Benvenuto Cellini delivered a powerful statement of intent for the upcoming Classics with a dominant victory in the Boodles Chester Vase, a key trial for the Derby. The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt, sent off as the overwhelming 2-9 favourite, justified his market position with a convincing display that has seen his odds for the Epsom showpiece cut to 9/4 with race sponsors Betfred.
Under jockey Ryan Moore, the flashy chestnut settled in midfield as his stablemate Proposition set a strong pace at the front. Moore allowed his mount to move closer rounding the home turn, and once asked for his effort, Benvenuto Cellini quickly put the race to bed, pulling clear to win by an impressive four and a quarter lengths. This victory marks the 11th time Aidan O'Brien has won this particular trial, a race he took last year with the subsequent Derby hero Lambourn.
Moore, partnering the colt for the first time in public, expressed his satisfaction with the performance. He noted the horse's excellent pedigree and strong form from last season, adding that getting a clean run over the mile-and-a-half trip was a positive step. While acknowledging the race became a little disjointed, Moore was pleased with how the winner accelerated between the four and three-furlong markers before tiring slightly in the final straight, suggesting there is more improvement to come.
The jockey also highlighted the colt's quality, mentioning his previous work at home and a good win at Leopardstown last year. He pointed out that Benvenuto Cellini did not handle the testing ground at Doncaster but performed well under a penalty at Chester, calling it a good performance overall. Moore remained non-committal on the exact pecking order within the powerful Ballydoyle stable, stating there are more contenders to assess before trainer Aidan O'Brien finalises his Derby plans.
The Chester May Festival also produced a new favourite for the Oaks. Amelia Earhart, trained by Aidan O'Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, proved too strong for the previously highly-regarded I'm The One in the Weatherbys Cheshire Oaks. The winner, equipped with a hood and blinkers, travelled smoothly throughout and powered home to win by two lengths, becoming the new market leader for the fillies' Classic at Epsom.
Moore was full of praise for Amelia Earhart, describing her performance as the perfect Epsom trial. He noted that the mile-and-a-half trip suited her well and that she handled both the unique Chester track and the ground conditions perfectly, giving him an excellent feel throughout the race.
Earlier on the card, the speedy juvenile Adonius put himself firmly in the frame for Royal Ascot with a front-running victory in the CAA Stellar Lily Agnes EBF Conditions Stakes. Trained by Rebecca Menzies, the colt blitzed his rivals from the front over the minimum distance, winning by a length and a quarter under a penalty. His trainer confirmed that Royal Ascot is now the primary target, praising the horse's professionalism and blistering gate speed. Menzies also thanked the owners for retaining the horse despite receiving offers after his impressive debut wins.
Based on reporting from SkySports | News.