Equinties - Chester day 2

Gm Equinauts

Our thoughts are with Charlie Appleby and all connected to HIDDEN LAW.

Let’s dive in.

HEADLINE ROUNDUP

A TRAGEDY

For about two seconds yesterday, the horse racing community all came to the same conclusion that HIDDEN LAW was an absolute monster after his Chester Vase success. And then disaster of the worst kind.

Moments after crossing the line in front, HIDDEN LAW broke down and sustained a fatal injury.

We know that all equine fatalities are lamentable in equal measure, but not all horses are equal. We were witnessing something special yesterday and for HIDDEN LAW to be taken so quickly after posting such an unforgettable performance is one of the saddest circumstances racing can deliver.

On the event, trainer Charlie Appleby said: "He passed the line okay and just crossed the road and put a false step in over the road. It was the force of it coming down on a false step basically. It's one of those very freak accidents. He sustained a fracture to his right foreleg and had to be euthanised.

"It's very disappointing. I'm so sorry for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and team Godolphin. To have a horse like him potentially coming through the ranks was exciting for everybody.”

What a sad day for Charlie Appleby and the entire sport.

SHARK ATTACK IN FRANCE

After his valiant effort in the Punchestown Gold Cup, HEWICK is potentially heading off to France to contest the French Champion Hurdle.

The King George winner was third at Punchestown behind arguably the two best staying chasers in the sport currently.

Having finished fourth in the race last year - a contest won by THELEME - Shark Hanlon is hoping to send him back for another go.

"I'd love to have another crack at the French Champion Hurdle," said Hanlon. "He was fourth in it last year and I think we could finish even closer this year. It's less than two weeks away but he's come out of Punchestown absolutely bouncing so I'll have a chat with his owner [TJ McDonald] and see whether we decide to give it a crack or not. I'd love to anyway, so I'd say there's a big chance he will."

More: 'Big chance' Hewick heads to France next with Shark Hanlon eyeing French Champion Hurdle | Racing Post

OAKS OPTIONS

Reflecting on yesterday’s other important race, (we won’t mention the absolute stinker Buick gave GALILEO DAME!) the two Fairies filled out the places in the Cheshire Oaks, though it was FOREST FAIRY that got the better of PORT FAIRY.

She had to work hard to get to Aidan O’Brien’s three-year-old - who did well to stick on so well having been off the bridle early - but she got going in the final furlongs and won by a head.

Post-race, trainer Ralph Beckett was keen to stress how she was still a work-in-progress, as he said: "I think it's probable she'll end up at Epsom on the last Friday of the month. I don't think I'd be too worried about the ground, they usually do a good job for the first day of that meeting. She's a good-moving filly and I'd imagine it will be similar ground to today.

 "She was just very immature at two and we had to take our time with her. I think we were all a bit surprised by how well she won on her debut at Wolverhampton, but we certainly haven't underestimated her since."

Although Beckett mentioned Epsom, a few journos said that the French Oaks could be an option.

One to note was SEAWARD. Most of Becketts come on for the run and he hasn’t been in the best form so this filly can improve substantially. The two fillies ahead of her yesterday had had a run under their belt too. The daughter of SEA THE STARS has an entry in the Oaks and the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot.

BIG RACE PREVIEWS

15.05 LISTED DEE STAKES

The Ballydoyle team is so random at the moment. In some ways Aiden has got a plethora of classic hopes, or they are just all the same and no real stand outs. One thing is for sure, after such a wet spring they look like they are needing a run.

CAPULET is bred on the magic JUSTIFY/GALILEO cross. His dam is a sister to SERPENTINE who ran away with the Derby in Covid lockdown. JUSTIFY also appreciated a trip, as shown in the Belmont Stakes. So the step up by 2 furlongs shouldn’t be a problem for CAPULET. He has had a run, albeit behind BRACKENS LAUGH. And he has solid Group form as a 2yo. Plus Aiden has won this race 6 times in 10 years, the times he didn’t win, one was insulted by the ground and the other was lame.

