Chester tips for Friday: Cook Islands is Dee one to beat
Published:
David Metcalf | May 6, 2016
Cook Islands can sail to success in Dee Stakes
Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien has an excellent record in the Dee Stakes and Cook Islands looks to hold leading claims of providing him with another winner of the 1m 2f Listed contest on the final day of Chester’s May Festival (14:40).
The Ballydoyle handler has won the race five times, including three of the last four renewals.
In Cook Islands, O’Brien has a lightly-raced colt who looked a smart prospect in two runs as a juvenile.
After finishing a fast finishing 3/4 length fourth off 22 at the Curragh to stable companion Hit It A Bomb, who subsequently went on to land the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, the son of Fastnet Rock opened his account in good style at Navan.
Lots to like about Navan success
Cook Islands still looked green, but responded well to his riders urgings to take up the running a furlong out and forged clear to beat Sea Of Mysetry by 3 1/2 lengths.
It was a most taking performance, and one which suggested Cook Islands would make up into a very smart middle distance performer as a three-year-old.
Although well beaten into fourth on his return to action in a Group 3 at Leopardstown last month, Cooks Islands was totally unsuited by the heavy ground and looked after by jockey Ryan Moore once it was clear he would not be winning.
The drying ground at the Roodee is sure to see him in a far better light, and Cooks Islands can take this en route to better things.
Dartmouth to deliver in Ormonde Stakes
Dartmouth has a progressive profile and can provide in-form trainer Sir Michael Stoute with another winner in the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes (15:10).
The colt is a typical improver from the yard and took his form to a new level when landing a Group 3 contest at Chelmsford in impressive fashion on seasonal reappearance at Chelmsford last month.
After travelling strongly on the heels of the leading pair, Dartmouth took up the running two from home and forged clear to beat Sandro Boticelli by 4 1/2 lengths.
The manner of the victory suggested Dartmouth, who is owned by the Queen, was developing into the real deal and set for a big season.
Although this demands more, the son of Dubawi looks up to the task and, with Ryan Moore in the saddle, can get the better of Irish challenger Wicklow Brave to land the spoils.
Selections
14.10: Glenalmond
14.40: Cook Islands (NAP)
15.10: Dartmouth (NB)
15.45: El Astronaute
16.20: Fast Dancer
16.50: Angelic Guest
17.20: Trendsetter
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