Another Enable on the Roodee? Chester trials a key stop on the road to Epsom

Classic trials dipping in and out of fashion is not a new phenomenon, but Chester’s three have fared better than most in recent seasons when it comes to impacting the Derby and Oaks.

All eyes will be on the Roodee for clues when the Cheshire Oaks, Chester Vase and the Dee Stakes are run on the opening two days of the track’s May festival, and rightly so, given the three races have supplied six Classic winners at Epsom this century. To put that into context, only Newmarket’s Rowley Mile (11) and York (seven) have been used more for a final preparation race by Epsom winners.

Chester was not an option for Epsom contenders last season as the track lost its marquee meeting in the first Covid-19 lockdown and racing did not return at the historic track until August 10.