands of Chester can take some getting used to. His victory also came over course and distance which is an added plus.

Assizes has the plum draw in stall one and is exceptionally well handicapped on his best form, but his lack of a decent run in five starts is a worry.

Therefore, preference is for Voodoo Prince who runs again off the same mark as when triumphant at Ripon last month.

14:15 Chester – Highland Knight @ 9/2

Gabrial may well prove the best of these, but the fact he is drawn widest of the seven runners, prefers to be held up on a course that suits front runners and has stamina doubts are enough of a reason to swerve him.

Bonfire is clearly talented having won the Dante last year, but he has been below par since, while Danadana should be one to watch next time and is sure to need this run.

This makes picking a winner difficult, but Bonfire’s stablemate Highland Knight is the highest rated in the field and will look to lead from the stalls. The only doubt is whether he can get over to the inside rail from stall six.

14:45 Chester – Havana Beat @ 7/2

Aidan O’Brien saddles the interesting Ruler Of The World as he bids for a fourth Chester Vase win in seven seasons, but having only run once to date, he offers little appeal at odds-on.

O’Brien was also responsible for the favourite David Livingston in this 12 months ago and he flopped.

Havana Beat has the best form in the bag and may well be overpriced, while like the favourite Feels Like Dancing was a winner on his only career start and may be open to any amount of improvement for the John Gosden team.

15:15 Chester – Ribaat @ 7/2

Ribaat has gone off favourite on all three career starts and has let down backers on the last two occasions, lastly due to an inability to settle in the early stages.

Chester’s turning nature may help in this regard and he is weighted to reverse form with Here Comes When from last month at Newbury.

Of the rest, Sorella Bella could appeal to each-way backers now down in grade if managing to put a disappointing run in the Neil Gwyn behind her.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.