Nick Luck
Nick Luck’s William Hill Blog: Chester May Festival 2026 Day Two Best Bets
William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews the ITV action from day two of the Chester May Festival.
Thursday, Chester
ROMAN DRAGON looks to have very sound credentials in the TV opener at Chester on Thursday (1.30). He adores this place, is well drawn, has come nicely down the weights, and looks the perfect set-up, with the speed low and Ruby’s Profit and Seven Questions to tow him in if he wants a lead.
FUTURRA is worth considering at a big price in the maiden (2.05). He ran encouragingly on his debut, staying on well after a slow start. By contrast, he showed sharp pace at Beverley earlier in the week but had a shocking draw. If he can combine the promise of both runs from a good gate here, he can show his odds are all wrong against what looks like fairly ordinary opposition.
MORSHDI might give Constitution River at least something to think about in the Dee Stakes (2.35). Although Aidan holds all before him here, I was quite impressed with the selection in the Feilden – as was the clock. The runner-up did nothing for the form at the weekend, but that run was too bad to be true, so I’d be disinclined to take that at face value.
JAN BRUEGHEL ought to be too strong for his rivals in the Ormonde (3.05). He gives away no penalty for his Coronation Cup defeat of Calandagan and actually ran pretty well in the circumstances in a tactical mess for the King George. Although he’s entitled to need the run, they’re starting him at a suitable trip, and he should have too much class.
FACTUAL looks quite a useful prospect and might not be all that long in handicaps (3.40). He’s a strong colt who has built nicely with each start, and the form of his latest win was well advertised by the third next time. He doesn’t look to have been harshly treated, and he should get a nice stalking trip.
