Constitution River is expected to throw his hat into the Derby ring with a victory in the Listed Boodles Raindance Dee Stakes (2.35) at Chester on Thursday. The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt, a son of the late Wootton Bassett, followed a short-head debut defeat at Newmarket last July with a 1-5 success in a seven-furlong maiden at the Galway Festival 17 days later. He then proved himself at Group 2 level with a two-length win in the Irish Futurity Stakes at the Curragh in April.
Rahiebb Faces Stern Test in Ormonde Stakes
O'Brien's Jan Brueghel and Illinois are sure to be popular for the Group 3 Ladbrokes Ormonde Stakes (3.05), but they face a stern rival in Rahiebb. Frankel's son progressed in the hands of Roger Varian in 2025, ending his campaign with a neck defeat in the St Leger, and it will be a surprise if Ray Dawson's mount doesn't have more to offer as a four-year-old.
Hugo Palmer Targets Double at Chester
Hugo Palmer, who trains in Malpas, has strong claims of a double with course specialist Roman Dragon in the CAA Stellar Handicap (1.30) and Donegal Rose in the following British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes (2.05). At Huntingdon, Pep Talking is the choice to start his new jumps campaign the way he ended last season—with a win—by landing the Virgin Bet Daily Extra Places Handicap Chase (1.45).
Thursday's Selections
Chester: 1.30 Roman Dragon (NAP), 2.05 Donegal Rose, 2.35 Constitution River, 3.05 Rahiebb, 3.40 Strength of Spirit, 4.10 Harvey, 4.45 Moment of Light
Huntingdon: 1.15 Loriko, 1.45 Pep Talking, 2.15 Kit's Coty, 2.45 Mermaids Cave, 3.15 Greedy Smith, 3.50 Island Getaway
Windsor: 2.25 Dragon God, 2.55 Jazl, 3.27 Zarathos, 4.00 Moon Over The Sea, 4.35 Read All About It, 5.10 Twirler
Redcar: 4.40 Song of the Clouds, 5.15 Canaria Sun, 5.50 Stormy Pearl, 6.20 Kutsune Power, 6.50 Looks Fantastic, 7.20 Two B Tanned (NB), 7.50 Mohmentous, 8.20 Monks Hill
Southwell: 6.00 Lauralynn, 6.30 Avatar Jet, 7.00 Sporting Light, 7.30 Fort Augustus, 8.00 Shades of May, 8.30 Enchant, 9.00 Dollar's Dream
Double: Roman Dragon and Two B Tanned.
