Angus McNae's Thursday Chester tips: Hills sprinter must be taken seriously

Angus McNae delivers his verdict on Wednesday's Classic trials at Chester and has four tips running a the Roodee on Thursday.

I have always enjoyed the racing that takes place at Chester and on Wednesday we saw two decent Classic trials on Racing UK.

Young Rascal won a strongly-run Chester Vase. The son of Prix Du Jockey Club winner Intello can be better still, given that he produced a Timeform Efficiency Rating of 101.8%, which is the time of the final two furlongs take in comparison with the time of the whole race. It means that James Doyle rode probably a tad too close to the strong gallop.

The colt is clearly a strong stayer and the trouble he got in-running on the Roodee will serve as good seasoning and conditioning for the Investec Derby.

Magic Wand won the Oaks trial under a well-judged front running ride by Ryan Moore.

It should not be underestimated the extent to which Moore stole this race. Magic Wand’s Efficiency Rating was 106.8%, meaning she was allowed to dawdle along in front on her terms and then quickened clear despite showing her inexperience. Much more will be needed in the Investec Oaks at Epsom on June 1, however.

I have four selections for at Chester.

1.50 Chester - A Momentofmadness at a generally available 4-1:

This lightning fast sprinter looks set to dominate this field from stall one. Two starts ago he lowered the five-furlong course record at Kempton, where he made all on that sharp inner circuit and I can see him being hard to peg back here.

He was unable to dominate last time out at Newbury, but this should be much more to his liking.

2.25 Rostropovich – at a generally available 7-2:

This horse has always promised to show more as his stamina is drawn out and the step up in trip from a mile to an extended 10 furlongs will really suit him.

He has had a run this season at ParisLongchamp, where he shaped as if needing the run.

I would expect him to improve and if he gets close to the Timeform speed rating that he achieved in the Futurity at the Curragh last year (116) he will win this.

3.35 Chester - Idaho at a generally available 4-5:

This horse is the class act in this race and he will enjoy not knocking his head against a Group One brick wall for a change.

This Group Three is the weakest race he has contested for a while and I expect him to make all the running.

He looked like he needed the run in the Sheema Classic at Meydan last time and what’s more that was not a good enough test of stamina for him.

A decent gallop whether set by him or another should see him return to the winner’s enclosure for all that he is a short price.

4.05 Ynys Mon at a generally available 6-4:

I thought this horse shaped well in a good time at Newmarket on his second career start.

He posted a decent time figure, despite getting some trouble in-running. Stall three is an excellent draw and trainer Charlie Hills is in good form. He has plenty of early pace, indeed he can be a bit too keen but if he is to get away with such exuberance this is the place.

He may also be more settled now with the benefit of two runs behind him. He looks to be a decent bet.

Angus McNae's Thursday best bets: