The Chester Vase Stakes (3.35) at
Chester on Wednesday features several well-bred, unexposed types, but
Ispolini was only just touched off in similar company in the
bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown 12 days ago and can open his account
at Pattern level. The winner at Sandown, Sevenna Star, had previously
won his maiden at Windsor by 14 lengths, eased down and, although
trainer John Gosden has a wealth of riches in the Classic department
this season, remains a possible for the Derby next month.
So, too, does Ispolini, who can be backed at 33/1 for the Epsom Classic. The Dubawi colt started at odd-on for his debut, over an extended mile, at Nottingham last November but, despite staying on well in the final furlong, could only finish fourth of ten, beaten 4 lengths, behind Come On Tier. Stepped up to 1 mile 2 furlongs at Kempton four weeks later, he once again started odds-on, but won convincingly, beating subsequent winner Glencadam Master by 2 lengths.
He is clearly effective on the
prevailing good to soft going and, having run creditably over a
fairly testing 1 mile 2 furlongs at Sandown last time, should find an
extra two furlongs around the turns of Chester well with his compass.
Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey William Buick remain in
fine form, despite failing to win the 2,000 or 1,000 Guineas last
weekend, and can gain further consolation here.
Selection: Chester 3.35 Ispolini
to win 9/2
