Model Pupil to school the opposition in the Chester Vase
Published:David Livingston may certainly be the most interesting of the five runners lining up in the Chester Vase, but it is the lightly-raced Model Pupil that can secure victory in the Derby trial at 9/2.
Although no horse that has run in the Chester Vase has won the Derby since Quest For Fame in 1990, it is still a respectable trial for Epsom, as Treasure Beach proved 12 months ago when following up on his Chester success by finishing second to Pour Moi.
Treasure Beach was the third horse in five years trained by Aidan O’Brien to win the Chester Vase and this year the yard is represented by David Livingston.
The horse certainly brings the best form into the Chester Vase given his Group Two victory over leading Derby fancy Akeed Mofeed last season.
Meanwhile, the fact that he finished fifth on his only start this season should be no concern as O’Brien’s horses can sometimes need a run.
The one big negative is that David Livingston will have to concede weight to his four rivals and all of the last four winners have run off 8st12lb, less than O’Brien’s contender.
Like David Livingston, Call To Battle is 9/4 to win the Chester Vase and he finished ahead of his market rival last time out.
John Oxx is not one to send horses to England without good reason and he will be tough to beat.
But Model Pupil showed great battling qualities to win at Newmarket last time and his pedigree suggests that he will most appreciate the step up to 1m4f.
Model Pupil also has the ideal draw in stall one.
Of the others, Mickdaam is the most experienced in the field, but the fact he may be first off the bridle is not the best sign.
Meanwhile, Minimise Risk should not be discounted at 8/1 given his previous form on soft ground and he should stay on right to the line.
