Derby hope Japan misses out as Aidan O'Brien runs three in Chester Vase

Leading Investec Derby hope Japan has not been declared for the Chester Vase on Wednesday, with Aidan O'Brien instead relying on Norway, Gentile Bellini and Sir Dragonet.

Japan, who had been the 6-4 market leader, was expected to lead O'Brien's quest for a ninth win in the key Epsom trial but does not feature among the eight contenders. The Beresford Stakes winner could run at Lingfield on Saturday as he is one of 17 entered for the Betfred Derby Trial Stakes.

Chester's Wednesday racecard in full

Impressive Newbury winner King Ottokar represents Charlie Fellowes at Chester, with Frankie Dettori an eyecatching booking on the Martyn Meade-trained Technician. Dashing Willoughby, Arthur Kitt and Kaloor complete the line-up for the Group 3.

O'Brien has one runner in the Cheshire Oaks with Secret Thoughts declared alongside the Ralph Beckett-trained Manuela De Vega in a line-up of 12.

Brocklesby winner Show Me Show Me features in the 11-strong Stellar Group Lily Agnes, which kicks off the three-day May meeting.

A wet start is forecast at Chester with significant rain and cool temperatures expected on Wednesday.

Clerk of the course Andrew Morris said on Monday morning: "The ground is good now and we are forecast two dry days until low pressure moves in on Wednesday.

"We're going to get rain and there could be some significant amounts, possibly 8mm, which could put us at good to soft or soft. On Thursday and Friday the forecast improves – it's not going to be warm but it should be dry with the odd sunny spell."

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