Chester May Meeting - Huxley Stakes

2.20 Chester

Betfair Huxley Stakes (For The Tradesman's Cup) (Group 3) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £28,385

Pick: Await The Dawn (win)

Await The Dawn: Shaped with potential at two & again bettered that when two from two at three, signing off last year with a 9 length Group 3 win at Leopardstown; Could be anything at this stage and every reason to expect big run.

Critical Moment: Found steady improvement last year, winning listed event (made most, found plenty) in good style at Goodwood; Decent return when well beaten third in Ascot listed event (mile) and step up in trip will suit.

Distant Memories: Tough and consistent performer who's sure to run his race, and gained deserved win in Winter Hill Stakes last season; Bettered that still when third in Group 2 at Longchamp and while has big form claim, may need run and best form on softer ground.

Dream Eater: Performed admirably in face of tough tasks last season and only beaten a head in Turkish Group 2 (several other smart efforts); Performed with credit when third to two classy types in Bet365 Mile and should be fitter for that; Big form chance if dealing with trip.

Forte Del Marmi: Won four of his six starts last year in high class 1m2f handicaps and looked well up to being player at Group level when coming with late superb late surge to take big Newbury event; Disappointed on return but worth at least one more chance to show he’s better than that.

Light From Mars: Has recovered best form for new yard this season, third on majorly disadvantaged far side in Lincoln before following that up with game Spring Mile win latest; Not too far off this level but far tougher company.

VERDICT: Distant Memories would have to be considered a danger if getting an easy lead, Dream Eater arguably has the best form claims, and it could pay to give Forte Del Marmi another chance, but AWAIT THE DAWN looked like he could hold his own at Group 1 level when whining a Group 3 last year and will take the beating here. He’s got a 3lbs penalty to carry and hasn’t got the benefit of a run, but did win first time up last year.