Redwood can shake off rust

REDWOOD can strike gold for the Barry Hills operation when he lines up in the Betfair Huxley Stakes at Chester today.

The four-year-old was put away for the season after turning in a disappointing effort in the Dante last May but looked to retain all of his ability when just going down by a head to Glass Harmonium in the Gordon Richards Stakes.

Redwood was a bit rusty that day and perhaps had just forgotten his job a little as he looked sure to account for Glass Harmonium before just falling back again in the final few strides.

While a step up in trip looks sure to suit this son of High Chaparral, he is more than capable over ten furlongs and is a likely contender here.

The William Haggas-trained South Easter, who, edged out top-class colt Gitano Hernando to win last year's Dee Stakes on the Roodee, looks the main danger.

Critical Moment can bring up a brace for Hills' team in the MBNA Chester Vase as he switches right up in distance for his second start this term.

Not beaten far in the Craven Stakes on his return, the Aptitude colt won one of three starts as a juvenile, but came up against some nice types in the process. He possibly just lacked the necessary gears over a mile that day and this extra half-mile could be in his favour.

At Newton Abbot, the nap Skye But N Ben – who hacked up last week – has champion Tony McCoy on board for Jim Best, and that looks a tip in itself.