Not So Sleepy | The dual-code contender returns to the flat in the Chester Cup

In an incredible racing career spanning over seven seasons, Not So Sleepy returns to the flat for a tilt at the Chester Cup at the May Festival.

Hughie Morrison’s servant is known for his bold front-running antics and he is reintroduced to the turf in a seriously competitive handicap at Chester.

The nine-year-old burst onto the scene at the May Festival six years ago when the 11/1 outsider landed the Listed Dee Stakes by a short head.

However, the gelding would have to wait two years before landing another success, snatching victory in the final strides to win a 1m2f handicap at the Epsom Derby meeting in 2017.

It would be another two years until Not So Sleepy entered the winners’ enclosure, but it would be under a different code of racing.

The gelding found a new lease of life over obstacles as he stormed home in a Novice Hurdle at Wincanton before landing back-to-back victories at Ascot, including a success in the Betfair Trophy in December 2019.

The nine-year-old continued his progress in his second term over hurdles, producing an immense performance in the Betfair Trophy once again to become the first dual winner of the contest.

The gelding followed that up with an admirable fifth in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival but he struggled with the longer trip in the Aintree Hurdle, weakening away at two out and finishing seventh.

The gelding holds a 7/1 price tag for the Chester Cup, but can he record another May Festival success for Hughie Morrison?

Not So Sleepy’s front-running style could benefit him here, but his likeliness to race freely could hinder him.

However, his trainer is happy with his form and believes he could run a good race here.

Nevertheless, it would be a cracking return to the flat for Not So Sleepy if he can claim success at Chester this afternoon.