London calling for Appleby at Chester

New London is expected to enhance his Derby claims with victory in the Boodles Chester Vase tomorrow.

Having saddled the first two home in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday in Coroebus and Native Trail, trainer Charlie Appleby’s thoughts will now turn towards the premier Classic at Epsom.

New London looked a high-class sort when making a successful debut at Newmarket in the autumn and confirmed that impression on his return to action at the Craven meeting.

Taking on another previous winner in Aldous Huxley, New London doubled his tally and looked better the further he went, so this step up to a mile and a half should be right up his street.

Already second-favourite for the Derby with some bookmakers, New London’s odds are sure to contract further if he can complete his hat-trick on the Roodee.

Irish raider Above The Curve gets the vote in the Weatherbys Bloodstock Pro Cheshire Oaks.

A big eyecatcher when third on her racecourse introduction at Leopardstown in October, the daughter of American Pharoah returned to the Foxrock track to open her account in some style four weeks ago.

Joseph O’Brien’s charge travelled like much the best filly in the race and ultimately won with plenty in hand to earn herself a tilt at an Oaks trial. The subsequent success of the third (Hymn Book Too) and the fifth (Emily Dickinson) gives the form some credibility and Above The Curve is clearly a filly of some potential.

It will be interesting to see how Ocean Cloud fares as she makes her turf debut in the ICM Stellar Sports Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes.

Gay Kelleway’s youngster was a surprise winner at Kempton on debut, but proved that performance was no fluke when doubling her tally at the Sunbury venue in novice company just over a fortnight ago.

She faces a tougher task at Chester, but if she can maintain her unbeaten record an appearance at Royal Ascot will loom large.

Fresh from claiming

Classic glory with Cachet in Sunday’s 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, George Boughey will have high hopes for Navello

in the tote.co.uk Free Chester Placepot Every Day Handicap. The speedy son of Ivawood bolted up in the

Lily Agnes 12 months ago and returned to Chester to finish second to the high-class Flaming Rib in September.

He failed to fire on his most recent outing at Thirsk, but is of clear interest back on a track which clearly suits.

Kempton punters should put their faith in King Zain in the Unibet 3 Uniboosts A Day Handicap.