Star Lahib to score in Chester Stakes

Chester’s tight turns always make for some thrilling racing action and there is an excellent card for Saturday’s televised meeting. The feature race is the Chester Stakes Handicap at 3.30 with the weights headed by Sun Central.

The striking chestnut son of Galileo has missed a number of engagements since winning the John Smith’s Silver Cup at York in July. Any further rain on the Cheshire track would be a concern for trainer William Haggas with Sun Central having shown all of his best form on fast ground.

Montaser has been a disappointment this season after a promising win on his seasonal debut. He can be forgiven his latest effort at York when he hit the front too early but he is another with an aversion to soft ground.

Guarantee showed signs of a return to form when far from disgraced in the Ebor Handicap and may even have been closer but for experiencing trouble in running. He was only five lengths adrift of the winner Tiger Cliff at the line.

Mark Johnston’s Star Lahib has been a model of consistency and lifted the valuable Old Newton Cup at Haydock earlier this summer. She seemed to relish the ease in the ground at Ascot when successful at the Shergar Cup and she could be tough to beat here.

The Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Handicap at 2.55 looks even more difficult to solve. The key to success here is often a fast start and a low draw and Richard Fahey’s Alejandro fits the bill on both counts.

The son of Dark Angel has won at Ayr and Musselburgh and was second to Magic City at Goodwood in between those races. The winner has since gone in again so the form looks solid.

Es Que Love must have an amazing constitution as the gallant warrior turns out yet again for a big Saturday handicap. The four-year-old was denied in a conditions race at Warwick last week but a good draw here should enable him to get a prominent position and he has to be respected.

Richard Hannon’s Lilbourne Lass can resume winning ways in the 4.05 after a fair effort when third in the St Hugh’s Stakes at Newbury. Charlie Hills bids to keep up a family tradition by saddling a winner here with My Painter in the maiden race at 4.40.