Today’s Racing Selections: Chester – Sunday 2 August 2026
After an eventful final day at Glorious Goodwood, our attention turns to Chester for Sunday’s meeting. Its tight bends, short straight and emphasis on tactical positioning create a very different challenge. We have selections in five races, beginning with the staying handicap at 2:10 and finishing with the competitive card closer at 4:52. Four are win bets, while our final selection provides an attractive each-way opportunity at a bigger price.
2:10 Chester – Timber Twelve – 2pts win at 2/1
Timber Twelve produced a clear career-best performance when winning over a similar distance at Epsom last month, travelling strongly before pulling more than two lengths clear. That victory suggests his revised mark of 86 may not represent the limit of his ability. As a progressive three-year-old receiving weight from the older runners, he has an appealing profile, while stall one should allow Ross Coakley to secure a valuable position around Chester’s tight circuit.
3:20 Chester – Calico Blue – 2pts win at 11/4
Calico Blue returns to Chester only eight days after recording a convincing course-and-distance success. That performance followed an excellent second at Newmarket, where he was beaten only a neck by Jazl, another runner in this race. He is improving rapidly, has won three of his seven starts and is proven around Chester. Lifeplan possesses obvious ability but returns after a long absence, making the race-fit Calico Blue a more dependable option at the available price.
3:52 Chester – Dance In The Storm – 2pts win at 5/2
Dance In The Storm has already demonstrated her suitability for this unusual track, winning over today’s course and distance in May. Her subsequent defeats came in large and much stronger Class 2 handicaps at Epsom and Royal Ascot, where circumstances were considerably more demanding. Returning to Chester should help her rediscover her best form, and Oisin Murphy knows her extremely well. Despite the wide stall, her proven course ability gives her a significant advantage over several rivals.
4:22 Chester – Blue Prince – 2pts win at 11/10
Blue Prince is particularly well treated under the conditions of this claiming race. Despite holding the highest official rating in the field, his £20,000 claiming price means he receives the maximum weight allowance and carries only 8-13. He is therefore five pounds better off than Alpha Capture, although rated three pounds higher. His latest effort was below his best, but the return to Class 4 company, shorter distance and booking of Oisin Murphy provide strong reasons to expect a rebound.
4:52 Chester – Secret Beach – 1pt each-way at 6/1, 3 places
Secret Beach was beaten only half a length over this exact course and distance eight days ago, finishing strongly after being held up towards the rear. Although his rating has risen by one pound, Toby Moore’s seven-pound claim means he effectively carries the same 9-9 as last time. He is proven under these conditions and is attractively treated against his principal rivals. At 6/1, the three-place each-way terms provide valuable protection alongside a genuine winning chance.
That completes our five selections for Sunday at Chester, representing a total investment of ten points. The card contains several competitive races, but our choices combine recent form, favourable weights and proven course suitability. As always, check the latest going, non-runners and prices before placing your bets. Good luck to everyone following the selections, and hopefully we can carry the momentum from Ghost Mode’s Goodwood victory into another profitable afternoon.
Results August: -2
