The 2m2f Chester Cup has acted as a prelude for big staying handicaps, as well as Group 1 prizes, but is a keenly-sought prize in its own right. This year’s renewal looks another to savour, as Joe Napier previews the race and gives his verdict.
Jumps Stars Return to Flat
Though Hot Fuss enjoyed a highly promising juvenile hurdling season for Tom Dascombe, it was nothing compared to the one celebrated by East India Dock. James Owen’s four-year-old came within 100 yards of winning the Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, having taken immaculately to hurdling.
He ultimately earned a mark of 147, and was evidently among the best of his generation over obstacles this season, rating 23lb higher than Hot Fuss. That rival now has to give him 4lb back on the level, though Hot Fuss’s win at Southwell in February demonstrated significant improvement in that regard. Nevertheless, it is the Gredley-owned charge who is likely to be very well-supported, as he had shown promise to develop further on the level anyway. Both have good draws to further back up their claims.
Defending Champ and Six-Timer Seeker Among Challengers
Hugo Palmer won this last year with Zoffee, but the nine-year-old would have to defy a few trends in order to come out on top again at his age. It’s also been 20 years since the last two-time winner, although he has become well-handicapped again at just 1lb above last year’s winning mark. A draw in stall 4 may only aid the cause after he emerged from stall 1 to win last year.
Meanwhile, chasing a sixth successive victory, Caballo De Mar runs for George Scott. Another four-year-old in the race, his winning run began at Ayr last September, with four wins in a row on the all-weather at Southwell since. Whether he can maintain his form back on turf is a separate question, but his last victory, over the furthest trip he has faced, was the most impressive yet and stall 8 is no punishment.
Younger O’Brien Leads Irish Challenge
Aidan O’Brien won this with Cleveland in 2022, but it is son Joseph who is the only Irish trainer represented in 2025. With Ryan Moore booked, it would seem that the younger of the pair in Leinster is the primary candidate. He is extremely unexposed after only four starts, winning two of those, the latest coming in comfortable fashion in an 18-runner Curragh handicap. He could easily have more to come but this is a big hike up in trip from another good draw in stall 5.
Conversely, this is a trip Dawn Rising has faced on many an occasion. Now an eight-year-old, he was a Group 3 winner as recently as last season, and twice ran well in handicap company last term, though his rating has been left mostly unchanged, which should make it difficult for him to win here, especially with stall 15 being a tough berth.
The Rest Of The Field
Andre Balding’s Who’s Glen was a remarkable 13-length winner on his only Chester start ;ast season. He has only finished out of the first four once in his career, and was a promising second on return at Kempton. If this trip suits, he could go very well, though there has to be a ground query given he has never run on quicker than soft on turf.
Balding’s other runner is worth a look in Spirit Mixer, who is three from five on the Roodee. His only real disappointment at Chester came in this race a year ago, but his form took a turn for the better since. If fit this early in the season, he has a chance, as does Emiyn, second 12 months ago, and competing off 2lb lower; his return run at Musselburgh was more than respectable and stall 2 aids him further.
The last worthy of mention could be Liam Swagger, another juvenile hurdler for James Owen and the Gredleys over the jumps season just gone. He did not reach East India Dock’s standards, but he was not miles below that stablemate and has had a couple of runs on the flat since which could have him spot on for a tilt at this.
Chester Cup Betting Offers
Ahead of the Chester Cup, there will be plenty of extra-place offers given it is a big field handicap. IN terms of new customer promotions in advance of the race, check out Midnite’s Bet £10 Get £20 + 50 Free Spins offer, or any of the assorted bonuses below.
| Bookmaker | Offer |
| Midnite | Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets + 50 Free Spins |
| Paddy Power | Bet £5 Get £30 in Free Bets |
| SkyBet | Bet 5p Get £40 in Free Bets |
| Bet365 | Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets |
VERDICT
With such a fine juvenile hurdling season under his belt and with a kind enough draw, EAST INDIA DOCK has a superb chance of making a winning return to the turf. His mark of 89 could greatly underestimate him even on his progressive older flat form, let alone what he did over hurdles last term. Last season’s runner-up Emiyn is feared most, with his Musselburgh comeback being eyecatching enough regarding this assignment. The progressive Leinster can go well for Joseph O’Brien, as could the six-timer seeking Caballo De Mar and the selection’s stablemate Liam Swagger.
- East India Dock
- Emiyn
- Leinster
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