Chester losers, Epsom winners: why Above The Curve and New London need not fear

Chester's trials are far from straightforward. The historic circular track can sometimes throw up muddling races and the twists can catch out those on the Classic path to Epsom.

Above The Curve is currently shorter than Cheshire Oaks winner Thoughts Of June in the Epsom Oaks betting with most firms, while leading Derby fancy New London was another who could finish only second in the Chester Vase.

That pair can take solace in this list of Chester losers who have then been successful on the Downs.

Expert jury: Who impressed for the Oaks and Derby at Chester? Our experts have their say

Quest For Fame (1990)
Second, Chester Vase

Roger Charlton's runner went from taking on 20 rivals in a maiden win to only two in the Chester Vase in 1990. He was held up but could only get to within a length of the odds-on favourite Belmez in the Vase.

That rival didn't turn up at Epsom but Quest For Fame made his presence felt. He moved from a prominent position to power clear up the straight and give his trainer a win in the Classic in his first season with a licence.

Quest For Fame took on Belmez again in the Irish Derby but the Chester victor again got the better of him, the pair finishing third and fifth.

The son of Rainbow Quest, owned by Khalid Abdullah, would go on to win twice more in the US.

Wings Of Eagles (2017)
Second, Chester Vase

One of the biggest shocks in recent years was the success of Wings Of Eagles in the 2017 Derby, although he had caught the eye when beaten at Chester.

Wings Of Eagles triumphs in the 2017 DerbyCredit: Alan Crowhurst / Getty Images

Sent off an 8-1 chance in the Vase, he appeared to struggle with the sharp turns as he went wide on the swing for home but he delivered a smart turn of foot in the straight to finish second to stablemate Venice Beach.

The Racing Post analysis said "he should improve" and he did just that when a shock 40-1 Classic winner. He and the-then unknown jockey Padraig Beggy did not get a clear run but he flew home when the gap appeared to deny the stable's leading hope Cliffs Of Moher.

Wings Of Eagles would race only once more, finishing a close third in the Irish Derby.

Forever Together (2018)
Second, Cheshire Oaks

Forever Together arrived at Chester as a real unknown quantity in 2018, with only a fourth- and third-place effort in the form book, but she emerged as a hugely promising young filly.

Donnacha O'Brien kept her in midfield and made good ground, but when he asked for her effort, the space failed to appear. Favourite and stablemate Magic Wand quickened clear while Forever Together picked up the pieces with a fast-finishing second.

Forever Together: lands the Oaks in impressive fashionCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

She was cut to 20-1 immediately after the race but on Oaks day she would be as short as 7-1. This time she would have luck on her side as she avoided traffic problems to stride clear for a dominant victory.

The Oaks would be the only victory in Forever Together's career. She had two further races, including a neck second to Sea Of Class in the Irish Oaks. She does, however, have a son by Dubawi entered in the 2023 Derby.

Cazoo Derby (4.30 Epsom, June 4)

bet365: 7-4 Luxembourg, 8 Walk Of Stars, Piz Badile, 10 Changingoftheguard 14 New London, Eydon, Buckaroo, Point Lonsdale, 16 Desert Crown, Cash, 20 Westover, Magisterial, 25 bar

Cazoo Oaks (4.30 Epsom, June 3)

Sky Bet: 7-2 Tuesday, 4 Emily Upjohn, 7 Agave, 15-2 Life Of Dreams 8 With The Moonlight, 10 Concert Hall,12 Nashwa, Inspiral, Thoughts Of June, Above The Curve, 16 Magical Lagoon, 20 bar

Read more from Chester:

8-1 from 50: Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore unearth another Derby chance

'She's a big girl and she's getting better' - Moore taken with Thoughts Of June

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