Mana the pick

Racing Chester previewMana D'Argent can cap a memorable few days for Mark Johnston by winning the Chester Cup today.

Johnston became the first Yorkshire-based trainer to saddle the winner of the 1,000 Guineas since Mick Easterby's Mrs McArdy 27 years ago when Attraction did the business at Newmarket on Sunday.

And now Mana D'Argent can lift one of the most competitive staying handicaps of the season.

A veteran of 63 races, the seven-year-old gelding has recorded all of his five career victories at Ascot so far, but he did run a cracker in this race three years ago, when beaten only four lengths by Rainbow High in what was a vintage renewal of the historic contest.

He warmed up for this £120,000-added prize with an encouraging performance at Ripon recently.

Prominent for a long way and ahead three furlongs out, he only faded in the final furlong of a two-mile handicap won by George Stubbs. That outing will have brought him on and he looks to have a big chance in what is usually a truly-run race.

Seven-year-olds have a fair record in the Chester Cup with Silence In Court (1997), Top Cees (1997), Rodeo Star (1993) and Old Hubert (1988) plus Sea Pigeon in 1977 all doing that age group proud in recent times. Mana D'Argent can add his name to that elite list.

Deraasaat can make a successful seasonal reappearance in the Letheby & Christopher Cheshire Oaks to book her place in the fillies' Classic at Epsom next month. After being slowly away on her debut at Beverley, she made amends in tremendous style with an emphatic six-length win in a Nottingham maiden over an extended mile. Both runs came in September.

The tight Chester track should suit the Ed Dunlop-trained filly, who is currently a 33 to 1 chance for the Vodafone Oaks.

Hallyards Gael returned from a winter break to score over three miles at Kelso last week and, despite carrying a 7lb penalty for that victory, is one to keep faith with. Earlier successful over hurdles at Kelso and over fences at Perth, the Strong Gale gelding is capable of continuing Len Lungo's good start to the new season by taking the Strakan RNLI Handicap Chase.