Benvenuto Cellini was unstoppable in the Chester Vase and is already dreaming of Epsom

The son of Frankel, owned by Coolmore, trained by Aidan O'Brien, and ridden by Ryan Moore, put on a spectacular show

CHICHESTER, England (Special for Turf Diario).— The Ballydoyle machinery remains well-oiled and, as is customary this time of year, the roads lead inexorably toward Epsom. In another display of superiority, the talented Benvenuto Cellini justified his 2-9 favoritism by claiming the Boodles Chester Vase Stakes (G3), completing a traditional double of the Cheshire Oaks (L) and the Vase for the successful partnership of Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore, who had shined earlier with Amelia Earhart (Camelot).

The race followed the classic team strategy that has brought so much success to Coolmore. The pacemaker Proposition(Frankel) set a blistering pace from the start, opening up a lead of several lengths. Meanwhile, Benvenuto Cellinitraveled relaxed in the middle of the pack, waiting for the right moment.

Before entering the straight, the son of Frankel began to close the gap with startling ease, taking command a furlong from the wire. In a testament to the depth of the colts under O'Brien's care, Proposition held on for second place under Wayne Lordan.

"He is obviously a high-class horse and was carrying a penalty. He showed a great turn of foot to hunt down the leaders and will surely improve with this race," analyzed a satisfied Ryan Moore. On the other hand, the main threat on paper, Del Maro (Camelot) of Godolphin, compromised his chances after a slow start and never managed to adapt to the demands of the Chester track.

The decisiveness of the victory did not go unnoticed by bookmakers. Recalling that last year Lambourn (Australia) used this same race as a platform for glory in the Betfred Derby (G1), Paddy Power slashed the odds for Benvenuto Cellinifrom 4-1 to 11-4 for the grand event on June 6.

"He has all the necessary attributes for Epsom: he handles the track, relaxes, and has an electric turn of foot," commented Kevin Buckley, representing Coolmore. "While the final decision rests with the owners, it is very likely that will be his next destination. It's my favorite time of year, especially with what we have yet to see from Pierre Bonnard (Camelot) and Constitution River (Wootton Bassett)".

With his previous win in the Champions Juvenile Stakes (G2) and his valuable third-place finish in last season's Futurity Trophy (G1), Benvenuto Cellini is no longer just a prospect; he is the most solid reality for a team seeking, once again, to claim the coveted blue riband of the Derby.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNi9AIzTfQs