Young Rascal moves into Derby picture for William Haggas after Chester Vase success
William Haggas won the Derby 22 years ago and could have another live contender at Epsom after Young Rascal beat traffic problems to win the Chester Vase.
WILLIAM HAGGAS has another Derby horse on his hands – 22 years after the trainer’s only victory in the Epsom Classic.
Young Rascal surged through a ruck of horses at the furlong marker to see off MBNA Chester Vase and book his place in next month’s thriller.
Shaamit gave Haggas his finest hour in the Derby and he admitted it was about time he had another live contender.
He said: “Although Dancing Rain won the Oaks not so long ago it’s a long time for the Derby. We haven’t had many runners.
“It’s nice to have one – we’ll see on the day if he’s fast enough.
“We came to get two races in one. They’ve got to learn and here they’ve got people on both sides of the track. It’s not a straightforward track especially for a green horse.
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“He managed to overcome all those things that makes you think he’s doing alright. He’s fully entitled to have a at shot at Epsom.
“It took me nearly four hours to get here. It’s a painful journey but it’ll be a slightly less painful one on the way home.”
The 100-30 shot’s win under James Doyle also gives owner Bernard Kantor a chance to win his own cash back.
He co-founded Derby sponsors Investec and has always wanted to land racing’s premier Classic.
Templegate's TV Tips
1.50 Chester - A Momentofmadness: 'Has the tools to take advantage of the dream rails draw'
2.25 Chester - My Lord And Master: 'Thrashed a useful stablemate before returning with a cracking effort in Epsom's Blue Riband Trial'
3.00 Chester - Another Batt: 'Isn't the best weighted but he's consistent and has a good draw'
3.35 Chester - Idaho: 'He's won his last two races outside Group 1 contests and finished third in the King George on his last run in Britain'
Sun Bets cut Young Rascal to 12-1 from 33s.
Aidan O’Brien’s Hunting Horn was sent off 3-1 favourite but he couldn’t live with Young Rascal in the closing stages. He eventually finished third.
There was still chance for O’Brien to weave some Chester wizardry with Magic Wand.
She was a maiden coming into the Cheshire Oaks but the 3-1 market leader had no trouble seeing it off from the front under Ryan Moore.
Moore said: “It was only her third run – the first time she’s had decent ground and the first time at the trip.
“I’m very happy with what she’s done.”