Derby hopefuls go on trial at Chester in the Vase on Wednesday, with a really good race in prospect.
It’s a perfect betting market as eight run, meaning three each-way places, and all have chances with the favourite looking ripe to be taken on on his seasonal reappearance.
Norway wasn’t exactly one of Aidan O’Brien’s talking horses last season and has been described as “just ready to start off” by the trainer, so it appears that the jockey booking of Ryan Moore has impacted the market.
I really like the chances of Technician after he was so unlucky last time out at Sandown, shaping like the step up to 12f will suit, but he’s a short price thanks to Dettori riding, and I really like both of Aidan O’Brien’s other runners.
The beautifully bred GENTILE BELLINI won last time out and, unlike his stablemate’s, is by Coolmore’s rival sire Dubawi, whose progeny famously progress from two to three.
I suspect this colt’s juvenile form is the reason he’s not shorter in the market, as if the market is betting on him like a son of Galileo, so there’s a definite value angle to attack with.
He’s got a good draw and the right front-running style of racing to run a big race at Chester, but the threat of heavy rain and testing going raises a doubt.
I’d say at 9/1 that’s more than factored into his price and he looks a good bet.
There are no doubts around SIR DRAGONET on soft ground, and he’s the mount of Donnacha O’Brien which suggests he’s the better fancied of the two.
His draw isn’t great but he’s a very backable price and looks very talented if his ridiculously easy maiden win was anything to go by.
I’d rather back two in the race than double my stake with an each-way bet, so backing both is the way to go.
1pt win Sir Dragonet @8/1, 15:35 Chester, Wednesday
1pt win Gentile Bellini @9/1, 15:35 Chester, Wednesday