Tamleek can end O’Brien monopoly

Trying to oppose an Aidan O’Brien three-year-old this spring has proved a largely fruitless task, but TAMLEEK (Chester, 3.35) could be worth backing to beat Venice Beach in today’s MBnA Chester Vase Stakes.

O’Brien’s Ballydoyle stable have monopolised virtually every group race run recently and the five-length victory of Venice Beach at Tipperary last month shows the colt is likely to give a good account in this prestigious Derby trial.

The step up in trip appeared to help the son of galileo three weeks ago and he is likely to progress again on an even faster surface at Chester.

However, Tamleek created a superb impression with a comprehensive 10-length victory over a decent field at newmarket’s Craven meeting last month and the form has already begun to work out well.

Of the horses beaten that day, Oasis Charm, Pealer, Daawy and globetrotter have gone on to win, suggesting the race is above average. Although Tamleek is a robust and powerful sort, he looked well balanced at newmarket so may cope well with Chester’s tight turns.

Khairaat, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, is favourite to land the opening handicap, but BROROCCO (Chester, nb, 1.50) is following a similar path to 2015 winner Collaboration, who won the same Epsom handicap his Andrew Balding stablemate secured a fortnight ago.

Trainer Balding enjoyed a notable win with Montaly in yesterday’s Chester Cup and Brorocco, the son of Shirocco, can add to those gains today.