THERE were four non-runners from the 15-runner six-furlong handicap at Chester on Thursday: the horses who were due to emerge from stalls nine, 11, 13 and 14. In the 13-runner five-furlong juveniles’ maiden later on the card, there were six non-runners: those drawn five, six, nine, 11, 12 and 13. It must be very cold out there in the outside boxes.

It is common knowledge that a low-draw is key at Chester, but, while it is generally known that track position is important, it may be even more important than is generally appreciated.