Chester Boodles May Festival 2024 betting preview – Day one

AFTER the Guineas got the flat season up and running last weekend, it’s no time for the famous Chester Boodles May Festival to take centre stage.

Chester, known to many as the Roodee hosts its famous three-day May Festival where clues for the Epsom Derby and Oaks will be on full view.

Today I’ll concentrate on unearthing another racing superstar, followed by an ultra-competitive supporting card where winners are lurking. You can also find the best odds and betting offers with some of my go-to horse racing betting sites.

Chester 13:30 – CAA Stellar Handicap

As we know the draw is crucial at Chester, and no more so in sprint races. If you are drawn higher than 9 you will need all the luck in the world to get cover and not caught out wide, so being drawn low is a huge advantage, and one who I think can take advantage of being drawn 2 is the Tom Dascombe trained OLD CHUMS.

Old Chums looks to have more to offer now back on the turf. His runner-up behind Brunel Nation has worked out quite well, with the winner going on to score again, as well as the 3rd Gigi Yubari racking up a hat trick since.

Having only run on soft and heavy ground on turf his first encounter with good ground should be a plus here. His running style will pay dividends from where he is drawn, and with a clean break, they will find it hard to keep him out of the money.

In a competitive handicap, Old Chums looks like a solid each-way selection at 13/2.

Place an each-way bet on Old Chums at CAA Stellar Handicap bet365

Chester 14:05 – British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes

This is a very trappy 5f conditions race with any amount of improvement to come from the field. But one who caught my eye last time out was SIR GEOFF MORGAN.

It was clear even before loading into stalls for his first day at the races, that he was going to learn a lot from his experience. Reluctant to load, missed the break and was keen throughout, but he still managed to run a fine race and finish 2nd beat 1 length by the reopposing Daisy Inthe Breeze.

He again needs to concede weight to his female counterparts, but if he breaks on terms here he has clear ability to play a massive role here at the prices.

Having been handed the plum draw in 2, should he break on terms he has shown that he processes enough ability to make himself a danger to all.

Sitting currently as a 7/1 shot, Sir Groff Morgan can show that he learned from his day at school and found enough improvement to show himself in a much better light here today.

Bet on Sir Geoff Morgan to win the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes at Betfred

Chester 15:05 – Weatherbys E-Passport Cheshire Oaks

A race that has been farmed by Aiden O’Brien in recent years taking 5 out of the last 8 runnings. He comes into the 2024 running of the Cheshire Oaks with two less than convincing candidates.

Port Fairy comes in here on the back of a narrow win at Dundalk, and Rubies Are Red has over 3 lengths to find with current favourite Galileo Dome on their maiden at Leopardstown back in April.

Both could show considerable improvement here, but with Aidens shown to be still finding their form this season (which is normal), I am going to side with the very impressive Wolverhampton winner FOREST FAIRY.

She showed her inexperience when slow away at the start, but once she found her feet she settled in midfield, it was the move she made just over 4f out where she took herself closer to the pace within a matter of strides that caught my eye.

Once she made that move Rossa Ryan had a target on the back of the leader and started to give her a squeeze coming into the home turn, and when set down to win her race she powered away to win eased down. The second who was 6 lengths behind has since come out and won, so there is some substance to the form.

That was a taking performance on debut, and with normal improvement, she can take the step up in grade to bigger and better things.

Bet on Forest Fairy to win the Weatherbys E-Passport Cheshire Oaks at Ladbrokes

Chester 3:40 – Boodles Chester Vase Stakes

Grosvenor Square comes here with an obvious chance, but given how Aidens are running like they will come on for the run, and at this stage of the season race fitness is a massive plus. So with that, I will side with the race fit HIDDEN LAW.

Impressive on his second start of the season at Newbury, the son of Dubawi can make it two from three this season. What I liked from his win was when they steadied it up before the home turn he didn’t latch onto the bridle and just lobbed away and eased his way into the race.

Once he reached the 1f pole he turned a 1-lengtht lead into over 5 lengths in a matter of strides, showing a nice turn of foot which will be a massive asset around Chester. 

He has everything you would want for a further top stayer. Uncomplicated, settles, and has a change of gear.

Given that he is not your typical big imposing stayer the turns of Chester should not pose any problem to him. I expect this Derby entry to win, and win well.

Bet on Hidden Law to win the Boodles Chester Vase Stakes at Betzone

About the author

Andrew Halligan

My name is Andrew Halligan, horse racing pundit and founder of YouTube’s The Finishing Line Podcast. Horse racing is a thrilling spectacle that captivates audiences around the world with its blend of drama and excitement. Whether you’re a jumps or flat fan, I will use my experience of working within the horse racing industry to bring the best of what this sport has to offer.

You can follow Andrew on X (@Halligan88).

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