Benvenuto Cellini reinforced his position as the leading Derby contender after an authoritative success in the Boodles Chester Vase.
Sent off at 2-9 for his reappearance, the flashy chestnut — a dual winner last season who was third in Aidan O’Brien’s clean sweep of the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster — tracked a strong early gallop set by stablemate Proposition before Ryan Moore cruised him onto the leader’s tail approaching the home turn. Given his head, Benvenuto Cellini quickened sharply and drew away to win by four and a quarter lengths, registering a commanding performance over a mile and a half in the race O’Brien has won 11 times, including last year with Lambourn.
Moore, riding the colt for the first time on the racecourse, praised his breeding and earlier form and said the run would set him up for more improvement. He noted the race was a little disjointed at times and the colt tired slightly in the closing stages but quickened well between the furlongs and handled the penalty — an encouraging sign. Moore added he had sat on the colt at home, that Christophe Soumillon had been successful on him at Leopardstown, and that the colt hadn’t taken to the heavy ground at Doncaster. With a couple more stable runners to assess, O’Brien will decide the plan, but bookmakers cut Benvenuto Cellini to 9-4 with Betfred as favourite for the Derby and the colt is now expected to head to Epsom.
Amelia Earhart claims Cheshire Oaks for O’Brien
Aidan O’Brien also landed the Weatherbys Cheshire Oaks courtesy of Amelia Earhart, who outpaced the well-regarded I’m The One to give O’Brien a tenth victory in the contest. I’m The One, second after an impressive Newbury debut and sent off 6/5 favourite, stumbled at the start and never settled fully on the track. Fitted with a hood and blinkers, Amelia Earhart travelled strongly under Ryan Moore and finished powerfully to beat the market leader by two lengths.
Moore praised the filly’s pedigree — by Camelot and from a family the yard know well — and said a mile and a half suited her. He described the run as the perfect Epsom trial, noting she handled the track and ground and gave him an ideal feel throughout.
Adonius sets sights on Royal Ascot after Roodee success
Rebecca Menzies was another trainer celebrating after her speedy juvenile Adonius impressed in the CAA Stellar Lily Agnes EBF Conditions Stakes at Chester. Bought for £32,000 as a yearling, the Soldier’s Call colt had already been dominant in two Musselburgh outings and, conceding weight over five furlongs on the Roodee, exploded from stall one to set a fierce pace and hold on under Kaiya Fraser to win by a length and a quarter at 100/30.
Menzies said Royal Ascot is very much on the agenda after another performance that has consistently exceeded expectations. She described Adonius as a professional, rapid gate-runner whose best trip appears to be five furlongs, and mentioned the National Stakes at Sandown as another possibility. Menzies paid tribute to the owners for allowing her to keep the colt despite offers to buy him, saying today’s win will mean a great deal to them and has strengthened their Ascot ambitions.