CHESTER 15:35

All 10 ran. Race Distance Adjustment: +38 yds

Time: 2m 39.55s Closing Sectional: (2f): 25.5s (100.4%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 102.3%

After 5 consecutive Chester Vase winners for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore their stranglehold was broken this year and, although no bar has been set as far as Derby Trials are concerned, this certainly fits the bill of a competitive Group 3 in its own right and it looks solid form, with the race run at a sound pace and the second/third from the recent Classic Trial at Sandown running to similar ratings in third/fourth here.

YOUNG RASCAL (FR) is maturing quickly, his form in turn improving in leaps and bounds, impressive at Newbury last month and looking more the finished article as he put up a smart performance to win up in grade, value for more than the distance he won by too, overcoming some trouble, showing an excellent attitude to do so; mid-division, travelled well, not clear run over 2f out, headway when forced wide over 1f out, stayed on to lead last ½f, had bit in hand; clearly the Derby will be another big jump in class but he's earnt his place in the field and, whether it's at Epsom or later on in the season, it'll be surprising if he doesn't push his rating up further still.

DEE EX BEE is a strong stayer and he's improving now stamina is being drawn out, sure to stay further still, whilst reverting to a more galloping track will surely see him an even better light too, points that make this career-best effort in defeat all the more promising even before taking into account his wide trip; mid-field, headway under pressure out wide home turn, challenged inside final 1f, stuck to task and pulled clear of the remainder; he may well take his chance in the Derby but ongoing improvement is more likely to come in slightly calmer waters and the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot appeals as an ideal target.

HUNTING HORN (IRE) may not be a Ballydoyle star but he's still a promising colt, staying this longer trip as expected and improving his rating again, turning the tables with Ispolini from Sandown but up against a more progressive pair, no excuses from the box seat; prominent on the rail, travelled better than most, every chance entering final 1f, one paced; he's likely to stay beyond 1½m.

ISPOLINI didn't get as close to winning as at Sandown but this was a stronger Group 3 and he still ran well, just about proving his stamina, but a return to slightly shorter might be ideal; tracked pace, pushed along 2f out, close up approaching final 1f, slightly short of room inside final 1f and was one paced.

FLAG OF HONOUR (IRE) isn't the most stoutly bred for all that he's be Galileo and didn't quite get home after a positive ride up in trip, kicking from the front 2f out and lasting until inside the final 1f, then no extra; he's already proven that he's very effective on soft ground so shorter trips back in the mud could prove his optimum.

PROSCHEMA (IRE) won in a very good time at Haydock but this was a much more competitive environment and it seemed to find him out, although perhaps an 11-day turnaround was telling a bit as well; prominent, ridden over 2f out, no extra inside final 1f.

FAMILY TREE won his only 2-y-o start but this was a tough start point for his 3-y-o campaign and he wasn't up to it, although the experience should aid his development, green in rear and merely passing a few beaten rivals; he's still unexposed.

PERFECT ILLUSION was quite simply found out in better company having won 2 small-field all-weather races; raced off the pace, outpaced over 2f out, never on terms.

MILES CHRISTIANUS (IRE) has started his career with 2 very stiff tasks; mid-division, labouring over 4f out, weakened.

JETSTREAM (IRE) faced a stiff task in this grade and was never on terms, eased once beaten.