It seems a long time since William Haggas landed his one and only Derby win with Shaamit but he has a genuine contender for this year’s race in Young Rascal after an impressive success in the Centennial Celebration – MBNA Chester Vase Stakes.
Almost 20 years have passed since Shaamit’s 1996 Epsom win and Haggas has only had two other runners.
But the way Young Rascal (100-30) travelled, and then quickened after meeting trouble in running, suggests he has an above-average performer on his hands.
Adding extra spice to his Derby bid is the fact his owner, Bernard Kantor, was a co-founder of Investec, who now sponsor the premier Classic.
“That was why we came here, to get two races in one. He did well to win, as a few things went against him,” said Haggas, who was delighted not only by the victory of the James Doyle-ridden winner, but also at the experience gained.
“He’s got a bit to offer, it’s hard for a horse who has only run once at two, they’ve got to learn quick. This is not a straightforward track, he’s a green horse and he had plenty to overcome, so with that in mind he’s doing well.
“The Derby favourite (Saxon Warrior) looks pretty impressive, but you should never be scared of one horse and we’re entitled to run. We’ll see what happens at Lingfield and York (Derby trials) now.
“It’s nice for Bernard, he’s a big supporter of the Derby and has always wanted a runner in it, so to now head there with hopefully half a chance is nice.”
Aidan O’Brien’s Magic Wand (3-1 favourite) broke her maiden in the Arkle Finance Cheshire Oaks.
One of three runners for the Ballydoyle team, Ryan Moore was on the right one and made every post a winning one.
O’Brien’s second string Forever Together took the runner-up spot after suffering a troubled passed, with another Irish raider, Princess Yaiza, third for Gavin Cromwell.
Kevin Buckley, Coolmore’s UK representative, said: “Obviously we’re very pleased with that, it was just her second run of the season and she’s improving all the time.
“She’s a big, scopey filly and will have learned a lot there. Ryan got a really good feel from her.
“As a half-sister to Chicquita (Irish Oaks winner), you’d think she’d have no problem staying further, so it bodes well for Epsom, trip-wise.
“That performance definitely puts her in the picture.”
Her price for Epsom ranges between 10 and 16-1 for the Oaks.
Mark Johnston, second in the Vase with Dee Ex Bee, won the opening Stellar Group Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes with No Lippy (6-5 favourite).
Another to make all the running, PJ McDonald’s mount booked her ticket for Royal Ascot.
Assistant trainer Charlie Johnston said: “The night before her first run we had a meal with her owners (Barbara and Alick Richmond) and they said their dream was to win at Doncaster, win the Lily Agnes and then go to Royal Ascot, so the first two legs are done.”
Barry Hills made his name at Chester and his son Charlie still likes sending plenty of runners to the north-west track – advertised when Spoof (9-2) defied top weight in the Boodles Diamond Handicap
“We might have to look for Listed races now as that will probably take his mark over 100,” said Hills.
“Dad still comes to Chester every year, it’s the highlight of his season.”
The William Jarvis-trained Chief Ironside (14-1) was an impressive winner of the Deepbridge Capital Maiden Stakes for Kieran Shoemark.