Aidan O’Brien is now looking at the May Festival at Chester for Derby favourite Benvenuto Cellini after Epsom pushed their season opener back a week.
Benvenuto Cellini Looking To Run At Chester Ahead Of Derby Tilt
After it was announced that Epsom’s season opening fixture would be pushed back a week due to watering issues, Aidan O’Brien is likely to re-route Benvenuto Cellini.
The son of Frankel has been a talking horse over the winter and recently became favourite in the Epsom Derby betting odds after it was confirmed as his target.
O’Brien has had plenty of success in the Chester Vase, which serves as a Derby trial.
He’s won the race a record 11 times over the years including last season with subsequent Epsom Derby hero Lambourn.
WATCH: Lambourn Wins Chester Vase
Another favourite comes in! 🔥
Lambourn wins the Boodles Chester Vase Stakes 🥇#ITVRacing | @ChesterRaces pic.twitter.com/iVr6059GDH
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) May 7, 2025
Minnie Hauk and Jan Brueghel could also make an appearance at Chester for their first runs of the season.
O’Brien revealed the plans on Monday morning.
“Benvenuto Cellini might go to the Chester Vase on the way to Epsom. He’s done very well, we’re very happy with him – he’s a lovely, slick moving horse.
“He was going to Epsom, but obviously that has been put back a week now and that might mean we got to Chester instead.
“Chester is a great place to wake them up and get an edge back on them, usually the ground is perfect and they come out of their races very well. There’s also a great atmosphere there, which horses really benefit from.”
All Chester Vase Winners For Aidan O’Brien
- 2025 – Lambourn
- 2022 – Changingoftheguard
- 2019 – Sir Dragonet
- 2017 – Venice Beach
- 2016 – US Army Ranger
- 2015 – Hans Holbein
- 2014 – Orchestra
- 2013 – Ruler Of The World
- 2011 – Treasure Beach
- 2009 – Golden Sword
- 2007 – Soldier Of Fortune
Benvenuto Cellini Could Become Fourth O’Brien Derby Winner In A Row
If all goes to plan and Benvenuto Cellini goes on to win the Epsom Derby, he would give trainer O’Brien a fourth consecutive win in the race.
He was beaten on debut at the curragh but was an impressive winner of his maiden at Killarney. Then a short break before an emphatic Group 2 success at Leopardstown in September.
Although he was beat fair and square in the Futurity at Doncaster to close his season, but excused could be made due to the bottomless ground that day.
He should appreciate the rattling ground at Chester before staking his claim in the Derby at Epsom after that.
The current betting has him as 6/1 favourite for the 1m4f Classic at Epsom.
