Sailor to repay faith

Racing: The unexposed Swift Sailor has long been favourite for the Chester Cup and he can justify punter confidence in style on the Roodee today.

With just three runs to his name, the Mark Johnston-trained four-year-old looks to have sneaked into this valuable handicap on a handy mark and has been handed a favourable stalls position to boot.

And given that underfoot conditions looks set to be ideal and big-race jockey Kevin Darley is keen to get down to something like his minimum weight to take the mount, he looks something to bet on.

A mile and three quarters is as far as he has been so far in his fledgling career, but he is bred to stay this extended two and a quarter miles.

Darley felt he was still a bit green at Musselburgh last time out, where he also looked unsuited by a muddling pace, being pushed along in the straight before staying on more than well enough to account for subsequent winner Nounou.

A big field this afternoon should ensure there is no hanging about, which will suit, and though there are dangers aplenty - not least Aidan O'Brien's Coconut Beach - Swift Sailor can come out on top.

The Cheshire Oaks does not look the hottest of races and given Barry Hills's noted liking for this track, it looks the safest bet to side with his once-raced Alumni.

The daughter of Selkirk only saw a racecourse for the first time last month when she showed a fair degree of ability to chase home Eswarah on easy ground at Newbury.

The winner was given a 16 to 1 quote for the Oaks and is obviously held in high regard so, with Alumni nicely clear of the third, it is no wonder Hills has seen fit to raise her sights.

Strike Up The Band can scorch home in the opening Joseph Heler Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes.

A half-brother to a host of classy sprinters, the David Nicholls-trained youngster created a huge impression in trotting up by seven lengths at Pontefract last month.

"The best two-year-old I've ever had" was the verdict of the Thirsk handler afterwards and a plum draw in stall two does nothing to dampen enthusiasm for Strike Up The Band.

Hills loves this particular meeting and can double up with River Kintyre in the closing Cheshire Regiment EBF Maiden Stakes.

The Mull Of Kintyre colt showed plenty of dash when fourth in the Brocklesby at the Lincoln meeting and looks sure to pick up a race or two with that experience under his belt.