The enduring appeal of Chester’s May Festival stands out on a busy day of action. And it looks like Who Dares Wins can land the big race for Alan King
The Chester Cup is invariably one of the top 10 races in May in terms of betting turnover, which is quite impressive given that it is staged midweek and up against Classics, Derby trials and high-profile weekends at Newbury, Haydock and Ascot. But a renewal like today’s helps to explain its enduring appeal, and the pleasure to be gained by solving a puzzle like this one is (almost) as satisfying as the financial return that comes with it.
There are no real mysteries in today’s 17-strong field: Blakeney Point, with a dozen starts behind him, is the closest thing to a dark horse in the line-up. The element of randomness essential to make it a strong betting event comes instead from the course and the draw, and the fluctuating fortunes as these battle-hardened handicappers all try to find the most effective route around two full circuits of the tightest Flat track in the country.
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