NORMALLY a double figure draw over seven furlongs means curtains at Chester, but in the case of Armagnac (3.30) stall ten could prove to be a blessing in disguise.

As a result of racing with the choke out at Sandown earlier this month, Mark Buckley's gelding was far too free and had nothing left in the tank come the business end of the contest.

Fortunately that scenario is not an option this afternoon because emerging from the wide outside, Armagnac will have no choice except to tuck in behind the fast starters berthed against the favoured inside rail.

Of course jockey Dean Mernagh is going to need some luck in running to cut his way through the pack, however, on the plus side Armagnac possesses that priceless asset of being able to quicken past beaten horses in the closing stages.

Due to the longer trip, stall position is nothing like as important in the opening mile-and-a-quarter Blue Square Handicap.

Although Interim Payment is sure to be popular having won both of his starts so far this term, Pugilist (2.20) is marginally preferred.

Brian Meehan's three-year-old gets the nod by virtue of making all to open his account at Newbury, pulling nicely clear of a 77-rated colt trained by John Gosden.

First impressions are often the most reliable, and Pugilist gave a strong indication there was plenty more to come, especially as he's hardly got any miles on the clock compared to his rivals - the majority of whom have been round the block too many times for my liking.

Ten-to-follow pick, Let It Be (5.10), takes her chance in the closing 12-furlong event even though the trip is not ideal.

Keith Reveley's filly has won two of her three last outings, crucially at the more testing distance of a mile-and-three-quarters.

Stamina is clearly the Lingdale representative's long suit, a factor that has been addressed by entrusting the steering of Let It Be to Reveley's son, James, who has already shone in similar amateur only situations.

From a strictly tactical viewpoint, James will be aware that he'll need to keep the daughter of Entrepreneur in the front rank throughout, otherwise his partner may get tapped for toe when it comes to shovelling on the coal in the home straight.

Michael Dods launches a four-pronged raid to Ayr with perhaps his best chance resting on the shoulders of Balakiref (4.30).

Balakiref, a good second at Newcastle last week, beat all bar Effective who benefited by racing alone on a quicker strip of ground under the stands' rail.

Always Flying generally reserves his best form for the polytrack, a snippet of information well worth remembering when trying to suss the winner of Wolverhampton's carselect.co.uk Selling Stakes.

Noel Wilson's four-year-old is no world-beater, however he loves winging round the made-made track at the Midlands venue, unlike most of his opponents who are more used to feeling the grass under their feet.

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