28th Jul 2018 | Horse Racing
International Stakes Tip: Chessman
Ran well at Chester from a poor draw. Closing sectional was similair to the first two home but covered much more ground. Strong traveller who should enjoy fierce gallop.
It remains to be seen whether being drawn near to the stand’s side rail in stall 28 is an advantage but there is plenty of other things to like Chessman.
The 4-year-old has been highly tried this season with his last three starts coming in Listed contests but he showed a good level of ability to finish third at Chester a fortnight ago. From stall 10 he was jockey was forced to take a pull and sit in rear, the strong gallop negated this disadvantage somewhat but George Downing still had to switch very wide for a run in the home-straight, the first two home went much the shorter route.
In terms of closing sectionals and distance covered, Chessman (mark of 95) can be rated alongside the winner Oh This Is Us who has a mark of 111 for this race.
What I also liked was the way Chessman was travelling strongly for most of the race, sat behind a true gallop. He’s going to get a similair race in terms of pace (not around a bend though) and that ability to travel marks him out as a contender.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 09:34 28th Jul, 2018 but subject to change