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TEMPLEGATE is geared up for an exciting Friday of racing, ready to challenge the bookies.
The marquee event of the day is the Chester Cup at 3:05 PM, airing live on ITV4.
Our top tipster reveals his top 1-2-3 predictions and insights for the £170,000 race below.
To place a bet on a horse, simply click on their odds.
LEINSTER (3:05 Chester, nap)
This progeny of Camelot showcased significant ability with a win at The Curragh last time out. He thrived in that competitive field and seems set to excel over this extended distance.
THE FOXES (2:35 Chester, nb)
He concluded an impressive fourth in the Hong Kong Cup, finishing strongly, and Chester should be an ideal fit for him.
COROLLA POINT (4:00 Ascot, treble)
He secured a solid debut victory and narrowly missed out at Doncaster last month upon his return. He should be in better shape now, making his handicap debut from a reasonable mark.
Templegate’s TV predictions
CHESTER
1:30
TWO TEMPTING is likely to uphold the strong record of stall one in this race, vying for its fourth win in the past decade.
He claimed victory over this course and distance last season and was a close contender at Newbury 27 days ago. He’s set for a robust performance.
Divine Libra may face hurdles from stall 11 but has a liking for this track and is fit from a promising return.
Transcending Glory has demonstrated impressive form over 7f but could face challenges from a wide draw.
Yanifer boasts a more favorable draw in five and is 4lb higher than his victory over 7f here last August. He stays the distance and should be competitive.
Gorak was barely beaten in competitive company at Haydock last time and remains a contender from just 2lb higher today.
2:05
All six in this contest possess significant potential, but AMMES stands out today.
After a six-month hiatus, he returned with a commendable second at Kempton over 1m2f and is expected to shine over this longer distance.
Owen Burrows is in excellent form, and his Al Wasl Storm made an impression with a strong finish just over a length behind at Lingfield last time.
He’s reliable over this distance and has more left to offer.
Orionis appeared to need the run when placed third at Wetherby last month and has plenty of stamina from her dam’s side.
The fillies’ allowance boosts her chances.
Wise Counsellor has been close to victory and will experiment with cheekpieces for the first time, which might assist him at this challenging track.
The Pouncing Lion performed decently on debut at Goodwood in October, and with Ryan Moore riding, he’s a viable contender.
2:35
THE FOXES performed brilliantly in the intense Sha Tin, finishing strong in the Hong Kong Cup, and has a prior victory at Goodwood, making Chester a fitting venue for him.
His last outing over this distance saw him win a Listed race at Newcastle with ease, and he can capitalize on his stall one draw effectively.
Cambridgeshire winner Liberty Lane is notable as he steps up in distance after a strong return, finishing fifth at Doncaster while racing into a headwind.
Ryan Moore’s booking adds an extra edge for Karl Burke.
Bolster shows promise, having enjoyed favorable ground en route to victory in a Newmarket Listed race last November.
While he performs well fresh, he would prefer softer ground.
Space Legend poses a notable challenge for William Haggas.
He finished second in a Group 2 at Royal Ascot last season, and it’s significant that he’s dropping back in distance for this season’s opening race.
Certain Lad, though not in peak form, is fit after a Group 2 second in France and will aim to lead at a track where this strategy can succeed.
3:05
LEINSTER has positioned himself as a strong contender for this race by winning a competitive handicap at The Curragh last time.
This was just his fourth outing, and he finished strong over 1m4f.
Designed for this longer distance, Ryan Moore will ride for Joseph O’Brien from a favorable stall-five draw.
East India Dock has had an impressive season over hurdles and previously won a competitive race at Goodwood over two miles last Flat season.
At only four years old, he is well-prepared for this contest.
Caballo De Mar is in excellent form on the all-weather, having secured four consecutive wins at Southwell.
He thrives on quick turf and, despite the challenges this race presents, he could achieve a placing.
Zoffee took this race first time out last season and is only 1lb higher in the handicap today.
Stall four is advantageous, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him back in form.
Who’s Glen triumphed by 13 lengths over 1m6f here in September and arrives fit after a second at Kempton. He has solid chances if he navigates the good ground well.
Hot Fuss was fourth in the Fred Winter hurdle last time and has Flat talent as well, earning him a spot on the shortlist.
Templegate’s 1-2-3 Chester Cup forecast
1st Leinster
2nd East India Dock
3rd Zoffee
3:40
WARDA JAMILA displayed considerable potential when narrowly missing out on a win at Epsom last time, indicating he can adapt well to Chester.
He enjoys this distance on good ground, with Oisin Murphy back aboard.
Take Heart placed sixth at Cork 20 days ago and is only 3lb higher than his handicap win at Glorious Goodwood last season over this distance.
Grey Cuban recorded consecutive wins here last season and excels at this range.
This race is more competitive, but his fondness for the track will provide an advantage.
Rathgar finished just ahead of the favorite at Epsom last time and remains a viable contender despite a difficult draw in stall ten.
Penzance enjoys this distance and encountered trouble in running over a mile at Thirsk on Saturday. He’s likely to improve upon that fifth-place finish.
ASCOT
1:50
BRAVE MISSION capped off last season with a commanding victory over this distance at Kempton and is set for a marked improvement on this handicap debut.
He holds considerable pace and seems poised for further development.
Power Fizz returns from the same mark that saw him narrowly miss at Goodwood last week.
He enjoys this distance on firm ground and has more to offer under William Haggas.
Humam has been consistent, delivering another strong performance just a length off the pace on all-weather finals day at Newcastle.
If he can carry that form onto turf from the same mark, he stands a good chance.
Columnist narrowly lost in the Coventry Stakes, proving his class.
He has been off since July but is worth keeping an eye on in the market as he increases in distance.
Philanthropist has performed well over this distance on the sand, with victories at Newcastle and Southwell.
This challenge is tougher, but he has the potential for better under the guidance of in-form James Fanshawe.
Templegate’s tips
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