Chester Cup preview: contenders, odds and a 9/1 tip for Friday’s main event

The Chester May Festival comes to an end on Friday and the highlight of Day 3 is undoubtedly the £170,000 Chester Cup. Run over an extended 2m2f, 2024 is the 200th anniversary of this marathon handicap. We’ve highlighted some of the major contenders and provided a verdict for Friday’s main event. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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Contenders

9. Aztec Empire

He hasn’t been seen since September so it will require a big effort to win here but the drying ground is likely to suit. Andrew Balding’s five-year-old was a narrow second in a good race at York in August and a repeat of that effort will give him every chance.

17. Grand Providence

Another one for Andrew Balding, this filly made her seasonal debut at Newbury last month and should improve for the run. She might not be fully exposed just yet but stall 12 isn’t the best of draws.

3. The Shunter

This Cheltenham Festival winner managed to claim the Cesarewitch at Newmarket in October but a 6lb rise will make life considerably harder here.

2. Magellan Strait

Joseph O’Brien’s unexposed stayer won the Irish Cesarewitch at the Curragh in September and warmed up for this with a narrow victory over two miles at Dundalk. William Buick is on board and he’ll be going the short way around from stall two.

12. Zoffee

He came agonisingly close to winning this last year before just getting caught by Metier and shouldn’t be ruled out off a 3lb lower mark here. Stall one is certainly a good place to be.

Verdict

Magellan Strait was a narrow winner of the Irish Cesarewitch last season and his profile suggests further progress could be on the cards, despite an 8lb rise. William Buick is an eye-catching booking and he’ll have every chance here, with a lovely low draw.

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