David Evans looks to hold a strong hand in the opening event at Chester, with both Majestic Alexander and Limegrove worthy of respect, but the vote goes to Salford Red Devil, trained by Richard Fahey. The two-year-old shaped very well from a poor draw over C&D on debut in a race won by Fine 'N Dandy, being slowly into stride from stall 12 (of 12) and racing wide, making headway over a furlong and catching the eye in no uncertain terms. He confirmed that promise when a facile winner on his next outing, again over this C&D, triumphing by only two lengths but value for something like double that as he was eased down close to home. Salford Red Devil remains open to plenty of improvement and makes an abundance of appeal in this contest.
The Tim Easterby-trained Fast Shot took this race 12 months ago and, having given the impression that he is set to strike once more when a good second to Dick Bos at Ripon last time, he is worth supporting here. The five-year-old has gradually worked his way back to top form this term, not offering all that much encouragement earlier in the season but really hitting his stride in the last month or so, with his two most recent outings yielding performances as good as he has ever produced. He is 3 lb higher in the handicap than 12 months ago but that won't prevent a bold show, and he should go close.
The Group 3 Criterion Stakes at Newmarket, due off at 15:30, is an interesting race with the two main players, namely Pastoral Player and Hawkeyethenoo, likely to be making their challenges late. There is enough potential pace in the field to suggest that it could suit a hold-up horse and the one selected is Pastoral Player, who looked a touch unlucky not to gain a second win at this level at Haydock last time. The six-year-old made smooth headway but was forced to switch approaching the final furlong and conceded first run to the eventual winner, arguably doing well to get as close as he did. A reproduction of that effort would see him go very close indeed here.
Timeform SmartPlays:
Back Salford Red Devil in the 14:10 at Chester
Back Fast Shot in the 14:40 at Newcastle
Back Pastoral Player in the 15:30 at Newmarket
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