Chester Cup: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

Countrywide Flame can take advantage of Montaser's absence

Timeform provide a runner-by-runner guide to the feature race on the opening day of Chester's May Meeting...

Simenon is a useful hurdler and was smart on the level, landing pair of wide-margin victories at Royal Ascot last year. Struggled in better company subsequently on Flat, though, and well held over hurdles twice since.

Thimaar landed 2m handicaps at Ascot on final 2011 run and Kempton on last season's return. Ran well in defeat next 3 starts, but below par in Lonsdale Cup at York, and disappointing over hurdles since.

Ile de Re landed this event 12 months ago before taking Northumberland Plate in June. Found out in better company at Ascot next time, and disappointing both hurdle starts since, but folly to dismiss.

Tominator won the 2011 Northumberland Plate and back to form when landing 13f handicap here in September. Third in Cesarewitch on first start for this yard, and dual novice hurdle-winner over winter.

Softsong is a useful performer, successful in pair of claimers/handicap in France in 2011. Hasn't won on Flat/over hurdles since, though, possibly amiss when tailed off over timber at Haydock last time.

Address Unknown was suited by emphasis on speed when winning over 2m at Ascot in August, and good third here (1m) week later, but flopped in Old Borough Cup at Haydock on final start for Ian Williams following month.

Investissement was a useful ex-French performer for Andre Fabre. Last seen on Flat when third in 2011 Ebor for John Gosden, but has shown little form over hurdles for this yard in recent months.

Olympiad is a lightly-raced sort who landed 2m handicap at York in August. Mitigating circumstances when below par in Cesarewitch subsequently, and done no favours with wide draw again here.

Buckland's form has taken off this year, winning 4 times at up 1m on AW. Excellent second in Queen's Prize and better still when fourth in Sagaro Stakes at Ascot last week. May not have stopped progressing yet.

Theology was a smart performer in 2011, twice placed in listed events. Hasn't matched that form over hurdles/on Flat since, but better than result when fifth (behind Buckland) at Kempton (2m) last month. Respected.

Suraj was twice successful at Doncaster last year, impressively resuming progress in 1m handicap in June. Found out from revised mark next twice, but placed both starts over hurdles for Jonjo O'Neill since.

Very Good Day was a comfortable winner of a 2m York handicap in July and only found Olympiad too good over that same C&D following month, nearest at finish. Forgiven lesser effort in Cesarewitch on final outing last term.

Countrywide Flame Won 3 times on Flat in 2011, and made all here (2m) in September. High-class hurdler, 2012 Triumph winner and third in this year's Champion, and though bit below par at Aintree since is respected.

Montaser is a lightly-raced sort who bettered wins in handicaps at Haydock (1m) and Ascot (2m) when only headed late on at Yarmouth (1m) in September. Disappointed in Cesarewitch, but been gelded since. NON RUNNER

Justification has only been seen on 5 occasions, winning 1m Dundalk maiden in 2011, and returned from 8-month absence to land 10-runner 1m Leopardstown handicap last month. Sure to be of interest again.

Ingleby Spirit scored at Pontefract (1m) 2 years ago and, fit from hurdling, back to best when winning 14-runner 1m handicap at Doncaster last month. May struggle to defy 8 lb weight hike at this trip, however.

Good Morning Star sprang a 50/1 shock in Cheshire Oaks 12 months ago, and has understandably struggled since, only eighth of 10 in 2m Ripon handicap on last month's return.

Kiama Bay progressed well in 2011, winning trio of handicaps at up to 1m (including here). Struggled to make an impact last term, but handicapper continuing to cut him a bit more slack. 

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Countrywide Flame
2. Olympiad
3. Justification

Timeform View: Champion Hurdle third Countrywide Flame is a thoroughly likeable horse and can land this valuable prize on the back of a cracking jumps campaign. There is a strong Irish challenge, with both Justification and Olympiad remaining unexposed at staying trips and making plenty of appeal, while Kiama Bay could prove the pick of Dr Marwan Koukash's four having snuck in as first reserve.

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