Confirmed runners and riders for Wednesday's Chester Vase as Aidan O'Brien unleashes 12-1 Derby hopeful

Chester cannot wait to welcome back racegoers and has reported "positive ticket sales" ahead of its three-day meeting, which kicks off on Wednesday when Classic hopefuls go on trial for the Derby and Oaks.

Grosvenor Square, a 12-1 shot with the sponsor for next month's Betfred Derby, will look to give trainer Aidan O'Brien a record-extending 11th victory in the Boodles Chester Vase Stakes (3.40) after he featured among six declarations on Monday.

O'Brien, who has dominated Chester's key Classic trial in recent years, has declared Grosvenor Square, the mount of Ryan Moore, and Agenda for the Group 3. Godolphin's Hidden Law, Cadogan Place, Pappano and Golden West complete the field.

Ruler Of The World pulled off the Chester Vase-Derby double in 2013 for O'Brien, while the trainer's Wings Of Eagles landed the 2017 Derby having finished second in the Vase.

O'Brien has also had a recent stranglehold on the same day's Cheshire Oaks (3.05) and bids for a third straight win with Port Fairy and Rubies Are Red, who feature among a field of nine.

Trainer Joseph O'Brien has declared Galileo Dame, who beat Rubies Are Red in a Leopardstown maiden last month, while Ralph Beckett relies on Forest Fairy, a decisive winner on her debut at Wolverhampton in February.

Chester racing manager and clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch said: "We're delighted with the declarations for Wednesday. It's always a very well-supported meeting and it's a unique track, so that's why it's great. We get trainers from all over the country, all of whom we are very appreciative of and we're very much looking forward to it."

Crowds at the meeting have not recovered to pre-pandemic levels but more than 33,000 still attended over the three days last year. Tulloch said: "We're fortunate we get the crowds who come to watch what is a great sport – that's why we all do it.

"It's always enjoyable – Chester always has a terrific atmosphere. The advanced ticket sales are really positive, so we're very pleased with where everything is going. It's been a long winter and just the last couple of days it's starting to feel a bit more spring-like, which is great.

"We're delighted to welcome everyone to what is hopefully a really enjoyable three days. Jockeys, trainers, owners – we like to make sure owners enjoy their time – and also racegoers who come and support it and enjoy watching some fantastic racing."

The going on Monday was described as good, good to soft in places and Tulloch said: "We had 6-7mm just before the weekend but it's been drying. There may be the odd shower around, although at the moment they're going to the south of us, but once we get into Wednesday, Thursday and Friday the forecast looks pretty settled."

Chester Vase confirmed runners and riders

Agenda Dylan Browne McMonagle
Cadogan Place Oisin Murphy
Golden West Clifford Lee
Grosvenor Square Ryan Moore
Hidden Law William Buick
Pappano Kieran Shoemark

Cheshire Oaks confirmed runners and riders

Ambiente Amigo Callum Shepherd
Beeley Kieran Shoemark
Flying Finn Tom Marquand
Forest Fairy Rossa Ryan
Galileo Dame Dylan Browne McMonagle
Lasting Love Oisin Murphy
Port Fairy Ryan Moore
Rubies Are Red William Buick
Seaward Hector Crouch

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