Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Chester May Festival Day 2 Tips
THURSDAY RACING TIPS
Chester 1.30 – 5f Handicap
I think you have to give a lot of respect to Roman Dragon (7/2f) here given he’s back to last year’s winning mark.
He goes really well at Chester, he’s got a good draw in stall three and Oisin Murphy is on board, so there is a lot to like.
Megan’s Tip: Roman Dragon WIN
Chester 2.35 – Dee Stakes
Morshdi (5/2) is the one I’ve come down on in the Dee Stakes.
He’s a full brother to Nakheel, the Group Two winner, so we know he’ll stay well. He impressed on his reappearance at Newmarket and is still entered in the Derby.
William Haggas has had a good start to the season and his colt is still improving. I like the fact he’s proven his stamina already and that’s a question mark about some of his rivals.
Megan’s Tip: Morshdi WIN
Chester 3.05 – Ormonde Stakes
This is a fascinating renewal of the Ormonde Stakes and I was a little surprised to see Ryan Moore on Jan Brueghel (6/5f) and not Illinois (11/4).
The former looked really good when beating Calandagan in the Coronation Cup but didn’t back that up in the King George at Ascot. He also tends to improve for his first run of the season, so I thought there were grounds to take him on.
Illinois won at Chester last year and has proved himself a very solid stayer. The 1000 Guineas proved jockey bookies aren’t always right and I fancy Wayne Lordan to get the better of Ryan Moore again.
Each-way, I’ll chance Sons And Lovers (16/1). He’s a smart middle-distance stayer who picked up plenty of prize money in the Middle East this year and this sharper track over this trip should suit him.
Megan’s Tip: Illinois WIN; Sons And Lovers EW
Chester 3.40 – 7f Handicap
I’ll go with McMurray (4/1) here.
He was an improver last season and there’s no reason why that improvement can’t continue this campaign.
He’s named after Bow Echo’s groom after the late Sheikh Mohammed Obaid said he would call a horse after him if he turned up to work on time to ride Bow Echo every day.
His form reads pretty well and you’d like to think we’re yet to see the best of him.
Megan’s Tip: McMurray WIN
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
