JAMIE SPENCER'S normally impeccable pace judgment could hold the key to Fair Along's (2.50) chances of lifting this afternoon's Chester Cup.

Spencer doesn't make too many mistakes in the tactical department and he'll know that a quick-fire exit from the gates is of paramount importance.

Stall 13 is not ideal and there's no way Jamie will be able to get Fair Along out in front after a furlong, but he'll doubtless do his best to get somewhere near the leaders on the first circuit.

Should that be achieved, the Philip Hobbs-trained gelding, who was second in the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival, should have the speed and staying power to finish the job off.

It's certainly not unusual for a high-class National Hunt horse to go well in the race, the current holder of the cup, Admiral, being a prime example.

Tim Pitt's dual-purpose performer attempts to repeat his victory of 12 months ago, however Admiral hasn't run for 323 days, which must be a worry for backers of the habitual front-runner.

Richard Fahey's raider, Charlie Tokyo, is bound to be popular with punters in the betting for the following Chester Handicap.

Charlie Tokyo (3.20) almost foiled a massive gamble on Blue Bajan at Epsom last time out, a sparkling effort which puts him bang in the firing line for today's decent mile-and-a-quarter prize.

After back-to-back wins at Kempton and Bath, Fongs Gazelle (3.35) makes her way to Beverley with every prospect of completing the three-timer.

Mark Johnston's strapping filly is as game as a pebble, always responding to her rider's every call when asked for full throttle once the whips are up in the closing stages.

Mull Of Dubai (3.00) is a similarly gutsy individual, therefore it'll be no surprise if Jimmy Quinn's mount takes care of the feature event on the card, the Martin Shaw Handicap.

Stan Moore's gelding made a highly-satisfactory reappearance in April when third to Ollie George, rock-solid form which should stand the selection in good stead for the mile-and-a-half encounter.

Despite shouldering top-weight, Im Spartacus (4.45), twice successful over the sticks during the winter, should overpower his rivals in the White Rabbit Handicap.

Im Spartacus relished Pontefract's uphill climb to the winning line last season, so Beverley's equally stiff track looks ideal for the versatile five-year-old