The Dee Stakes.

The Dee Stakes at Chester is considered a rehearsal for the Epsom Derby. This is because in order to win the Derby, a horse has to be able to run comfortably round a sharp left hand bend near the end of the race. With the Roodee having a tight left hand bend almost all the way round (the final "straight" being only 2 furlongs) trainers often bring their horses here to give them the run with a view to entering them in the Derby.

In recent years there have been 2 winners of the Dee Stakes who have gone on to win the Derby, OATH and KRIS KIN.

DRUMBEAT was sent off the favourite, with the other Derby entry SOUTH EASTER at 6-1.
My selection(as Arthur Shone says every week) SOUTH EASTER won by a nostril but not before a stewards`s enquiry. John Egan complained that he had had a bit of argy bargy with South Easter very early on in the race which hampered his positioning. It was never going to alter the outcome of the race but it does emphasise the importance of the start at Chester... if you get onto that inside rail asap you gain a yard or so on the other horses. I wasn`t worried... I knew my money would soon be credited to my new (OMG OMG ) very healthy (WUTWOO) betfair account.

So an excellent May meeting for me, and I didn`t even go IN. I had a fabulous view from the city walls... you can see the whole race all the way round, your feet stay comfy in trainers and you can`t have a bet when you`re there so you keep your winnings. Brilliant.