Arrest captures stylish Chester Vase victory

Frankel colt could give Dettori the perfect Derby send-off.

Frankie Dettori made his final ride at Chester’s May Festival a winning one as Arrest became the new favourite for the Betfred Derby with a clear-cut success in the Boodles Chester Vase.

Six years ago the Italian guided Enable to Cheshire Oaks victory on this card en route to Epsom, and the Surrey Downs looks the next port of call for John and Thady Gosden’s son of Frankel – although there is likely to be a ground caveat to his participation.

A promising performer at two, Arrest finished his juvenile campaign by finishing second to Dubai Mile in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud in October and was sent off the 10-11 favourite for his return in this Roodee Group Three.

The Juddmonte-owned colt travelled keenly in the early stages, with Dettori eager not to stride too far forward and eyeball race-leader Hadrianus. But the 52-year-old could not disappoint his mount any longer as the three-furlong pole approached and when letting his mount stride on, the response was immediate.

Arrest soon cut a lone figure rounding the home bend as Ryan Moore aboard second-favourite Adelaide River and Franny Norton gave chase in vain – Dettori even having time to angle his mount towards the near-side rail in search of better ground as horse and jockey sauntered home to a six-and-a-half-length success.

Dettori could now have the ideal mount to go in search of a third victory in the premier Classic on June 3 and following Arrest’s Chester success, both Paddy Power and Betfair made him their 4-1 favourite from 10s, while Coral are 6-1.

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