Low drawn horses have enjoyed big advantages at Chester this week making the task of Chappel Cresent (4.05) significantly easier in the Warwick International Handicap, writes Colin Woods.

A natural front-runner, Chappel Cresent has struck pure gold in the number one stall at the sharp left-handed track because it means he will be able to go the shortest way round hard against the inside rail.

In today's trip of seven-and-a-half-furlongs, that represents a net saving of about three lengths over his opponents forced to race a couple of horse widths further off the rail.

Given the fact Chappel Cresent has been in good form on his last couple of outings, jockey Adrian Nicholls simply needs to make certain his mount makes a swift exit from the gates in order to claim pole position on the inner and dominate his rivals right from the start.

Having coaxed yesterday's course scorer Bandari back-to-form, Mark Johnston attempts to repeat the feat with Systematic (2.55) in the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes.

After hugely successful 2002 campaigns when the pair won a total of 12 races between them, both Bandari and Systematic suffered the ignominy of going through the entire 2003 season without once hitting the target.

Now that Bandari has set the record straight it is the turn of Systematic, a gallant second at Newmarket on Sunday, to follow in his illustrious stable-mates footsteps.

Johnston also holds a strong hand at Hamilton's evening meeting where he is fancied to complete a treble with Mrs Kepple (6.40), Always Flying (7.40), plus Recognise (8.10).

Potentially the one forecast to go to post at the most rewarding odds is Always Flying, who lost nothing in defeat when his colours were lowered by the progressive colt, Mutafanen, at Doncaster's Lincoln meeting.

Malton-based John Parkes only has a tiny string nowadays, nevertheless he's still a pretty shrewd cookie so don't be surprised if there is a flood of money for King Nicholas (2.05) in the opener at Nottingham. Exceptionally well handicapped with a liking for a soft surface could be enough in the apprentices' only six-furlong dash.

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