Frankie Dettori and Falcon Eight overcame a slow start from a wide draw to win last year’s Chester Cup with something to spare and they are likely to head the betting to follow up from a 5lb higher mark on the Roodee on Friday.
His rise in the ratings – to a mark of 109 – is modest on the face of it, but 16 horses rated 109 or higher have tried to defy top weight of 9st 12lb in Britain in the past 15 years and just one has succeeded. At his likely price, which will also feel the effects of his rider’s popularity with the punters, Dermot Weld’s gelding looks like a favourite to oppose.
