Ispolini backed to blossom in Chester Vase

RACING: Appleby’s Dubawi colt can end O’Brien’s dominance in Group Three test

Charlie Appleby can loosen Aidan O’Brien’s stranglehold on the Centennial Celebration-MBNA Chester Vase Stakes with ISPOLINI.

O’Brien has won this Group Three contest for the last five years and while he fields three in the extended 12furlong heat, it is Appleby’s runner who can take centre stage on the first day of the Chester Cup meeting.

Ispolini has actually already beaten O’Brien’s reopposing Hunting Horn once this term, with the pair finishing second and third in the Sandown Classic Trial last month.

Just a length and a quarter separated them at the line, but given Ispolini was making his seasonal bow that day and Hunting Horn had a previous run, you would expect the Godolphin runner to make greater strides for that outing.

Ispolini won one of his two juvenile outings last year, claiming a 10-furlong all-weather maiden in November, so clearly he is still a bit of a dark horse at present, despite his rating of 106.

Hailing from a family which includes the likes of Nathaniel and Great Heavens, it would be reasonable to expect this Dubawi colt to really come into his own over middle distances and his current odds for the Investec Derby would likely be slashed if he does the business today.

DRAMATICALLY should ensure O’Brien does not go home emptyhanded by winning the Arkle Finance Cheshire Oaks.

She takes a hike in trip after finishing ninth in the Nell Gwyn on her return, with eventual 1000 Guineas heroine Billesdon Brook one of those to come home in front of her.

Dramatically’s pedigree suggests she might appreciate more of a test, though, with her dam Wonder Of Wonders actually winning this race back in 2011 before going on to be second in the Oaks at Epsom.

She will have to improve, but Listed heat could be within reach.

Tom Dascombe likes nothing more than a winner at Chester, so DARK THUNDER can send him home happy by lifting the Stellar Group Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes.

He was beaten into third on his initial run at Windsor last month but should be far sharper for the experience and can put that knowledge to good use. SELECTIONS: CHESTER: 1.50 Dark Thunder, 2.25 Dramatically, 3.00 Showmethedough, 3.35 ISPOLINI (NAP), 4.05 Argentello, 4.35 Requinto Dawn, 5.05 Storm Ahead.

KELSO: 2.00 High Jinx, 2.35 Always Tipsy, 3.10 Elmono, 3.45 Pretty Miss Mahler, 4.15 Chain Of Beacons, 4.45 Eco Warrior, 5.15 Bally Conor.

DOUBLE: Ispolini and Dramatically. this