Smart mare Albaflora the star name among Thursday's declarations at Chester

Albaflora, who finished last season with two second-place efforts at Group 1 level, will commence her campaign in the Tote-sponsored Ormonde Stakes (3.10) on Wednesday.

She is the star name among the ten declarations for Thursday's Group 3 event at Chester. The Ralph Beckett-trained filly displayed a high level of form last season, chasing home Snowfall in the Yorkshire Oaks before being denied by a short-head in the Fillies & Mares on Champions' Day.

The daughter of Muhaarar has an entry in the Coronation Cup at Epsom next month but her first test will see her clash with Believe In Love, another narrowly denied at the top level, and one of last season's Derby fancies John Leeper.

Thursday's card at Chester

The unexposed Mandoob remains an intriguing runner for Brian Meehan while Hamish and Thunderous are also noteworthy names.

Just six runners feature in the Listed Homeserve Dee Stakes (2.40) but all eyes will be on Star Of India, who represents the Aidan O'Brien stable who have won this contest seven times in the last decade.

Previous winners Magician (2013) and Circus Maximus (2019) went on to score at the top level following success at Chester and O'Brien's runner finished fifth when last seen in the Craven Stakes.

El Drama scored for the Roger Varian and Andrea Atzeni combination 12 months ago and the pair team up with Dubai Poet this time. His best run came when third to Coroebus in the Autumn Stakes.

Mr McCann – owned by Liverpool football stars including Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold – won the Derby wild card race so is of obvious interest looking ahead to the Classic. Cresta, Harrow and Sonny Liston also feature.

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