Blindedbythelights aims to be streets ahead at Chester Blindedbythelights is out to upgrade a string of second-placed performances into a win in the Ladbrokes Chester Cup. Trained by Sir Mark Prescott for Middleham Park Racing, the six-year-old is a highly consistent campaigner and a reliable earner in staying handicaps. Much of those earnings have come from runner-up efforts, however, and connections are keen to capitalise on a handy draw in stall four to aid their gelding in getting his head in front. “He’s very, very consistent, though unfortunately the word ‘bridesmaid’ seems to come up in conversation often!” said Tim Palin of Middleham Park. “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. “He’s ambivalent with regards to the ground and as I said, the draw gods have looked kindly on us so it’s over to Luke (Morris) and over to Blindedbythelights.” Ewan Whillans trains a live contender in Team Player, who comes into the race seeking a hat-trick having won both starts for the stable so far. A four-year-old was initially purchased to go hurdling but missed his debut over obstacles due to the ground and therefore remained on the Flat to win a Newcastle contest on the all-weather before landing the Queen’s Cup Handicap at Musselburgh. “He seems in very good order, he’s drawn 12 and obviously I’d rather a lower draw but he’s not stuck out in the car park,” said Whillans. “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. “He was bought for jumping and was schooling brilliantly ahead of Musselburgh on New Year’s Day, but the ground was quite soft and I didn’t want him to put in a disappointing run first time out. “We gave it a miss and he went and won at Newcastle on the Flat instead, our plans changed then and he won next time out as well – he’s a hardy little horse and we’re really pleased with him.” The Ralph Beckett-trained Moon Over Miami did not disgrace himself when returning from nearly a year off the track in April, tiring in the final furlong behind Team Player in the Queen’s Cup to finish fifth of 13 runners. Alex Elliott, racing manager for owners Valmont, is hoping for a shower over the Roodee and said: “We would like a little bit of rain if possible, the more rain the better I’d say. “I spoke to Ralph and he seems in very good order. This has been his target since he came back from that enforced absence last year. “He’s a talented horse on his day and I was very happy with his comeback where he was taken on at Musselburgh and got tired. He’s moved forward and we’re looking forward to running him, but I’d like a bit more rain.” Among the other leading contenders are three for Joseph O’Brien in the shape of Galileo Dame (Ryan Moore), A Piece Of Heaven (Dylan Browne McMonagle) and Puturhandstogether (Billy Loughnane).
