Progressive stayer Blindedbythelights is out to end a spell of second places to give Sir Mark Prescott a belated first Chester Cup. The Protectionist gelding is the typical model of a Prescott-trained thoroughbred, having been well beaten in three runs as a two year old. He returned as a gelding the following season, and was well backed to win his handicap debut upped in trip. However, just one further victory came, as he’s finished second on seven of his last nine starts.
Regardless, he’s developed into a useful money spinner for connections, climbing 28lbs in the weights. Speaking to the Press Association, via At The Races, Middleham Park founder Tim Palin spoke of his chances stating: “He’s very, very consistent, though unfortunately the word ‘bridesmaid’ seems to come up in conversation often!
“We’re going to go for it, we’ve popped the blinkers on and we prayed for a good draw. The draw gods have been very kind on that front.
“Sir Mark has been tweaking things at home. Just to try to eke out that little bit of improvement and change those twos on his record into ones.
“At a big meeting like Chester and in a big race like the Chester Cup. That would be manna from heaven for us if it were to happen.
“He’s going to come on for his seasonal debut. He did look a little bit like he might win the race at Kempton halfway up the straight. But then he reminded us that Blindedbythelights is in charge and he decides his finishing position.
“It was still a great stepping stone to Chester and it should set us up beautifully for Friday.”
Drawn in stall six with first-time blinkers, the market has reacted strongly to suggest he can break his barren spell.
Course form crucial for progressive Team Player
Ewan Whillans is hopeful that his recently acquired Team Player can land a hat-trick at this formerly winning venue. The Without Parole gelding landed the Queen’s Cup at Musselburgh last time out. “He seems in very good order” said Whillans. “He’s drawn 12 and obviously I’d rather a lower draw but he’s not stuck out in the car park.
“He won at the track last year, before we trained him. I think he’ll stay the trip and as far as his health and well-being goes, he’s been in brilliant form.
Fifth to Team Player at Musselburgh was Moon Over Miami, who ‘seems in very good order’ according to Alex Elliott. The Valmont Racing Manager however stated: “We would like a little bit of rain if possible, the more rain the better I’d say.”