Hugo Palmer has a winner to his name at Chester already this week and he can win the big one today, the Chester Cup (3.15pm), with the improving Solent Gateway.
The son of Awtaad took 10 starts to get off the mark, which came at Epsom on Derby Day last year, but he continued to progress and landed a 2m handicap here in August with plenty in hand.
He ran a lovely prep for this when third at Epsom in April, the extra distance should see him to excellent effect, and bang in-form rider Ben Curtis is booked. Stall 7 is a good draw and though he heads the market today at 9/2, he is very much the one to beat.
RECOMMENDED BET: 3.15pm Chester – Solent Gateway win @ 9/2 (Fitzdares, William Hill, Ladbrokes, Bet365, Coral, Boylesports,
The apprentice handicap (4.20pm) looks really competitive, but this trip could be just the job for Irish raider Kalaroun.
He won on his final start for Mick Halford, at Dundalk in October, prior to being purchased for €36,000 at the sales the following month.
He finished off his race really well over 1m2f at Leopardstown in early April, and ran very creditably back at a mile at Limerick a fortnight ago.
He has a decent draw today, an in-form apprentice and should run a big race.
RECOMMENDED BET: 4.20pm Chester – Kalaroun each-way @ 7-1 (various)
