Chester 5.05 - a lot of rain due again during the day and that may nullify the draw in part. CROWTHORPE is worthy and understandable favourite after winning at Beverley on Monday but this is a quick return and with a penalty and although a win saver may be wise not one to go overboard on. Gossip Column would be a big danger but not sure that the rain helps its cause despite being a Course and Distance winner and drawn 1, may get the worst of the churned up Going out of the stalls.

 

Empress Ali ticks every box apart from race fitness and a look back indicates may need first run each season, otherwise very strong credentials. MR TOP HAT is very consistent but gets the widest stall and I'd actually be happier if it was a hold up runner as opposed to one that likes to run prominently. That brings me to main selection MULLIGATAWNY is not particularly well handicapped but not handicapped out of it either, has had a run, has winning form on anything from Good to Soft and one of those was on very soft Going and a decent each way price.

 

I will have an each way on Mulligatawny, a Tricast with Crownthorpe and Gossip Column and perm in a few lines too with Mr Top Hat.