British Spot Plays: Chester for May 7, 2026

While the focus in American racing now shifts to the second leg of the Triple Crown, final trials for the Epsom Derby (G1) and Epsom Oaks (G1) will be held in England (and to a lesser extent, Ireland) over the next week and a half or so.

Wednesday through Friday this week is a three-day meeting at Chester, a course so old the Romans are said to have initiated racing on the grounds. At the very least, you can still admire their handiwork courtesy of the ancient walls that surround the facility and the eponymous town.

Besides being old, Chester's layout is a virtual circle; positional speed isn't a bad thing to have when the field seems to be constantly turning. I'll be taking a swing at the two featured races on Thursday's card, one a Derby trial and the other a deep event for older runners.

My 2000 Guineas selection last Saturday, King's Trail, was no bueno, so the bankroll balance stands at $756.90 from an original starting point of $500. Our first win bet will be $38, or 5% of the balance.

Race 3: Dee S., 9:35 a.m. ET

Trainer Aidan O'Brien has won the last four editions of the Dee, and seven of the last eight. Dare I oppose both of his entries, including even-money favorite Constitution River? I shall.

#6 Golden Story (10-1) was green as grass in the latter stages of his debut at Doncaster in late October, but overall appeared a colt with tremendous upside for trainer Karl Burke, who immediately after that race felt he potentially had a future stakes winner in his yard.

It's a leap of faith to think Golden Story will break the Coolmore stranglehold on this race, but 10-1 is nothing to scoff at if you're going to try, and at the very least, Golden Story has the tactical foot to stay within striking distance of Constitution River and perhaps outstay him.

Race 4: Ormonde (G3), 10:05 a.m. ET

This is arguably one of the finest fields assembled for the 1 5/8-mile Ormonde in years. Bettors are going to gravitate toward Jan Brueghal, who won the St Leger (G1) in 2024 and is the last horse to have beaten Calandagan, in the Coronation Cup (G1) last June.

However, stablemate #4 Illinois (3-1) has already successfully handled the unique contours of this course and seems a good bet to defend his Ormonde title. He won it by 1 1/4 lengths over returning rival Al Qareem a year ago, and went on to finish a respectable second in both the Ascot Gold Cup (G1) and Goodwood Cup (G1). Although a flop in the Irish St Leger (G1) when last seen, I'd expect a more representative effort here.