Johnston Ace Heads Chester Weights

Mark Johnston's Winged d'Argent heads the weights at the five-day confirmation stage for the totesport Chester Cup on Wednesday.

There are 21 entries remaining in the two-and-a quarter-mile contest which has been won for the past two seasons by the Michael Jarvis-trained Anak Pekan, who unfortunately misses the race this year through injury.

The Middleham-handler could also be represented by the four-year-olds Hiddensee and Quizzene, who will be on something of a retrieval mission after a series of disappointing runs.

One horse who does look to hold leading claims at this stage is the Sir Mark Prescott-trained Elusive Dream, winner of five of his six races two years ago.

'He will definitely run at Chester on Wednesday,' said Prescott.

'He doesn't seem to be ground dependent and he will stay as he did in the Cesarewitch. He is fit and healthy.'

Gary Moore looks to hold a strong hand with the former Johnston inmate Swift Sailor, who finished second in the race last year, and useful all-weather performer Cold Turkey both set to take their chance.

'Swift Sailor was second in the race last year but he will only run if the ground is good or softer, he is in great form and we will just have to see what the weather does,' commented Moore.

'Cold Turkey is very well in himself, he would not be quite so ground dependent and he will just need a bit of luck in running with his hold up tactics.'

The Irish carried all before them in the National Hunt season and Eric McNamara is hoping to continue the good run by sending over Strangely Brown, who won an Aintree handicap hurdle in April.

However, McNamara issued a ground warning for his charge.

'Strangely Brown would need a bit of rain and therefore he is doubtful if it doesn't arrive. I also think the handicapper has been a bit unfair on him.'

Other interesting contenders for the #120,000 contest are useful hurdler Admiral and Greenwich Meantime, who has rattled off a four-timer for Richard Fahey.

The ground is currently good to firm and track officials say they will not be averse to watering if necessary to ensure safe ground.

Clerk of the course Ed Gretton said: 'I am very pleased with the entry as there is real strength and depth. The ground is currently good to firm but if the rain doesn't arrive on Sunday which it is forecast to do, we will water on Monday to ensure safe ground.'

(C) PA Sport