TOM’S ACE TO RATTLE RIVALS

Trainer Tom Dascombe has described Proschema as ‘bouncing’ prior to tackling the mighty Ballydoyle battalions in today’s MBna Chester Vase Stakes.

The progressive son of Declaration Of War takes a marked step up in class in this afternoon’s Group 3 feature. but, after an impressive 11-length Haydock victory last month, connections believe he could dent one or two reputations on the roodee.

‘in an ideal world, you would like another week after Haydock, but Proschema has come out of the race real well and is bouncing at the moment,’ said Dascombe.

‘He is a very straightforward horse to deal with and we went to Doncaster first time believing he would win there. We then hoped he would find some improvement when he stepped up in trip last time and we are running at Chester over today’s trip because i didn’t really want to come back in distance for the Dante.’

Proschema is a 50-1 chance for the Derby next month, but Dascombe is realistic.

He added: ‘it is very early to tell if he can be competitive at this sort of level, but he is a lovely horse and if we don’t run we won’t find out. The draw isn’t great today, but he doesn’t have to lead like at Haydock and, as long as they go a good gallop and he finds a good rhythm, i would be happy if we took a lead. He’s a very talented horse and i’m looking forward to see how he goes.’

Proschema must repel three powerful aidan O’Brien hopes in Flag Of Honour, Family Tree and the fancied Hunting Horn as well as the William Haggastrained Young rascal, who impressed at newbury with a five-length triumph.

ispolini, who finished a place in front of Hunting Horn at Sandown and is saddled by the in-form Charlie appleby, is another chief contender.