Three Irish among Chester Cup 17 Ante-post favourite Countrywide Flame features among a maximum field of 17 runners in the StanJames.com Chester Cup on Wednesday. John Quinn's dual-purpose performer returns to the Flat for the first time since his excellent second in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket last October, having since enjoyed a fine campaign over hurdles. He has fared well in the crucial draw for Wednesday's two-and-a-quarter-mile test, breaking from stall four in the hands of Michael O'Connell. Leading National Hunt trainer Donald McCain has won the last two renewals of the Chester Cup with Overturn and Ile De Re, and the latter returns to defend his crown. However, his chances were dealt a blow when he was drawn wide in stall 16. McCain also saddles Thimaar (stall six), the mount of Graham Lee. The Aidan O'Brien-trained Justification (three) heads a strong raiding team from Ireland and is ridden by Ryan Moore, with the Willie Mullins-trained Simenon (14) and Dermot Weld's Olympiad (17) also making the trip. Other major contenders include Tominator (11), Montaser (nine) and Buckland (10). The two reserves are Kiama Bay (18) and Perennial (five).
