3:40 Chester Tips

Won over the distance last time out. Is two from two in handicap company. Ground conditions today will suit. Stable going well. Should be hard to beat today.

Factual has only had three runs but won a C4 on debut, then a second in a C2. In February he won back in C4 by a bigger margin. I expected this handicap debut to have a higher opening mark than today's 86, so he has to be my pick. Having Oisin Murphy in the saddle is just a bonus.

Had a successful two-year-old campaign and has continued that in his two starts as a three-year-old. Having won on his return, he was a very close 3rd over an extended mile trip at Haydock last time. He may have further improvement in him, so ignore him at your peril.

King Of Thunder showed marked improvement following the gelding operation last season and looks likely to progress from there. He has only gone up four pounds for that, which might turn out to look very lenient. The Palmer yard didn't manage a winner yesterday, but things can change for them today.

Odds are shortening for this horse and quite rightly. Had a 2nd two races ago and a win at the end of last year. Good each-way chance.

4/6 on the AW this year so far. Cool Molly switches to turf. Up another 6 lb, but drawn 6 under an in-form jockey. Can jump well, stay prominent, and run close at good odds.

The draw could have been kinder, but if anyone can get this front runner away quickly it's Ryan Moore. If he can do that, he looks great value to at least hit the first four. The yard are going well too.

Progressive earlier in the season over 7f??'1m and shaped like a horse with decent handicap potential. Last run over 1m1f didn’t suit, and the drop back in trip could help him settle and travel better. Needs to bounce back from a below-par effort, but is not fully ruled out if rediscovering earlier form.

He will be a formidable contender from stall 1, showcasing impressive speed with victories over 6f and 7f on AW. Although his last performance was disappointing, the speed-friendly nature of this course, combined with a favourable draw, gives him a great chance to stage a comeback. He possesses a competitive rating and offers excellent value for an each-way wager.

Gentle George has 2 wins from 4 starts and has changed hands for £90k. Previously with Mick Appleby and now with Mike Smith, he is having his first run in a handicap. The 3yo Sergei Prokofiev colt is well drawn in 2 and has a good jockey booking in Clifford Lee. Worth a second look at 33/1.

I'm Just Ken has had three runs with room for improvement and is now in a handicap for the first time. He has a very low weight, and Hugo Palmer's charge could well be worth considering given four places on offer. Trainer's runners do very well here.