CHESTER 15:10

All 6 ran. Race Distance Adjustment: +20 yds

Time: 2m 45.53s Closing Sectional: (2f): 25.3s (105.6%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 99.5%

A race of increasing relevance with a view to the Derby, Ruler of the World following up his win here at Epsom in 2013, while Romsdal was placed in both races last year, and the time and sectionals suggest this might be a stronger race than it appears at first glance, Hans Holbein putting up a smart effort, both the first 2 looking likely to progress again; the pace was only ordinary despite the good overall time.

HANS HOLBEIN upped in trip, progressed again, certainly putting himself in the Derby reckoning with this smart performance, one that suggested there should be more to come from him; made running, kicked on early in straight, kept going well; evidently a straightforward ride, for all he wears cheekpieces, he should have no problem handling the track at Epsom given how he acted here, and with the doubts about some of his stablemates that are shorter in the betting, his 20/1 odds look a bit too big.

STORM THE STARS (USA) was taking a big step up in grade and emerges with credit, all his potential intact, like the winner putting up a smart effort, or certainly would have had he not been left poorly placed; dropped out, headway out wide over 2f out, stayed on, closed up late on from further back than ideal; probably wouldn't be the no-hoper in the Derby that his current odds suggest, as big as 100/1, but connections might prefer to aim at Royal Ascot instead; either way, he'll improve again.

MEDRANO after 4 weeks off, ran well upped in grade despite failing to settle off the ordinary pace; held up, took strong hold, headway 4f out, chased leader home turn, one paced.

TANNAAF (IRE) at least matched his previous form upped in trip and grade, but seemed to have his limitations exposed, no better for the longer trip; mid-field, pushed along over 2f out, no extra over 1f out.

PROPOSED failed to match, let alone build upon the dubious form he showed in a muddling sales race at Newmarket on his reappearance; prominent, pushed along 4f out, weakened home turn.

FUTURE EMPIRE ran poorly in first-time cheekpieces, failing to impress with his attitude and beaten before the longer trip could be blamed; chased leader, driven over 3f out, carried head awkwardly, weakening when short of room 2f out; has a bit to prove now.