Chester Cup Odds

Run at 2.55 the Chester Cup is one of the most celebrated races at the festival. Run over 2m2f it brings a blend of flat and national hunt horses to the starting gates. Given the traditional draw bias towards low drawn horses, our guide lists horses according to their starting gate.

Our guide to the Chester Cup, with the number being the designated draw:

1. Overturn: 11/2
A high class hurdler and stayer on the flat. Won the Northumberland Plate last year, is a prominent runner and could make all from stall 1.

2. La Vecchia Scuola: 22/1
Second place in the Cesarewitch is good enough form to win this. Needs an end to end gallop to reverse Newcastle placings with Overturn.

3. Tastahil: 8/1
Runner up last year from stall 16, he is much better drawn today. His strike rate overall is ordinary and the quick ground might not suit either.

4. Admiral Barry: 12/1
Had looked progressive in Ireland and then ran a stinker in the Cesarewitch. Must question whether his home form is good enough.

5. Red Cadeaux: 13/2
Struggled to get his head in front last year and has four second places in his last five runs. Nevertheless, he always performed creditably and had a nice pipe opener at Kempton. The odds reflect his good chance.

6. Blue Bajan: 33/1
Has been struggled with injuries in recent years and this is his first start in 445 days. If the force of old, he would have a chance, but that doesn’t look likely with age catching up.

8. Sentry Duty: 28/1
A good yard stick but without a win on the flat since 2007.

9. Mamlook: 12/1
Winner of the race last year he arrives from a similar preparation again. Only 4lbs higher he has a good chance of defending his title.

10. Montaff: 25/1
Enjoys the bustle of a big field and showed he is in fine fettle winning last time out. He’s never been able to win in the grade before and suspect he might come up short again.

11. Plymouth Rock: 16/1
Looked an unlucky loser when third in the Cesarewitch. That story is starting to look a bit tired as he hasn’t won since taking his opening maiden.

12. Dirar: 12/1
Winner of the Ebor and third in the Galway hurdle suggests he is a horse for the big occasion. His shrewd trainer has probably laid him out for this big prize and it would be a surprise if he doesn’t run his race.

13. Darley Sun: 16/1
Has been essentially disappointing since his 2009 win in the Cesarewitch. The burden of a rise in the handicap or the change in stable could both be to blame. Might bounce back one day but anyone’s guess when.

14. Halla San: 28/1
His fourth attempt at the race he has still to win. Has finished third on two occasions but he isn’t getting any better with age and his chance has probably passed.

15. Icon Dream: 40/1
A useful middle distance horse he has never tackled a trip this far. Doesn’t look particularly well handicapped or well drawn. Plenty of negatives despite the price.

16. Mystery Star: 50/1
One win in 24 turf starts tells you all you need to know. Would be a shock if he scored today.

17. Swingkeel: 33/1
Ran an excellent race when fifth last year but the draw has not been kind. Unlikely to win, he may still be good enough to place again.

19. Mouth Athos: 9/1
All he did was improve last year and sold at the Autumn sales for £190,000. Connections view him as a cup horse, although the draw makes life difficult, the race will prove if he is up to it.