Battle to relish step up in trip in Chester Vase

By Stephen, bettingexpert.com | Published 00:00 10.05.2012

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John Oxx's Call to Battle is selected to land the Group 3 Chester Vase at 2.35 this afternoon.

The 3-y-o has gradually improved with every run in four races to date, and shaped as though this step up in trip to 1m4f would suit when a onepaced second to Light Heavy in a Group 3 at Leopardstown in April. His astute trainer makes very few errors when he sends runners across for the top races, and he is expected to prove too strong for four rivals in a modest renewal.

Main danger for the 55,000 prize comes from fellow Irish raider David Livingstone. He was well fancied against our selection 25 days ago, but failed to pick up from 2f out and finished a disappointing 6l fifth of seven. Perhaps the Ballydoyle inmate needed the run more than the betting indicated on that seasonal debut, and the stable has a superb record at this meeting. However, he lacks the scope to progress of a few of those and does seem priced up on connections rather than anything in the formbook.

Minimise Risk steps up in class after winning a decent Newbury maiden on just his second start. Andrew Balding's highly regarded type came on a ton for his debut run, denying the potentially useful Uriah Heap on the nod with the pair trapping well clear of the rest on the soft ground. This is a much stiffer test for the Galileo colt, but he will relish a step up in trip and Jamie Spencer is a very unusual booking for the stable.

Model Pupil is another venturing into Group waters after a narrow maiden win. He traded at 1000-1 in running at Newmarket last time out, before responding to strong pressure to lead right on the post in a traditionally strong contest. Much more is required here but the Charlie Hills yard continues in great form and a bold showing could not be ruled out if the Irish pair fail to live up to expectations.

Mickdaam is a consistent sort at a useful level, who returned from a busy winter in Meydaan with a very creditable second to Rougemont in the Tattersalls Million 21 days ago. He has claims on the bare figures but seems best when the ground rides on the faster side of good, and must be doubted a very doubtful stayer stepped up 2f in trip on an easy surface here.

In summary, a gilt edged chance for Call to Battle to earn some black type in this Group 3. He is sure to get a positive ride from Johnny Murtagh and is worth a win investment at around 3-1 this morning.

Stephen's Wednesday Nap Black Monk 3.20 Goodwood

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