Chester Vase & Huxley Stakes Preview

This year's Huxley Stakes is headed by AP O'Brien's Deauville at short odds, he ran very well on his return to action this season when second in a Group 3 at Sandown last month and has very strong form in races in the US last term. That form is certainly going to make him difficult to beat here. Poet's Word has been performing well in handicap company winning three of his last five starts for Sir Michael Stoute. I've always been a fan of Royal Artillery since seeing him win on his debut at Doncaster a while back, he's only won once since then but isn't completely exposed and it wouldn't surprise me to see him there or thereabouts again here. But the one I will be taking a chance on here is Folkswood (5/1). He has form of 2122 since having cheekpieces fitted was a clear second last time out in the Earl of Sefton, I certainly think he's at a backable price here and may well get into the frame again in a very competitive affair.

The Chester Vase this year is headed by another AP O'Brien chance in Venice Beach on the back of an impressive win at Tipperary last time out, he's another well bred sort for these powerful connection and looks certain to be involved in the business end of things here. AP also has The Anvil, Wings Of Eagles and Finn McCool here so looks certain make a bold bid to win this race for the fifth consequtive year. Tamleek for Godolphin and Saeed Bin Suroor had four subsequent winners behind him when taking victory at the Craven meeting at Newmarket last week, champion jockey Jim Crowley takes the ride. One I do like here is Cunco (5/1) for John Gosden and Frankie Dettori, the Frankel offspring won the Group 3 classic trial at Sandown on his seasonal return last month when getting up in the final strides. He shaped as if he'd appreciate the step up in trip here and should certainly put in a bold bid to get in the frame again today.