DONALD McCAIN hopes Overturn turns the luck of the draw to his advantage in this afternoon’s totesport.com Chester Cup.
The seven-year-old is the current favourite and has the plum draw in stall one for the 2m2f feature on the opening day of Chester’s three-day May Festival.
Even over the marathon distance, a low draw can be a huge advantage on the twists and turns of the Roodee.
And as Overturn makes his first start on the Flat since his disappointing effort in the Ebor at York last August, when he was last of 20 runners, McCain hopes he can get back to winning ways.
McCain’s charge had already landed the Northumberland Plate last summer – on that occasion overcoming a poor draw – and Galway Hurdle.
But since his York flop he has had four hurdle starts, including an excellent third in the Scottish Champion Hurdle last time.
McCain is very happy with Overturn’s preparation since, and the Cheshire-based handler is hoping he can land a ‘home’ win today.
The John Smith’s Grand National-winning trainer said: “The horse seems in good form, he’s very well, and the ground is good for him, too.
“He seems really well after Ayr, he’s come out of it absolutely fine and I was half tempted to go to Sandown with him the other week, but we decided to sit tight and concentrate on this race.
“The draw is perfect for him as long as he gets out, which I expect him to, and there’s not many courses where the draw is as crucial as it is at Chester. It’s a good race but we have got a decent horse on a nice weight with a favourable draw so after that we will see.”
Overturn had a long rest following York last August and McCain added: “He had a long break after York last year so there’s really no reason why we can’t keep rolling on with him, all being well tomorrow.
“We could go back up to Newcastle for the Northumberland Plate again but obviously it’s a bit more difficult over hurdles with his rating.”
Chief among the opposition today, will be last year winner Mamlook, who is trained by another National-winning trainer David Pipe.
He must overcome a 4lb rise in the handicap and also a higher draw if he is to join the most recent dual winners of the race, Anak Pekan, Rainbow High and Top Cees.
The seven-year-old was drawn in stall five when he just defeated the re-opposing Tastahil, but he will now start from stall nine again under last year’s winning jockey Richard Hughes.
Pipe said: “Even over the long distances the draw at Chester is extremely important – last year we were in stall five and Richard Hughes was able to get him into a beautiful position.
“There will be a maximum field of 17 again this time around and it will not be as easy from the centre of the track in stall nine, but at least we are not right out in the car park.
“He is 4lb higher in the handicap compared to last year, but the horse is in good form at home and Richard Hughes will be in the saddle again so we are hopeful of another bold show.”
Tastahil will also line-up bidding to go one better.
The seven-year-old also finishing second in the Doncaster Cup before landing a Group Three victory on his final start.
Trainer Barry Hills is always among the winners on the Roodee and despite Tastahil shouldering top weight of 9st11lb, connections are hopeful of going one better today.
Hills said: “Tastahil will run in the Chester Cup where he came heartbreakingly close last year.
“He has to shoulder top weight again and hopefully the ground won’t be too quick for him.
“He had a nice break at Shadwell over the winter and has come back in great form.”
Hills looks to hold a decent chance of a winner in the final race of the six-race Chester card with Fadhaa.
While others of interest are the unbeaten Lily’s Angel for Richard Fahey and Warrington’s champion jockey Paul Hanagan.
She has the plum number one stall for the five-furlong opener.
CHESTER PREDICTIONS (Day One): 1.45pm Lily's Angel, 2.20pm Wonders Of Wonders, 2.55pm Overturn (NAP), 3.30pm Moorhouse Lad, 4.05pm Layla's King, 4.40pm Fadhaa.
