Chester

Thursday, May 8, 2025FlatClass 11m5f

A listed winner here last summer, preference is for ABSURDE who could still have more to offer on the Flat having been beaten only 1¾ lengths in the Melbourne Cup when last seen on the level. He arrives on the back of an emphatic success over hurdles and is taken to see off the challenge of Illinois, with Aidan O'Brien bidding for a seventh win in the race. Al Qareem completes the shortlist.

  • Absurde
  • Illinois
  • Al Qareem
1m5f Grp 3
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 2 places
  • 1. Illinois
    J: Ryan MooreT: Aidan O'Brien, Ireland
    F: 3/3212221-
    Price History:
    -
    Age:
    4
    Weight:
    9-7
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    0
    Days Since Last Run:
    215
    Verdict
    Developed into reliable performer at up to 15f last season, landing the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot before runner-up next 3 outings, including when beaten only a neck in the St Leger. Returned to winning ways in Prix Chaudenay at Longchamp in October and he's respected on reappearance.
  • 3. Absurde
    J: William BuickT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
    F: 217/415-
    Price History:
    -
    Age:
    7
    Weight:
    9-2
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    0
    Days Since Last Run:
    18
    Verdict
    Smart dual-purpose performer, successful in listed race at this course (14.4f) last summer before good fifth in Melbourne Cup. Has run twice over hurdles this year, proving better than ever when winning Sussex Champion Hurdle at Plumpton 18 days ago. Major player back in this sphere.
  • 2. Al Qareem
    J: Sam JamesT: K. R. Burke
    F: 252114-31
    Price History:
    -
    Age:
    6
    Weight:
    9-5
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    0
    Days Since Last Run:
    29
    Verdict
    Likeable type who won listed race at this course (12.3f) for second consecutive year last September. Has typically given his running all 3 starts since, battling well for success in 4-runner listed race at Nottingham (14f, good) last month. Can give another good account.
  • 4. Mondo Man
    J: Tom QueallyT: Gary & Josh Moore
    F: 3/132547-
    Price History:
    -
    Age:
    4
    Weight:
    9-2
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    0
    Days Since Last Run:
    55
    Verdict
    Useful on Flat in France last year, winning maiden on second outing before improved fifth of 15 in Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly. Promise over hurdles on first 2 starts for current yard, before well held in the Triumph at Cheltenham last time. Has something to find back on the level.
  • 6. Roaring Legend
    J: David ProbertT: Hugo Palmer
    F: 2821/1116
    Price History:
    -
    Age:
    5
    Weight:
    9-2
    Gear:
    tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    0
    Days Since Last Run:
    20
    Verdict
    Has thrived returned to the Flat for new yard, bringing up the hat-trick in handicap at Lingfield (15.8f) in February. Shaped as if still in top form when sixth of 14 in All-Weather Championships Marathon at Newcastle last time, but will need to resume progress as he goes up in grade.
  • 5. Mount Atlas
    J: Oisin MurphyT: Andrew Balding
    F: U81312-4
    Price History:
    -
    Age:
    4
    Weight:
    9-2
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    0
    Days Since Last Run:
    40
    Verdict
    Most progressive last year, doubling his tally on handicap debut at Ascot (12f) in July. After 6 months off (gelded), shaped well when fourth of 14 in Rosebery Handicap at Kempton (11f) in March, faring best of those ridden prominently. Upped in grade/trip but remains with potential.
  • Unnamed Favourite
  • Unnamed 2nd Favourite

Bet Slip

Your bet slip is empty