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

The Cheshire Oaks and the Chester Vase have a decent pedigree in turning up major players for the Oaks and Derby respectively at Epsom. Three Racing Post writers give their verdicts on the 2022 editions

'There's a lot to like about the way he went about things'

Changingoftheguard has clearly done well from two to three and has now won his two starts this season by an aggregate of 12 and a half lengths.

Yes, his chief market rival didn't look to be anywhere near as streetwise, but Ryan Moore didn't go frantic once he'd got to the front and there was a lot to like about the rhythmical way the Galileo colt went about things.

It should also be pointed out that Changingoftheguard beat Berkshire Rebel by considerably further than Lingfield Derby Trial hopeful Walk Of Stars, who is disputing second-favouritism for the Cazoo Derby.

The two principals in the fillies’ trial are immensely likeable but both Thoughts Of June and Above The Curve look works in progress and will need another big step forward.
Scott Burton, France correspondent

'She caught the eye on a day when only a few horses made late ground'

Every so often a Ryan Moore masterclass comes around and I feel his three wins were all examples of such. Above The Curve did, however, put in a mighty run to claim second in the Cheshire Oaks.

Above The Curve (nearest camera) makes ground late behind Thoughts Of JuneCredit: Edward Whitaker

She had to come from further back than ideal and travelled like a quality horse, even though she came widest. What caught the eye most was the excellent late challenge to get within a neck of the winner on a day when only a few horses made late ground.

Above The Curve had beaten Thoughts Of June twice before and I was left with the impression she could well turn the tables at Epsom again. This big, strong-travelling filly is not really made for Chester but could thrive on the Downs.
James Stevens, reporter

'I'd fancy Above The Curve to make it 3-1'

Having backed Above The Curve at 20-1 for the Oaks when analysing the fillies' Classic markets a couple of weeks ago, I'm still convinced I'm sat on a decent ticket despite her loss to Thoughts Of June, who she has finished ahead of twice before.

Thoughts Of June was given an outstandingly judged ride by an in-form Ryan Moore from the front, something he managed to emulate in two other races on the card, and Above The Curve was not ideally positioned to pounce.

The winner looked more straightforward and was all out to hold on by a neck. At a different track in a different set of circumstances, I would fancy Above The Curve to make it 3-1 in head-to-heads between the pair.
Robbie Wilders, tipster

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

Don't miss the Racing Post Royal Ascot Guide 2022. Only £14.99, the 192-page guide is packed with tips and information for the five-day festival of top-class Flat racing, including profiles of the leading horses and the lowdown on the top trainers and jockeys. Order your copy here or call 01933 304858.