Warwick International Handicap

A high draw isn't ideal over virtually any trip at Chester when there's at least ten runners, so the fact that Dabbers Ridge is drawn ten of ten in the Warwick International Handicap at Chester on Friday (3.20) will put some people off. However, the four-year-old possesses the requisite early pace to overcome the hinirance of his outside berth and, in my opinion, is the best bet of the week and, as such, the 7/4 offered by Bet365 should be lapped up for maximum stakes. The word from Barry Hills' Lambourn yard is that the son of Indian Ridge is in great shape, and connections are expecting nothing less than a clear-cut victory for the colt, who doesn't look at all harshly treated having been raised 6lb after beating Malcheek by a length at Thirsk. That pair were well clear, looking like handicapper's on the up and, indeed, the form has already been upheld by the runner-up, who scored at that track subsequently. Tim Easterby's horses are in rude health at present and the Lend A Hand colt should give a good account, but he faces a stiff task with Dabbers Ridge, whom he meets on 3lb worse terms compared to when beaten by the latter last month. The trip and ground are both ideal for Dabbers Ridge, whom jockey Michael Hills cited was one of his best chances of a winner this week at a meeting in which his father-trainer has invariably enjoyed much success in recent years. All in all, everything's set fair for Dabbers Ridge to strike. Roman Maze always goes well here and scored off a 4lb lower mark over this course and distance last August. If on a going day he'd be a danger to all, but his two outings so far this term, albeit in decent races, have not been particularly encouraging and, therefore, it's hard to see why he should beat an improving, in-form type like Dabbers Ridge, who could prove to be a lot better than his current mark. Royal Dignitary, Dandy Nicholls' first string ahead of Serieux and Shot To Fame, is well treated on his old form but, despite winning cosily last time, he looks vulnerable in this grade nowadays, while the same can be said of Nashaab. Recommended bet: 3pts win Dabbers Ridge @ 7/4 (Bet365)