Classic king O'Brien to saddle half the field in Vase

Aidan O'Brien will supply half the field in the eight-runner Group 3 MBNA Chester Vase Stakes on Thursday, with Ryan Moore's choice Venice Beach installed the early 5-2 favourite.

Like Venice Beach, The Anvil (Donnacha O'Brien) is a recent winner, while Finn McCool (Wayne Lordan) and Wings Of Eagles (Seamie Heffernan) make their seasonal debut for Ballydoyle.

The race will give O'Brien and his Coolmore owners a further handle on whether Investec Derby market leader Churchill might end up on their Epsom teamsheet. Betfair Sportsbook quote the 2,000 Guineas winner at 8-13 not to run in the Derby and 11-10 he does.

As well as declaring four for the Vase, O'Brien on Tuesday has left five in this Sunday's Poule d'Essai des Poulains at Deauville - Caravaggio, Orderofthegarter, Taj Mahal, Whitecliffsofdover and Peace Envoy.

The O'Brien family will have five of the eight Vase runners in all as Joseph O'Brien saddles Druids Cross. Bet365 Classic Trial winner Cunco is among the opposition.

The ground at Chester on Tuesday was described as good, good to firm in places, 3mm of water having been applied on both Monday and Tuesday.

Thursday Chester cards