JAYAREBE is shouldering a 3lb penalty for his win at Newmarket in the Fielden Stakes. Connections are really hoping he’ll be a live contender for the French Derby instead of Epsom. Difficult to assess his seasonal debut victory as none of the others were fully tuned up. He’s going to love the extra furlong today.

BRACKENS LAUGH got the better of CAPULET at Chelmsford in the Conditions Stakes and won a tidy £50,000, we backed him that time. Obviously always shown plenty at home as he was thrown into the Gr1 Criterium de Saint Cloud at the neck end last year and was 5th. However that form is looking quite good now and has to be feared today.

GOD’S WINDOW was placed in the Gr1 Futurity at Donny last year, that was on Heavy ground and hasn’t ran on anything faster than soft ground. He’s by DUBAWI who generally tackle all conditions but wouldn’t want it to dry out too much. Crucially, he has had a run albeit an easy one that looked like a piece of work.

HARPER’S FERRY is out of TALENT who won the Oaks for Ralph Beckett and part owner of this colt Mr Dixon. They are likely trying to pick up black type for the mare. He is rated 88, so will have to improve quite considerably.

Verdict: CAPULET is the selection, but only a tentative nod given he has a big job to turn around the form with BRACKENS LAUGH. He is 9/2 for a horse that has quality form as a 2yo, has had a blow out to wipe the cobwebs off and will appreciate the step up in trip. Aiden always has the last laugh. Although he is sitting on 4 winners from 27 runners, he has had 14 other hit the frame. He trains for the long term, to get better as the season goes on so he could well run into some hot form.

15.40 GROUP 3 ORMONDE STAKES

POINT LONSDALE’s form has dipped somewhat with age, the beginning of last year he did well winning the Huxley Stakes at this meeting but he’s tailed off since then. Albeit he has ran in 5 Gr1s!

ARREST was second in the St Leger last year and won two Gr3s including at this track. He needs to bounce back from a disappointing seasonal debut where he was 7th to HAMISH, a past winner of this race. He was drawn in the car park that day and hit the front far too soon, the yard is in much better form now and he’s won at the track.

DEAUVILLE LEGEND sports first time blinkers, he was second in the Melbourne Cup two years ago and then had colic when he returned. Lightly raced, he’s a player today but he does come here off a lengthy absence and has a bit to find with the front pair.

ALSAKIB notched up 4 wins last year, they were all in handicap company. He was 6th lto in a Gr3 (beat Arrest) so needs to improve on that. He’s improving, he’s lightly raced, he’s had a blow out, there’s not many excuses today so could be on schedule for a PB but will need it to trouble the judge.

ENEMY is a good old boy, loves a trip aboard, normally isn’t too far away from getting on the rostrum. Could struggle getting his head in front but isn’t dismissed for an each way poke.

Verdict: The big question mark over ARREST is the ground being too quick for him and he needs to put a lacklustre run behind him. The latter can certainly happen especially as there were excused lto (draw), he has won on good to firm before so good ground shouldn’t be a big issue. We think it’s out of him or POINT LONSDALE but there is no strong view!

RISK ON

Unlike yesterday, we are not that strong on the above preview horses so will just watch them and pLay these singles instead:

14.35 CELTIC WARRIOR

Up against previous banker horse NEVER SO BRAVE but at the weights we think CELTIC WARRIOR can win here. He was much loved by the Blading yard last year and has clearly needed time. We hope he’s still progressing. Only 7 runners to small win bet at 6’s. Small ew double with CONTACTO 16.45 pays 26/1, minimal stakes as we’re taking on two hot pots but Balding does well here.

20.30 PRIMO LARA

This horse has to be better than 77 and he’s had a run so should be fitter than half the field. Jane is profitable at Chelmsford. 8/1 ew.