Today (May 6) is City Day at Chester Racecourse, the final day of the illustrious three-day Boodles May Festival.
The sun has been shining on the Roodee and the ground is predicted to be quicker still, and goes against horses with a preference for softer conditions.
But what else should punters look out for before placing their bets?
The Chester Chronicle's racing correspondent Beverley Dee explained: "Writing about horses in advance omits one key factor – that is assessing horses in the paddock, immediately before the race.
"At this time of year a horse should have a shiny spring coat and a bright eye. A purposeful walk, and a swinging tail are other positive to look for.”
Here Beverley's shortlist for City Day on the Roodee:
2.10pm Crabbie’s Earl Grosvenor Handicap (seven furlongs). PERFECT PASTURE has the advantage of a five-pound jockey allowance.
2.40pm Betdaq Dee Stakes (one mile two furlongs). LINGUISTIC is race-fit and a winner already this season at Newmarket.
3.10pm Boodles Diamond Ormonde Stakes (one mile five furlongs). WICKLOW BRACE , trained in Ireland by Willie Mullins, has been campaigned at the highest level and was last seen when finishing third over hurdles at Newcastle in November.
3.45pm Betway EBF Stallions Handicap (five furlongs). A difficult choice with three course and distance winners, El Astronaute, Kachy and Powerallied. EL ASTRONAUTE handles the track and should improve for a recent fourth place at Thirsk
4.20pm Sustainable Group (Uk) Limited Handicap (seven furlongs). KALK BAY was successful at Chester in June 2015 and already a winner this year at Doncaster.
4.50pm LDF Maiden Fillies Stakes (seven furlongs). ZEB'S FANTASY can recapture 2015's early season form.
5.20pm TCC 10th Birthday Apprentice Handicap (one mile four furlongs). RACING'S DREAM , trained by Gordon Elliott, can give Ireland a second success of the day.
