Derby next for Rascal who ended Aidan’s run

YOUNG RASCAL did enough to suggest that next month’s Investec Derby will not just be an Aidan O’Brien private party when overcoming inexperience to run out a half-length winner of the MBNA Chester Vase. O’Brien has the first three in the Derby betting, headed by hot favourite and 2,000 Guineas winner Saxon Warrior. But William Haggas-trained Young Rascal, a son of Intello, is now as short as 10-1 for the premier British Classic at Epsom on June 2. Young Rascal has already upset one O’Brien sequence. The previous five runnings of the Chester Vase had all gone to the Ballydoyle trainer. The best of O’Brien’s trio of starters yesterday was third-placed favourite Hunting Horn, although the Irish trainer had the consolation of winning the Arkle Finance Cheshire Oaks with Ryan Moore-ridden frontrunner Magic Wand. On only his third start, the James Doyle-ridden 10-3 winner Young Rascal performed tidily despite being switched to find a clear run and then having to squeeze between 12-1 runner-up Dee Ex Bee and eventual fourth Ispolini. Having now won over a mile and a half, Young Rascal has proved his stamina and that is a major plus in the opinion of Haggas. The trainer, who said Young Rascal has been a slow learner, added: ‘If you are going to provide a shock in a Classic, they have to stay. ‘Saxon Warrior looked pretty impressive (in the 2,000 Guineas) but you should never be frightened of a rival. Young Rascal is entitled to go to the race.’ Haggas has only had three previous Derby runners — 1996 winner Shaamit, unplaced Our Channel in 2014 and Storm The Stars, who finished third in 2015. Young Rascal, who was bred by the wife of French trainer Andre Fabre, carries the colours of South African Bernard Kantor, the co-founder of Derby sponsors Investec. Haggas said: ‘Bernard has always wanted to have a runner in the Derby and now it looks like he will get one that has half a chance.’ It is uncertain whether Mark Johnston-trained Dee Ex Bee will join Young Rascal at Epsom. Johnston is not sure whether the Surrey track will suit the big colt, who had to overcome a wide draw yesterday. Johnston, who won the Lily Agnes Stakes with Royal Ascot-bound two-year-old No Lippy, also has Newmarket Feilden Stakes winner Mildenberger for the Derby. His trial will be next week’s Dante Stakes at York. Johnston’s 2,000 Guineas fourth Elarqam looks like running in the Irish 2,000 Guineas next at the Curragh on May 26.