Alan Dudman has scanned the Chester card and is relying on an old friend in Saturday's 27/1 double...
Understated ran well for second yesterday earning a place at 3.3512/5, although Melakaz really ought to have added the each-way double as he wasn't ridden out too hard for the place - or maybe he just didn't stay.
Boardman is a regular runner in this column, and I've been clinging on to him for far too long. I gave him a big chance last time at the Chester May meeting behind Revich, and while he wasn't beaten far (over 3L), I was disappointed.
He'd previously been given too much to do, but I got my wish last time at Chester as he was certainly more forwardly ridden.
He is running out of excuses, but he'll pop up one day off his current mark of 97, and with the ground not so testing today, he has a lifeline once more from me.
This is most certainly his race, as a winner of it back in 2022 and 2021. I am hoping he can make it a hat-trick and stall eight is his pitch.
Greystoke has been flying the Flat flag for Alan King of late and is worth a shot back at Chester after winning so well over CD last time - he might just be progressive at this level.
He handled soft ground well earlier this month, and took advantage of racing closer to the pace in a steadily run 1m5f contest.
His trainer has said he will be better on good ground, so the drying conditions are not prohibitive today.
The stayer has a couple of things in his favour with a decent draw and Benoit De La Sayette able to claim 3lbs.
King at Chester has a fair record - with 18% win and 42% placed.