Aidan O'Brien's 'talking horse' Benvenuto Cellini has significantly enhanced his Betfred Derby credentials with a clearcut victory at Chester on Wednesday. The colt, already ante-post favourite for the £2 million Epsom Classic, lined up as the 2-9 favourite for the Boodles Chester Vase. The son of Frankel, who had two wins from four starts, carried a 4lb penalty with ease as he was driven out by Ryan Moore to score by four and a quarter lengths.
Impressive Performance
Bookmakers Betway reacted by cutting the colt's Derby odds to 9-4, with three stablemates next in the betting: Pierre Bonnard on 6-1, Christmas Day at 8-1, and Hawk Mountain at 10-1. Spokesperson Lewis Knowles commented: 'Benvenuto Cellini has been the talking horse for the Derby for some time, but that was a seriously impressive performance, in a race that has thrown up plenty of Derby winners over the years.'
Trainer and Jockey Reactions
Coolmore's UK representative Kevin Buckley expressed satisfaction: 'Ryan was very happy with the horse. He had a penalty as well, handled the ground, handled the track, settled nicely, and had a nice turn of foot. All the attributes required to go to Epsom Downs in early June.' Buckley added that the horse ran third in the Futurity at Doncaster but didn't like the heavy ground. 'He is going to be very versatile on ground but wouldn't want heavy ground. He's an exciting horse for the future.'
Buckley also confirmed that a trip to Epsom is highly likely: 'I would consider it highly likely that he will go to Epsom. We are right in the thick of the trials at the moment.' He mentioned upcoming races including the Dee Stakes with Constitution River, Lingfield on Saturday, York for the Dante, and trials at Leopardstown. 'I'm looking forward to seeing Pierre Bonnard run again, Constitution River run tomorrow, so it's one of my favourite times of the year.'
