CHESTER May Festival success Gypsy King may still be making headlines as one of the three leading contenders for The Derby.
But the true Classic trial in terms of quantity could turn out to be the MBNA Europe Bank Chester Vase.
It's almost a quarter of a century since the legendary Shergar won the Roodee trial and then went on to win at Epsom. But the first four in the race this year are still all Derby contenders.
An unforeseen setback not withstanding, the winner Hattan is a certainty for Epsom on Saturday week.
Trainer Clive Brittain has yet to train a Derby winner, and the colt is pleasing him. Seb Sanders, who was in the
saddle around The Roodee, rides again. At 33-1, it would be a lovely winning bet.
Just behind Hattan at Chester was Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien's Almighty. He's still on the shortlist for Epsom. First Row, third in the Chester Vase, is a longer-priced outsider for Epsom glory, but trainer Brian Meehan is convinced his charge will have improved a lot for the run.
Kalamkar, from the yard of Sir Michael Stoute, who trained Kris Kin to win at Chester and then in The Derby in 2003, is already a leading fancy for the St Leger after finishing fourth in the Chester Vase. And he's still a possibility for Epsom.
Expect much hype in the next week or so concerning Dubawi, winner of the Irish 2000 Guineas at the weekend. Reason? He's ridden by Frankie Det-tori who is desperate to savour success in The Derby for the first time.
The next racing at Chester Race-course is Ladies Evening on Tuesday, June 7, when the first race is at 6.45pm. For tickets, visit www.chesterraces.com or call 01244 304610.
The next racing at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse is on Friday, July 29. For more information, call 01978 780323.
