Aidan O’Brien has won 4 of the last 7 running of the Chester Vase with Ruler Of The World (2012), Treasure Beach (2011), Golden Sword (2009) and Soldier Of Fortune (2007).
It’s proven a very good trial for him considering Ruler Of The World conquered at Epsom and the Curragh. Treasure Beach was 2nd at Epsom and won at the Curragh. Golden Sword 5th at Epsom and was 2nd at the Curragh while Soldier Of Fortune also 5th at Epsom won at the Curragh.
One Epsom Derby plus a runner up and three Irish Derby’s plus a runner up. Fair to say Ballydoyle sees the value of the Chester Vase as a derby trial.
This year he sends Orchestra and Carlo Bugatti. The pair are twice raced both winning once.
Orchestra was second first time out beaten 6 1/4 L by Free Eagle who would surely have been prominent in the Epsom market had injury not sidelined him. He then recorded a facile victory two weeks later in a Tipperary maiden.
Carlo Bugatti was an easy winner first time out last year at Galway and came back in the Ballysax where he was a 3 1/2L fourth to Fascinating Rock, a 16/1 shot for Epsom. He probably, as most of Aidan’s do, needed the run.
There is a line of form between the two colts. Orchestra beat Bogardus 2 3/4 L when winning his maiden on his second run. Bogardus next time out was 7 1/4 L behind Carlo Bugatti in his first run.
That along with the fitness edge gives the latter the nod.
The others will all require a step on what they have done previously to capture this though should Sir Michael Stoute win with Festival Theatre it will evoke special memories having won it with Shergar in 1981.
Recommendation : Carlo Bugatti 7/2 win