I AM off to Chester on Thursday night. Here are my thoughts on my two rides, and the ITV races at York.

CHESTER

5.25 Chester

Spanish Mission

Hopefully, he can get back on the winning trail here, but he wouldn’t want too much more rain. This looks a good opportunity for him if the ground isn’t too bad, as he was obviously a very good at 3yo and his two runs this season have been fine, most obviously his second in the Henry VII on his return at Sandown. That level of form puts him in with a winning chance here but the weather needs to play ball. He may not run if it doesn’t.

8.00pm Chester

Vindolanda

She went up 4lb for her Haydock soft-ground win over 1m6f and didn’t quite run up to that form on her return to that track last time. But any further rain will help her, and she ran well for me when third in a maiden around here last season. She has a decent chance if staying this extra trip.

YORK

1.45 York: Sacred hasn’t run since Royal Ascot but she is the one to beat on her Queen Mary second. That is the best form on offer going into the race.

2.15 York: Devious Company is the clear stand-out on form on his Group race exploits, and something will have to improve dramatically to beat him if he runs to that level. It is possible, but probably not likely.

2.45 York: This is obviously a very competitive handicap but Prompting may not have stopped improving yet. He won with authority at Goodwood, and I reckon he can defy a 6lb rise. He is a course winner with a good draw, too.

3.15 York: A boring selection but Love is obviously the best horse in the race after her Oaks win. The only danger to her could be if the ground turns testing, but even then she will probably be okay.

3.45 York: Gold Wand will like the ease in the ground and she is the one to beat for me after her second here last time. I think she will stay the trip well enough.