Royal Ascot aim for Dave Loughnane after National ace Brookshaw proves decisive

Wednesday: Chester

In a battle of wills between a two-year-old filly and a 71-year-old Grand National-winning trainer there was only ever going to be one winner.

After Absolutelyflawless kicked off the May meeting with victory in the Lily Agnes, trainer Dave Loughnane revealed he had a secret weapon in his ranks – Lord Gyllene's trainer Steve Brookshaw who led up the winner and rides her out at home.

"She thinks she knows the game, but Steve knows a little bit more," said Loughnane. "She's very tough and will give you everything but she'll make you work for it. It took a bit of work to work her out at home and Steve rides her out and he's 71 years young.

"He probably hadn't had much to do with two-year-olds in his training days, but as a rider he's as good as many there are riding. He's been around a long time and is a great asset to the team."

Absolutelyflawless (green): leads the field as they turn for home in the Lily AgnesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Brookshaw, a leading amateur rider before becoming a trainer, said: "I've been with David three or four years and I ride her out every day. I ride several lots – it's a lot easier than training."

Absolutelyflawless came from off the pace to win on her debut at Southwell last month and Laura Pearson executed similar tactics after a slow start to run down Ocean Cloud in the closing stages and score by a length and a half.

Loughnane indicated a tilt at the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot could be on the agenda for the David Lowe-owned winner. He said: "Today was the plan and Royal Ascot will go on the table now and we'll see what we think. She's got a lot of speed, she settles and travels and with the stiff five furlongs at Ascot, I wouldn't be afraid of going there."

Loughnane registered a double on the card when Ffion edged out Paws For Thought in a photo-finish to the 7f handicap.

West Dream result

Falling rain spoiled Adam West's mood on the 200-mile journey up from Epsom but he need not have worried.

The ground may have been on the firm side when Live In The Dream made all at Sandown last month but the improving three-year-old overcame a softer surface to follow up under Ryan Moore in the colours of Steve and Jolene De'Lemos.

"I was losing sleep over the rain," the trainer said. "All the way up here, I was cursing every single drop. But we got away with it on fresh ground. If it had been another two or three races he might not have been able to. We've been lucky today and I'll count my blessings."

Live In The Dream: will go for the Epsom Dash after victory at ChesterCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

It will be a much shorter trip for Live In The Dream next month when he is likely to tackle the big 5f handicap at Epsom's Derby meeting.

"I know that Steve and Jolene are keen to see him in the Dash," West said. "I'm a little bit concerned about taking on older horses but being on home turf I'd be tempted. His half-brother Live In The Moment goes there and I wouldn't like to split them."

On the board

Hugo Palmer sent out his first Chester winner since taking over the reins at Michael Owen's nearby Manor House Stables when Ever Given turned the 6f handicap into a procession.

Owen, who targets the May meeting quite like no other, said: "Hugo has not been at the yard too long, so to get one on the board straight away is great. I've not employed a kid we're all unsure about, he's proved it for years and is a Classic-winning trainer who's been there and done it all."

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