Chester tips for Wednesday: Growl worth a gamble
Published:
David Metcalf | May 4, 2016
Growl ready to cut a dash
Growl caught the eye last time out and can take advantage of a drop in the weights to score an overdue success in the 5f handicap at Chester (15:45).
The gelding looked a smart prospect when making a winning debut as a juvenile for trainer Brian Meehan and went on to finish runner-up in the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury to be rated 97.
Growl also ran some solid races in the earlier part of last season, finishing a 6 1/2 length seventh of 12 to Limato in a Group 3 at Ascot and a 5 3/4 length fifth of 12 to Adaay in a Listed contest at Newbury.
That pair are now rated 119 and 113 respectively, and the form reads very well in the context of this class 2 contest.
Lost to like about Ripon run
It makes Growl look potentially very well treated off a career-low mark of 89, and there was lots to like about his first run for trainer Richard Fahey when fourth at Ripon last month.
The four-year-old travelled strongly in midfield before keeping on nicely to be beaten two lengths by Avon Breeze.
It was an effort which suggested his new connections would not be long in getting him back on the scoresheet and, from a good draw in stall four, Growl looks weighted to take all the beating if building on it.
Copper Knight looks pure gold in Lily Agnes
Trainer Hugo Palmer had mad a terrific start to the season, and Copper Knight can provide him with another winner in the Lily Agnes Stakes which gets proceedings underway on the seven-race card (14:10).
This colt has shown plenty of promise in both his starts, finishing a not knocked about fourth to the highly regarded Sutter County at Newmarket before being beaten a neck when runner-up at Windsor.
The son of Sir Prancelot showed plenty of pace in the latter before hanging left inside the last and being chinned close home, and had Awesome Allan who re-opposes today in behind.
Judged on that run Copper Knight should be suited by tight turns of this speedy track, and he looks decent value to put his experience to good use and turn over the favourite Fiery Character.
Selections
14.10: Copper Knight (NB)
14.40: Somehow
15.10: No Heretic
15.45: Growl (NAP)
16.20: Canny Kool
16.55: Mulk
17.25: Antioco
Related
You’ll find more tips and race previews from Chester’s May Festival on our horse racing section.
